A bit 2001-y

There's something not quite right here, but that's the way it came out of the camera.

It took a long time to decide on which shot to post, but I reckon this'll be the rarer sight of the two. Most everyone who visits the Atomium will have a shot of the balls (atoms) from below, but today there was something afoot and we were there at the right time.

Just as well, cos as it happens the insides (exhibitions/bit you pay for) are by far the least interesting thing about the place. From the outside it is a crazy, futuristic structure reflecting light and the surroundings from each (remarkably) shiny ball (atom). From the inside it is a quirky building, with lots of stairs and escalators, mediocre (at best) exhibitions (sorry Brussels, but come on), lots of no entry signs and a whole lot of queuing.

Today, however, there appeared a group of young athletic types sporting a plentiful of rope, carabiners and nifty camera equipment. Ok, so they skipped ahead of us in the line to get up to the top (grumble, grumble), but we were intrigued. Turns out they were skipping up through some cordoned off bits and out onto some of the balls (atoms). Their plans were to string some rope between two balls (atoms), and walk between them. The staff we spoke to thought they were off their heads.

Still, it meant we were able to skip the queue for the lift back down from the top and take the more scenic route through the No public access areas. Spotted them out on top of the balls (atoms, ugh, let that be the last time) when we were leaving. Good luck to them, and may the wind be still.

Disorder tomorrow, can't wait.