It is Thursday, July 28th, 2011. My first full day back from a 2 week trip across the Atlantic. As always, Europe never fails to impress or intimidate this shy, wide-eyed American (unless, of course, I'm in Belgium. Then I become very sleepy-eyed and opinionated. Beer reference...they're quite strong and delicious.) I traveled with some family and friends through 3 different countries. We drank, we played, we fought, we forgave (or at least I hope they have) and explored many towns and cities none of us have ever been in before. So much has happened within the past fortnight that it'll take me twenty more to tell the full story. And even then I'd probably would've left some shit out.
Here's an abridged beginning. We took off from JFK on an Indian plane, serving Indian food and showing Indian movies. We landed in Brussels, Belgium at around 7 in the morning local time (their local.) Stayed a night with some really great friends, traveled to Germany, made our way up to Denmark, then shot back down to Belgium. Itinerary at it's most basic. Details to come.
Chapter 1
Belgian Beer
Now, I haven't been to every beer-producing region in the world but after some online research and years of very in-depth, hands-on experimentation I have deduced and ultimately concluded that Belgium is by far the front runner in all that is glorious and wonderful in the universe in regards to God's beverage of choice. (It's beer, silly. Wine is for sissy's...or for after the beer has run out.) Every single one I tasted was like tasting beer for the first time. And believe you me I've tried as many as possible (like that was in doubt.) Each brand has it's own uniquely shaped glass designed to enhance the experience. It's almost surreal the first time you enter a bar in Belgium. You see all these different glasses lining the shelves, presumably for decorative purposes. Then you start ordering one drink after another and realize "Holy shit! They actually use all of them!"
I'd like to address one of my personal favorites. Some may say it's not the best that Belgium has to offer and that may be true. But the mere mention of it's name turns heads, some smiling, some shaking in a silent "No!"
Every Belgian smirks when the talk of Duvel enters conversation (yes, it means Devil.) A smooth yet deceptive 8.5% blond that will easily destroy all morals and turn nuns into whores (Or at least that was the plan...well, the destroying of morals part definitely, but the nuns, that's on them.) And yet Duvel is the first drink I am offered every single time I am introduced to a Belgian. Perhaps they can sense I enjoy beer, or trouble, could even be a test. That's the other thing about the Belgian culture that I've been exposed to. Whenever you meet someone new there are 2 Stages. Stage 1: Greetings and Salutations. Stage 2: Let's have a beer! It's all about breaking the ice and conversing, getting to know each other. Beer becomes the social lubricant it was meant to be. It's encouraged, embraced even!
I think there must be an unspoken rule, for lack of better phrasing. You can have a drink. You can get drunk. You can even get obliterated. As long as you're not starting fist-fights with anyone other than yourself, you're cool. And we'll find you a ride if you need one.
So when are we moving there?
Back to today. First full day back. Gotta go back to work tomorrow. Really not looking forward to that world of shit. Head to the store to pick up some provisions...milk, drano, beer. At 12 noon I'm sitting in the sun drinking a Budweiser, reading a Stargate Novel and unwinding from the whirlwind that is a European vacation. Before I know it the 12 pack is gone and I'm looking at an empty fridge scratching my head thinking "what the fuck?" I built my tolerance so high drinking Belgian beers I've completely fucked my American beer drinking standards. The Magical "8th" Beer just became The Magical Mother-Fucking "18th" Beer Mother Fucker!" Fuck. My country's beer sucks. And don't tell me I can buy better beer here than Bud. I know I can. I do. Weekly. The fact is you can get shit-faced on $50 at any random bar in Belgium. SHIT-FACED! Try that in America. I have. It don't happen. Belgium. A land where beer is crafted with care, made to savor, and enjoyed by all (at quite reasonable prices.) And is always accompanied by friendly smiling strangers open and eager to strike up a conversation. If you've never been you need to go. Especially if you're a beer drinker like myself. I'm ready when you are!
gII
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