"Something about Hasselt and his Japanese... " a Hasselt Travel Page by speed4turtles

Before we start " Welcome ".
Let me remind you that my normal tongue is Dutch and at the time i was going to school we must learn French as second language.
So please, If i do or write something wrong, forgive me

In the last few years, Hasselt has become an important commercial center in Belgium. The pleasant alleys and magnificent galleries with their numerous boutiques and luxury shops are fascinating for both young and old, men and women alike.
Elegantly fitted out shops with inviting display windows make Hasselt an attractive place to visit.
Hasselt is a fashionable town where all of the exclusive shops and the latest fashion are to be found.
Hasselt is an international city, too, it has established partnerships with :
Sittard (the Netherlands)
Detmold (Germany)
Itami (Japan)
Mountain View (California USA).

Hasselt has 68.000 inhabitants but attracts a further 200.000 for working, shopping and studying every day.

Little is known about the origins of the city of Hasselt. Its name comes from "Hasaluth", meaning "hazel wood". It received its city rights in 1232 from count Arnold IV of Loon.

Hasselt is the capital of the Belgian province of Limburg. Hence it aims at both respecting its tradition and keeping up with contemporary pace. Witness to that are for instance the city's museums. The Jenever Museum and the Carillon Museum honor Hasselt's past, while the Museum for Contemporary Art is one of the country's most important centers of contemporary culture, and the Japanese Garden is a living illustration of the contacts Hasselt maintains worldwide.
with thanks www.hasselt.be

To visit a Japanese garden is to open yourself up to another culture. It means steeping yourself in a peaceful environment whick touckes al the senses. The garden in Hasselt, whick covers 25.000 m2, is one in which you can take a leisurely walk. It reflects the Japanese landscape and is set on the lines of the 17th century tea garden. The lay out shows the utmost respect for the rules of style as laid down in the Saku-tei-ki, and so typical of this type of garden. In central garden the ceremony house and the tea house are the main attractions.

with thanks to www.hasselt.be