We ended up in Belgium after a frantic search for accommodation turned up short. Sam and I had actually planned on exploring the Netherlands for longer. At midnight we booked a last minute bus to Belgium and the next day we were there.
Like a lot of our travels at this point we really hadn’t thought it through. As we entered Belgium it was different to anything we had seen before – run down buildings, a lot of grey and barely any people.
That opinion quickly changed. Fucking amazing waffles (and hot chips, hummus and chocolate), awesome people and chill vibes all round. I probably say this about most places, but Belgium has to be the most underrated place I’ve visited so far. Anyway, the best way to sum up this trip would be in highs and lows.
Highs:
- We met the coolest bunch of people in Brussels. This is probably the most social place via hostels we’ve stayed in on this part of our travels.
- Backstay Hostel Ghent – bloody amazing. We actually considered extending our stay just to be here longer. Hostel wise it’s a 9.5/10. Free breakfast where you can make WAFFLES (!!!), free washing, cinema room, awesome beds. Honestly, I could go on for ever.
- Ghent was actually my favourite stop along the way between it, Antwerp and Brussels. It’s a student city but it’s also small enough that you can enjoy a good cider by the river without feeling like you’re missing some important landmark.
- Belgium waffles, hot chips and chocolate are worth putting on 10kg for – indulge.
- We went to markets in Antwerp where they put a display of different hummus and olives for passerby’s to try but basically everyone just stands there and eats their lunch in samples. Trust me, we even met locals standing there doing it.
- Delirium bar in Brussels is a famous bar we went to that serves over 2000 different types of beer. I tried heaps, including mango and cherry. It’s a cool place and everyone is there to have a good time. A must visit if you’re there.
- How laid back the entire country seems to be. It was an extremely welcome break after the Netherlands.
Lows:
- I’ve never been more scared than when these two men in a suit in tie that didn’t talk chased me down the street with an empty pram for a very awkward photo. I just don’t understand.
- The last minute stress rush to get to bloody Belgium.
- I miss the food already.
- It’s kind of a neutral point but Antwerp is literally deserted on the streets outside the centre of the city. Very strange feeling actually.