There is a band in Brussels. BFGLP. Band for Good Looking People. They do not think about themselves as good looking, but they are provoked when ugly people are listening to them.
The photo session is done. The concept is settled. Now they have to learn how to play the guitar.
Sun (believe it or not) in Brussels and some electronica.
Piknik electronik!
A launderette is a frequent element in the streetscape in Europe. In many residential areas you find one on every street. As a friend told me: "Next to the washing machines people that never otherwise would have met start talking. Clothes, and the procedure of washing them, is the lowest common denominator". True or not, the launderettes are friendly. Next to my place in Brussels there are plenty of them. In the entire Sweden there is one! Or so I have heard, I have actually not seen it yet. I presume this says something about spontaneous meetings in Scandinavia.
Capital of the Belgian Kingdom is full of signs. During the week-end I made photos of a few of them.
Sir Fatty cannot stop laughing when seeing the sign of Rue de la Victoire. The first obvious question is, which victory do the Belgians have in mind? Is there actually one, and if so, is it something to be proud of?
Belgian quality? Irony is always most amusing when it is unintended.
In quest of urban environment? Then you know you are on the right track!
During the week-end there was a rainbow over Brussels as the Brussels Gay Pride took place. There was even a glimpse of sun as thousands of people were partying in the streets to loud music.
The small boy pissing also has fashion ambitions that can be generalised to the Kingdom of Belgium.
Not only human beings pissing are merited a statue in central Brussels. According to me, the focus on urinating creatures is somewhat narrow.
The second national pride, which also not is subject of pretensions, can be combined with the pissing young man. How does it feel that the national dish number one is named after another country? French fries!
As part of the Parcours d’Artistes in Saint-Gilles many artists had their home open for visitors during the week-end. We ended up in the home of a very interesting and friendly man and artist.
Mr. La Haye will soon turn 71 years old. Born in 1939 and holding a PhD in law, he was the last Belgian judge to leave Congo. When he came back to Belgium he started to paint. He is an autodidact, and it seems like he gets inspiration from his years in Congo. Many of his works are in the same style. Actually, based on the 50 paintings we saw, all are in the same category. That is, they picture naked or almost naked black women.
Some of the paintings are self-portraits. La Haye is not intimidated by painting himself dressed up as a judge next to a not as fully clothed lady. An interesting mix that frequently figures in the art of magistrate La Haye.
Mr. La Haye is the first Belgian artist I meet. To me it seems like he is a good representative for the general Belgian painter. It was enriching to get to learn more about typical Belgian art.
Former judge La Haye in his home next to a model (who actually called him 'Papa' - can it be more classy?) and a few masterpieces.
The other day a friend lost her love to another cooler girl (I understand the guy, but of course did not tell my friend). Since being single is one of few subjects I have expertise in and vast experience from, she consulted me for advices and consolation. I suggested the following activities in order to heal the misery (ordered from best to worst solution):
2. Buy two packs of cigarettes, leave the lighter at home, ask somebody in the street to light the first one, find a bench in a dirty rainy road, chain smoke by using the finished cigarette to light the next one until the packs are empty, go home.
3. Go out with me.
Fortunately for her mental health and future CV she did not choose alternative three, but instead went for number one.
Having drinks at a local shabby bar is not a question of if or when in Brussels. The tricky question is where. Literally one out of two corners host a bar. It might be Jupiler or Maes which is their principle beer, but in general you know that for less than two Euros you can pour a beer in your throat.
These local venues play a crucial role in the Brussels lifestyle. They are characterised by all the same – all different. You go there to get a drink in a smoky and comfortable environment in good company with the locals.
Close to my flat there are a few of them that I really like.
Although I have been drinking at hundreds of bars around the world I have never before seen a better name than Au Petit Bureau (At the Small Office). If anybody has, please let me know. It just tells so much about Belgian (Wallonian in particular) work ethic. You do not even have to lie to your boss or wife while telling them you are going to the office.
The Belgian version of the Marlboro Man is a frequent visitor to the local Jupiler bar.
Hail to the King.
A man shows up with a few beers. It seems like he is looking for something.
Just to kill a myth: photographers are NOT cool.
Walking is good. I have always been a fond of it. Normally I am too restless not to walk fast. Although in tough competition with my brother, I am rarely passed by another pedestrian. Walking around in an urban environment among thousand fellow walkers who are completely anonymous to you is a joy. All together, all focusing on their own business, all with their destinations. Some occasions are nevertheless good for slowly strolling around. Getting lost and finding new paths. This is what I did in Brussels the other day. With my camera. The glimpse from my lonely walk shown below hopefully illustrates that the capital of Belgium (currently without Prime Minister) is more than just a temple for eurocrats. The town is actually rather vivid and full of Belgians.
National pride: French fries and beer in a cozy environment.
No need for smart phones in a high-tech country. Baggy pants are surely
coming back this spring, although all not have realized it yet.
Classic and classy: dress loosely, get your baguette at Le Coin Bleu and be a real Saint Gilles bobo.
Snails? Possible to combine with frites and mayonnaise. Not only Swedes have adopted the moustache trend.
