BELGIE TRAVEL INFORMATION

People: despite the fact that they are our southern neighbours, Belgians are quite different from the Dutch. The funny thing is that the Dutch are usually much more positive about the Belgians than the other way around, the same thing you see with the Dutch and the Germans (but reverse). I know that the Dutch can be negative about the Germans as a kind of inferiority complex (because we cannot blame it on a war that took place 70 years ago, as brutal as it may have been), so maybe this is the same case with the Belgians. I consider them as friendly and cozy people, even more tight than the Dutch but always ready for some fun. Score: 7

Landscape/Nature: Belgium has got the Ardens as the Dutch have their Veluwe. But that’s it, there isn’t much more. All does look green and pretty though, but don’t expect real wilderness. Score: 6

Transport/Infrastructure: the roads are generally good, and so is public transport. No problems getting from A to B. Score: 9

Fauna/Animals: n\no, there’s not much left. Forget about animals when you go to Belgium, unless you want to find their last lizard or frog. Besides, Belgians like to hunt so also birds aren’t safe! Score: 4

Food: Belgians can appreciate good food and (unlike the Dutch) take their time to enjoy a good meal. The country has enough specialities to keep in interesting. Score: 8

Climate: just like Holland, lots of wind and rain and cool summers and wet winters. Snow in the Ardens is pretty – but it’s not for the weather one goes to Belgium. Score: 5

Culture: Belgium is not the first country that comes to mind when you plan a culturally rich holiday. However, places like Gent and Brugge are very pretty, you can still find castles in the forests and the town centres of Brussels and Antwerp are definitely interesting. Score: 7

Hygiene: in general of European standard, so just fine. Score: 8

Travelling costs: also of European standard, so definitely NOT cheap. Score: 6

Safety/Stability: fine, but be aware of the city centres of Brussels and Antwerp, I once had a beating there….but fine otherwise. Score: 8

Excitement/Challenge/Adventure: in the Ardens are a lot of activities to be done, like rock climbing, canoeing, hiking etc. Fun, but not great fun. Belgium is not a very adventurous country. Score: 6

Overall score: 6.3

With this score Belgium will NOT enter our top 10 travel destinations.