Here is a list of my favorite things about Belgium,
listed in no particular order of importance.
Brugge visit - From left to right:
EMBA X program director Diana Cooper,
your Belgian hosts,
Leo Sleuwagen (professor of strategy)
and Gonda Huybens (MBA program coordinator)
Arguably, the Grand' Place is
the most beautiful plaza in the world.
This harmony of baroque buildings is due, indirectly, to the French
bombardment of the city in 1695 by the troops of Louis XIV.
Most of the square was burned down but within three years the powerful
Belgian Guilds had rebuild it all.
Each guild
(e.g. archers, bakers, boatsmen, butchers, coopers, haberdashers, and of
course brewers)
built its own house in a dazzling display of wealth.
The Town Hall was one of the few structures left standing.
The building is one of the finest examples in Europe of 15th century
gothic art.
The plaza is home to a number of cafes, from which the buildings can be
admired. There is a regular flower market on Sundays.
Light and sound spectacles can be enjoyed during the summer.
See the Virtual visit of the Grand' Place and other sites.
For more views of beautiful Brussels, see TV5's interactive tour (TV5 is a French TV channel broadcasting all over the world--knowledge of French helps).
(108K WAV file)
Born and raised in Brussels, Brel is widely viewed as one of the giants
of French-speaking music. His songs, poetic and often deeply moving,
reflect his upbringing in the "Flat Countries."
Flemish artist active in Antwerp and Brussels, famous for his
paintings and drawings of landscapes and scenes of robust peasant
life.
Brueghel's art signals the end of the classical Renaissance
paintings and a renewed interest in the human condition.
His earlier works were landscapes which depict changing seasonal
moods and the relationship of mankind with nature.
He later composed numerous paintings depicting various aspects of
Flemish folk life (such as The Peasant Wedding).
His work can be admired at the
Museum of Ancient Arts in Brussels.
See more information on museum.
"The greatest variety of styles, the most gastronomically interesting
specialties, and the most unusual beers in the world are produced in
Belgium."
(From the Pocket Guide to Beer, by Michael Jackson)
In sum, Belgian beers are exceptional.
Belgians are the world heaviest drinkers of beer along with Germans.
Traditional beers include Stella, Maes, Jupiler, all of which are very
good. Specialty beers from Brussels include Kriek,
Framboise; the latter
tastes like a cross between fruity champaign and malt--extraordinary.
Previous GSM students seem to have acquired a taste for Duvel, an
all-malt, top-fermented beer, that develops an immense mousse with a
hint of pear brandy.
Please note that many of these beers are more potent than regular U.S.
brands. Caveat drinkor.
For those interested in the brewery industry in Belgium, visit the
Beer Paradise site in Brussels.
Belgian chocolate is assuredly the best in the world.
You can try dark chocolate bars, sold in grocery shops, either from
the brands Cote d'Or or Callebout.
I usually bring back about 10 pounds, which are used up in a few months
until my next trip to Belgium.
Particularly exceptional are pralines (fresh
chocolate) which are much better than the variety sold in the U.S.
Bring back a few ``ballotins'' (boxes) which will make perfect
gifts; they should be kept in the fridge and eaten within 1-2
weeks, otherwise the creme fraiche inside will go bad.
Probably the most famous cartoon character in the French-speaking
world.Visit the Tintin site.
Brussels is home to the
Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art,
located in a beautiful Art Deco building.
Back to GSM 295
© 2004 Philippe Jorion. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.