Brussels-Top of the list

Grand Place
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We were very pleasantly surprised with the busy but comfortable environment of Brussels. It is oozing with culture and quality of life. Not to say that Melbourne is still my number 1. If I were a young man seeking a life of cultural adventure balanced with tradition, Brussels would be very high on the list. However, this needs to be taken with caution due to the impending / potential split between the Brussels / Wallonian / Flemish segments of the Belgian entity-read further.

Brussels is a Flemish-French bilingual enclave in the Flemish-speaking area of Belgium, set slightly north of the middle of the country and constitutes a big cultural and political centre of Europe. Brussels is also the capital of the two great regions that make up Belgium – Flanders and Wallonia. Brussels itself forms the third administrative region of Belgium – The Brussels-Capital Region. The main language spoken in the city is French.

Grand Place
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Brussels has been given its character by the coexistence of French and Flemish culture, and it is nowadays home to nationalities around the world, adding a cosmopolitan flavour to its atmosphere. About 25 per cent of its inhabitants are said to be foreigners, mostly being part of the staff of the many organisations that have their headquarters in Brussels.

History of Brussels

Chocolates
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Brussels was established in the 7th-10th centuries and has always constituted a significant cultural and political centre in the Lowlands region. The city, whose name originally meant "marshland" in Old Flemish, has survived Roman domination, rule by the Franks, Brabant dukes of French lineage, Burgundian and Hapsburg dynasties, and the Austrian Empire before becoming the capital of an independent Kingdom of Belgium in 1830. Different districts of the city bear signs of many of these periods.

Maneken Pis
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The city has been an intellectual powerhouse for people like Baudelaire and Victor Hugo, and a showcase of characteristic architectural styles such as Brabants Gothic, Art Nouveau and postmodernism, visible throughout the city today. After being occupied by the Germans in the two World Wars, Brussels managed to rise to the forefront of Europe by becoming the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, as well as the major business centre of the region.

Madeleine & Maneken Pis
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Our stay in Brussels was most enriching and relaxing. The place oozes culture and tradition without making it obnoxious. It was nice walking through the squares and find that traditional customs still persist. Whilst in other centres, traditional customs and such things as the parade of the trade organisations in full regal costumes are being eliminated at a rapid pace, in Brussels trades are revered and respected. This was most comforting to see society still respecting the trades and professions that support society as a whole.

Gaufres of Belgium
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The food is excellent and at reasonable prices. Unlike Italy, you are made to feel very welcome and they even warn you to be careful about pickpockets despite the low prevalence of this in Brussels.

Royalty is revered in Belgium mainly because their kings have a history of achievements in promoting and supporting the construction of magnificent buildings that are all being preciously renovated. In Italy and many other places, the old monuments are being left at the mercy of the elements, in Brussels revovation of these buildings and monuments is common sight.

Parade of the Tradesmen
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However, there is big debate on at the moment about the independence of the Flemish , Wallonian and Brussels segments comprising Belgium. Belgium itself is avery small country areawise. The Flemish claim that they are subsidising the Wallonians. Brussels is bit on its own despite its affinity for the Wallonians. Only time will tell and the King has now sought the advice of the old guard (old politicians and administrators) to advise on the best course of action. Many of the current parliamentarians are young and have not been exposed to previous push for similar changes that failed. The political system is set up in a way that does not allow any specific majority from one particular population segment to dominate the rest. Only time will tell regarding potential independence of the particular population segments. Brussels itself is in as trong position due to its confirmed identity as the administrative location for the European Community.

The Beermakers
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Brussels, we enjoyed very much and a place where one can strike a delicate balance between quality of life / tradition / culture / comfortable living / safe environment. If I were a young man, having to chose a place other than Melbourne to work and live in, Brussels would be very high on the list.

It is important to note that Madeleine's great great great grandfather

Auguste Valentin Paruit was born in Brussels:

• Born: 28 Jan 1797, Brussels, Belgium
• Died: 6 Jul 1821, Mauritius
• Buried: 7 Jul 1821, Cimetiere de l'Ouest, Port Louis, Mauritius

Cafes
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Click on link below

http://aliphipar.tripod.com/61.htm