Belgium: A Cultural Crossroads(b)|多元文化的大熔炉

Belgium: A Cultural Crossroads

by Daniel Howard

Known for chocolate and French fries, Belgium is a naturally multicultural country.

　　Belgian food is as diverse as its culture, though it is especially known for chocolate and French fries. Belgian chocolate is world famous for its quality, and French fries were supposedly invented there. Though the origin of the beloved snack food is heavily debated, it is certain that Belgians have many unique ways to eat French fries. A few of the ways are French fries with mussels or fries covered with mayonnaise instead of the rarely seen topping of ketchup. Then there is the famous Belgian waffle, a Brussels' specialty.

　　The country has more to offer than just delicious food. Each of the three major cities has something unique for travelers and locals alike. Brussels, besides being the capital of the country and the EU, is also a cultural center for the country. It has a long history of having a thriving art scene, with over 80 art museums. It was also the home of Hergé, creator of the popular comic The Adventures of Tintin.

　　Bruges, on the other hand, is home to more of the Dutch-speaking Flemish Belgians. This picturesque little city is famous for its architecture, much of it dating back to medieval times. There are stunning examples of Gothic churches and ancient houses lining the city's canals. The second-largest city in Belgium, Antwerp, is a major shipping hub and is especially known for its diamond market. A major part of the local economy, the Antwerp World Diamond Market works to set professional standards for the diamond industry worldwide. Overall, Belgium is a great place to eat and get a taste of culture.

 

多元文化的大熔炉

比利时以巧克力和薯条著称，它是个天生的多元文化国家。

 

　　比利时的食物和其文化一样多元，不过巧克力和薯条是该国特别有名的食物。比利时巧克力因其质量而闻名世界，而据说薯条是在当地发明的。虽然这种广受喜爱点心的起源众说纷纭，但可以确认的是比利时人有许多吃薯条的独特方法。其中有些方法是薯条配上淡菜，或是涂上美乃滋，而非是在当地少见的番茄酱料。另外还有布鲁塞尔的特产 ―― 知名的比利时松饼。

　　比利时所提供的不只是好吃的食物而已。该国的三大城市中，每个城市都有让游客和当地人感到独特的地方。布鲁塞尔不仅是比利时首都和欧盟总部，同时也是该国的文化中心。它拥有历史悠久且相当繁荣的艺术场景，其中包含八十几座艺术博物馆。布鲁塞尔同时也是人气漫画《丁丁历险记》的作者艾尔吉的故乡。

　　另一方面，布鲁日是说荷兰语的佛兰德比利时人的发源地。这个如画一般的小城市以建筑而闻名，而这些建筑大多可以追溯至中世纪。沿着该市的运河，可以看到令人叹为观止的哥德式教堂和古老的房子。比利时的第二大城市安特卫普是主要的运输枢纽，而且该市尤以钻石市场而声名大噪。安特卫普世界钻石市场是当地经济很重要的部份，并为全世界的钻石业打造了专业的标准。总体来说，比利时是个可以品尝美食和品味文化的好地方。