"I've Never Seen That Before", The Sequel

Back in March, I wrote a little post regarding some things that I thought were new and unusual here in Belgium. I have been meaning to add a few new things that I have found since then, that has struck me as unique, unusual or just plain weird...

Fresh Bread Vending Machines












All over Belgium (usually adjoined to a bakery), you will see these cool vending machines that dispense fresh bread.

The "Mother" of all vending machines












The local Esso station has, what has got to be, one of the most complete vending machines I ever saw. This one is basically a 7-11 store, without the attendant...

For the soccer mom who has everything...












Being a car-guy, I see alot of unique and different vehicles out here in Europe. But none has caught my eye as much as this Rolls Royce Station Wagon - in Pink pearl, no less...

A few other interesting customs in the workplace:

Birthday Email Announcements:
Almost every week, I get an email at work from someone (most of the time, someone I don't know) that is announcing his/her birthday to all of their colleagues in the company. Usually the e-mail announces that today is their special day, states the age they have reached, and invites everyone to stop by their desk/department for cake or sweets that they have brought in themselves! I guess in Belgium, besides having to endure being another year older, you have to buy your own birthday treats!!!

New Colleague Welcome Lunch:
When a new colleague joins the department, someone will send an invitation to everyone to join in on a "welcome" lunch for the new member. However, the newbie must pay for all the drinks for the group, which can amount to a substantial amount. (In Belgium, it's perfectly acceptable to order beers, wine, cocktails, etc. for lunch) A nice way to blow your first paycheck on your new "freeloading" workmates...

Ray