trending #architecture posts on Hive

Just a few big lumps snapped from The Alem Centre Ashgabat.

grindle — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 07:56:12 GMT

Come see some of the pretentious over the top constructions in Ashgabat, all snapped from the Big wheel complex, just scratching the surface as Ashgabat houses so many weird and wonderful structures, time is against me as soon to be heading out into the desert to see the real Turkmenistan.

The Monument to the Bicycle a tribute to "cycling culture" and the nation's dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness. TBH, think it is all bullshit, never saw one lardy arsed MAMIL clogging up the traffic anywhere, thankfully. TBH I didn't see a bike. period.

A rather large statue of the 18th-century Turkmen poet and philosopher, Magtymguly Pyragy. The statue stands just under 200 ft tall and is a prominent located at the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains.

To the left, (Another vanity project by the country's first president, Niyazov, The eddifice is topped off with a 39ft tall gold plated statue of himself, which rotates to always face the sun. What a wanker). The Monument of Neutrality. The three-legged arch, which became known locally as "The Tripod", is 246 ft tall and was built in 1998 at a cost of $12 million constructed to commemorate the country's official position of neutrality.
Centre; The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan is the central government institution charged with leading the financial policy of Turkmenistan.
To the right, the Abadançylyk (Well-being) Monument; a prominent white tower topped with a golden sphere and white doves.

The Palace of Meetings is a congress palace and convention centre it features a neo-classical facade with an Asian architectural touch famed for its gilded ornamentation and large architectural dome. It hosts major national events and meetings of the People's Council.

The Ashgabat TV Tower is a rather grand structure that stands on a rise in the Kopet Dag mountains and overlooks the city of. Constructed in 2011, it stands just under 700ft in height, making it the tallest structure in Turkmenistan.

A broadcasting and telecommunications facility, transmitting across Turkmenistan, it also houses observation decks, and a restaurant,

The Monument to the Constitution built between 2008-11 at a height of 606 ft it is the second-tallest building in Turkmenistan. Built to honour the 20th anniversary of the Constitution of Turkmenistan, It houses a museum, a conference room, and a library.

The Yildiz is a 5 star 24 storey, 155 room hotel in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains handily connected to the city by a modern dual carriageway At 350 ft high, it is the tallest hotel in Turkmenistan. For a standard room look to pay $250, or if you want guaranteed extra special jiggy jiggy with your lady of choice, treat her to the Presidential suite at $1,000 a night.

The Wedding Palace, probably one of the most iconic and most photographed buildings in Ashgabat; the city itself holds the Guinness World Record for having the highest concentration of white marble buildings.

It is colloquially known as "The Palace of Happiness", with seven banquet rooms and 36 shops which provide all the necessary items of wedding services; dress shops, decorations, ethnic jewellery, photo studio, and a beauty salon, not an Ann Summers boutique in sight! and no doubt a complete tinternet block of LoveHoney.(double explanation mark)!

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Greetings from Warsaw – the New York of Europe

phortun — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:36:42 GMT

Hey there my Hive friends and followers!

My family and I just got back from a short but very nice trip and I thought it would be a good excuse to finally post something on my blog again as it’s been ages since I last wrote anything here.

The destination of our trip was Warsaw — a city I had heard a lot about and had actually even visited briefly many years ago while passing through on a bus from Prague to Vilnius. I knew the city was famous for its impressive high-rise downtown, which has even earned it the nickname “the New York of Europe,” and that was exactly what we came for — the stunning views and the big-city atmosphere :)

And you bet that, in that respect, Warsaw really delivered. I booked three nights in a nice and cozy apartment on the 20th floor of one of the older skyscrapers right in the city center, so we had some pretty decent views straight from the windows and balcony but we also checked out some of the city’s well-known viewpoints, including the one in the PKiN (Palace of Culture and Science).

Without further ado, here are a few shots of some of Warsaw’s iconic architecture, taken from different heights and angles :)

I hope you enjoyed this little tour of the city’s downtown. We actually visited the Old Town as well and I hope to post some pictures from there too. Hopefully, it won´t take me forever again :)

The Grand Palace: A Beautiful Stop in The Heart Of UNESCO Brussels.

katiekate86 — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:06:15 GMT

Hello @worldmappin Community!.

