Aalst: A Hidden Gem in Belgium

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [toht zeens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeAlsjeblieft
  [ahls-yuh-bleeft]
• Thank youDank je wel
  [dahnk yuh vehl]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hoo gaat het]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [spreyk yuh eng-uhls]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-khreypt het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [ik zou khrahg duh meh-noo-kahrt seen, ahl-stew-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik ayt khayn vleys]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft
  [ik zou khrahg vil-luhn buh-tah-luhn, ahl-stew-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [gah wekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dohk-tuhr]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben vuhr-dwahlt]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zik]

• I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag ... kopen
  [ik zou khrahg ... koh-puhn]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ik kayk ahl-ayn mahr]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-vayl kost het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [daht is tuh dyur]
• Can you lower the price?Kan u de prijs verlagen?
  [kahn uu duh prays vuh-rah-ghuhn]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn uhr]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [hahlf elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [ohk-tuhnt]
• AfternoonNamiddag
  [nah-mee-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khihs-tuh-ruhn]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-khuhn]
• 1Eén
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tvay]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zeh-vuhn]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khuhn]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is de...
  [vahr is duh]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan je me dat tonen (op de kaart)?
  [kahn yuh muh daht toh-nuhn (op duh kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-ayr is duh vohl-uhn-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ....)
  [ayn ticket (nahr)]

Aalst, originally known as 'Alost', traces its roots back to the early Middle Ages. The first recorded mention of Aalst dates back to the 9th century, when it was a small settlement along the banks of the Dender River. By the 11th century, it had grown into a fortified town, playing a significant role in the regional defense system of the County of Flanders.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, Aalst became renowned for its thriving cloth industry. The town's strategic location at the crossroads of vital trade routes facilitated its economic growth. Aalst’s cloth halls, known as 'Lakenhalle', were a testament to its prosperity, attracting merchants from all over Europe. This period marked the town's golden age, with the textile trade serving as its economic backbone.

A pivotal moment in Aalst's history occurred in 1491 during the Flemish revolts against Maximilian of Austria. The town found itself at the center of a fierce conflict known as the Battle of Aalst. Despite being heavily fortified, Aalst suffered significant damage. This event underscored the town's strategic importance and its role in the broader political struggles of the time.

The 16th century brought religious upheaval to Aalst, as it did to much of Europe. The town was caught in the crosscurrents of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation. Aalst saw the rise of Protestantism, followed by violent clashes and persecution. The Beeldenstorm (Iconoclastic Fury) of 1566, during which Protestant reformers destroyed Catholic images and relics, left a lasting mark on the town's religious landscape.

The 18th century was a period of reconstruction for Aalst. The town began to recover from the tumultuous events of the previous centuries. Notable architectural projects included the construction of the Baroque-style St. Martin's Church and the restoration of the Town Hall. This era also saw the gradual modernization of the town’s infrastructure, laying the groundwork for future growth.

The 19th century brought the Industrial Revolution to Aalst, transforming it into a bustling industrial town. The introduction of railways and the development of new manufacturing industries, particularly in textiles and machinery, spurred economic growth. Aalst became a hub of innovation, with new factories and an expanding workforce driving the town’s prosperity.

Aalst, like much of Belgium, was significantly affected by both World Wars. During World War I, the town was occupied by German forces, leading to hardship and destruction. In World War II, Aalst again faced occupation and was the site of several resistance activities. The post-war era saw the town's resilience, with efforts to rebuild and modernize, restoring its historical landmarks and infrastructure.

Today, Aalst is a vibrant blend of historical charm and modern innovation. The town celebrates its rich heritage through events like the annual Aalst Carnival, a UNESCO-recognized cultural event known for its satirical floats and lively parades. Aalst continues to thrive as a center of commerce and culture, honoring its past while embracing the future.

Aalst is conveniently located in East Flanders, Belgium. The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), approximately 40 kilometers away. From Brussels, you can take a direct train to Aalst, which typically takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive from Brussels to Aalst via the E40 highway, which takes about 40 minutes.

Aalst has an efficient public transport system. The city is well-connected by buses operated by De Lijn, and taxis are readily available. The train station in Aalst offers frequent services to major Belgian cities, including Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp. For local travel, cycling is a popular mode of transport, and bike rentals are available. Walking is also a great way to explore the compact city center.

The official currency in Belgium is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Aalst, so withdrawing cash is convenient. Contactless payment methods, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also commonly accepted.

Aalst is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is wise to take usual precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The city center and tourist areas are generally safe, but be cautious in the vicinity of the train station, where petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number can be used for police, fire, and medical emergencies. The main hospital in Aalst is OLV Hospital, which provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are well-distributed throughout the city and can offer over-the-counter medications and advice. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smartly when dining out or attending cultural events. Casual wear is acceptable for sightseeing. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect religious sites and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and maintain a respectful demeanor. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses and trains. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake. In informal settings, two or three kisses on the cheek may be customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties such as 'vlaai' (pie) and Aalst beer. Don't be overly loud or disruptive in restaurants, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Aalst like a local, visit the weekly market at Grote Markt on Saturdays, where you can find fresh produce and local delicacies. Participate in the famous Aalst Carnival if you visit in February, a UNESCO-recognized event known for its vibrant parades and lively atmosphere. Explore the scenic Dender River by renting a kayak or taking a riverside walk. Engage with the locals at traditional Belgian pubs and try regional beers for a truly authentic experience.