Silence

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


Silence in Brussels
by Isabelle Prondzynski


what is it that makes
the night time fountain so still?
city life goes on...




One of my favourite haunts in Brussels is the large fountain at the Parliament side of the Royal Park. During the day time, families come to enjoy the jets of water, dogs swim in the basin, and this year a duck raised her young there (until the dogs saw their chance...).

At night time, the water ripples gently, the moon shines through the plane trees, bats dart and swoop. Many of the park benches are occupied by people sitting, meditating and appreciating the stillness. And all the while, just metres away, drivers hoot, the metro passes underground, and airplanes above -- but the fountain spreads its own inner peace and silence.

carless sunday --
tea and a read
in silence

For several years now, Belgians have enjoyed a carless Sunday in September. While many go out to join in street activities that day, others relish the clean air and stillness of their gardens.

fog in the city
the silence
of the closed airport

Brussels, 2005

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


Carless Sunday in Brussels

. September 22 World Car Free Day. .



[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::