Brussels: Xmas3 Grand Place

This is the Brussels’ very modern take on the Christmas tree. It’s called Xmas3 and has been erected in Grand Place for Christmas. It is 24 meters tall and during the day visitors can enter it and get a wonderful view over the square from the top of the structure. Some locals liken it to a pharmacy sign; others love this contemporary Christmas tree.

http://www.channelstv.com/home/2012/12/04/electronic-tree-in-brussels-sparks-controversy/

http://visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_en/minisite_winterwonders/christmas-market.do

Brussels: The Manneken Pis turns Irish

I normally don't repeat myself quite so quickly but here is the Manneken Pis yet again. I was in Brussels on St Patrick's day and the little peeing statue was doing his bit to join in the festivities. The Grande Place and surrounding area was full of Irish families wearing large Irish headwear adorned in green, white and orange.

I don't know how many national costumes the Manneken Pis has, but if in Brussels on any particular National day then I suggest wandering the short distance from the Grande Place to
see if the little fellow is joining in the fun.



http://www.ilotsacre.be/images/virtualvisit/manneken_pis.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannequin_pis

Brussels: The Manneken Pis plays Lacrosse

Once more in my blog I shall pay a visit to my favourite little statue of a peeing boy - The Manneken Pis. On my last visit to Brussels he was dressed ready for a game of Lacrosse. Well, at least it beats being a uroligist, which is what he was dressed up as during a previous visit.

If in Brussels make sure you wander down from the Grande Place to see if this little chap is dressed up for the day (most days he pees unadorned and uninhibitied). He tends to wear the costumes between 09:00 and 16:00. It's quirky and fun.

http://www.ilotsacre.be/images/virtualvisit/manneken_pis.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannequin_pis

Brussels: Manneken Pis celebrates the prostate

I have blogged about the Manneken Pis before (and shall no doubt do so again). This eccentric icon for the citizens of Brussels is to be found just of the magnificent architectural confection that is the Grande Place. This little statue of a peeing boy is regularly dressed up in some costume or other. When I was last in Brussels they were celebrating (and I'm not kidding) THE INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE PROSTATE.

The Manneken Pis was joining in the fun by being dressed up as a urologist. He may have looked rather cute in his little medical gowns but that was tempered by him holding some really mean looking probe. My eyes still water at the memory of it.

If you are in Brussels it is always worth seeking him out to see if he is dressed up or peeing au natural.

http://www.ilotsacre.be/images/virtualvisit/manneken_pis.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannequin_pis

Brussels: Grand Place

It's probably the law or something but everyone, and I mean everyone has to visit the Grand place (Grote Markt) when in Brussels.

Its origins go back about a thousand years but its current form took shape in the late 17th century when it was rebuilt after a visit from about 70,000 French soldiers. It's a wierd fusion of gothic and baroque but it really does "wow" you when you first step into it from the rather narrow side streets that lead into it.

It is of course THE tourist trap in Brussels, but is none the worse for that. The square itself has some rather pleasant bars to sit out in and enjoy the view. Just off the square are numerous little souviener shops and resturants. The manneken pis is also just a few minutes walks away. If you are on a flying visit to the political hub of the European Union it is a definite must see. As I am in Brussels a lot I frequently try and deviate my route in order to pass through it when heading back to Brussels Central Station which is only a few minutes walk away. Go see it, you will be impressed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Place

http://www.ilotsacre.be/site/en/curiosities/grand_place-brussels.htm

Brussels: Chocolate Easter Bunnies

When visiting Brussels the one thing you cannot avoid to notice is the shear number of chocolate shops situated in the centre of the city (especially in the vicinity of the Grand Place). Belgians really appreciate their chocolate and seem to delight in selling all sorts of chocolate figures.

I've noticed that at Easter you do not get quite the profusion of chocolate eggs that you would see in the UK, it seems to be chocolate rabbits that are everywhere. It is always worth a look in a chocolatier's window just for the impressive displays. You might even be tempted to go in and buy something (but will it last the journey home?).

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Belgium/Region_de_Bruxelles_Capitale/Brussels-357567/Shopping-Brussels-Chocolates-BR-1.html

Brussels: The Sequence

The offices I regularly visit in Brussels are just opposite the Flemish Parliament. I noticed about a year ago some colourful scaffolding being erected outside the parliament. When it had been up for some time with no visible sign of any construction work being carried out I wandered over to have a closer look. It then became obvious that it was not scaffolding but some new sculpture!

The piece is called The Sequence by an artist called Arne Quinze. I have yet to meet any Belgium that likes this work, but I believe that it is only meant to last a few years. To call it incongruous is an understatement but it is very different, very big and very colourful.

If, on a trip to Brussels, you happen to be near the Flemish Parliament then I do recommend that come come and see it for yourself so you can make up your own mind about this rather striking and thoroughly modern sculpture.

http://www.arnequinze.tv/#/en/installations/the-sequence

Brussels: Jeanneke Pis

The Jeanneke Pis (or Janneken Pis) is the female counterpart to Brussels' beloved statue of a little peeing boy - the Manneken Pis. She is situated off the Grand Place more or less equidistantly opposite from her male colleague. Unlike the Manneken Pis, she is kind of hidden in a little alley off the Rue des Bouchers (only a few minutes walk from the Grand Place).

I have seen her a couple of times but she is definitely less well known than the little boy statue. Also, each time I have visited she has never been peeing. Could it be that the people of Brussels are somewhat embarrassed by this naked little girl but are happy to celebrate a little peeing boy.

Perhaps I'm being unkind - she has only been around for a few decades whereas the Manneken Pis has let flow disgracefully in public for the last few hundred years.

If you have some time to spare and you are near the Grand Place then why not tick this off your list of slightly quirkier things to see when travelling.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janneken_Pis

Brussels: Manneken Pis does Elvis!

As a regular visitor to Brussels I occasionally have a stroll through the Grand Place. When there I find myself often tempted to stroll down a nearby side street to visit the Manneken Pis: a little statue of a peeing boy. It must say something about the people of Belgium (though I'm not sure what exactly) that they seem to take great pride in this 61 cm (24 inch) tall bronze figure.

It's always great fun for myself and for the constant crowds of tourists that visit him that although naked on most days the citizens of Brussels will occasionally dress him up in variety of costumes. I could understand that he may wear the occasional military uniform or folk costume but sometimes, just sometimes he appears in wholly unexpected attire. The picture in this blog shows him dressed as Elvis!

It's good to see that there is a country that doesn't take their "national treasures" too seriously.

http://www.ilotsacre.be/images/virtualvisit/manneken_pis.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannequin_pis