Visit Belgium - 5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Belgium

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 26 вер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,5 тис.

  • @latestdubstepforyou2468
    @latestdubstepforyou2468 9 років тому +241

    The reason they don't come to help too often is that you have to raise your hand to get them to come. They don't want to keep coming unannounced at your table in case it might bother you. If you raise your hand they'll be with you in no time.
    The history of Belgium is very fascinating indeed.
    "Horum omnium fortissimi sunt Belgae." (Julius Caesar)

    • @femkevandewalle2189
      @femkevandewalle2189 7 років тому +30

      Latest dubstep For you And we like it that way. I'd imagine getting hella annoyed in America, if people constantly come at my table every five minutes...

    • @joke3020
      @joke3020 6 років тому +4

      jealous much ;-)

    • @oiseaubaladeur
      @oiseaubaladeur 6 років тому

      Caesar wrote that sentence in an ironic way

    • @joke3020
      @joke3020 6 років тому +12

      Actually, he wrote it as a sort of propaganda towards the senate. so they would all think: those Belgians are so brave and strong and YET Caesar defeated them, that Caesar sure must be a good leader. (Because the adversary is only as strong as the winning party describes him)

  • @Bbrothers5
    @Bbrothers5 9 років тому +681

    lol I live in Belgium and the public transportation is not a "love", we hate it with a passion ;)

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  9 років тому +70

      Bbrothers5 I know. the locals HATED the public transport and all of us tourists were so happy with it :) it was pretty funny.

    • @Bbrothers5
      @Bbrothers5 9 років тому +42

      we mostly hate it because there is delay and the employees go on strike a LOT ;)

    • @fulcoboy
      @fulcoboy 9 років тому +12

      woltersworld It's funny because I've been to the States and thought the service was so much better there than in Belgium :) Belgian public transport equals waiting, waiting and a bit more waiting...

    • @laural.6975
      @laural.6975 9 років тому +22

      Bbrothers5
      Sorry Bbrothers5, but I just saw your comment and I have to say something. I am French and I have been living in Belgium for almost two years now. The strikes DO NOT happen. The trains service is great. Believe me. In 2 years, I have known only one big train strike, and it was very well organised. As a passenger, you had all the information about when the strike would happen and for how long.
      In France, you don't get such prior notice, you never know how long it will last, and it happens 4 times a year on an average... Public transportation in Belgium is just great, efficient, and relatively cheap. Really.
      Also, I know why all the Belgians are comlpaining in this comments. There are regularly delays with trains. However you have to take into account that for most destinations, there is one train every hour or every half hour. So even if your train is delayed or cancelled (which is annoying when you go to work), you will always reach your destination in the next hour.
      Again, in France that is not the case. A strike, or any other delay reason (but the strike is the most common), will delay your trip for at least half a day, if not several days.
      That said, remember I'm only speaking about trains and not bus/trams.

    • @lauratess9557
      @lauratess9557 9 років тому +8

      Laura L. Bus are exceptional in belgium (in time, clean, polite, never had an accident, not too noisy,...) but they do strike ALL THE TIME (believe me i'm belgian and i take it everyday). But you're well informed when they do one.

  • @ellis1034
    @ellis1034 8 років тому +807

    Fries are not French they're Belgian

    • @alexwasser597
      @alexwasser597 8 років тому +6

      +Chloé Eleonore yeah but French fries are thinner than Belgian fries. At any American fast food restaurant you will get the thin French fries they're fattier. The Belgian fries taste more like potatoes.

    • @janamotte2736
      @janamotte2736 8 років тому +24

      +Alex Wasser It's the other way around..

    • @kittykat14517
      @kittykat14517 8 років тому +12

      'french" as in french fries actually means that they're cut

    • @pieterdebacker2197
      @pieterdebacker2197 8 років тому +4

      +Alex Wasser french in the word french fries don't refer to The country France but it mean 'finely chopped'

    • @lawrenceballack5506
      @lawrenceballack5506 7 років тому +17

      Pieter Debacker No. They were originally called French fries because France is where the American GI's, stationed in the area, assumed the dish came from.

  • @lunac2219
    @lunac2219 8 років тому +163

    You have to know where the good restaurants are. If you go to 1 restaurant with bad service doesn't mean Beglium has bad service.

    • @insedebruyne4857
      @insedebruyne4857 8 років тому

      Ikr

    • @bobjacobrowe
      @bobjacobrowe 7 років тому +8

      I found that the service in Brussels was ALWAYS very bad. In Antwerp I found the service much better, there were some places where there seems to be no urgency to acknowledge you but overall it was rare.

    • @ElkeEMOTICORE
      @ElkeEMOTICORE 6 років тому

      Bob Rowe yeah but Brussels sucks... haha

    • @mihailvlas9425
      @mihailvlas9425 4 роки тому +2

      @Phallus Dominus dude. Im not mean, you are judging us!

    • @franckylibbrecht6103
      @franckylibbrecht6103 4 роки тому

      @Phallus Dominus No mass tourism? Great! (Ask the Venetians…)

  • @borisjanssens1817
    @borisjanssens1817 8 років тому +227

    'It's a bit slower here'
    *kid running in the background*

    • @laurensvanrenterghem6774
      @laurensvanrenterghem6774 8 років тому +5

      Was thinking the same when i saw it

    • @lovepeace1584
      @lovepeace1584 7 років тому

      lol

    • @inger_x3836
      @inger_x3836 6 років тому

      I SAW THAT TOOO AHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA

    • @sloesty
      @sloesty 6 років тому +6

      Belgium is very laid back though.
      We are probably among the hardest working people in Europe when we need to work, but we seem to have a culture where when we cross our 8 hours a day, we just stop haha. People just work hard, but when work is done, it means done.

    • @DhirarEmir
      @DhirarEmir 6 років тому

      very good mentality. That's what Asians need to adapt.

  • @zerzer7961
    @zerzer7961 8 років тому +85

    2% beers ?
    That's what i had at school when i was 5....

    • @Roel93
      @Roel93 8 років тому +1

      LOL

    • @jeanneige8991
      @jeanneige8991 8 років тому +30

      2% ? We call that a "bier without alcohol" :D

    • @pepinus9878
      @pepinus9878 8 років тому

      hahaa jean

    • @kittykat14517
      @kittykat14517 8 років тому +5

      I didn't even know that you could actually get a hangover with that..

