Crappers Quarterly - Belgium Reviews

Belgium Reviews

Belgium is noted for Mussels, Brussels Sprouts and Jean-Claude Van Damme. It is a unique crossroads in Europe, particularly between the Netherlands and France, which accounts for its diverse cultural influences. The capital, Brussels, is comprised of a very small city center surrounded by ugly modern institutional buildings housing the various relief agencies and other governmental and quasi-governmental organizations making Brussels home. Two other cities of note are Antwerp, the very cool port city to the north, and Brugge, a small village frozen in time. Antwerp has lots of good restaurants and sites. Brugge is a convenient day trip by train from either Antwerp or Brussels. It is also the home of Dr. Evil.

Brussels

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Founded two centuries ago, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium hold some twenty thousand paintings, sculptures and drawings. Located in Brussels, they consist of the Ancient Art Museum (XV - XVII century), the Modern Art Museum (XIX XX century), the Wiertz Museum and the Meunier Museum. Web Site.

User Friendliness = 4
Cleanliness = 4
Privacy = 4
Facilities = 4
Overall Rating = 4

Antwerp

Rubens' House (Rubenshuis)

In 1611 Rubens bought the building on Wapper Square and enlarged it to provide a home and studio, which had all the style of a palazzo. It was here that he received scores of distinguished guests and that he developed his astonishing career. Web Site.

User Friendliness = 3
Cleanliness = 3
Privacy = 4
Facilities = 2
Overall Rating = 3

Urban Maritime Museum

The Nationaal Scheepvaartmuseum (aka the Steen) is a great tourist attraction and one of the most popular museums in Belgium. It boasts a collection of more than 94,000 items, ranging from a uniform button... to actual boats. The Steen dates back to around the year 1200, which makes it the oldest building in Antwerp. It was part of a fortification on the River Scheldt. Web Site.

User Friendliness = 3
Cleanliness = 3
Privacy = 3
Facilities = 3
Overall Rating = 3

Brugge

Bruggemuseum - Belfry

The Belfry (13th and 15th century) at the old city center is widely considered Belgium's finest, with a carillon that has rung every quarter hour for nearly seven and a half centuries. As you climb to the top of the belfry tower, discover the treasury, the impressive clock mechanism, the 47-bell carillon and, finally, a breathtaking panoramic view over the city. Very cool!

User Friendliness = 3
Cleanliness = 3
Privacy = 3
Facilities = 3
Overall Rating = 3