On my first day in Brussels I slept in a little late but was treated to a breakfast at the place I’m staying, which was great! After breakfast I went out into the city to see the Grand Place, The Comic Book Center Museum, and St. Micheal’s Cathedral.
On my way to the city center and the Grand Place I passed the National Gallery, afraid of the same mistake I’d made in Paris I seized the opportunity to visit. The most impressive works were the Peter Bruegel, but many Flemish painters were represented. A real surreal experience came when I turned a corner on a completely empty room and was face to face with The Death of Marat, striking painting that I remember from both art class and history. What was so strange, beside seeing the work, is that there wasn’t a soul in the room.
As you walk through Brussels you are struck by Graffiti both really well done Murals and tags. Graffiti is all over the place.
After the art museum I wandered through the Grand Place though I decided to leave the museum until tomorrow. It is a striking square, you are walking in a typical curved street and out into a square you are surrounded by this incredible Gothic architecture.
After eating a picnic lunch on the steps of the museum I went to find the Comic Museum. I knew the Belgiuns were intrested in comics because of Tin Tin but I had no idea to the degree they enjoyed them. Unfortuantly all the comics at the museum library were in Danish or French but there was a tremendous amount. I had a good time, similar to my excursion to the film museum in Paris.
My last stop of the day was St. Micheals Cathedral. It is a Gothic Cathedral similar to others seen on this trip. This Cathedrals are abosultly massive in size and yet every place I visit has a number of them, it really shows the power of the Catholic church over Europe.
An odd story about visit. I walked in and was photographing a tapestry when an old woman came up and asked if I knew the story of the stained glass that surrounds the cathedral. She goes on to take me on a tour of the cathedral pointing out the story and how the church ended up housing several pieces of the original Host.
I’ve enjoyed Brussels so far. I like how much smaller it is, I really needed a break from the crowds.
Going East 