Mussels from Brussels

I think Belgium is one of the most undervalued countries in Europe. You never really hear of people taking vacations there, and I can't figure out why. It was one of our favorite countries! But then again, I guess not everyone wants to base their vacation around drinking beer. Here's some of my thoughts on Brussels, Bruges, and a few other places throughout Belgium:

1. Lemon or Passion? There are only about 4 major advertising campaigns in Brussels at a given point, but they are EVERYWHERE. We came upon this campaign several times. Brad chose Lemons.
2. Feminism went rampant with the "Jannekin Pis," the 1985 follow-up to the lovable and popular "Mannekin Pis" statue. I do not need to see a bronzed woman squatting. Thank you, and please try again.
3. The beer is everything you'd dream it to be, and more. It's also cheap like crazy. I already miss it.
4. The week following up to Easter is a great time to visit Belgium for unique chocolate. Like marzipan eggs placed into actual egg shells.
5. Bruges really IS a fairytale of a city. Please see the movie with Colin Farrell. It is so worth it. I was excited to find scenes from the movie around Bruges.
   
6. Trappist monasteries are even more gorgeous than I could ever imagine. They are exactly, the perfect place for quite contemplation.
7. People do not drive without GPS units in Europe. This might be due to the fact that roads are totally confusing and small and windy and often one way.
   
8. The site for the battle of Waterloo is stunning at night.
9. There is a reason the Belgians are known for their frites. I am now wrecked for life from eating any tasty ones every again. Maison Antoine, I crown you King of frites.
   
10. Comics like Tin Tin and the smurfs are huge in Brussels. So is the EU. Plan to see some of both.
11. Flemish traditional dishes (Waterzooi, Stoemp, etc) sound hilarious. They are delicious in your belly. It helps that Flemish is basically a mixture of German and English, so it was very easy for me to figure out what things were.

And finally, although we only spent an afternoon in Amsterdam, Netherlands, I have some pretty strong opinions. I am not a fan of Amsterdam. I won't give you a full account of why it's not really the place for me, but here's some of what I thought:

1. Traffic in Amsterdam is intense. Bike is the preferred method of transportation, and there are literally millions of them. Between bikers, walkers, cars, and trams, all riding in the same space on streets, you are likely to be hit crossing the street at any moment.
2. The canals are dirty. It is a shame, as you get the impression that Amsterdam was once a very pretty city. Clean up your waters Amsterdam!
3. The Netherlands (at least Amsterdam) is not full of tulips and pottery and lace like Holland, MI is. Not even close.
4. Yep. The scent of weed does pollinate the city.
5. The red light district is not as trashy as I thought it would be, but it is definitely full of unattractive prostitutes in windows with lots of gawking middle age men wandering around. If that's your gig, this might be the place for you.
   
6. All of the houses in Amsterdam are very old, and are often still private residences. This is cool, but after a while, everything looks the same. Especially when you can't visit the insides of things.
7. The Citizen M at the Schipol airport (and soon to come in city central), is seriously one of the best and most unique hotels I've ever stayed at. If you are a techie, check it out. Do not stay with someone you don't know very well. Best to get a room of your own or as a couple. This is not a hotel to stay at with your children.