Brussels, and how to survive there.

Somehow I don’t like Ghent. Don’t know why but I never liked it.

Schuman Comet? That must be the hell on earth for you. A friterie in the shadow of the immense Barlaymont.

Anyway, as a Belgian I would like to add some comments to Comets post. Do not go to Rue de Bouchers occasionally, unless you’d like to have food poisoning. You don’t want to know what’s happening in those kitchens.

Food is not expensive at all. In fact, there’s one shop near the Schumanplein which sells all kinds of stuff from all over Europe. It’s not multicultural, but a place where you can buy real British stuff you won’t find else on the continent for example (like those Bubblegum drinks, yuk).

To be short, I love Brussels, and I’m sure you’ll love it too. It’s a fine city, not too big, ofcourse there are the same problems which are in every capital. And Brussels is close to other nice cities as Antwerp, Amsterdam, Liege, Achen, Paris etc or Leuven (where I’m staying)

An don’t forget Bruges and Ghent which are gorgeous places to stay and to visit.

Schuman Comet? That must be the hell on earth for you. A friterie in the shadow of the immense Barlaymont.

Anyway, as a Belgian I would like to add some comments to Comets post. Do not go to Rue de Bouchers occasionally, unless you’d like to have food poisoning. You don’t want to know what’s happening in those kitchens.

Food is not expensive at all. In fact, there’s one shop near the Schumanplein which sells all kinds of stuff from all over Europe. It’s not multicultural, but a place where you can buy real British stuff you won’t find else on the continent for example (like those Bubblegum drinks, yuk).

To be short, I love Brussels, and I’m sure you’ll love it too. It’s a fine city, not too big, ofcourse there are the same problems which are in every capital. And Brussels is close to other nice cities as Antwerp, Amsterdam, Liege, Achen, Paris etc or Leuven (where I’m staying)

As for the cost of living: Brussels is definately cheaper than London, and from what i remember, your daily shopping will also be a few Europennies cheaper (which is probably the real reason why Britain hasn’t joined the Eurocircus 😉 ). If you stay employed by your British employer and actually manage to keep under a British contract (for example with you being detached in Brussels, rather than stationed there – basically choosing your pay either in Sterling or Euros) you could probably even get away with paying the lowest income tax of the two, although i don’t know if the Belgian or British one is cheaper.

I would definately do it if i were you, and add me to the list of people dropping by at some point (the centre of Brussels used to be a one hour drive from my place, but speeding fines in Belgium have gone up tremendously so make it an hour and a half these days).

For the rest: food is excellent, drink even more, the city and surroundings are beautiful, you won’t be the first ExPat in Brussels, public transport is quite decent but so is driving (when compared to other major cities), and the Muzeï Aviatsiya at the Park Yubileynaya has got a brilliant collection.

First of all – you are one lucky b*gger. I wish someone would offer me a chance to move to Belgium!! If you have any sense you will snatch this opportunity!!

Good beers to try – Sloeber, Hapkin, Piraat, Ename, Tongerlo. Don’t make the ususal British mistake of assuming that every golden coloured Belgian beer is a lager, it most certainly is not!!!!!!!

There is a very good traditional Belgian chip stand called Friterie Antoine close to Schuman Station, you get nice chips in a cone with mayonnaise and other additions. They are not bloody frozen chips either!! Be prepared to queue at this place. Some eateries around the Grand Place can be tourist rip offs, so be aware of this.

Chez Leon is a reasonable mussels and chips chain which you will find in several locations – two are Rue des Bouchers in Brussels (an eating street!) and the Bruparck area near the deligthful Atomium landmark.

Enjoy Belgium and think about the rest of us who are unlucky enough to be stuck living in England for the rest of their lives!!!!!!!

But don’t, apparently, use babelfish for your translation purposes… – Nermal

Well, I live a couple of kilometers away from Brussels (much like everyone in Belgium ;)). If you’re here in the summer, I’d love to take you out for a trip and show you the most interresting places in the city, including my beloved Berlaymont (E Commission :D).

The language thing. I can guarantee you, with so many Eurocrats in Brussels, French and Dutch are the least heard of them all. So I’m sure you’ll survive with your English, though some Dutch/French would be appreciated ofcourse.

Bxl is cheap compared to London btw, you can actually buy a house. I’m sure you’ll like it.

Have to go to class now, but talk to ya later.

FOOD …… your odds to survive in Belgium are way bigger:)

Here’s a first – me asking a serious question.

I’m specifically wondering about rental costs for a flat, the levels of tax I’ll have to pay, taking my car out there with me,

Steve

Grand Place i a good place to eat, The Avenue Louise has a memorial to 609 Pilot Jean de Selys Longchamps, the beer is outrageously fantastic, the snow gets cold, Quick beats McDonalds, Evere Cemetery has a Belgian Air Force and CWGC plot.

Downside. Stansted – Charleroi has finished, the EU sector is as boring as hell, and I might pitch up to stay for a few days while I go drinking.