Bois de la Cambre

punt to Chalet Robinson

Today we took a trip down to the Bois de la Cambre, which is very close to where we first lived in Brussels, so was also a trip down memory lane, as we used to take the boys there to play when they were little. 

We wandered around the woods, and then took the little punt over to a small island to have lunch in a restaurant at "Chalet Robinson" - I think the reference is to Robinson Crusoe. 

The island has rabbits, ducks and geese which are unmolested by dogs, cats or foxes, so are totally unafraid (see the photos).

Universite Libre de Bruxelles

To walk off lunch, we strolled around Ixelles, including the University Libre de Bruxelles, where I taught English for a while - a beautiful building.

After this we took a tram and Metro to Place St Katherine, which has the largest Christmas market in Brussels.  It also has a ferris wheel and sideshow attractions, such as this merry-go-round which features Leonardo Da Vinci inventions.

Merry-go-round at Place St Katherine

Tomorrow is Christmas, and I've had to be inventive with Christmas lunch, as we only have two burners and a microwave - no oven.  We are having pot-roasted pheasant, which I've never tried before, plus a small turkey roll in case the pheasant doesn't work.  Daniel and Laura will be with us.  It will be great to eat proper Christmas food in proper Christmas weather - though no snow is forecast, disappointing.

We wish you all the best for the holiday season.