    • @zerzer7961
      @zerzer7961 8 років тому +9

      De la Piedboeuf

  • @LizzLifeStyle
    @LizzLifeStyle 8 років тому +127

    wait, he thinks Hoegaarden is a strong beer, It's actually a pretty light beer I think

    • @bazwiezn
      @bazwiezn 4 роки тому +13

      Hoegaarden is practically water. Try Duvel or any trappist beer. You're welcome :D

    • @letteuh._.69
      @letteuh._.69 4 роки тому

      Matthijs D yup you’re right haha i live also in Belgium :)

    • @yannhayon2796
      @yannhayon2796 4 роки тому +2

      Matthijs D Bruh Hoegaarden Blanche isnt water its a nice beer!! Doesnt need to always be strong. Yes i like Duvel, Trippel Karmeliet,... too but Blanche is nice aswell

    • @bazwiezn
      @bazwiezn 4 роки тому +1

      @@yannhayon2796 Still doesn't qualify as a strong beer.

    • @yannhayon2796
      @yannhayon2796 4 роки тому +1

      Matthijs D i didnt say that either i drink it every week so. I meant that it doesnt need to be strong to have a good taste. I sure like the Strong Belgian Beers too

  • @hervelouon5516
    @hervelouon5516 8 років тому +174

    Food is not that expensive... Tourists just don't go where they should.

    • @jennalefever7586
      @jennalefever7586 5 років тому +13

      Phallus Dominus mag ik je er op wijzen dat Belgen toch wel iets mens vriendelijker zijn dan Nederlanders? Persoonlijk vind ik sommige Nederlanders wat arrogant overkomen. En ik ga helemaal akkoord met wat Herve zei. Er zijn zoveel pareltjes waar buitenlanders en sommige Belgen niet over weten. Maarja, liever op ons zelf gericht dan gierig zijn niet waar? ;)

    • @mariemountson1819
      @mariemountson1819 5 років тому +1

      Herve Louon what place you recommend?

    • @ni5463
      @ni5463 5 років тому +7

      @Phallus Dominus ?? Waarom zeg je da inneens? Wil je aandacht? Ben je jaloers?

    • @ni5463
      @ni5463 5 років тому +7

      @@jennalefever7586 idd Nederlanders zijn zo irritant!

  • @dv5488
    @dv5488 9 років тому +17

    Remember that it is considered rude in belgium for a waiter to ask you if you want something else if you haven't called him to your table. I noticed that in the US the waiter comes by regularly to ask if you want something ; here that is considered pushy and rude ; you are left alone unless you signal the waiter that you want something. I have seen Americans stare for 15 minutes before they figured out they are supposed to call the waiter to their table

  • @wanneske1969
    @wanneske1969 9 років тому +88

    Not to forget there are the most concerts and festivals per 10.000 inhabitants of whole Europe !

  • @tutoriel1000
    @tutoriel1000 8 років тому +103

    It's funny how you're amazed by our public transports when we Belgians keep complaining that busses or trains are always too late and expensive 😂

    • @zsla4948
      @zsla4948 8 років тому

      I get free bus tickets

    • @AzamatoTheGreat
      @AzamatoTheGreat 7 років тому +2

      If you have ever been to Japan/South Korea. Public transport will never be the same again.

    • @pakooy5472
      @pakooy5472 7 років тому +3

      He's speaking to fellow Americans travelers, so I assume public transportation is even worse there ^^

    • @ECrespo175
      @ECrespo175 7 років тому +3

      I'm from New York, your public transportation is not bad. The only issue I have is when I'm in Brussels and other French speaking areas. Their English is bad and sometimes they don't even speak English. In comparison to the Flemish areas, they go out of their way to speak English and make me feel welcomed. I've been to Rome and the difference is night and day.

    • @tutoriel1000
      @tutoriel1000 7 років тому

      InternationalE true and sad they have such an horrible accent (if they can even speak English) even though English is a pretty basic language compared to French but the French never knew how to speak English and never will we can't do nothing about it

  • @danielschlett7853
    @danielschlett7853 4 роки тому +11

    I spent 2 years in Belgium in the mid 80s and i loved it so much im thinking and researching a way to go back and live there. A great thing about Belgium is you can go anywhere (other countries) in a very reasonable time with the exception of the UK. I found in my experience that by trying hard to speak their language and adapt to their way of living they truely appreciate that and will be more helpful

  • @kodazan6806
    @kodazan6806 9 років тому +210

    it's really weird that an american likes the transport and we belgians hate it

    • @tominatorxx
      @tominatorxx 9 років тому +2

      KingsnakeSince1986 Well in Belgium there are a lot of strikes (it's especially a problem with the public transport).
      Just as an example: Yesterday there was a strike and the unions have already announced that there will be a strike on the 7th of octobre 2015! (that's 4 months before the actual strike...). A lot of people in Belgium are fed up with these unions because the last couple of months there has been a significant increase in the amount of strikes by the public transport.
      What I will say is that the public transport is very good (if they aren't on strike...) for the tourists. Since there are a lot of ways to get from point A to point B. :)

    • @TimeDefeater
      @TimeDefeater 9 років тому +15

      Silver Hound We zijn verwend en zagen graag :)

    • @FatLeonard84
      @FatLeonard84 7 років тому +12

      Cuz the US is terrible for public transport, in some places if you don't have a car you wouldn't be able to leave your neighborhood, I've been to towns/small cities in the US that don't even have a train station or regular bus service

    • @hamids4550
      @hamids4550 7 років тому +3

      J-KUN cuz ours is fucking terrible and it's close to non existent

    • @flemishforever7686
      @flemishforever7686 6 років тому +1

      whahahaha yeah maybe also because we use it everyday I have not used for a long time because I have my own means of transport hahahaha and yeah public trams and busses sucks

  • @SilkeDirectioner
    @SilkeDirectioner 10 років тому +64

    Wait, if Belgian beer of like 5-6% is strong, what's the beer in the US like? Can you even get drunk from drinking US beer? Or is it just because I'm used to the strong Belgian beer haha

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  10 років тому +15

      Silke B the us light beers are like 2-3% and it take a loooooong time to get drunk... lots of peeing on the way ;)

    • @Ssookawai
      @Ssookawai 7 років тому +4

      A trappiste is more than 6%... maybe you're talking about light beers like Jupiler, Leffe, Philomène,etc.

    • @Ssookawai
      @Ssookawai 7 років тому +28

      3% ? Is that a juice? XD

    • @Stephane1995
      @Stephane1995 6 років тому +9

      American beer is like sex in a canoe!

    • @GalCon99
      @GalCon99 6 років тому +18

      Stephane Van Der Merwe Fucking close to water?

  • @huidhoofd4886
    @huidhoofd4886 10 років тому +70

    From a Belgian.. Indeed, stay away from restaurants near tourists attractions.. We don't go to eat there either.. Besides from those, I don't think you'll ever think service was bad.. Just don't be too American though.. Find a local and you won't know what hit you.. Fantastic food with much better beers than are advertised in this clip (you can find Stella Artois and Hoegaerden worldwide), just ask for "streekbieren" (regional beers) and get to taste some of the three thousand other ones.. Enjoy..He's right though, they will hurt you the next morning .. Hey, no pain, no gain..

