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If all this sounds rather negative, then maybe you will be surprised to hear that
Belgium is actually a wonderful countrry to live in :-) The people are generally
very friendly, and most of 'em speak English (discounting the Government bods
in those commune places). It makes the non-natives very lazy, but given
Belgium's position, and it's propensity for attracting companies from the US,
Japan etc, I suppose a certain level of English-language knowledge is
inevitable. It is taught in the schools, also.
The beer is absolutely brilliant, the food is pretty good also. The architecture in
the centre of Brussels is deeply impressive and the countryside to the south
(the Ardennes) is enchanting - one could get lost for days down there just
wandering about, exploring. The north, on the other hand, is pretty dull. Except
for places like Brugges, which is very picturesque and well worth a visit.
Income Tax in Belgium is very high for those who earn more, and you'll lose a
little over 50% of your salary. But against that, the standard of living does appear
to be quite high. Most cars are new (although a lot are leased and company
cars are very prevalent in Belgium) and most houses are individually designed
and built. The concept of a 'housing estate' as in the UK is a complete
anathema to the Belgians.
Everywhere closes for lunch though, and most food shops are shut by 8pm.
Sunday trading? Forget it. The entire country shuts down on Bank Holidays and
on certain days of the year, the roads are given over entirely to people on
bicycles. It is appaerently how the UK was back in the 1960s....
Belgium is actually a wonderful countrry to live in :-) The people are generally
very friendly, and most of 'em speak English (discounting the Government bods
in those commune places). It makes the non-natives very lazy, but given
Belgium's position, and it's propensity for attracting companies from the US,
Japan etc, I suppose a certain level of English-language knowledge is
inevitable. It is taught in the schools, also.
The beer is absolutely brilliant, the food is pretty good also. The architecture in
the centre of Brussels is deeply impressive and the countryside to the south
(the Ardennes) is enchanting - one could get lost for days down there just
wandering about, exploring. The north, on the other hand, is pretty dull. Except
for places like Brugges, which is very picturesque and well worth a visit.
Income Tax in Belgium is very high for those who earn more, and you'll lose a
little over 50% of your salary. But against that, the standard of living does appear
to be quite high. Most cars are new (although a lot are leased and company
cars are very prevalent in Belgium) and most houses are individually designed
and built. The concept of a 'housing estate' as in the UK is a complete
anathema to the Belgians.
Everywhere closes for lunch though, and most food shops are shut by 8pm.
Sunday trading? Forget it. The entire country shuts down on Bank Holidays and
on certain days of the year, the roads are given over entirely to people on
bicycles. It is appaerently how the UK was back in the 1960s....
If you're moving to Belgium and expecting it to be like home, then of course it
isn't. You're probably not actualy expecting it to be, but you need to remember
that it is another country, with different cultures and rules. If you fight against the
system, you will fail. Best to work the system, and get the benefits from it. Once
into the system, you will see that it mostly does work.
I lived in Belgium on and off for 7 years. On the whole, it was an enjoyable time.
isn't. You're probably not actualy expecting it to be, but you need to remember
that it is another country, with different cultures and rules. If you fight against the
system, you will fail. Best to work the system, and get the benefits from it. Once
into the system, you will see that it mostly does work.
I lived in Belgium on and off for 7 years. On the whole, it was an enjoyable time.
So what is it like to live in a foreign country?