WELCOME TO OUR BLOG, Belgian friends. I will see that Kari translates everything into correct french (because I'm just not that good!!!)As an ode to Belgium, I want to share some interesting facts and details about our beloved Belgium....
Belgium has a population of 10.3 million people and if it were a state in the United States it would rank as the 8th most populous state (somewhere between Ohio and Michigan.) Despite its size, it has three official languages - does anyone know what they are?
There are over 800 kinds of beer made in Belgium and Belgians consume an average of 150 liters of beer per person each year. 
Despite the fact that there are so many beers to choose from, my beer of choice (the Chrysler of beers, if you will) is and continues to be Jupiler. Tell me, what is the indication of a perfectly poured glass of Jupiler?
Not to be outdone by their beverage of choice, Belgium is a culinary mecca - if for nothing else but for its chocolate, frites, and waffles.
Jean Neuhaus invented the PRALINE chocolate in Brussels and these morsels of goodness should not be passed over by ANYONE. Belgium 
produces 220,000 tons of chocolate per year. After many hours of enjoying the Jupiler, Kari and I would often frequent one of many Frites stands, where we would enjoy these "BELGIAN" fries (complete with mayonnaise, thank you.) Does anyone know where French Fries originated?
Belgian waffle. There are, in fact, three kinds of waffles, but Kari and I will assure you that when in Liege, there is only ONE kind of waffle. This Gauffre is by far, the best smelling thing you will ever experience - do you think we can order some up for the 20th mile? I've tried to replicate them in my at-home-waffle maker, but alas, I can not reproduce the buttery, sugary mix. Only 50 days to go until I can sink my teeth into one of these. 
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Ah, Jupiler. But nothing is better than a cold Framboise. God bless those Trappist Monks at Abbey de Leffe. :)
ReplyDeleteCan I spill on the 3 national languages? My guess is: Francais, Nederlandias (sp. alert!), and Anglais!
Oh, Bad Hippie, I'll give you 2 out of the 3 languages for our beloved Belgium. French, and Flemmish, right? I can't give you English, though.
ReplyDeleteI would have thought you to know the indicator of a perfectly poured Jupiler.. any guesses?
I would like to say that the third language is Wallon, but I have a feeling it's German. Am I right?
ReplyDeleteAND WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! (leave it to the linguist to know the answer...good job partner)
ReplyDeleteHEy, I'm from belgium (flemish part = dutch speaking)
ReplyDeleteBelgium is 60% dutch , 40% french,and around 74000 german speaking
the french is nor really french (wallon) its a dialect but its mostly normal french
same for the dutch (flemish)
Dear Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteThank you for being the only person from our beloved Belgium to comment on our blog. While I do not speak Flemish, both Kari and I were exchange students in Liege a long long time ago. Our hearts are always partially Belge - French, Flemish, or German! I was just back to Belgium in July and spent a lot of time in 'your neck of the woods.' Love your country!
In any case, thanks for your post. Have a few Jupilers for us!
PS - thank you for not going into the Belgian politics on this blog. I'm following the news over there and it just sounds like it is getting more and more complicated. Good Luck and I hope that the politicians find a solution soon.
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