Bussels Street Art

.......................................Dances on Water.............................

Zoot Heart, USA

As a beginners guide to Brussels ('Mecca" of the 'Opitium Jazz' festivals), the page will compare the two great geopolitical anamolies of Flanders and America- the French-speaking metropolis of Brussels in the heart of Dutch-speaking Flanders, and European-minded Capital of Texas, Austin, in the bucolic heart of Texas.

Brussels Royal Palace

Note: The coined word 'Opitium' is derivied from the Roman word 'Opidum' or 'Outlying Settlement'- which is what the towns in Flanders were during the Roman period. The name 'Brussels' is most likely derived from 'Broeksel', or 'Home in the Swamp'- which provides a tie-in to the theme of 'Dancing on Water'.

Waterloo Ice House, Austin Texas

   Austin is an integral part of the "California Flemish" concept not only because it helps Americans understand Brussles, but because it helps create the bearings, or compass points, for the "Land of Calidocious and Zoot".

     Together with New York, which can be used as a surrogate for Amsterdam, Austin can be used as a surogate of Brussels. The two American cities can then serve as reference points for the 'C-Z' country of California.

      Austin is also important for Calidocious Inc. because Calidocious Inc. hopes to eventually support Flemish language instruction at the University of Austin- which boasts one of the finest foreign language programs in the United States.

One of the most striking historical similarities between the two metropolises of Austin and Brussels, is that the original name of Austin was Waterloo! (Waterloo battlefield is on the outskirts of Brussels.)

Moreover, the slogan of Austin's "Waterloo Ice House", which holds for all of Austin's eateries, is "Good Beer, Good Food". Coincidentally, Brussels is the "Good Beer-Good Food" capital of the world.

Austin's Oldest House- French Embasy- 1841

Austin's premier Belgian Style Beer

Another odd similarity between the two cities is that the oldest remaining home in Austin is the "French Embasy". In 1841 the French, along with the United States, were the two countries to recognize the Republic of Texas as an independant country.

(Note: The "Texas Colorado" is a Texas river that flows through Austin- as opposed to the more famous "Colorado River" of New Mexico. And just coincidentally, "Colorado" means "Color Red", or "Burgundy", not to mention that 'Flemish Red' is one of the famous Flemish beers.)