After visiting some chocolate shops and beautiful places in Brussels, our trip continued to one of the beautiful places I was really looking forward to seeing—the
La Grand-Place (Grand Square) in French and Grote Markt in Dutch. The Grand Place is one of the hundred photos when you search for Brussels. But seeing it with your own eyes completely feels unreal.

Seeing from afar, there are lots of people walking. And when we approached the Grand Place, I could already see the beautiful historic buildings surrounding the square.

That day the weather kept changing — one minute dark clouds, a little scattered rain, then cloudy and then the next minute sunny again. We came prepared because we checked the weather app and brought folded umbrellas. You can see it in my photos too, the sky was dark but the sun was still shining through.

The Grand Place was part of UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998 because of its architectural and historical significance. What made it even more special because we visited the Grand Place.

Before we entered the open square, we noticed visitors taking photos and touching the statue. Everard 't Serclaes memorial sculpted by Julien Dillens. In their tradition, whenever visitors touch the shiny bronze parts of the statue, it means for good luck that they will return to the city.

Once we entered the open space, I immediately understood why this place is so famous. The Grand Place took my breath away. It is surrounded by stunning architectural buildings and every building is a masterpiece.

Standing in the middle of the square, the buildings feel so much bigger and more impressive. Each architecture of the building has its own details from towering windows, centuries-old statues surrounding us on all sides and historic charm.

📍House if the Dukes of Brabant (Maison des Ducks de Brabant)

Around the Grand Palace, the buildings stand side by side and it creates a perfect blend of elegance and history. Everywhere we looked, it's like an open-air museum.

My husband decided that it must be better to stay in a nearby café and have a cup of espresso. We slowly walked around the Grand Place, enjoying the surroundings and taking plenty of photos.

📍 King's House

📍 Brussels Town Hall.

📍Brussels Town Hall.

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My failed visit to Karupana Park, in the Bermúdez Municipality, Sucre State (Eng - Esp)

belkyscabrera — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 04:07:09 GMT

INGLÉS

Greetings, fellow travelers! I hope you are having a wonderful and blessed day. Today, I’m sharing the story of my unsuccessful visit to Karupana Park. Located in El Búfalo—just a few kilometers from the passenger terminal—the park sits along Avenida Universidad. It is a key gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, who flock to this "green lung" to connect with nature and enjoy the spaces dedicated to recreation and leisure.

Acting on a cousin's recommendation, I headed to the park to explore the grounds and enjoy a change of pace. However, upon arrival, we were met with an unexpected surprise: the park was undergoing repairs and was closed to the public. Our original plan had been to spend the day walking and working out at the outdoor gym; finding it closed, we decided instead to visit Plaza Bermúdez and other recreational spots in the city center.

ESPAÑOL

Saludos amigos viajeros, deseo que tengan un excelente y bendecido día, en esta ocasión Les comparto mi visita fallida al parque Karupana, este se ubica en Carupanoo a pocos kilómetros del terminal de pasajeros, tras un breve recorrido por el Boquete tomamos la avenida que pasa por el mercado y carretera nacional hacia Güiria, en la avenida Universidad se encuentra el parque, que constituye un importante punto de encuentro para los habitantes de la localidad y visitantes que se dan cita a este pulmón vegetal, para disfrutar el contacto con la naturaleza y los espacios que ofrece para la recreación y esparcimiento.

Por recomendación de una prima, me dirigí hacia el parque para conocer sus espacios y pasar un día diferente, al llegar nos conseguimos con la inesperada sorpresa que el parque se encuentra en reparación y no está abierto al público, el plan era pasar el día en sus instalaciones, hacer caminatas y ejercitarnos en el gimnasio al aire
libre, al llegar y ver que estaba cerrado, decidimos visitar la plaza Bermúdez y otros espacios recreativos en el centro de la ciudad.

The park spans a large area enclosed by a perimeter fence featuring a concrete wall and yellow and green railings, accented by small columns in a darker shade of green. The entrance has a dual-gate structure with a triangular rear section that resembles a traditional thatched hut (bohío). From the outside, I could see various trees, an acoustic shell, and sections of the park bordered by green walls. Repair and remodeling work is bringing major improvements; according to a local resident, the plans include adding playgrounds, recreational areas, and kiosks, among other features.

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL (...I mean, a bit of snow fell last Christmas here where I live, that's all)

borjan — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:50:42 GMT

Snow is a fairly unusual thing here where I live, especially at Christmas. A bit of snow usually falls once or twice a decade at the end of January or in March. Before the unusual 2025 event this post is about, I could easily remember a snowy winter in my hometown, but a white Christmas-nope.

