Transportation:
While you’re
listening to
music, beer
is the good
choice.
While you’re listening to music, would you prefer to drink wine or beer? In
France, people would think of wine, but in Belgium, beer is the good choice. My
friend introduced to me Gouden Carolus, a fruity beer which has been extremely
popular here since the 16th century. Gouden Carolus, brewed at Het Anker
brewery, won the gold medal at the World Beer Awards in 2010. The bitter-sweet
taste is complimented with figs and raisins which lend a malty caramel flavor. I
also encountered beers such as Bush Blonde Triple and Bush Prestige.
To make the music and beer more perfect, you can also choose from a selection of
over 300 Belgian cheeses from blue cheese (Grevenbroecker and Bio Bleu) to goat
cheese (Chevrin, Cabiolait, and Keiems Bloempje) or enjoy with fries, called fritkot
or frituur, from the small shops.
After spending the day visiting the city, a relaxing evening listening to jazz in a
Gothic style restaurant will make you wish to stop the time and reflect on your
journey in Europe.
Although I had only few days in Mechelen, I was greeted with so much friendliness
and sincerity from the people here. When I arrived at the station and was waiting
for my friend to pick me up, there was a young girl who stopped and talked with
me about life in Mechelen because she had guessed that I was a traveler. She was
willing to wait with me until my friend arrived. She shared with me some cakes
and introduced something about the life and people here. When you travel alone in
the cold, dreary European weather, very warm human affection like this makes you
believe in the goodness of people, no matter where you are from.
This summer, if you want to get away from the bustling cities and relax while
exploring new things in Europe, then Mechelen awaits you.
ü The easy ways to
discover the city are
walking or by bike.
Bicycle rentals average
at around10 euro/day.
You can find one at
Fietspunt (except during
weekends) or Provinciaal
Sport - en Recreatiecetrum
De Nekker (including
weekends and holidays).
ü Accommodation: You
can check out hotels
or hostels via www.
booking.comor find
native friends’ home-stays
with www.couchsurfing.
com or through any other
website. Additionally,
the hostels like “Auberge
de Jeunesse” are quite
popular in Europe and a
good choice for you.
Food and drink
ü You should enjoy
the delicious meals at
Gasthof Kwaadmechelan,
Theatrium Mechelen, or
at the small restaurants
around the center. Try
some beer at Hankeef
- the oldest pub or at a
small bar with jazz music
around Korenmarkt and
Begijnenstraat streets. In
summer, there is a simple
dish with a great taste that
will surprise you, steamed
white asparagus served
with a butter sauce with
parsley and diced egg
yolk. As for drinks, I have
always prioritized hot
chocolate, as Belgium
is a country famous for
chocolate with brand
names such as Callebaut,
CÙte d'Or, Leonidas,
Guylian, and Godiva.
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