Any Travels

Located in north-western Europe, Belgium is a small country bordered by The Netherlands, France, Germany, and Luxembourg. There's more to the country than Belgian fries, glass and beer: multicultural and multilingual, Belgium is a veritable Europe in miniature.

Belgium reached its zenith under the Duke of Burgundy during the 14th century. However, the country declined in the mid-15th century. During the First World War, despite Belgium's neutral policy, the Germans invaded the country in 1914. The Germans attacked it again in 1940, this time taking control over the entire country within barely three weeks. After the war, Belgium witnessed an economic boom, which was further boosted by Brussels appointment as the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO.

Brussels today is a bustling city of diplomats, followed closely by towering skyscrapers and numerous restaurants. You will see superb examples of art and architecture, both past and present-Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Nouveau. The city is also famous for some well-preserved ancient chateaux, colourful fairs and festivals, nature reserves as well as amusement parks-all within easy reach.

Due to the country's strategic location, Belgians play host to tourists from all parts of the world. The local people are always friendly, cooperative and courteous. Though Dutch and French are the commonly used languages, you'll find that almost everyone can manage to communicate in English.

Belgium has some of the renowned art cities of Europe- Antwerp , Bruges and Ghent . The southern region of the country is interspersed with the rolling hills of the Ardennes, numerous castles, and the cities of Liege , and Tournai . The Ardennes, in particular, are a major centre for skiing in winter and kayaking in summer, with added facilities of hiking and mountain biking along the forest tracks.

Belgium packs quite a cultural punch; world-class art, picture-perfect castles, sumptuous chocolate everywhere and more varieties of beer than plant and wildlife species combined.

It is a place of the divine (moules et frites) and the divided (the Flemish north and Walloon south are as different as raw chicory and cheese fondue). The north and south speak different languages and regard one another as culturally dubious.

Comic strips are another Belgian forte and while there are many local favourites, Herge, the creator of the quiffed reporter Tintin, is the most widely known.

Belgian food is highly regarded throughout Europe - some say it's second only to French. Combining French and German styles, meat and seafood are the main raw ingredients. The Belgians swear they invented frites (chips, or fries), and judging by availability, it's a claim few would contest. And though they didn't actually invent beer or chocolate, they may as well have.

Events

Brussels' most festive months are July and August. On the first Thursday in July there's the Ommegang pageant, a huge parade of nobles dressed in historic costumes. Belgium's colourful National Day is July 21, which also marks the start of the month-long Brussels Fair. Throughout the year there are jazz fesitvals, religious processions, local fairs, film festivals and classical music extavaganzas. Carnival is a big do - people shake off the winter blues with outrageous celebrations ranging from balls to masked parades. In Ypres, the Kattenfestival (Festival of the Cats) involves imitation cats being hurled from the town's belfry!