David & I have been enjoying our visit to Belgium. We've been living in Brussels and we have visited Zaventem, Lueven, Bruges, and Antwerp. The country is delightful. There is a rich and diverse history. Then Belgian people have been so gracious and hospitable.

Here are some interesting things (fun facts!) that we have learned during our visit.

Belgium has French-speaking areas and Flemish (Dutch)-speaking areas. There is a language conflict between them.

When posting the cost of items, the definition/usage of the comma and period are switched. For example, a car costs 19.999. But a loaf of bread costs 1,25. This is very confusing.

Belgium--especially Brussels--has a number of urinating statues. Yeah, you read that right. Some Belgians think they are stupid, but others find them to be quirky and fun. The first, and most famous, is Manneken Pis. It’s a little boy peeing. Sometimes he wears outfits. Sometimes he pees beer and you can drink it if you like.

Jeanneke Pis is a little girl peeing. It is definitely disturbing. She was built by a restaurant to attract tourists.

Next is the dog: Zinneke. It is not a fountain, but I thought it was pretty cool. Apparently, the dog statue was stolen in 2007...but found? 

In Antwerp, we found the cousin of Manneken Pis. It’s a little boy pulling down his pants. According to the plaque, you should rub his butt reverently and make a wish.

There are public urinals in the cities of Belgium, but unauthorized public urination is illegal and you can get a big fine. The most famous public urinal is built onto the side of St. Catherine’s. The church got fed up with everyone urinating on the building, so they gave them a urinal. Funny, right?

The server says “S’il vous plait” when he/she gives you the food. We can’t figure out why.

Beer is ridiculously cheap and good, but no one will give you tap water at restaurants. Buying bottled water is as expensive as beer.

In Brussels, they build new cobblestone streets and sidewalks.

They love frites (“French” fries). Frites are not just a tourist food. Locals love their frites. There are probably twenty different kinds of mayonnaise. No one dips their frites in ketchup. The best frites we found were at a stand at Place Flagey, near the pond. Frit Flagey is also a friendly place to buy frites when you don’t know much French. They’re very nice.

Anyone in Brussels can give you a detailed lecture on beer: the kinds, tastes, quality, and location of brewery, etc. They are right to be proud of their beer. It is incredible.

There is no such thing as bad chocolate in Belgium.

Waffels are not a breakfast food.

It’s legal to drink alcohol in public as long as you’re not being a nuisance.

Even locals need a map to find their way around Brussels because each street has two names: one in Dutch and one in French. Also, the streets are intertwining and circular. They do not go in a straight line. One street can change its name after an intersection. It can be incredibly confusing.

Brussels locals love their dogs and bring them everywhere. This reminded us of San Francisco.

You cannot find disinfectant anywhere. No one knows what you are talking about when you ask for a spray that kills germs. But you can find 30 kinds of air freshener in the supermarket.

It is impolite to ask a Belgian what he/she does for a living until you’ve gotten to know them. Ask Belgians what kind of beer is their favorite, if they have a dog, and what places have they visited. Belgians are world travelers.

Cartoons are really popular in Belgian. They are very proud of Tin Tin and the Smurfs. Graphic novels are also popular. There are stores that only sell graphic novels and cartoons. The artistry is astounding.

So, when you’re trying to decide which European city you’re like to visit, consider Brussels. We highly recommend it. When you come, stop by the Use-It visitor center. You will get a free cup of coffee, free maps, and information about free maps. You can also use their bathrooms and wifi for free. (Bathrooms will normally cost you about 40 cent.)

Au revoir!