Out of Hibernation

It's been so long since my last post that I've found it difficult to segue into starting up again. This spring has not been the burst of renewal that it should have been. The temps have been staying cool and damp, not encouraging any sort of activity. I've also been pretty busy with freelance projects, which is always a good thing, but tends to put personal projects on the back burner. And I just haven't had much free time for blogging, including visiting some of my favorite people.

Denis has some projects for work going on in Europe and instead of flying back and forth, he thought staying for an extended period would be beneficial. So I'm tagging along for the ride... Originally we had planned on spending three months over there and bringing the dogs, but it just seemed to work out better that Denis go over for a couple of weeks, I come over for a couple of weeks, and then he'll stay for a few more weeks before having to come back home in June anyway. Then depending on how much progress they make, he may go back again. As sort of a central point, he is currently basing himself out of Brussels. We had gone to Brussels for two days a few years ago, but I really don't remember much other than how cold and windy it was. So this is a great chance for a refresher and additional exploring.

The weather has been absolutely perfect, sunny and 70s, so unlike the weather I left in Wisconsin. One of my first discoveries was Place du Petit Sablon, a pretty park encircled by interesting ironwork, and along the top of the railings are 48 statues representing the medieval guilds of the day. The focal point of the gardens is a fountain featuring Counts Egmont and Hornes, who led a Dutch uprising against the tyrannical Spanish ruler, Phillip II, but later were beheaded in the Grand Place.

Across the street from the park is Notre Dame du Sablon, standing majestically is all of it's gothic glory. Legend is that a young girl from Antwerp had a vision from the Virgin Mary to take her statue to Brussels. The girl carried the statue down the Senne river and gave it to the crossbowman's chapel, which became a place of pilgrimage. Work started in 1400 to enlarge the church, but lack of funds delayed completion for another 150 years.

Making my way to the Grand Place, were the gardens of Place de l'Albertine, the carillion clock on the arch in the Mont des Arts (twelve figures from Belgian history move as the clock strikes the hour), buildings along Place de l'Albertine, Prince Albert, and statues in Mont des Arts.

The Cathédrale Sts Michel et Gudule, is the national church of Belgium and was only granted cathedral status in 1962. Work began in 1225 and continued over a period of 300 years. Even some of the modern architecture near the cathedral pays homage to the Gothic structure. One of the first shopping arcades in Europe are the Galeries St-Hubert. And interesting art finds include these dolls by Anna Heylen hanging in the window as well as a kitty cat cyclist.

Going through the hundreds of pictures I've taken is quite the daunting task. I guess that's why "real" photographers know their shot and don't have to waste time and shots trying to get the settings and composition. Maybe one day I'll figure it out so I don't have to wade through the rejects so much.