Day: 60
I started my day with a lack of sleep but still gathered enough will to take a walk all over the old town city center and try to see some of the sights. I started in the main square and worked my way out trying to set myself straight in this city. A few hours of this and I came across an internet cafe where I could upload the last couple of entries and check my email. From there I was near one of Brussels main sights, a foot and half tall statue of a child pissing. I am not really sure why its so amazing, but everyone wanted a picture and they sell replicas all over town, so there must be a great story behind it. Maybe tomorrow I’ll go to the museum and try to find out the history about it.
Around two in the afternoon, after I had enjoyed a cup of Belguim hot chocolate in a cafe, I headed back towards the hostel for a little siesta. A few hours of sleep worked wonders and when I woke I remembered it was dad’s birthday and I went off to find a phone card to call him. I bought a 5 euro card, which in most countries is about 20 minutes, but after I entered my pin number the automated woman told me I have 250 minutes to the U.S. Score! But it means now I have to call everyone I know because I just can. I had great conversation with Dad about his birthday party (his 50th) he was setting up, and how I’ve been doing.
I was able to talk two british guys (Dan and Liam) in my room into going with me to the bar I was at last night to try some more of the Belguim beer selection. When we got there, the bar was pack (I forgot it was Saturday) and we had to wait for 15 minutes for our first round, which I just ordered six random beers (2 each) hoping to have a varied selection of what they were offering. With 2000+ choices how am I to know where to start, I’ll just trust the bartender to choose well. Most of the beers we got were around 9%-11% alcohol, so it was closer to the alcohol content of wine than beer, but it was incredibly tasty. Since I had bought the first round of two beers each, Liam and Dan just naturally assumed we each would buy the same amount and get slightly drunk (well more than just slightly). The only bummer today was that my trial version of Microsoft Office expired and I need a 25 character password (hint,hint) or my grammer and spelling will begin to suffer as I write everything on wordpad.
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For what it’s worth… the statue is called Manneken Pis, which means, “little boy peeing”. There are numerous tales that go along with some little boy saving the country by peeing… and this is a bronze statue representing it. You will love this part– the statue used to pee alcohol!! It’s been stolen a few times, but their big “thing” is that they dress him up in hundreds of costumes. Ohhh… if you do happen to go to a museum, look for a painting called The Entry of Christ into Brussels, by James Ensor, it’s kinda cool. (There might only be copies of it… I think the US has the original) It was the first painting that directly opposed the “standard” depiction of Christ… it’s very cartoonish and just sets Him as a humble leader.
Whether water, urine or alcohol, I certainly wouldn’t drink it from this source.
I agree with Gramps, don’t drink the water whether it be from a peeter or a fountain.
And what a birthday it was. Las Vegas style casino action (4 tables), Sarah & Aaron were one of the bigger winners, Kareoke/DJ into the night, huge amounts of catered food for a great turnout. I love to give of myself, and this was just another way I could give to all my loved ones. You would have enjoyed it Rob. Matthew even flew in for the weekend thanks to Sarah & Josh.
Thanks Jo for the history of the fountain.
Oh what winners we were! Dad gave away all sorts of “cool” stuff and Aaron and I won the most! Actually it was a fun party, you would have enjoyed it. Dad had fun dancing and singing karaokee with all his friends.