Today is Belgium's national holiday. And since not many (or probably even none) Belgians visit my journal, I thought I could give the rest of you a little introduction to my small country. Some even say Belgium is the best kept secret in Europe. Read and decide for yourself.

"There's just something about Belgium. Maybe it's the friendly & welcoming people who with three official languages (Dutch, French and German) still find it easy to converse in English. Maybe it's the stunning architecture decorating the quaint cobblestone squares. Or perhaps it's the incredible cuisine found in the vast array of restaurants where each meal seems better than the last. Energetic and carefree, the overall mood in Belgium is infectious, summoning in all of us to live as Belgians and enjoy life to the fullest.

Well situated between France and Holland, the kingdom of Belgium encompasses all the best that Europe has to offer in an area no bigger than Maryland. Within the span of one day, you can take a romantice cruise down a canal in Bruges, hunt for diamonds in Antwerp, enjoy waffles on the beach in Oostende, get lost in a castle in Namur, discover antiques at an outdoor market in Liege, and explore a fine art museum in Brussels.

Offen called the Essence of Europe, Belgium is both multicultural and multilingual. Flanders in the north, a flatland criss-crossed by canals, is proud of its medieval art cities: Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. To the south in Wallonia, you will find the rolling hills of the Ardennes, countless castles and the cities of Liege, Namur and Tournai. The city of Brussels is one of the world's great cosmopolitan capitals, home to both the European Union and NATO, as well as a weath of international trade and finance companies.

Belgium's history has always been linked to both commercial and cultural exchange, and much of its character is due to its role as the great meeting place of Western Europe. It would be difficult to name an European country who didn't want to stake their claim in Belgium at one time or another. Traces of the Austrians, Spanish, French and Dutch can still be seen in its architecture and in the lifestyle of its people. You will see superb examples of art and architecture past and prestent - Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau.

Somehow, Belgium has maintained a low-key approach to all of this international sophistication. It is a country for connoisseurs, but connoisseurs who do not take themselves too seriously. Because the Belgians themselves certainly do not.

And after all this, we didn't even mention the beer and chocolate!

From: www.visitbelgium.com

And if a Belgian does happen to read my journal: a very happy national holiday to you!