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Hey guys. Just thought I'd say that today is a public holiday for us in Belgium to mark our Independance day in 1831. I do have a Belgian passport even if i'm not really from here, and I feel deep respect for this country.
It's very small, but it stood up for a whole two weeks against the Nazis in WWII, compared to say the French, who stood up for 6 days (the time it took for the Nazis to occupy all of the country).
Anyway, one of the many ceremonies going around the country happens to be close to my house, next to a memorial to King Leopold. I took some pictures (literally 5 minutes ago) of the little procession (they were playing music, but my video camera isn't working atm).
Anyway, they woke me up with their little festival, since I was trying to finish a book last night and got to sleep really late. And I know this isn't hair related, so sorry about that.
hey dude...they are some really nice photos....and its nice to have some cultured and historical conversation on here every now and then....very nice
take care
Happy Independence Day for Belgium!
Well, Julius Caesar did refer to the Belgae as "the bravest of all the Gauls" ("Horum omnium fortissimi sunt Belgae.").
Very good pictures.
Not any one country really. Belgium was split up into two provinces. One was French speaking (South), the other was Flemish speaking (North). Both kept on being invaded by various powers throughout Europe. Mostly France, Germany, the Netherlands....basically those close to them.
They basically got fed up, and united, declaring their independance in 1830, and becoming a neutral country. However tensions still exist due to the language barrier.
Also, the King and Royal families are usually French, while the Flemish always had a larger proportion of the population, feeling they are under-represented.
I'm not actually certain of my Belgian history that far back since I go to an English school rather than a Belgian one, and they obviously focus more on UK and US history.
That's cool thanks for sharing. I'm aware of some Dutch history and Belgium was part of Holland at one time as well as occupied byt the Spanish way back 16th 17th century we wont go into exact dates.
In a few weeks I'll be driving through Belgium on my way to northern Germany on vacation. The A10, A14, then around Antwerp and the A21. I would suggest a meet up but sadly it will be 3 or 4 in the morning and I'll be with people.
Kevin
If you get the chance, you should visit some landmarks in Belgium if you haven't before :)
Fascinating !
Thanks for sharing some history that most of us are not familiar with.
Walter White Tail