I'm originally from Ireland, grew up in London and am now entering my 10th year in the Surreal Kingdom of Belgium.

Certainly the culture shock was more than I expected here in Belgium. Not just learning new languages but the way of life, overt bureaucracy, driving and major cultural differences, not to mention the highest general level of taxation in the world! Now I'm used to it I like it because there are very many good things about living here.

Musically, it's somewhat disappointing although there is a fair amount of local Walloon and Flemish music. It's been fairly hard to keep informal sessions going as most expat and local musicians seem to expect to be paid. Nothing wrong with that of course but it makes the odd "for the love of it" session harder to organize. I have done plenty of paid gigs myself but I do like to meet new musicians of all shades (Irish/Scottish, folk, blues and jazz) and informal sessions are an ideal medium.

Luckily, in Brussels there is one exceptional "acoustic music" venue, the Centro Gallego (Galician Centre) "La Tentation" which has gigs every Friday and sometimes other days. These range from Irish/Scottish/Breton/Galician/Welsh (I have played there myself) to Eastern European, African and South American music. Most concerts are free although there is a very modest charge for some top groups (the Centre has funding from the local communities).

If anyone is coming to Brussels and fancies meeting up, don't hesitate to send me a personal or e-mail - mcmoo@mcmoo.com

Peace

mcmoo