Brussels,the capital of Belgium, is like any other European city, but much smaller and compact in size. From the Brussels Centrale station the trip to Waterloo Memorial 1815 is just 30 minutes away. However, we took the train to Gare de Hennuyeres which is in the town of Braine-le-Comte, and then a car ride to Waterloo as we were being taken around by Penny, my relative.

The countryside is picture postcard perfect with rolling green hills. The architecture is in particularly charming as all houses share the same style. The village council screens the design of upcoming houses  so that the village retains its uniform red brick house look. Coming from a very populated country, it was quite amusing not to see a single person walking on the road. It was a pleasant looking village but devoid of villagers.

The Waterloo Memorial 1815, is a literally a quiet testimony to the war fought in that exact same location. It’s proud museum built to acknowledge the importance of the historical and famous Waterloo battle wherein Emperor Napoleon was subsequently defeated. The Lion’s Mound was a 200 plus step climb to a panoramic view of the entire battlefield. It would be better to read up a bit on the Waterloo war to really understand the significance of the place. There are a couple of activities which we missed as we went in the evening. However, a restaurant and souvenir shop completed the visit for us.

Now, on our return back to Brussels, at the Centrale station, we got mixed up with the many exits and got a bit lost. Being quite late in the night and trying to not to show we were lost, we started to walk towards areas that were crowded and light up so it would be safe first and we could scout around for someone to ask for directions back to the hotel. Luckily, we landed right in front of the hotel itself. One thing I have kept in mind is to always keep a marker at the entrances henceforth so that we get to the same familiar exits on return journeys.