We had to 'get up and at'em' this morning to catch our 8:58 a.m. (that is 12:58 a.m. for those of you back home) train to Brussels (Belgium).



We were a little leary about finding Wellington's Museum and the Waterloo Battlefield as they are not heavily advertised, and we were doing it on our own not via a tour. Jim also had us taking a Brussels' city bus......need I say more!













After a 40 minute ride on the 'W' route, we found the Waterloo visitor information centre. Where a lovely lady provided us with a map and package tickets for the 'Waterloo experience'.


First, we experienced the Wellington Museum, which was actually his headquarters during the battle.







Then, we discovered a fabulous little cafe (tea room) down the street. The house speciality was Mussels in a number of different sauces.



Jim enjoyed a big pot of 'moules' in white wine and cream sauce along with a blonde Leffe (beer)and some fries. He says this was truly one of the best meals of the trip.







Then, it was back on the 'W' route to the Waterloo Battlefields. Thanks to the very cute, long blonde haired bus driver, who pointed us in the right direction once we got off the bus (since we were heading in the wrong direction).



Then it was up the 226 steps to the Lion Mound. The Lion Mound is dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives on June 18, 1815 (Joey can provide you much more detailed information if you are interested).


Once you get to the top (just prior to going into cardiac arrest), you can admire the preserved spot where 300,000 men from 7 nations met in battle.

Today, the Lion protects the globe and symbolizes new-found peace in Europe.

Of course, Joey insisted we take his picture atop the Lion Mound while he was holding the British Flag (again, another reason to be proud we made it back to Paris still alive).

Those of you that know me well....must be thinking what about the Belgium chocolates. I did my best with the little time I had before we had to get back on the bus and train. I was able to pick up a big box of Belgium's finest - Corne Port-Royal chocolates.

Today, we had our first experience of having to pay to use the 'toilets'. The price ranged from 0.50 euro in the train station to 0.40 euro at the Battlefield building.

Tomorrow is our last day in Paris, and I have been looking forward to it all week, since it is shopping day. The plan is to visit Galeries Lafayette, Louis Vutton and Angelina's.