Journal entry: Belgium

Upon arrival at Zaventem Airport in Belgium, we were both fascinated by what we were greeted with an overwhelming amount of things: the many cultures, the people, the architecture, the language. Sadly, we have only just enough time to explore a small part -- the government, the holidays, and the food-- of this diverse country. First off, we started by visiting the Belgian Federal Government. Belgium is a Federal Parliamentary Democracy under a Constitutional Monarchy. The Federal Government of Belgium, led by the Prime Minister of Belgium consists of ministers appointed by the king and secretaries of state.

As the clock struck twelve, ADs stomach grumbled as we realised that it was time for lunch. Strolling around the city, we were introduced to Belgian cuisine. It slightly reflected the cuisine of France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Worldwide, Belgium is best known for its beer and its chocolate. However, Belgium offers a variety of food, including mussels, stew, waffles, and fries. Mussels, or Moules-frites, are mussels cooked with celery and onions and served with fries. These can often cost around 24 to 25 euros. Waterzooi is a stew originating from Flanders with soup based on egg yolk and cream with vegetables such as carrots, onions, leeks and potatoes inside. However, the most well well known of Belgian cuisine is chocolate. Godiva, Neuhaus, Guylian...you name it, these are all well known Belgian chocolate brands. From pralines to chocolate bars , these brands guarantee you the taste of Belgium

July 21 is the national holiday celebrated annually. Independence Day celebrates the separation of Belgium from the Netherlands in 1831, and the establishment of the Kingdom of Belgium. Belgium has been part of the Netherlands since 1815, but since most of the population were Roman Catholic, while the Dutch were protestants, the ruling king would favour the northern protestants. Riots in 1830 led to the beginning of Belgiums independence. Leopold I of Saxe-Coburg swore allegiance to the constitution on July 21, which then became the national holiday

-H.D