Camping in the Belgian Ardennes

A little while back, we both had a few days off from work at the same time, and last minute we decided to pack our stuff and go camping for a bit. I tend to forget how lovely camping really is. Every time I'm back at it, I feel I should be doing it more. It is so easy, very low budget and just an awesome way to relax, spend time in nature, upside-down the regular routine and have the full holiday experience for very little effort.

We went hiking to see Belgium's largest waterfall. The waterfall was not so impressive, but some of the surrounding nature was very nice. The weather was very hot and hiking at midday was a perfect way to find shade and cool.

What Belgium has that Netherlands doesn't

When going for a holiday, many Dutch tourists drive down to France, or even travel to Spain and Italy and other South European countries. Which is understandable - in Netherlands, weather can be good in summer, but it's also very often very disappointing. This year, so far, we're being very lucky! In general, Dutch people just want a good weather guarantee when they decide for their holiday destination. And France and especially further down south, that guarantee is higher. But Belgium has so many wonderful features that Netherlands doesn't have, and it is so close! Here are some reasons to pick Belgium as a holiday (camping) destination:

1. Nature

It's not a large country, but Belgium has a very diverse landscape. There's the sea and lovely little towns along the coast. The Belgian Ardennes are wonderful for hiking and even driving around the mountain area is fun and gives amazing views. If you're used to the Dutch landscape - which is terribly flat and some would say, boring - than driving around in Belgium immediately gives you the experience of being in completely different surroundings, of being 'very far away from home' (even if you really aren't).

A sweet cow we met while hiking

2. History

Belgium is full of very pretty old buildings. Castle like ones, especially. Sometimes in the middle of nowhere, sometimes in the tiniest little villages and towns. We used to dream about buying ourselves a little castle and moving to Belgium. There are so many amazing homes for sale, but then imagine the time and effort and money you'd have to spend on maintaining grand but ancient buildings like that. Even if you can buy for a great price, a lot of commitment is required to make and keep a place like that a comfortable home.

Castle-like, right? One of the buildings we came across while we were looking for a place to eat in Malmedy

Me looking touristy while contemplating castle life

Loved the colours of the flags against the sky on this Malmedy town hall

3. Food

In general, we know Belgian people to have great taste for making lovely food and brewing awesome beers. The prices are really better than in Netherlands, too. Not so much for the usual supermarket supplies. But for beers you buy at special beer stores, and drinks and food you order while being out, prices are around 2/3 of what you pay in Netherlands. It's really nice to go for dinner, to enjoy a wonderful meal and then in the end to be pleasantly surprised by the bill. Makes tipping more fun ;).

Just a cellphone pic I took of one of our eating out meals. We love cooking simple meals on our one little gas burner at the camping area as well, but this dinner was very tasty.

Netherlands didn't make it to the World Championships, but the Red Devils did!

Our camping trip was a while back already. I was reminded of it because tonight is an important night for our southern neighbours. Playing Japan, hoping to make it to the quarter finals. Yesterday I watched the game between Spain and Russia with some Spanish friends, and that match just shows how this World Championships is full of surprises. Fully expecting the Red Devils to win tonight, but they'll have to work hard for it and expect the unexpected. Wishing them best of luck!!!

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Contest reminder

A few days back I posted my first ever Steemit contest. Still looking for more participants who want to join! Read the details here. For an idea what it's all about, repeating the main guidelines:

Prize available: 1 SBD

How to participate: 1) write a post about finding support, and how it made your life more magical. 2) use #magicalworld as a hastag, so I'll find you. Replies to this post with a link to your blog also welcome!

And after 7 days I'll call out a winner and reflect on this first contest attempt!

Thank you for reading!

All content created by me and Steemit original.
Camera used: Canon G7X (except food shot, done with cellphone).