A nice weekend can be made of Belgium, contrary to popular opinion. In fact, you will probably see a whole lot of the Netherlands in Belgium, in the people, in the food, and in the attitude. Depending on how long you've been in region, you may not even be able to tell the difference. In the north, everyone speaks Dutch, albeit with an accent many find cute. And in the south, there you will find French speakers. There is even a piece of German language only. In Bruxelles, you will be treated to not a blend but a distinct dual language environment. Street names, advertisements, instructions.. pretty much everything is presented in both languages. Interesting to note is that while many Dutch speakers learn at least basic French, most French speakers never learn more than a word or two of Dutch. And this applied mainly to the younger or professional sectors of the society.

Rivalries exist between the groups. But one thing everyone can agree upon are fresh thick waffles topped with chocolate sauce.

A round trip ticket on the train (2nd class, without discount) can range from under 100 euros to 150, but Eurolines, the discount travel bus, will take you on overnight journeys for around 50 euros return.