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!
Posted in Travel Guides