30 January 2014

Cups to kilos

It's all their fault for not teaching me metrics, but although it's taken me nearly 5 years, I've now learned all I need to know.

So I'm sharing it with you.

Temperature:

- Hopefully you already know this, but zero Celsius is freezing (32F)

- Anything below 10C is COLD. That's 50F

- Anything over 25C is PERFECT.  That's 77F

- A millimeter of rain means it's going to drizzle all day

Voila.

Weight:

- If you're too short like me, between 50 and 60 kg is good. That's 110 lbs to 132 lbs

- If you're at 200 lbs, that's 90 kg and that is not good

Driving:

- Interstate speed is 120 kmph. That's 75 mph. Unless it's Germany and it's whatever you want it to be

- 1 gallon of gas is about 4 liters and will cost you $8 to $9 per gallon. AKA highway robbery.

- 100 meters is more or less a football field.  So when the GPS says to turn in 300 meters and I say "Here?!!" . . . Ross says "Remember, Mom, that's 3 football fields." and I say "Oh yeah, I remember." again.

Cooking:

- A pound of ground beef is 500 grams

- A quart of milk is a liter

- Everything else - eyeball it

Paper:

- A standard piece of paper is not 8 1/2" by 11" because they don't use inches.  It's called an A4 and it's 210 x 297 mm.  That's 8.3 x 11.7 inches

- All you need to know is that it's too long, but not wide enough, so anything you copy from the States will be cut off on the side with room to spare at the bottom

Bob's your uncle.

And having nothing at all to do with metrics, but everything to do with Europe . . .

Money:

- One Euro is worth ~$1.35 so when you buy something for 25 Euro, you just paid $35 for it

- If you earn up to 8,000 Euro a year, you will pay 25% (2,000 Euro) in income tax.  Everybody pays at least 25%.

- If you earn that much in the States, you pay zero, nada, nil in income tax

- If you earn 36,000 Euro or more, you pay 50% in income tax. Yes. Half. Half!

- If you earn that much in the States, you pay 25% in income tax and no matter how much you earn, you will never pay 50% in income tax

And lastly . . .

Comparisons:

- 750 ml is a bottle of wine and should yield 5 glasses - or less depending on your definition of "glass"

- 33 cl is a beer at the pub unless you're really thirsty and order the 50 cl and that's about a pint

- A meter is a yardstick so if you're 6 feet tall, you're nearly 2 meters

- And a kilo of cocaine is . . . still illegal

There you have it . . . all you need to know.


29 January 2014

Trash update of sorts


Our trash is picked up in front of our house once every two weeks.  Yes.  One time every two weeks. 

But, technically, we don't pay anything for it.  There was no assessment for "trash pickup".  However, the official grey trash bags weren't cheap so, in essence, we did "pay" for trash pickup in the form of expensive trash bags.  

We, and by we I mean Jim, realized this was ingenious since trash pickup costs each person however much they wanted to pay for trash bags (about $2 each) and they hold about 10 gallons. We can usually fill up 3 trash bags so trash pick up costs us $6 every two weeks.

Now there's a change coming. In February, we've been instructed to go to a central location and pick up our allotment of official bordeaux trash bags for the year.  That's the color name they've been given - bordeaux. We are entitled to 20 bordeaux bags.  That's right.  Twenty bags for the year.  I'm not very good at math, but I think that's about 3/4 of a bag each time the trash truck comes by our house.

Recycling is a really big deal here and we try to do our part, but some things I just can't do.  For example, under every sink in Belgium - I swear I think it's standard issue - is a small plastic can.  This is where we are supposed to put all the leftover food, coffee grounds and paper napkins - basically anything biodegradable.  

Coming from the South, that is defined as roach bait so I can't bring myself to do it.  There aren't any roaches here, but still.  Plus it's also only picked up once every two weeks!  That's just gross.  So all our leftovers and coffee grounds go in the grey, now named bordeaux, bag.

We will also be assessed about $75 a year for trash pickup now that we get those 20 free bordeaux bags.  Fortunately the grocery store also sells the bordeaux bag for about $2 each so for us, it'll be business as usual.  It'll just cost a bit more.

Changing the subject slightly . . .

Perhaps you remember a post on my blog recently about this guy . . .


who, over a 2 year period, collected these treasures, also known as trash to his neighbors.

He was urged to clean it up, but he said he didn't see anything wrong with it and furthermore, it was his hobby to tinker with this stuff.

Turns out he had to go before the criminal court last week and was fined 9000 euro and has 6 months to clean it up.  If he once again thinks his trash is a treasure, after the 6 month clean-up window, he will get to pay 150 euro a day in fines.

I figure he'll decide it's not worth that much. I also figure it's gonna to take a helluva lot of bordeaux bags.

