Waffles, Canals, and… Tintin? My Belgian Adventure

Belgium.  It’s a country I’d always associated with two things:  delicious chocolate and Tintin.  Turns out, it’s so much more than that.  As a proper Indian, used to the vibrant chaos of our cities, Belgium’s quiet charm was a pleasant surprise.  It’s like a perfectly curated museum exhibit come to life, with a touch of fairytale whimsy thrown in for good measure.  Here’s my take on this European gem, from a desi perspective.

My journey started in Brussels, the capital.  Walking through the Grand Place, I felt like I’d stumbled onto a movie set.  Those ornate guildhalls, all lit up at night, are absolutely stunning.  It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and rightly so.  It’s hard to believe people actually lived and worked in those buildings centuries ago.  We don’t have anything quite like that back home – our history is a bit more… well, let’s just say spicier.

Of course, I had to try the famous Belgian waffles.  And the chocolate.  Arrey wah!  They weren’t kidding about the chocolate.  It’s rich, creamy, and melts in your mouth.  Forget those mass-produced chocolates we get back home; this is the real deal.  I think I gained a few kilos just walking past the chocolatiers.  The waffles, too, were fantastic.  Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, topped with whipped cream and strawberries… pure indulgence.  It’s like our meetha, but, you know, European.

Then there were the canals.  I took a boat tour in Bruges, which is often called the “Venice of the North.”  It’s easy to see why.  The canals are so picturesque, lined with charming houses and weeping willows.  It’s a very romantic city, perfect for couples.  I was traveling solo, but I still enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.  It’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.  Everything is so… clean and organized.  Almost too organized, if you know what I mean.  I missed the friendly chaos of our streets a little bit, honestly.

And speaking of organized, the public transport in Belgium is fantastic.  The trains are fast, efficient, and always on time.  It’s a stark contrast to our trains, which are… well, an adventure in themselves.  I took a train to Ghent, another beautiful city with a medieval feel.  It’s smaller than Brussels, but equally charming.  The Gravensteen, or Castle of the Counts, is a must-see.  It’s a real medieval castle, complete with dungeons and torture chambers.  A bit dark, but fascinating.

Of course, I couldn’t leave Belgium without paying homage to Tintin.  I visited the Hergé Museum, dedicated to the creator of Tintin.  It’s a great museum, even if you’re not a die-hard Tintin fan.  It’s fascinating to learn about the creative process behind the comics and to see the original artwork.  Tintin is a global icon, but he’s especially popular in Belgium.  It’s like he’s a national treasure.

Belgium is a small country, but it packs a punch.  It’s a place where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in a harmonious blend.  It’s a different world from India, but it’s a world that I thoroughly enjoyed exploring.  The people are friendly, the food is delicious, and the scenery is stunning.  It’s definitely a place I’d recommend to anyone looking for a European adventure.  Just be prepared for things to be a little… orderly.  And don’t forget to pack your sweet tooth!