8 Feb 2009

A Grand Place in Brussels

Posted by GreenWanderer

My journey took an interesting turn when an opportunity arose to meet with some customers in Brussels, Belgium. Due to the emergence of Brussels as the political capital of Europe with the European Parliament and the NATO Headquarters, there is a convergence of many technology company presences. My day was full with meetings, but I was fortunate to have selected a hotel close to the first customer location. After an afternoon visit to a second customer located off the highway towards Antwerp, I returned to the hotel and took a quick nap.

Brussles Town Hall

That evening I set out to walk the kilometer to the “Grand Place”, the center of Brussels history and culture. This magnificent square is surrounded by impressive gothic houses. The centerpiece is the magnificent town hall which features a 97 meter tower. Many of the buildings are topped by guilded statues. Since I arrived at dusk and stayed through the evening, the gold figures glistening in the setting sun were highlighted. As night fell the square took on a ghostly image.

I strolled the streets around the Grand Place looking for a nice place for dinner. I happened upon a small alley filled with seafood restaurants each with an ambitious hawker in front exposing the advantages of the cuisine within. I wondered up and down and choose a small restaurant that listed seafood and vegetarian offerings. I enjoyed a wonderful dinner and then headed back to the hotel.

One side benefit of the trip was my new Blackberry Storm. The motivation of the Blackberry was true international access, but the multimedia features received the most use during it’s maiden voyage. I enjoyed the MP3 player during many of my transits, but the camera proved the most fun. Since I always had my phone with me, I was always at the ready to snap a picture or two.

Bon Voyage, Jay