Bonjour from Bruxelles (day 2)

Last night I was invited to a dinner that my host was throwing for all of his friends that went through the MBA program together. It was a fantastic mix of cultures, conversation, food, and drink! I was dropped off at my hotel about 4 hours before the dinner was to start, so I had time to take a shower and then walk around the town a bit to take in some of the festive atmosphere.

They had set up a Christmas Village just off of the Grande Platz and it was awesome! Here's a few photos that I'll share:

I'm not sure what the dragon had to do with Christmas, but this thing was huge. It was about 1 story tall and close to an entire city block long (although I was informed that they do not measure distance here by blocks, which is understandable because that distance can range greatly from street to street). It was animated so that it appeared to be breathing, and would roar with each exhale!

This is the Christmas Village. I tried to get a couple of shots showing the lights, the crowds, and the huge well lighted ferris wheel in the distance.

This is one of Lightnin's favorite establishments! It was well lit for the holiday's too.

This is my host, Sergio. I can only get an action photo of him because, well if you ever meet him you'll understand!

His place is a 3000sqft split level loft, and the photos do not do the place justice. You have to take an elevator which opens directly into his great room so that everyone gets to make a dramatic entrance. What a fun evening!

Tonight we will be meeting more of the project folks, and hopefully my good friend Henry, around the Grande Platz. Maybe I can talk them into stopping at "Leroy's" for a quick beer (sort of a tradition of mine whenever I'm over here).

You need to understand that we put in long, stressful, high energy days, but as they say: "Work hard, play harder!"