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Belgian National Day
Belgian National Day, celebrated annually on July 21, is a vibrant public holiday marked by parades, family fairs, and either fireworks,...
Shawn Basey
Jul 148 min read


Taking advantage of Brussels sun: Guinguettes!
When sun hits Brussels, find the best guinguettes. Your guide to the city's pop-up park bars for summer, from their history to finding a perfect Belgian beer.
Shawn Basey
Jun 175 min read


Going Medieval in Brussels
For one weekend only, from May 30th to June 1st, the monumental Cinquantenaire Park takes everyone back to the medieval times with the Marche Medieval (medieval market). Neo-folk musicians, beer stands, amusement rides, tight rope walkers, HEMA sword fights, tons of food stalls, and more fill up the park.
Shawn Basey
May 266 min read


Moving out of Brussels (and into the chaos)
Leaving a city for good leaves one with all kinds of feelings. Here we dive into leaving Brussels, the process and the feels.
Shawn Basey
Mar 187 min read


Brussels vs. Prague
Comparing Prague and Brussels. Which was better to live in? To visit? I've got your answers here.
Shawn Basey
Feb 2711 min read


The Bombs of Bastogne
A visit to the 101st Airborne Museum in Bastogne is a true experience of the senses. From life-sized dioramas to a bombing simulator.
Shawn Basey
Feb 127 min read


The Troll Forest of Belgium
Of course, I told my kid, the trolls need screws in their wood to keep their skin together.
Shawn Basey
Feb 58 min read


A Golden Stream Through Brussels: A Guide to Its Quirky Statues
Most cities have that one big tourist attraction where you get there and you feel a little underwhelmed. In this, Brussels completely...
Shawn Basey
Nov 25, 20246 min read


From Beergardens to Panoramas: Why Brussels' Cinquantenaire is a Must-See
The sprawling, 30-hectare park was built in 1880 to commemorate—you might have guessed it—the 50th Anniversary of the Kingdom of Belgium.
Shawn Basey
Nov 18, 20248 min read


The Trench of Death: A Belgian WWI site
The Trench of Death is one of the last remaining World War I trench networks that can be visited.
Shawn Basey
Nov 10, 20247 min read


Two zoos in Belgium: Planckendael Zoo and Pairi Daiza
Belgium is packed with zoos, but two stand out: Pairi Daiza and Plaeckendael. Which should you visit?
Shawn Basey
Sep 12, 20246 min read


The Brussels Ommegang festival
Once upon a time, there was a little old religious lady named Beatrice Soetkens. She was an impoverished peasant, living in this swelling me
Shawn Basey
Jul 18, 20246 min read


Huy & Mont Mosan: Brussels day tripping
A short trip from Brussels, the charming Huy, Belgium includes a visit to Mont Mosan amusement park and the impressive Fort Huy.
Shawn Basey
Jul 3, 20246 min read


Don't be croque'd: A guide to sandwiches and baguettes in Belgium
Brussels has no shortage of lunch options. In recent times living here, I’ve discovered a more “local” kind of lunch, the baguette sandwich.
Shawn Basey
Jun 24, 20245 min read


Brussels for Beginners: A Parent's Survival Guide for Moving
So you've moved to Brussels with your Dear Little One. Now its time to get a little oriented on how the schools work.
Shawn Basey
Jun 16, 20248 min read


Jogging the streets in Brussels 20k
... the most absurd thing in Brussels is how people will jog even through veritable war zones.
Shawn Basey
May 27, 20243 min read


The art of le pee in Belgium
Brussels is an eccentric world of toilets – a stark contrast to what I'm used to in the US – Americans could never pee here. Read on.
Shawn Basey
Apr 24, 20245 min read


Not all farmers fling poo
Living in a room with a view of protests in Brussels leads to a lot of random thoughts. These days it's all about tractors and poop.
Shawn Basey
Feb 27, 20245 min read


Reflections by an old crank on music festivals
In a word: don’t go to music festivals in Benelux. It’s not that they’re terrible or badly done. More about that later. But it’s just...
Shawn Basey
Jun 26, 20223 min read


Christmastime in Antwerp
A short stop in Antwerp during Christmas reveals it to be quite the cool city.
Shawn Basey
Dec 31, 20214 min read
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