Before I forget...


Has anyone ever seen the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris? If so, you will understand what I am saying when I tell you that it is somewhat of a let down. I mean, one of my favorite books-- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (for anyone who didn't get that reference)-- that also happened to be turned into a major motion picture was entirely based around this painting leading me to think of it as larger than life. When I went to Paris with my mom in the summer of 2008, I waited on an obnoxiously long line to get into the Louvre in the first place, only to follow the many arrows that pointed me in the direction of the Mona Lisa to once again be surrounded by hoards of people who had the same intentions as me: to get a close look at the "woman" and her famous smile. What did I see? Well, yes, I saw the smile... but could have it been any smaller?! I think not. What a let down! 


Flash forward now to this past Monday in Brussels. My friend and I have our map in hand ready to tackle the major sights in Brussels in the 3 hours that we had allotted ourselves before we had to get back on the bus to go to Utrecht. While the Mannekin Pis (which literally translates out to little man pee) isn't exactly as noteworthy as the Mona Lisa, it is deemed a "must-see" in Brussels. So, I followed the many signs that led me through the main square, up a street, past many chocolate shops and waffle stands, only to get to an intersection that confirmed I had entirely missed Brussels main attraction. How so, you may ask. Well, it is because the Mannekin Pis, this so-called Brussels landmark, is quite literally a bronze statue that stands 2 feet tall and is displayed on a corner between a souvenoir shop and, surprise surprise, a waffle stand. I literally couldn't help myself from hysterically laughing. IT IS SO SMALL. The Mona Lisa has nothing on the Mannekin Pis, I will tell you that much.

I am pointing because I was worried you may not be able to find it otherwise. I mean, I couldn't...