TERROR ATTACKS: Brussels at standstill hoping the danger will pass

The streets around Gare de Midi are thronged with people on Sunday mornings buying vegetables, fruit, clothing. It’s known for big quantities and low prices.

I prefer the market at Place Jordan — not too big, beautiful produce — French and Italian cheeses and meats, Belgian bread, wonderful flowers. It’s the site of the city’s best frites stall, and at this time of year they sell hot spiced wine and hand-made Christmas decorations.

But not yesterday. The triangular site not far from the European institutions was empty. The cafes and bars shut.