Belgian mouledyssy

I have just spent a few days in Belgium, having been to both Brussels and Bruges. Brussels is the capital of Belgium, and the home of the European Commission. This means that in effect it is also the administrative capital of the European Union. There are certainly a lot of EU buildings around parts of Brussels - as well as a lot of Europeans.

The historic centre of Brussels is far more tourist oriented, and the palace is very attractive.

In my 72 hours in Belgium I sampled 13 different beers (Kwak, Orval, Gueze, Duvel verte, Chimay 7pc, Jupiler, Tongerlen Dark, Bruges blond, Maes, La Chouffe, Rodenbach, St Bernardus, and Leffe Dark), tried Moules and Frites (Mussels and Chips), and even sampled a waffle.

Bruges is very different to Brussels. For a start Bruges is in Dutch-speaking Flanders and most people are happy to converse in English. Brussels is in French-speaking Wallonia. English is fine around the EU centres, and most Brussels people will be friendly towards non French speakers, but they do not make the same effort. In a way that’s good, as English can be too ubiquitous. And it makes us Brits lazy.

Bruges is a very pretty city, and in my short time there I only saw some of the city centre. My experience was not helped by the rain on the second day (Sunday) either. The heart of any town is around its market, and Bruges market square is very pretty and dominated by the Belfry. I climbed its 366 steps to be rewarded - 83 metres up from the ground - by a cold wind blowing lashing the rain into me. The views made the tiring climb up the narrow stone stairs worthwhile.

Also of note is the Beguinage (Begijnhof) - which comes under its own jurisdiction, and is dedicated to a quieter religious life for the Benedictine Sisters. Nearby is the picturesque Minnewater lake, where you will see swans and horse-drawn carriages.

Bruges is an exceptionally attractive place, where the pace of life seems deceptively slow - with a culture centred around lots of churches, lots of windmills, lots of chocolate shops, and an exceptional range of beers. I went when it was cool, overcast and wet. I can only begin to imagine how amazing it would be to go when the flowers and trees are in full bloom, when the sky is blue, and the evenings long. It is definitely a place I wish to re-visit.