Bengal Bulletin

From time to time we all get to play host, and this is my turn to take you on a jaunt through my home territory. Brussels lies at the geographical midpoint of the nation. It is the seat of the Government, the headquarters of the European Communities, NATO, and numerous other international organisations. We don't really have much to do with them though, mostly just to give directions to lost drivers.

What we do enjoy is the richness of cultures and the cosmopolitan blending of people from other lands. Our home is in Zaventem, a small community on the outskirts of Brussels. Here, most of the locals are Flemish, speaking Nederlands, while in the centre of Brussels there are more French speaking people.

All communities have a Place situated near the centre, but the biggest and best is The Grand' Place of Brussels! Around it stands the Town Hall and the former Guildhalls. In its medieval compact shape, it is one of the most harmonious squares in the world, and is extraordinarily attractive. On Sunday mornings a Market selling exotic birds is held here, but on any given day it is possible to chase a scattering of fat pigeons!

A short stroll down a narrow street of boutique shops takes you to the Manneken Pis. It is a fountain with a bronze statue of a little boy relieving himself, which was created in 1619 by Jerome Dukuesnoy the Elder. On important holidays the figure is dressed in one of the numerous costumes which are kept in the Musee Communal. I think 'Stud Pants' must mean something different to his costume designers!

One of the most endearing qualities of Brussels is the abundance of beautiful parks. No matter which one you find yourself enjoying, your soul is enriched by the creative design as water, flora, and fauna (usually big fat birds!) create a harmonious space. Many a day is spent enjoying these creative respites of nature.

An institution of Brussels must be market shopping. There seems to be a market for everything; Bird Market, Flower Market, Antique & Old Books Market, Flea Market, Fruits & Vegetables Markets, and of course, The Marche' du Midi'. When buying baked goods, cheeses and meats, the most common phrase you are told is "it's a speciality of a small village". Those delicious hams from the Ardennes are made this way, mmmm they are so good!

Getting around Brussels is easy, for they have a highly developed system of public transit incorporating trains, the metro, trams and busses. It's a good thing too, for we have so many more places to visit; like The Royal Palace, the many museums and cultural centres, and of course, more parks. And, we have only nibbled at the corners of the culinary palate of the area; there are so many restaurants that one simply must try.

So, next Sunday morning, as you go about enjoying your usual day, perhaps you'll take a moment and think of us. Chances are that we've visited the Marche' du Midi, and laden with goodies have stopped in at Maximes for the best frieten en bier on our way home. (Did you know that there are over 400 beers in Belgium?) Maybe you'll come check it out for yourselves. Tell them, "Sunny sent you".

This interlude has been brought to you by The Pride at Mountain Park Bengals