Triumphal Arch in Brussels

I spent most of the day in Brussels in the Parc Cinquantenaire or Jubel Park and the Art and History museum there with my American friends Janet, Janet's mother Martha and Cathie and we had a lovely time. As you can see the sky was blue and cloudless. at least around 11 am. We finally had a spring to summer day ! We had lunch on the terrace outside the museum, but the sun got so hot we changed seats to go inside ! This Belgian Arc de Thriomphe was originally planned to be erected together with the park and part of the buildings around the Arc to house the World Exhibition of 1880.Unfortunately it wasn't finished by then and in fact was not finished until 1905. The park is called Cinquantenaire (meaning 50 years) because it was celebrating Belgium's 50th year of Independence. The arc was finally finished in time for the 75th anniversary of that independence. There is some info here

While walking back to the Metro station we discovered a beautiful Art Nouveau house, and I've now found out this is one of the best examples of Art Nouveau design in Brussels, so I'll go back to visit this house very soon and I'll be sure to blip about it then !