What really fascinated me about Belgium was the passion of its people. As I’m writing a series of books about chocolate, maybe I was just lucky, and introduced to people who were even more passionate about chocolate than I am. Can that be possible?
But no, it wasn’t just the charming chocolatiers who won my heart in Belgium. It was nearly everyone we met. I really got the sense that the Belgian people love their country, that they care about others, and that they are generally proud without being arrogant. The perfect recipe for the kind of people you want to get to know better. And when you like the people of a country, you can’t help but like (or love) the country itself.
Most or our time was in Brussels, but we were fortunate to also get out to Florenville as well as to Liège, so we saw a good part of the centre of the country, but there is much more for me to see. I hope to get back there soon and visit Bruges and perhaps, Ostend, as there is plenty more Belgian chocolate to discover and enjoy.
We learned much about the history of cocoa, how it came to Europe and its importance to Belgium at the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate in Brussels. You can enjoy some on-site tasting, and there is a chocolate shop with some interesting souvenirs to buy as well. It’s worth a visit as you explore the shops of the main square known as the Grand Place. There are dozens of chocolate and specialty shops, restaurants and bars. A gourmand’s delight! Plus the Grand Place is safe, friendly and magical. You could spend hours just tasting and tasting and tasting …
Many chocolate lovers say that Belgian chocolate is the best in the world. I cannot disagree if you are looking for a silky smooth texture, although Swiss chocolate is delectable and fine in its own right. And the French purists make incredible intense and delicious dark chocolate as well. Each is good. Each is slightly different. The chocolate of any given country has its unique attributes and personality. But there is something about the Belgians. Something that indeed makes you want to come back for more.
Brussels itself is a lovely city. Clean, spattered with gorgeous sculptures, fountains, and gilded buildings. The city also boasts plenty of greenery and lovely parks.
But you don’t hear the Belgians boasting like their larger neighbours to the south. They are understated, humble, but brilliant! I was completely amazed by the ingenuity of its entrepreneurs. And by the beauty of its architecture.
My one complaint is the traffic. For a relatively small country, the traffic in Belgium (particularly in Brussels and the arteries leading in and out of it) is insane. Brussels has just over 1,000,000 people, and obviously most of them do not take public transportation as the roads are filled with cars just about any time of day or night. They could learn something from the Swiss and the efficiency of their public transportation system.
But that is a small negative in view of all the positives. I give Belgium an 8/10 as being a visitor-friendly country worth getting to know. Visit this link for more info:
We stayed at the Hotel Dominican, which I would highly recommend for its convenient location, friendly and knowledgeable staff, tastefully-designed guestrooms, gorgeous breakfast room and more.
Find it at
http://www.thedominican.be/.
But don’t take my word for it. Do yourself a favour and get off the beaten path. Take a trip to Belgium, spend some time in Brussels, eat lots of chocolate, and have yourself a great time.
Thanks, Allison.
You were lucky to have gotten to Liege and to Ostend. They are on my list! But yes, Belgium is such a pleasure, and it's unfortunate that more people don't make it s destination of choice.
Doreen, I'm just seeing this post now.
I loved Belgium when I was there in April. I was only overnight in Brussels, but had the chance to visit Liege and the conference I attended was in Ostend. We were also in Bruge and, because I extended by stay by a few extra days because of the volcano in Iceland, I had the chance to tour the Flanders region and tour Ypres. So very glad I had the chance to do that.
It's a lovely country with lovely people and they're exactly how you described.
I second all your comments on Belgium, Doreen. A country with a real heart, and people who can't wait to share their enthusiasm with visitors. Of course, as more than one chocolatier told us, "Chocolate people are happy people."
The traffic was the only down side. Walking around the streets of Brussels, particularly the astonishing beautiful Grand Place, was a delight – even getting lost between the Grand Place and the hotel was fun. I want to go back too.
Thanks, Christine. France will be next. The reviews won't be quite so glowing.
love your blogs on the cities you visited in Europe Doreen. I'm looking forward to the next one.