It's been a week and all is well (except in Brussels)

I went to Brussels a few days ago with my host mom and sisters, and I got to see a great deal of interesting things (continue reading for pictures). It has, however, taken me some time to get to downloading the pictures, since I've been busy and also somewhat lazy. Primarily, Friday night (or Saturday morning?) was the going-away party for my older host sister, where I got to meet a lot of people who have graduated or who will be in my year at school. Also, I have been reading some stories in French: "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery and "Les Aventures de Tintin" (a comic book) by Hergé. Anyway, it is a good thing we went to Brussels when we did because since then a terrible storm hit the city: five dead at a music festival and lots of flooding. You can read more here: http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2011/08/19/storm-leaves-five-dead-at-belgian-rock-fest/ It is a surprise given that the weather when I was there just a few days before was blue and sunny. So, finally some pictures:

Like every city has, this is the "if you touch it you will have good luck" token of Brussels. I don't know if having touched the lady will cancel out with the bull in Milan...

This is THE statue of Brussels, and it's called Manneken Pis. It's a rather odd symbol for the city, since it is a little boy peeing into a fountain. There are references to him in all of the tourist shops, and he has many different outfits that he can be dressed in from time to time, particularly for different holidays or special occasions.

This is the royal palace (for business matters - the king actually lives in a different part of the city). The flag is up or down depending on whether the king is present in the country or out of state. Belgium is a constitutional monarchy, so the king still plays an active role in resolving the country's problems, which right now include the worldwide economic issues and getting a Belgian government put together (read more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13725277). The royal couple is Albert II and Paola, and they have grandchildren about my age... William may be gone, but there is still hope! :-P

These buildings are the headquarters of the European Union.

The "Arc de Triomphe" of Brussels.

The "Atomium" (looking up from the bottom) is a building built for a world fair that took place in the city. Like Manneken Pis, it is another landmark found in all of the tourist shops.

An excellent example of art nouveau architecture, which is actually a museum of musical instruments. Just down the street from here I tried my first truly Belgian waffle, which was delicious, by the way.

On my next trip to Brussels later this week, I will be visiting the Belgian senate (maybe they will have a government by then?) and a few days later I will be taking a vacation with my host family to southern France. More updates soon to come.

P.S. Another great song to add to your collection: "Another Morning" by Moody Blues from their concept album, "Days of Future Passed" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufHN9ag-JRE Better yet, listen to the whole album from the beginning, since it is a concept album after all. (You probably know the last song - "Nights in White Satin".)