14 Things This American Notices Between Spain and Belgium

After a year and a half of living in Spain, and almost five years living in Belgium, I’m going to compare the two countries, based on my experiences in them. Obviously, everyone is going to have different opinions, and feel free to post in the comments, but this is my blog, so you get to experience these two countries through my eyes now (and you will like it because I have good vision. I got Lasik a few years ago. Best decision ever). I will do my best to avoid a Pamplona versus Brussels article, and keep it more general, however, the majority of my experiences have come from these two cities.

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This American's Travel Checklist

I think it is hilarious when I see people traveling with rolling suitcases and two handbags, plus a backpack, and they are only going on a week-long trip. I understand, they are afraid they might need something, so they pack everything. I prefer to pack light and hope I don't need anything else. I didn't have a lot of money to invest in a professional backpacker's backpack, so I simply used my backpack from when I was in college. I did recently upgrade to a bigger backpack, one) because my old one was ripping along the zipper, and two) so I can carry more souvenirs back from my trips.

So, because you all didn't ask for it, I'm going to give it to you: how this American packs for his travels. (I know, different title than above, so you get two titles!) 

1. One good backpack is enough.

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19 Still Even Yet More Fun Things This American Has Learned About The Spanish Language

If you haven't read part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 6, part 7, or part 8 you don't have to start with them for this to make sense, but they will be fun to read later. Let's jump straight in!

1. The Navarran accent - any word in the past tense ends with the sufix -ado, which is pronounced ah-doh but in Navarra, they simply say ow. For example, gustado means "liked" and should be pronounced goo-stah-doh but in Navarra is pronounced goost-ow. Not confusing at all!

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