PLACES TO VISIT, MOMENTS TO REMEMBER

This academic year is approaching its end and many of us are already packing their luggage and buying the numerous boxes of chocolate to bring the taste of Belgium to friends and relatives. Nevertheless, it is you who have studied a lot throughout the school year. You deserve some days off in this beautiful country that has something to offer for every taste. Why not to try its undiscovered German-speaking part?

There is something mysterious in the East part of Belgium. Everyone heard about it but only few of us know where it actually is. It seems unreal that you can hear “bitte” and “danke” instead of “alstublieft” and “s’il vous plait” in the train. Nevertheless, this region exists, it is called the East Cantons, and it is so nice that is definitely worth seeing. Thanks to Pangaea and the International Contact Club of K.U.Leuven that once again organized a perfect trip, I was among the lucky once to get acquainted with this hidden treasure of Belgium.

Saying it briefly, people who live there are Belgians indeed but they speak a perfect German as their native language and they had Germany as their home country for some decades in their history. They have their own Parliament and are actively represented in the Committee of the Regions in Brussels. You can hardly notice any significant difference in the architecture of the region’s buildings or in the habits of its population. At the same time some specifics are seen in the traditional cuisine and the natural landscape. This region is known for its beautiful nature, countryside, forests, fields etc. For me personally the upland forest area close to Eupen, i.e. High Fens, reminded the lands described in the “The Hound of The Baskervilles” by Sir Conan Doyle: fascinating and frightening at the same time. Though, the only reason why you may get lost in High Fens is the fact that you will love the place so much that you will wish to be lost. All territory of this National Park is divided into zones with maps, road signs, and wooden paths that lead your way into the natural beauty of Highlands.

Do you want to know more about the history of this place or how does the regionalization in Belgium work? Do not miss a chance to visit the Parliament of the East Belgium, which is situated in the capital of the region called Eupen. You will learn how 25 parliamentarians of this Parliament take their decisions. If it sounds too boring for you, drive your road to the chocolate factory to reveal the secrets of chocolate that has been produced here for one hundred years already. Being so close to the border with Germany, why not to stop by the domain of this neighboring country? Enter the small nice city called Monschau, enjoy its picturesque views and take a chance to decide for yourself which beer is better – Belgian or German.

You might have exams now, but if you wish to take your mind of them once they’re over, take your bike, the train or bus and leave the Leuven City for new experiences. Have a great summer! |