So on Monday morning I get on a plane from Seattle to Brussels and then off to Ghent to start the next year of archival research, bike riding and beer drinking. I’m not sure how much I’ll be on line-- no idea what internet service at our place will look like. I’ll be in and out of the boards, though, I’m sure.
Wish me luck! Any last minute advice and warnings, epsecially from cloggies and belgies? I think I’m pretty well prepared, but I’m sure the vagaries of starting a bank account and registering with the vreemdelingendienst-cops or whatever will be a strange experience.
Woo hoo! Agh! Joy! Panic!
Wow. Enjoy, and good luck.
(Before you leave, PLEASE tell me what capybara means!)
Good Luck and enjoy yourself. I hear that Belgium is nigh but perfect. Just ask Aldebaran.
Take Care.
Woohoo! I’m jealous. Sounds like a blast – have some moules frites for me, and some Belgian chocolates, too.
Don’t forget to put mayonnaise on those frites.
mmmm…moules provencale…pomme frites with mayo…the cheese, the beer, the chocolates…take me with you.
Hey, you might just become the 9th.
[Famous Belgian, that is!] 
The best of luck to you, capy. We’ll wave at you as you pass through Seattle.
Hi capybara, welcome to the Benelux. I hope your flight will be okay. Dunno what specific advice to give you. Most 'mericans seem to survive the initiation rituals. Eventually.
Otherwise, be aware that Belgium and The Netherlands do have cultural differences. People in The Netherlands will smile when you speak Dutch with a Flemish accent because they think it sounds cute. But I see that you are already aware that you simply must undergo the experience of biking and beer.
For a beer drinker, Belgium is heaven.
For a Belgian, PBR is beer.