Ep. 14 - Brussels, Belgium
A city with great history, global importance, AND Belgian Waffles?! Take another adventure to another incredible city in episode 14 of The Friday Take Five. Learn more about the distinct history of Brussels and the story behind a world renowned sweet treat.
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Transcription:
*Intro music*
Hey Fivers, happy Friday! Welcome welcome to episode 14 of your favorite travel and history podcast, The Friday Take Five. Another week means another adventure to a new destination with a new story. I’m your host, Mark Moran, and I love doing what I can to get history lovers and travel bugs excited about destinations all around the world. Today, we have another great destination lined up, so buckle in, and enjoy the adventure.
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This Friday, we’re headed back across the pond to the city nicknamed the Capital of Europe - Brussels, Belgium. The history around the area of Brussels dates back millenia, with evidence of settlements in that area that eventually became occupied by the Roman, then Frankish empires. From 1000 to 1830, Brussels and Belgium became affiliated with or overtaken by multiple duchies, counties, empires, kingdoms, and republics before revolting in 1830 to declare independence as the kingdom of Belgium.
Throughout the 19th century, industrialization took off and the population skyrocketed from 80,000 to roughly 600,000 people. The city quickly achieved global relevance, becoming an important financial and cultural center.
In the 20th century, after withstanding German occupation in WW1 and WW2, Brussels became the headquarters for the precursor to the European Union called the European Community, hence its nickname as the Capital of Europe.
Brussels was also the host to 3 World’s fairs throughout the 20th century. Chief among them was Expo 58, the 1958 World's fair. Expo 58 was the first major World’s Fair Belgium had hosted since prior to the second world war.
My favorite part about this particular World’s Fair was that it was the first time Belgian Waffles debuted on the world stage. Thank goodness because they truly are wonderful and the world needed to see them.
Today, Brussels is a thriving metropolis of the likes of New York, London, Tokyo, and the Belgian Waffle still reigns supreme.
It’s a mix of primarily French and Dutch communities in Brussels, and it’s chuck full of great food and great fun.
Years back, friends and I spent time in Brussels as part of a small excursion and we had an absolute blast. We explored the amazing Brussels Cathedral and stopped by the grand palace in the town square, which had a massive and beautiful Christmas tree on display. We tasted beers from around the world at Delerium cafe, which boasts more than 2,000 different beers from all over! Of course, we made sure to get Belgian Waffles too, which obviously are better than any kind of waffle Americans could ever make. We danced the night away at Le Corbeu, a brasserie where dancing on the tables is not only not frowned upon, it’s encouraged. We even got dressed up for a fancy night out at an upscale quirky cocktail bar where we spent far too much money, but had a once in a lifetime experience.
All together, Brussels is a 10/10 destination definitely worth hitting. It has global importance, great history, and is simply a fun place to go. I guarantee you won’t regret adding this awesome city to your next travel itinerary.
*Transition music*
Hey! Thanks y’all so much for listening to another episode of The Friday Take Five. If you’re liking the show, please share it with a friend or family member and give us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcasting platform. Have feedback for the show? We love hearing it so please follow us and give us a dm on socials @FridayTakeFive or email us at thefridaytakefive@gmail.com. Stay curious, stay adventuring, and have a great weekend!
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