(Enlargeable)

This opening photograph shows the oldest buildings in my neiberhood. The only one made of local stone. There is no facade coating, so the intricate stony texture is on display. The building on the right was a stall, and the building on the left, the one partially rebuilt in bricks, was an actual house where people lived once upon a time, not so long ago.
There is plenty of stone in the poor, calcareous soil of my Mediterranean area. That's good for preserving history. Things made of stone can retain at least part of their shape not only through centuries, but through millennia.
The snow here looks a lot like frost, but it's real snow, believe me.

Some of it had already melted around 9 AM, when these photographs were taken. You could see more the night before, when the snow started falling. The footage for the following video...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f51RG9R-RmM

... was recorded around midnight. I took a walk to the main square of my hometown, a place designed to carry most of the local Christmas spirit. On my way back, I stopped to take some bread from the recently installed bread machine. You'll see all that stuff in the video.

(Enlargeable)

This was the Christmas view from my balcony back then in 2025. Not too bad...not too bad.

In combination with snow, even the grass in my relatively unkempt yard looked kinda cool.

Yep, one of those things that only the magic of Christmas can achieve, a Christmas miracle of sorts.

(Enlargeable)

I don't think I would have photographed this grass if it hadn't snowed.

Here you can see the snow-covered leaves of my tangerine tree. They look fairly good in their white Christmas version, but...

(Enlargeable)

...but the last remaining red rose in my yard was the real star of the show.

The shape of the tiles in the part of the yard where I usually park my car was nicely accentuated by the snow. The pattern looked too good to ignore.

(Enlargeable)

The orange house shown in this photograph was recently renovated.

(Enlargeable)

When I came out of my house that Christmas morning...

(Enlargeable)

...the moon looked great in the clear blue sky. Everything felt so fresh, crisp, and clean. The air was a joy to breathe.

(Enlargeable)

In this photograph, especially if you enlarge the picture by clicking on it, you can admire some interesting details of the bright side of the moon.

Down on the ground, the sidewalks were nicely decorated with footprints.

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Afro-Cuban Traditions (ENG-ESP)

estilodereba — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:14:21 GMT

English

![](https://i.ecency.com/DQmU1RLyKB9GGkE69Wucfyy1SYCjq8JbkGmjsPcXhBaNR3C/1790863775195.jpg)![](https://i.ecency.com/DQmajjm4HzS6HSJidwsxW6JphVyzr5fNqMeFy2wH7XHojhB/1790863793671.jpg)![](https://i.ecency.com/DQmW35Ujn8rCQBV5oUErY5rQFQPwXdDJVLvygYNYz8ZZJEB/1790863810155.jpg)

During an euphoric procession dedicated to the deities Yemayá and the Virgin of Regla, all the faithful took to the streets to sing and dance. The white and blue colors of traditional clothing flooded every corner, as a sign of the deep faith and devotion of Afro-Cuban culture. The energy was contagious, despite not understanding the lyrics of the chants.

The banner with the solar symbol catches my attention, holding a very profound meaning in this type of celebration. Men and women moved to the rhythm of the drums along their route. No matter the religion practiced in Cuba, in the end they all seek, in one way or another, hope and salvation.

Español

Durante una eufórica procesión dedicada a las deidades Yemayá y la Virgen de Regla, todos los fieles salieron a las calles a cantar y bailar. Los colores blancos y azules de las vestimentas tradicionales inundaron cada rincón, como muestra de la profunda fe y devoción de la cultura afrocubana. La energía era contagiosa, a pesar de no entender las letras de los cánticos.

Me llama la atención el estandarte con el símbolo solar, que guarda un significado muy profundo en este tipo de celebraciones. Las mujeres y los hombres se movían al ritmo de los tambores en su recorrido. No importa la religión que se profese en Cuba, al final todas buscan, de una forma u otra, la esperanza y la salvación.

Translation by deepl Picture taken by me

[ENG-SPN] Monteagudo: A Frontier of Stone and Mystery / Monteagudo: Frontera de Piedra y Misterio

juancar347 — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:24:21 GMT

Known as rayanos—border dwellers—due to their location on the boundary between Soria and Aragon, the inhabitants of Monteagudo de las Vicarías maintain a deep sense of pride in their history. Despite the departures caused by the metaphorical specter of nomadism—as the phenomenon of depopulation might be viewed—details of remarkable interest from the town's ancient past still endure.

