Brussels
had a series of shocks this year.
In March, it had a serious terrorist attack. In June, the "EU capital" city was politically
shaken with the UK’s decision to leave EU, known as “Brexit”.
I
visited the city for the first time in seven years. I found various changes.
They
introduced stricter security -check measures the attack. I found soldiers and
policemen in many places, including at the South Station and in the airport building. It was not often seen before the terrorist
attack.
At
the airport, we cannot access by cars to the entrance of the departure floor. I needed to carry my travel bags from
the parking space through concrete block walls to the check-in floor.
I
visited Molenbeek-St.-Jean district, where members of terrorist attacks in
Brussels in 2016 and in Paris in 2015 had stayed.
The
Schuman district hosts many European Union institutes including the headquarters
of European Commission. There are 28 flag polls in front of the building. I
wondered when it would become 27, instead of 28, with the UK's leave from the EU (see the top photo).
The
Grand Palace was elegant as usual. The place was full of tourists. Some of they
were sitting on the ground made of stones. Some were lying themselves down on the ground and using their smart phones. (see also the 2nd photo from the top)
Other attractive places include:
Brussels as well as Belgium is famous for its cartoon culture. There are various cartoons
painted in the walls of the buildings.
Like
other major cities in Europe, Brussels introduced pubic bicycle sharing scheme.
I happened to see an officer moving the bikes from a station to others.
There
are many restaurants of the mussel and other Belgium sea foods. I enjoyed it at a restaurant near Grand Place.
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