As some of you may know, I recently relocated to Brussels, Belgium. The capital city of the european union is a city rich in history and cultural diversity, and has something for everyone. At first I didn't know anybody, so I went to the skatepark in the centrum of the city, hoping to make some friends. Im doing my thing, you know, back tail here, sw flip there, and next think you know I’m playing skate (and losing) to a local named damien, who had flawless tre flips. He found out I am english speaking, and recommends a irish bar/club named Celtica. Which is located close to the Grade Place, the center of the city. Stoked, I am for my first night out since I’ve been here, because drinking while on MSN and Facebook loses its appeal real quick, especially with the time difference. On my way out, I fail to smuggle some beers under the nose of my father, forced to ditch them I hit up the closest “night shop” which sells cheap smokes, beer, and porn. I buy 2 bacardi & colas, a tall Maes, and a tall Jupiler, which are 2 big Belgian beers, similar to our Konanee and Canadian.
As I walk through my neighborhood, Saint-Josse, sipping my drinks, I can’t help but think of the cove, and wishing some friends were with me getting darrr-unk. However, I march on. Excited to go club it. During my walk, I stop because a pair of musians are playing “here comes the sun” and then “layla”- some of my favorites. Naturally, I had to chill and have another beer with the crowd watching. I consider my self lucky to witness this out of the blue. It was a very cool, laid back atmosphere. After they finish I waste no time in continuing my trek, as excitement builds. Not having been to the center of town yet since arriving in Brussels, and having one beer left, I stop at the familiar square to soak up some more of the nightlife. I notice there is an oddly large group of people buzzing around the area, young and old alike. I have been here many times, but always in the day. Thinking nothing of it, I discard my thoughts of question. All of a sudden every light goes off in the town centrum, except one. I look around to see everyones eyes locked on the same place, very high in the center tower of the largest building, the city hall, where a perfect yellow circle is eliminated. And then a booming voice comes from the towers, speaking in french, powerful and clear, but meaning nothing to me. Amongst the excitement and confusion I regret not paying attention in Ms Goodmans class. And then as if it came from nowhere, the most vibrant colors illuminate the hundreds of life size sculptures of priests and saints that are high up on the wall. Reds, blues, greens, and purples, all in harmony with brilliant violins and tubas. This was truly a symphony of light. I sit there in awe, slightly drunk at this point, and cant help but think I struck gold on my first night out, before I even reached the bar. After It was over, I went on to Celtica, and sure it was a good time, but the spontaneity of the free music/ light-show was much more entertaining.
I realized sometimes while traveling to a set destination, one shouldn't make haste, but relax and enjoy the journey, you may find something far better along the way.
