Belgium – Places I've Been, Beauty I've Seen

In 1999 Franchesca and I spent a couple of days touring Brussels the capital and the university town of Ghent. This small country has handled most of the world’s rough diamonds for hundreds of years but it is known primarily for waffles, beer and chocolate. Today Belgium deals with issues like public transportation, urbanization and agriculture due to increased population; nevertheless, it will rise as it has in past.

Ghent, a beautiful medieval town, Belgium, 1999

Ghent, a beautiful medieval town, Belgium, 1999
Saint Nicholas Church, a landmark of Brussels, 1999

Saint Nicholas Church, a landmark of Brussels, 1999
Belgium’s seacoast, on the way to Ghent, 1999

Belgium’s seacoast, on the way to Ghent, 1999
Rue des Boucher Street, Brussels

Rue des Boucher Street, Brussels
Nieuwpoort Canal runs through historical towns of Belgium

Nieuwpoort Canal runs through historical towns of Belgium
Franchesca and tour guide pet a street cat in Brussels

Franchesca and tour guide pet a street cat in Brussels
Dora doesn’t miss opportunity to pose, 1999

Dora doesn’t miss opportunity to pose, 1999
Bicycle is the preferred transportation in Brussels

Bicycle is the preferred transportation in Brussels
Flemish Jeweler uses a scaif to polish a cut diamond in Brussels

Flemish Jeweler uses a scaif to polish a cut diamond in Brussels
Town hall and city museum on Grand Place, Brussels

Town hall and city museum on Grand Place, Brussels
Old Town Belgium

Old Town Belgium
At the crossing of Calais on the way back to England, 1999

At the crossing of Calais on the way back to England, 1999