    • @longfordboy2538
      @longfordboy2538 5 років тому +1

      Don't be too America". This is a boring, dreary country. If you are American, you will run like hell to get away from this depressing place. The reason people don't smile is because they know they are in Belgium.

    • @Catch_me_if_you_can_666
      @Catch_me_if_you_can_666 5 років тому

      @Phallus DominusI'm Belgian and I know why I rather go to Amsterdam than Brussels !!! 🤣🤣🤣

    • @Prestone44
      @Prestone44 2 роки тому +1

      @@Catch_me_if_you_can_666 Beside of the Grand Place and the surrounding tourists trap restaurants, and maybe a visit to the Atomium at the former 1958 world exhibition site, run away from Brussels. The neighborhoods are slowly becoming a third world zone. Every year 10 of thousands of natives escape to the south nicknamed "the free zone". But Brussels population keeps on growing. Some ethnies are more fertile than others...

  • @Tiekla
    @Tiekla 9 років тому +2

    the service thing depends on where in Belgium you are and is different from restaurant to restaurant :P when you go to a restaurant in the very east of Belgium everything is fine :D

  • @arriesone1
    @arriesone1 8 років тому +14

    Nothing wrong with a quiet, slow relaxing vacation! The world should slow down! You'll be healthier!

  • @Billypedia
    @Billypedia 4 роки тому

    Watch Brussels in Cinematic 4K DRONE Video here ----> ua-cam.com/video/AIK7nL7Lq7w/v-deo.html

  • @TheEloquentImage
    @TheEloquentImage 8 років тому +4

    It's actually very fun to hear foreigners and tourists their oppinion about the country. It makes me see things that were forgotten.

  • @Doomblud
    @Doomblud 6 років тому +5

    The service in Belgium is just part of our more relaxed culture
    We don’t wait at the door and take your jacket, put away your own jacket, choose a table to sit at, browse the menu at your own pace, call the waiter when you have decided

  • @Manuel1995665
    @Manuel1995665 9 років тому +144

    Calling Stella heaven... You ought to try at least a Leffe, Duvel, Chimay, Westmalle,... Those are heavenly beers!

    • @sanderd17
      @sanderd17 9 років тому +20

      El Manguel Omer, Chimay, Grimbergen, Brigand, Brugse Zot, Straffe Hendrik, Ename, Delirium Tremens, Kasteelbier, La Chouffe, St. Bernardus ...

    • @amyloriley
      @amyloriley 9 років тому +1

      +El Manguel Here you go: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Belgian_beers

    • @amyloriley
      @amyloriley 9 років тому

      +Sander Deryckere Here you go: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Belgian_beers

    • @shinobisauren
      @shinobisauren 9 років тому +12

      +El Manguel Watch out with tourists and Duvels, I've seen some hilarious things happen when people drink Tripels or Duvel like it's light junk.
      Another thing: Don't be the tourist that thinks he'll show the belgians how to drink, I've seen a few of those pass by too at pubs mainly frequented by locals, and ehh, that tends to end with quite the hangover for the tourists. We're used to heavy beers, it's what we grew up on and here you can drink from 16 onwards ;)

    • @kylem1112
      @kylem1112 7 років тому +5

      lol, i'm an american and we get stella artois imported in the states.. and yeah its... fine. i don't think he's as much of a beer guy especially if he thinks a 6% beer is really strong

  • @fetleworkachamyeleh6774
    @fetleworkachamyeleh6774 4 роки тому +2

    Belgium is a special Land, its Eropeans. Go there! It has nice streets, And got good times, And explore it!

  • @ramonzzari
    @ramonzzari 10 років тому +54

    "Belgium". It isn't only about Flemish cities and Brussels, foreigners always forget about it. Wallonia hasn't got beautiful old cities as in Flanders, but the nature there is beautiful. Belgium isn't just about Flanders, Belgium is 3 communities with quite different ways of living that just stand together. 3 different cultures. French-speakers from the southern part of the country are warmer than the northern, for example. You can't experiment Belgium without taking a dip into at least 2 communities and then the capital. It´s not like the us, you see? We are a small country with lots of inhabitants. Thanks for this video anyways

    • @barvdw
      @barvdw 9 років тому +10

      The Wallonian historical cities are not as big as in Flanders, but there are very nice ones. I love Tournai, for instance, and Liège is nice, too. Namur was a bit dead, even to Belgian standards, but with nice streets, and there are a lot of small towns such as Thuin or Spa that are nice, too. But I agree, the south is mainly attractive for its nature, from the Ardennes forests, to the meadows in rural Hesbaye.

    • @ramonzzari
      @ramonzzari 9 років тому +3

      If you came to Namur during the summer or the weekend, it could have been dead, indeed, because it's a "student-city" (i don't know how to say it in English, sorry). It's like Louvain-La-Neuve, for instance.. most students live in a "kot" (a kind of dorm, a huge flat where you have your own room but you share the kitchen, livingroom and bathroom with up to 14 other students) and they return to their home on Friday evening, than come back Sunday night.. For instance, Louvain-La-Neuve has more students than families or "old" people, so it sure is a bit dead, especially in the summer... :)
      And the South is also well-known for its beautiful villages (even in the Brabant Wallon) (:

    • @barvdw
      @barvdw 9 років тому +2

      ramonzzari Leuven isn't much better. But I agree, during semester, there are more people in the streets. I love Wallonia! Greetz, a Fleming from Brussels ;)

    • @quetzalamaru
      @quetzalamaru 9 років тому

      Nothing on Belgium in the Congo?
      These people hide a horrible secret behind their friendly smile.

    • @ramonzzari
      @ramonzzari 9 років тому +5

      You are right ! The money from the Congo helped building lots of our monuments, but that was like.. 1 century ago. I made a research abt it during my last year of high school, it is true that Belgian used really bad and humiliating methods against the Congolese but we're not the same. I understand the shock (especially if you are from Congo), but it isn't a national secret. It's King Leopold II and his army's. We really are friendly !

  • @LReBe7
    @LReBe7 9 років тому +2

    Just a little comment on why the stores close up fairly early. I recently asked my mom and she told me that it's a reminent from the eighties. Back in the eighties and nineties there was the infamous Gang of Nijvel, which robbed supermarket in an extremely violent fashion. They always did that under the cover of evening darkness. Now at six o' clock during winter time, Belgium is fully in the darkness of night. I'm sure with time it will come back( certain dutch chains of supermarkets hold longer hours).

