Some things are just different here

Some things are just different here:

You plan on traveling to another country and some of the first thoughts you have are what will be different and how will I deal with it? Well here are some of the things I have noticed. This list will probably continue to grow throughout my stay in Belgie.

Peanut butter – I don’t know how you can ruin peanut butter, but man they did a pretty good job of it! It comes in tiny little jars, for way too much $$. Especially considering one brand even caries the description of “American” peanut butter. For those of you that know me, you will understand why this is first on the list.

Chicken – Freakin’ expensive…It has been explained to me that a year or two back they had some troubles with diseased/unsanitary chicken and that the price went up because of the costs of operating under new standards that have been set. Oh, yeah and the cuts aren’t quite as clean as what you are used to back home. You get to trim the extra fat off.

Beef – While we are on the topic of food…the beef seems to come in one of three ways: beef steak, beef fillet, and ground (definitely not ground sirloin). What about New York strip, Rib eye, etc. Maybe I’m just missing something?? Don’t get me wrong, the butcher shop in town is awesome and beats the grocery store any day…but how do I ask for the part of the cow that I want??

Buzzed – Everyone here (for the most part) seems to be very good drivers, and appear to have a good feel for the dimensions of their vehicle. This translates into, we know you are there on a bike and we are going to pass you, but we will give you a minimal amount of space…not that there is much space for passing on some of these roads. I have no problem with this, it just takes a little getting used to because back home that type of driving translates into: I have this big ass SUV and have no clue as to how f@#%#! big it is…or I’m on my cell phone and didn’t notice the red light I just ran much less the cyclist in front of me. So it took a little time to turn off my instinctive reaction of waving fists and launching water bottles at these people.

Town hopping – something you learn to do quick…or all of your 2 hour rides will turn into 7 hour epics. Nothing here has any sort of grid pattern to it…just huge labyrinth of roads and more roads. If your lucky every once and awhile you’ll see a sign with the name of a town on it and hopefully you’ll recognize it.

Stores close – I am no longer in the land of 24 hour quick-e-marts. If I go on a long ride I need to plan ahead. Stores closes and most of them close at random times and days. Bakeries and not gas stations are more predominant and the most likely place that you would stop to refill bottles and get quick snack…if they are not closed.

Bike paths – If you are on a bike path and need to pass other riders, all you have to say is pardon or passop and they will instantaneously move to they right. That is if they are not already there. Even the 100 year old great grandma will do this. None of this…I’m in my little bubble and will get startled and almost fall off my bike if someone were to try to pass me, while I ignorantly veer from side to side on the bike path.