Wednesday, July 06, 2005

A restless night

Had a restless night. Went to bed around eleven, but couldn’t sleep. Turning about in my bed, pondering…Even “Before Sleep Comes” couldn’t bring relief. There is a reason for that. Have a VIV (very important visitor) coming in two weeks. It’s making me a bit nervous, because she is only staying for six days and has never been in Ireland before. The expectations are obviously very high and I definitely want to show her what Ireland is about. But is a difficult task: only six days, a low budget and no car. The experience has to include Dublin, nature, the Ocean, Guinness and some craic of course. Sounds easy, but is definitely not. I don’t know if there are many Irish people out there reading my Web log, but tips are very welcome.

I already took a look in a housemates’ travel guide (Europe on a shoestring). It’s a typical ‘Europe in a nutshell’ guide….and not very useful so, as I definitely want to avoid mass tourism.

Was actually reading what they told about my own little country.

“Belgium is a bizarre little place. Called ‘Europe’s most eccentric country’ in one breath and ‘boring’ in the next; this is the place to come if you want something a bit offbeat”

“These days it [Belgium] is a bit like a teenager – world weary, unruly and avant-garde all rolled into one”

“The trial of suspected [sentenced by now actually!!!!!!!!!] murder and paedophile Marc Dutroux brought Belgium into the international spotlight” [still can’t believe that’s actually in a travel guide, jazus. It IS SAFE to bring your kids out here on a holiday people]

“And in world tennis, Belgium shines”

About people and culture, they say:

“ ‘National’ character is elusive – many Belgians think of themselves first as Flemish or Walloon, and then as Belgian” [have you ever tried explaining the whole federal system of Belgium to a foreigner? Desperate.....even my colleagues still don't know the difference between Flemish and Dutch (they still don't get it, it is the same language), why people speak French in Brussels....desperate].

Food:

“Belgians love food. They are reputed to dine out, on average, more than any other people in the world.”

“Meat and seafood are abundantly consumed, as are frieten/frites –chips or fries. Belgians swear they invented chips and, judging by the availability, it’s a claim few would contest” [so forget about French fries, that was just another act of misplaced French chauvinism]

“And then there’s chocolate. Belgians have been quietly making some of the world’s finest chocolate for well over a century. Filled chocolates, or pralines, are their forte.”

“On the drinking scene, beer rules. No other country in the world boasts a brewing tradition as rich and diverse as Belgium. Somewhere between 400 and 800 beers exist”

On my hometown Antwerp:

“ A city with attitude [where do they get that from???????] luring fashionistas, foodies and party queens alike, Antwerp is an essential stop (that’s exactly what I tell everyone I meet abroad). Worldly and seedy, historic and hip, Belgium’s second-biggest [that’s like Cork, isn’t it?] city is currently basking in a third Golden Age that has made it one of Europe’s most fashionable getaways.

And then something I was I didn’t expect to read in a tourist guide either:

“On a different note, it’s also the breeding ground for extreme right party Vlaams Blok; which campaigns against immigrants.” [Not very good advertising for a city, isn’t it? Dear reader, I really want you to know that the major of the sinjoors (that’s how real Antwerp inhabitants are called) are AGAINST Vlaams Blok (actually renamed as Vlaams Belang after they were found guilty of racism: new name, but business as usual, unfortunately)].



And something about Gent, where I lived two years:

“Compact and unpretentious, this lively university city has all the things that make Flemish towns great –historic architecture, fab restaurants and sublime chocolate shops – minus the crowds of Bruges and the attitude [there it is again…..] of Antwerp.”

But nothing usefull about Ireland…..sigh…..Euhm, mum....don't worry, I definitely sort it out....I just want the best of the best for you!!!!!!!Looking forward having you six days for myself......
Saskia