Galeries Saint Hubert

It's Alan's birthday tomorrow, but as I'm going to be in work he took a day's holiday today. We went into Brussels to try and find him birthday and Christmas presents, as every time I've asked him what he wants, he's said 'nothing'.

Although I've got him a few things, today was the perfect opportunity to find something he really wants, and as he's having money from my mum, I said he can put it all together and get something nice.

We went by train to avoid the traffic, and then wandered into town via some camera shops. He's been fancying a Fuji X10 and having been recommended a shop by fellow blipper Petit Frere, we went to have a look.

They had the camera at a really good price including a leather case, and after a little deliberation, he decided that he'd have it. He's now like a little boy with a new toy playing with it, and he's even said he might join us on Blip!

After the shopping was done, we went to the Grand Place where this year they've erected an extremely ugly, contemporary, and supposedly artistic, electronic Christmas tree. It's made of steel and covered with wood and a screen, which I'm sure looks better at night when it's illuminated, than during the day.

There was a lot of controversy over this tree, but as I found out today, you can climb it and enjoy a 360 degree view of the Grand Place and all proceeds are donated to an organisation which helps the homeless. So up I went, in the hope of getting some good photos to blip. Unfortunately it's been a very grey day and although there are some nice photos looking down, the colours aren't particularly great.

We then walked through the Galeries Saint Hubert before heading for lunch. The Galeries date back to 1850 and house a selection of shops and restaurants, which at this time of year look particularly nice with all the Christmas decorations as you can see.

Anyway, it's Friday night, so I'll wish you all a nice weekend!