Belgium

- See Horta museum in Brussels and as many of his buildings as I can.

- Meet in person my online friend who lives there.

- Have some alcohol, of course.

I decided to bike from Aachen into The Netherlands and to Belgium in one day since they all border each other. Sadly this is my only trip to Belgium so I have to go back and do it right. I did see a restaurant advertising one of my favorite Belgian beers though, Hoegaarden’s Withier-biére blanche. I was almost tempted to stop and have one, but then I thought it may not be so fun to have to bike uphill after a beer. What an interesting little village though..a lot of languages, but I saw things mostly in French, so it was confusing since I don’t really know French.

but only set foot there for an hour. Lovely from what I saw!

Unfortunately I did not get a chance to go here while living in Europe. I’ve heard many great things about Brussels, Brugges, and other cities… though I must say that my main motivation for wanting to go is to have authentic Belgian waffles. =P I’ve had some here in Switzerland that were about the best thing I’ve ever tasted, and my husband who’s had the Real Deal says the ones I’ve had pale in comparison to the kind you can get in Belgium.

I first visited Belgium on a foreign exchange trip and later went back to see the friends that I had met. The whole country is gorgeous and it’s located in the middle of Europe, so it was easy to visit other locations. Everyone that I met was so friendly. Definitely worth checking out.

I was in Brussels and Bruges about 2 weeks ago, and I LOVED IT!!
(Though I suspect the same can be said for all of Europe.) I just adored the architecture, the art nouveau feel, the food, the atmosphere.. all of it. I drank it all in.
When I got to Bruges I couldn’t get enough. I felt as though I was in a daze, it was absolutely marvelous!

...and oh, the BEER!! By far, the best beer I’ve drank in my entire life. Nothing back home in Canada compares. Nothing.

For breakfast, try to find a “Pain quotidien”. It’s where the locals go too!

If you’ve got some time to spend in Belgium, go to Ghent. I think Ghent is the coolest city in Belgium. Between its historical center and funky student vibe, it is such a fun place to spend a few days.

Walking along the river by night, especially near the cathedrals, is like a magical fantasy land. It will really knock your socks off. Visit Gravensteen and enjoy the cultural cuisines in Patershol.

Lastly, during the summer (I forget which month) there is Gentse Feesten (probably spelt that incorrectly). It is this huge party with music and live performances and art that takes over Gent. Quite cool.

If you are fortunate enough to be in Belgium during Carnival time, go to Binche. Binche carnival is overlooked due to popular celebrations in Venice and Germany, but it is SO MUCH FUN!

The Binche Carnival is three or four days of celebrations (I can’t remember). THE DAY to be there is, of course, Mardi Gras, when les Gilles (Binche-born men dressed in straw stuffed striped suits and wearing large, heavy headpieces adorned with ostrich feathers) parade the streets of Binche handing out oranges for good luck. Well, it starts as handing out and it quickly turns into throwing and pelting. It is an all-out orange war. Add to this the mass quantities of beautiful Belgian beer consumed by all, and you have a real party. You may even walk away with some lovely bruises to commemorate your experience.

Further tips- take time to visit the bars and to party with the Belgians. I lived in Belgium for a year. In general, Belgians are a bit reserved. That is not the case when they are tanked and singing along to their favorite songs at the pub during Carnival. It is just so much damn fun.

Final tip- If you are on a tight budget, stay at the hostel in Mons and bus it to Binche. When I was there in 2004, the hostel was brand new and really nice. There was a super chill bar/live music place just down the street from the hostel.

I lived in Belgium for a year working as a nanny. I spent quite a lot of time in Bruxelles and traveling around the country. If you are traveling there and want some tips for the favorite places like Brussels or Bruges or if you want to see some great less frequented places, feel free to contact me.