Brussels – 1:33 pm, February 2011, undisclosed city location*
City Planner 1: “Boys, we need some kind of catchy program for Brussels next season. I’m pretty sure when people think of Brussels, only the sprouts come to mind.”
City Planner 2: “Yeah, true. I mean, I don’t even like Brussels sprouts, so I can totally see how people would turn up their noses.”
City Planner 1: “Maybe we should promote the gourmet side of Brussels…you know, all those fancy restaurants we have.”
City Planner 3: “Hmmm…yeah, totally man. I could see this going somewhere. We’ll get the restaurants to organize special menus and stuff.”
City Planner 2: “We should do some cool cultural events, too.”
City Planner 1: “Yeah. Francois, why don’t you get on that and report back tomorrow.”
City Planner 2: “Okay, boss. Tomorrow, same place, same time?”
City Planner 1: “Great, now go get busy.”
City Planner 3: “Peace out, guys.”
*****
Brussels – The next day, same time, same place
City Planner 1: “So, Francois, what did you come up with?”
City Planner 2: “Thrilling idea. May I direct your attention to this photo?”
City Planner 1: “This appears to be a large, painted bovine. I see exactly how this fits in with Brussels! Not.”
City Planner 2: “Oh, but just take a look a few more pictures, sir.”
City Planner 1: “Francois, these are simply atrocious. A cow wearing heart boxers? A green two-headed cow? A personified cow wearing sunglasses, a Tommy Bahama shirt, and a rucksack? Please tell me your grand plan for all of this.”
City Planner 3: “Yeah man, these are a little weird.”
City Planner 2: “The concept was born in Zurich with lion statues, but took off in Chicago with cows. It was such a hit with locals and tourists alike that other cities adopted it.”
City Planner 3: “So there were like, random cow statues all over the place? Weird, man.”
City Planner 2: “Well, sort of. Local artists painted the cows, which was a boost for the local economy. I was thinking we could do the same thing.”
City Planner 1: “Cows have absolutely nothing to do with Brussels.”
City Planner 2: “Right. I was thinking we could do…food.”
City Planner 1: “Food?”
City Planner 2 : “Yeah. Statues of food.”
City Planner 3: “Hey man, I kind of like that. Food, yeah…yeah.”
City Planner 2: “Right. So, what do you say to fries, mussels, and chocolate?”
City Planner 3: “And don’t forget the Brussels sprouts.”
City Planner 2: “We can spread them throughout the city as a scavenger hunt!”
City Planner 1: “Francois, you’re a good man. I knew you were on to something. Agreed! Now get to work.”
*****
Brussels – One year later, fruits of his labor realized
Frites, anyone?
Shoes!
"Lighthouse" Brussels Sprout
Belgian Chocolate
"Newspaper" Brussels Sprout
Close up and personal
Mussel
She's a beauty queen, ain't she?
I love chocolate
Pop, soda, milkshake...take your pick.
*Apologies to the real city planners of Brussels. I’m 100% positive this is not the exact way it went down. Close, maybe…
Have you experienced any of these “cultural phenomenon” around the world?
