National Memoirs: Brussels of Spring

Last night, my Opera singing roommate asked, "Lindsay, what's your favorite city in Europe?" I didn't even have to hesitate. "Brussels," I replied. Architecturally speaking, Brussels is about as timeless and charming as cities come. All of the buildings are about the same height: perhaps 3 to 4 stories high, as if personifying equality. A colorful array of pastel pink, blue, yellow, and lime green homes line the avenues. Statues and memorials line the islands and corners that divide the cobblestone streets. Belgians have never historically sought power in an imperialistic way, nor have they rustled too many feathers, and have in a way been handed the European Union to help lead this relatively peaceful period of European history. "The last shall be first and the first shall be last." This peaceful, colorful city has sit snug all these centuries and has become an epicenter of continental and international diplomacy. Neutrality triggers diplomacy, and this quaint and humble city has silently earned its power.

Nominally, Brussels sounds like a mix between blossom and rustles. It reminds me of the song "Rustles of spring," which I love playing on the piano. It's fast, moving, inspiring, and exciting. For me, Brussels was all of this and more.

There are about 3 centers of power in Brussels: the EU, the Grand Palace, and the Grand Place. Our hotel was a few blocks West of the Grand Place, the ancient epicenter of Brussels' strength. This center is still full of bustling trucks and floral merchants selling pansies and poppies in the center of the cobblestone square. The square is surrounded by guildhalls, the city's Town Hall, and the Breadhouse. Every building in the center is immaculate and represents something unique as if to divide the sources of power whose activities take place within the building's beautiful walls. The square is the most important tourist destination and most remarkable landmark in Brussels, some say. It was a joy to take my morning run through a center that left me awe-struck. Brussels may not be tall, but this European favorite of mine is grand, detailed, and refined in its own way. My roommate may be partial to Paris, but I find that Brussels' style and personality suits my fancy perfectly.