Nina is amazing! She made my stay in Brussels so interesting and comfortable. She met me at the train station and walked me through the charming neighborhood of St. Gilles (which is close to the train station (Zuid) and about a fifteen minute very pleasant walk to the city center). After a lovely breakfast at a nearby cafe she offered all sorts of information about the immediate neighborhood and other parts of Brussels. Her place is very clean and comfortable. I felt right at home as we shared tea and talked about traveling and politics. She seemed more like a friend I was visiting than a host I had just met!
We met for drinks later with another one of her friends and walked around the central area of Brussels until it was time to go to a dinner of tapas at a fabulous Spanish bar in her former neighborhood. It was the perfect chill night out. I felt like a local just hanging out with friends on a beautiful Friday night.
The next day I wandered around the city and was lucky enough to witness the wild Zinneke parade winding its way through the cobblestone streets. I headed back to St. Gilles and stopped for some fresh produce to make myself a salad (there are lots of stores just blocks from her place) and then stumbled upon a theatre circus that had set up their tents in the central square. I drank nice beer and watched a brass band and then a gypsy group perform music with folks of all ages clapping and stomping along. I got home after ten and fell asleep in my comfortable bed.
The next day I left town but not before wandering through the Sunday market full of fresh fruit and pastries and yogurt. Delcious waffle, baguette, and fresh goat cheese in hand, I reluctantly left Brussels.
She's awesome. Her place is comfortable and convenient. I will definitely stay with her again when I get back to Brussels!