Global Treks: Belgium Beckons

Trip Highlights

After my stay in Belgium, mostly in Brussels, I met up with my family in Amsterdam who asked me what my favorite part about staying there was. Really there are two answers to that question: Ghent and frites (or “fries”). During my time in Belgium, I stayed in a suburb of Brussels called Ixelles that had tons of grocery stores, restaurants and schools all within a few minutes walk of each other. The older part of the city was either a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride away. Navigating the city was easy with many different modes of transportation for you to choose from and at every stop there was some place to eat, drink, or hang out at a park.

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Because I went during June, it was extremely hot, and depending on where you are staying, air conditioning may not be as readily available as it is throughout the U.S., so pack cool and comfortable clothes if you go during the summer months! Despite this, the historic part of the city boasts wonderful architecture with tons to sightsee, explore, eat some delicious waffles, and hangout in the local parks. Speaking of food, did you know that “French fries” were likely made in a northeastern city in 17th century Belgium? The people who lived in this area, however, did not speak French but spoke Dutch. Belgium’s northern region is called Flanders and is predominantly Dutch-speaking while the southern part is called Wallonia, and they primarily speak French with Brussels existing as the bilingual capital. Although most people there speak Dutch, everyone knows English and signs are multilingual.

In addition to Brussels, I had the chance to visit Ghent, which is located in the northern, Flemish part of Belgium. Ghent is by far my favorite city I have visited in Europe. Its old medieval buildings and cobblestone streets are simply awe-inspiring when you first arrive. The river that flows through the center of the city makes the entire area feel just that more peaceful and not to mention that a very famous Northern Renaissance painting by the Van Eyck brothers called The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb that is hosted by a beautiful gothic cathedral. Ghent also has a local beer called Gulden Draak which roughly translates to “Golden Dragon” for all my beer drinkers out there – go to a pub and give it a try, you won’t be disappointed! Additionally, right in the center of Ghent is a castle which hosts great views of the city and an armory museum.

Cultural Considerations

I have already given a brief introduction on the major languages, but do not fear, if you do not speak French or Dutch almost everyone I met spoke English making navigating the city and purchasing goods and going out stress free. The tensions between the Flemish and Walloon people of Belgium run deep and are important to be aware of during your travels in Belgium. Brussels is meant to bring the two sides together in a multicultural capital, hosting a wide variety of museums, art centers, and cultural festivals. In fact, one in four citizens in Belgium is from another country.

“Brussels prides itself on being more than just a city of culture; it identifies as a ‘city of cultures.’ Situated in a federal state composed of regions and linguistic communities that speak Dutch, French, and German, Brussels serves as the central hub. In 1989, it gained recognition as a region in its own right, officially becoming the Brussels-Capital Region.”
World Cities Culture Forum

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This is something I noticed on day one of being in Brussels that there are many foreign-born people living and working in Brussels making it a complex and unique engine in Belgium and Europe. Something that I wish I had known before going is restaurant etiquette, most restaurants (unless otherwise posted) you just find an open table and sit down. If you have a large party, flag down a waiter or waitress and they will assist you. Additionally, the movie theater closest to where I lived was underground.

Cuisine

As already mentioned, frites are one of Belgium’s premium foods and are found quite literally everywhere: that Turkish restaurant down the street, fries in the durum or on the side? Spicy mayonnaise or regular mayonnaise? These are questions that you will get asked when at most restaurants in Belgium. There are even entire restaurants dedicated to just frites. It is a source of national pride that everyone can partake in. Even if you are not a fan of mayonnaise, I encourage you to try it. Belgian mayonnaise is very different from American mayonnaise. As an American, it’s time for me to move on from the idea of “French fries” considering where frites most likely came from, a more apt name would be Belgian fries.

Waffles. Waffles everywhere. If fries are common everywhere, then so are waffles. Cafes and restaurants that are open all day long serve a variety of waffles (and beer!), but they are typically in the shape of a square with rectangular holes and topped with whipped cream and fruit. I have never had a better waffle than in Brussels. A tip I would have for travelers, when you are in the old streets of Brussels, I recommend avoiding the shops specifically for waffles and going to a restaurant or bakery to enjoy them.

Belgium is a vibrant country, filled with people from diverse backgrounds. Everyone greeted me and my friends with friendly smiles and even talked to us about our travels. I encourage you to go out and explore this country as it has a lot of history behind it. There are museums everywhere, events constantly happening, and in the afternoon and night the city turns up a notch with bars and restaurants packed with people. Belgians take pride in their cleanliness and open-mindedness; they are patient and friendly and if you look out for these cultural values, you are bound to see them everyday during your visit.

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