Ostend: Belgium's Coastal Gateway

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [tot zeens]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [al-stu-bleeft]
• Thank youDank u
  [dank u]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [so-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [ho-uh gat het]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [goot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?
  [sprekt u engels]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik be-greip het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart willen zien, alstublieft
  [ik zow graag de me-nu-kart vil-len seen, al-stu-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik eet kheen vleys]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [proost]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft
  [ik zow graag vil-len buh-tah-len, al-stu-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [ga weg]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel de po-li-tie]
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  [bel en dok-ter]
• I'm lostIk ben de weg kwijt
  [ik ben de wekh kwijt]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben ziek]

• I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag ... kopen
  [ik zow graag ... koh-pen]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ik kike aleen maar]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hu-vel kost het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [dat is tuh duur]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt u de preys ver-lah-gen]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [ho laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [half elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [ok-tent]
• AfternoonNamiddag
  [na-mi-dah]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vont]
• YesterdayGisteren
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• TodayVandaag
  [van-daah-gh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-ghen]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
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• 3Drie
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• 4Vier
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• 7Zeven
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• 9Negen
  [nee-ghen]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is de ...?
  [war is de]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vat is het ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij dat tonen (op de kaart)?
  [kunt u may dat toh-nen (op de kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [ven-nar is de vol-gen-de (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ....)
  [ayn ticket (nar)]

Ostend-Bruges International Airport, originally known as Ostend Airport, was established in 1929 as a simple grass airfield. Its strategic location near the North Sea made it an ideal point for air travel and transportation.

During World War II, the airport was seized and utilized by the German Luftwaffe. Significant expansions and fortifications were made to support military operations. After the war, the airport was handed back to Belgian authorities and resumed civilian operations.

In the 1950s, Ostend Airport saw extensive development, including the construction of a concrete runway. These improvements facilitated the growth of commercial air travel and cargo services, making it a crucial hub for European flights.

The 1970s marked a significant period for the airport with the introduction of charter flights. This era saw a surge in tourism, with many travelers using Ostend Airport as a gateway to the popular coastal resorts and historical cities in the region.

In 1992, the airport was officially renamed Ostend-Bruges International Airport to reflect its proximity to the historic city of Bruges. This rebranding aimed to attract more international tourists by highlighting the cultural significance of both cities.

In the 2000s, the airport underwent significant modernization efforts, including the expansion of passenger terminals and the introduction of advanced air traffic control systems. These upgrades enhanced the airport's capacity and efficiency, accommodating a growing number of passengers and cargo operations.

Ostend-Bruges International Airport has played a pivotal role in the local economy by providing employment opportunities and facilitating trade. Its cargo operations, particularly in the transportation of perishables and pharmaceuticals, have been crucial in boosting regional economic growth.

Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST) is located approximately 5 kilometers southwest of Ostend city center and around 25 kilometers from Bruges. The airport is easily accessible by car via the A10/E40 motorway. Public transport options include the bus service operated by De Lijn, which connects the airport to Ostend city center and the Ostend railway station. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available for convenient travel to and from the airport.

For getting around the area, public transportation options are plentiful. De Lijn buses provide extensive coverage, connecting the airport with both Ostend and Bruges. Taxis are readily available at the airport, and car rental services are offered by several international companies. Biking is also a popular option in this flat region, with bike rental services available in both cities.

Belgium uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available at the airport and throughout Ostend and Bruges. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases, especially in rural areas or small local markets.

Ostend and Bruges are generally safe destinations for tourists. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots. It's advisable to keep your belongings secure and remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but maintaining general caution is always wise.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The nearest hospital to Ostend-Bruges International Airport is AZ Damiaan Hospital in Ostend. Pharmacies are readily available in both Ostend and Bruges for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Avoid overly casual clothing in fine-dining establishments. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees in churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding De Lijn buses. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a simple 'Hello' or 'Bonjour' (French) or 'Hallo' (Dutch). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like mussels, fries, and Belgian waffles. Don't tip excessively; service charges are usually included.

To experience the area like a local, visit the local markets in Ostend, such as the Visserskaai fish market. Enjoy a stroll on the Ostend beach and take a bike ride along the coastal paths. In Bruges, wander through the historic city center and take a boat tour on the canals. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their city. Don't miss trying a local beer at one of the many breweries in the region.