If it's Tuesday, This Must be Belgium - 3/24/09

Waiting, waiting, waiting...seems I do a lot of hurry up and wait around here.  It's my own fault really.  I tend to be one of those people who expect a meeting to start at noon when it is scheduled at noon.  I can't tell you the number of times I've been waiting at the designated start time alone, waiting for others to show up.  I just can't grasp the concept of scheduling a meeting at, say, 10:00 am and that being not a start time for the meeting but a time when you start picking up your stuff and getting ready to head to the meeting.

Which probably explains why meetings that are supposed to end at 11:00 am run at least until 11:30, if not 12:00.

Especially here in Europe where the clock appears to be merely a suggestion rather than a precision timekeeper.

Anyway, I was waiting for a friend and colleague to show up and so I took a few shots leading up to and in the Grand Place here in Brussels.  Which taught me two very important things: 1) there is some amazing architecture and sculpture around here, and 2) I really need a new camera.

 The walk there is always pleasant.  Okay, sometimes I take the tram about half way, but mostly I like the walk.  Past this church near the Royal Palace.

This formal garden and environs has been under various levels of construction since my arrival nearly a year ago.  Almost done.  You can see the tower of city hall in the distance.

This is Albert (but not in a can)

It is still a little chilly here, which is why my brain turned blue.  Of course, having it exposed like that on top of a roof probably didn't help.

Elizabeth is there too (Belgians like their royalty, like any monarchy).  There are a tremendous amount of sculptures in Brussels, and in fact, in most of Europe.  I love it.

Arrived at the Grand Place a little early (which is even worse than being on time).  Watched this guy play a mean accordian for a while.

As I said, the architecture is incredible here.  Many of the buildings are as old as the United States.  And incredibly ornate (this was way before Frank Lloyd Wright, that's for sure).

A quick detour to the stock exchange

A lonely milk maiden alongside a local church

Some sculptures on city hall, in the center of the Grand Place

I actually had some great photos of the line of full size sculptures - or so I thought.  Which is why I need a new camera.  But this guy at the base of a column was really interesting.

This is one of my favorite angles...sharply upwards.  Of the city hall. (I like lamps too)

Well, what do you know.  The person I've been waiting for has arrived.  And darkness is falling too.  Just enough time to click one more shot.

And I'm off.  Hope you'll come back each week for If it's Tuesday, This Must be Belgium.