Brussels sprouts stories
Take in the tale of the little boy who saved Brussels, and luxuriate in its decadent goodies
Photos: BY AUTHORColourful mosaic The Grand Palace, and (right) the Manneken Piss
Imagine walking a few metres just to see a little boy having a wee? That’s exactly what I am made to do. And, as I amble along the lanes of Brussels, my nostrils widen with the tempting smell of fresh cream, waffles and a smorgasbord of chocolates in all forms and sizes. There is the molten variety, the finger-licking good fondue and the hard variety as well. Greedily, I stick my nose to a chocolatier’s display window, eyeing the yummy spread.
But, my tour guide is unrelenting. He wouldn’t let us stop at any of the stores. “On our way back, we can shop for a while,” he calls out, stopping at a reclining bronze statue.
It’s the statue of Everard’t Serclaes, who was killed defending Brussels in the 14th Century. For many centuries now, visitors have unfailingly touched the arm and hand of this shiny bronze statue, as it is said to bring good luck.
After walking another five minutes, we reach a junction that’s abuzz with people crowding around something. Squeezing my way through the crowd, I finally see it — the statue of Manneken Piss.A legend lives on
A cute little boy with the most joyous expression doing what his name suggests. Inspired by the other tourists, we too get busy posing with the petite statue. There are many legends about it.
The most fascinating one goes like this. Once, when the city of Brussels was under fire, this little boy helped put out the fire by urinating on it; he is said to have also saved the castles of three kings from burning down. The cheeky brat is said to have quite a selection of costumes, and on several occasions, his statue…More
