Belgium – home of surreal art, great food and the European institutions. For almost 6 years, it was my home too and I loved living in the Belgian capital of Brussels.
Belgium has a bad reputation which is undeserved. Perhaps it’s because of the suspicion that sometimes surrounds the European project. I admit it is a reputation that is difficult to penetrate from the outside; I only fell in love with the country while living there.
Articles about Belgium, by region
Select one of the Belgian regions to drill down and see articles and stories connected to it.
All my Belgium articles
- Air Battle over the Ore Mountains March 24, 2023 - On 11 September 1944, a massive, intense air battle took place over the mountains between Germany and what was then Czechoslovakia. The memory of this battle is still alive today. Continue Reading
- The Lasting effects of the Thirty Years’ War November 26, 2018 - I've written plenty of articles about the effects of the 30 Years' war on Prague and Czechia in general. I knew bits and pieces of the story so I decided… Continue Reading
- For people interested in World War II stories October 22, 2018 - There's a plaque on the wall in the castle in Ghent, Belgium, thanking the city for the symbolic establishment of the SAS. In Belgium. The SAS? Symbolic establishment? I started… Continue Reading
- How did the British take control of Malta? October 8, 2018 - I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is… Continue Reading
- The Belgians know Tsar Peter’s secret February 5, 2018 - The National Park in Brussels, right in front of the Royal Palace, is a welcome touch of greenery in the city. But why would the Belgians commemorate the spot in… Continue Reading
- The Hidden Roof Tops of Brussels July 13, 2015 - Depending on which part of Brussels you work in, the lunch options can vary tremendously. The vast majority of them are quite good but trying to find a great view while… Continue Reading
- Simple and Stylish European Travel – Eurostar April 6, 2015 - When based in Brussels, one of the joys of life was hopping onto the Eurostar and cruising to London. I often did it for work but I took advantage of it for pleasure… Continue Reading
- How to Spend a Weekend in Brussels January 5, 2015 - Picture the scene - you're in Brussels over a weekend because of a business meeting that ran late on Friday. You've only heard bad things about Brussels and you've always… Continue Reading
- Five (more) reasons why I still like Brussels (and some why I shouldn’t!) December 8, 2014 - Many people stare at me when I tell them that I like Brussels. For them it is a grey, bland, cloud-covered Euro-cratic city. For me, it's where I spent a… Continue Reading
- Hortense: Drink In The Mystique September 30, 2013 - You know how it is: you've had a long day, you're tired and you just feel like nothing more than a drink. You wish you had the energy to be… Continue Reading
- Belgian Beers – A Sampling August 12, 2013 - While at the Duvel Brewery a few weeks' ago, I was fortunate enough to sample a few of the other Belgian beers that are available, apart from Duvel. The brewery… Continue Reading
- Tour the Duvel Brewery July 29, 2013 - The sound of the bus growled and echoed away, leaving me in a quiet and empty road. Apart from a cyclist who disappeared around a corner, I was alone in… Continue Reading
- Five Reasons Why Brussels is Better Than Before (And 5 why it isn’t) July 22, 2013 - It's been almost a year since I left Brussels to go and live in Prague. Being back in Brussels was strange in many good ways. It felt strange to be… Continue Reading
- A Guide To Brussels Airport May 17, 2010 - I've walked the halls of Brussels Airport many times. Here is a quick guide for the tired or weary traveller passing through. It's not the largest or most complex airport… Continue Reading
- The Guide to Gare Du Midi March 22, 2010 - Brussels Gare Du Midi is one of the first things many visitors to Brussels see upon arrival whether from the airport or from an international destination. Unfortunately, apart from being… Continue Reading
- Spanish Practices November 5, 2009 - At home this week. The Grand Place, Brussels' main square is alive with the sound of camera shutters, eager talk and the noise made by a dozen or so rowdy… Continue Reading