carlton43
Non-Aligned
Posts: 48,525 
Member is Online
|
Post by carlton43 on Apr 24, 2024 14:48:45 GMT
I came across a little gem entirely by accident called Saint-Hubert which is insular, upper crust and very old school (or it was when I visited?) and I liked the built environment which was classy and distinguished. I got on very well with people I encountered in hotels and on the streets. For about 10-years I detoured to spend the night there and was very spoiled by the hotel and sometimes asked to join a large party for a bit of a feast at no expense to me. Best end Belgian cuisine is superb. Couldn't agree more. When it comes to classic European cooking, the Belgians really know what they're doing. Even down to meatballs and potato croquettes in a pub. I found Belgian wine in the supermarket the other day. Really unusual. I haven't opened it yet so no idea how bad or good it is! This really is a matter of taste. I am a French classics appreciator, but also best end of Italian, Californian, Australian and South African. The Hock scandals put me off from German. I have never taken to Alsace, Belgium or Switzerland for wines despite being coaxed to some of their best products. |
|
|
|
Post by Disgusted Of Tunbridge Wells on Apr 24, 2024 16:50:17 GMT
I’m actually supporting NVA, I’m just saying that Belgium really shouldn’t exist. Despite all the political squabbling, Belgium is a good example of a state where 2 language groups generally cooperate to create a relatively successful state. That's something I'd think an Israeli would be interested in... |
|
|
|
Post by Disgusted Of Tunbridge Wells on Apr 24, 2024 16:59:58 GMT
The whole length of the coast tram, with time in both termini, and Ostend. It wasn't the place so much, I found the people quite cold and unfriendly. Quite a contrast to Antwerp and Ghent and a world away from a lot of Wallonia That does surprise me. Knokke is definitely pretty cold but De Haan struck me as very friendly. There are definitely some very hostile spots in Wallonia! I've found the friendliest Belgians are in Limburg, Luxembourg and the two halves of Brabant. Wallonia in my experience was mostly very friendly, including Charleroi! People were very patient (despite my very poor grasp of the language), while in parts of Flanders, less so. |
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 24, 2024 19:24:45 GMT
Couldn't agree more. When it comes to classic European cooking, the Belgians really know what they're doing. Even down to meatballs and potato croquettes in a pub. I found Belgian wine in the supermarket the other day. Really unusual. I haven't opened it yet so no idea how bad or good it is! This really is a matter of taste. I am a French classics appreciator, but also best end of Italian, Californian, Australian and South African. The Hock scandals put me off from German. I have never taken to Alsace, Belgium or Switzerland for wines despite being coaxed to some of their best products. There is some really good German wine, but it tends to be found at small producers or local festivals. Dry, crisp Rieslings but also Grauburgunder. |
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 24, 2024 21:54:00 GMT
I suddenly thought of one of my favourite Belgicisms, which is for a downpour - une drache.
A particularly heavy downpour is une drache nationale!
|
|
carlton43
Non-Aligned
Posts: 48,525
Member is Online
|
Post by carlton43 on Apr 24, 2024 21:58:10 GMT
I’m actually supporting NVA, I’m just saying that Belgium really shouldn’t exist. Despite all the political squabbling, Belgium is a good example of a state where 2 language groups generally cooperate to create a relatively successful state. That's something I'd think an Israeli would be interested in... You've not been there have you? |
|
|
|
Post by Disgusted Of Tunbridge Wells on Apr 25, 2024 16:31:42 GMT
Despite all the political squabbling, Belgium is a good example of a state where 2 language groups generally cooperate to create a relatively successful state. That's something I'd think an Israeli would be interested in... You've not been there have you? I've been there more than any other foreign destination... |
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 26, 2024 20:12:04 GMT
No reliable figures but there are reports of a poll showing the MR out in front in Brussels, and Défi collapsing as a result.
|
|
The Bishop
Labour
Down With Factionalism!
Posts: 36,657
Member is Online
|
Post by The Bishop on Apr 27, 2024 10:07:49 GMT
You've not been there have you? I've been there more than any other foreign destination... And the phrase was "*relatively* successful" - which is at least arguable. |
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 27, 2024 22:53:23 GMT
It's a struggle to describe the two (sort of three) communities as cooperating. They live back to back for the most part.
|
|
