BELGIUM: Belgians hope for sunshine as Brussels artifical beach opens under cloudy skies

Following Paris' example, Brussels opens an urban beach on its river banks. At least 3,000 tons of North Sea sand, 500 deck chairs and 69 beach cabins were used to transform the not-so-glamourous area into a summer destination. But where is the sunshine? Overlooking a canal leading to Brussels industrial harbour, 'Brussels beach' for the next month will try to bring some much needed colour to Europe's capital. Everything is in place and ready to welcome residents who can't escape the city during the summer months. Following in the footsteps of Paris and other European capitals, Brussels' beach will offer a corner of relaxation in an urban setting. With the addition of 3,000 tonnes of North Sea sand, 500 deck chairs and 69 beach cabins the not-so-glamourous industrial zone has been transformed into a summer destination. Here, you can laze on deck chairs, drink cocktails, play petanque or build castles with North Sea sand. That's the theory at least. But, with grey skies, temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius and a strong wind, the only girls in bikini in sight languished in posters adorning the cabins. Like many in northern Europe, the barman of the stall 'Cocktails Dreams' is hoping for sunshine. ''In any case, I prayed the God of Sunshine to be here, the sunshine is the only thing missing, we are ready,'' Arib Amri said. Orchestra 'Terra Brazil' made up for the weather, performing warm and sunny music on the river banks. ''We are calling for sunshine with our music... See, it's coming through, you just have to ask, it's coming!,'' enthused Flavio de Souza, one of the drummer of 'Terra Brazil'. And, while weekend forecasts are promising warmth and sun, it's anyone's guess as to whether Belgians will be blessed with more good weather as they were in April and May. With uncertain weather forecasts, many will be crossing the fingers for that last ray before the sun sets on another summer. ends

ITN Source | July 14, 2007

Tags:. .missing. .ask. .build. .used. .weekend