I am back from Brussels now and although I spent most of my time there in meetings I did get a free evening to explore. So, straight after the first day's meetings I went back to the hotel to freshen up and then it was straight out and about.
The weather was showery and chilly but that didn't dampen my spirits as I always love being in a foreign city with time, no matter how little, to explore. I have been to Brussels on business before so I headed straight for the Grand Place, a wonderful cobbled square surrounded by grand historic buildings. The first time I saw it, it made me gasp at it's architectural grandeur. I did not expect it to have the same effect on me again but I was wrong. It was dark by the time I got there and as I rounded the corner and the square opened up before me I stopped dead in my tracks. I was met with quite a spectacle.
The square was full of people and nearly everyone was watching a light show which was playing on the church like building that dominates one side of the square. Operatic pieces and other music (such as the piece in my video), filled the square and the lights changed with the music to create a kind of theatrical spectacle. I stopped near to the life sized nativity and Christmas tree and recorded the video above on my mobile (cell) phone. It's not quite the same as being there but it's the best I could do.
After watching for a time I went to find something to eat and then visited the Christmas markets where I bought some hand made decorations and. of course, chocolate before heading back to the hotel, via the Grand Place where the lights and music played on.
The weather was showery and chilly but that didn't dampen my spirits as I always love being in a foreign city with time, no matter how little, to explore. I have been to Brussels on business before so I headed straight for the Grand Place, a wonderful cobbled square surrounded by grand historic buildings. The first time I saw it, it made me gasp at it's architectural grandeur. I did not expect it to have the same effect on me again but I was wrong. It was dark by the time I got there and as I rounded the corner and the square opened up before me I stopped dead in my tracks. I was met with quite a spectacle.
The square was full of people and nearly everyone was watching a light show which was playing on the church like building that dominates one side of the square. Operatic pieces and other music (such as the piece in my video), filled the square and the lights changed with the music to create a kind of theatrical spectacle. I stopped near to the life sized nativity and Christmas tree and recorded the video above on my mobile (cell) phone. It's not quite the same as being there but it's the best I could do.
After watching for a time I went to find something to eat and then visited the Christmas markets where I bought some hand made decorations and. of course, chocolate before heading back to the hotel, via the Grand Place where the lights and music played on.
17 comments:
Nice.
I trust the Walloons and Flemish weren't brawling in the streets. I've read rumblings lately about some sort of divorce a la the Czechs and Slovaks, which I find interesting.
Cheers.
Glad you could enjoy yourself after a day's work. Michele sent me here to tell you to take it easy. You seem to be working too hard!
rooted
reading room
What a FANTASTIC "Light Show",
B-K...! Amazing really, especially with the music and changing the lights in time with the music! That would have taken my breath away, too!
I am amazed at hiw steady you held your camera/phone....lol!
This was Fabulous, my dear, just FABULOUS!
Operatic music? That's QUEEN!! How great... Bohemian Rhapsody for the masses. I loved it!
Thanks so much for sharing... it must have been spectacular in person!
Here via michele!
Yep, well spotted - It certainly was Queen in my video, but the majority of the music was operatic with the odd 'other music' gem like the one I recorded thrown in. Bohemian Rhapsody had one of the more dramatic light shows to accompany it! :)
VERY cool, Bob-kat. Glad you're home safe!
That must have been spectacular in person, Bob-Kat! Thanks for sharing.
Hello, Michele sent me to say that your trip on the square sounded lovely! Isn't it nice when you find something that takes your breath away.
Am glad you had a nice trip - even though it was work related.
I'd so like to go to Europe; I've only been to England, and I need to explore more.
Michele sent me.
Oh. My. God. That is absolutely amazing. Stunning. Incredible. Breath-taking.
Thank you........
I still think we should have a girly trip away!
oh, and I have emailed you....
cq
Great architecture always seems to go better with a classic tune from Queen. I love how you bring home your business travel adventures. I relate so well to your vibe.
Popped by from Michele's on this quiet Sunday in Canada.
That is truly amazing! Even that tiny video gave me chills. That building truly seemed to come alive. Thanks for sharing bob-kat. You always have such interesting things! Michele says hi too.
The son et lumiere looks great. I hope you managed to sip a Belgian beer as well, at some point!
Op uw gezondheid! rashbre
Wow! How good was that? I bet it was spine tingling stuff if you were there. I *heart* things like that...
We hope to visit Brussels next year so I'll be keeping my eye out for this cathedral, that's for sure. During the day it must look lovely...
Michele sent me back to have a look at it again!
rooted
reading room
What a great sight to discover on your free night!..Full marks for holding your phone still for that length of time! 'steadycam Bobkat!
PS..Classic archetecture and classic music!
Wow. Just wow.
And what an odd (but really fun and dramatic) song to choose.
Thank you for sharing that with all of us!
~S
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