Travel to Belgium

Believe it or not chocolates are good for your health. There have been studies that were conducted by major research institutes that people who constantly eat chocolates have a longer life span than those who don't usually eat them. Chocolates are also filled with antioxidants that fights off cancer, cardiovascular diseases, thwarts off strokes, and lowers down blood pressure. Chocolate also has large amounts of iron and magnesium.

Other than its health benefits, chocolates can make you feel much better in a more legal and tasty way compared to alcoholic beverages and medications. The ingestion of chocolates induces the release of hormones called endorphins which promotes a state of happiness or a feel-good emotional experience. Chocolates are also believed to be an aphrodisiac. It has been so since the time of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations in South America. It is believed that ingestion of chocolates stimulates sexual energy and consequently makes people fertile.

It is also said to relieve exhaustion because of its nutritional aspects. Energy bars of athletes are mostly chocolates mixed with another substance for energy enhancement. The team up of chocolate's health benefits with the best chocolate confection the world, Belgian chocolates, then there may be no more stopping for people who are still skeptics of the chocolate magic that has been driving people crazy since it's coming to European shores.

With chocolates, nothing beats the Belgians in making this sweet taste of heaven make its way to salivating chocolate crazy individuals. Belgian chocolates are deemed to be the alpha male of all chocolates. Even its rival Swiss counterparts bow to its gastronomical powers. The distinctive factor of Belgian chocolates that makes it outstanding is the excellent quality of the ingredients and the perfect chocolate making techniques that has been refined through the centuries.

Belgian chocolates come in many shapes in sizes. One of the preferred forms of Belgian chocolates is the seashell shaped ones. After all, a seashell is a symbol of many positive things in life. Seashells are thought to be gifts from the ocean. With its various shapes and forms, it is the symbol of uniqueness and beauty. One great symbolism of the seashell is created by Boticelli in one of his artistic creations. In his painting of "The Birth of Venus", the seashell is depicted as the vessel of beauty, rebirth, love, and godly attributes to the earth.

Therefore, seashell shaped Belgian chocolates are perfect for symbolizing the chocolate's representation of heavenly experience of a sweet filling wrapped in a beautiful chocolate shell or praline. One bite will surely bring you to the heavens. With the Belgian seashell chocolate's rich in symbolism, it has become a popular item for gifts to loved ones. As gifts, packages for these chocolates should also be perfect. With the finesse of Belgian craftsmanship, chocolates are made of excellent materials which include top notch delicious fruits, high quality chocolate, and natural vanilla.

Artificial flavoring, which is common among inferior types if chocolates, is never included in the ingredients of Belgian chocolates. In the quest for Belgian seashell chocolates, do not just opt for ones that are sold in supermarkets that claims to be made by the use of Belgian techniques of chocolate making. The most likely that you will be having a taste of real Belgian chocolates is in Belgium. There are no other places here on this planet where you can perfectly eat Belgian chocolates. Plus, with the country's fine tourist destinations, Belgian chocolates, especially the seashell shaped ones, are the perfect snack as you go on sightseeing in the beautiful country of Belgium.

The summer of 2005, my friend and I decided to apply for a summer program as part of our graduate degree and travel from United States to Europe and specifically to Bruges in Belgium, so as to attend an intensive seminar at The College of Europe on Politics, Policies, Lobbying and the European Union. Although I have never visited Belgium before, I was really excited to discover, while browsing the internet, that I was about to visit one gorgeous and historical city of the "Old Continent," while enhancing my academic knowledge and meeting new people.

Before leaving the US we printed any information we could find regarding the city's tourist locations, interesting cafes and historic buildings. Although Bruges is a very small town, it offers a lot of possibilities to those interested in exploring its excitements. But even if it surpassed our expectations, visiting only one European town or country seemed a waste for such a trip. Thus, we decided in advance to research the opportunities a young graduate student has while traveling around in Europe and the most convenient, cheap and interesting way to go from city to city and country to country was via train. The Eurorail trains are the simpler way people have to visit a variety of European destinations, as boarding a train actually offers to the adventure-seekers the possibility of having an extraordinary trip and admiring the countryside in the meantime.

In fact, upon the completion of the summer program, we packed our bags and traveled from Brussels to Amsterdam. The Netherlands' capital was a combination of beauty and adventure. The city streets, the people walking or bicycling around, the nice weather and its countless river docks create a unique combination of images, which are food for hungry eyes-like ours. Since we had less than 48 hours available to see as much as possible, we decided to pay a visit at the Van Gogh Museum, walk the Red District by night, and of course take the tram to travel through the city and gaze its unbelievable beat.