  • @WimVandewijngaerde
    @WimVandewijngaerde 6 років тому +4

    Always funny to hear as a Belgian that foreigners love our beers and then sum up some beers that many Belgians actually don't like :-)
    Some suggestions for a next visit :D
    - Zeezuiper (8%)
    - Slaapmutske Tripel (8.1%)
    - Chimay Bleue (9%)
    - Westmalle Tripel (9.5%)
    - Tripel Kannunik (8.2%)
    - Egotripel (6.5%)
    - Zinnebir (6%)
    - Wolf 7 (7.4%)
    - Duvel (8.5%)
    - Piraat (10.5%)
    - Seef Bier (6.5%)
    - Poperings Hommelbier (7.5%)
    - ...
    Cheers :-)

  • @bonsaivlaamseardennen2269
    @bonsaivlaamseardennen2269 9 років тому +1

    Gent, the city many belgians (flemish) call the most cosy town of Flanders. Whereas Bruges is considered by many belgians as just a tourist museum, Gent still feels young, alive, social, part of the lives of any inhabitant or visitor. Here we live the city. Oh, I'm belgian, living in Oudenaarde, another tiny but great and historical city (25km south of Gent), the capital of the region called 'flemish ardennes', great historical natural scenery all around.

  • @DJSamsonofficial
    @DJSamsonofficial 6 років тому +13

    "It's not a 2 or 3% Bud Light, this is a 6 (or 5%) Hoegaarden." I found that funny because Hoegaarden is one of the lightest beers there are :D

    • @TheBriceKennedy
      @TheBriceKennedy 5 років тому +1

      Funny also because a 2-3% Bud Light doesn't exist. Not in the States anyway.

  • @phatdayz
    @phatdayz 8 років тому +45

    Did anyone else notice the fly land on his head? XD

  • @TVDH34
    @TVDH34 9 років тому +9

    What I love the most about Belgium is me

  • @prplt
    @prplt 7 років тому +1

    what I like about Belgium is that they have the best traffic signs in the world
    why? because 1) on almost all intersections where you don't have to yield to the traffic that comes from the right there is sign that you have priority
    2) there is a speed limit sign after every intersection (except if it's the same as the general limit or you're in a speed zone) so you always know what the speed limit is
    3) you almost always know whether you're in a built-up area or not

  • @TheSunWillRise96
    @TheSunWillRise96 8 років тому +18

    there are lots of festivals in belgium in summer , there are quite a lot of things to do

  • @davidslagmulder8042
    @davidslagmulder8042 5 років тому +1

    Belgium can be fun, but you got to know the fun places, like:
    War museums: "Flanders Fields" (Ieper), "De Dossin kazerne" (Mechelen), Fort van Breendonk.
    For kids: Walibi, Bobbejaanland, Train museum (Schaarbeek), Museum van natuurwetenschappen (Brussel)
    And don't forget the animal zoo's; Pairi Daiza (Brugelette) and Zoo van Planckendael.

  • @krissiaa.2732
    @krissiaa.2732 4 роки тому +3

    I'm sorry to hear that you got a little bit bored in Belgium, but I don't agree with you that Belgium is boring, there is always something going on, there are a lot of festivals (a few of them are free) arts, music, paredes, food, beer, chocolate, christmas markets are one of the most beautiful of Europe.
    If you ever come to Belgium make sure to take a look at tourist information website of the city that you are staying at, so you won't miss anything ☺️. Now I must admit that night life in general is pretty quiet, so if you are a party animal you may want to go to Amsterdam or Prague instead.
    Regarding the service, I agree to that it usually kinda of sucks lol, just don't take it personal.

  • @billyng2012
    @billyng2012 8 років тому +1

    I am travelling to Brussels two days later, I will be staying for 4 nights in the city before going to Amsterdam and Helsinki, its really helpful thanks alot.

  • @kayzeaza
    @kayzeaza 5 років тому +5

    Belgium sounds like the perfect first country in Europe. Nice relaxing pace to get you adjusted

    • @antoinebeauman
      @antoinebeauman 5 років тому

      Antwerp is a great city to visit ... I'm living there .. I'm used to the city now but the reason for me to go living overhere is because the atmosphere .. it's a historical town with so many great buildings images.app.goo.gl/bH8DEh98BHaHd65MA

    • @lindeneefs9412
      @lindeneefs9412 4 роки тому

      im not saying this because i live in belgium myself but ive seen a video where it stated that belgium is a good place to start a (new) life as an immigrant

    • @sleepy_belgian3149
      @sleepy_belgian3149 3 роки тому

      @@lindeneefs9412 It is but sometimes they do get too much for free.

  • @horseplop9
    @horseplop9 8 років тому +2

    mark I love how you describe it as relaxing not boring. I couldn't agree more. bruge is alot of fun and you can really get to talk to the locals. I thought that some of the locals where of the nicest to us on our trip. thanks

  • @Caseytherabbit
    @Caseytherabbit 10 років тому +6

    I live in belgium, and I agree with everything you say... I'm not actually from belgium, I just got put here when I was born, don't know why my mom decide to move here but anyway...
    If you're going to belgium at Christmas you HAVE GOT to visit La Grande Place, it's basically the centre of belgium, there's lights everywhere, they sell beer and there's big fancy towers and stuff, it's like a city party... If you go at Halloween, you can find some great trick or treat places but don't just go out anywhere because nobody prepares for it in belgium so you have to find a proper organisation, I know one in a place called overijse (overijse also has lots of local festivals so make sure to look out for them)

  • @projectbelgium5804
    @projectbelgium5804 5 років тому +2

    Belgium is definitely not boring! You just gotta do a little research where to go. It has so much more than just stores and restaurants. Belgium has a very rich history and a lot of special places to visit you just gotta know where to find them :).

  • @joewtjjoewp1
    @joewtjjoewp1 10 років тому +20

    I live near Antwerp in Belgium and your review is completely accurate.
    But one thing to mention: you obviously filmed this in the summer.
    The rest of the year, it's cold cloudy rainy windy weather.

  • @phenomenalgames3584
    @phenomenalgames3584 9 років тому +2

    I live in Belgium , Antwerps. Wolters, i love how you Enjoy this country.

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  9 років тому

      PhenomenalGames we had a good time. I miss my fresh stella though ;)

    • @PhilosopherStone
      @PhilosopherStone 9 років тому +2

      woltersworld Stella is something what some peolpe call here 'kattepis' (pee from a cat). You should try the real ones: Duvel, Orval, La chouffe, Westmalle,...

  • @Tomskii5
    @Tomskii5 10 років тому +53

    As a belgian, in restaurants just generally. Don't go and eat near tourist attractions and your fine, secondly -> use trip advisor. You'll know what restaurants to visit then ;)
    (goes for any country really)

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  10 років тому +1

      Tomskii5 Very true. Thanks for watching and commenting!

