‘The rain that fell on the city runs down the dark gutters and empties into the sea without even soaking the ground’
― Haruki Murakami, Underground
Street life (more of)
Lights
Huddle
Street life
Making the news (again)
Shuttered
Crossing
Smoker
Shooting people
Empty tables
Blue light zone (again)
Hailstones
Polite
Watch that brolly
Umbrellas of Brussel
On guard
Brave souls
No parking here?
Rooftops
Muscle car
Thatcher
Decorative armour
Pissed off
Tears
Flowering
Turned upside down
Empty street
Fountain
Lone soldier
Encircled
Day two of the lockdown in Brussel.
Security ever present although more subdued than yesterday.
But most people stayed at home.
Who knows what tomorrow holds.
It’s up to us, not the Government, not the Police, not the Military. It’s up to each one of us. In our own, however little, way to say no to terror, no to the terrorists.
Don’t look the other way.
belgianstreets 
Reblogged this on andy townend and commented:
My latest portfolio of shots from the streets of Brussel. Disappointed that the lock down continues. It really is up to each one of us how we stand up to the terrorists.
Fabulous photos, as always–I LOVE the umbrella! And I’m so sorry this turmoil and distress continue around you–I’m stepping up my prayers for the world as we go into the season that many celebrate and pray for PEACE.
Thank you, I hope that the streets of Brussels, and those father afield become more peaceful soon…
It’s getting to where I’m afraid to read a news story…praying up a storm in hopes of battling senseless evil.
I guess we just have to keep striving and working together.
Yes indeed, Sir.
Thank you for documenting the effect of the alert on Brussels (both days) I particularly liked the first postcard stand and the Christmas tree behind what looked like a tank.
Thank you, incredibly it still continues into the fourth day…
I can’t even begin to imagine the atmosphere and ambiance on the streets – a sense of unease – and eerie stillness?
the odd juxtapositions of armored cars and vehicles with foot soldiers on Christmas tree streets?
it seems all too surreal – and I am thousands of miles away …. yet somehow, this is stirring the memory of the “unnatural silence” that followed 9/11 – when the skies were closed to all flights – and living (at the time) just off a “flight corridor’ – it was so odd.
thank you Andy for sharing – for going out and recording and documenting this – be safe and well.
Thank you for taking the time to both read and comment Pat, it has been a strange time, a lot of disruption, a lot of frustration and mixed views among people who live her. A touch call for the Government, lock things down,and no one gets hurt and they are blamed for over reacting, and of course the impact of an attack had they not locked down is too awful to imagine. Tough call for those in power.
I’ve been following your thoughts on your blogs … and images your ideas etc. and yes, it is a very difficult position – but then, as you’ve said – exactly how far should and does the “aftershock” ripple out? And it makes me wonder … perhaps there is more “known behind the scenes” playing out in the government and security than they are willing to release?
Anything is possible … and often … the “reality” will never be publicly known …. for many reasons …. either in the moment or later …. and yes, it is a terribly difficult and frustrating situation …. because the possibilities of tragedy is one no one wants to accept … and so everyone, in essence – has to “make do.”
And I was also wondering …. Belgium isn’t particularly noted for terrorist attacks … if I’m correct in this thinking? perhaps … as that very solemn image of the WWII dates shows … the fear of devastation etc. is also a factor in the reaction/”over-reaction?”
Not to dismiss the recent events in Paris … by any means …. but so often, it is the cities that are most likely to be under threat or siege, or have been in the recent past (post 9/11) that are more “experienced” in handling and assessing these situations. I wonder if this might also have a role in how it all unfolds.
At any rate …. so many questions …. no easy answers …. and I’m just glad that you and yours are safe and well.
And once again, thanks for sharing so much …. it’s completely different having an ‘insider’ perspective – especially through the use of a camera – immediate and the images convey so many words ….
Thank you Pat for this insightful note, it has been a very strange time here. I think you have a point when you observe that those countries used to terror on their streets tend to adopt a different approach. Also, as you say, it is all too easy for people (like me) to comment and even criticise but we do not have access to all the information. Nevertheless I do feel that to impose too many restrictions can be a way of delivering the very result the terrorists hoped to achieve, that is terror, doubt and mistrust. And yes Belgium does not have a long history of terror as do some countries, like mine, the UK, and I hope that they don’t now become like that. Much depends now not only on the measured and careful response of the Government of this country and others but also on how we, the people, respond in the way we behave with and toward each other. We will see, I guess. Thank you again for not only following but participating in the debate here.
I think your point of view is definitely one that many of us (thankfully) will never be able to experience, in such a first-hand way. And personally, although I do wish it were otherwise for you, it does offer me some concrete idea of what is going on.
As for commenting and/ or criticism – well, I believe that as a person actually living through the situation, you have more than enough reasons to truly reflect and think and express your concerns and thoughts. And I think you have done so very well – and have asked some very difficult questions – that do need answers.
Every country or city after a crisis or link to an international terrorist act needs to review and consider their “action plans” …. and I do agree … the longer and stricter and more severe the “lock downs” – the more power is turned over to the attackers; but I think it also has alot to do with the general ambiance – whether it is one of “living in fear for one’s safety” or whether the government and public calmly accept the situation as a temporary precaution; all governments that seem to have a “handle” on these types of incidents usually have a very strong handle on the “fear mongering” aspect.
At any rate, I do hope it all ends well for all concerned (I’ve been absent for a few days).
Take great care Andy
Thank you Pat for this very considered comment and I apologise for the time taken to respond. Things are quieter here although the troops still patrol the streets and railway stations with their fingers on their triggers. And British bombers are now flying. Its hard to know where all this will lead.
Please don’t apologize – it’s not necessary Andy – totally understandable.
Yes, watching the news here and seeing the announcements of the first air strikes.
Indeed … what next?
*sighing* impossible to fathom.
Be well and safe.
Thank you Pat…guess we now have to wait and see, it will probably be years in the future before anyone achieves any real sense of perspective…
Reading your posts has been better than following the official news. Thanks Andy.
Now I really don’t know what to say, other than the experience of being on the street, shooting (photos if the NSA is eavesdropping) and writing about what was happening was a heady experience and something I intend to pursue…
That’s what journalism is all about. Maybe you should pursue that with BBC?
In my dreams Lucile, in my dreams…
You see things; and you say ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say ‘Why not?’
George Bernard Shaw
Damn right GBS.
Exactly