Next stop was Paris, France. Lucky as we were to find an available and affordable room as soon as we got off the train station, the next thing was to find a map of the city and its incredible metro system and travel around to check everything! Notre Dame, bridges, the Eiffel Tower, the Bastille, Champs-Elysees, small cafes and long walks across the Seine River or through the area of Montmartre, made our stay in Paris unforgettable. In fact, one of the best pictures we got from this trip was in front of the Arc de Triomphe and we took it by ourselves-both faces appear on the frame. Monte Carlo was our next and most expensive destination, but its beaches and sun gave our trip a legendary feel.

Next, we visited Italy. Florence and Venice, two of the most important trade cities in Europe offered us some life-time opportunities. Historical monuments, paved streets, canals, museums, restaurants and Italian cafes convinced us that Italy is actually much more than an interesting destination. In fact, I fall-in-love with almost every single building we crossed and by the time we had to catch our plain back, I though we have made a huge mistake; our eight day trip should have lasted a lifetime.

Brussels is a recognized center of European culture as the city has numerous historical monuments. However, currently the capital of Belgium is more known for the high development of modern science and art. The symbol of Brussels is the famous Manneken Pis, The Peeing Boy, a fountain dating back to early 17th century, centrally located a few steps from the main square. Julien, as they call the sculpture of the boy is often decorated in various ways. To give him a dress is a particular honor which is only awarded to distinguished guests of the city.

In the historical center of Brussels there is the Grand Place, considered by many people as one of the most beautiful squares of the continent. Around it you can find the town hall, built in the Gothic style from 1401 to 1455, the so-called King's House (1515-1525), the House of Guilds (1696-1720). Nearby sits the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint-Michel-et-Gyudyul. Its construction took over 200 hundred years, from 1226 to 1490. Truly, it is a remarkable monument of the Gothic architecture. Around this spectacular building the business districts of the capital are located. They are surrounded by numerous shopping areas and very interesting and picturesque boutiques.

The upper city was built after the historical center. Yet, it has many architectural monuments belonging to the 18th and 19th centuries, including the ceremonial ensemble of classic Plaza Royale (1774-1780) and the Place de Martyrs (1772-1775). This neighborhood can be called a City of Palaces. You will find here the Palace of Justice (1866-1883), The Royal Palace founded in the 18th century and rebuilt several times, the last renovation was done in the 20th century. Other interesting palaces include the Houses of Parliament (1779-1783), The Palace of Fine Arts (1922-1928), The Palace of the Century (1935) which was built to commemorate the anniversary of independence of Belgium.

The architectural appearance of the capital is not just shaped by individual monuments of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and modern times. The uniqueness of Brussels is all about the organic combination of antiquity and modernity. Some of the buildings constructed after the Second World War became landmarks of the city as they harmonically fit in the surrounding neighborhoods. First of such is the Central Station (1953) and two buildings dating to 1958, when a World Fair was convened in the capital: the Social Security House and the Board of the Bank Brussels Lambert.

The city has a great number of museums. Of particular interest are primarily those where you can see the paintings of the old Flemish artisans, and the heirs of their glory, the Belgian avant-garde painters. The paintings of the past centuries and the present time are widely represented at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and municipal Museum of Fine Arts.

Belgians are keen to preserve historical roots, both of their own country and other countries. The richest collection of archaeological and ethnographic finds (including Egyptian antiquities) is the pride of the Royal Museum of Art and History. The extensive material collected by Belgian scientists during expeditions to the African Continent is on display at the Royal Museum of Central Africa. The majority of the exhibits was brought to Brussels from Congo when this country for several decades was a colony of Belgium.

The proud status of the European Capital is maintained by the appearance and look of Brussels. One interesting place definitely worth visiting is the museum of 'Small Europe' in the open air. It displays copies of the most prominent buildings and monuments in major cities of Western Europe, each 1/25th of the original size. A pride of Brussels is the Royal National Library, with over three million titles in stock.

Numerous educational and scientific institutions include the Brussels University, founded in 1834, the Free University established in 1970, the Geographic Institute, the Graduate School of Political and Social Sciences, the internationally renowned Pasteur Institute, and the Royal Institute of Natural History. The capital also hosts the National Academy of Sciences and Arts. The conservatory was founded in Brussels in 1832, and the Royal Theatre de la Monnaie opened in 1700.

Encompased by France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, Belgium excites the visitor with its miscellaneous panoramas: the rivers and passes of the Ardennes create a strong contrast with the ample plains that take up a wide area of the country, the majestic forests from the German and Luxembourg borders with the endless sand shores of the northern coast.

