Belgium

I can't seem to pinpoint why but if there was one place in Europe that I was most excited to go it was Belgium.  I finally got the chance over a long weekend in May.  The most accurate description of the trip would be "a beer lovers paradise!"  There are more beers on a list at a bar than most restaurants have food items.  Over 500 at one place, even 50 on tap!  It was truly amazing. 

Brussels is known for its waffle, its fries, its chocolate and the Manneken Pis (a small statue of a little boy peeing that is seen as a symbol of Dutch and French cohabitation).  It's a city where locals speak French, Dutch, Finnish, German and a bit of English (makes you feel really smart now doesn't it?)  Linguistic tensions still remain, as native French and Dutch speakers dispute over which language should be the official one.  Brussels is also known as the capital city of the European Union, so many people are in Brussels from Monday through Thursday, leaving on the weekends for home or other cities in the area.  Therefore, many say the city lacks excitement and nighlife.  I disagree completely, especially after you've tasted one of their many beers. 

Brugge, on the other hand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as the "Venice of the North" due to its extensive canal system.  Tourists flock here for its medieval architecture and small town feel.  The buildings are well-preserved, the people friendly, the local beer delicious (of course), what's not to love?  Oh, wait.  The torrental downpour we were stuck in?  That might be one reason!

All in all, after two walking tours (aka bar crawls) I have to say Belgium doesn't rank too highly on my list of must-return-to countries but it would be at the top if I ever craved a beer!

(click on the photo below to view the album)



Belgium Blog

Tot ziens,  Linds