This may be the last round of pics from Belgium. I'll be leaving in a couple of days.

A couple of pictures typical of the streets of Hasselt. I took these on a Saturday and they don't do justice to how much foot traffic there was. I found it difficult to even walk my bike in many places because of the huge mass of humanity out for an afternoon's shopping.

If there's a downside to biking here, it's that if you stop in some place to re-hydrate, you will be served a beverage in a puny 10 oz. bottle. I enquired (with a wink and a smile) as to whether or not it would be bad form to sit down at an outdoor table at a little cafe by yourself and order four drinks at once. I was told that "that isn't done." Then I asked if I could order a drink, and then ask for another one when the first drink is brought to the table. Nope. Not done. I'm very self conscious of not presenting the visage of the ugly American, so I left still thirsty. Next time: Camelbak!




I met a fellow folder at last! This is the first Birdy I've seen in the flesh. What a great looking bike. The gentleman told me that he and his wife each have one, and that their folders are their main mode of transportation. Note how he has turned his seat sideways to stabilize the load on the rack. He was riding on the sideways-facing seat and holding the box forward against the seat with one hand. He confided that he also wants a Brompton, because it would be easier to take on the bus. You know what they say about the grass being greener. . .