However, Brussels offers far more than chocolate (although excelling in it): art nouveau, art deco, French fries, Tintin, and Jean-Claude Van Damme - this is just some of what Brussels has given the world.
It is a city where Arabic, Turkish, Spanish, Portuguese, and English can all be heard within earshot of the city's native French and Dutch--thanks to the diverse immigrant and expatriate communities. Whether it's a crusty croissant à la Parisienne, a couscous worthy of the casbah, or a Flemish waterzooi stew, this capital of the European Union has enough flavor for just about every taste.
The Bruxellois are often slow to warm to visitors, but to understand them, a quick history lesson is in order. After being invaded countless times throughout the ages, Belgium was created in 1830 as a buffer zone between the constantly warring countries of Germany, the Netherlands, and France. A part of southern Netherlands, or Flanders, was joined with part of northern France to keep the countries from each other's throats--and Brussels was designated the capital of the new nation.
But the two language groups have not always had an easy coexistence: The French speakers, or Francophones, dominated political and social life for much of the country's history, much to the Flemings' (a Belgian who speaks Flemish) displeasure. Brussels has always been bilingual--every street has both a Dutch and a French name.
Whatever the antagonism between the different language communities, there is a genuine "live and let live" attitude that only years of being Europe's doormat could have fostered. This laissez-faire approach to life can be seen in Belgium's laws: In Europe, only Holland and Scandinavia are more progressive politically when it comes to women's and gay rights.
The city of Belgium is composed of 19 different sections, or communes, each with its own character. There's the swank uptown Uccle, the sprawling Schaebeek (favored by many of the Turkish immigrants), the bohemian Ixelles, and the ultrachic Watermael-Boitsfort. The city center has cobblestone streets harking back to the Middle Ages, art deco and art nouveau architecture (the city is the birthplace of both art schools), leafy parks, and a bustling cafe culture.
The charm and diversity of this cosmopolitan city will bring you back for more of Brussels.
Maybe it does not have the romanticism of Paris or Venice, but it has its charm and a lot to offer for the body and mind: art, museums, food, beers, sights, outdoors...
Keep all your senses alert and the city will enchant you in a surprising way!
