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InnerAsia4Europe:1st stop -
Belgium

'Tis Grand Place Magic
A Tall Tale by InnerAsia

InnerAsia



	Contemporary Belgium is understood by looking into its past and its diverse parts. Segregated by race, language, culture, class and income among the Flemish and the Walloon communities, compromise was the way to avoid further conflict. Hence, the approach of treating the different parts of the country as "separate, but equal", evolved as a means of holding the State together. Despite two principal languages, Flemish and French, and multi-parties present in government, Belgium's constitution and monarchy act as unifying forces. Subsequently lending much importance to Belgium is the pivotal role of the illustrious city, Brussels, renowned as the capital of Europe. Brussels remains intriguingly irregular. It is a French-speaking piece of land in a Flemish-speaking region. It is home to the European Union, the Nato headquarters and to over 1,500 inter-governmental agencies, trade associations and companies. By and large, the Brussels region is prosperous. It is also the third wealthiest in the European Union. As Brussels is top-of-mind when one refers to Belgium, the abundance there is in the spectrum of this country is actually found in its famous chocolate and beer; its interesting festivals, modern infrastructure, visual arts, lifestyle cafes, architecture, cuisine and the irresistable countryside. Tourists can easily delight in experiencing almost the whole of Europe in this country, with a third of its population that are nationals from all over the continent. There is so much more you can discover in this small land that continues to lure visitors worldwide. Where then lies that charm of Belgium, but in the warmth and talent of its people. Although my acquaintance with Belgian trivia is limited only to my own field of experience, I wish to behold the splendor of my dreams in the eyes of, at least, some lovable Belgians with whom I was happy to be acquainted as our personal ties have crossed borders.

	I wonder what it's like to have coffee in a genuine, outdoor European cafe. I only have that kind of experience at Star Buck's or imagine from pictures of wonderful travel books. How I wish someone will bring me here someday. Yeah, in my dreams! Here are pictures of Belgium, mostly of Brussels. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Grand Place is a central square and the site of many tournaments, ceremonies and special events. It was originally part of a large marsh. It was drained in the 12th century and later named the Grand Place. At Brussels, there's an urban distinction between the Upper and Lower City. Both can be explored by foot. Here, you have guildhouses that combine grandeur with conviviality and a Gueuze beer (known as the champagne of beer). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Then, there's the cheeky little Manneken Pis, a small child statue that urinates.Legend says that the child demonstrated courage at the time of war as he relieved himself amidst the bombings around him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Belgium is known for its wonderful chocolate, beer, laces and multi-linguistic people (Flemish, French, German and English-speaking citizens) that has divided the regions, but Brussels' pivotal role as the heart of Europe keeps the Flemish and Wallonians from bringing the country into total disarray. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Grand Place is dressed according to the season, and in the summer, a bautiful floral carpet, the Tapis des Fleurs, covers much of the square with 1,860 squre meters of begonias. Ideally seen at night, like below, the Grand Place is "the grandest stage set in the world", as Jean Cocteau put it, with the core of Brussels' life, civic and commercial traditions. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

		The Grand Place is Europe's most beautiful central square, located at the center of Brussels. Visitors are always inclined to be drawn to it because of its baroque, romantic architecture. Adjacent to the Grand Place is the Hotel Amigo, behind the Town Hall. It is also close to the La Monnaie, the Gare Central Station and Bourse Beurs. The streets surrounding the perimeters of the Grand Place are tete d'Or, Colline, and Rue de L'Amigo. In the Grand Place is also the Grote Market. Noteworthy to mention of this place is its historical grandeur at one point by the turn of the 20th century. It is said that one night, the Grand Place was a rendezvous point for a young man named, Fabian, and his lover. Sparks flew during the night as it turned deep, while the two lovers engaged in their passionate tryst under a lovely oak tree. Suddenly, as lucky visitors were witnesses to such visual delight at this particular time, a falling star fell upon the spot where the two lovers were busily huddling. Startled, Fabian's lover scampered away, leaving him alone and breathless, as a goddess from the sky, said to be the divine Moon Goddess, took him into its glorious, luminous wings and unto new heights of bliss that the young Fabian had never known before. He was touched by the ecstatic pleasure of true love's first kiss. Such is the magic that happened at the Grand Place. Many convincingly attested to the taking of the young Fabian by the Moon Goddess, and word spread around Belgium and Europe about this spectacular phenomenon. To date, it is reported that Fabian is in disguise, living under the roof of the sublime Moon Goddess in some unknown location. Meanwhile, the Grand Place remains a favorite among Europeans and visitors worldwide, as hope is placed in their waiting that once more, they may bear witness to the magic behind the taking of Fabian. Visitors are encouraged to continue gazing at the night sky, to keep watch over the falling star of the Moon Goddess. So every 6th day of September of the year, all of Belgium and Europe commemorate this story at the Grand Place. This is in loving affection for the young Fabian and in celebration of his having found his one true love. Behind, the Grand Place beckons lovers to come by for miracles that might just be in store for them.