Koblenz and Brussels

​Actually, this post should come first as part one because my brother’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration took place at the end of our European trip. We began our three-week adventure through Northern Europe at the start of August, choosing to travel by train instead of driving. We purchased a rail pass that granted us access to nearly all European countries. After arriving in Frankfurt, we took a train to Koblenz, a charming town where the Rhine and Mosel rivers meet. Koblenz is known for its rich Roman history, beautiful old buildings, and stunning scenery of mountains and vineyards. There are many castles and attractions to see. Even Viking River cruises stop here. My husband and I decided to take it easy and recover from jet lag. After all, we’re not as young as we used to be! We enjoyed daily walks. Once in Koblenz, we strolled down to the river and found a cozy spot to enjoy a beer and a schnitzel. A lovely way to start our trip!

On our second day in Koblenz, we enjoyed a river cruise. It was a memorable experience with plenty to see, and we truly enjoyed ourselves. We did some shopping and celebrated my birthday at a Michelin-starred restaurant—what a treat. We ran into trouble with our railroad app. A very smart person at the Bahn office in Köln finally fixed it, but before that, it was a real pain in the tush, to say the least. If I ever buy another pass, I will insist on having the paper version.

After Koblenz, we took the train to Brussels. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union. We stayed near the Grand-Place, also called the Grote Markt, which is the historic heart of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's memorable for its ornate guildhalls and the Hotel de Ville (city hall) with its bell tower hovering over the square. It is rich in layered symbolism that reflects the city’s history. The small cobblestone streets around the center are filled with shops, restaurants, and large crowds of people. 

The next day, we walked to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. We enjoyed the artwork and the stroll to and from the museum. It took us away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. There’s nothing better than sitting on a park bench and watching the locals. We ate some delicious mussels and drank some beer. One of the highlights was riding in a carriage powered by an electric motor, driven by a knowledgeable driver who was fearless and navigated right through the crowds.

I'm glad we visited Brussels, but I wouldn't want to go back. There were too many people, and the noise near our hotel was disruptive. I think we're at an age where we prefer a more peaceful setting. That said, we still enjoyed our three-day visit. And of course, we only saw a tiny part of this city. Stay tuned for my third and final post of our European trip.

These German meatballs, known as Königsberger Klopse, are a favorite among my German friends. The white sauce is flavored with capers and a touch of lemon. 
​Click here for the recipe 

Flammenkuchen or Flatbreads  like this are sold throughout Germany; they are similar to a crispy pizza. 
Click here for the recipe

Frikadellen are a classic German meat dish, similar to meat patties or flattened meatballs. 
​Click here for the recipe