July 11, 2009 Saturday. Up early and wrote on project ideas. Adjusted cycle and took it out. Got tires filled at a bike shop. Only one possible used bike there at 130e – not a road bike. The one I've got is not comfortable ride but much faster than walking. And free. 12 – 15 km around town and to the north and east. Found the Aldi if I want it, just out of town. Of course, at maximum distance out, the rain began and I got damp on the way back.
After lunch I took train to B and went the Bozar (beaux artes) museum and looked at shows by Sophie Calle (Fr) and Jan de Cock (Be). Her's were mainly photos telling stories – a performance art record: Burying her mom's jewelry in Artic. Video of cross-US road trip. Installation and discussion in an NYC phone booth. A PI's photos and reports on following her 2x, 20 years apart. A trans siberian RR trip. Sending her bed to an unhappy artist in Ca. - he was happier.
De Cock's was room after room of assembled formica type boxes, repeated photos (Kosovo damage, Eastman mansion in NY, a FLW house, skyscrapers in former Yugoslavia ), dribbled paint, sculptures of archers. Her's more immediately appealing and his causes one to ponder meaning and art... But who needs all that, huh?
Then to Brosella festival in Brussels Park where world's fair of 1958 was held. Free. Damp to wet. Heard a world music band from here consisting of people from Armenia, Turkey, elsewhere in middle east, etc. Then a duo (guitar, bass) consisting of a bassist (---- Thompson) who founded the Pentangle, played with John McLaughlin in the late 60s, Alex Koerner, etc. and a guitarist-singer of the same era but less august history. High quality folk songs – the first was about a man who disappeared in the troubled waters of Lake Champlain. Then finally, a Swedish folk singer and band with near yodels piercing the air from time to time. Going there, I missed a jazz performance here in the Zottegem park this evening.
Sunday The church bells ring now for the 11 am services. There is a carrillion in the main church at town square that plays tunes and a performance on the bells is set for later in the month. Gave the cycle another go this a.m. for 15 km in the damp. See photo of the beast. To B and IF office where I catch up on 90 emails and do some research. Of course, the weather turns for the better while I am in the office. Back to Brosella festival for 3 more hours of free jazz including world music, django inspired guitars, something verging on fusion/world music mix, and a post-bop modern style group. 7 groups in the 5 or 6 hours of free music - yeah! And yes, kriek beer - a lambic 3.2 beer based on cherry juice - kinda like an unsweetened cherry soda with little fizz. Quite refreshing.
Sounds like a good time so far. I love the neighborhood. More pics please!! Good shopping vibes sending your way that you find a workable bike. Rode in to work this a.m. - very windy, all coming from the NW. Should be a nice tailwind on the way home!!
ReplyDeleteLael