Gareth Harding

Long-time resident and new Belgian Gareth Harding shares his thoughts about life in Brussels and Belgium.

Everything you wanted to know about the Brussels press corps but were afraid to ask

"The average age of Brussels correspondents is 45 – think Ryan Reynolds but without the glamour – and journalists spend an average of eight years reporting from the Belgian capital."

Belgitude: In defence of Belgian service

"Belgian service culture rests on the assumption that the customer is not always right."

Belgium’s refugee reception – the good, the bad and the ugly

"Some Belgians take a perverse pride in the country’s chronic disorganisation and disjointedness. At a recent meeting I attended with cultural bigwigs, many extolled the virtues of chaos, proudly declaring: “Ici c’est un grand bordel, mais on l’aime comme ça.”"

Belgitude: Belgium state of mind

"Belgitude is a feeling of almost constant ambiguity. The awkward moment when you don’t know what language to say hello in when you meet someone."

Becoming Belgian

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