THE BERLAYMONT - HEADQUARTERS OF THE EU

When I last published a picture of the Berlaymont, I realized that it is not known by many people when I saw the comments and I thought that I should explain a bit to those who only know now about the European Union thanks to the publicity of the Brexit.

The Berlaymont is an office building in Brussels, that houses the headquarters of the European Commission, which is the executive of the European Union . It has the shape of a star, which are also on the flag and is located in the "European Quarter". The unique form of the Berlaymont's architecture is utilised in the European Commission's official emblem.

The building has housed the European Commission since its construction, and has become a symbol of the Commission and the European presence in Brussels. The Commission itself is spread over some 60 odd buildings, but the Berlaymont is the institution's headquarters, being the seat of the President of the European Commission and its College of Commissioners. (sort of white House representing the United States.)

The Berlaymont was built in 1967, it’s striking but by no means beautiful, despite a billion-euro rebuild between 1991 and 2004 that removed asbestos-tainted construction materials. Information panels dotted around the building give insight into the history of this neighbourhood and Brussels’ international role.

In the European quarter many European institutions and embassies are located. It's interesting to visit this area.



These photos I have taken from Internet



When I was there I took these photos, now every day there are people here protesting against the Brexit.



They are coming from the UK



There were quite a lot when I drove by in my sightseeing bus

more participants here

AWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND NOVEMBER 2

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS


WEEKEND

Saturday we had a strange weather, it rained cats and dogs and at the same time a strong wind was blowing at 80km/h !  There was not a big choice for going out as it was the 2nd November the day of the dead, where people after all Saint's day were still running from cimetary to cimetary to put flowers on all graves, my neighbor even on her great great grandparents whom she had never seen, but the great grandparents and the great parents were all in the same family vault.

Nicole and I decided to go to Ikea, where it was warm and walk around there. First we had lunch of course and I had salmon with broccoli and chips. We didn't buy big things except a very  nice lamp for Mr. G's bedside table, the old one was broken and some little bits and pieces for the kitchen.

As a lot of other people had the same idea as we had Ikea was packed, even more then usual. When we had everything and walked through the whole store we had enough and went home.

During the whole night the wind was howling around the house and I feared  for our garden furniture, although well wrapped in a plastic cover. Fortunately nothing had been blown away, but I found our terrace full of leaves, although there is no tree with leaves around !! A mistery.

I had a few invitation cards to create on my computer and renew the framed picture of Toby in the living room.




In the evening Mr. G. had his formular 1 to watch and I surfed the net to find a new coat which I really need and also some other things for  Mr. G.

All in all a very "exciting" weekend !