#### Embarking on an Adventure: First Stop, Belgium
The first day of any travel is marked with excitement and a bit of nervous energy, but stepping onto the train on this sunny June morning, I felt nothing short of exhilaration. My Interrail pass, freshly printed and neatly tucked in my backpack, was my golden ticket to exploring Europe. Today, it led me to the charming country of Belgium.
#### Morning Arrival in Brussels
Our journey began with an early arrival in Brussels, the de facto capital of the EU and a melting pot of cultures and languages. The Grand Place was our first stop—a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its ornate guildhalls and the stunning Town Hall. The square was already bustling with tourists snapping photos and locals enjoying their morning coffee at quaint street-side cafés.
As we stood there, surrounded by architecture that spanned several centuries, it felt like we were at the heart of European history. We indulged in some Belgian waffles from a nearby vendor—crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and just the right amount of sweet—a perfect start to our culinary adventures.
#### Journey Through History: Visit to Bruges
By mid-morning, we hopped onto another train headed for Bruges. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, Bruges is famous for its lace-making, chocolates, and well-preserved medieval buildings. We rented bicycles just outside the station—a great way to blend in with locals and explore more ground efficiently.
Riding along cobbled streets lined with historic buildings felt like traveling back in time. We visited Markt Square dominated by its impressive belfry which we dared to climb. The 366 steps leading up were a challenge but worth every step for panoramic views of the city below bathed in golden sunlight.
A boat tour through the canals gave us a different perspective of Bruges. The gentle ripples reflected centuries-old buildings as our guide shared tales that blended folklore with history—making every corner of this city seem alive with whispers from the past.
#### Afternoon Delights: Sampling Belgian Chocolates
No visit to Belgium would be complete without diving into its world-renowned chocolates. In Bruges, chocolatiers showcased their craft behind large storefront windows—tempting all who passed by into their aromatic stores filled with arrays of pralines and truffles.
We joined a chocolate workshop scheduled earlier through an app recommended for Interrail travelers looking for authentic experiences. Under expert guidance, we learned about tempering chocolate before trying our hands at creating our own Belgian chocolates—which turned out surprisingly well!
#### Evening Back in Brussels: A Cultural Feast
Returning to Brussels by evening allowed us to explore more local cuisine at Rue des Bouchers—the famous street lined with restaurants serving everything from traditional mussels and fries (moules-frites) to international dishes.
Our day concluded at Delirium Café—an iconic spot renowned for offering over 2,000 types of beer! Here among fellow travelers and cheerful locals alike we shared stories over glasses featuring everything from rich Trappist beers to fruity lambics—a fitting end to an intoxicatingly rich Belgian experience.
#### Reflections on Day One
As I jot down these memories while sitting aboard a train destined for Amsterdam—the second stop on this incredible Interrail journey—I feel grateful for today’s experiences woven together seamlessly like one of Bruges’ fine laces but sprinkled generously with that unique Belgian flavor promising an adventure that has only just begun.
Stay tuned as tomorrow promises another exciting chapter!
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Traveling through Europe via rail offers an intimately unique view into cultural nuances—one best captured through detailed experiences rather than quick snapshots from bus windows or hurried tours—and Belgium proved nothing short but spectacularly vibrant on this first day.