Today I discovered one of the most emblematic places in Brussels:

Today I discovered one of the most emblematic places in Brussels: today I will listen to the curators for just one place, but I will also talk about what I learned today on my trip to Belgium: the Grand Place. This impressive square is the heart of the old town and has an unparalleled cultural heritage. It is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in all of Europe, one of which I have visited in several cities that I have shown you. I found it fascinating to stroll through its cobbled streets and enjoy the Gothic and Renaissance architecture that characterizes it. I remind you that this city is undergoing restoration, as it dates back thousands of years, so it was about time for a complete restoration.

The Grand Place is a space that seems to come straight out of a fairy tale. Here are a couple of photos for you to critique or give me your opinion on whether or not it is the most beautiful in all of Europe. The decoration of its facades is surprising, with ornamental details dating back to the 13th century. They were also rebuilt at the time, as a great fire destroyed everything in its path. I was struck by the House of Commons, with its imposing facade and 16th-century clock. I felt transported to a time of great wealth and prosperity. Pagan and worldly, mind you, no offense to anyone's culture, far from it.

The Smurfs: the surprise of my day Today I also discovered a secret that I found interesting. I found out today while having breakfast, and I was stunned to learn that the Smurfs, those cartoon characters that delighted us in our childhood, are of Belgian origin. Of course, it reminded me of my nickname. Many of my cousins call me Smurf, ha ha ha, and then it became Papa Smurf, ha ha ha. It's true, the Smurfs were created by the famous Belgian animator Peyo (Pierre Culliford) in the 1950s. No idea, as I said, what I remembered was Gargamel, ha ha ha. I found it fascinating to learn that this popular comic series has its roots in this country. Of course, they threw my ID card on the floor again.

The origin of French fries I also learned something that had always struck me as curious: the origin of French fries. I thought they came from France, but I was wrong, and I'm sure more than one person will learn this too. Although it is believed that these chips originated in the United States, they were actually invented in Belgium in the 17th century. In winter, the lakes and rivers would freeze over, preventing fishermen from eating. According to history, a monk named Antoine Messenger created them as a way to preserve potatoes for long periods of time.

This man came up with the idea of grating and peeling potatoes, shaping them into sticks, and frying them to eat while they couldn't fish in the frozen lakes and rivers during winter. Today, French fries are a popular food around the world, but it's interesting to know that they have their roots in this country. Anyone who answers will get it wrong. This is what I learned in a single day.

I loved learning about these Belgian secrets today. I hope you enjoyed them too. I hope you like and appreciate this tour of Belgium in one place. See you on the next adventure!