All things Belgian

Brussels:
For a start, Brussels was not what i expected it to be. Not necessarily a bad or good thing. Considering it to be the headquarters of the European Union (which i visited), i imagined it to be rather modern in its architecture, and clean more importantly - none of which was the case. It looked a little more run-down than permissible. Since French is the spoken language, you can imagine we didn't get around too efficiently. There were many Muslims around the area of the hotel (some sort ghetto, almost) and tonnes of Halal butchers, cafes and etc. Noteworthy, is the Grand Place (Grote Markt) which was full of old buildings, standing with such character and opulence. And the pubs were such a joy! Of course, i had to have the Belgian waffles, the super expensive Belgian chocolates that were so divine and i had to visit the offices of the EU (which, sadly, weren't spectacular). Ohh, and if you do find trash all over the road, it's pretty normal.




Antwerp:
Take a peek out of your window, and all you will see below are skullcaps - Jews on every corner. That was weird. I didn't know it was a predominantly Jewish city, or at least around the central area. That explains the abundance of Kosher cafes. Safe to say, i enjoyed Antwerp more than i did Brussels. 40minutes away from Brussels, it was quite the opposite. No high rise modern glass-window buildings, only low-rise old ancient architecture. The people were very friendly. And cos Dutch was the spoken language, it was easier to get around cos i was more familiar with the words. The hostel we stayed at was very pleasant and cheap! Sad to say, Friday night was apparently NOT the night to go out and party cos the streets were pretty empty. I don't have many photos of Antwerp cos i just felt it was tiring to carry the camera 24/7, so you gotta make do with these. The first photo on the left is my hostel - doesn't look like it at all, from the outside! Pretty.

All in all, definitely an experience of a kind! Though i'd say one visit is enough to get a feel of Belgium!

no, Anonymous. no.

this blog is a joy to have only because i assume people back home are reading it. and it makes me feel so much better that comments are left. :) So if you do come by, do leave comments on my posts so that i know its being read, and that i do hear something from sunny Singapore (or where ever you may be). Just note, do leave your name so i know who you are!

i'm leaving for Belgium tomorrow. So i'll update this once i'm back on Saturday!

Goodnight good world. x

Chicken Briyani

What a success..
Since i'm missing this weekly affair i used to enjoy back home, i decided to make it.
Mummy Jan, are you looking at this? Proud of me or not? ;)

it's hailing men

First, i thought it was raining.


I took a closer look and saw this.


It's HAIL STONES - mini ones, at least.


It's still pretty painful when it falls on your skin. By the way, the sun was shining 30 minutes ago!

animosity in town

Yesterday there was a soccer match between Ajax (Amsterdam) and Juventus (Italy). Since it was held at the Arena stadium here in Amsterdam, there was an influx of Italian supporters, conspicuous enough with the whites and blacks. There were so many people in the city center on a Thursday, mostly clad in Ajax jerseys or spotted with the Jewish star emblem, since its a Jewish city anyway (or was).

This is what i managed to capture - Local police cordoning off the Italian supporters at the Central Station to either protect them from Amsterdamers or to prevent a clash.



Sad to say, Ajax lost 2-1.

Carnaval

For sure, we don't have this in Singapore. And if you say Chingay, i'll say that's just one of the many tools of the government since its spearheaded by the PA. This is far less, if at all, restricted by any guidelines, regulations and bureaucracy.

Carnaval, a week-long festivity, used to be symbolic of the Christian's Holy Week. Not long ago, that tradition evolved into something more chaotic involving pretty much the activity of drinking (as much as you can). It's now a public celebration or parade combining elements of a circus, masquerade and public street party with uber loud music, where people often dress up and participate in a float parade or just to watch the float parade. One thing for sure, you'll see people getting drunk everywhere!

Carnaval in the Netherlands is mostly celebrated in the Southern part, not so much in the North (where Amsterdam is). People living in the same village come together, invest some (or a whole lot of) $$$, work together to create their own creative act - ranging from 5-7 metre-high floats or just a group of 10 or 20 all dressed up in uniform.

what age are we living in?

it's true this city is an amalgamation of the past, present and future. it's so modern yet so ancient. i mean what better way to illustrate this than a horse carriage passing by my place this morning. one could already hear them hooves from a mile away and the coachman, all decked up in his hat and dress coat. i'm guessing it's only for touristy purposes but it does go into the residential area since it passes by my place every other morning.

i'm well fed, don't you worry

Do not panic, i am well fed. in fact, i think i might have put on some weight. this is only a sneak peek at what i've been having for my meals. For breakfast, lunch and dinner... they're always equally scrumptious-looking and delicious.

Spaghetti with home-made beef spaghetti sauce,
mixed with Italian vegetables and topped with shredded old cheese.

Made with my new sandwich-maker.
Cheese and tomato & herb spread toasti, with baby gherkin pickles and mustard.

my Taco debut.

And last week, i got myself a bicycle! you see, it's part of adapting and integrating into society. like the famous, albeit cliched, saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do!" It's the same here. Cycling is the most common form of transportation, at least in Amsterdam. Fun fact: There are more bikes than people in Holland. 18 million bikes for 16.5 million people. And the Dutch cycle in any weather condition - rain (light/slightly heavier showers), snow, extremely windy days, and of course on a clear and sunny day.

In the small city of Amsterdam, intricately designed with canals, there are about 550,000 bikes. But if you park it along the canals, which everyone does, chances are... it might be at the bed of the canal when you get back. But let's say you don't park it along the canals but at bicycle lots...it could get stolen - sometimes even if you lock it. They have skills.. these junkies. Don't gasp... those are just some things that happen on a regular basis!

I got mine from a flea market at Waterlooplein for only 40euros (sgd$80) but that's considered very cheap for a second hand (or God knows, a third or fourth hand) bike! Most importantly, it's legal and the lights are working - failing which, you may be issued a summon should the police see you on the streets. But trust me, it's so much easier and more convenient to get around the city on a bike. I now take half the time to get to where i wanna be - for instance, school. But of course, being typically unfit and unused to cycling everyday, i do feel pain in my knees. Still, the benefits outweigh the costs. :)

I'm now planning more trips around Europe. Papa, if you're reading this (which you should)... don't say i didn't tell you! ;)

canal + sunset = this is what you get