Enjoy your time in Brussels, short as it is. And please excuse the bad grammar in my previous post, it was written before my first cup of coffee.
If you opt to take the 27 bus from the Sablon, look at the pole where the bus stop sign is. The bus schedule is posted there so you'll know when the next bus is. It could be a minute or two early or five minutes late, so leave some leeway. It's an interesting ride (takes about 15 minutes to reach Midi), runs along the street parallel to the rue Haute, I forget its name, stardust, do you remember? You can buy your ticket as you board, the cost is 1.45€, I think. Same price for the metro ticket from Louise or the underground trams from the Bourse.
If you opt to take rue l'hopital up the hill to the Sablon, walk on the right hand side of the street, it's more interesting. You'll pass the "royal" knife and razor shop, then De Geest, the fanciest dry cleaners you'll ever see (but worth every penny), and various shops selling museum quality antique pottery, sculpture and Antwerp chests (all with prices to match) before hitting the Sablon.

BTilke, I just took the 27 bus from Sablon to Midi station and back on Friday. It goes along Rue Blaes (past the flea market) on the way to the station, and Rue Haute on the way back. (N.B. The bus stop TO Midi station is at the bottom end of Place du Grand Sablon, while the stop going the other way is at the top end of the square). Single tickets now cost 1.50. :)

Just came back from my short trip to Belgium and France, and want to thank you guys again.

I ended up spending a little more time in Antwerp, so had just over 2 hours in Brussels. To save time backtracking, I got off at Central, and put my stuff in the locker there. After eating at Chez Leon and took a look at the Grand Place (huge beer festival going on, but I have no time), went back to retrieve my bag, jumped on the next train to Midi, and transfer to the Thalys there.

Smallest locker will hold my 21" rollaboard plus a small bag, no problem. 2.6 €. Same price at Antwerp and Brussels, and I assume at any Belgium train station. Larger one is 3.1 €, and I forgot the cost of the largest. They are not hard to find.

[BTW, anybody wants a free Thalys ticket on 9/14 from CDG to any Belgian station via Brussels? Let me know.]

also topping for kak

Topping to ask question re the current status of lockers at Brussels airport. We have long layover in November and want to stash our carryons and then go into the city for a bit. Are the lockers still available? I know many airports recently have shut them down due to security concerns. Anyone know the current status in Brussels?

Thanks

:)