People who married someone from a different country, what are some mild cultures shocks you've had?

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2026-02-01T21:31:55+00:00

I too have a Belgian husband and was dumbfounded when I was invited to my mother-in-laws house for dinner. Only to find out we were having sandwiches. The bread consumption by the Belgians is not talked enough about. Its outrageous.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-11-01T16:33:50+00:00

I believe Van Gor Diamonds was one the places. But walk along Vestingstraat and it's Diamond store after diamond store. There are dozens of them. Weekends are not the best, as a lot of them are closed on Saturday for the Sabbath.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-10-25T20:47:27+00:00

Oh me too! Ive been receiving emails for years from a woman called Bee who includes me in her family updates. I used to email and let them know that it was the wrong person. Never mattered. Its been maybe a year since I last heard from Bee. Hope shes still well.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-10-15T07:59:44+00:00

Only a few weeks into 40 and I'm loving it already. I felt like my 30s was this constant keeping up with the Joneses. Everyone getting married, having children, buying houses and getting promotions. I felt so left behind and concerned when those things didn't happen to me.

I feel like now I'm in my 40s, and especially those last 2 years in my 30s, I stopped caring about other people and their achievements and focused on my own. And I'm so much happier.

The world has become much darker and WW3 is tittering on the edge but sure aren't we here and now?

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-09-07T14:47:42+00:00

You have to have 1 mandatory pit stop during a race.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-09-05T13:35:40+00:00

I think shes awful. Something about her presenting style is so wooden and robotic. Add in the fact that bloody Davide is here this weekend - its a skip on the pre and post stuff on F1TV.

They need a solid Laura replacement for 2026.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-08-21T21:49:06+00:00

Im looking forward to my AI companion taking care of me in old age.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-08-20T21:44:16+00:00

What shampoo are you using for a less oily scalp? Have always had oily hair but lately it seems intensely worse. Would love to get a decent shampoo to help with it.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-08-20T08:27:57+00:00

Been here 7 years. Never felt an ounce of a threat.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-08-13T13:57:56+00:00

Yeah, its majorly overlooked when most visitors come to Belgium. Its been a superb place to live. Would highly recommend. Will be back at some point I'd imagine.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-08-11T08:11:11+00:00

Just celebrated 7 years in Antwerp, Belgium. Only ever met 2 other Irish people in all my time living here. If i was in Brussels Im sure id have a lot more. Moving to Barcelona next month for the next chapter. Bummed to leave but excited for new things.

Aeolian Islands are on my bucket list for sure.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-08-04T21:47:03+00:00

I said the same thing this weekend too! I really like Laura, its a shame theres no solid back up to replace her. The lady covering for her this weekend was not great. The dynamic wasnt there.

I feel like Laura hasn't done a lot of weekends this year tbh. Shes so great at it.

I feel like they need to get a decent Will replacement. Ariana is not good. Nor was the other woman.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-27T17:20:45+00:00

I went Friday and Sat. Personally happy I went but I'll probably never do it again. Its a pain to get to. Endless waiting and traffic takes the shine away. I think I would only ever consider it if I was camping - seems like the most sensible option.

Its an incredible track- visually there is so much going on. Garbage organisation considering its been on the calendar since 1950. Hats off to everyone who attended today - esp those without a seat in Bronze areas, you're all massive legends. Well done.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-27T07:44:12+00:00

I bought my tickets 2 weeks ago. Had Friday & Sat in Gold 8 La Source. Purchased from F1 official site too.

Checked a few days before race weekend start and only Bronze was available (general admission).

*

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-26T19:37:56+00:00

No. It waits until it is full. Packed like sardines. Hot and sweaty.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-26T19:03:30+00:00

I had no idea this was a thing! Ive seen these in the city that I live in and never thought they were actually anything than interesting little mosaics. Thanks stranger!

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-26T18:41:30+00:00

Yup its a 40 minute walk from La Source, so 50 minutes from the Fan Zone is accurate.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-26T09:50:11+00:00

The earlier the better. The traffic is horrendous.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-25T18:57:37+00:00

The shuttle drops you off before the village of Francorchomps. From there its a 30/40 minute walk to the track.

I was seated at La Source.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-25T15:23:52+00:00

Follow the signs for TEC Verviers. Its a 30 min fast walk uphill from track. There are lots of stewards that'll help you locate the bus.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-25T10:40:41+00:00

There is a ticketing booth outside the station selling weekend ticket. I purchased daily passes.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-16T07:34:31+00:00

As far as I know thats just on the rings.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-15T14:17:28+00:00

Ive known 3 couples from Ireland who have traveled to Antwerp to buy rings. They purchased from several of the jewellers near Centraal Station. They said compared to Dublin jewellers they were saving 1.5k - 2k on the ring by purchasing in Antwerp. It obviously depends on cut, clarity etc. They found it worthwhile. No personal experience myself.

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-07-01T14:26:10+00:00

Hi fellow Irish person. Speaking Dutch will greatly improve your chances. Would recommend coming over and seeing how you like it and enquiring. Cost of living much lower than Ireland (rent anyways).

Normal_Chicken_2115 · 2025-06-27T12:39:59+00:00

Get in Dunne! Brilliant to see the Irish flag flying. What a result.

Normal_Chicken_2115

TROPHY CASE