​​​​​​Because humor is funnier when you know it's true.

Biz trip: Belgium

Belgium was never on my bucket list. It always seemed too small and a bit too boring compared to those other exciting Western European countries (except maybe Luxemburg). But when my company decided to start manufacturing there, I had the opportunity to experience that little country…. a lot. 

Pretty much, my prior knowledge of Belgium was limited to food. All I knew was that they made delicious chocolate and fabulous waffles. And I assumed Brussels sprouts too. 

And so, armed with that extensive knowledge, I made my first trip there. I stayed in a hotel on Brussels’ Grand Platz (Grand Plaza for you Yankees), and had a bird’s eye view of the commerce conducted there, mostly with tourists. And what sort of commerce you might ask? Once again, it was mostly about food. There were the usual chocolate shops, including Godiva’s. There were shops that served not only Belgian waffles, but Liege waffles too! There were restaurants that served a variety of cuisines, including French, Italian, and Belgian.  Yes, there is a Belgian cuisine, sort of. 

And there was beer! I had no idea that Belgium was home to nearly 500 breweries, each with its own branded serving glasses! I couldn’t believe that they could cram 500 breweries into such a tiny country. Of the many brands there, one stood out – Duval. It’s not so much that it was the best tasting. It was more about its 10% alcohol content, closer to wine than beer. Hence, its nickname, “Duval -- the Devil beer.” I’m ashamed to report that I fell victim to the Devil on more than one occasion. 

There were other foods, and delightful food facts, that I discovered there. Mussels were a specialty and typically served with one of three standard flavors - plain/steamed, in wine sauce, or in marinara sauce. “French” fries, were actually created in Belgium, not France (who knew?). Belgian asparagus were an albino and tasteless version of ours, and a little freaky to see and eat. And Belgians liked to add sunny-side up eggs on top of their mashed potatoes and pizzas, also a bit freaky.