    • @koffieslikkersenior
      @koffieslikkersenior 9 років тому +5

      woltersworld You might add that you can judge the 'quality' of the restaurant by the percentage of natives that eat there. It's a general rule of the thumb that works in every country.

    • @Tomskii5
      @Tomskii5 9 років тому +1

      koffieslikkersenior Jep exactly, although sometimes it might be harder to spot natives in some countries (I mean do belgians really have particular faces? :P)

    • @michaelmasillon390
      @michaelmasillon390 9 років тому +1

      woltersworld If coming to Liège, go to "mamé vî cû" ("cute old butt") you'll taste the true traditional food of Liège with a great service ;) Meat balls with legian sauce, fries, mayonnaise, beer and letuce is the thing to taste !

    • @Tomskii5
      @Tomskii5 9 років тому +1

      Michael Masillon You only had to say Boulettes Liegeoises and I was already with ya hahaha

  • @Cuppens1995
    @Cuppens1995 9 років тому +2

    As a Belgian I have to agree with most the things you listed you'd hate. God I hate the stores closing so earl (although there are some which stay open till 8). I guess the service part is because you don't speak the language, we don't really like tourists overall. I also hate the drinking part, tourists see a list with 150 quality beers (most of which 7-8%) and try to taste them all. In the summer it's horrible to go out and have a beer in the afternoon just because the bars are flooded with drunk people at 6pm.
    About your loves: you're about the only person I know that likes public transport I know lol (normally you have to notify for handicap accesibility).

  • @JoshRueff
    @JoshRueff 10 років тому +9

    I really like your videos and that you highlight both the good and the bad. Just got back from a 3 month trip to Ecuador, so I can certainly appreciate an honest review of a country.

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  10 років тому

      thanks josh!

    • @yellow9349
      @yellow9349 5 років тому

      spent 2-1/2 YEARS in Riobamba and I agree.

  • @robsteries
    @robsteries 9 років тому +2

    I don't see chill as a boring aspect, but ok. Nice one woltersworld

  • @tombalf
    @tombalf 10 років тому +72

    I'm from belgium and the public transport kinde sucks here (de lijn)

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  10 років тому +9

      Tombalf all of my Belgian friends said that the locals would say that :) but we tourists like it... so at least someone is happy with it ;)

    • @wout4yt
      @wout4yt 10 років тому +5

      Like much things in Belgium public transport sucks, until you go to another country and then you realize they could suck much much more. If you go to the US for instance you'd think you're in the 80's eastern Europe in some places.

    • @julesdemeulenaere
      @julesdemeulenaere 10 років тому

      the amount of public transport is nice but indeed since i always take the bus ( de lijn en ja ik ben van belgie :) ) i know that the transport itself is kinda shitty , rude drivers and all

    • @tilemacro
      @tilemacro 10 років тому +2

      The Guy is from US...
      They don't have public transportation there

    • @demanvanhetstokbrood
      @demanvanhetstokbrood 10 років тому +3

      The buses and trams don't suck...
      The trains between cities do. Although I don't experience inconveniences with the trains that often. I think people like to complain :p
      Over 90% of the trains I take don't have a delay, the trains are comfy, although they can be cramped in rush hours. I think we are a bit spoiled when it comes to public transport. But they should seriously stop cutting the trains' budget. Would make for less strikes too.

  • @kevinvanhauwaert4468
    @kevinvanhauwaert4468 3 роки тому +2

    Service may seem aloof, if you are used to the American “ Hi I’m Steve and I’m gonna be your best friend for the rest of the evening” type of service. Waiters in Belgium don’t like to bother customers while they are with friends or family. They are not there to be the show. Because there is no tipping culture in Belgium, they can just get by with a smile and a hello. Might be weird for US citizens, but we like it that way.

  • @Magic_beans_
    @Magic_beans_ 10 років тому +6

    From what I've heard, you can get by pretty well in Benelux with English, since most people take it as a second or third language. Was that your experience? For that matter, how much of the local language do you typically learn before visiting?

  • @maremaarten
    @maremaarten 7 років тому +1

    the best about our country I think is that we have everything in a very small package: hills, forests, sea, historical cities, history overall,..., all within max 3 hours drive.

  • @tomlucas4269
    @tomlucas4269 9 років тому +17

    Hi Mr Wolters,
    I agree with the most of your likes and don't likes. But Belgium is not boaring. We have a lot of theaters dancing clubs and pubs where we come together, For a tourist the best unboaring time will be between june and September. In the summer you will find like almost everyday a festival or an open air happening. Come and vist Antwerp. Near by Antwerp 5min drive by train you will find little Brugge called Lier. Have a good time in Belgium!!

    • @FrankDevosvoske
      @FrankDevosvoske 9 років тому +4

      Tom Lucas Tomorrowland is een grootschalig Belgisch outdoor dance-evenement
      in De Schorre in Boom georganiseerd door ID&T België, een joint
      venture van de organiserende broers Manu en Michiel Beers en het
      Nederlandse bedrijf ID&T.
      Tomorrowland is a large-scale Belgian outdoor dance event at De Schorre in Boom organized by ID & T Belgium, a joint venture of the organizing brothers Manu and Michiel Beers and the Dutch company ID & T.

  • @SylvainBOSSON-og8fi
    @SylvainBOSSON-og8fi 4 роки тому +1

    You have got the chance to have hot sunny Heather.thanks for your presentation. When we crossed Ardennes ans belgium it was the coldest wet grey aera, in comparaison with scotland, Nederland or denmark sweden! I agree with You about strongest beers.

  • @degreyt1685
    @degreyt1685 10 років тому +3

    did you know that Belgium( by that I mean Flanders) has more four star restaurants per capita than France. About your comment that Belgium is boring, not true, there is a great deal to do there. by the no waiter has ever gotten my order wrong ever, it is quite possible they didn't understand you very well, most Americans don't understand that meals need to be enjoyed not guzzled down. Most Tourists miss the more interesting places, which are in fact not always the bigger towns, for example Bouillon, Spa, Aalst, Dendermonde, or Sint-niklaas. I also noticed that you forgot to mention Antwerp, I will give that Brussels is not really that interesting, although there are some things worth seeing there if you know where to look. Though Belgium is small there will many thing that surprised any visitor brave enough to venture away .

  • @otaku999girlu99read
    @otaku999girlu99read 9 років тому +1

    It's great to see how tourists experience belgium as a belgian person. The safeness probably comes from the super strictness of the laws, which also makes us stressed out (honestly I didn't realize people found it relaxing here) and makes us to grumphy for good service.

    • @DarthKraytofKansas
      @DarthKraytofKansas 9 років тому +1

      +anime99reader99freak Are the laws strict? I am considering the possibility of moving to Belgium (as an American), and I'm trying to learn more about your country.

