Driving in Belgium

When driving in Belgium, anything goes. The first week I was here, I was told by two different people that I don't actually have to stop at stop signs - cool! I have since learned other neat things.

First, it's OK to pull out in front of somebody, as long as they don't squeal their tires. If they have to squeal tires, that's not cool.

Next, it's perfectly OK to stop your car in the middle of the street, jump out, and do something. No one honks or anything. They just sit and wait! You will get a honk if you stand and visit with a friend for a couple minutes, but a minute or so is OK. We stop and unload groceries in front of our door all the time.

There is ultimately this rule: don't hit another car and NEVER EVER hit a bicycler or pedestrian. Of course, bikers and pedestrians know this ultimate rule and act accordingly. They always assume you will stop for them and often don't even look at you. This makes right hand turns much more tricky than left hand turns, because you always have to look back for bicycles. There are hundreds of bicycles running around!

Driving here is very creative - I like it. Cops don't hassle you here either. I've lived here two months and I haven't seen anyone pulled over by a cop - can you say that about Raleigh???. This week's Living in Belgium quiz is about road signs - check it out! You could probably drive here too - just remember, gas - break - gas - break....