Question for BTilke on Brussels
 

BTilke -- You have written some interesting suggestions on what to do in Brussels in another message. Regarding those suggestions, could you please tell me how to get to the Parc Woluwe if using public transportation? Also where is the Royal Mail -- which direction from Rob's? and how far? Thanks to BTilke or others who can answer this.



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Hi Kristinlaine, sorry, I just got in half an hour ago from a week in Nice, Milan and Bellagio...will answer your question tomorrow in detail, but the quick answer is metro (1b line) to Montgomery, then 39 or 44 tram to Chien Vert stop (about 4 stops), and the Parc is across the street--you can't miss it!

Thanks so much! I wondered if you were away. Hope you had a great trip.

Sorry Kristinelaine, time just flies! To get to Royal Mail and Rob's: When you get off tram 39 or 44 at the Chien Vert stop, walk down the Avenue J. de Trooz (it's the street to your left; the Parc Woluwe is on your right). One block later, at the light, turn right down Thielmans. Royal Mail and Rob's are both on the left hand side. You'll hit RM first.
FYI, on the right hand side of Thielmans is a post office that is one of the most efficient in Brussels. Post cards I've mailed from there have reached my parents in Florida in as little as three days! Lines are usually very short there, too. Also, at the corner of de Trooz and Thielmans is a Fortis bank that has two cash machines that you can use. Fortis has some of the most advanced bank machines in Brussels; you can even choose the denomination of bills that you want (50s or 20s--some other machines will just spit out 50s if you try to withdraw 100, 150, 200 euros, etc.).
A caution about Royal Mail. The decor is VERY nondescript. Nothing whatsoever to write home about (although I do like their vintage French and Belgian movie posters). But the lunch specials are cheap and great value--Belgian home cooking--and service is cheerful and prompt. If the menu doesn't interest you, then turn left at Royal Mail, and you'll find another interesting, far prettier restaurant, Auberge des Maieurs (www.aubergedesmaieurs.be). Their service is a little cool, but the food is pretty good and it's definitely WAY off the usual tourist map.
For Rob's, remember, you need a 1 or 2 euro coin to get a cart (returned when you return the cart). After that, enjoy one of the finest supermarkets you'll ever encounter (how many grocery stores have a concierge desk?). Be sure to visit the very fine wine cellar in the basement level. They are open 9 am to 7 pm weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am to 8 pm Fridays. The cafe at Rob's closes around 5:30 pm. Both Rob's and Royal Mail are closed on Sundays.
Finally, if you are visiting the Parc Woluwe area during the academic year, be advised: the trams and buses will be VERY VERY crowded from about 3:15 to 4:30 pm with school kids. So packed that they often can't stop for passengers. And on Wednesdays, when schools close early in the afternoon, plan on crowded trams and buses from about 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
The dog and I are off to Royal Mail and the Parc Woluwe in about 15 minutes--it's a holiday today, so not sure if RM is open.