Don't just see the sights-get to know the people.
Belgium has somehow acquired the reputation of being Europe's most
boring country-a reputation that is entirely undeserved. But perhaps
this bland image is a smokescreen, the conventional exterior hiding a
subversive sense of humor, a surreal imagination, and a deep-rooted
disdain for authority. Or perhaps it is a camouflage, a way in which
Belgium, still overrun-however peacefully-by foreigners, can keep a few
of its secrets to itself.
Two main factors seem to determine the values Belgians hold and the ways
they approach life: the effects of the linguistic divide, and the
country's long history of exposure to other cultures through trade, war,
and occupation-its experience of being simultaneously very small and
very strategically placed.
Culture Smart! Belgium will help you navigate these swirling waters.
It is for anyone who wants to understand Belgian society and encounter
it with sensitivity and poise. We trace the land's turbulent history and
look at how the past has shaped the collective and personal values of
today's Belgians. We look at the Belgian people at work, at play, and at
home, and offer tips to help you get along with the people you will
meet, on both sides of the divide, and navigate the new situations that
you are likely to encounter.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better
understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values,
attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts,
while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate
unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
