Ypres World War One Museums

This entry is part 3 of 10 in the series Memorial Tourism

The in Flander’s Fields Museum, Ypres, Belgium

If the battlefields around Ypres give you a sense for the landscape in which the First World War was fought, the local museums provide the background and realities of the fighting. There are many museums along the front specializing in a particular battle, a type of weapon, or a specific military unit. However, in the Ypres area two museums provide a solid overview of the war and I think they complement each other well. These are the In Flander’s Fields Museum and the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917.

Exploring the Battlefields of Ypres, Belgium

This entry is part 2 of 10 in the series Memorial Tourism

German Trenches at Bayernwald

I’ve been interested in the history of war for 20 years. Although my initial interest was the Second World War, you cannot escape the impact the First World War had on Europe, world politics, and the start of the Second World War. I’ve read many books and watched a lot of films about both wars, but nothing compares to visiting the ‘front’. Alison knows I have more than a passing interest in the wars of the 20th century, so she booked us a trip to visit the battlefields around Ypres for my birthday. This may sound like an odd way to celebrate a birthday, but it was something I really wanted to experience.

Culinaria – Gastronomic Event in Brussels

Culinaria – Heaven for foodies in Brussels

What do you get when you take two Canadians, an American and a Frenchman, add a couple dozen of Belgium’s best chefs, and mix it all with generous amounts of food and wine? Culinaria2 – or a really great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Brussels.

When Andrew first read about Culinaria2 and passed the website along to me, it sounded a bit too good to be true. For 39 euro (a discount received through Andrew’s Thalys card) we would get access to the event and a four course meal, including drink pairings. We weren’t sure what to expect, but we decided to drag some friends along to check it out.

The Plantin-Moretus Printing Museum, Antwerp

Plantin-Moretus House, Antwerp, Belgium

Years ago, when I first heard about the Plantin-Moretus printing museum, in Antwerp, it didn’t strike me as a place I had to visit. When I discovered recently it is the only museum on the UNESCO World Heritage list (and I’m slightly obsessed with visiting UNESCO sites) I figured it must be worth a look. I’m happy to report that I was right.

Working in Belgium – Contractors vs Employees

Contractors VS Employees in Belgium

Over our past six years in Belgium, I haven’t written a lot about my working experience. Recently, a friend encouraged me to share my experiences, to benefit future expats or companies looking to move into the Belgian market. Please keep in mind my perspective is one of a North American working in Belgium and, more broadly, Europe. My opinions do not reflect those of my employers.

There are a lot of contractors in Belgium. This was one of the first things that struck me when I began working in the Belgian office of my previous employer. In fact, the entire Belgian organization was made up of contractors, including the management team.

The National Botanical Garden of Belgium | A Photo Story

Not long after I posted about waiting for the Amorphophallus titanum to bloom in Belgium, it did. The rotting meat smelling flower was open and I was not about to miss it.

What’s All The Stink About?

The World’s Largest Flower, the Titan Arum, at the Botanic Garden Meise, in Flanders, Belgium

While many flower lovers in Belgium are eagerly awaiting forests full of beautiful bluebells and gardens awash with rainbow displays of tulips, I’m checking daily Facebook updates on a flower that smells like rotting meat.

Get your Grape on – Wine Shops in Brussels

Andrew and I love wine – Red, white, pink, bubbles or none. Like many North American expats in Europe, a whole new tasty world was revealed, when we discovered how affordable good wines are in Belgium.

While it’s easy to pick up a decent tipple at the local grocery store, sometimes it’s nice to pop the cork on a bottle of something extra special. There are a few wine shops in Brussels where we’ve received great service and bought some very, very nice wines. I thought I’d share my favourites with you.

Sleep with Angels in Mechelen – Martin’s Patershof Hotel

Martin’s Patershof Hotel in a former Church

This year for Valentine’s Day, Andrew surprised me with a romantic getaway. It wasn’t to a spa. Nor was it to a cosy cottage in the countryside. For Valentine’s Day this year, we went to Mechelen and stayed overnight in a church.

You’re probably thinking, sleeping in a church doesn’t sound very romantic it all. That was my first thought when Andrew sprung his surprise on me. The church in question is, these days, known as the Martin’s Patershof Hotel. And I assure you, it was a very romantic getaway indeed.

Articles About Explore Belgium (Page 16)