27 January 2014

Converts

When I read recently that the local Center for Islam is showing a marked increase in new Muslim converts, especially women, I was curious.  The article went on to say the increase was not only from the big cities in Belgium, but also from rural areas.  

The Center even started a new association for these new converts which now has more than 700 members with numbers, according to the Center director, steadily increasing.   

Interesting since Belgium has most certainly historically been a Christian country with over 75% of its population being Catholic.  About 5% of these actually attend church.  

Of course, 700 converts is fairly insignificant since the population of Belgium is over 10 million, but the director for the Center said the growth in women converts to Islam is a clear trend.  She further stated it is result of several things including social media and more people coming into contact with Muslims.  

More people coming into contact with Muslims.  

How many Muslims do you know?  If you're like me, until I moved here, I knew zero. In one of my Flemish classes, I met and sort of got to know two - both young women - both smart - and both nice. 

Interesting because if they hadn't worn a hijab (that veil covering the head), I'm sure I wouldn't have even known they were Muslim.

Just an observation.

24 January 2014

Why your credit card won't work here

When we opened our bank account in Belgium, you may remember me mentioning in a blog post that I asked our banker if we would be issued a checkbook . . . her confused look prompted me to pull out my American checkbook.  After looking at it curiously for a moment or two, she said "we haven't had those in 15 years".

Make that 20  years now.

When we were home for our Christmas visit we did a little shopping.  It was really the first time we'd done much shopping in the States since about 2 years ago.  It surprised me that I would have to sign my name on credit card receipts.  I had completely forgotten about this.



In Belgium and 80 other countries in the world, except the U.S. and maybe one country in Africa (seriously), uses a microchip, like the one pictured above, on credit and debit cards.  No signature required.

From what I understand, with a microchip, the information is encrypted differently for EACH transaction and very difficult to hack.  


The U.S. and maybe one country in Africa (seriously :), uses the magnetic strip like the ones that are probably on your cards.  The information is NOT encrypted, it is the same on EVERY transaction, and very easy to hack. Case in point - Target.  

Only 1% of credit cards in the U.S. currently have this technology.

According to security specialists, the magnetic strip is about the worst security you can have in a payment system.  Plus the fact that it's pretty outdated.



More than a decade ago, Europe went all microchip.  Every grocery store, gas station, pharmacy, restaurant, boutique and bakery in every country we've visited has one of these handy gadgets (large grey thing in front of cashier) to scan your credit or debit card - both requiring a PIN code.

Although they've been common throughout Europe since the mid-90's, the first mass use of these cards was in pay telephones in France in 1983 - thirty years ago!



If you've never seen one of these, hopefully you will soon.  When I want to access my bank account or pay the light bill or buy something online, I use a "card reader" like the one above.  It's issued by my bank and it takes me through several steps to insure the security of my payment or purchase.

Interestingly enough, I read that Target tried to collaborate with Visa more than 10 years ago for the microchip cards, but executives shelved it due to fear checkout time would take longer.  Really?

Now, I do it all - I insert my card in the machine, I put in my PIN, one receipt is printed and I'm done.  
Before, I handed my card to the cashier, they swiped it, they printed a receipt, I signed it, they kept it and another receipt was printed for me . . . then I was done. 

Surely there was more to the Visa and Target discussion than that.  My guess is it had a lot more to do with issuing a bazillion new cards and every boutique and bakery getting one of those handy grey gadgets.  

The good news is the U.S. is finally getting on board (not sure about that one African country). Americans should see a change beginning this year with microchip encrypted cards being issued.  It'll take some time before every grocery store and gas station has one of those handy grey gadgets, but . . .
better a decade or more late than not at all.

Even Winslow has had a microchip for the last 5 years.  


He is definitely invaluable, but as far as I know, he is not tied to our bank account :-)  

23 January 2014

Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd

Founded in 1943 by a 17-year-old named Ingvar Kamprad who grew up on Elmtaryd farm in a town called Agunnaryd, this company now has 349 locations in 43 countries and Ingvar is a multi-billionaire.

One of his next locations will be in Hasselt - opening by summer 2015.  From the location map in our local newspaper, it seems we may be able to see the yellow and blue sign from our house!

The good news is there will be 350 new jobs to the area and 1.6 million visitors every year and Swedish meatballs will be a mere stone's throw away :-)

The bad news is that the expected traffic to and from will peak at 800 cars per hour which is about 13 every minute and Swedish meatballs will a mere stone's throw away :~\ 

I'd say that 17-year-old, whose company name is an acronym (see below), has come a long way.

Ingvar
Kamprad
Elmtaryd farm
Agunnaryd town

22 January 2014

Just charge a fee

What can be done to keep cars out of Brussels?  That's the question.  

You may remember a recent blog post of mine where I noted Brussels was awarded the prize for having the worst traffic jams in the world.

In our travels, we pay a good bit to drive on roads in Europe - in the form of tolls.  Roads in Germany, Belgium and Netherlands are free - no tolls - and Germany probably has the best roads.

