CHOCOLATE AND WAFFLES
Belgium has undoubtedly the best chocolate and waffles in the world (or at least I think so). The waffles are sweet and savory, and come in a multitude of coverings and flavors. The chocolate however is beyond anything I could have expected. Belgium is known most for their pralines, which were absolutely delicious. While only in Belgium for two days before taking a train to Amsterdam, I managed to have as much chocolate and waffles as possible. The very first thing I did in Belgium once arriving in the Grand-Place de Bruxelles was get a waffle from the many street side shops that sell them. Made fresh daily and covered in fresh strawberries and hot Belgian chocolate, it was one of the best treats I had while abroad. I had the special opportunity of eating it in the Grand-Place, admiring the gilded 17th century buildings that surrounded the square.
Chocolate was everywhere in Belgium, and I made sure to get as much as I could. Between Brussels and Brugge, I went to 4 different chocolate stores, 1 chocolate museum with a tasting included, and purchased 3 boxes of Belgian chocolates to bring home for my family. What makes Belgian chocolate so delicious is its purity. Belgium chocolate is not adulterated with any other ingredient other than cocoa. Therefore, it has a rich and flavorful taste of chocolate that is very distinct from other chocolate. The praline, however, is the best form of the Belgian chocolate, with its rich chocolate flavor combined with a variety of fillings in the chocolate. From limoncello to spicy ganache, the praline is the epitome of taste. The best chocolate I had was in Brugge, and I walked a mile outside of the town center in order to get to an authentic Belgian chocolate store; so Belgian in fact, that only Flemish was spoken and written in the store. Such authenticity allowed me to experience the culture of Belgium, expanding my horizons and deepening the understanding of the world around me. Chocolate is truly educational.
Chocolate was everywhere in Belgium, and I made sure to get as much as I could. Between Brussels and Brugge, I went to 4 different chocolate stores, 1 chocolate museum with a tasting included, and purchased 3 boxes of Belgian chocolates to bring home for my family. What makes Belgian chocolate so delicious is its purity. Belgium chocolate is not adulterated with any other ingredient other than cocoa. Therefore, it has a rich and flavorful taste of chocolate that is very distinct from other chocolate. The praline, however, is the best form of the Belgian chocolate, with its rich chocolate flavor combined with a variety of fillings in the chocolate. From limoncello to spicy ganache, the praline is the epitome of taste. The best chocolate I had was in Brugge, and I walked a mile outside of the town center in order to get to an authentic Belgian chocolate store; so Belgian in fact, that only Flemish was spoken and written in the store. Such authenticity allowed me to experience the culture of Belgium, expanding my horizons and deepening the understanding of the world around me. Chocolate is truly educational.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Brussels was my first introduction to Belgium. Upon arriving in the Brussels Airport, I knew that I would like Belgium and would feel at home in the city as I saw signs for the ADAM Museum in Brussels (didn't end up going because it was unfortunately too far from the city center). After a train ride from the airport to Brussel-Centraal station, I had arrived in the city. Immediately I found my way to the Grand-Place de Bruxelles, which I stood in awe of. From the gilded architecture to the setting up of the massive Christmas tree in the middle of the square, it was such an impressive sight. From there, I spent the day eating waffles and chocolate, wandering around the city, and seeing 7 different museums. I saw The Chocolate Museum, Manneken Pis, the Belgian Comic Strip Center and comic book route, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, the Coudenberg Museum, BELvue Museum, and the Van Gogh Exhibition just to name a few. Such museums and sights brought the culture of Belgium to life.
Out of all the places I visited (other than the Grand-Place de Bruxelles), the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula and the Coudenberg Museum were the most impressive to me. The church itself was one of the most beautiful churches I have every visited. The way the light filtered in through the stain glass windows and splashed across the white stone walls was magical. The church is considered the Notre Dame of Brussels, which I could completely understand. Stepping into it was as if I had stepped into another world. Equally impressive was the Coudenberg Museum, which is the archeological site of the Palace of Coudenberg, a castle that stood for 700 years as the house of the royal family which has since then been replaced by the current palace. The museum showed the remains of the building underneath the existing palace, where there is even a street that used to be above ground but has been buried by the "new" urban development. The museum chronicled the history of Belgium in such a unique and different way. I stayed in Brussels for 2 nights, though I only spent the first day exploring the city. Brussels was a vibrant and historic city with a diverse blend of architecture and history. Such an opportunity to see the city is one I will never forget. I was enthralled by the food, culture and history of the city and cannot wait for the opportunity to go back. |
BRUGGE, BELGIUM
On my second (and last) day in Belgium, I took the train from Brussels to Brugge, passing through Ghent. It was a scenic train ride through the Belgian countryside, ultimately arriving in the small town of Brugge. I have been wanting to go to Brugge for a long time, and seeing Brugge for the first time exceeded all my expectations. It is a very quaint Belgian town, though it is full of culture, gorgeous architecture, and history. I got lost wandering through the beautiful streets that opened up onto squares and plazas all over the city. Their center square, the Grote Markt, was stunning. The Belfry dominates the space, and when I went a Christmas market with an ice rink and stalls of food and gifts filled the square. Similar to Brussels, the center square glittered with gilded buildings and opulent design. I had lunch in Huis Craenenburg, a restaurant in a building dating to the 14th century, where I had a fantastic crock of mussels. It is a very historical site, where Margaretha of York watched the knight's games at her wedding in 1468. The history of Brugge goes very far back, and is still very prevalent today.
As for food, I had the best Belgian chocolate in Brugge, venturing a mile from the Grote Markt to get the best and most authentic box of Belgian chocolate to bring back for my family. I also made sure to stop by the Godiva store, as it originated in Belgium. There had to be at least a hundred chocolate stores across the city, each offering a wide selection of handmade pralines and chocolate creations. I would say most of the food I ate in Belgium was chocolate! The opportunity to buy a few pralines and eat them while walking through the city is one of my favorite memories of Brugge. While I was only in Brugge for a day, I was able to climb the Belfry, see the spot on the Grand Canal featured as one of the most photographed sites in Brugge, go to the Groeningemuseum, see the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which right next to the Town Hall and contains a vial said to contain Jesus Christ's blood, and see the Hans Meming Museum. From Flemish tapestries and oil paintings to photographing the city from above, I was able to experience the culture and sights of Belgium in many different ways. I fit as much as I could into the day to make the most out of my limited time in Brugge, which I am very thankful that I did. I learned so much and can't wait to go back! |