This photographic essay takes readers to towns on the coast of Belgium and noteworthy interior cities in Flanders. Traveling by coast tram, the author-photographer captures ordinary life and extraordinary architecture in the country that is home to the capital of Europe. The narrative includes royal family pedigree, route map of the coast tram, explanation of secessionist movement,travel tips and more…. More >>
#1 by RebeccasReads.com on July 7, 2010 - 10:16 pm
Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for RebeccasReads (6/08)
In “Flanders: Bits of Belgium,” Kathy Noltze combines history, culture and travel to create a book that is every bit a joy to read. Beautiful pictures and writing give the reader a true sense of the country.
Noltze begins the journey with her arrival in Oostende, shows what to expect while traveling and goes directly into the history of the city. She then explains what to expect when in a foreign country, the best way to get from place to place and how to interact with the people there.
The author chose Flanders because Brussels, its largest city and the capital of Europe, is a melting pot of cultures from around the continent. The area is also centrally located along the coast of the North Sea and provides easy access to the surrounding area. Travel is convenient and makes sightseeing a treat.
Noltze takes the reader on a pleasant journey through city after city, explaining the similarities and differences of each place she stops along the route. Her writing style makes for a book that allows the reader to kick back and simply enjoy the words and photographs. And what lovely sights she shares! The centuries old architecture is magnificent and Noltze captures the scenery at its finest.
In addition to Oostende, we also get pictures and stories of De Panne, Veurne, Knokke and other wonderful places. Noltze also introduces the reader to the royal family and explains how the government works in this rather unique place. She ends the book with a few stories to demonstrate the pitfalls and joys of travel.
Flanders can only be described as a gift from this author to the reading community. She manages to pack a lot of information into the 97 pages to give the reader an extraordinary lesson. This book is recommended reading for anyone planning a trip to Belgium. Yet, it is also a wonderful addition to any home library. Lay it on the end table and watch the smiles you receive from guests who pick it up out of curiosity!
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by D. Neumann on July 8, 2010 - 12:15 am
I bought this book hoping it would provide some historical and cultural context to the cities of Flanders. But there was very little of either. The author visits DePanne, for instance. She might have noted that it was in DePanne that King Leopold I set foot in Belgium or that the city hosted the Belgian government during World War One as part of that small sliver of western Flanders that the Germans failed to overrun. Instead she comments on the beach (in practically the same words she uses to describe all the North Sea beaches), drinks an Irish coffee and describes the toilets.
The political/cultural commentary is equally odd. The author suggests that Flanders might split from Belgium and unite with the Netherlands. Anyone with a cursory knowledge of history and who had discussed this idea with any Flemings would realize how unlikely this scenario is. The discussion of the current political crisis is equally superficial.
Instead we learn a lot of general travel tips about packing light, avoiding changing hotels too often, reading restaurant menus in foreign languages, and using public transportation instead of rental cars. That’s all fine – but has little to do specifically with Flanders.
Nice photographs, though.
Rating: 1 / 5