Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place, Brussel's Perfect Hotel

I love checking hotels out, every type and location. My recent stay in Brussels at the Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place was sheer bliss not only for its five star rating; a great hotel goes beyond mere stars. I knew it would be special because I have stayed at many Leading Hotels of The World properties, it is an occupational perk. The Windsor went above and beyond! They have suites that are called Fashion Suites, each one done by outstanding fashion designers in the style and design of their own. Mine was done by Pascale Kervan, this lady made my night. Its modern style was what I like to think was James Bond inspired, especially with the Bond Girl photos that greeted me on my entrance. The huge black carpet with off white velvet added to the entrance. The bar area was made for a man on the move and perfect for a place to have a Martini, stirred not shaken. The huge marble tub was big enough to do laps in; working off days of frites could be done. A fantastic plus was the free WiFi; every double O agent can keep in touch with the home office. The fitness area and spa area provided relaxing respite from city exploring and with the hotel’s location so center it was well visited by me. The bar was hip yet comfortable, no easy feat. I had a chance to see some of my fellow writer’s suites and all were so unique and different that I was amazed. In a city that is headquarters for many European Commission offices and NATO I expected great hotel choices, love when I find a place that exceeds expectations, the Royal Windsor in Brussels did just that!

Belgium's Surreal Painter Magritte, Birthday of an Artist

Today is the birthday of my favorite Belgium artist Rene Magritte, we were lucky enough to recently meet the curator of the new Magritte Museum recently. This surreal painter was born Nov. 21 1898 and set a standard that is unmatched yet today and his work gave new meaning to familiar things, perhaps it is the trademark bowler that is most remembered. While an old man his work was used by Jeff Beck Group’s Album cover for Beck-Ola and Jethro Tull also wrote a song about him. Other fans were Paul Mc Cartney, Paul Simon and John Cale who also memorialized him in song.

Magritte used to get up every morning, dress for work, walk around the block back to his home as if it was a separate place. In what I consider an amazing tribute Google posted one of his pieces on their page today. I was going to use a copy of his work in the picture today but used a photo from Brussels of my own, RIP Rene!

What a Pisser, Brussels

He has been over the years a symbol of Brussels, the Manneken Pis, little boy pissing. It is said that the little pisser was a boy who tried to stop a fire from burning down the city years ago. Today you will find him everywhere, on tee shirts and made into chocolate treats. While I caught him undressed he has over 400 customs sent from all over the world that he sports often.I was wondering if perhaps a GoNOMAD tee shirt might be in order, it would be a PR coup.

The Brussel's Antique and Fine Arts Fair and a Fish Tale

Last night we were feted by the good folks representing the 54th Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair folks at the Michelin starred Le Cailler Du Palais Royal.It is located near, "chocolate,square". This place is the place to see and be seen here in Brussels. It is know for fish and it was fantastic. I heard a story that ticked my gills. it seems that during a summit here the Bushs wanted to eat here and the security set it up. When they arrived the security folks were upset that the place wasn't empty. The owners explained that the other diners were also presidents of countries and made reservations well in advance. They certainly didn't expect those leaders to leave. The US team split in a huff. To bad cause they missed a hell of a meal! The Fair runs from Jan 23 to Feb 1, it looks to be a great a event,

Moules-Frites, Dining in Brussels

Brussels is a city that is paradise for those who love to eat therefor I am in paradise. Last night we had the most popular dish in Belgium the moules-frites or mussels and fries as we know it in the US. It was indescribably delicious. The mussels were cooked in a provencal style with wine, tomatoes and vegetables and the broth I finished with crusty bread. The mussels were from Zeeland in the North Sea and so very plump and tasty. The view from the restaurant was the Place Royal and I doubt if a better vantage point over dinner can be found
in to many other places. Annette Choynacki, the Director of the Belgium tour office in the US and her assistant Kira Sheber have been extraordinary hosts as well as become new friends. Food and friends is just what Brussels is all about!

Jet Airway, Putting on the Jammies

It is a first for me, putting on jammies on a cross Atlantic flight. Jet Airways from JFK to Belgium was fantastic and the flat bed seats so comfortable. Each seat in business class is private and like its own pod. The Indian food was tasty and spicy and the entertainment screen huge. It was the best plane ride I have had in quite awhile.

Brussels Bound, Jet Airways Flown

Its time to pack again for a trip to Belgium, a place I haven’t been since a teen. In that respect it will be a pleasure to start in the European capital of cool, Brussels. Also on the itinerary is Nemur, Meuse, and Bastogne. Great food, comic strips, fantastic beer and a whole bunch of exploring will be packed into the next week. One highlight will be a visit with the curator of the new Magritte Museum; Rene Magritte was a supreme surrealist painter that lived in Brussels.

Another plus is flying over on Jet Airways know for its super business class seats that are in a herringbone configuration insuring a pod like flat bed. Sipping Dom is also an option I plan on partaking, just to settle in.