Brussels, Place du Petit Sablon

Place du Petit Sablon, built in 1890, is an attractive tree-lined park with a fountain, behind wrought iron gates. It is surrounded by 48 neo-gothic columns, each surmounted by a bronze statue of the Medieval guilds of 16th century Brussels — tile and thatch roofers, chair makers, gold beaters, dried cod dealers, etc.

During our visit to Brussels in 1979, we decided to go to the Hilton Hotel for a noon-time Brunch we had seen advertised. There was bad news and good news: The bad news was, the cost was $22 per person, and the good news was, the buffet at the Brussels Hilton was closed that day!