Get to Know Belgium - Beer Land
There’s something about the Kingdom of Belgium that’s exciting. Maybe it’s the friendly and welcoming people there. Maybe it’s the fact that there are three national languages commonly spoken (English makes four). It could be the fantastic architecture that surrounds the cozy cobblestone squares. It might also be the amazing food and drink that is so common throughout the country. Maybe it’s the carefree and energetic nature of the Belgian people, always inviting you to join them in their constant wonder at exploring what life really means.
Belgium is bordered by Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.. Partially because of this fact alone, it incorporates all of the best of Europe in general. All of this cultural diversity exists in an area no larger than the state of Maryland. Within the time period of one day, you could: take a beautiful and romantic canal cruise in Bruges, enjoy a festival in Binche, hunt diamonds in Antwerp, enjoy waffles on a beach in Oostende, explore a castle in Namur, or visit one of the many culturally rich museums offered in Belgium.
Belgium is called “The essence of Europe” by many as it is both multi-cultural and multi-lingual. In the north area, Flanders, you can enjoy a number of criss-crossing canals. You can gain knowledge of the past in the Medieval art cities of Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent. In Wallonia, the south of Belgium, you’ll be amazed by rolling hills and countless castles. The centralized capitol, Brussels, is one of the planet’s most sheik cosmopolitan mecas. It is home to the headquarters of the European Union as well as NATO.
Commercial and cultural exchanges have created a powerfully intriguing history in Belgium. It has always served as a meeting home to the rest of Europe. Most other European countries desired annexation of Belgium at one point or another throughout history. There are traces of Austrian, Dutch, Spanish and French architecture throughout Belgium to solidify this fact. Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles of art and architecture are all commonplace in Belgium.
Belgium is a land for pragmatic, free-thinking, open-minded connoisseurs of life. The Belgian people openly express wonder and excitement towards life and living. They enjoy the world’s highest quality of life in many ways including: health care, housing, high productivity, low poverty, high literacy, infrastructure and successful yet complex governmental regulation.
Belgium is the home of over 400 varieties of beer. It is said that there is always a party happening in Belgium. Many a night is spent in absence of sleep, traded for jazz festivals, rock concerts, pub-hopping, and gambling at casinos. Brussels houses over 80 pubs alone! You can definitely become an avid beer drinker in Belgium; not to mention the waffles and chocolates.
There is so much to do and see in Belgium that it’s indescribable. There is literally an infinite amount of incredible scenarios to be experienced. Here’s a short list of some of those Brussels hot-spots for exciting nightlife:
- Bazaar: Rue de Capucins 63. After midnight this restaurant becomes a lively bar with fresh music and hip DJs.
- Le Cercle: Rue de Sainte Anne 20 – 22. Located in Brussels in the Sablon area, this is a small disco bar where partiers dance the entire nights away.
- Chez Johnny: Chaussee de Louvain 30. Here’s a place with a coil. You dance, but to old-fashioned, non-modern music. It may sound weird, but it’s a big hit.
- Le Fuse: Rue Blaes 208. Here is a twisty little place that is home to a mixture of gay/straight customers. International DJs are showcased in this techno/drum-n-bass club. There’s a fantastic food club on the second floor.
This list could go on and on. In short, Belgium is certainly not lacking in opportunities for exciting night, and day living. If you visit Belgium, you may decide to never leave!