Just got back from
Barcelona for my birthday trip.
Can’t believe Mons
(and Belgium in general) has changed within few days. Read an important news
from the Metro (free newspaper in Belgium) on the train from the airport.. the Mayor of Mons, Elio Di Rupo is the Prime Minister of Belgium (since December 6, 2011). Guess
it’s a surprising birthday gift for me.
Finally.. Belgium has sworn in a new government, ending a
record-breaking 541 days of political deadlock. New Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo was sworn in by King Albert
II at the Royal Palace. Mr Di Rupo, is Belgium's first French-speaking Prime Minister in three decades and the first Socialist to take the premiership
in Belgium since 1974.
I honestly didn’t
really update myself to political news but heard about he’s going to be the Prime
Minister since a while ago. To me, he’s not only inspiring, but I really like
his personal style.. the distinctive trademark of red bow ties.
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| www.mons.be |
Few
days later, I finally see my “birthday gift” in person.
It was just a weekend routine, grocery shopping at Delhaize. But it turned
out there was a special guest.
As I wonder through the supermarket’s alley, Prince Charming
suddenly surprised me. He said, someone wanted to see me.
As I began wondering, he whispered.. the Prime Minister.
What..
seriously?
He pointed that our Mayor/ Prime Minister was somewhere in one of the
alley, trying to find something. I rushed, quickly
walk and kept looking until I almost bumped into a guy.
When he turned
around.. there he was, Elio Di Rupo.
I was amazed, nervous and freezed for
seconds.
He charmingly greeted me.. bonjour, shook my hand and left me
speechless. I really didn’t know what to say at that moment.
Can’t believe I met the Prime Minister of Belgium. I had already seen him in
different events, but meeting him in person, this close, was so surreal.
To me, he doesn’t look like a Prime Minister or an important
figure. No bodyguards or assistants. He simply did his grocery shopping by
himself (yes, pushing the shopping cart on his own). Nobody even looked so excited
knowing he’s there.
Oh I hate the fact, it’s the first time ever I left my camera at
home, and forgot I could use my phone!
It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Sir.
Congratulation and good luck!