This becomes particularly evident when observing the town's layout, which retains sections of medieval walls and gateways; these fortifications once made this border settlement one of the most important fortified towns in Soria. A street named "El Hospital" also serves as a reminder of an essential center that once sheltered and cared for the sick and pilgrims—a facility that, judging by the surviving coats of arms, may have been managed by one of the era's most powerful military and charitable orders.

Rising above this charming townscape is a castle-palace built in the 15th century by the Hurtado de Mendoza family—one of Spain's most powerful Castilian dynasties. This family also produced the formidable Princess of Eboli—a woman of such fiery spirit that she might well be described, in the words Antonio Machado used for a famous Andalusian knight, as a "thunderbolt clad in the robes of a Nazarene." Furthermore, historical accuracy compels us to note that Monteagudo de las Vicarías was a key strategic stronghold contested by two famous royal half-brothers: King Peter I ("the Cruel") and Henry of Trastámara. The latter’s ranks included the services of a French mercenary—and possible former Knight Templar—named Bertrand Du Guesclin. If we add to this the stories circulating in the village about apparitions, mysterious lights, hidden passageways, and forgotten treasures, we find ample reason to believe that history and its mysteries here are well worth an adventure.

Considerados con el apelativo de ‘rayanos’ por su situación en la frontera entre Soria y Aragón, los habitantes de Monteagudo de las Vicarías, a pesar de las ausencias motivadas por ese metafórico fantasma del nomadismo, como se puede considerar al fenómeno de la despoblación, continúan manteniendo un orgullo muy especial, sobre una historia, de cuyos antiguos elementos todavía sobreviven detalles de notable interés.

Esto se hace más patente, si, atendiendo al urbanismo del pueblo, vemos parte de las murallas y las puertas medievales, que durante la Edad Media hicieron de esta población fronteriza una de las villas fortificadas más importantes de Soria. De hecho, también se recuerda una calle que lleva el nombre de ‘El Hospital’, en recuerdo de ese centro indispensable que acogía y atendía a enfermos y peregrinos y que, a juzgar por los escudos sobrevivientes, podría haber estado dirigido por alguna de las órdenes militares y asistenciales más poderosas de la época.

Destaca, además, sobre el encantador conjunto urbano, el castillo-palacio construido en el siglo XV por una de las familias castellanas más poderosas de España, a la que perteneció también ese trueno femenino, vestido de Nazareno –como diría Antonio Machado, refiriéndose a un conocido caballero andaluz- que fue la Princesa de Éboli: los Hurtado de Mendoza. Hemos de añadir, además, sin abandonar la objetividad histórica, que Monteagudo de las Vicarías fue también una de las plazas más estratégicas que se disputaron dos conocidos hermanastros reales, como fueron el rey Pedro I el Cruel y Enrique de Trastámara, entre cuyas filas figuraban los servicios de un mercenario de origen francés y posible ex-templario, llamado Bertrand Du Guesclin. Si a esto le añadimos las historias sobre apariciones, luces misteriosas, pasadizos ocultos y tesoros olvidados que todavía circulan por el pueblo, encontraremos los motivos suficientes como para pensar que la Historia y sus misterios bien merecen aquí una aventura.

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[ENG-SPN] Serón de Nágima: A Legendary Frontier / Serón de Nágima: Frontera de Leyenda

juancar347 — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:42:54 GMT

Sharing the spotlight with Monteagudo de las Vicarías—along the line that once marked the medieval border between Soria and Aragon—lies another memorable town: Serón de Nágima. It invites visitors who love the fascinating, seductive adventure of history to take a brief journey back in time. This journey is inspired by the town's intriguing heritage sites; though threatened by ruin and oblivion, they offer a curious testament to an era of light and shadow that continues to captivate us.

In the case of Serón—an interesting town nestled along the banks of the Nágima River—one of the most striking and evocative features is the castle’s enigmatic architecture. Built of mudbrick and reflecting North African military styles, the castle stoically withstood sieges by various medieval armies. It even survived the "locust plague" of Napoleon’s troops—who invaded Spain around the time the brilliant Francisco de Goya was envisioning the "disasters of war" in his so-called "Black Paintings." Yet, it could not withstand the inexorable passage of time; a few years ago, large sections of the walls that once proudly defined the structure collapsed.

