As the established period for putting down tools and turning our attention to the important business of chilling out, summer is subject to special scrutiny for basic necessities that other times are a secondary consideration.
Humans are sensitive beings and the strength of feeling about the present moment overrides previous delights. This results in inclement conditions being taken as an injustice on a national scale and with school holidays starting in July, the joys of June were quickly eclipsed by the abysmal weeks that followed.
With the rain showing no sign of abating, little wonder that many Belgians are giving up on hopes for home warmth and are taking decisive action to guarantee a proper dose of summer. Meanwhile at home, the events planned to draw punters to Belgium are initiating their wet weather procedures, battening down the hatches in the hope that a spirit of optimism can carry things through.
But optimism has limits which are being tested. Yesterday organisers of the biggest rock metal festival almost pulled the plug on the event in Germany, with capacity now expected to be about half of the intended 85,000. Whilst a muddy shindig in an open field has become a rite of passage for teens, a bit of mucky fun can fast turn bad – as Belgium well knows.
Organisers are therefore urging utmost preparation from participants, not only urging them to dress appropriately but pointing to the travel options provided so that local areas (and potential emergency exits) are not blocked up.
Those less excited about huddling under a poncho with a beer might see now as the moment for some city explorations. For the full Belgian summer experience without going to the coast, two beaches have been opened in central Brussels for a volleyball tournament this weekend. Best bring your umbrella.
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1. Armed robberies and drug dealers: Gare du Midi criticised for high levels of crime
Official police figures show that 146 armed robberies were committed at or near Gare du Midi over the past year. Over half involved the use of a knife or pistol. Read more.
2. Belgian festivals take measures against heavy rainfall
The bad weather has rained on many parades in recent weeks and is likely to dampen the mood at various events taking place in Belgium this weekend. Read more.
3. 'Belgium's best kept secret': Lonely Planet founder visits Ghent for the first time
The Lonely Planet travel guide labelled Ghent as "Belgium's best-kept secret" 12 years ago, but founder Tony Wheeler has now visited the city for himself for "the first, but certainly not last time," he said in a lyrical account. Read more.
4. Brussels' backwards bus shelters: Design fault or smart thinking?
Have you ever wondered why bus stops in Brussels are facing in the wrong direction, leaving those waiting with their backs to oncoming traffic? While many have assumed that this must be a construction mistake, Brussels has deliberately "misplaced" bus shelters. Read more.
5. Belgian man jailed for stealing €11,000 worth of petrol
A 42-year-old Belgian man has been sentenced to ten months in prison after stealing more than €11,000 worth of petrol, L'Avenir reports. Read more.
6. 'Fundamentally different': Border regions call for unified teleworking tax rules
A cooperative of workers living near the borders between Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany is calling for a long-term solution to taxation, especially regarding those working from home. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Het Archief
Ernst Aben recently opened a relaxed spot in the heart of Antwerp where you can drop in for a glass of wine, a Tornado 67 beer or some tapas. Read more.
