TRAVELOGUE – Belgium

Things you MUST do in Belgium

by Patty Hung, Features Editor

1. Belgian chocolates are the most exquisite confections that I have ever tasted. Belgium produces 172,000 tons of chocolate per year, a feat made possible only by the high concentration of chocolate experts in a small country. The chocolatiers take pride in decorating each piece of chocolate, as each design is like an individual signature. The chocolate shells are sculpted into leaves, monograms, swirls, and any other design you can imagine. Many chocolatiers still make their chocolates by hand. Belgian chocolates have a wonderful mixture of perfect texture and luxurious flavor, as only the best cocoa and fillings are selected. Have your fill of chocolate truffles, chocolate mousse, chocolate pralines, and many more in any of 2,130 chocolate shops.

2. If you go to Brussels, you must visit the Grand’Place – a historic square that many consider to be the most beautiful in Europe. The Grand’Place is surrounded by ornate buildings, each from a different time period. First there is the Hotel de Ville, or Town Hall, a tall structure with a Gothic tower crowned with a gold statue depicting St. Michael slaying the devil. Standing opposite the Town Hall is the King’s House, which had humble beginnings as a large bakery. Then there are the Guild Houses, a set of elaborately decorated houses built in the Middle Ages by wealthy and powerful guilds. The Grand’Place has been the focal point of the Brussels’s social scene for centuries. It is in this square that the most important ceremonies and festivals take place, not to mention the Sunday morning bird markets. One of the most popular events is the biennial flower carpet, for which begonia cultivators decorate the entire square with a themed flower carpet.

3. Many of you are familiar with the story of the peeing boy, in which a brave little boy peed on a deadly fire to save his city from utter destruction. The fountain of the Manneken-Pis, otherwise known as the statue of the peeing boy, stands on the corner of the Rue de l’Etuve and the Rue du Chene. It is much smaller than I expected, so much so that you might miss it altogether if you didn’t pay attention. However, this little statue is considered an honored citizen of Brussels. Kings, presidents, and celebrities have given the statue various costumes – he now has more than 250 different outfits. The statue has been dressed as Elvis, a samurai, and Mozart, to name just a few. Whenever his costume is changed, he “pees” beer while folks grab their mugs to get a free drink.

4. Of course, you must not forget to try the Belgian waffle in its homeland. Small, cozy waffle shops offer a variety of waffles with a choice of different toppings, including pudding, yogurt, and ice cream. The waffles are made upon order and come out wonderfully warm and soft. They are much lighter and fluffier than your regular American waffles.

5. If you’re wondering what to buy for your mother, your sister, or your girlfriend, how about a lovely piece of Belgian lace? The numerous lace shops create exquisite designs in princess lace, rose point lace, duchess lace, and renaissance lace. They make lace pieces in all sorts of designs, including hearts, flowers, and butterflies. The beautiful pieces are made into tablecloths, brooches, and even food containers.

Picture sources:
http://belgianimports.freeservers.com
http://www.trabel.com/brussel/brussel-manneken.htm
http://www.chobel.be/burie