TRAVEL GUIDE: BELGIUM

The administrative center of both the European Union and NATO, Belgium struggles with its multiplicity of cultures both internationally and domestically. Straddled between Germanic and Latin Europe, the country is home to both the Dutch-speaking Flemings and the francophone region of Wallonia. Despite its multiple personalities, Belgium is home to many culinary delights including gauffres (waffles), pommes frites (french fries) and most notably, chocolate. With over 500 varieties produced locally, Belgium is also a beer lovers' paradise. Be sure to take in the diverse architecture of the nation’s capital, Brussels, which juxtaposes medieval Flemish constructions with the post-modern buildings of the EU institutions.

TRAVEL

TOP 10 HOT EUROPEAN HOTELS
Hotel Amigo
This luxurious Flemish-style red brick hotel is just steps from Grand Place square in the heart of Brussels and offers 173 stylish and spacious rooms and suites, many offering views over the city's rooftops.

TRAVEL SPECIAL
Pretty In Paris & Brilliant in Brussels
It's been said that the food and fashion of Paris, the style and energy of Rome, and the attitude and atmosphere of Amsterdam converge on Brussels, one of the world's sweetest capitals. Get to know this charming city and swing by the City of Lights, too, with this 6-Night Paris & Brussels vacation package.

BELGIAN BITES
2012 Year of Gastronomy
The Belgian Tourist Office announced the 2012 Year of Gastronomy, highlighting Belgium as a gastronomic destination. Visitors can tour the city on the Brussels Food Tramway, attend festivities such as the Giant Omelette Celebration and the Soup Festival and much more.

BELGIAN BEVERAGES

TOP 10 SIPPING BEERS
Belgium Holds Its Own
Four Belgium beers sit on this list of brews that share tremendous flavor impact and a lingering, food-friendly finish. The multiplicity of these flavors showcases the diversity of Belgium, a country the size of Maryland that boasts three official languages and wide-ranging population groups.

DRINK UP
Spa Water
One might think that this water takes its name from the common term for health resorts or natural springs, but actually it's the other way around. First discovered by the ancient Romans, the naturally pure springs of Belgium's Ardennes Valley prompted the community of Spa to become the founders of the international bottled water industry, exporting to the likes of King Henry II of France.

Visit www.visitbelgium.com, the official site
of the Belgian Tourist offices in the Americas

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(Updated: 10/25/11 CT)

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