Fascinating summer in Brussels

This summer, Brussels is radically playing the tourist card and looking for inspiration in foreign cities. Brussels is adopting two Parisian ideas: for the entire month of August, the bank of the canal at Akenkaai becomes a beach (like Paris-Plage), with all the typical entertainment that comes with it. And every Friday there is the big Brussels Roller Parade through the city (Paris Rollers). Another initiative that has already proven its worth abroad is Art on Cows: 187 cows bring freshness, cheerfulness, and humor to the streets of Brussels. Sponsors and patrons, companies and institutions from the most diverse sectors were made aware by the organizers to buy blank, life-size polyester cows. These cows, in grazing, lying down, or walking poses, are 'dressed' by more than 150 artists, the majority of whom are French-speaking Belgians. Among them are well-known names such as artist Jacques Charlier, fashion designer Elvis Pompilio, and politicians Mark Eyskens and Jean-Claude van Cauwenberghe. The cows can be seen in the most important places in the city. Each cow received a name and an identification number, which is also stated on the city map in the Book on Cows: Heizelvlakte (15 cows), Koning Albert II-laan (4), De Brouckèreplein (11), Rouppeplein (2), Konings- en Koninginnegalerij (15), Agoraplein (6), Warandepark (15), Zavelplein (27), Poelaertplein (9), Voetgangersstraat Guldenvlies (13), Louizaplein (11), Stefaniaplein (24), Ingang Ter Kamerenbos (16), Franklin Rooseveltlaan (6), Luchthaven van Zaventem (11). After the exhibition, the cows will be auctioned on the Grote Markt from October 9 to 12 for the benefit of underprivileged young people in Brussels, children with AIDS, and young people with cancer. The cow that is most appreciated will receive the Public Award. Voting can be done via the Internet (www.cows.be) or on the city map that is distributed for free. Anyone who participates has a chance to put the winning cow in their backyard later. Art on Cows, various locations in Brussels, until September 21. Info: www.cows.be. Brussel Bad/Bruxelles Les Bains, from August 1 to 31 at Akenkaai (Citroën building, Sainctelette). From Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. Brusselse Roller Parade on Friday: www.belgiumrollers.com.