Same cafe for breakfast - croissant, orange juice and double expresso (for both of us).

Today was a bit of walking. We could have done it in a more direct route as we found out when we made our way back home but it was interesting - especially going through one of the areas. Not too risky - just interesting and a bit out of our comfort zone.

Today we visited a number of churches including the cathedral (St Michael & St Gudle), the Palais de Justice and the European Parliament Building (Altiero Spinelli Building). The Palace of Justice is huge. We did not go in as it was not that easy to sort out with security being quite, but not overly, strong. There were heavily armed Armed Forces people protecting as was the case at the Jewish Museum which we passed on the way. The museum was also closed and we presume this must be related to the incident there in May last year when 3 people were killed. The facade of the palace of justice was under renovation and any company in NZ would have given their right arm to get the contract to put up the scaffolding. Not sure all the scaffolding in NZ would have been enough!

Eventually we found the European Parliament buildings. Although Brussels attractions are very well sign posted this one does not appear to be. Perhaps it is not considered an attraction by the locals! To go through the visitor center would need the best part of 4 hours. We had to do it in just over 2 hours and would have liked more. Very educational - for us anyway.

Stopped at a pub on the way back to the hotel and after a brief rest we went out to dinner at the Opera pub nearby? Then back to the hotel through the Grand-Place which is being set up for a weekend concert including special lighting of some of the buildings in the square.

Ordered our taxi for 0745 in the morning and off to pack.