In Belgium, you will discover a land that is impressive through its well-known towns, with countless castles and cathedrals that will leave lasting memories.

BRUSSELS

Brussels it's the place where you will be shocked to hear lots of unfamiliar languages. It has recently obtained the „international city" status, apart from being the „capital" of the European Union and United Nations. In Brussels you will meet a wide range of people, from bureaucrats and eurocrats to citizens from Congo, Northern Africa or Turkey, who supported the cultural and culinary variety of the place. Looking past skyscrapers and contemporan city's sumptuous boulevards, you will find that Belgium's archaic soul is still complete, living in the old-fashioned districts of mere workers or in the bourgeois neighborhoods.

There are two languages that are being used in Belgium: Flemish, the language of the German origin settlers from the north, and French. While on the streets of this beautiful city you should give great awareness to detail: old stores with extraordinary constructive specifics, sumptuous walls built in Art Deco style, doors and gates adorned with really special sculptures, temples slipped in the walls of buildings at the corner of the street, bearing the image of the Virgin Mary.

"The soul" of Brussels is the Grand-Place market, built in Baroque and Gothic styles, where you can witness the march of patriciate families descendants at the beginning of July or you can delight yourself with theater plays or outdoor concerts. In the south lies the area known as The Template, where the pre-nineteenth century Belgian essence has been preserved just about intact. In the north you will perceive the old labor neighborhood of Marolles, where street names today signify competence types that were practiced by their former tenants.

A tripper that has a weakness for sublime should not neglect a stopover at the Museum of Art, home of some of the most important works of Pieter Breughel - including the renowned Fall of Icarus - and of Peter Paul Rubens, and to the Museum of Modern Art, which prouds itself with the work of Francis Bacon, Salvador Dali, Henry Moore and Pablo Picasso.

GHENT

Ghent is the Flemish capital of the country, built in Gothic and Renaissance style, with a population of only 230,000 inhabitants. Impressive is the buildings construction from Graslei, the city's old port. There are two rivers, Leie and Lieve, that overpass this area. From the St. Michielsbrug bridge, the landscape is sublime: in the north you will contemplate the Gravensteen castle, home of Flemish counts between ages 9-12, where you can still admire a large range of torture instruments. The other castle, Geraard of Duivelsteen, dated from the13th century, has the same malevolent notoriety.

BRUGES

This classy Flemish city went through a serious growth since the Middle Ages. Through this port, the town became a great commercial transit of goods from Italy, the Far East, England or Russia. Bruges was famous all over the world for its wool products and the rare talent of its upholstery masters. The well-known Markt market dates from the 13th century; climbing its 366 stairs, you will contemplate the distinguished sight of this old city. Heilige Bloed Basiliek Basilica will speak to you about the times of the second crusade, when the Patriarch of Jerusalem - according to the legend - brought some drops of blood of Jesus to the Count of Flanders.

When planning a holiday Belgium does not immediately spring to most people's minds. This is their loss as the country has a long and rich history and offers many fascinating destinations for the traveler to enjoy. It would be impossible to describe everything that this country has to offer the tourist in a short article so what follows is a glimpse into six of Belgium's most well-known attractions. As part of your planning for the visit make sure you seek reliable Belgium travel advice to help your trip go smoothly.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend so they say and if you like diamonds then a visit to the world's largest diamond museum in Antwerp is a must. The city of Antwerp in Belgium is now regarded as the center of the diamond trade in Belgium and it is said that about 80% of the world's diamond jewelry is made there. The diamond museum reflects the important role that Antwerp plays in this industry and has several inter-active displays which showcase the skills of the diamond cutters and polishers. There are also weekly exhibitions by expert diamond polishers. Popular exhibits include replicas of the British crown jewels and the Koh-I-Noor diamond.

The Ardennes region of Belgium is well-known as an area of outstanding beauty, ideal for touring and taking in the views. One of the major towns in the Ardennes is the town of Spa, whose name is now synonymous with baths and springs of healing waters. Spa has been on the map as a center for baths and hot springs since the 14 century and was considered as the resort to go to by the European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today Spa retains its old world charm but the baths have been extensively modernized and expanded. The main complex of baths is located at "Les Thermes De Spa", where the visitor can relax in the healing waters or take a sauna or massage. The modern world of motor racing visits Spa once a year as it is home to the historic Formula One Grand Prix circuit at Spa-Francorchamps. All in all an area to be included in any visit to Belgium.

