There’s been a lot of ruckus surrounding the high-tech Christmas tree on Brussels’s grand market square. It has sparked protests from local residents. People think it’s hideous, offensive and a shameful representation of the Christian tradition.
I will have to partly agree because the Christmas tree by day indeed looks boring, like a misplaced failed art installation. However at night, it turns into a magical 21st century invention that makes you go wow.
See the article here on BBC: ‘Abstract Christmas tree sparks protest in Brussels’
However, if we were to base this controversial argument from history and in good conscience, Christmas trees have nothing really to do with Christmas. Decorating homes with pine trees and garlands at the end of the year existed long before Christianity came to Europe. And for the record, Christianity originated in the Middle East (which is now present day Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan) and it was the apostle Paul who managed to zealously market (literally) Christianity to Rome, who was then the world power, at least in this part of the globe. Constantinople saw it as his last card to unite the crumbling Roman empire.
Anyway, I’d rather not go into sheer details because we all know that when it comes to airing opinions and interpretations of a religion, everyone rarely agrees. They only breed disappointments, and eventually, factions. How many people have argued and fought over religion?
That said, everyone has the right to believe whatever he or she wants to believe in. That includes expressing your opinion about the Christmas tree in Brussels.
As for me, I think it’s COOL. Definitely a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree that fits our generation today. Maybe next year they will come up with a Christmas tree hologram? Who knows?!
The video of the ‘lights and sound’ show of the Christmas tree on Brussels’s grand market square. I was not able to capture the whole show but at least about 80% of it. They do the ‘lights and sound’ show every half an hour.
Now, here is our very late afternoon lunch-early dinner at the restaurant ‘La Rose Blanche’ on the grand market square (Grote Markt/Grand Place).
I actually have 2 other cool restaurants in mind but we decided to take this restaurant for its location and view to the square. Nevertheless, I have a reason to come back to Brussels =)
We ordered fish soup and foie gras with confiture and salad. We’ve literally walked the whole afternoon outdoors through the Christmas markets and the city centre so we are in dire need of something warm in our bellies. Soup is always a good choice. The foie gras on the other hand was a nice side dish for our soup.
Thus, fish soup? Mwah. Foie gras and confiture? Nice, but the side salad was a let-down.
Sunset in Europe at this time of the year is around 4PM-ish. This is the view from our table at the restaurant when darkness fell:
The high-tech Christmas tree changes its colours:
Restaurant La Rose Blanche on Brussels’s Grote Markt / Grand Place. I’d come here for the views and strategic location, not for the food =)
The nativity scene at Brussels’s grand market square:
Very busy here at Brussels’s grand market square!
Then we had coffee and pancakes as dessert at the Le Grand Cafe located beside the Beurs / Bourse (Stock Exchange building):
One last shot of Brussels. We parked the car at the Munt Centrum and I made sure to remember this cafe restaurant as the nearest landmark:
Until the next Brussels!
Travel Period: December 2012
Destination: Brussels, Belgium
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)