Szilvia GombolaIn Praise Of Belgium
April 20th 2007 06:52
It has been brought to my attention that I may have been a bit harsh on the country of Belgium in my ‘Seven Blunders of the World’ post (March 1, 2007).
This shows, firstly, that the travelmap has readers in Belgium (or a reader in Belgium) and, secondly, that I was not overly impressed with Belgium’s man-made tourist ‘attractions’ – namely Manekin Pis and Atomium.
But let’s move past that and get down to the things that really matter:
1. Belgium has the biggest and best range of beer in the world
2. Belgium has the biggest and best range of chocolate in the world
Now if this is not enough (what more could you possible want?), they also do a pretty mean waffle.
Belgium is also home to one of the prettiest towns on the whole planet in Bruges. I can’t remember a better place to stroll the streets than Bruges, soaking up the stylish architectural, peaceful canals and cultural squares (and, of course, indulging in some beer and chocolate).
For an Australian abroad, Belgium’s Western Front battlefields of World War One are also a very memorable and emotional experience. Many more Australians died here than at Gallipoli and, while it doesn’t have the same iconic status or mass tourist appeal, the red poppies of Flanders Fields and the countless war cemeteries here are poignant reminders of the sacrifices made by Australians on this foreign soil. There are plenty of great guided tours of these former battlefields and my visit took me inside a preserved bunker complete with empty bottles of Australian beer and biscuit tins.
However, arguably Belgium’s biggest asset is its people. All the ones I have met, either there or in other countries, have been extremely engaging, warm and friendly, including the Nun who helped me when I was lost after arriving at Brussels train station at 3am.
So lay off Belgium (that includes me). Be like Belgium’s famous adventurer TinTin and get out there and experience it.
This shows, firstly, that the travelmap has readers in Belgium (or a reader in Belgium) and, secondly, that I was not overly impressed with Belgium’s man-made tourist ‘attractions’ – namely Manekin Pis and Atomium.
But let’s move past that and get down to the things that really matter:
1. Belgium has the biggest and best range of beer in the world
2. Belgium has the biggest and best range of chocolate in the world
Now if this is not enough (what more could you possible want?), they also do a pretty mean waffle.
Belgium is also home to one of the prettiest towns on the whole planet in Bruges. I can’t remember a better place to stroll the streets than Bruges, soaking up the stylish architectural, peaceful canals and cultural squares (and, of course, indulging in some beer and chocolate).
For an Australian abroad, Belgium’s Western Front battlefields of World War One are also a very memorable and emotional experience. Many more Australians died here than at Gallipoli and, while it doesn’t have the same iconic status or mass tourist appeal, the red poppies of Flanders Fields and the countless war cemeteries here are poignant reminders of the sacrifices made by Australians on this foreign soil. There are plenty of great guided tours of these former battlefields and my visit took me inside a preserved bunker complete with empty bottles of Australian beer and biscuit tins.
However, arguably Belgium’s biggest asset is its people. All the ones I have met, either there or in other countries, have been extremely engaging, warm and friendly, including the Nun who helped me when I was lost after arriving at Brussels train station at 3am.
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