Most people will recall learning about the Battle of Waterloo in their school history lessons. The city of Waterloo where the battle took place in 1815, is located not far from the Belgian capital, Brussels. For visitors wishing to find out more about the events of 1815 there are museums and monuments commemorating the Duke of Wellingtons victory over the Emperor Napoleon. The battlefield has been preserved and it is possible to wander over the fields where the battle took place. A panoramic view over surrounding area can be had from the top of "La Butte du Lion", a mound with the statue of a lion at the top, said to have been built as a symbol of the the allied forces' victory. The Wellington museum, housed in the former allied army headquarters and reputed to be where Wellington stayed during the battle, has many exhibits of items from the time.

In the province of Flanders, near to the Dutch border, stands the ancient city of Bruges. The historic center of the city was one of the first tourist venues, attracting visitors from all over Europe in the late 19th century. The city center is surrounded and entwined by a series of canals and this has given rise to the nickname "the Venice of the North". The canals, together with the many narrow cobbled streets and lack of motor traffic, can give the tourist the feeling that he/she has stepped back in time. This feeling is further enhanced by the abundance of well preserved medieval buildings which seem to be on every street. As if these attractions were not enough, Bruges still has more to offer its visitors. In the world of lace making Bruges is probably the most well-known center, famed for the quality of its lace products. There are a multitude of shops and stalls selling lace souvenirs, many of them at bargain prices considering the work that has gone into the making of the items.

One of the largest and well-known collections of Flemish art can be found at The Royal Museum of Fine Art in Brussels. There are more than 20,000 works ranging from Flemish and Dutch Old Masters to paintings from the present day. Flemish paintings by such illustrious figures as Rubens and van Dyck are well represented and include 20 works by Rubens. These are housed in their own salon. Paintings by many Dutch Old Masters such as Rembrandt are also featured. This is a very large collection of art, spread over two buildings, and if you want to make the most of it you will need to allocate plenty of time.

Among the many fine museums to visit in Belgium, the Groeninge Museum in Bruges needs to near the top of the list. This museum specializes in paintings of artists who lived and worked in Bruges although there the works of painters from many other areas are also on display. The Groeninge Museum has what is probably the best collection of paintings of the group of artists known as the Flemish Primitives. Artists in this group include painters of the calibre of van Eyck. There are also many examples of more modern works including the Herbert Collection of expressionist paintings.

Of course Belgium has many more sights to see than the six mentioned. Hopefully, however, after reading the above your appetite will have been whetted and you have been encouraged to consider paying a visit. If you can, seek Belgium travel advice from experts who know the country well. This way you can relax knowing that you have all the information that you need to have a good stay.

Belgium 'a beautiful country that is quite appropriately dubbed as the Battlefield of Europe. Indeed, Belgium has had its share of wars. It has endured the rages of greedy kings and ambitious warlords from all epochs, but no war can diminish this country's beauty, making it an ideal place to visit.

1) Have a Cup of Hot Chocolate

No Belgium vacation can be without a trip to the capital city's famous sidewalk cafes. It is absolutely essential to drop by any of the several cafes littered in Brussels City and have yourself a sip of Belgium's famous rich hot chocolate. If there's anything that the beautiful country of Belgium can offer you, it's your sweet tooth's utter satisfaction.

2) Participate in the Carnival of Binche

Be a smart tourist and visit Belgium at the time of year when it's most festive. During the month of February, Belgium hosts its most colorful festival ever, the Cranival of Binche. With Firework displays and music parades and colorful costumes and projectile oranges, this certainly is a festival worth participating in. This festival is even included in UNESCO's heritage list.

3) Follow the Gourmet Trail

One of the greatest things about the Belgians is that they know good food like the back of their hands, and Belgium is known for its fine cuisines that are heavily influenced by the different countries that surround it. Try eating Belgium's Mussels, a shellfish dish, and see if your tongue agrees with the Belgian taste. Also, why not try Belgium's French Fries. It is, after all, the original.

4) Have Fun with a Fluvial Cruise

Hop on any one of Belgium's colorful boats and cruise around Belgium's waterways to have a perfect view of the various cities and towns lining the coastline. You can try the Lys River, which will take you to Bruges or Ghent. You can also try the Escaut river to reach Tournai and Bossuit.

5) Exercise Your Inner Scholar

Belgium is a country that places high stock on good education. Visit Ghent or Leuven, Belgium's student cities, and hurl yourself into local coffee shop and strike a conversation with any of the university students. You'll be sure to find an intellectual conversation anywhere.

6) Party in Ghent

If you're the type who can party well into the night for days on end, then Belgium just has just the thing for you. Ghent City hosts the Gentse Feesten, a gigantic street festival which has everything from street dancing to theater to diverse musical performances. The Gentse Feesten happens on the 14th of July until the 23rd.

