Belgium: the country where beer has cherries and people have rhythm

Before Christmas euphoria, you don’t have much to think about, but open one of the booking platforms, and the adventure can begin. Our desire this time was towards Belgium, although we couldn’t decide, so we voraciously visited several locations: Brugge, Ghent, and Bruxelles.

Brussels, Photo: Jelena Mirić, Adria.fun

As usual, we were watching the flight from Zagreb, so Brussels South Charleroi Airport quickly fit into our route. The drive takes about two hours, and the distance from the airport to the center of Brussels is about an hour. Now that we’ve done this route, next time we’d do it in reverse as a ride to Ghent or Bruges costs the same as Brussels – around 20 euros each way.

Interestingly, there are weekend specials from Brussels to Bruges, so for 18.40 euros, you can drive in various directions that day. So we decided to go to Bruges first, then stop in Ghent on the way back, and then return to Brussels again.

Brussels, Photo: Jelena Mirić, Adria.fun

Most of all, I liked the architecture, but also the hustle and bustle of people circulating through the cities. I felt some warm, smiling faces, but also a lot of cordiality during my stay in service activities. Speaking of which, you must try french fries on the street, they say they invented them, but they didn’t try my potatoes from Lika! One french fry costs about 8 euros, while a Belgian waffle can be found for 7 euros.

Brussels, Photo: Jelena Mirić, Adria.fun

I wasn’t thrilled with coffee, but with beer – a big yes! Although their price is not enviable, the taste of cherries and 8% alcohol in a large beer can lead you to only one thing: dancing and partying long into the night. My partner Nikola often experiences with me that dose of laughter that stuns me after two alcoholic drinks, but at least I am a worthwhile guest to treat.

I’m also positively surprised by the nightlife, because people dance there and don’t stop! To the extent that I thought I was back in Mallorca, and not in “stuck” Brussels.

I would recommend a mandatory visit to the City Hall, Grote Market, Atomium, European Parliament, Grand Place, City Museum, the Brussels “London Eye”, but also every street that exudes a special note. So, for example, one moment you can come across Manneken Piss, and the next you can wander among the windows of famous world brands or authentic restaurants and cafes.

A well-intentioned tip is to make dinner reservations during the weekend, don’t ask how I know! And yes, mussels stuffed with cheese and fries at Chez Leon – an indispensable combination. Perhaps an even better option is to watch Jela fight with mussels, I’m used to Lika lamb after all.

The already mentioned Ghent and Bruges are real Belgian delicacies, in my opinion just as worth seeing as the capital itself. I would say that these two cities and the dancing shoes in Brussels are a true Belgian trilogy.

In Bruges, I was delighted by the architecture and small narrow decorated streets, while in Ghent I liked the note of huge cathedrals and bridges, maybe it reminded me a little of Prague. We tried fantastic hot chocolate in Ghent, while Brugge is home to authentic souvenirs.

They say that Brussels International Airport sells the most chocolate in the world every year – I haven’t tried a single one. That’s a good sign that I have to come back again! Although this time I would go directly from Brussels to Rotterdam and The Hague, and if there are volunteers for the next trip – please contact me.

The only condition is that you don’t snore and that you are okay with walking 40,000 steps a day!

Valencia and paella as a summer escape from obligations and routine!