We don't consider it to be near, but that's just because we are used to a small country.
I met this Canadian once and he said: "Belgium very nice. We stayed in a little town next to Antwerp, it was called Namur I think...
While reading this you have to realise that Namur is Belgium's 10th city, and between Antwerp and Namur there are cities like Brussels and Mechelen. They also speak french there wich makes it even 'further' away.
Rock Werchter started by the way, too bad bout the weather 'cause it sure sounds good.