House hunting in Nieuwpoort

Every year we go to Belgium, a tiny country sandwiched between France, Holland and the North Sea. With its language divide of Flanders and Wallonia, the best of Belgium actually means great food, seriously good beer, chocolate haven, great railway travels and good living.

This year we did all that and more, we went house hunting.. Probably because hubby's feeling the need to roost ! After searching the sea side villages of Niewpoort we decided to choose a new development which is sited about 4km off the sea coast. Niewpoort is an ancient city with its typical town hall and town square. Historical records dates back to more than 800 years. It was part of the the sites along the northern sea coast, witnessing two world wars, when Germans and Allied Forces clashed. As a result, military cemeteries dot the countrysides commemorating the war heroes. At Ypres (Ieper), the Last Post calls out every evening.

Today Niewpoort is a fishing village and home of the biggest Marina in this part of Europe. Alongside the white sails of yachts, fish restaurants dot the promenade. On weekends, city dwellers from Brussels and inland throng the many fishmongers and fish resturants for fresh produce. One of my favourites: Tomato Crevettes ( North sea shrimps with Tomato Salad ). Not to mention the all time favourites - Fries with Mayonaise.Belgians are big meat eaters too.

Meat is of good quality and everyone has their favourite butcher.
Mine has been around since 1952 and his children now runs the shop. Because quality is second nature to Belgians, almost every restaurant from bistros to posh restaurants serve very good meals and generous too.



In sweet-toothed haven, I love my pancakes, crepes and waffles. Whenever i'm in Belgium, I vist Gwendoline in Ghent for the best pancakes served with melted butter and brown sugar. It is worth every single calorie !

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