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On Sunday we took a day trip to Bruges and it was a great time. First we did a walking tour of the city. We were kinda there at the offseason becuase it was really cold and the canals were frozen and the flowers were not out. But it was really pretty still. Then we went to ChocoStory which is a chocolate museum. Then we climbed the Belfry tower, if you've seen In Bruges its where the guy gets pushed off, its 366 steps up to the top and spirals and is really narrow. It had a great view at the top. We walked around some more and had a program dinner. We also had Brugse Zot beer which was voted best beer in the world 2 years ago, 9% alcohol. It was very good.
I started class, but thats not very exciting to talk about. There are a lot of cultural differences I have noticed here that I didnt notice when I went to Europe before. I am not sure if its Belgium specific or just because I am living in Europe that I am noticing these differences. Its not all good or bad, its just really different. But here are some major cultural differences:
- Most people speak really softly
- Sandwhiches come with meat or cheese, not both. And hardboiled eggs.
- Beer and wine are cheaper than water
- Water isnt free at restaraunts
- There are NO ice cubes
- Not recycling is basically a crime, and trash is sorted in 6 different containers, very strict about it
- Plastic bags cost money
- Europe is very eco friendly, lights are usually on motion detectors and turn on when you walk in a room
- Public bathrooms usually cost money and are still dirty
- Toilets are usually in "water closets," and have 2 flush buttons, one being more high powered
- Local students go out on weekdays then they take trains home on weekends
- Theres not a lot of violent crime, but a lot of pickpocketing and fraud
- Stores do not open and close regular hours. Very few have posted hours, if they do they do not always follow them. They open and close on a whim and everything is closed on Sunday.
- Groceries are really cheap
- Milk isnt refridgerated
- Fries with mayo, waffles, chocolate, and beer are Belgium's best
Thats all I can think of right now, more to come:)
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