  • @woutmostmans3390
    @woutmostmans3390 9 років тому +24

    Isn't 4 to 5% normal for a beer (pils) i personally live in belgium and i dont know where i could find beer that is less.

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  9 років тому +1

      Wout Mostmans Sweden US they have some lower % beers as well

    • @lachesarborisov9531
      @lachesarborisov9531 6 років тому +3

      I rarely see a beer lower, and when my friends do they call it juice

    • @Leiake2604
      @Leiake2604 6 років тому +3

      Wout Mostmans
      It's actually amusing that we're used to the strong beers. When visiting England I ordered a certain beer and the waiter warned me it was quite strong. I simply smiled and told him I was Belgian. He said: no worries then, you'll be fine.
      It's just about knowing how to drink a stronger beer and take your time with it. If you're pouring down Duvel like it's lemonade, you're going to get in trouble.

    • @MrMarcmaster
      @MrMarcmaster 6 років тому +1

      Jupiler blue 😉

    • @sloesty
      @sloesty 6 років тому +2

      the fact that u can find 5% is already a miracly, the usual lager is 5.9% (if you are belgian)

  • @itisonlyme1
    @itisonlyme1 5 років тому +1

    I used to live in Antwerp in the 70's and it was NEVER boring! Great culture and nightlife and drugs . LOVED it!

  • @catins5990
    @catins5990 5 років тому +5

    It's weird to hear this all when this is daily life XD I'm proud of my home, but it's weird that it is so special and beautiful for other people

  • @emilyverellen924
    @emilyverellen924 6 років тому +1

    I'm from Belgium and I HATE the public transport it's a missary but I truly love just the relaxing vibe in the big city's just walking around with soms friends enjoying a drink and watch the streetartist... And ofcours I love the fries and stoofvlees.

  • @karatekit333
    @karatekit333 9 років тому +8

    nice to hear so much nice things about Belgium. I am Belgian by the way

  • @TessylOlliipOp
    @TessylOlliipOp 5 років тому +1

    well about the store's your right even i living in belgium find that not a good thing closing early but things are changing more store's are open till 19.00 even till 20.00

  • @Roel93
    @Roel93 8 років тому +4

    I've got goosebumps of pride all over :) Sometimes we forget the awesome buildings we have. We walk past them every day and don't notice them anymore. I also like how you nuanced the safety. There are indeed some places you should avoid like many neighbourhoods in Brussels, some in Anwerp, Bergen and Charleroi.
    I agree with everything you said except for messing up the orders. That was just an unfortunate experience someone had. I can't honestly recall anyone ever messing up my order.

  • @anonyme3123
    @anonyme3123 5 років тому +1

    Belgium is not boring! Maybe you do not know where to go! It is a lot to do in Belgium!

  • @edwinbottero5230
    @edwinbottero5230 8 років тому +3

    I disagree with you : Belgium isn't boring ! There are a lots of things to do (museum, monuments, gastronomy tour, parties...).
    You can stay in Brussels a whole week and not to stop visiting. Of course, you must do some research before.
    If you go in Brugge and other, you need more than a week...
    The service in Belgium is not that bad ! (Your friend wasn't lucky if the waiter did two mistakes.)
    But it's true , it's much slower !
    In fact, in Belgium, we go to the restaurant for specials occasions so we take our time, we stay on table 2 or 3 hours.
    For us, wait for the waiter 5 minutes and wait for the dishes 20 minutes is perfectly normal.
    If you're in a hurry, say it to the waiter and ask before sitting when you'll be able to eat. If it's to late, say sorry and leave.
    The stores in Belgium close indeed early (at the latest 21h, mostly between 18h30 and 19h30) but we have "nightshop" to save youy : it's very small shop with some food, cigarets and drink. (It's more expensive than ordinary store)

    • @pepinus9878
      @pepinus9878 8 років тому

      I don't like city trips so yea

    • @pieterdebacker2197
      @pieterdebacker2197 8 років тому

      +Pepinus we have also The coast en you can make bicycle tours around the rivers

  • @mumblic
    @mumblic 9 років тому +2

    Hi, I have seen a bunch of your video's and I'm not sure what to think about them.Be aware that hating and loving is something very personal and assuming that other people will feel the same is very pretentious. Actually in general it tells more about yourself then .. Don't get me wrong it is great that you share your experiences, but be aware that "hate" is a strong word! A better title could be 'the 5 things I love and the 5 things you should be aware of (as an american tourist). I'm sure you will get a lot more 'thumbs' up

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  9 років тому +5

      Mum Blic I am well aware that hate is a very strong word and as you could probably tell from the video my hates are more like "mild annoyances" but in the internet age and trying to get people to watch videos "5 love and hates" sounds much more appealing than "5 things you will love and mildly dislike" :)

  • @michaelmasillon390
    @michaelmasillon390 9 років тому +51

    Another thing you have to taste in Belgium is "speculoos" !

    • @michaelmasillon390
      @michaelmasillon390 9 років тому +2

      Michael Masillon : my cousin, living in Canada, became like a child when his wife managed to get him one ;)

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  9 років тому +1

      Michael Masillon what is it?

    • @michaelmasillon390
      @michaelmasillon390 9 років тому +6

      @woltersworld: A sweetness that is typical of Belgium, Holland, north of France and Aachen (Germany). We mainly eat it during the St-Nicolas/St-Niklaas. It's made up of flour, brown sugar and many spices (like 20). You may know it under the name of "speculation". Some like them crusty but I prefer the soft ones. The crusty is delicious with a cup of coffee. There is many recipes varying from region to region
      It's easy to make. Here's a recipe I use (sry couldn't find it in english) : cuisine.journaldesfemmes.com/recette/319397-speculoos-tendres. Hardest part may be finding the mix of spices since it's only used for speculoos.

    • @SteveVandeVoorde
      @SteveVandeVoorde 9 років тому +2

      Michael Masillon they know it bit under gingerbread although ours isn't with ginger but with cinnamon

    • @agnieszkavanheirreweghe5837
      @agnieszkavanheirreweghe5837 7 років тому

      Wolters World brown biscuits, i heard they give them in delta airlines

  • @totenkopfkatzen6904
    @totenkopfkatzen6904 5 років тому

    I’ve made a Belgian friend, we are doing some businesses together and he came to visit me in Sweden this weekend! Really nice guy and now I’m going to him in november! So cool!

