Archive for December, 2009
Belgium – more than meets the eye!
After more than 175 years of independence, the tiny country of Belgium finally seems to be hitting its stride. From history to culture to nightlife to social consciousness, Belgium is at once rediscovering its significance and emerging as a leader in the EU.
Bruges is a pristinely preserved city full of classic medieval atmosphere and architecture that has managed to maintain its unique charm despite a recent influx of interest from foreign tourists. Flights to Belgium should also include a trip to Brussels or Antwerp, both energetic cities with their own distinctive allures. And then there’s the ancient city of Ghent, once a cosmopolitan centre equal to Paris and now one of the hippest cities in Belgium.
As a moral and social centre, Belgium has taken the lead on many controversial initiatives in recent years: environmental issues and green schemes, equal rights for gays and lesbians, legalisation of euthanasia.
The divisiveness of Flemish and French influences on the nation is evident in the absence of a shared linguistic tradition in Belgium. Flights to Belgium may land in a unified country, but there are clearly lines of demarcation in the fact that there is no bilingual university apart from the Royal Military Academy, no common media outlet, and no single scientific or cultural organisation in which both the Flemish and French are well represented.
However, art and culture have always been a place where both traditions have merged seamlessly. Some of the major artistic movements of the past several hundred years have deep roots in the region. Discover all that this exciting nation has to offer with a flight to Belgium!
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Flights and Guide to Aberdeen
Aberdeen Airport is one of fastest growing airports in the UK. It is located just six miles from the city centre and has direct air links throughout the UK, as well as to the rest of Europe. In addition, this airport is the world’s busiest commercial heliport, transporting more than 500,000 passengers in support of the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Airlines that offer flights to and from Aberdeen include Ryanair, Flyglobespan, Eastern Airways, KLM, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, BMI, EasyJet, City Star Airlines, Stavanger, and New Monarch, Loganair, SAS, Flybe, BMI Baby and Wideroe.
As well as being home to Scotland’s largest national park and a dramatically long coastline, Aberdeen has so much more to offer. The city, which is the third largest in the country, combines striking granite architecture, inspiring history, a dynamic modern arts scene and strong industrial heritage that make it an extremely popular tourist destination.
Getting around the city is easily achieved, as there are buses, trains and car hire available. The railway station is located right in the city centre and there are regular services to and from all areas of Scotland and beyond. For example, there are ten trains per day to the northern city of Inverness alone, stopping at towns like Huntly, Keith and Elgin. Aberdeen’s brand new bus station, operated by CityLink, also connects to over 200 locations across Scotland. While another bus company, National Express, offers a range of services that connect Aberdeen with locations throughout the UK.