Another trip to Brussels

I think I'm going native. I don't think of going shopping at Brussels as cool. When I tell other people I'm going to Brussels, I don't even think they're going to be impressed or think it's awesome. It's just so...normal to me.

Anyway, I went to the Belgian Unions' Strike yesterday. It consisted of walking from Brussels Midi to Brussels Nord, while people make tons of noise with lots of music. I was with the "greens." I actually got an email from BrusselsWarden telling the Americans that we should avoid the area because it might be dangerous for us. Oops.

After that, I attempted to make my way to Rue Neuve/Grand Place to meet Gretchen to go shopping for Christmas gifts. I can't think of one time I've went to Brussels and not gotten lost. I managed to happen on one of the Marche de Noels. Instead of asking for help, I bought du vin chaud. Shit's tasty. It's probably my favorite hot drink. Who doesn't like spiced hot wine in winter time?? Then, I realized I was in the graffiti covered Arab neighborhood of Brussels when I noticed all the women with veils and all dark complexioned men.

Finally, I asked for directions to the Grand Place, and I found my way there without any more problems. Then, I had fun listening to people talk. I heard an obscene amount of British people. Finally, I heard girls talking in an American accent, and I almost followed them out of excitement. Then, I got some ice cream because I make absolutely no sense considering it felt like 0 degrees C/ 32 degrees F. Suddenly, I take notice of these guys with American accents saying "dude....blah blah blah....coool....dude." I creepily listened to them for a few moments before asking where they were from, confirming their American status. I started talking to them. I found out they were in the Army stationed in Italy and in Brussels for 5 days. I was like freakishly enthusiastic about meeting them. I just felt so connected. Anyway, they asked me about Amsterdam and what to see in Brussels. I wasn't much help for Brussels, but I described the surrealness of the city of Amsterdam, filling with hookers, drugs and urinals on the street. I also told them they had to drink Chimay Bleu while they were there. It's probably the manliest beer ever with 8% alcohol and brewed by monks. Finally, Gretchen found me in the middle of my conversation and I managed to drag myself away from my people. The rest of the day was filled with shopping and du vin chaud for me. Then, at la Gare, we found out there were no more trains to Charleroi, so we had to go to Mons, wait and take a train to Charleroi. It sucked. Goddamn strike. Then, I got home, ate pasta, msned and slept. Here I am. I guess not a bad weekend.