  • @leonidasblue3973
    @leonidasblue3973 7 років тому +21

    boring? not if you know what there is around you.. Every day I have something to do.. I live here my whole life and I know cities as Brussels, Antwerp and ghent very good and it's absolutely not boring.. Better that then living in the middle of nowhere in central america where you need 6 houres to find a supermarket

    • @user-ll3jo7iz9k
      @user-ll3jo7iz9k 7 років тому +2

      Keith Prins True

    • @tutoriel1000
      @tutoriel1000 7 років тому +4

      Keith Prins he obviously didn't stay in Brussels plus he has kids so he can't go to festivals like Tomorrowland or parties at night

  • @crush42mash6
    @crush42mash6 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome job, I can’t wait to go to Belgium in June. You gave me some good advice.
    I definitely will look into the tours about World War I and World War II and the history of Belgium. I am floored I don’t know more about it and I’m a history major

  • @RepeatingRepenter
    @RepeatingRepenter 10 років тому +29

    You think Belgium is expenisve NEVER go to Scandinavia !

    • @yellow9349
      @yellow9349 5 років тому +1

      ...or New York. All of the things you love and hate twenty fold.

    • @MegaApiapi
      @MegaApiapi 5 років тому +2

      switzerland is also very expensive

  • @FrankDevosvoske
    @FrankDevosvoske 9 років тому +1

    Tomorrowland is a large-scale Belgian outdoor dance event at De Schorre in Boom organized by ID & T Belgium, a joint venture of the organizing brothers Manu and Michiel Beers and the Dutch company ID & T.

  • @thomasmettham9386
    @thomasmettham9386 6 років тому +3

    I just LOVE Ieper !! It's my favourite town in Belgium. You could say that would be my hub when or if I go there again. The 1 minute silence ceremony they have in Menin Gate is breathtaking and also go give Tyne Cott Cemetery a visit. You will be speechless, it is the biggest war cemetery of the First World War. There are other memorials too like Thiepval and Vimy Ridge.

  • @cesarinav.m.4930
    @cesarinav.m.4930 5 років тому

    You should visit Gent in July , its summer then and there are Gentse feesten! A big party in the center with lots of music and food and drinks

  • @adriaanverhelle
    @adriaanverhelle 3 роки тому +3

    Moving from Belgium to US I had the opposite experience regarding the service. It annoyed the hell out of me that waiters come to bother you every 10 minutes. I just want to be left alone and enjoy my meal. You get used to it over time, but man, in the beginning, waiters feel like a human sized wasp swarming around you're table

    • @wakinyanthunderheart473
      @wakinyanthunderheart473 2 роки тому +1

      I'm in Canada and I know the feeling. The waiters here check on you every 5 minutes which is super annoying. "How are the first couple of bites" and you're expected to answer that with a mouth full of food. I get it, they are being paid minimum wage here and it's the tips that are the most important to them which makes them almost unnaturally friendly and concerned about your dining experience.

    • @TheIJP123
      @TheIJP123 2 роки тому +2

      @@wakinyanthunderheart473 I didn’t realize they did that in Canada too, I thought the annoying constant checks was just an American thing haha

  • @Melkisedectube
    @Melkisedectube 8 років тому +1

    Merci d'aimer mon pays!

  • @StraffeSwa
    @StraffeSwa 8 років тому +3

    Did you visit Antwerp too? I was just wondering what your thoughts about Antwerp are.

  • @priscilabee583
    @priscilabee583 6 років тому +1

    I live in Belgium and my main dislike is how difficult it is to get a cab. Unless you are at the airport or close to a big city train station, calling a cab and it’s arrival its a hustle, making spontaneous plans a bust.

  • @mano0n
    @mano0n 6 років тому +5

    If you don't know how to appreciate Brussels, then you're not ready for Belgium.

  • @misbahgill5212
    @misbahgill5212 6 років тому +2

    I really love the way you talk n explain.. Really loved it and thanks for these information... Tq

  • @thibaultporiau4044
    @thibaultporiau4044 9 років тому +41

    we hate our public transportation here. It's ok when they are not on strike or after midnight

    • @Roel93
      @Roel93 8 років тому +3

      He means that you can go everywhere by solely using public transportation. As for the late trains and busses... They're late in every country. It happens. Belgians just need something to complain about. If it's not the weather, it must be public transportation, right?

    • @AldhisslaVargTimmene
      @AldhisslaVargTimmene 8 років тому +1

      Seriously the public transportation SUCKS in Belgium! There's a reason we hate it!

    • @bertruslanus
      @bertruslanus 6 років тому

      They are not that bad. Ok they are often late or on strike but they are quite cheap and they cover every little city.

  • @wanneske1969
    @wanneske1969 6 років тому +1

    In the North (Flanders) and Brussels, there is a lot of culture, great cities and in the South (Wallonië) there is a lot of beautiful nature

  • @lennartverhoeven
    @lennartverhoeven 10 років тому +3

    Are you coming to the Netherlands too? If you do, please tell people to visit more cities than just Amsterdam. Amsterdam is great but towns like Utrecht, Groningen and Maastricht are at least as nice and way less packed with tourist traps. We've also got some great and quirky nature reserves. I am happy to give you more travel tips if you like.

  • @boccaccio50
    @boccaccio50 10 років тому +1

    I've been to Belgium three times and thoroughly enjoyed it. My piece of advice: If you are travelling around the country by train, get the 10-trip pass. It can be used between as many people as you want and is completely flexible and unbelievably cheap.

  • @DFTBAsshole
    @DFTBAsshole 10 років тому +58

    One thing that you're going to hate about Belgium is how they beat us in the World Cup

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  10 років тому +20

      dang straight ;) but if it wasn't for tim howard that would have been a huge beat down

    • @Solaire_Of_Astora420
      @Solaire_Of_Astora420 6 років тому +4

      RED DEVILS WOOOOH yes im from belgium ;)

  • @Asmr_kungfu
    @Asmr_kungfu 9 років тому +1

    Lil Hoegaarden is a heavy beer. It's actually one of the lightest if not the ligtest one we have and is mosly drunk with mussels.

  • @selinatran9384
    @selinatran9384 6 років тому +7

    Wow, I know this is an old video, but I still have to comment on it. You really are jumping to conclusions without enough knowledge about some of your negative points. The waiters aren't coming to your table until a very long time, because they want you to be able to choose or eat in peace. Only when you haven't made a move in a veeeery long time, they will come to your table to to see if they can help you because you might be shy or have any trouble with the menu. You need to put your fucking hand up or something and call the damn waiter. I like this a lot more because when I ate in countries where the waiter immediately comes up to you made me feel like I was under pressure.
    Also, have you even explored Belgium? The French and the German part have a completely different atmosphere. I also wonder who you were trying to talk too. Sure, Belgians are less open than Dutch people, but they certainly are very friendly and welcome. I am Asian, and I have never experienced racism before by Belgians, only by the rude immigrants which is the reason why some people are wary of them. But don't try to act all high above it when this happens even more in other countries. Like people say, you should do your research before you go to a restaurant. You wouldn't go to a place with shitty service in your own country too, right?
    Lots of people in Belgium actually come up to me to have a conversation or to compliment me out of nowhere. And I'm not only talking about the drunk folks at night, it happens when I walk around in broad daylight. And this happened with any gender or age. I had random young girls, adult women and adult men having friendly and nice conversations with me without an ulterior motive. And I have lived in Belgium for 20 years. I'm currently living in Poland for a while, and people are a lot more conservative and distant over here (unless they're drunk) compared to Belgians. I miss their friendliness...
    But I also lived in Japan and nothing beats Japan. I'll be moving to England in a few days and I am excited for it since English people are more like Belgians.