7) Frolic in the Flander Fields "the Westhoek"

Have you ever wanted to run unfettered through beautiful flower fields and lush green plains? Well, your fantasy comes true in Belgium's Flander Fields where the Flander fields are not only beautiful but also rich in history. This is the only part of Belgium that wasn't captured during the world war due to the townsmen's ingenious plans of opening the flood gate.

8) Brussel's Oldest Citizen

Who would have thought that Brussel's Oldest Citizen is a little boy atop a fountain? The Mannekin-Pis, located in the Rue de l'Etuve, is probably the most popular tourist spot in the capital city. The Mannekin-Pis is a bronze statuette of Belgian irreverence, a sculpture of a little boy who is "answering the call of nature" (e.g. taking a piss).

9) Where Great Men Once Walked

And you can't have a trip to Belgium without going to the Grand Place, a beautiful piece of architecture that has been around since the middle ages. This is where Marx and Engels once worked to write their Communist Manifesto.

10) Castle Hopping

And, if you're hungry for beautiful and diverse architecture, then Belgium surely is the place for you. Wallonia in Belgium has a huge collection of castles of every kind. They have fortresses and towers and everything you will ever need for your medieval fantasies. These castles have even become popular as honeymoon spots for newlyweds.

Belgium made a good progress in the eighteenth century copying both the Sevres and Meissen styles but their original works was mostly done in the tablewares and figures. Tourney was one of the important places in Belgium, Amsterdam and The Hague in Holland and Zurich and Nyon near Geneva in Switzerland.

Tournay
Good soft-paste porcelain was made here from about 1751; at first it was greyish in appearance, but later it became a good creamy white. Both the Sevres and Meissen styles were copied, but much original work was done in both tablewares and figures. A quantity of tableware with painting in under glaze blue is similar in appearance to Worcester, and some of the groups are akin to those of Chelsea. This is not surprising in view of the fact that some ex-Tournay craftsmen actually worked at Chelsea for a time, but it does not excuse the occasional modern practice of adding anchors and triangles to genuine Tournay groups! Painting was often of excellent quality, and a series of plates painted with animals within dark blue and gilt borders compare well with Sevres. Some Tournay porcelain was sold to the Hague factory and decorated there.

During the nineteenth century much forging of eighteenth-century English and French soft-paste porcelains was carried on at Tournay, and they also reissued some of their own models of earlier date.
Genuine marks in colors or gold are a roughly drawn tower, or a version of the Dresden crossed swords but with a small cross at each opening.

Holland Weesp, near Amsterdam
A hard-paste manufactory was started in 1759, some of the workers were Germans thrown out of employment by the Seven Years War so German styles predominated as regards models and painting. The mark, also, was a version of the Dresden crossed swords but with three dots placed about them. In 1771 the factory was bought by Johannes de Mol and removed to Oude Loos-drecht; a similar paste was used, and the mark was changed to the letters 'M.O.L.' incised or painted in colour. A further move followed in 1784 to Amstel and the mark then became the name of that place in black or blue. Popular products of these factories were sets of vases elaborately pierced and sparsely decorated, but with the little painting on them of good quality.

The Hague
A decorating establishment bought unpainted wares from various factories and decorated them, adding a mark in blue of a stork with a fish in its beak. Porcelain was made on the premises from about 1776 until 1790 and has the same mark.

Switzerland (Zurich)
A factory was opened in 1763 and started by making a creamy white soft-paste, which is now very rare. Two years later, hard-paste was made and this was decorated very carefully in distinctive styles that make the ware some of the most beautiful of its period. Figures are rare, expensive, and many are very attractively modeled and colored. Little or no porcelain was made after about 1791. The mark is the letter 'z' in under glaze blue, sometimes with one or more dots below.

Nyon, near Geneva
This factory, starting in 1780, made a good hard-paste. Tablewares were the principal productions, and the few figures are very rare. The mark is a fish in outline, but it should be noted that a mark resembling this was used elsewhere.

These countries porcelain designs and styles were mostly from the Germans, and England craftsmen who were either removed or had to flee away from their countries due to some political or financial instabilities. They used both hard and soft paste to make the porcelain wares.

The upcoming Tintin movie trilogy has heightened interest in all things Tintin. Herge the creator of the well known comic character Tintin will once again be in the mainstream consciousness. Herge was the pen name of Georges Prosper Remi who was both writer and illustrator of all 23 Tintin albums dying before he could finish the 24th Tintin and the Alpha-Art.

