They are incredibly energy conscious here - from water, electricity, heating, widespread recycling, fuel efficiency.
By the same token, you can not get tap water in restaurants. Buying bottled water all of the time seems to contradict the environmental theme.
Much higher gas prices here (2-3X the US), but also much higher gas mileage.
The death penalty is a moral abomination.
Gay marriage is legal, and not just in some states.
You have to belong to a hunting club to have a gun.
You are fined if you don't vote.
Violent crime is less frequent here, but there is more petty theft.
You have to pay to go to the bathroom. I did not factor this into my budget (all 30 eurocents).
Instead of learning each other's languages, the Flemish (Belgian Dutch) speaking people and the Francophone (French-speaking) people will often be able to converse only in English.
Most written things here are only in French or Flemish, and sometimes English. The one English-only sign I saw was in a touristy cafe for "Garbage" and "Recycle." Presumably only tourists would need instructions.
In a store where no employees speak English, Ke$ha or lady gaga will be playing.
One of the most famous statues in Brussels is of a little boy peeing.
There is a dish of raw meat here called "Filet Americain." Unsuspecting American tourists will often order it mistaking it for American meat.
There are no bags in supermarkets. You must buy reusable bags. You look pitiful right now, DC bag tax.
Dogs are welcome in many cafes and shopping centers.
Instead of "working out" you "fitness" (verb).
If you say "peu" it means you speak a little French. If you accidently say "peur" it means you are afraid of French. My subconscious often makes me say "peur."
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