Waterloo

One of the most famous battles in the world, the site of Napoleon's final battle is located just south of Brussels.  It was very nice to "cross over" into the French part of Brussels and be able to understand and communicate fluently.  The outcome of this war in 1815 forever changed the course of European history and provided a positive outlook for the future with united allies.

La Butte du Lion (the Lion's Mound) stands today as a symbol of a peaceful united Europe and was man-made using dirt from the actual battlefields.  Visitors are invited to climb the over 200 stairs to the summit that overlooks the sites of the battle that would ultimately result in Napoleon's final exile.  I decided to bear down and make the hike up the stairs (how could I not?) despite my eye issues and a rather profound dislike of stairs!

In addition to the Butte, there is a wax museum and animated panorama of the battles and strategy.  An awesome site indeed.