My Brussels 101

One week in Brussels and what are the things that stand out to a Canadian/Quebecois?
- always carry an umbrella with you (Did I say 'always'?  I meant 'always'!).  The climate can change hourly.
- always carry a grocery bag with you.  You buy groceries you need when you see them so that you don't have a HUGE load to carry with 'once-a-week' shopping ............. because you walk everywhere.  I'm learning :)
- greetings are ONE kiss on one cheek.  If he/she happens to be French from France, then it's two.  Really formal is 3.  Keep it straight, Nancy!
- There is no timidity about speaking your own language in public.  There are so many different peoples here that no one looks at you if you're speaking English or Turkish.  And there is no ridicule if you don't get the grammar right or if you don't know something. I have never heard a 'put-down' when children of immigrants act up in the public transportation system - rather refreshing and validating!
- Most sidewalks are very large and are made of cobble stones or bricks or paving tiles and are ALWAYS uneven.  It's very difficult to walk in high heels and it must be frightening for an elderly person.  Your gaze is always downward to avoid stumbling or falling.
- And if you're not trying to avoid the heaved stones, then you're trying to avoid the dog poop!  Dogs are beloved by the Belgians, and they poop everywhere and it's not picked up.
- When you enter a public institution for a transaction, as I have several times this past week to open a bank account and to register as an inhabitant of Brussels and get a public transportation pass, this first meeting is only to choose a date for a second appointment which is when the deal is done = you go back at least twice for each transaction :)
- All traffic stops for you when you cross the street on a crosswalk: no fighting taxis, no angry drivers, and that's saying something in a very busy city like Brussels where people are constantly crossing the streets.
- The corridor lights in the halls of public and apartment buildings are on a timer.  You press a button on the wall when you walk in, or when you leave your apartment, and the lights go on and stay on several minutes, then go off again.  There are lights onevery floor.  After you've been caught in the dark in the middle of a stairwell a few times, you remember to spot the wall buttons and use them!