Monday 22 June 2009

Taking Le Manneken-Pis

We had been in Brussels for a metaphorical five minutes and you could have knocked me over with a copy of Libération. A driver stopped at a pedestrian crossing to let us cross. And there wasn't even a red light to make him do this. A man who walked over and dislodged a small paving stone, stopped, picked up the errant stone and put it back in its hole. Then a woman, who seemed to be in a hurry, passed us, saw us looking at our map, retraced her steps and asked if we needed directions. The man in a corner newsagents said I didn't need to spend 10 euros on one of his maps because he would point out the quickest route to our hotel. Another local explained how the public transport system worked and a tram driver patiently directed us to where we needed to go for the right line and stop.

The following morning we had breakfast in a café in the city's biggest tourist area served with a smile and pleasantries and jam, went to the Cocoa and Chocolate Museum where we were greeted like long lost friends and handed a speculoos - those delicious spicy biscuits you get with coffee - dunked in delicious warm melted chocolat, and were given more unsolicited but not unwelcome help finding our way around and discovering local events and sights.

In two days of walking about we did not once step in any dog poo or see one single cyclist or motorcyclist on the pavement, and were treated with utmost courtesy wherever we went (apart from the Beer Museum which was a waste of six euros - even with a beer thrown in - and where they behaved like they had bad hangovers and couldn't give a toss). This wasn't the courtesy of economic obligation, but genuine pleasantness, or so it seemed. The man selling sweets on the main shopping street smiled as he gave directions to the city's department store even though I bought nothing from him. Languages spoken with ease and willingness: French, Dutch, English and German.

The French like to mock the Belgians. Comparisons are made between Paris, the City of Light and Fine Wine and Haute Cuisine and Culture versus Brussels the City of the Peeing Boy and Chocolate and Beer and Chips. It's a form of superiority complex not helped by the fact that Belgians do appear to have an unnatural fondness for garden gnomes. True, Belgium isn't the prettiest capital in Europe, but in spite of the rain and unseasonal cold, it was, for me, one of the most pleasurable to visit. So Paris, time to stop taking the 'pis'?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Are you sure this wasn't a dream?

Sounds splendid,

GG

Dumdad said...

In the stereotypes of the Belgians you missed out their fondness for moules. Especially moules frites. I was once in a restaurant in Paris and ordered a plateau de fruits de mer and, as an after thought, asked for a plate of frites as well. The waiter snapped back in a totally unfriendly manner, "Vous êtes Belges?" At least, he vouvoyered me!

Iota said...

I'm amazed. Belgians have the reputation of being surly and rude to customers.

Nicol said...

I look forward to traveling all through Europe. So far I've only hit Paris so I can compare it with Belgium. It's always nice to hear o a friendly place; it makes me want to visit.

Waffle said...

Oh, you didn't come and see me! Boo.

But yes. This is so very true. A friend of mine moved from Paris to Brussels and had to stop whilst driving to check his directions. Someone behind him stopped and got out of the car and came towards him. Terrified of a road rage incident, Paris style, he locked all his doors.

But the man was in fact just coming to see if he needed any help. And showed him where to go. And even offered to take him there. This is entirely typical.

Belgium = VERY VERY FRIENDLY.

Stinking Billy said...

Ma cheri, what a wonderful post. You are on my wavelength, girl. X

Mrs P said...

I love Belgium too! I have had a wonderful Belgian penfriend for about 15 years and have visited her several times. Bruges is beautiful and to be recommended for your next visit!

আদি said...

Hello,
I want to post in your blog, its a nice one. But no more new posts from 2009. I'm really amazed reading your posts. Please allow me to post. You can even sell it to me. I'm really expecting your reply.