Catch Up...Part I

We have visited many additional attractions and off beat sites which have not yet been posted to the blog. So let's catch up.

The Colonne du Congres. This 47 meter high column, constructed in 1850, commemorates Belgium's first national parliament. On top of the column is a statue of Belgium's first king, Leopold I. Below that are four allegorical female figures representing the freedoms of the constitution - worship, association, education, and the press. At the base of the column, guarded by two massive bronze lions, is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers of World Wars I and II.

The Colonne du Congres as viewed from across the street. Reports indicate it was modeled after Trajan's column in Rome.

The two bronze lions guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.

This plaque, one of two at the base, is dedicated to the Belgium dead of World War I.

  The Botanical Gardens. A short distance past the Colonne du Congres are the Botanical Gardens. In 1797, the original gardens were constructed on the grounds of the Palais de Lorraine. Today's gardens contain over 18,000 varieties of plants, including medicinal plants, perennials, and shrubs. The Iris garden section, dedicated to the emblem of Brussels (because it grew along the marshy banks of the Senne), contains a small pond with a statue of a young girl saved from drowning in the waters.

The massive green house with its central rotunda was constructed in 1826. In addition to it serving as a hot house to start the growing process, this structure also serves as a venue for concerts.

Many beautiful flowers can be found throughout the gardens.

This impressive hedge maze sits next to the rotunda.

The statue of the young girl who was saved from drowning in the waters of the pond is the only stone statue in the gardens.

The flower beds were a sea of colors.

  Skate board parks. Skateboarding has become a popular sport here. The city has adjusted to the existence of skateboarding by constructing several parks dedicated to this sport.

Situated next to the church of Notre Dame de la Chapelle, this park is a popular hang out for skateboarders and others.

A father trying to teach his son the basics.

Even organized classes on the techniques of skateboarding can be seen here.