You can go on high-speed trains that will take you from Brussels to London in just two hours! Otherwise, this trip would take more than five hours.
It has been really empowering not to have to worry about driving when I want to get somewhere in Belgium. I do not have to think about insurance, car payments, or the maintenance of my car. Instead, I just hop on my bike or catch the nearest bus, and I am where I want to be. It also makes me feel good that I am doing what is the most environmentally friendly transport choice.
European cities really do a great job at designing their cities to accommodate people rather than cars. This means that within the city circle, there is often streets where cars are not allowed to go. These streets will typically be cobblestoned, and they provide space for people to sit, bike, or walk and people-watch without the noises and dangers of cars to look out for too. This setting aside of car-free space is something I do not see in American cities, which tend to be made for cars and have few streets that are only for people. I think there is much we Americans could learn from the Belgian approach to transportation!
