Fondly for Belgium

Thank you for most enjoyable and nostalgic reads in your two pieces on Belgium (“Brussels Blooms,” March 21, and “The Venice of Belgium,” Aug. 9). I lived in Belgium for nine years during my childhood as a refugee from Cologne during World War II. Life was very grim then. I spent over two years in hiding from the Nazis in Rochefort. Yet I have very fond memories of the country.

I agree that tourists have overlooked Belgium for far too long and that the country is a treasure to be discovered and appreciated. And as to the neatness of Brussels, I can offer a couple of explanations: It rains frequently, and the shopkeepers diligently wash their sidewalks every day as part of their business ritual. This is what I observed when I lived there.

FANNY LABIN

Laguna Hills