me `n three from Cameroon

There is a fantastic mural in the Matongé area depicting a great mixture of peoples of all races and nationalities. Everyone in Brussels seems quite proud of this mix (even as some admit that it is difficult in various ways - politically, for instance, there are no visibly or obviously "identifiable" Belgians). The mural is also a protest, however. In one corner a white man is seen challenging a black man regarding illiteracy. The black man´s brain is on the table between them, attached by an umbilical cord. Not as subtle as Da Vinci, but nonetheless!

At any rate, we met up with a couple of Hilaire´s friends and walked around town, snacking on peanuts and beer in the warm, ever-so-slightly breezy night. Eventually we wound up near Grand Place at a discoteque,where we encountered more friends. They all made valiant efforts to communicate with me in English - American English, no less! Much of the time I listened to their lilting French. There was much laughter; I was content.