January 2020. A time before “lockdown” and “social distancing” were part of daily life. That evening, I wandered through the royal palace area in Brussels, armed only with my iPhone and no clue that this would be my last night in the city for years. The rain had left behind a glistening stage, and Brussels, ever dramatic, was ready for its close-up.
The royal palace stood illuminated, its gates open like a scene from a fairy tale. Puddles reflected everything—the grandeur of the architecture, the barren trees, even me. Couples stood in the rain, framed by golden streetlights, staring up at the palace like they were in a rom-com. I, of course, was the third wheel, capturing their moment with wet fingers and zero shame.
As I walked deeper into the park, the mood turned cinematic. Bare trees reached into the misty night sky, and statues, dripping with rain, looked like they were contemplating life’s big questions. The quiet was eerie but soothing, a reminder that even a city as vibrant as Brussels needs its moments of stillness.
At Mont des Arts, the city unfolded before me. The lights stretched out, modern and historic architecture glowing side by side. A group of people stood silently at the top of the steps, soaking in the view, unaware of how soon the world would change. Looking back, it feels like we were all unknowingly pausing, holding on to life as it was.
That night, Brussels was a time capsule—beautiful, moody, and timeless. I didn’t realize how precious that walk was until everything shut down weeks later. Those reflections in puddles and quiet streets? They’re not just photos now. They’re a reminder of the magic in the mundane and the importance of being present—even in the rain.
Here’s to Brussels, the city that gave me one perfect night before the world changed. I’ll be back someday, maybe with gloves this time.
Pro tip: Embrace the rain, chase the puddles, and never underestimate the power of a good nighttime stroll.
📸 Captured & Edited
Shot with: Apple iPhone 14 Max Pro
Edited using: Lightroom Mobile & Skylum Luminar AI
All photos are my own work. Dive deeper and explore more on my website or check out my links.
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