It is already two weeks since I returned home from another expert job in Brussels. It was not my first time as I visited Brussels in winter, but it was the first time as it was quite cold and it was raining for most of the week. Not the right conditions to enjoy taking photos at all.

Etterbeek is one of the Brussels municipalities. I choose this location for it allows me to reach on foot all EU buildings I usually need to visit. Etterbeek is located to the South from the Schumann plaza – the location of the main European Commission buildings. My assignment was this time on the opposite side of Etterbeek, more than a half-hour on foot from the Schumann.

Still, I decided to go out after work to take some photos. My plan was plain and simple – to take a walk from my apartment to the EU building, where I had my assignment and back. It usually takes me around fifteen minutes on foot. This time I needed around two hours there and back. It was late and cold, so there was not much traffic in the area and only a few people walking the streets. Perfect conditions to make a slow use of a tripod.

Unlike on my other stays in Brussels, this time I wanted to photograph the city as it is in a daily perspective, but not necessarily spots on a tourist must-see list. So here it is, Etterbeek as I see it on my way to work photographed at a late evening hour.

Etterbeek is one of the 19 municipalities that make up the region and is situated to the southeast of the city center of Brussels. Etterbeek is known for its residential character, green spaces, and its proximity to various European institutions.

Etterbeek has a rich history that dates back to the medieval period. It was originally a rural village and later became a popular area for aristocrats and wealthy citizens to build their country houses. Over time, the village developed into a more urbanized area as the city of Brussels expanded. One of the notable landmarks in Etterbeek is the Cinquantenaire Park (Parc du Cinquantenaire), which is located in the eastern part of the municipality. The park features expansive green spaces, tree-lined paths, and a triumphal arch at its center called the Arcades du Cinquantenaire. This arch was built in the late 19th century to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence.

Etterbeek is also home to several important institutions. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), a Dutch-speaking university, is located in the municipality. It is renowned for its academic programs and research activities. Furthermore, Etterbeek is known for hosting a significant number of European Union institutions. The European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, has several buildings in the area. Additionally, the Council of the European Union and the European Council have their headquarters in the nearby European Quarter.