In addition to learning about the metro, I did a few different things yesterday.
I took the metro to Atomium, which is Brussel's answer to the Eiffel Tower. It looks like an atom suspended in the air, with various electrons/protons around it. It was developed for the 1958 World's fair, to herald in a new age. The top of the atomium commands a nice view of downtown Brussels, and the different "protons" contain information on everything from the history of atonium to the science of light. Right next to the Atonium is the "Mini Europe" park, which has little models of the Eiffel Tower, Acropolis, etc. I didn't go there, as I didn't feel like paying, but I joked to someone who sounded like she was American that from the top of Atomium, Mini Europe looks like Mini Mini Europe.
After Atomium, I went downtown and went to the Brussels museum. The museum wasn't that great for the most part-the descriptions for the exhibits we're displayed in only French and Dutch-no English. But I went for one reason: If you remember, the symbol of the city is Manneken Pis-the little boy pissing. In the Museum all of the uniforms developed for Manneken Pis are displayed (some 700+ I believe), many gifted from other countries-such as a Dragon suit from China, and an Elvis suit from the US, etc. I wanted to see these uniforms. it was pretty good. (I think he only wears the uniform once a year-on Brussels day-otherwise, he pisses naked).
Finally, as far as exhibits, I went to the parlimantarium(sp), near the European Parliament, which meets in Brussels. This explains the workings of parliament. It was pretty interesting-it explained how aid goes from healthier countries to needier ones in the EU, and also why the EU was developed (seems to me it is because divisiveness started both world wars).
After that i went back, and did a final load of laundry (I didn't have much-but I still had extra laundry tokens at the laundromat since I put 20 Euros in the change machine). And I bought a new jacket-well it wasn't new-it was from the same used clothing shop I bought my hat, right across the street from the laundromat-it is camouflage-I ususally don't like camouflage, as I have never served in the Military and don't want to be viewed as portraying someone who has, but for ten Euros I bought it and it is somewhat comfotable(plus if I leave it on a train by accident i won't be too upset) Later I went back to atomium for a night shot.