The town's church—dedicated to Our Lady of the Market (Nuestra Señora del Mercado), much like the church in the important town of Berlanga de Duero—retains interesting Gothic architectural elements, despite having undergone significant modern alterations. Meanwhile, the old Romanesque church dedicated to the Holy Cross (Santa Cruz)—which also served as the municipal cemetery—now lies in ruins. Alongside the Virgen del Mercado, the Virgen de la Vega is held in special veneration; as for local traditions, the residents of Serón continue to take on the roles of impromptu actors in the famous "living pasos" (tableau processions) during Holy Week. Also renowned are the traditions and legends—centered on ghostly souls—that mark the annual All Saints' Day festival; these include sightings of strange lights, like those reported in many other Castilian villages, which have given rise to fascinating tales.

Compartiendo protagonismo con Monteagudo de las Vicarías, en esa raya fronteriza que delimitaba en tiempos medievales la frontera entre Soria y Aragón, otra memorable población, de nombre Serón de Nágima, anima al visitante amante de esa fascinante seductora aventura que es siempre la Historia, a realizar un pequeño viaje en el tiempo, animado por algunos de sus desconcertantes elementos patrimoniales, que, aunque amenazando los efectos de la ruina y el olvido, ofrecen un curioso testimonio de una época de luces y oscuridades, que todavía continúa fascinándonos.

En el caso de Serón, interesante población anclada a la vera del río Nágima, uno de los elementos más destacados y por defecto, más ensoñadores, es la desconcertante arquitectura de barro, militar y norte africana de un castillo, que, aunque aguantó estoicamente los acosos de los diferentes ejércitos medievales e incluso, en tiempos más modernos, esa auténtica plaga de langostas que fueron los ejércitos de Napoleón que invadieron España más o menos por la época en la que el genial Francisco de Goya imaginaba los desastres de la guerra en su denominada ‘pintura oscura’, no pudo resistir el paso inexorable del tiempo, viendo derrumbarse, hace unos años, gran parte de los muros que orgullosamente todavía lo representaban.

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Hello Hive! I am Omid ("Hope") — Hopeful for the Triumph of Humanity & Brighter Days 🕊️✨

apadana — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:54:12 GMT

(The following line is a famous verse by Saib Tabrizi, one of the most celebrated Persian poets, 1592–1676 AD)

آن نخل ناخلف که تبر شد ز ما نبود
ما را زمانه گر شکند، ساز می‌شویم
— صائب تبریزی

Hello Hive! I am Omid — A Voice for 8,000 Years of Persian History, Art & Civil Engineering 🌿🏛️

Hello everyone,

I am deeply excited to finally join the Hive community!

You can call me Omid, which in my native language means "Hope" — hope for change, hope for a brighter tomorrow, hope for freedom, and hope for a better life for every human being.

Who Am I?

I am a Civil Engineer with a deep passion for history, ancient architecture, and cultural heritage. From an engineering perspective, I have always been fascinated by how my ancestors built architectural marvels like ancient qanats (underground water systems), windcatchers, and timeless stone monuments thousands of years ago.

Why Anonymous?

As many of you in the decentralized world understand, living under severe digital restrictions poses real safety risks. Recently, the Iranian Parliament passed a new law—approved with a majority of 183 votes—that criminalizes unauthorized international educational content creation and foreign academic/digital collaborations. Under such ambiguous and heavy regulations, any ordinary online activity can easily be re-interpreted and penalized.

To protect myself and my family, I cannot reveal my real identity, face, or location. The Hive community stands for freedom of expression, privacy, and decentralization — values that make me feel safe sharing my perspective here under a pseudonym.

Despite these harsh circumstances, the true inner state of the majority of Iranian people is best captured by the Persian poem I shared at the very beginning by Saib Tabrizi:

"That unworthy palm tree which turned into an axe was never one of us;
If fate breaks us, we do not perish—we turn into a musical instrument."

Throughout history, whenever dark times tried to break us, we transformed our pain into art, music, architecture, and eternal culture.

A Millennia-Old Civilization vs. Political Dark Ages

There is a fundamental truth I want to share with the world: A rich civilization with over 8,000 years of history, poetry, and art should never be judged by the temporary actions of its rulers.

