The Atomium in Brussels strikes me a tourist attraction that tourists have forgotten. Certainly no one talks about it when talking of their trips to Brussels. Perhaps because it represents a period of history that is passe now. It celebrates a pinnacle of science that has long since been surpassed. And it is an example of unique and forward thinking architecture that has been eclipsed many times. And yet, it is still a magnificient monument. standing on the ground in front of it, it is still awe inspiring to look at and imagine what feats of engineering and imagination it must have taken to conceive and build it 50 years ago. And as you go up in the lift that the tour guide tells you was the fastest in the world at the time, you have a feeling of loss for the time when science and technology were still capable of inspiring wonder and excitement. And the view from the top is beautiful. The museum inside is not exciting, perhaps because we visited just before the 50 year celebration and the planned renovations and new exhibitions were not yet complete. But it is still worth visiting - even if it is just to fleetingly recapture the world as it used to be 50 years ago.