  • @mariedepauw3917
    @mariedepauw3917 6 років тому +1

    I live in Belgium and its nice here

  • @MatthewXzibit
    @MatthewXzibit 9 років тому +12

    Belgium boring? That's quite a statement... Depends what you're looking for dear sir. Belgium is a great country if you like culture and architecture, or if you like the medieval times. Damn, there's loads to see. And don't forget there is so much to see, that isn't known to tourists.
    If you're looking for sensation or action, don't come to Belgium though. Agreed.

  • @petertibos2370
    @petertibos2370 9 років тому +2

    Hey I am from Belgium and it's nice to see how other people think about our little country. But it's a nice review

  • @sus901
    @sus901 10 років тому +4

    If you want good food for not too much money in Belgium, you must look for a "brasserie" in one of our smaller towns. That's where the locals go

  • @samabo100
    @samabo100 6 років тому +1

    The service definitely isn't bad you just had a bad waiter, in the bigger cities when it's busy i can imagine this happens

  • @QuintenOckers
    @QuintenOckers 10 років тому +5

    You should visit Ghent at the 'Gentse Feesten' (i don't know how it's called in English), it basicly the 10 most awesome days in Belgium at the end of July. Maybe you should watch a soccer game aswell, since that's our most popalur sport , and you should also try the visit the southern part of the country, i've you thought Flanders was slow pace and boring, then you didn't visit the Ardennes yet. The villages are so small , but everything besides the language there is basicly the same i guess,

    • @noahderuyver4643
      @noahderuyver4643 10 років тому

      bufallooooo pronostiekje vr zondag tegen standard 4-1!!!!!

    • @albertou218
      @albertou218 10 років тому

      Gentse Feesten is still boring... Thing is you are just too drunk to care but it is rather boring... Trust me I live in Gent

    • @dalaiklama
      @dalaiklama 10 років тому

      Luis Lozano I dont know anything about the Festival but, as a tourist, I really really loved Gent. I was there a month ago, had great street food, great beer along the canals and enjoyed some amazing sights.

    • @liwang6696
      @liwang6696 10 років тому

      The Ghent Festival, that's what they told me when I did my erasmus there.

  • @Elisa-cq4fg
    @Elisa-cq4fg 6 років тому +1

    Its true we are pretty chilled in Belgium.

  • @giloises
    @giloises 10 років тому +11

    Next time you go, don't forget about Antwerp. The second biggest city in the country with a beautiful city center, the most beautiful central railway station in Europe, great cathedral, beautiful buildings, shopping possibilities everywhere, a lot of history to absorb (like everywhere in Belgium), really something you shouldn't skip over. It's also very big port, so there's a lot of history related to that. Greets!

  • @liwang6696
    @liwang6696 10 років тому +1

    I was an Erasmus student at Ghent Univ. It's really to see your pros&cons about Belgium. I am in US now, kind of missing there, especially the public transportation. I watched your videos about Beijing and Shanghai, which were also funny. Looks like you've been travelling all the year round. Have a nice tour around world!

  • @xfgher
    @xfgher 9 років тому +43

    I've never felt the boringness in Belgium. It's a stereotype, befriend a local and get to know what's going on ;-)

    • @xfgher
      @xfgher 9 років тому +3

      xfgher Belgium was about 70% cheaper than New York and Washington. You can buy and eat veryyyy cheaply in Belgium ;-) Healthy food is a lot cheaper here! Service is indeed terrible in bars and restaurants. And stores are generally closed at 6 pm, 8 pm for supermarkets, that's true also!

    • @froufroudeluxe
      @froufroudeluxe 8 років тому +11

      I know this comment is 8 months old but I still felt like responding. The big difference between Belgian/European service and service in the United States is that we have a history of being Burgundians, and thus we really enjoy long dining. Even if we finished our food, we will still sit and enjoy each other's company. So we like to eat at ease, without waiters coming every 10 minutes to ask if everything's okay! Personally, I've never been to the US. But a good friend of mine has spent some vacations there and didn't like the service either because it's so different from ours

  • @Ndub1991
    @Ndub1991 6 років тому +1

    Im proud of my country here, born and raised in belgium. Yes we dit get pushed over and rebuilt and came out stronger but there are alot of things we are not proud of. You should check all of our history and not just the good things. Always two sides of history.

  • @mumblic
    @mumblic 9 років тому +3

    Speaking about opening hours and American tourists. Did you know there is some kind of running joke about it. Guides in Bruges get sometime the question (mainly from American tourist) when the city closes. Apparently because they think the city is a kind of historical amusement park, rather than a real city where people live in. Something we find hilarious. By the way I don't want to generalize this, it probably happened only a few times, but when anecdote are repeated many times , sadly it can lead to 'stereotyping'. Just like you heard stories about other people that were not treated well in restaurants. I would not generalize this.

  • @frankiestefan8804
    @frankiestefan8804 5 років тому +1

    Supermarkets stay open till 8 pm, some are open on sundays too. There also are plenty of nightshops. So , don't panic please....:-)

  • @jarneXD
    @jarneXD 10 років тому +3

    I love belgium

  • @thumanina
    @thumanina 7 років тому +1

    I've been studying in Ghent for years now and can attest to the fact that the town dies out quickly at night, which can be a bit boring if you feel like going out. However, it's just the streets that get quiet - but there are actually plenty of things to do all year round, also in terms of nightlife. Leuven is a student town and will be almost empty during weekends when students are back home (which in turn can make it exciting if you like eerie, abandoned cities...).
    Public transport: it's true Flanders has a great public transport network (Wallonia less so but still OK), but don't expect public transport to be extremely punctual, because... it is not.
    Service is in my opinion fine, it does the job. Personally I like it when service is not over the top in terms of helpfulness etc, makes it actually easier to relax. But if you come from a country where the customer is king (US, Japan,...), you might feel like service here is somewhat lacking.
    Was very interesting to hear how you experienced my country, I think you explained it quite well! Couldn't help but laugh with your praise on our public transport, since we're always complaining about it.

  • @zeirack4357
    @zeirack4357 8 років тому +8

    I thought 5% was normal beer?

  • @flocom1
    @flocom1 10 років тому +2

    May I mention that Belgium includes Wallonia? The other half of the country, just saying ;)