Monday, March 14, 2016

Straight from the land of Tintin!

Chocolates, comics, beer and diamonds, Flanders, the Northern region of Belgium, strikes the cord with each member of a family, ensuring a holiday that leaves its memories for years altogether.

He was always curious with a penchant for adventure; and his biggest adventure was at home, in Brussels. That's the city where the Belgian reporter Tintin made his home, and has engulfed the imagination of people across age-groups worldwide. Hence, it doesn't come as a surprise when parents flock together with their kids at the Comic Strip Museum in Brussels to get a glimpse of this adventurer along with several other comics that are indigenous to Belgium.


Brussels, the Gateway to Europe, is located in Flanders, the northern region of Belgium. The city is indeed an opening to the world of Flanders where gourmet Flemish cuisine, artisan chocolates and hand-crafted beer display the cutting-edge craftsmanship of the region.

The theme of medieval baroque style architecture that defines Flanders is well displayed in its city square Grand Place. A few blocks away is the Manneken Pis, the bizarre little statue of a peeing boy, famously touted as a glorious example of Belgian humour and capacity for self-mockery - it is a true cultural icon and a must see. Keeping the kids entertained in this city is easy with Mini Europe, where you can visit miniature versions of some of the most attractive and popular monuments from across Europe, including the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.


Time for a perfect family photograph? Bruges, also known as 'City of Romance', is so picture postcard perfect that it is almost impossible to take a bad photograph. A hidden gem for avid Indian travellers, the heart of the city surrounded by an almost continuous ring of canals, is the best preserved example of medieval Flanders and is a UN World Heritage site.


Dig into some sinful flavours at one of the many chocolate shops that are spread across the lanes of Bruges. Since Belgium produces over 172,000 tonnes of chocolate per year across over 2200 chocolate shops, you will always be surprised with a new flavour to try. If health is on your mind and you're thinking twice before taking that delectable bite, then go on to The Chocolate Line near the historic city centre of Bruges to sniff some chocolate. It's legal and the children would enjoy it as well. You can also get your hands dirty with some chocolate-making workshops.


Antwerp, Belgium's second largest city has always been a hotbed of creativity with high-end fashion and diamonds topping the shopping lists. To learn more about the history of diamonds and maybe buy one, visit DiamondLand on Appelmansstraat. The city is also home to some of the most vibrant nightclubs.


Ghent is a city that comes alive at night. Not just with its award-winning lighting system that creates a mystical aura around the medieval buildings, but also with the pubs that are buzzing with vigor, not to let the night end. And the meandering canals just add to the drama. This university town is also called the Veggie-Capital of Europe. Ghent is a rare city that is able to preserve both its proud medieval treasures and keep up with modern times. One place this is evident is at the Graffiti Street where you can display your art as well. No wonder the city is called Europe’s best kept secret.


Each city of Flanders is brimming with quaint medieval squares, tree-lined canals, gorgeous architectural facades, world class museums and friendly outdoor cafes. With over 1500 different kinds of beer and the highest density of Michelin-star restaurants, the culinary scene in Flanders is always brimming with energy. Adding to this vibrant atmosphere are over 280 electrifying music festivals like Tomorrowland and the Ghent Festival that take place in Flanders every year. Between the cobblestone streets, comics, beers, chocolates, canals and the music festivals, a lot is covered for the next action packed holiday to Flanders.

 

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