Belgium, Europe's Little Gem

Whenever people want to write travel reviews, they seem to prefer the exotic, tropical, beachy places that all look like postcards from paradise. But there are other places in the world. That might not be so exotic. A bit boring even. Where nothing ever happens. At all. Where everybody complaints about their job. Where the weather is horrible. Before I shoot myself, I want to tell you a bit more about Belgium, my pride and joy, the country I was born and raised in, my center of the world.

Yes, I did say Belgium. I don't care what you've heard or read, it is a country. No, it's not the capital of France. I know there's quite a few raised eyebrows right now, but we do exist. Not having a government for 4 months doesn't mean there's anything wrong with us. They even promised us that by Easter, there will be new leaders. So there.

What do people know about Belgium? Chocolate and beer. That's it. Ask the average non-European John Joe Jim Juanita, and all they come up with is chocolate and beer. There's probably worse things to be associated with, and our chocolate and beer really are delicious and the best in the world, one still would hope there's a little bit more (for the fan: there really are more than 1000 different beers in Belgium).

Let's start with the news, what put Belgium on the map the last couple of years, what are our claims to fame, what makes us tick, according to the international press. After a little Google session, depression kicks in even harder than it already had. Apparently my home country is most known for Dutroux, the infamous pedophile, for the problems between North and South, extreme right fascist parties that take over the country and kings that, except for one, all had children out of wedlock. A Valhalla for stand-up comedians, a disaster for it's inhabitants. Anyone still wants to ask me why I'm not spending more time there?

And yet, hard as it may be to admit, I kinda like the place. Not the country, but one place in particular: Antwerp. It's the place I was born, and if, God forbid, for some reason I ever have to go back and live in Belgium, the only place I would even consider moving to. Besides the harbor (depending on the source the third or fourth largest in the world, thank you very much), it really is an exciting city. There's probably as many interesting buildings, from an architectural point of view, as any other European city. Town Hall, the museums, and more recent constructions like the controversial courthouse are perfect examples of what Antwerp has to offer.

On a lighter side, there's the fashion, music and shopping. With a bit of confidence, Antwerp could definitely profile itself as a smaller version of Barcelona, to name but one city. Late last century, a group of young fashion designers decided to team up and as a collective became world famous as the Antwerp Six. As for the music scene, the style is more rock-alternative. With dEUS and Zita Swoon (the former Moondog Junior) as the most important protagonists, they have fans from all over the world. If it's shopping you're after, you won't be disappointed either. Since the late 90's, Antwerp has a achieved a (well deserved) cult status among fashionista's and souvenir hunters. Add to that the dozens of museums (from Rubens to Modern Art and everything in between), and you might find something to do if you've got a few days left in Europe. Antwerp is putting a lot of effort in making the city more pleasant for pedestrians, and that is paying off. During Summer time, you can enjoy the views of the city from literally hundreds of bars and bistros. For the dance fanatics, there's some of the hottest clubs in Europe that seem to keep going until late in the afternoon.

So you see, it's not all that boring after all. Ok, Belgium is, but Antwerp certainly isn't. If you ever need a guide, just ask, I'll be glad to show you around. And if you're still not a fan, well, there's always chocolate and beer.