Brussels

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Belgians I’ve met have said Brussels is surprisingly sketchy and that’s certainly the impression I had venturing out from Midi Station. It didn’t seem fitting for the capital of the EU, though I suppose some would claim it is fitting.

But once in the city center the scene shifts to a high concentration of waffle stands, chocolate shops and Delirium umbrellas. And architecture that rivals the other great capitals of Europe, in particular the incredible Grand Place:

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen such ostentatious spoils of colonialism. I wonder what the second generation of recent immigrants will think of some of the statues around the city.

In contrast, the EU diplomatic buildings are uninspiring. But it’s fun to walk around the area under the gaze of security and picture what big decisions the suits might be making.

Most of the crosswalks don’t have walk signals. You just take a step and all the cars stop. Such sheep, they’d say at home.

There was a lot more to see but we were mainly passing through. Bruxelles is certainly worth at least a couple of days.

There are more photos far below.

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Photos

Manneken Pis
Happy 4th!

Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

Mussels
Mu favorite! Thanks for including them in a photo.