Governments and political dark ages come and go, but the true spirit of a people, their culture, and their heritage endures forever. Throughout history, world thinkers have recognized this fundamental truth:

"With the Persian Empire we first enter the continuity of History... The Persians are the first Historical People; Persia was the first Empire that passed away."
— G. W. F. Hegel, Lectures on the Philosophy of History (Part I: The Oriental World — Section II: Persia)

"I know of no people in history — except possibly the Japanese — that has had so long a creative continuity as the Persians."
— Will Durant, Persia in the History of Civilization (Address before the Iran-America Society, 1948)

"To speak the truth and to shoot well with arrows — that is Persian virtue... The self-overcoming of morality out of truthfulness: that is what the name Zarathustra means in my mouth."
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Ecce Homo ("Why I Am a Destiny", Section 3) & Thus Spoke Zarathustra (Part I)

"The ancient Persians possessed a moral philosophy rooted in truthfulness and universal tolerance, proving that a nation’s cultural soul and humanistic virtue remain distinct from the passing politics of its rulers."
— Voltaire, Dictionnaire Philosophique (Section: "De la Perse") & Zadig (1747)

The list of thinkers who realized this truth is far longer, and its endurance far greater, than the span of these dark times—figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Herodotus, Xenophon, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Edward FitzGerald, and Arthur Schopenhauer.

Through my presence on Hive, I hope to change the perspective of those unfamiliar with Iran's true historical and cultural reality—or rather, those unfamiliar with the forgotten, unseen, and oppressed people of Iran—and to make this list of minds who see us for who we truly are even longer.

What I Will Share on Hive:

Through my upcoming posts, I want to take you on a journey through the authentic heart of Iran:

Ancient Civil Engineering & Architecture: The technical and aesthetic marvels of historical structures.
History & Philosophy: Stories of resilience, tolerance, and human spirit from antiquity to modern times.
Literature & Arts: The immortal poetry of Rumi, Hafez, and Khayyam.
Cuisine & Daily Life: The warmth, hospitality, and rich flavors of Iranian culture.

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Chocolates Everywhere: Making Sweet Memories Together in Brussels.

katiekate86 — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:52:00 GMT

Hello @worldmappin community!

After our first church visit in Brussels at St. Mary Magdalene, also known as Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine was not to rush to the next place on our list. Instead of simply starting walking around the city. We simply enjoyed whatever we could find along the way.

We just walked in the beautiful morning, looked around, took photos and simply enjoyed being together.

The city of Brussels immediately felt full of interesting details. From old to modern architectural designs are all beautiful.

The streets were busy, tourists were carrying shopping bags, cafe's, restaurants, and small shops along the way.

And we started noticing that it was almost impossible to miss the chocolate shops everywhere. And of course, we couldn't ignore it because we love chocolates.

🍫 Chocolate Everywhere.

Belgium is famous for chocolate and being in Brussels made that very very obvious. There were chocolates everywhere!

Every corner, every street, there was a chocolate shop with beautiful displays in every window.

We eventually decided to go inside one of the shops and have a look. The staff greeted us and the best part was she told us “"Would you like to try?" it is difficult to say no. 😄

Of course, we tried some chocolates.
Now I immediately understood why Belgian chocolate is so loved. They were so delicious, rich and creamy. I really love the chocolate with almond, it's my favorite. 🍫🇧🇪

Then another shop we visited, same thing we had free taste. There are lots of choices to choose from. They have truffles, chocolate bars, boxes arranged so nicely inside the windows.

And Aya decided to buy some chocolate for friends. She paid with coins and the staff told her she needed to put her money into the machine. I like the machine, it will count the customers payment and give the exact change too.

🏢 Walking Through the Old City.

Chocolate shops are everywhere and we continued walking through the city.

What I liked most about Brussels was how the modern city and old architecture perfectly blend together. One moment you're on a busy street and then you turn a corner, there's stunning old buildings with so much history.

📌Manufacture de Nouveautés pour Dames A. Vleminckx" (A. Vleminckx Ladies' Novelties Manufacture). It housed their corporate offices, showrooms, and workshops where women's fashion and apparel items were designed, displayed, and created.

Today, the upper levels have been converted into premium residential apartments. While the ground level serves retail and tourist functions.

📍Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés (Old Grain Market Square).

📍The bronze statue L'envol dedicated to singer Jacques Brel by artist Tom Frantzen.

📍Rue de la Cigogne (Ooievaarstraat).

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