Welcome to Winter

Despite frequent warnings of impending cold, I have yet to be in Rome and think "I need to bundle up more, it is cold here". It has happened in Venice, mostly because it was further north and the temperature was lower, but also because of the terrible wind-tunnels that the narrow streets become as the ocean breeze goes through them. But now, in Brussels, I have been into actual winter. There is something refreshing about the chilly weather and the time you spend coming in out of the cold and just relaxing in a warm spot. I think this weekend was the first that I have really felt like I have been in winter this whole trip.

Belgium, and more to the point Brussels, was wonderful. The sheer difference from anything we have run into in Italy was just a wonderfully welcome experience. The people seemed nicer (even though they spoke French primarily, so we really didn't understand much), the food was delicious and different (Tasty sausages, massive kebab, frites), and the city was fresh and beautiful. It sort of reminded me of Seattle, just a version of Seattle with better and more frequent parks, as well as historical buildings and churches thrown in to spice it up. Much nicer than the monotony of classical building of Rome (which is sort of sad to say, but I just miss some of the more modern touches that the architecture of business towers and trendy buildings have). I really enjoyed the whole trip.

Things worth doing in Brussels:
+Checking out the Atomium (even though it was kinda lame inside, this is a pretty cool and iconic structure)
+Going to the Brewer's Museum and getting a free beer.
+Eating the wonderful kebab that are all over the city and not only taste better and are more filling than those in Rome, but also cheaper.
+Learning the history of this rather young nation
+watching the holiday light show
+Checking out Autoworld, even though we didn't get to check out the cool sports cars on the 2nd floor
+eating the waffles (as well as their other foods)
+Drinking the wonderful actual beer (Italian beer just isn't all that amazing)

Things that I wish we could have done (maybe next time...)
+Go to the Eddy Merckx tram stop for a photo next to the sign
+Find a bike store and hopefully find a cool regional jersey
+Go to Luxembourg, since it is sooo close
+Had more beer
+Had more waffles

Haha, alright. Almost the end of the trip now, in fact I get back home on December 10th, so then I will have to make sure I do interesting things at home.
Here is a cool set of videos for your viewing pleasure, thanks to the guys over at BKW
http://www.belgiumkneewarmers.com/2008/11/jens-voigt.html