„A huit, please“

This was the dire outcome when I payed the bill for our afternoon-gaufres in French… I have to concede, my everyday French is quite a disaster. Nevertheless, not like this. This city doesn’t simply allow to get used to one language, which makes you get stuck in a permanent language switch and causes confusion. So, confusion’s getting my lasting attendant here, and not only mine: Being asked for the way, X showed her map, put her fingertip to the point where we were standing, commenting: “Nous avons là”, which brought us a running gag for half a day. (I promised the originator anonymity.)

This weekend, Brussels is crowded over and over with people. The reason is the popular “Tapis de Fleurs” event on the Grand Place. Every two years, the place is covered with a huge pattern of flowers in uncountable numbers, it seems like millions and looks very beautiful. Begonien, as far as I know – I don’t know the English word right now, so use your dictionaries ;-)

Most of you may have seen already what it looks like as at least 20 % of the postcards sold in tourist shops here show this pretty coloured and exactly patterned flower carpet. Though, this year the pattern is not that exact as on these postcards. Maybe the workers were unskilled - or they just noticed too late that lack of red flowers... Though: What’s symmetry? Who gives a damn?

So this is what I did today, besides doing my washing at the laundrette at the corner. I had to, I was kind of seduced, and I am sure you will understand: Who could ever resist this amazing special offer? Ever saved that great percentage in your life?

Besides today's happenings, the week was filled with a bit of watching city life and shopping, a little nightlong barbecue and vodka meeting amongst colleagues (those stories should better stay under lock ;-) maybe I will upload some pictures as soon as I have them) which gave irreproachable evidence of our working discipline the following day, a quite expensive dinner (however, delicious: duck with honey sauce) and last but not least a whole lot of work during my first traineeship week – which I enjoyed very much so far.

So, keep in touch for more stories and impressions, I’ll say goodbye for this time with today’s cognition: Gaufres de Liège are even better than gaufres de Bruxelles.