brussels is...?

Before we moved here, I talked to just a couple people who had lived in Belgium before. I felt like neither of them could really give me a straight answer when I asked them what it was like. After I had asked one woman if Brussels was a neat city, she responded, "No" and later added,

"But you'll have a good time".

So, a little wary and highly curious I began this Belgian experience, determined to be able to exactly define this place upon my departure. But I find that after almost 3 months of living here and D Day just 4 days away, I too am at a loss for a description of this place. The best I can do is give a few images that may help provide some sort of Belgian vibe.

Manneken Pis, the national symbol.

Apparently in 2007 the fountain was stopped for a day

due to prostate cancer.

Naturally.

St. Catherine's Cathedral - a public urinal has been installed on the side of it for anyone to "drain the potato" as they say. Confused? Me too.

If you thought this was a 12 year old boy bartending, you'd be correct.

Typical children's ride at a Brussels fair.

And while this street performer was in Antwerp, it's Belgian nonetheless.

So weird.

And don't worry, I still confuse Belgium and Brussels.

Now add on a few of these

and these

surrounded by this

and this

and you've got it.

Brussels in a blog post.

-annie