Of lazy days

Written Saturday in Bruge...

It's funny how the rain seems to follow you. I'm convinced that the monotonous, wet weather was the same that flooded parts of the DC area earlier in the week. What's funny is that in DC no one went out in it unless you absolutely had to. People here are still out and about walking and trying to go about their lives. Ok, many are tourists who don't want to get stuck in a hotel for the day, but still... (Pictured: the canals in Bruge)

I did a bit of going out in the morning. Had a rather pleasant walk actually. I managed to get a few things I needed. But for the most part, it's been a rather blah day spend in my tiny hostel room. I have managed to chat with R on Skype for quite a while, which was nice. But I do feel tired and I don't know if I'll get out to hear some of the live jazz I wanted to tonight.

I've also decided that I just don't like traveling alone. It's just not me. I want someone to experience things with, not just to be be someplace. The best part of my day was talking with R. She surprised me by saying she couldn't wait for me to get there because she wanted to go someplace in Bg with me. Not to go somewhere special, just to see something different in the country. I think I've given her the travel bug - which is good for me. (Pictured, more canals in Bruge - I particularly like this one).

As you can see by the pictures, I did manage to get out a bit last night between the raindrops (after I woke up at midnight from my 8 hr late afternoon nap). I like them...

Anyways, I'm off to watch a little BSG I've downloaded. Such a lazy day - it'd be great if I was in the states, but I wish I didn't spend my time in Bruge this way.

Of the beginning...

From notes in my notebook when I first got to Belgium on Friday....

Well, I've landed. Didn't sleep well, if at all, but I'm exhilarated to be back. It's a misty, dreary day here, but comfortably cool.

I have a theory, which I've just though up in my tired, hungry, non-caffeinated state (Note to self, get a freakin' cafe ASAP). I've decided that you can tell a lot about a country based upon its infrastructure. And in most countries, the most basic infrastructure is the train system.

I have to say Belgium gives the impression of being very well organized and maintained. Of course, this surprises no one. It is what it is though.

First impressions of this place I probably will call home someday? Its quintessential, typical Europe. That's not necessarily a bad thing at all, now is it? I'm looking out the window at row houses of mixed age and upkeep, some high rises being built in what I assume is the business district, and the odd cathedral in the distance. City center looks soulless from the train, but otherwise things are the way I like them in many ways.

Looking at all the tourists looking lost at Brussels-Nord, I can't help but hope I don't look as lost - even more, I hope I don't look so American. I know I do though. To be able to get rid of the tourist label.... Its the same everywhere though - especially in DC.

Of course we started into an interesting area and immediately went underground! Such is life. Why can't American get some of these things. If only we had a well developed train system used by everyone. I look out at this station, and its just so well taken care of. Hell they announce every stop in three languages.

I think Europe is on of 3 things to people (another caffeine lacking idea). Its either weird and nothing special, or it a wonderful place to take a vacation every couple years - kinda like going to the history museum - or its just gets into your blood. This disease is in my blood my veins now, I think.

Ok, I've written quite enough. Time to no be jealous of (aka annoyed) the 2-3 people who just got on the train and coffee and bread. Not fair! Yahoos!