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Apart from borderlines, Belgium shares the history, culture, and opulence of its neighbors France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, making Belgium a melting pot of various European lifestyles, cuisines, and architectural styles. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Western Europe also helped propel Belgium to stardom, from a tribal Roman province, to the bastion of many great empires, stage of famous wars such as the Battle of Waterloo, and to one of today's richest nations in terms of culture and economy.
Home of the Belgian chocolate
Belgium is divided into three regions-Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia. As the founding member of the European Union, Belgium is also the capital of the EU, which is based in Belgium's capital, Brussels, best-known for its Art Nouveau high-rises, grand palaces, and shops selling the world-famous Belgian chocolate. Brussels is a bilingual city with both French and Dutch as the official languages. Thus, it is common for streets and landmarks to have two different sounding names. The city's multicultural essence is also reflected in its African neighborhood in Matonge district, as well as by Saint-Gilles, a concentration of French, Portuguese, Spanish, Maghrebi and Polish communities.
Land of the avant-garde
North of Belgium is Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region that cradles Belgium's second-biggest city, Antwerp. More than 70 percent of the world's diamonds are traded in Antwerp, thus, it is called the “world's leading diamond city.” Apart from its jewelry, Antwerp has built a reputation on its artistic and intellectual culture, which has produced a long list of personalities-from Baroque painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens to today's avant-garde fashion designers Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester.
Venice of the North
While Antwerp boasts of modern buildings and nightlife, its neighbors Brugge, Ghent, and Wallonia are noted for their festivals and medieval architecture. Brugge has been dubbed “Venice of the North” for its winding canals. Wallonia, Belgium's southern French-speaking region, is celebrated for its fairytale-like castles, 12th-century Cathedral of Notre Dame, rolling hills of Ardennes, and the ancient town of Spa, the origin of the therapeutic bath.
User blogs:
Global warming: good for winegrowing?
Climate change has silver lining for English vineyards As world leaders grapple with how to tackle climate change in Copenhagen next week, England's winegrowers are embarrassed to admit that global warming is suiting them rather well. This year's crop has been one of the best yet, with a record three million bottles produced -- twice the average production of the past five ... Read full Blog post
Ati-atihan in Kalibo Aklan
Ati-atihand origins ccan be traced to 1210 when refugees from Borneo would smear their faces with soot in affectionalte immitation of the Filipino natives The island of Panay in the Visayas is where this particular detail of Philipine history took place sometime ih the late 12th or early 13th century. For centuries hence, it has been commemoratged in one specific place - in Kalibo, the capital ... Read full Blog post
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Summer Destination to Avoid: Gulf of Mexico
EPA is failing to do their job monitoring the air and reporting factual data. The people need to be made aware that their lives and long term livelihood are at stake because of the air quality in Gulf of Mexico.
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