Georges Prosper Remi was born in Etterbeek in Belgium in 1907 and was to become the father of the ligne claire style of illustration that was to influence artists such as Warhol. Remi was a keen sketcher from an early age and his primary school books were filled with doodles of the invading Nazi regime who occupied Belgium during the First World War. Remi was a natural and throughout his life had no real formal training apart from a few lessons taken at l'ecole Saint-Luc during his teenage years.

On reaching the age of 13 Remi studied at the college Saint-Boniface being taught by Catholic priests and joining the Boy Scout troop of the school. He was to be given the moniker "Renard curieux" (Curios fox). It was where Remi was to initially experience his illustrations being published firstly in Jamais assez, the school scout paper and then later to a bigger audience in Le Boy-Scout Belge, the scout monthly magazine where the pseudonym Herge first appears.

It is within this environment that many believe heavily influenced Remi's work and especially the character that became Tintin. It is clear that the ethics of the scout movement and the traveling Remi did with his group make up a great part of Tintin's spirit.

In 1925 Herge went to work for Le Petit Vingteme a Catholic newspaper edited by an abbot Norbert Wallez. Herge was to publish his first cartoon series the following year, The Adventures of Tortor again in Le Boy-Scout Belge. It wasn't until 1928 when Herge was put in charge of producing material for the children supplement of Le Petit Vingtieme that Herge really came into his own.

Herge began illustrating the adventures of Flup, Nenesse, Pousette and Cochonnet written by a member of the sports staff. Fortunately for the rest of the world Herge wasn't particularly enamored by this chain of events. It led to Wallez asking Herge to create a young hero that would fight good all over the world and be a reporter to boot. Herge filled with brio created a comic strip of his own influenced by the American innovation of using speech bubbles to depict the words coming out of the characters mouths.

Herge created the now legendary Tintin in the Land of the Soviets that appeared in Le Petit Vingtieme in January 1929 and ran until may 1930. The strip was a wonderful adventure through the Soviet Union, the young reporter Tintin with his trusty fox terrier Snowy. The character of Tintin is also said to be inspired partly by Remi's brother Paul who was an officer n the Belgium Army. Tintin was a popular stip from day one. Remi was to produce other comic strips such as Quick and Flupke but Tintin was the one character that was to make him.

In June 1930 Tintin began his second adventure, Tintin in the Congo (which was at the time a Belgian colony) to be followed by Tintin in America and the Cigars of the Pharaoh.

The first Tintin adventures would take about a year to complete and then would be released by the Casterman publishing house. Herge would continue to revise the adventure in subsequent editions, including later turning them into colour. These early works were also to age quickly as the century moved at break net pace with Tintin in the Congo having to be revised due to the fact Tintin in the original tale is seen giving a lesson to native students in a missionary school and proclaims "My dear friends, today I am going to talk about your country: Belgium" that was later edited into a math lesson.

Herge soon began to learn some of life truths as he got older and there is definite water shed in his work around the time of his 30th birthday when he introduced Tintin and The Blue Lotus to the world. It can be seen as the start of a new era in the life and works of Herge.

Chocolates have been around for quite a long time now and many people are still devoted to eating chocolate. Besides, you can never deny the fact that chocolates are very delicious treats that everybody loves. Perhaps even your sister going on a "strict" diet is hiding some in her bedroom to conceal her guilt for loving chocolate. In fact, in the past, chocolates were considered to be a sacred drink in the Americas where only the elite society can afford. The Aztecs even made the cocoa bean as part of their monetary system in order to buy their gold. As you can see, chocolates have indeed been cherished by society and up until today, chocolates are still considered to be the best candy in the world.

A lot of countries have their own chocolates that they can be proud of. Today, the original recipe of the Spanish aristocrats has been kept for a secret for centuries and which is now called today as the Belgian chocolate. Belgian chocolates were originally in a fluid form where people drank it. Today, there are available Belgian chocolate bars and other kinds of Belgian chocolates. Some are even fruits and biscuits coated with Belgian chocolate.

Indeed, Belgian chocolates are considered to be high quality and expensive chocolates that everyone should taste. Some Belgian chocolates contains liqueur for additional taste. The sweetness and the creaminess of Belgian chocolates are one of a kind and people from all over the world crave for Belgian chocolates. Although it is on the expensive side, Belgian chocolates are still brought because of its taste and creaminess. It is not too sweet and it is also very creamy that it will provide great sensation when you let it melt in your mouth.

Many people, especially chocolate lovers have testified that Belgian chocolates are meticulously crafted that it makes them want to eat more. One kind of Belgian chocolates is called Godiva and is considered to be one of the best chocolates in the world. Famous people were even reported to go to Belgium just to get a hold of one of the world famous chocolates. Chocolates can also be considered to be a great gift idea to your loved one. So, if you are planning to give your wife a gift, and you know that she loves chocolates, you should consider purchasing one of the world's finest chocolates produced in Belgium. You can be sure that this gift idea will be greatly appreciated and, another great thing about chocolates is that it has been found to be an aphrodisiac.

