Hello once more, dear readers! I’m here to tell you about my latest trip to Belgium, where I spent some time between Ghent and Bruges, two of the most charming and picturesque cities in Europe. This trip was a very special and memorable one for me, as I got to reconnect with some of the good friends that I made in Shanghai, like Katherine Szeto and her husband. Let me share with you some of the highlights of my trip.
How I feel in Belgium
Belgium is a country that I never felt particularly attached to, until I met some of the wonderful people who come from there. They showed me a different and more positive side of Belgium, a country that is rich in culture, history, and diversity. They also welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home. They are some of the most kind and generous people that I’ve ever met, and I’m very grateful for their friendship.
What I see, smell, taste, and hear in Belgium
Belgium is a country that appeals to all of my senses. The country has a lot to offer in terms of sights, smells, tastes, and sounds. Here are some of the things that caught my attention:
- The sights: Belgium has some stunning scenery, with canals, bridges, castles, and windmills. The cities are full of beautiful and historic buildings, such as the Belfry of Ghent, the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges, and the Grand Place in Brussels. They are also full of art and creativity, such as the Ghent Altarpiece, the Bruges Madonna, and the Manneken Pis.
- The smells: Belgium has a distinctive smell that I find very appetizing and tempting. It’s a mix of waffles, frites, chocolate, and beer. I noticed that these are some of the most popular and delicious products in Belgium, and they are sold everywhere, from street vendors to fancy restaurants. They also have a variety of flavors and toppings, such as whipped cream, Nutella, mayonnaise, and cheese.
- The tastes: Belgium is a country that satisfies my palate and my stomach. The country offers a wide range of cuisines, from Flemish to Walloon to French. Some of the local delicacies that I tried and loved are the moules-frites (mussels and fries), the carbonade flamande (beef stew), the waterzooi (chicken or fish soup), and the speculoos (spiced cookies). Of course, I also enjoyed the famous and exquisite Belgian chocolate and Belgian beer, which are some of the best in the world.
- The sounds: Belgium is a country that entertains and delights me with its music and language. The country has a rich and diverse musical heritage, from classical to jazz to rock. Some of the most famous and talented musicians from Belgium are Adolphe Sax (the inventor of the saxophone), Jacques Brel (a singer-songwriter), and Stromae (a rapper and singer). The country also has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German, and many people speak more than one.
Ghent
Ghent, a city steeped in medieval history, reveals itself through architectural wonders like the Gravensteen, narrating tales of Counts and their grandeur. The famed Ghent Altarpiece at St. Bavo’s Cathedral speaks volumes about the city’s artistic legacy, making it a pilgrimage for art enthusiasts. Explore Ghent’s blend of medieval and modern at the innovative Ghent University Library, a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its rich history while embracing contemporary design.
In the heart of Ghent, St. Nicholas’ Church stands as a captivating example of Scheldt Gothic architecture, with intricate details that showcase the city’s historic charm. On the flip side, the City Pavilion reflects Ghent’s avant-garde spirit, a modern architectural gem amidst its medieval counterparts. These contrasting structures harmonize to portray Ghent’s dynamic architectural narrative.
Bruges
Bruges, often called the Venice of the North, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a well-preserved historic center. The city’s focal point, the Belfry of Bruges, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood showcase the medieval charm that defines Bruges. As a city that goes beyond being a tourist trap, Bruges surprises visitors with its authentic architecture, including the Groeninge Museum and the Beguinage.
Bruges’ architecture is a blend of medieval and authentic styles. The Groeninge Museum is a cultural gem, displaying Flemish and Belgian art through the ages. The Beguinage, a tranquil residential area, provides a glimpse into Bruges’ historical urban planning, while the lace-making traditions echo the city’s commitment to preserving its unique heritage.
Travel Tips for Designers
For designers seeking inspiration, Ghent’s design districts like Patershol and Dok Noord are treasure troves of creativity, housing eclectic boutiques and trendy cafes. Graffiti Street, or Werregarenstraat, offers an ever-changing canvas of street art, providing a dynamic showcase of urban design in Ghent.
