Some things just manage to keep a low profile and remain hidden little gems which surely could describe the Felix Hap park. Although located in a very urban part of Brussels and tucked away behind a wall, the Parc Félix Hap is one of the best kept secrets of Etterbeek. Considered by many the the most beautiful park of the commune it was originally a family mansion that was donated in 1988 to the public. The garden today retains it’s peacefull quiet quaint charm and is very inviting to visitors.
brussels
Mural art realized by Mezzo, the creator of the King of the Flies comic strip illustrations as a tribute to Hergé. Mezzo of his real name Pascal Mesemberg was born in Drancy in 1960. At the age of 17, he began his career by sending illustrations in various magazines and graphzines Paris where he published his first comic strip in Métal Aventure and then collaborated with Zoulou and L’Écho des Savanes. After becoming famous working with Michel Pirus in 1989 he moved to Paris where he contributes regularly to the journal de Mickey as an illustrator and realizes the covers for Stephen King’s Librio collection novels. He also still publishes short stories in L’Écho des Savanes with his accomplice Pirus.
Photos of Tribute to Hergé fresco by Mezzo in Laeken (location):
Born 10 years ago as part of Brussels 2000, European Capital of Culture the Zinneke Parade has now grown into a biennial exuberant celebration where around 2500 local volunteers from various schools, collectives and organizations converge into the city center in a carnival atmosphere. Each edition has it’s own theme where participants create their colorful and extravagant costumes while various musicians, dancers and actors join in for the fun in what could be best described as a street opera. This year’s 6th Edition theme was : A table/Aan tafe best translated into “Have a meal” or “Come to the Table”.
Photos of the Zinneke Parade 2010
Complete set of 180 pictures:
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As most of you probably already know the winter 2009-2010 was one the coldest we have experienced in Europe in a very long time. Brussels was no exception to this and the initial sense of fun and excitement of having snow stay for a few days slowly became irritating and in the end frankly outright depressing when had to deal with it non stop from December to March. This is partly why there was been no interest on my part in updating the blog for that period of time but now that’s all a thing of the past and I happily look back, knowing summer is approaching and post a few pictures of my last attempt in winter photography dating from December.
Snow in Brussels photos:
Man shoveling snow on my street
Deserted chairs and bench in my neighborhood
Couple holding hands behind Berlaymont building
Empty street
Espace Léopold European Parliament building
Parc Leopold in the snow
Christmas tree
Bikes in the snow
Vibrant activity
Kids playing in the snow
Waiting for the bus
Center of Brussels
Parc de Bruxelles covered in a white coat
Tree at sunset
Snowman
Brussels public bikes
Cars covered in show near St. Catherine
More of the Villo rent-a-bike system in Brussels
More cars covered in snow
Although not even ten years old, the Brussels Christmas market has made a big impact on the Brussels landscape over the Christmas holidays. Today, it would be hard to imagine passing into the new year without it. Initiated by the City of Brussels’ the Christmas market is laid out within it’s center along a two kilometer long route starting from the Grand Place along the Bourse, Place Ste-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons. Featuring 240 chalets, an open-air skating rink and a Ferris Wheel all illuminated by thousands of lights. The guest of honor this year is Mongolia and every day colorful acts with local musicians and dancers wearing traditional costume that evoke the Mongol can be seen.
Opened everyday From the 27 November 2009 to January 3rd 2010
Location of the Brussels Christmas market:
Photos Marché de Noël de Bruxelles
Enjoying some ice skating
Mongolian masks
Nativity scene at Grand Place
French sausages
Sipping on Champagne
Grand place Christmas tree
Face of Babies illuminate the path to Place Sainte-Catherine
Matryoshka dolls
Further down the way to Place Sainte-Catherine
Mongolian music
Young couple
The wait for customers for a glass of Gluehwein (German Hot Wine Punch)
More French sausages…
French cheese
Kids on the Merry-go-round
Mongolian artists
Earings for sale
wooden figurines
Teddy bears
Santa keeping warm in reindeer fur
Choucroute garnie or dressed sauerkraut
dressed for winter in this unusually cold weather
Belgian fries
Ferris wheel
Figurines
Chalets with St. Catherine church in the background
lonely Santa