Belgium February 2006 - An Evening in Brussells

Hey guys – I had a really nice evening tonight. The Director of Finance took me to the city for a tour of Brussels and dinner. He drove me around showing me the sights and he’s very knowledgeable of the history of the country so that was fascinating. Brussels in particular has a notable history and is known as the “capital of Europe”. The European Community offices are here – a very modern complex right in the city center mixed in with beautiful old buildings and churches from the 16th century.

We drove through a park that was designed in 1870 that has a HUGE arch topped by a bronze four-horse chariot sculpture and surrounded by several museums. I’ve never seen the ARCH DE TRIOMPH in Paris, but it couldn’t be any more beautiful than this.

Then we went to the Grand Place – basically the city square – the streets are cobbled (which sounds very quaint and romantic, but a killer on your feet). It’s surrounded by beautiful gabled houses – there are shops, museums, art galleries, restaurants. We strolled around peeking into some galleries and shops…walked by the parliament buildings and the king’s palace. There was some fascinating sculpture everywhere. Lots of sidewalk cafes and such. We found a cozy little French restaurant and had a truly luscious meal with a great bottle of French wine. He ordered everything in French and the waiter called me “mademoiselle”. It was so chic and elegant. I just felt so cosmopolitan!!!

He is a very good conversationalist with interests in a lot of different things. We talked about Belgium poliitics which I have found somewhat fascinating since I’ve been here. His parents were friends of the king so he gave me the inside scoop on a ROYAL FAMILY SCANDAL.

(Of course, we talked about business, too).

Anyway, it was a great evening and now I am really looking forward to seeing more of Brussels. In fact, he FORBADE me to work this weekend – told me to get out and see the sights and gave me some tips on what to do and where to go – so I don’t care HOW cold it is – that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Of course, Saturday I had already planned to go to the battlefield, but Sunday I will go back to Brussels.

Later….