Bruges offers designers a chance to explore beyond the tourist attractions. The city’s lace-making heritage can be a unique source of inspiration. Delve into the charming streets, where medieval and modern elements coexist harmoniously, creating an atmosphere that captivates both history enthusiasts and design aficionados alike.
What I learned in Belgium
Belgium is a country that teaches me something new every day. I learned a lot about the history, culture, and politics of Belgium, which is a small but influential country in Europe. Here are some of the things that I learned:
- Belgium is a constitutional monarchy and a federal parliamentary democracy, with a king as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The current king is Philippe, who ascended to the throne in 2013, and the current prime minister is Alexander De Croo, who took office in 2020.
- Belgium is divided into three regions (Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital) and three communities (Flemish, French, and German-speaking). The regions have their own governments and parliaments, and are responsible for matters such as economy, environment, and transportation. The communities have their own governments and parliaments, and are responsible for matters such as culture, education, and health.
- Belgium is a founding member of the European Union and the NATO, and hosts several of their institutions, such as the European Commission, the European Council, and the NATO Headquarters. Belgium is also a member of the United Nations, the OECD, the WTO, and the Benelux (a union of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg).
What surprised me in Belgium
Belgium is a country that never ceases to surprise me. There are always some unexpected and interesting things to discover and experience. Here are some of the things that surprised me:
- The most unexpected thing about Ghent is that this place is much prettier than I expected. The architecture of Flanders is a stark contrast with the gothic of southern Germany. Ghent has a lot of medieval and Renaissance buildings, such as the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), the St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and the St. Nicholas’ Church. Ghent also has a lot of modern and innovative buildings, such as the City Pavilion, the Ghent University Library, and the Ghent Light Festival.
- I didn’t expect how sophisticated the lifestyle in Belgium is compared to Germany. The shopping culture seems to be stronger here, with a relative low price of food and many international fashion brands. Belgium has a lot of famous and stylish designers, such as Dries Van Noten, Raf Simons, and Martin Margiela. Belgium also has a lot of chic and trendy shops, cafes, and bars, where people can enjoy the latest trends and products.
- The most surprising thing about Bruges is that this place is much more than a tourist trap. Bruges is often called the Venice of the North, because of its many canals and bridges. Bruges is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because of its well-preserved and authentic historic center. Bruges has a lot of culture and charm, such as the Groeninge Museum, the Beguinage, and the Bruges Lace.
What I want to remember about Belgium
Belgium is a country that I will always remember with fondness and gratitude. It is a country that gave me a lot of joy, inspiration, and friendship. It is a country that showed me the best of Europe, and the best of myself. It is a country that I hope to visit again soon.
Here are some of the things that I want to remember about Belgium:
- The friends: The friends that I made in Belgium are some of the most precious and valuable people in my life. They are the ones who invited me to visit their country, and who showed me around and made me feel comfortable. They are the ones who shared their stories and their opinions, and who listened to mine. They are the ones who made me laugh and made me think. They are the ones who made my trip unforgettable and meaningful.
- The fun: The fun that I had in Belgium is some of the most enjoyable and memorable moments in my life. I had a lot of fun exploring the cities and the countryside, seeing the sights and the attractions, and taking pictures and videos. I had a lot of fun tasting the food and the drinks, trying new and familiar flavors, and indulging in the treats and the delicacies. I had a lot of fun experiencing the culture and the music, watching the shows and the festivals, and dancing and singing along.
- The beauty: The beauty that I saw in Belgium is some of the most stunning and impressive sights in the world. I saw the beauty of nature, with its colors, shapes, and textures. I saw the beauty of architecture, with its styles, details, and functions. I saw the beauty of art, with its expressions, emotions, and messages. I saw the beauty of Belgium, and I loved it.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you ever have the chance to visit Belgium, don’t hesitate to do it. You won’t regret it. Trust me. ?
