Jen and Dave: Adventuring

We started the day at the Atomium, an imposing structure of nine originally aluminum-skinned (now Stainless Steel skinned) spheres, 18m in diameter, arranged in a body centred cubic formation on point. Its 102m tall structure was built for World Fair ‘58. 

Refurbished for visitors in 2003-2006, you start with an elevator trip to the pinnacle, where you can see a panoramic view of the city. After, you return to the base and wind your way up. 

The next sphere was memorabilia from the World Fair ‘58. The next, an outrageous sound and light show. The fourth, a calming version of the same.   The final public sphere was some weird digital word art. 

Next on the agenda was the Design Museum Brussels. A beautiful, spacious place showcasing Industrial Design. The Plastic collection showcases everything from Tupperware to office suites, chairs to iMacs and blow up chairs to subway benches. Other collections include the Belgium collection, Children’s collection, a crystal collection, and a history of plastic timeline. 

Lunch was at a little cafe in a nearby office building, then we went for a wander through the park. Big mature trees, winding paths, fields with rabbits, and a few interesting monuments. A gothic monument, the King’s palace, and two 1900’s-era pavilions – one Chinese inspired and one Japanese pagoda. 

In the late afternoon we returned to the centre of town, with Jen headed to the grocery store and hotel, and Dave headed to the EU Parliament, the Belgian Parliament, the city Royal Palace and the parks in between.