The roads in France, Italy and Switzerland are NOT free.  It'll cost you about a $100 to drive from the north of France to the south of France and that's just in tolls.  

In Italy, where I consider driving to be suicidal, it'll cost you about $70 to drive half way down the peninsula - if you make it that far.

But the Swiss have got it all figured out.  Of course it's a small country - you can fit nearly 20 Switzerlands in France - but when you cross the border is when you pay up.  No need for toll booths. Anywhere.  You pay 40 euros or Swiss francs (they'll take both) and you're good to go for a year.  

Of course, we generally don't cross the border into Switzerland more than once a year and that's usually at the end of the year so there's that . . . 


but anyway, the Swiss border control puts this sticker on your windshield and you're off.

So, back to the original question . . . how to keep cars out of Brussels.  A recent study commissioned by the government suggests charging a fee of 12 euros ($16) per day would do it.  

Yes, I think a fee of $4000 - $6000 a year (weekdays or every day) would certainly be one reason to leave the car at home.  Oh, and did I mention this study finds that this fee would only reduce traffic by 20%?  

Apparently even an extra $4000/$6000 a year isn't deterrent enough for some.

19 January 2014

Graphic


I love graphics mostly because they tell a story with very little reading involved :)

The Washington Post published an article with 40 maps explaining lots of trivia about today's world.  I found it interesting.

Like this one . . . indicating where foreigners are welcomed and where they are not.  From our limited experience, this appears to be very accurate.




If you'd like to see the other 39 maps that explain the world, there's a link at the bottom.

And if 40 maps weren't enough, there are now 40 MORE maps explaining the world.  Like this one . . .
showing where people live, by economic status.





If you're interested in the first 40 maps, click . . . HERE

And if you're interested in having a look at the other 40 maps in this series click . . . HERE

16 January 2014

The Belgian healthcare system


In case you've ever been curious about the "socialist" healthcare system that seems to define Europe, the article below may satisfy your curiosity.  It did mine.  And no, it's not free.


Health matters: the Belgian healthcare system

Being ill or having to go to the hospital ranges from mild worry to a life-shattering experience.  The good news is that you're in Belgium, a country with one of the world's best healthcare systems.  Here's how to make the most of it.

Insurance


To benefit from the healthcare system in Belgium, you have to join a health insurance
fund (mutuelle/ziekenfonds). The majority of these funds are linked to the country’s
political parties but they are accessible to everyone. You can choose from 20 Christian, 13
socialist, 10 liberal, seven independent and seven neutral funds from all over Belgium.

Contributions are withheld from your income if you are a salaried worker; the self-employed 

need to register with the social security fund of their choice. All funds
charge the same amount, as they act as intermediaries between the National Institute for
Sickness and Invalidity Insurance and its members. This state system provides basic
healthcare reimbursements for hospital, doctor and chemist costs – for example,
50-75% of the cost of a consultation with a doctor or specialist. While hospital and
pharmacy expenses are deducted when you pay, doctors’ fees usually need to be paid in
full and then the invoice sent to the insurance fund for reimbursement.
When you register, there is a six-month waiting period before you can be reimbursed
for any medical costs, though people who are entitled to benefits in another EU country
are covered during this period. Once insured you receive a SIS (social identity) card,
but these will gradually be replaced by an electronic identity card from next year.  
You can opt for an additional insurance. This covers repayments for non-urgent
care in hospital, the costs of glasses, dental care, vaccinations and registration at a
sports club. Alternative or complementary treatments such as homoeopathy, acupuncture, 
osteopathy and chiropractic are also recognised as reimbursable by the Belgian Ministry of 
Health, if the practitioner is a qualified doctor. The content and cost of this insurance 
varies for each fund. However, it is possible to choose complementary insurance from 
one of the private companies which come under the umbrella organisation Assuralia.


Allowances
The healthcare system covers benefits if you are not capable of working due to an accident, illness or childbirth. To qualify you need to inform your employer and deliver a certificate to your fund before the end of the employer-paid period of sick pay. If you’ve been off work for more than a year, this is termed invalidity and the benefits you receive in this case are tied to your family circumstances.
Female employees are entitled to 15 weeks’ maternity leave (17 for a multiple birth); nine
weeks must be taken after the birth and at least one before the date when the baby is due. They receive benefit of 82% of salary for the first 30 days and 75% for the remainder, subject to a maximum salary. The father has the right to 10 days’ paternity leave, seven of them paid for by the social security fund at 82% of his salary, which is also subject to a maximum figure.


Social welfare centres
The Public Centre for Social Welfare (CPAS/OCMW) is a public institution provided by the municipalities in Belgium. Every citizen of Belgium has the right to social assistance and
social integration, for example with medical help.


