Belgium is a fascinating place. 3 national languages, home to NATO, capital of the European Union (Brussels), the inventors of French Fries (no one seems to know why the French get credit) and home to the best waffles in the world. Belgium is small in landmass, just under 12,000 square miles and has a population of just under 12 million. Idaho by contrast is just short of 83,000 square miles with a population of close to 2 million. You could fit close to 7 Belgium’s inside of Idaho. So, next time I complain about the traffic in Nampa, remind me of these numbers! What else? You can ride a bullet train to Paris from Brussels in 1:20 at speeds that reach 180 mph. Belgium has castles and waterways and cathedrals galore. And Flemish stew. I ate it almost every day. Belgians love Americans and they wanted to talk about the upcoming US elections and gun laws. Our country rebuilt the Library for one of the oldest universities in Europe, Leuven, after it was destroyed during WWI. There are also some 5000 of our countrymen buried in Belgium in an American cemetery from WWII. We attended a fantastic wedding, which is why we went. Here is a little pictorial taste of Belgium, go when you can. All photo credits to Mrs. Swaim and Abbey Swaim.
Brussels
Mrs. Swaim, Louise our exchange student from 10 years ago and whose wedding we were there to attend, and Abbey in Brussels. And no, Abbey’s right arm is not normally so disproportionate.
Near Brussels
Traditional Belgian Wedding of Arnaud and Louise.
Bruges
Bruges
The Famous White Swans of Bruges.
Antwerp
The Diamond Capital of the World. But I think we just ate fries.
Leuven University Library
This is the University’s main reading room rebuilt twice after each World War. Absolutely breathtaking.
Leuven
Look closely, this building is made of stone. And no, I’m not holding Nick’s hand.
Ghent
Gravensteen Castle, completed in 1180 AD.
Ghent
If you are going to visit only one city in Belgium…Ghent!
The Beach of Ostende
This beautiful beach is not far from Dunkirk, the site of the evacuation of World War II. Plus, I got to swim in the North Sea!
Ostende
Lea of Liege, in Paris
We met up with our second exchange student, also from Belgium. She is now a nurse in the ER in her hometown of Liege in eastern Belgium. And for those of you who remember her, yes she is still playing basketball. She accompanied us on our foray into Paris and her French was indispensable. Thank you Lea!
Paris
Literally any direction you look in Paris, there is something large looming in the distance. Voila! Arc de Triomphe.
Paris
Palace (Museum) in Paris
Ardennes American Cemetary
One of the burial sites of the many Americans killed in WWII.
Ardennes American Cemetary
Part of the Adrennes Memorial Site
Orval Abbaye Ruins
Orval Abbaye
This Abbey is still a working facility of the Trappists. They make world famous beer and cheese, and have done so for centuries.
Belgian Frites!
And fries… always and everywhere… Belgian fries! P.S. That’s mayonnaise on the side.
Sep 17, 2024 at 2:36 PM
These pics are awesome, what an amazing trip. I probably would have taken about 1000 pictures.
Sep 19, 2024 at 9:49 AM
We may have! Ran out of room on our phones. Thank you for enjoying our photos, Dixie! The trip was truly amazing. Cheers!
Sep 17, 2024 at 7:03 PM
Wow! Totally wow! Dee
Sep 19, 2024 at 9:49 AM
Thanks Dee! Cheers!
Sep 17, 2024 at 10:56 PM
Amazing! What an incredible trip. So many memories created and treasured. Thanks for sharing all the amazing photos.
Sep 19, 2024 at 9:50 AM
Thank you for taking time to see them, Linda! It was truly an incredible experience! Cheers,
Sep 17, 2024 at 11:21 PM
These are incredible!!! I'm so jealous!! Adding Belgium to my places to see list for sure!
Sep 19, 2024 at 9:51 AM
Don't miss it MaryKate, we would go back in a heartbeat! You have your hands full now but your day will come. Cheers!
Sep 18, 2024 at 2:06 PM
Loved seeing your pictures! Looks like an awe-inspiring trip!
Sep 19, 2024 at 9:52 AM
It really was, Amy. Especially being with the families of our girls. Super incredible. A place you really should take Natalie to see, oh and Bryce too! Cheers!
Sep 18, 2024 at 4:13 PM
Spectacular, both you/yours and it. Thanks for sharing
Sep 19, 2024 at 9:53 AM
Thank you Marcella. We loved every minute of it! Cheers!
Sep 20, 2024 at 10:22 PM
Enjoyed the journey and your editorials! Thanks for bringing us along. ðŸ‘ðŸ»
Sep 23, 2024 at 11:59 AM
Thanks for joining us!!! Always great to have friends with us along the way. Cheers!
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