Hoochie Daddy

We made it to the Bear Market yesterday! They were showing film too from Bears on Screen, which was a nice surprise. Some great illustrations, prints, and graphic novels. One artist with Kratos make-up applied body paint to a bear wearing little black Speedos. We saw him walking around later in the evening like that in the cold. Market continues today until 1700 and tomorrow too, I think. I talked to a nice vendor selling beard oils and brushes. Thinking of going back for some mustache wax for my pathetic whiskers.

And today, the Bear Pride March started late. It was more sedate than I’m used to, but they changed the Manneken Pis into a cute little bear outfit.

#comics #belgium #bruxelles #brussels #bearweek

Going back to work after vacation is usually tedious because everybody asks “How was your trip?” I decided not to be a bitch, just this once, and actually reply beyond a terse, “It was good.” Had actual conversations, went into detail, and tried to vary my answers. Even with as much work as I had to do, it was actually pleasant. Ugh, making an effort to be nice was actually worth it.

Apparently it’s #BearWeek here in #Brussels. We walked past Le Dolores in the gayborhood as reigning bears from Ireland, Czechia, and other countries were introduced to the crowd by drag queens.

#Bruxelles #Belgium

RE: https://flipboard.com/@axiosnews/axios-local-seattle-u2bsun9rz/-/a-eIN2NO97RHKvSfwAqYUpSg%3Aa%3A2150299410-%2F0

OK, OK. Putting Dungeon Crawler Carl on hold.

#Bookstodon

I’m glad we got to see #Leuven too, if only briefly for the performance last night. This is our first art vacation where we went to multiple cities in the same country. #Ghent was a good start: slower, smaller, sweeter than #Brussels, allowing us to settle in and move around easily.

I have a few more photos and thoughts to post about this trip but #Belgium was lovely. After we get home. Waiting at the airport now; back to work tomorrow. 🥺

Every time I check the Belgium hashtag, it’s serious political news or sports … and my Bear Week posts. 😂 Plus my art experiences. I do what I can.

Some #BearWeek events and thoughts:

- I mean, we have to visit the Bear Market, right?!

- Bingo Fist - Bear Edition does sound fascinating …

- A History of Belgian Bears, hmmmm.

- Discovering Bear Studies, HMMMMMM.

- Bear Pride March: bien sûr!

- Bear Attack - Cave Party 😅

Website here: https://www.belgiumbearpride.be/

#belgium #bruxelles #brussels #bearweek

I found the (one?) Filipino restaurant in Ghent! Hoy Pinoy (lol) at Vrouwebroersstraat 21.

Closed today but they have sisig, beef caldereta, kare kare, and more—though not sure why they kept these names but changed lumpia to “spring rolls”. Seeing conflicting things about whether or not they’re still open. Hope so.

#Ghent #Gent #Belgium

Got my ticket to see Chapterhouse at KEXP’s in-studio performance! Thought these things were impossible to get into but my co-worker said it’s pretty easy: just show up early, hang out, and get in line when it’s time. Bonus: Folklife’s right outside. https://www.kexp.org/visit/in-studio/

Three days on and I’m still thinking about the most fucked up rat I’ve ever seen: big, matted fur, a big sore on one side, moving slowly and not giving any fucks to my fast, looming presence. Respect (and horror).

RE: https://flipboard.com/@associatedpress/u.s.-news-lhl4uphvz/-/a-b7JrZo60TnWduNOIegqF7g%3Aa%3A3199720-%2F0

Some of its age and my ever increasing reluctance to avoid certain music venues but this is the coolest thing. Buying Cheetos and live music? Yes, please.