First impression
Having visited it once, no one cannot to fall in love with this country at first sight and for life. You will not hear screams, as in France, you will not see arrogance and pomposity, as in Italy. From the first steps, getting off the train and finding yourself in any city in Belgium, you will immediately feel a completely peaceful atmosphere. Belgians are responsive, friendly and smiling people. You will have a feeling that you are here every weekend. In Belgium, they speak three languages: German, French and Flemish. But if you speak English, rest assured that you will be understood and helped in any situation. There will be no problems with communication and mutual understanding. If you get tired and want to take a break in one of the many cafes, no one will drive you away, even if you have not ordered anything. A pleasant addition is that in Belgium the Internet is everywhere. There are open networks in museums and cafes, there is free city Internet. You can use it while sitting on any bench in the city, and there are plenty of benches in Belgium.
The ancient cities of Belgium
Each city in this country has its own face, individual uniqueness.
- Brussels is the capital of Belgium. The political and cultural center of the country, as well as the entire European Community.
- Lyre is famous for its astronomicalclock, a 16th-century fortification ring and the ancient Zimmer tower. Not far from the city is the Kalmthout Nature Reserve, which protects relict sand dunes surrounded by pine forests and moorlands.
- Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe and the world's largest diamond cutting centre.
- Bruges is a medieval trading centre and the capital of West Flanders.
- Ghent - this city has the largest number of ancient buildings, is the capital of East Flanders.
- Spa is a famous resort.
- Mechelen (Malines) - Beethoven was born in this city. It is famous for its famous bells and stunning architecture.
- Tongeren - this city saw Julius Caesar. The oldest city in Belgium.
- Yui is famous for its tin production.
- Liege is a large and ancient city in Wallonia.
- Waterloo is the site of the battle between Napoleon and Wellington. A famous tourist destination. The sights are dedicated to the battle between the French and the English.
- Binche is an ancient town where the famous carnival takes place.
- Tournai is a city of churches.
- Charleroi is the birthplace of the Carolingian dynasty.
- The Great Ardennes Forest is located near the border with Luxembourg and Germany. It is the pride of the country. It contains many of Belgium's attractions surrounded by virgin forests.
The rainy climate of Belgium
The weather in this country is distinguished by itsinconstancy. It often rains and is cloudy. On the North Sea coast the climate is damp and mild. In the Ardennes it is more continental. The best time to visit this country is from May to September. From July to August you can try to dive into the sea, although the water temperature rarely rises above +18 degrees. Winter is considered quite cold, but not for residents of Russia. Recommended clothing for winter in Belgium is clothing for late autumn in Russia. It is cool in summer, so demi-season clothes will come in handy. An umbrella is a must.
Character of the Belgians
The national trait of the Belgians can becharacterize with the Russian proverb: "Business is a time, fun is an hour." They know a lot about work, and reckless recklessness is unfamiliar to them. They think it is right to put something aside for later, and use the remaining savings to have a good rest. They respect common sense, understand humor and are distinguished by their tolerance. Outwardly obedient citizens of their country, but behind this lies a strong national character. A true Belgian will never behave inappropriately in society, will never wear provocative clothing. They are very friendly towards tourists. This even surprises those who are in this country for the first time. They are always ready to help, give directions, explain something.
Belgian Chocolate
Chocolate is a tourist attractionBelgium. This country, occupying 30.5 thousand square kilometers, is home to 16 chocolate museums, 12 chocolate factories and 2000 chocolate shops. Every town, every village has its own shop offering simply luxurious chocolates. If you compare Swiss and German chocolate with Belgian, the latter wins in terms of its taste. Belgium is the leading chocolate manufacturer in Europe. It produces 172 thousand tons of chocolate per year. Many chocolates are still made by hand. If you are short on money, but really want chocolate, there is one way. Walking around the city, go to specialized chocolate shops. They allow you to try chocolate for free. After you have visited several shops, you will understand that you have eaten your fill.
Creative monuments
Places of interest in Belgium includea large number of unexpected sculptures located on the streets, in parks, on sidewalks, at public transport stops. You will not see anything like this in any other country in the world. Some monuments live a long time, some - only a few weeks or months. Everyone has heard of the famous "Manneken Pis", which is located in Brussels. Crowds of tourists gather around it, take pictures. Meanwhile, in the small town of Geraardsbergen there is also a "Manneken Pis", which is 160 years older. But in Brussels there is also a "Girl Pis", and even a "Peeing Dog". There is a monument to a cat in a pink T-shirt sitting on a bicycle. There is a car attached to the wall of an apartment building on the 2-3 floor in the city of Leuven. It is unclear what the author of this monument wanted to say, but it is interesting to look at. An interesting, unusual monument "The Abduction of Europa" is located in Brussels near the building of the European Commission. Right at the crossroads in the capital of Belgium, next to the curb, there is a sculpture depicting a plumber climbing out of a manhole and grabbing the leg of a policeman standing next to him. It is shown in motion how the policeman got scared and falls. At the tram stop, there is a sculpture "Waiting for the Tram". A guy and a girl are sitting and holding hands. You can't describe all the sculptures: there are so many of them and they are located in the most unexpected places. Belgium and its attractions are distinguished by creativity.
Travel to Belgium
The best way to get from one city to another isby train. It is cheap, comfortable and fast. It is better not to use taxi services. The prices are too high. Be sure to visit the city of Bruges. It is famous for its bridges. You can ride a boat along the canals. It is better not to go to restaurants, as the prices there are simply unrealistic, and there is no taste. If you are on a small budget, go have lunch at McDonald's or Kvik. If you are in Brussels, visit the Dellerium bar, where you can try a large number of types of beer. This bar is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Next to this bar there is a sculpture of a peeing girl. Be sure to try the Belgian waffle. You will pay only 2 euros, but you will understand how amazing it tastes. Be very careful and careful in the area of the Nord and Midi stations. These are places of vice. The Arab quarter and the "red light district" are nearby. Be sure to try French fries in Belgium. It is sold in small bags, like sunflower seeds in Russia. Very tasty! Don't miss the opportunity to go on a tour of a real knight's castle. The entrance fee is 2.5 euros. You can take photos inside and stay on the territory as long as you like. Three times a day, the castles host stylized performances for tourists. This happens at 11, 14 and 16 o'clock. Don't miss the symbol of Brussels - the Atomium monument. This is an iron molecule magnified 165 billion times. Its height is 102 meters. Next to it is the equally famous miniature park Mini-Europe. It contains models of the most famous and beautiful buildings and structures in Europe on a scale of 1:25. Belgium is proud of its Cathedral of Our Lady, located in Antwerp. It contains famous paintings by Rubens: "The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary", "The Resurrection of Christ". You should definitely see it with your own eyes. Entrance to the cathedral is only 2 euros, the impressions are worth 1000.
Conclusion and conclusions
This is a fabulous, unique place.Having arrived in this country once, you will want to wander again along the narrow, cozy streets, listen to street musicians, breathe in the aromas of chocolate and waffles. See the friendly smiles of passers-by. Belgium is a country whose sights will be remembered for a long time.
