Belgium, not only the one known from the guides, but also the one off the beaten tourist track
Belgium |
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A small, beautiful country, founded in 1830 year, divided into Flemish-speaking Flanders in the north and French-speaking Wallonia in the south, which differ not only in language but also in landscape. The northern provinces of West Flanders, East Flanders, Antwerp, Limburg and Flanders Brabant are rather flat with landscapes and architecture rich in beautiful historical cities, with a dense network of canals. Hainaut, Walloon Brabant, Liege together with the German-speaking part, Namur and Luxembourg are more undulating territories abounding in small, charming towns.
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Bokrijk, fot. PM
Tournai, fot. PM
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Antwerp, fot. PM
Tongeren, fot. PM
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Lier, fot. PM
Mechelen, fot. PM
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Bastogne, fot. PM
Ieper, fot. PM
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INHABITANTS
It is hard to say that the Flemish and Walloons have mutual sympathy. The first constantly accuse the others of their ineptitude, believing that to some extent they maintain Wallons. However, they forget that Wallonia, once rich in heavy industry, was the driving force of the Belgian economy and maintained poorer, then agricultural Flanders.
They differ a lot, starting from language, through culture, music and ending on cuisine. The language barrier is something that divides Belgians the most. Walloons, who accuse Flemish of nationalism, do not want to learn the Flemish language, although knowledge of it is constitutionally necessary at all levels of administration. Strange situations sometimes arise when meeting Belgians from Flanders and Wallonia and communicate in English.
What unites them is a common passion for the national drink, i.e. beer, fascination with comics, eating fries, to which they add countless types of sauces, usually mayonnaise. Sweets are also loved by both. Waffles and chocolate are something that no Belgian will refuse. The last thing that allows Belgians to rise above divisions is the pride of the National Football Team. In the eighties it was created by wonderful Jean-Marie Pfaff or Enzo Shifo. Today it is the talented Eden Hazard or Thibaut Courtois who make the Belgians, for a moment, become one.
They differ a lot, starting from language, through culture, music and ending on cuisine. The language barrier is something that divides Belgians the most. Walloons, who accuse Flemish of nationalism, do not want to learn the Flemish language, although knowledge of it is constitutionally necessary at all levels of administration. Strange situations sometimes arise when meeting Belgians from Flanders and Wallonia and communicate in English.
What unites them is a common passion for the national drink, i.e. beer, fascination with comics, eating fries, to which they add countless types of sauces, usually mayonnaise. Sweets are also loved by both. Waffles and chocolate are something that no Belgian will refuse. The last thing that allows Belgians to rise above divisions is the pride of the National Football Team. In the eighties it was created by wonderful Jean-Marie Pfaff or Enzo Shifo. Today it is the talented Eden Hazard or Thibaut Courtois who make the Belgians, for a moment, become one.
Festival in Liege, fot. PM
bouillon, fot. pm
durbuy, fot. pm
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Bruges, photo PM
Brussels, fot. PM
orval, fot. pm
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Kortrijk Beguinage, fot. PM
Ghent, fot. PM
leuven, fot. pm
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ARCHITECTURE
Flanders is a treat for architecture lovers. Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp and Mechelen offer us an unforgettable experience. Wonderfully preserved cities show visitors the full spectrum of styles found in architecture. Wonderful buildings, very often churches, hide amazing art treasures. They are full of the works of such masters as Van Eyck, Rubens or Van Dyck.
Museums with great collections are another magnesium that attracts millions of tourists. There are also attractions for tourists who are less interested in history or art. Wonderful canals journeys or beautiful processions and carnivals taking place in various Belgian cities are highly recommended.
Wallonia is a place for those who want to actively relax. The wonderful landscapes which provide, covered with dense forests, the Ardennes mountains are recommendable. It is a paradise for fans of climbing, kayaking, cycling. However, Wallonia has more to offer. We find here a lot of charming towns such as Durbuy, Orval and Bouillion, whose history often goes back hundreds of years. There are many campsites in this area.
Museums with great collections are another magnesium that attracts millions of tourists. There are also attractions for tourists who are less interested in history or art. Wonderful canals journeys or beautiful processions and carnivals taking place in various Belgian cities are highly recommended.
Wallonia is a place for those who want to actively relax. The wonderful landscapes which provide, covered with dense forests, the Ardennes mountains are recommendable. It is a paradise for fans of climbing, kayaking, cycling. However, Wallonia has more to offer. We find here a lot of charming towns such as Durbuy, Orval and Bouillion, whose history often goes back hundreds of years. There are many campsites in this area.