Although Belgian chocolates are very pricey, you can be sure that once you tasted one, you will say that it's worth every penny. Today, there are available Belgian chocolate bars in the market. It is also recommended that you should shop for Belgian chocolates online as you can get great discounts on their promos. Belgian chocolates are now being sold in the internet. So, if you can't find a Belgian chocolate in your area, you should try going online and with just a click of the mouse, you will find yourself with different choices of Belgian chocolates. Another great thing about shopping for chocolates online is that you can avail of their buy one and get one free promos and big discounts.

Brussels, Belgium is a city shouldering many responsibilities. It is the capital of Belgium, the capital of Flanders, the capital of the French Community of Belgium. It is also the location of many of the European Union's institutions and is, therefore, considered the capital of the European Union. And, if that weren't enough, it's also the political seat of NATO. Although its responsibilities give it an air of importance, Brussels is not to be overlooked as one of the premier vacation cities in Europe.

The city's name is derived from an old Dutch word, broucsella, which means "marsh home" or "home consisting of one room, in the marsh." Along with its rather quaint name, Brussels has an equally charming body of local traditions. One such tradition is the House of Toone, a theater of marionette puppets. It was originally in the Marolles area. However, it presently holds shows that introduce visitors to the local languages and customs in a 1696 estaminet just steps away from the Grand Place.

Another popular tradition in Brussels is the Ommegang, which means "walking around." The tradition began in the 14th century as a religious processional. It occurs each July and is in memory of Charles V's Joyous Entry into Brussels in 1549. The parade is very colorful, including floats, giant puppets, and groups dressed in medieval costumes. Still another interesting custom is the Meyboom or "tree of May" celebration. As part of this ancient festivity, a young beech tree is paraded through the city and planted amongst joyful music and giant puppets.

Brussels also has many cultural attractions and landmarks, such as Grand Place, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and the Royal Palace of Belgium. Belgium is also the birthplace of many comic characters, like the Smurfs, Largo Winch, Tintin, and Lucky Luke, so there are many murals and frescos throughout the city honoring these characters. Indeed, the comic spirit of the inhabitants of Brussels is evident in its most famous statue. A quirky little bronze statue called Manneken Pis or Jeanneke Pis. It depicts a little boy urinating into the basin of a fountain.

Visitors to Brussels, Belgium will find a variety of accommodations suited to meet the needs of virtually any tourist. These accommodations include both hotels and holiday apartments.

Examples of hotels in Brussels are:

Alma Grand Palace Hotel: This beautiful hotel is located in the historic center of Brussels very close to the Grand Place and Manneken Pis. Rooms are elegantly decorated and business facilities are available. Tourists may communicate with staff members for tips on traveling and sights within Brussels. Hotel services and amenities include air conditioning with individual controls, satellite television, wireless Internet access in all rooms, facilities for disabled people, and a 24-hour front desk.

Bedford Hotel: This lovely hotel combines the traditional with the modern for a comfortable stay. It's situated within walking distance of major tourist attractions, like the Grand Place, Royal Palace, and Manneken Pis. Guests can also walk to many museums and shops. Hotel services and amenities include a restaurant, bar, central heating, business center, and 24-hour front desk.

Brussels Hotel: This modern hotel is located on Avenue Louise near the business center of Brussels, the parliament, and the European Commission headquarters. It contains 69 rooms all equipped with an array of conveniences, such as a mini-bar, satellite television, and modem. There are also 16 suites, each with its own kitchenette. Chaochow Palace: Just 15 minutes from the airport, this hotel is conveniently located whether you're in Brussels on business or vacation. Hotel services and amenities include room service during certain hours, air conditioning, a bar, multi-lingual staff, 24-hour front desk, and a breakfast buffet.

Examples of holiday apartments in Brussels are:

La Tete dans les Nuages: This gorgeous apartment is decorated in a modern style using the basic colors black, red, and white. It's a very unique, yet beautiful, apartment with inner walls made from modular blocks on wheels to keep everything you need for living inside the walls and off the floors, freeing up lots of space for relaxing. The location of the apartment is in the center of Brussels in the European quarter near many restaurants and shops. Sleeps five and includes a balcony, air conditioning, and Internet access.

Cloeps: These two apartments are located on a picturesque 17th century farm 25 km from Brussels. They're a wonderful place to stay if you enjoy the country and would like easy access to the city. Though they're on a historic farm, the apartments have all the modern conveniences needed for a lengthy holiday stay. Apartments sleep four in two bedrooms and include a barbecue and access to lovely gardens.