Hospitals
Belgium has a wide choice of hospitals and clinics with a total of 141 public and private general hospitals which are managed by universities, religious organisations, health insurance funds or social welfare organisations. The hospitals, which are open 24/7, can be identified by a sign showing a white H on a blue background. Large hospitals have an emergency centre, a maternity ward and separate sections dedicated to the treatment of children and the elderly. Smaller, specialised hospitals only offer care for specific
target groups like patients with neurological disorders. Elderly people can also find the care adapted to their needs in geriatric hospitals.


You can also be referred to a day hospital, where you receive specific surgery and are allowed to return home the same day, under certain conditions. At polyclinics, specialists offer consultations or small treatments, without the need for an overnight stay. Both day hospitals and polyclinics are usually departments of ageneral hospital.
Emergencies
In an emergency, call 100 or 112 and an ambulance will take you to the nearest emergency
centre. The Belgian compulsory health insurance scheme reimburses 50% of the cost of
emergency health service transport.


Doctors
General practitioners can be found in private practices or attached to clinics and hospitals.
You have the freedom to consult or register with whoever you choose. Embassies usually
keep lists of doctors who can work in your language, otherwise many doctors have a
good understanding of English. The Community Help Service (CHS) also offers a 24/7
helpline, providing contact details of local medical professionals, as well as general 
information and anonymous support. If you need a doctor outside normal practice
hours, visit or call a duty doctor (médecin de garde/wachtdienst). Local newspapers
publish this information. 


Specialist medical care
You may arrange to see a specialist of your choice; it’s not essential to have a referral from
a general practitioner, although he or she can advise you.


Pharmacies and medication
Chemists are ubiquitous in Belgium – look for the green cross sign. Most pharmacies operate normal working hours, with a number providing emergency 24/7 cover on a rota basis. Again, you can find this information in local and free papers. Medical prescriptions must be paid for on collection and the chemist issues a receipt for reimbursement purposes.
Dentists
The majority of dentists in Belgium are private. They have an agreed fee scale agreement, which sets the level of reimbursement for patients for basic treatment. For any specialist work, such as crowns and bridges, the dentist may ask how you will pay and offer you different quotes. To qualify for reimbursement you’ll need to visit the dentist at least once a year.
Mental health
You don’t need a referral from your GP before approaching a psychiatrist, psychotherapist
or counsellor, but it is advisable to ask for their advice first. There are 68 psychiatric hospitals and an attentive ear and professional advice are also readily at hand through the non-profit CHS.


CHS provides a confidential 24/7 information and crisis telephone service, staffed by a team of trained volunteers under the supervision of professional therapists. The mental health centre, in Brussels, has a professional staff of psychologists, psychiatrists and educational specialists.
Euthanasia
In September 2002, Belgium became the second country in the world to pass euthanasia
legislation. Patients must be over 18 years of age and if a person is not in the terminal stages of their illness, a third medical opinion needs to be sought.


Abortion
Abortion is legal until the 12th week of pregnancy and women are required to have counselling prior to the abortion.
Addiction
People struggling with addiction can seek help from their local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous or drugs helpline Infor-Drogues. 


12 January 2014

Auld Lang Syne Finale


Although our trip home to the States was much too short and it always goes by too quickly and we always get home to Belgium and wish we could do it all again . . .

despite all that, this was our best visit home yet.

We got to see so much of our family and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of every day.

Our next to last stop was Baton Rouge where we got to meet baby Sage and see a few other special people we hadn't seen in a very long time.



Jim, Frazier, Norma Grace, Sage, Kristen and Josh



Jim, Frazier and Norma Grace


Kristen, Sage, Matt, Ross, Tommy, Jim, Frazier, Norma Grace's bow, Josh, Randi, me and Big Jim






Frazier entertaining the girls!



Papa J and Sage


















Our last night (well, if you don't include those extra 2 nights in Atlanta :-\ ) was in Shreveport.








Until next time . . .

11 January 2014

Auld Lang Syne IV


To the beach!



                   We spent five nights in this super nice condo at Orange Beach, Alabama



Spacious with all the amenities - we were ready to move in for good!
























The weather was chilly, but there was a slightly heated pool . . .


and a nicely heated hot tub.






Somebody was nice enough to leave the perfect pool toys.









Warming up






Who doesn't love to color?


















Our condo was on the 26th floor so there was quite a view.



Ross and Hannah












Jim, Randi, Norma Grace and Frazier










A day in Destin included some after-Christmas bargain shopping and most importantly, 
a trip to the Donut Hole!




McGuire's Irish Pub!



I drove :)



McGuire's is famous for this . . .


so we added a few of our own.









Our attempts at getting a picture of the kids and grandkids :)










Becky sent these sparklers along with a lot of other fabulous things.



I'm not sure which children she had in mind . . .



but our children enjoyed them very much.



Ah, to do it all again.