www.brummiebob.com

The
Belgium and Dutch
Page

Over the years I have come to like all things Flemish.The Low countries seem to bring out a sense of belonging in me. I seem to feel so comfortable when I am visiting there.Be it either Belgium or Holland I find the culture and the people something I can identify with. Belgium with it's rich heritage reagarding the First World War is extremely poignant and I have spent many a weekend visiting the Battlefields and Cemetries which are prevalent all over Flanders.
The Menin Gate with it's Last Post Ceremony is a tear jerker in itself and thats before one has even started to read the names and ages of the fallen on it's walls. When I have visited this area I have always tried to stop at Varlet Farm in Poelkapelle where the delightful Charlotte and her family run what I would consider to be the best B and B in Western Europe. High praise indeed but totally justified.
Holland is a country that because of the slightly longer distance needed to get there involves staying for a week to fully appreciate any stay there.Arnhem and it's Second World War heritage means there is always something for me to explore. The culinary dishes that I have tried there over the years has led me to "adopt" these in my diet back here in the UK.
I am always on the lookout for new recipes to try and I always try to have 1 new dish on every visit to bring back the recipe and recreate when I get home.from a simple "Uitsmeyer"(grilled eggs and tomatoes on brown bread) to a full rack of Pork Ribs Flanders Style it is always a pleasure. I suppose the Beers and Lagers should be another attraction but as I dont drink it means I can examine the history of these with a clearer head but any that I have brought home with me have always gone down well with friends.
I have picked up a basic knowledge of the language and every visit means I am more confident in using it.I might never ever be fluent but I feel i can get by.A byproduct of my visits there is the reappearance of the trusty pushbike as seeing those in great use over there always seems to make be want to get out and about on mine.

I am always on the look out for new places to visit and I just love a new recipe to try so E-mail me anything you think I might be interested in.bob@brummiebob.com

Some Useful Links

www.citygold.be

Great music especially for my age group

www.varletfarm.com

As stated above the finest B and B I have ever stayed in

www.eurotunnel.com

Well you've got to get to mainland Europe somehow

www.visitflanders.co.uk

I always use this one for updates

E Mail me if you have any ideas, thoughts etc regarding this site

bob@brummiebob.com