Belgium... the unknown country. Little did we know about our neighbours, their culture or history. Belgium was merely the transit land, that boring (but illuminated) stretch of highway that that got in the way when traveling to France.
Belgium is actually a fairly young country, and only got its independence from the Netherlands through the
Treaty of London in 1839. Due to their colourful history most people are fluent in at least two languages, Flemish or French, but often speak German and English, too.
Belgium, the mother country of fries and beer, waffles and pralines, and homeland to the Smurfs has actually a pretty country side, and some lovely historic architecture, which in the past we blatantly ignored. We wouldn't let that happen this time and hit the road to visit Brugge.
Another borderless border, gotta love Europe!
Harleys in formation.
Brugge (Bruges), is a UNESCO world heritage. Its first mentioning was recorded in the 10th century, and in the Middle Ages it was a member of the trade union
Hanseatic League. The canal system in the historic part of the town gave the city the nickname 'Venice of the North'.
So, pigs do fly, eh?!
We had the fries.
And the waffles, too.
And bought some stevia chocolate and marzipan for Sonja.
We also spotted tons of two-wheelers, and although illegally parked, they were tolerated.
In your face, Vancouver!
Belgians have humour, too!
The weather was cloudy with occasional blue spots but again way too cold for this time of the year. (More sightseeing coming up with the next installment.)
Belgium...all that I really HAD to go on was Hercule Poirot but thanks to you and Roland, I now know better. Including the map only helped!
ReplyDelete..waiting for the next installment....
How could I forget this icon? But you have been in good company. Our knowledge about Belgium was also very limited, and we are neighbors... Thanks for your interest, Coop.
DeleteThat would be mayo with those frites, yes? Do they think our ketchup is odd? I love that about Europe: You can visit other countries like we can drive to Indiana...
ReplyDeleteYes, Martha. But we are too 'americanized' for that and asked for ketchup. These days nothing odd about it.
DeleteIt has its advantages to be able to travel a few hundred miles and dive into a complete other cultures, that's for sure, and we enjoy it greatly.
Martha and I visited friends in Maastricht back when Patrick was but a baby. We really liked Belgium and definitely their fries!
ReplyDeleteWe have been in Maastricht for professional reasons many times (our company had a branch there.). We liked it very much, and our ex-colleagues were super.
DeleteJust don't let the Dutch know that you assume Maastricht into Belgium... they wouldn't be amused. It is very close to the Belgian border though.
Ah, chocolate!
ReplyDeleteThe best!
DeleteYou two are having so much fun touring around. Thank you again for sharing your adventures with us so that we can all live vicariously through you.
ReplyDeleteI bet those stevia chocolate were yummy. Cute picture of Roland tearing into the waffle too.
The stevia chocolate wasn't cheap but it was de-li-ci-ous! I am glad that you enjoy it. It keeps us going ;-)
DeleteBeautiful, colorful buildings. The only thing I remember learning about Belgium is that they were the inventors of french fries.
ReplyDelete