Mon 24 Apr 2006
I have now returned from my second trip to Brussels. The first was with the Oxford University Strategic Studies Group and the second was for my own research as well as establishing some ties between the James Martin Institute and the European Commission.
The second trip I went by myself, stayed in a shady part of town, and generally tried not to be a tourist. Instead, I spent two days 'living' in the city: going to the store, eating lunch in a park, drinking coffee at the corner cafe, and generally just standing around - that's what the Belgians seem to be best at (at least outside the EU district).
Check out my pictures from the trips. Also, I encourage you to have a look at the website for the Atomium, a representation of a crystal molecule enlarged 165 billion times. It has a museum and lots of other stuff inside of it!
May 2nd, 2006 at 2.54 am
Hi, again, Sam
I’m jealous that you are getting to spend time in my favorite city on earth. Is the Grand Place amazing, or what? Also, the frites and mussels, the waffles and the beer - which is so strong it gave me a hangover after only one but, man, was it ever tasty! Next time you go, walk up and down the Avenue Louise. It has the most amazing array of elegant men’s clothing/accessories I have ever seen. Even Paris is second-rate compared to Brussels for men’s stuff! And if you have time, go down to Waterloo - it’s worth the trip. Of course, it’s a place of rejoicing for the British and of regret for the French, but being there really makes the battle come to life!
enjoy!
Pam