Belgium
Where I was before Belgium: Holand.
Information on documentation, visas, permanence, security and much more for Brasilian consular portal.
Tourist information official website of the government of Belgium.
Where I’m going next: England.
Belgium – A brief history
Belgium, a country in northwestern Europe, borders the north with Holland and Germany and the south with France.
It is one of the smallest and most populous country in Europe.
Due to its geographical position it has always been at the center of power struggles.
Brussels is today the headquarters of the main bodies of the European Union and other international bodies such as NATO.
Antwerp
Antwerpia’s train station is one of the most beautiful in the world.
The city is known as the city of diamonds, 80% of rough diamonds and 50% of cut diamonds in the world are traded here.
Close to the central station, you will find the Diamond District (Diamond Quater), with several shops.
It is worth a visit to at least admire the pieces that are incredible, with a design so dumb throughout.
The price as you know is diamond.
Antwerp is very good for walking, it has a quiet atmosphere with lots of boardwalks and walking around the river is very pleasant.
The city is bustling but with an inland air.
I spend a few days and went to Bruges.
Brussels
Brussels is a mix of tradition, modernity, politics, power and lots of fun.
Everyone has to visit the Grand-Place, which has been voted the most beautiful square in Europe on several occasions.
It has many buildings with gold accents. Brussels is the seat of the European Union and has always been the scene of many disputes and wars.
It is a city with many immigrants, approximately 30% of the population is not Belgian. Most of the immigrants are Muslims and this is very visible in local merchants and stores.
One of Belgium’s well-known products is chocolate, so I spent a whole day just enjoying this delicacy. It has countless stores and types of chocolate.
Walking around the city I found a church with priests and people from Brazil.
Well, my stay in Belgium ends here now towards London.
Bruges
Bruges is a small, bucolic town with lots of parks. I loved staying a few days in tranquility.
Cycling is wonderful, as there is a bike path everywhere. The city has many cozy restaurants, bars etc.
It is not a city for hustle and bustle but to rest and enjoy every moment.
As I was close to the sea, I couldn’t leave and get to know it, my original plan would be to go by bicycle, as it is only 15 km, but the ease and comfort of the train is much better, because besides not making much effort, it is cheaper and enjoy more time on the beach.
So I went to spend the day at Blankenberge.
After these days of peace, tranquility and rest, it is time to return to the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Now towards Brussels.
Blankenberge
15 minutes by train and you arrive at Blankenberge.
It is a coastal town for season. As I am out of season everything was very empty, a lot of commerce and restaurants closed.
On weekends and high season it is very crowded. The beach is beautiful, but the sea is not for Brazilian fish, very cold.
The city is known for its art noveau architecture. The center is known as The belle Epoque center.
There are several marina for water sports with many fishermen.
