Atomium & Mini-Europe

On my last day in Belgium, I travelled to the site of the 1958 World Expo to visit one of Brussels' most iconic sites - the Atomium. This 96 storey structure is Brussels' answer to the Eiffel Tower and was the centrepiece of the World Fair. Its shape is based on the structure of an iron crystal and was emblematic of the atomic age the world had entered into in the 1950s.

It's an impressive structure to behold, particularly in the sunshine, though it's unfortunate that almost all other remnants of the Expo have disappeared from the surrounding area.

It's a little disappointing that World Fairs are no longer around - every country would set up a zone to exhibit all their most interesting and exciting developments and so by attending this fair one could travel around the world in the space of a day!

That concept is possible at a European level, however, by visiting the nextdoor Mini Europe, a park containing 1:25 replicas of some of the most iconic sites across the 27 EU member states & the UK. This park was fantastic to stroll around and look at all the miniature buildings, complete with tiny people, boats and cars. I really enjoyed finding all the sites I'd seen in person on this trip and on previous ones, as well as getting inspiration for the next ones!Read more