The arrival of such nice weather brought some distinct cravings - namely beer, chocolate, and waffles.  Therefore we had no choice but to obey this calling, and promptly departed for a weekend journey to the capital of Belgium.  Everything you hear about European train efficiencies turns out to be true - We hopped on a high speed train called the Thalys which took us from Paris directly to Brussels, and one hour later we were there, beginning the "experience Belge" with a frothy well-crafted white ale (attempts at this style of beer have been...well...attempted, yet not perfected, by Left Coast Brewing Company).  There is Shannon prior to boarding the train:

Right at home in Brussels, and evidence that this trip has started off nicely...

A main attraction in Brussels is a large central square, the “Grand Place” …here it is in all its glory (also pictured at night with one particular tourist spreading peace throughout a newly discovered land...)

When in Brussels you can't help but notice some "unique" things - we followed the crowds to what we were told was the most famous statue in the entire country.  What we discovered at the end of the rainbow was the “Manneken-Pis” (a national symbol, roughly translated to "man relieving himself"), I personally couldn't help but mock it...

We stopped by the Galeries St Hubert – the first European shopping arcade with its stunning glass roof, opened in 1847 (Apparently Northgate Mall isn't the first, nor the world's finest afterall...)

When in Belgium, I decided that it was critical to acquire the wisdom to dramatically improve our home-brewing operations.  I was convinced that this would prevent future occurences of spontaneous creations like "sour-citrus ale" and other un-drinkable products.  Therefore we did our research and checked out the “Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze” – a Belgian brewery that gives tours of its very traditional brew-making process.  The problem?  The most traditional Belgium "lambic" beers require yeast found "in the air" in Brussels that cannot be purchased...and only happen during certain months.  At least I can relax - apparently spontaneity in brewing is something to be cherished!

But what about those cravings?  We couldn’t leave Brussels without tasting Moules & Frites (mussels and fries - a culinary masterpiece!)...

And the memory that you all have been waiting for, the holy grail!  A culminating conclusion to a fine weekend away:

Back in Paris, the temperature was rising and and nature followed suit.  To me it is that time of year most easily recognized by a sudden urge to dust off the polo shirt collection and begin the long journey toward the ultimate farmer's tan.  But I digress...Now, about the nature...

Flowers are blooming...

Trees are filling out with green leaves...

And most of all, people are EVERYWHERE.  I mean, (pardon my french), "Move out the WAY" everywhere (Who do these tourists think they are??? - I did not invite them.)  Pictures will not do it justice, but here is an example of the amount of people in "our backyard" on a sunny Sunday...

or on a bridge over the Seine...

So we learn to cope as anyone would - fighting the masses for the best outdoor cafe tables, discovering the occassional back alley route, and most importantly, reminiscing on the "days of old" (à la December 2006) when things were so much calmer, and the youth of our country respected their elders...