They say Belgium is the centre of Europe but even those who are bad at geography know, without taking a look at the map, that isn’t true – Polish people win once again ;)
Anyhoe, Belgium became more and more important in the economic and politic map due to the fact of being the country where the majority of the European Union Institutions are settled.
And why was Belgium “chosen” for that? Well, there are a few reasons that support the choice. When EU gave its first steps back in the year of 1950, Belgium was actually in a good geographical position. The countries that were joining the “EU” at that stage, the borders with three of the strongest economies in Europe (The Nederlands, Germany and France) and also the proximity to UK lead me to that conclusion.
The other main reason is related to the fact that Belgium is this small country with 3 official languages that “divide” the country in 3 parts – apart from Brussels which is the 4th part for being officially neutral and at the same time the capital – 7 parliaments and 6 governments – don’t ask me to explain, not even Belgians do! – and a lot of differences and gaps emerge because of the political, economic and cultural mess. But in the end, Belgium manages to work it out things, and for that, it's a good example of "unity in diversity" - by the way, it's EU's motto! ;)
We, as Erasmus students benefit from both reasons, but mainly, we noticed that the second one is more relevant in our lifestyle. Everything is just on the corner!
Although we didn’t have as much time as we thought we would, we travelled a lot, and not everybody can say that he/she is going to the Nederlands just for a coffee(…).
In the last month I manage to go to Brussels, Terneuzen (The Nederlands), Bruges, Oostende and Antwerp…
Some words to highlight what pictures can’t. ;)
BRUSSELS – 27 minutes with the fastest train
I don’t know how many times have I been there, but not more than 10. I always remember the first time that I ventured myself in Brussels, the first time that I was actually abroad. To be honest I didn’t really liked Brussels by that time, ok, I didn’t like it at all. I think the grey part of the city meaning the buildings, the traffic, pollution and of course, the weather – c’mon, rain in August? – got all my attention and the only positive thing that I could remark by that time was the Grand place… gorgeous! “A nicely proportioned cobbled square surrounded by grand and ornate buildings”.
3 years later, I have a different perspective of the city. Ok, it still as its grey part, but I have discovered other colours more. Green. Brussels has big parks and it is not as hard at it seemed to me the first time, to sit on the grass. Besides, there are a lot of immigrants from all over the world settling down there, and one can really feel there presence around – for instance, in the two “portuguese” neighbourhoods you cannot talk Portuguese “because they won’t understand you”, and you can actually find restaurants and cafes with names such as Mirandela ou Vem beber uma bejeca (kidding:P). In fact, a quarter of the living population in Brussels is from abroad, I guess that is what makes the city one of the most friendly to foreign people. But the think that I appreciated more there is the fact that “everything is happening in Brussels!”. Is just amazing! Concerts, festivals, initiatives, one day this, another day that…Awesome!
TERNEUZEN – not even half an hour with Nico’s car
In the last week of studies, I went with Rui, Estelle and Nico to Terneuzen. For two hours we were in Dutch field (mind the difference between Dutch and Flemish!). You ain’t gonna believe me if I tell you the difference one can notice in the landscape when we cross the border – I didn’t believe Nico either… :P – but really, trust me, Belgians can be relaxed compared to Dutch people. In Belgium, houses look alike the houses one can see in the Nederlands, but the major difference is that there, everything is just perfect. Everything is too delimitated and sometimes you get the idea that nobody is leaving there. How can fields/streets be so well-treated and shiny clean? Check point. Fall on the coffee shop. Me with little high-hills and Estelle buying “cookies”… :) I really loved to be with you guys. :)
BRUGES – less than 25 minutes by train
Bruges deserves definitely the “Venice of the north” title. "The city of Bruges is like a dream, the only difference is that is real. The cobblestone streets, canals and 15th and 16th century architecture make this one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a tourist magnet for Belgium."
I have been there twice with Portuguese friends that were missing me so much that they needed to visit me :P. It’s a lovely city, undoubtedly beautiful and good for romantic pictures :P but not much is happening there at night… unless you drink two “garres” in a row! ;)
(João, falhei contigo, eu sei! Mas um dia levo-te lá… :))
ANTWERP – 45 minutes by train
The fashion city. A huge street with shops attracts lot of tourists.
I was expecting more from the canal area but the centre is as pretty as Gent’s centre although it doesn’t have the same atmosphere… :P The cathedral is remarkable!
In Antwerp I ate for the first time in my life insects (LARVAS!), pancakes with insects!:P Mhamy! But you can barely feel the insects taste to be honest… but it’s crunchier! Mhamy! :P
OOSTENDE – 30 minutes by train
I was there in November. Wrote some words by that time. Now it was exclusively to show the north sea to Rafinha, Ti, Iza and Dominic. But it was cold and rained a lot… (you wouldn’t say that according to the hundred children on their swimming costume on the beach).
But there is still a lot more to discover: Waterloo, Westvleteren, Kortmark :), Kortrijk, “the nice” part of the coast :P and the French part (the Ardennes, Liege,… )… but for now, I will still explore my region: East-Flanders! (St Martens Latem area to be precise.)
Tot straks!
No comments:
Post a Comment