Hello everyone. I know this is not a very interesting topic to most of you, but I wanted to let all my friends (and enemies) that I will not be posting much in the next 3 months, as I will be on a different time schedule and very busy exploring my old hunting grounds in Europe. I will be spending most of the next three months in Belgium, with a few days of relaxation in Italy, and France, as I do almost every year. This year will be a little different, though. I will be spending a lot of that "vacation" time renovating a condo in the city where I grew up: Liege, Belgium. Some day, I may actually move into that condo and enjoy a return to the old country. . .especially if the political climate in the US doesn't improve in 2014 and 2016! I realize that not many people will be interested in this, but if anyone would like to know more about Belgium, or Liege, or even Northern Italy, I will be glad to answer questions to the best of my abilities. In anyways, I will keep in touch, mostly reading the "current events," and will post once in awhile. I won't be far. . .but I won't be posting every day either. . .which (I KNOW ) will be a relieve to some of you! Enjoy your Summer, as much as I will enjoy mine!
A better question would be . . .why does anyone? The "manneken pis" is the statue of a little boy (about 3 to 4 year old) who . . .is in the process of relieving himself in a fountain. He is extremely popular. . .in an extremely "popular" neighborhood in the heart of old Brussels. Most people who have heard about it are kind of disappointed when they see the statue. . .it is "life size" for a little boy of 3 years old. . .and is not very impressive. But Manneken pis has received HUNDREDS of costumes from all over the world, and you can often see him all dressed up (although I like him best naked. . .as he was "born") in a "beefeater" costume, or a "Marquis de Lafayette" costume. . .or an American Indian costume... .etc. . . If you ever have the opportunity to go seem him, I suggest you allow yourself at least 4 hours, so you could visit a MUCH MORE worthy site (La Grand Place de Bruxelles) and have a very decent meal, typical of the very tasty and diverse "Belgian cuisine" in "La Rue des Bouchers" which is nearby. I recommend sticking to the "tourist menu" which EVERY restaurant will offer (by law), and is a LOT cheaper than the regular "a la carte" menu. . . which will cost you at least 3 to 4 times more, and won't be any better! I'll try to find a picture of Manneken pis in a costume and post it for you. Here is a link to a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrUjJhX5u7Q
Just when I am becoming a regular member again, you have to bail out. See how you are? Darn, I hope you have the greatest time of your life. I really do and you will be missed. Jiyuu
I drive through Belgium every few weeks. I really like the country. Bruges is amazing. I recently visited Dinant, and will even be visiting friends near Brussels this weekend. Hope you enjoy your stay.
WELCOME HOME, Sadanie! Yeah, haven't been active on PF.com the last couple of months -- things have been crazy! By now you've already noticed that Belgium is still Belgium, and Belgians are still Belgian! Mmmm... France, huh? I'm still seeking a good destination for a one-week-get-a-away. I was thinking about Marseille -- never been there...
Thanks! And I'm glad you're back. I must say that I'm too busy at this time to post much, but I plan on catching up when I return to my home at the end of September. Yes, Belgium is still Belgium, lovely and old, and a little outrageous! The food is still excellent and the weather has been much nicer than usual this Summer! I think I'll be back again in May 2014, and this time for a longer stay!
Is this addressed to me? Well, just in case: My sister in law is Italian, and she returns to the little village of San Martino di Campana, in the home where she grew up, every year. So I visit my brother and her there almost every year. It is near the city of Aviano (a large American military base) and about 60 miles North of Venice. It nestles at the foot of the mountains and it is lovely and peaceful, but just a train ride to Venice a a couple hours drive to Slovenia and Croatia.
Antwerp is the cocaine capital of Europe... How Antwerp turned into Europe's go-to city for cocaine Saturday 31 May 2014 ~ Antwerp, Belgium's genteel port city, is now revealed as a global drugs gateway and the cocaine capital of Europe
