Our world has hundreds of thousands of cities. Some are nothing more than towns which have temporarily boomed for one specific reason at one specific era in time. Others are tapestry-like treasure boxes, hundreds or thousands of years in the shaping and honing. We can be certain that some cities which once inspired plays, epic poetry, envy from neighboring peoples, and even war, have vanished altogether; even more completely than the city of Atlantis. This post may be about one such city. Only God knows how all of this will play out.
I have seen only a few of the cities of our world. I would say that some are of a grand order, the experiencing of which first-hand is essential to understanding our present Age. I would say this of New York City, for example. Others are altogether forgettable, or at the very least entirely more remarkable through the viewing of photographs or through reading of books about the subject. I would say that of Athens, for example. While Brussels may not fall into the category of essentials, a visit to this place is certainly worth two-dozen visits to Athens. If I were your friend, I would tell you to see Brussels for the surprises, the spices in the air, the dormant majesty, and the ideas it represents. Come to witness a grand city in transition.
Brussels is a haven, a sanctuary; a city of free expression of culture, sex, language, religion, heritage, and dreams. After checking into my hostel last night, I went for a walk. There is a basilica within view of where I am staying, and so I went for a closer look. Before the evening had concluded, I had journeyed a distance some 15 miles in total. I may not have passed a single native English speaker. How wonderful to stride about with only your own narrative as the one that matters. As poor as some of the areas appeared to be, I never once felt threatened, never once sat in question of my safety.
Who I am is not important to the people here; they are good with who I am, whoever that happens to be. Who I am is important to the people here; they see that I am a human, and therefor deserving of respect.
albaniacalling 