A whole bunch o' stuff.

As Grace already mentioned, we made our way to Lille and Brussels over the weekend and arrived back in the Hague today.

During the trip I was reminded of something that keeps happening every once in a while. Occasionally, Grace and I find ourselves interacting with someone who is either serving us, waiting in line with us, or else just happens to notice the Canadian flag on our backpacks. Regardless of how the conversation begins the first question (statement?) we are typically asked upon finding out we are Canadian is: "ahh, so you speak French?"

Of course, we respond by saying something like "no, we're from the other side of the country". In order to clarify further we usually have to state how big the country is and that the distance between where we live and the French speaking side of the country would be like flying from The Netherlands to the middle of Russia.

What's more, there seems to be an identifying component to this as the people we have been interacting with tend to understand Canada as like the United States, only French speaking.

This is something that has interested both Grace and I since arriving here in mid-August as it's completely counter to the "Canada" we had expected people to know: Toronto. Even Vancouver is at times a foggy name in many peoples minds.

Another thing I feel the need to mention (though already posted by Grace) is this:


If there is one thing that is certain about Belgium, it is their love for beer. I could be wrong, but I think they have more micro breweries per sq. km than any other country in the world. These were two Belgian beers of the 2004 available at a bar in Brussels. Yes, that is right. There is a bar in Brussels with 2004 beers on the menu. Most of them are Belgian, though I think it is safe to say that they cover every worthwhile brewery across the globe. Keep in mind that most Belgian beers are around 8 - 11% alcohol content. That's pretty impressive if you ask me.

Speaking of Belgium, while we have only been to Brussels, I can already tell that there is something very unique about this small country. I have the feeling that Belgians understand how much of a treasure their country is, but have no desire to boast on the world-stage. In addition to this, the pace is notably more relaxed (even for such a big city as Brussels) and they have a cultural identity – including an incredible culinary history – that could rival that of France's. Combine this with the fact that Brussels is the home-base of the EU and the seat of NATO and you have an apparent influx of new ideas and international perspectives sitting peaceful along-side century old traditions.

And what about Lille you ask? Well, it is safe to say that France is where my heart is and I intend to visit it as much as I possibly can.

All that said, here's a few more photos that should add to what Grace has already provided:


(Victor Hugo called Grand Place in Brussels the "most beautiful square in the world")



Oh, and another thing: We've now been here for two full months. Hooray!