Into the Abbey

SOME countries has nothing special, or at least are not able to sell it. On the other hand you have countries with so many “characteristic” and “typical” tourist attracting items, that even a beautiful and memorable things become of very low order importance.

Take France, for example. With all the Louvre, Eiffel, St. Tropez and ‘fromage’ and ‘baguette’ – a week in the french countryside taking care of some vineyards is hardly a number one choice. It’s like driving Volkswagen while leaving BMW in the garage, you might think.

In Belgium, the same story goes for abbeys. Most visitors driven by stereotypes start planing their journey in Brussels. Atomium, the little forgettable piss statue and that European something, the guide tells you. Oh yes, don’t forget about chocolate, fries (god save you from calling them french), and beer of course!

However, my advice goes for abbeys. They combine history, architecture, nature and peace. A bit mystical for those more demanding, but still touristic enough for the easy travellers. You can go and read there, relax, or just take some nice pictures and run again for another sightseeing. And the great advantage – there is an abbey in almost every larger city in the country.

Gardens of the ‘Abbeye du Rouge-Cloitre’, Brussels, Belgium

‘Abdij van Park’ (Abbey of the Park), Leuven, Belgium

‘Abdij Vlierbeek’ (Abbey Vlierbeek), Kessel, Belgium