Schildknaap: This is a stylish, renovated apartment located in the historic center of Brussels. A two-minute walk will get you to the Grand Palace, shopping areas, the cinema, and the supermarket. It's also close to a bus stop and the metro for convenient travel to other parts of the city. This cozy one-bedroom apartment sleeps two and includes a balcony, Internet access, and DVD player. With its quirky but quaint traditions and attractions, Brussels is an excellent place to vacation. You'll find everything from historic landmarks to colorful events. The vacation accommodations of Brussels are equally varied so that visitors have a choice of hotels or holiday apartments suited to their individual styles.

Interested in exploring the Belgian Ardennes on foot this winter? It's the ideal location for a good dose of fresh air in the hills. But before you scurry off to find your hiking boots, I feel obliged to give you three small pieces of advice. First, there is a high chance that you will become addicted, because the Ardennes is a wonderful region for walking. It's easily accessible by car, train or bus; there are hundreds of well-marked walking routes of various lengths; the scenery is breathtaking; the nature is fascinating; and yet you are never too far from a café, hotel or village shop. In other words, once you have walked in the Ardennes, your free weekends may never be the same again.

Second, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. I have set off in glorious sunshine to find myself in a hail storm just an hour later. In addition, the higher you ascend, the colder will be that chill wind. So dress for the worst eventuality. For a winter walk, this means warm clothing, sensible footwear, a waterproof coat, gloves and a hat. Take sufficient water and snacks; personally I always take a thermos flask of hot soup. And do not leave your mobile phone at home.

Third, take a detailed walking map. These are readily available from local bookshops and tourist offices. Plan in advance to know where you intend to walk, and the length and duration of your route. This will help avoid unpleasant surprises, especially if you are taking children with you. So, armed with these hopefully helpful warnings, it's time to pack up your backpack and go. But where? It's easy to look at a map of the Ardennes and feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities, so a few of my personal favorites might help you decide where to start.

Hertogenwald Forest, Eupen

I am particularly fond of this area as it was my first encounter with the Ardennes. It offers a splendid mixture of landscapes: impenetrable, silent, coniferous forests; deserted moorland stretching to the horizon; and picturesque babbling brooks. It can be reached by taking the N67 south-east from Eupen. Halfway to Monschau is the Ternell Nature Center. This old forester's house was built in 1770 and transformed two hundred years later into a museum and information center. 

I recommend the route heading north-east from the nature center into the forest. The first time I walked this route I had to cross the River Getzbach by taking off my boots and socks and wading across. When I returned a few years later, I was quite disappointed to find a bridge had been installed. Next to the nature center is a cosy tavern serving excellent snacks. When ordering, don't forget that you are in German-speaking Belgium!

River Ourthe, La Roche-en-Ardenne

If you want to make a weekend of your trip to the Ardennes, La Roche-en-Ardenne is an excellent base from which to explore the River Ourthe, as it offers numerous hotels and restaurants. Most people walking in this area will be drawn to the well-known sights of the Nadrin Belvedere, the Nisramont Dam, Saint Margeurite's Cross and the confluence of the two Ourthes (Orientale and Occidentale). 

All of these are well worth visiting, but if like me you prefer to steer away from the crowds, then I would recommend trying one of the less popular but equally outstanding walks from the villages of Maboge, Grande Mormont or Bonnerue. My tip would be the 8 km Champs Thomas walk from Maboge. The deserted uplands seem to be a favorite hunting ground at this time of the year for hen harriers. These rare birds of prey are similar to the more commonly seen buzzards but have a white rump and fly with their wings held in a shallow 'V' as they glide low over the fields in search of a mouse or vole.

Anlier Forest

Even deeper into the Ardennes, between Martelange and Habay-la-Neuve in the province of Luxemburg, is the huge 7000-hectare Anlier Forest, one of the biggest forests in the country. Its northern slopes reach an altitude of 517 meters and are drained by the tributary streams of the River Sûre, which flows into Germany as the Sauer and eventually into the Moselle. The forest is so vast that parts of it are virtually unexplored. 

Living in its deeper recesses are deer, wild boar, badgers, foxes and wildcats. I have enjoyed many hours walking along the banks of the rivers Sûre and Géronne hoping to catch a glimpse of an otter, which is making a comeback in this region. Beavers have also been re-introduced into these river systems. A particularly attractive walk starts from Volaiville and gives you close-up views of two watermills on the Géronne. These three walks will give you an excellent introduction to this lovely area in the south of Belgium.