Something Rich and Strange

First let me say that Belgium is a lovely place; it epitomizes the charm long associated with Europe. The cities and country towns are picturesque, from the grandeur of Brussels with its palace-lined cobblestone streets to the villages nestled in the verdant rolling hills, stately church spires visible for miles. Down country lanes dappled cows graze lazily in flower-bordered meadows alongside rustic inns that welcome weary travelers out of the damp (and believe me, it is always damp) into fire-warmed parlors. Rippling streams meander . . .

Hey, speaking of rippling streams, I have never had to avert my eyes more often to avoid watching males of all ages brazenly urinating outdoors than I did in Belgium (and I’ve even been to a NASCAR race!). What is with that?

It must be the Manneken Pis influence. Said by some to be the top-tourist attraction in Brussels, the Manneken Pis is a fountain featuring a little boy, well, urinating. Outdoors. The statue is so popular that replicas of it abound in gift shops throughout the city. For instance, who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive a box of chocolates with candies in the shape of the little pisser? Or how about a mouse pad featuring the kid (partially) dressed as a musketeer? C'est mignon!

And nothing says “I Love Brussels” (actually, that’s exactly what is says) like a Manneken Pis refrigerator magnet. I’d call this bathroom humor, but there was nary one in sight.

Post script: In the continuation of a theme, I should mention that the rapper R. Kelly was on my flight home from Brussels.