I will start off by saying I wish we had more time to explore Belgium. We added Brussels on last minute. 

We parked outside the city and took the bus in. Since we were off season we stayed in a gorgeous, way too nice for us (I wasn't complaining) hotel right in the middle of the city, walking distance to all the major sites, and surrounded by delicious restaurants. We dropped off our bags, geared up, and started exploring. 

We had one day in Belgium, unfortunately it was the day after the terrorist attacks in Paris, so the city was on high alert. 

We started by seeing the famous Manneken Pis. On our walk over I was stopping at least every five minutes to take pictures of all the gorgeous buildings and architecture. I love that about Europe, wherever you are there always seems to be such character and charm. 

We saw the Grand Place, Town Hall, Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, and spent the evening shopping at all the adorable shops.

Oh and we obviously ate fries (frites) and then walked right across the street and ate waffles. DELICIOUS!

That would be Tom walking while I stop to take pics

Belgian Frites=long line but worth it

those dang cobblestone streets just get me

 Really glad i bought those rain boots prior to going. great excuse to get cure new boots.

 and this was it...not that cool haha

Not the best pic but we bought a painting for the house from here. The artist was a peach.

got chocolates for friends and family here

i mean honestly...too cute

Brussels, I will be back to visit you...and next time we will hit Bruges too.

Next up was our drive through the Rhine River Valley and a stay at a castle in Oberwesel.

xo
m

Amsterdam, Netherlands

K this place....

Words can't even describe the beauty. It is vibrant, fun, charming, busy, and full of life. 

Driving into the Netherlands was a dream. I made Tom pull over and drive through a cute town called Hank, I about DIED, so cute. I felt like I was in a movie.

The windmills on the drive were perfect.

We stayed at Die Port Van Cleve which was an ideal location, right in front of a tram stop and walking distance to Dam Square. The hotel was a classic European hotel, small and charming. It was a little too small for my liking, i hate a messy room, but it was perfect for our short stay. I enjoyed the pub connected to the hotel, the bartender was PHENOMENAL, he recommended things to do and places to see, he even brought us complimentary "dutch shots," he really made our stay at Die Port Van Cleve enjoyable.

On the first day we just strolled through the amazing streets and shops, we may or may not have stopped for coffee every other hour. Tom and I love coffee in Europe, I don't know if it because we are on vacation that it tastes better or what but the Europeans know how to make coffee, we were on a cappuccino kick this trip...had about 28+ of them. 

Dom Square and my awkward self. 

Just trotting through the square. NBD.

Day two was "touristy" and consisted of Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, "I AM AMSTERDAM" sign, and some other random sites. We had THE best sandwiches for lunch with some local beer. For dinner we decided we wanted to randomly stumble upon something (my favorite) so we walked around till we came across the perfect place that served tapas from around the world, i basically got all my favorite food in one meal.. pizza, falafel, veggie burger, curry, and hummus (legit all my fav food...and wine...cant forget the wine). 

 Not sure why i only snapped one photo at the museum but... here it is.

Anne Franks house was BUSY. Buy your tickets online. We skipped that whole line and walked right in.

We bought some yummy delicious cheese from this cute little shop. 

some killer shopping happened right on this street.

One morning we got up early. Dam square was empty as can be. Loved it. We got coffee and just soaked it all in. 

We had way too much fun shopping, sightseeing, strolling the canals, and eating. 

I cannot wait to go back to Amsterdam, it officially stole my heart. 

As we hopped on the express train out of the city, we packed our car, and began our next adventure to BELGIUM (I was excited for some waffles and fries.) 

xo
m