My first trip to London was supposed to last two months. Then I was
asked to stay an extra month. Then I was asked if I would go to
Brussels for six weeks to help a customer. When that finished I
decided to stop back in London before heading out to California. (This
was all part of a transfer and I was anxious to actually unpack my
boxes and get on with life.) But as long as I would be in London, how
would I like to help out for a couple of weeks?
Those two weeks turned into two more months, at which point I was
asked to go back to Brussels for two more months. So my two month trip
turned into eight and a half. (By now I'm sure you're all in tears
over my plight.) All of which is an introduction to a few pictures I
took while I was there. I don't remember where they were taken or why
they seemed worth capturing. But then it was such a long time ago...
It took me fifteen years, but I finally returned to Brussels.
Armed with my trusty digital camera, I wandered around the city center in
search of familiar landmarks. The Grand Place wasn't too hard to find. All
I had to do was follow all the other tourists and eventually
they would lead me there.
During my first visit, I spent a lot of time walking
around the city. The funny part is that although I could remember
doing it, I couldn't remember anything unique about Brussels. Most
cities have something that makes them stand out from other
cities, whether positive or negative. On revisiting Brussels I
remembered what I'd found most distinctive the last time: the cartoon
murals that some enterprising and talented citizens had placed liven
up some otherwise undistinguished buildings. Rather an improvement
over the citizen art that decorates
my home town.
Here we see Belgium's most famous piece of art: the justly honored Manneken
Pis. (Translations are available upon request.) No visit to Brussels would
be complete without paying your respects. I'm told there's a museum nearby
for all the costumes that have been presented to the little guy. And the
souvenir shops are full of his likeness. My favorites are the bar implements.
(One guess where they place the corkscrew!) But it does make you wonder
what kind of person would consider buying one of these...
There are a couple of additional pictures from Brussels on my digital camera page.
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