What I Wish I Knew a Year Ago...

Do you ever wonder like I do....what if I knew a year ago what I know now....what would that be?  Not the "machts nichts" unimportant stuff that goes in one end of your brain and out the other...I'm talking about the good stuff...the stuff that is going to help you again and again....what is that stuff?  Are you willing to share?  Here are some that came to the front of the line in my life at the moment...

Horse sausage has a distinct smell, look and feel to it....and even though I was suckered into eating a donkey sausage and a monkey sausage in Paris....I think I would fall over if I ate a horse sausage...just...can't...do....it.

Realized that European banking is WAY more secure than what we have stateside and I wonder all the time, why our system hasn't changed to the European system.  Not only do I need a username and password on my banking website, but I have to use a little electronic PIN generator for EACH transaction.  The flipside, is that without this PIN generator, that churns out a unique really long number for each transaction you want to complete, your online account is worthless to pay bills.  Don't head back to the US or on a trip without it if you need to pay bills while you are gone (or set up a future payment instead).

That I can survive without buying more Polish pottery.  Yes, I was a junkie.  I used the excuse that my tour job had me going back to Boleslawiec, Poland again and again...and I had to take the free pottery and also buy a few more pieces here and again there.  I haven't bought a piece since last Spring...and haven't missed it.  Moderation in anything is key, and you CAN stop yourself from overspending/buying!

I am glad I did not buy a new car coming to Belgium.  One word, the roads SUCK...okay, they suck badly!  I've never seen so many ruts, potholes and deep ditches in my life.  No wonder most cars (older than a few years) are required to have yearly inspections by the Belgians at their inspection (CT) stations around the country.

Belgium is more expensive than Germany and France.  I love how the hoards of Belgiums cross over into France to do their grocery shopping here.  We are about 20 minutes from the border and 30 minutes from shopping heaven...that is much cheaper than here.  Of course, get stopped by the police, and you could end up paying for the privilege.

As I suspected, being 2-1/2 hours to Paris is a real treat!  I've got it all figured out now....best ways by train and car from this direction and where to stay around the city supercheap:-)  Even day trips can be done very easily.  Or how about taking a ferry or the Chunnel to Dover and shopping at the big favorite, TESCO...the British version of their Walmart.  Who said Belgium was a speedbump?  It is more of a gateway!

I know more about Estonia, Poland, Finland and a few other countries I've never been to.  It's great being stationed here with all the internationals....learning about their home countries...visiting them and their families and getting ideas on lodging and what to see and do that not every tourist knows about!  Ten thumbs up!

Belgian fashion is not known for it's..well...fashion-sense....I've honestly seen some of the dumpiest fashions right here.....I don't know if it's because we don't live in a metropolitan or hip area....or if Belgians just don't like dressing like nonsense?  Maybe I am missing something or our stores don't have much.  I end up shopping at the German and British branded stores we have in the area...C&A and H&M are my favorites:-)  Is H&M British?  I don't know...but I like it.

Like Germans know their crepes and pastries, Belgians know their waffles and pastries.  The pastries are not as good as the Germans'....but they sure are prettier...in fact, the food is prettier...where the Germans go for quantity...the Belgians go for....prettiness.  Just look at all the Michelin starred restaurants Belgium has compared to Germany AND France....hmmm...but I hope you are not a big eater and just like pretty food. It is tasty though.  Just memorize the word for horse, ie "cheval" and you'll be okay.

Do you have any enlightenment you'd like to share?