flowers in Belgium and beach fun in Holland

We headed west to the shore, not Holland State Park beach this time, but Holland beach!  We went to a beach in the region of Zeeland in the Netherlands.

But, first we stopped along the way to Brussels, Belgium to the rug carpet display that is held every couple of years.  It is a carpet of Begonias laid out in the Grand-Place which is where the town square is located.   This year's display was showing the beauty of Africa which recalls designs from the tribes of Ethiopia, Congo, Nigeria, Botswana, and Cameroun.

The Brussels Town Hall

Viewing was allowed on one of the balconies of the Town Hall, so I went up to catch the view!

The detail on the Town Hall were amazing close up!

Some more beautiful architecture in the town square! 

After visiting downtown Brussels, we stopped in the north of Brussels to visit Atomium.  

This is a modern structure and famous landmark known to Brussels.  

We took an elevator ride to the top ball to see the view.

We stayed overnight in Zelzate, Belgium in order to be closer to the shore.  

It was right on the the border of the Netherlands.  

We discovered a carnival and fireworks in town after dinner which was a nice surprise.

Then, after surviving the extremely hot temperatures in Belgium, we finally made it to the beach!  We heard that the beaches in this area are known for finding fossilized shark teeth.  We went on a hunt and this is what we found.  We are not sure all of these are shark teeth, but some of them appear to be!

 I could have taken some indecent beach pictures.  I don't think I will ever get used to the European standards.  Let's just say that there are no dressing rooms needed at the beach!
So, here are some nice pictures of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen nostalgia instead...

 This bike picture is for you, Mom!