Seen this in several different cities. Same material, same subject matter. Why care for a dog when you can evoke sympathy with a fake one?

More sticker tag mayhem. Each one is a little self-contained mystery.

Bike cops are the best cops!

Back out into the brightness.

We went through the doors thinking there was a grand hall inside. No; but there was this charming courtyard.

It’s official!

Our hotel has a pretty subtle entrance.

These sidewall generators always make me cringe a bit from how inefficient they are. But, better than riding in the dark, of course…

Time for Nick and I to crash the cathedral!

Communing with the …. Instagram.

Looks like there used to be some amazing gold leaf painted onto this. That must have been splendid!

I remember being fascinated with this last time.

I assume this has something to do with hell and the devil.

It’s the cathedral in the cathedral. I smell a Dan Brown plot device…

“Hey can we get one of those ‘don’t tread on me’ flags in here? No? Alright, just asking.”

Eerie artistry.

Do you feel insignificant?

Blessed are the tree trimmers?

A crest with ducks! NICE.

Outside with a big empty box! More travel logistics…

Hmmmm; that’s not gonna work.

Wrapped up and set behind the shipping counter. Handoff complete!

You mess with a bike, you get greasy hands. This is the life you choose.

Into the crowd we go, seeking snacks.

Tired but ready to explore.

Good ol’ St. Nick!

Why am I not surprised…

A sweet treat!

I didn’t even know this church was here. Apparently it’s been here a very long time. It was originally part of a chunk of the city defense walls around Brussels.

Frozen in the act of bestowing wisdom no doubt.

Contemplating.

A nice little square.

Too bad we couldn’t go inside and poke around.

A dramatic way to fill a fountain!

Reminds me of cats I know…

Now that is serious ‘stache.

This looks like a reference to some legend about explorers being led by a local guide. It’s probably apocryphal. (I mean, the explorers probably just stabbed the guide.)

Not sure who this is supposed to be, but their position over the door is welcoming…

BLEEEAAAAARRRRRGGH

CONTEMPLATE YOUR GOOSEY FATE.

What better thing to immortalize in bronze than agony and dread?

My favorite thing about this is the rope they tied to keep it from spinning around.

In case you didn’t notice Mary, there’s a spotlight to point her out.

When he saw the camera, he demanded we take his picture.

The proprietors.

Meanwhile, the locals are so bored with the square they’d rather just doom-scroll.

So many smokers in Europe. Even young people. I’m finding it hard to get used to.

Another anonymous tourist. The light was good, so I pressed the button.

Every now and then, the Belgians feed a bird some waffle.

People love to do video chats in the middle of the square, to show the folks back home where they are.

Hustlin’

I don’t know who they are, but the light was good.

Belgian pride!

Welcome to the land of snacks!

Sweets from Syria.

No matter where you are in the world, you’ll find sticker tags.

Bikes often get to go both ways down a street that’s one way only for cars. It’s helpful, but a bit harrowing.

You can’t do this! Unless you’re on a bike!

I’m not sure when this food truck last moved anywhere!

Saving the cobbles for later.

Mysterious narrow alleyway…

Fries on wheels! Nice.

I just love all these different vertical surfaces.

So many corners… A feast for the eyeballs.

Spot the hidden cameras!

A super cool restaurant window.

Balancing act.

Got some free time… Let’s make some repairs!

I wonder how many times this happens…

The bike looks odd without the seat.

Straightening some bent links with the help of the pliers.