Stroll through Brussels

We have stocked our kitchen for breakfasts, snacks and cocktail parties. Nearby, we find a café house for tea, coffee and dessert. Many of the café houses have communal tables – large tables that will seat 10-12 people. Everyone fits in; nobody minds.

Our subway takes us back to the Grand Place where there is a tourist information center. We gather a map and some brochures of interest. With no particular agenda, we stroll through the streets, past cafés, restaurants, street vendors and chocolatiers. Chocolate is to Belgium as maple syrup is to Canada. There are large outlets, Chocopolis and Planète Chocolat with many brand names: Côte d’Or, Godiva, and Galler. We are advised that local chocolatiers produce as good a product and better priced than many of the popular brand names. A well-liked local treat is a waffle overflowing with rich hot chocolate. We can’t resist.

Our walk takes us past the infamous Manneken-Pis. This little bronze statuette was created in the 17th Century and gives us a glimpse of the bold Brussels humor. Commonly referred to as “Little Julian”, the statuette has been kidnapped and vandalized on a number of occasions. He even has an extensive wardrobe of 760 items, dress for all seasons and special events. We are amazed at the popularity of this public fountain. Visitors cheerfully line up to take pictures or have their pics taken with the legendary figure.

With its parks, flowers, shrubs and trees, Brussels is considered one of the greenest cities in Europe. We find our way to Le Jardin Botanique, the National Botanical Garden of Belgium. The garden includes a 12th Century castle that has been turned into a museum and concert venue.

Today, there is an interesting photographic exhibition, “Controversies”. Each of the photos on display has stirred personal or public debate. There is a staged photograph of a Russian soldier waving his flag over a burning Berlin in 1945. Another depicts a sensuous kiss by a young nun and priest that ruffled feathers in the Catholic Church. The most poignant of all was a Kevin Carter photograph of a starving Sudanese child and a vulture. Carter was so haunted by the photograph, he later committed suicide.