2005-07-14

I’m fairly excited about my trip to Belgium tomorrow, although I keep forgetting I’m going. Yesterday one of my colleagues asked me if I was looking forward to my holiday, and I said, “What? Oh, right! Woo, Belgium!” which came out sounding sarcastic even though I hadn’t meant it to. “Woo, Belgium” is just not a convincing phrase. “Woo” destinations are, like, Barcelona! Or Amsterdam! Woo! Yeah! “Belgium” just doesn’t have the same breathy air of decadence and excitement.

However, in certain contexts, the word “Belgium” is in fact very gratifying. For instance, a few minutes ago one of my directors asked me if I’d be minuting a task force meeting on Monday. I shook my head sadly. “Belgium,” I said. I like this as an excuse: just “Belgium” on its own, with no context. Belgium could be responsible for all manner of things! “Hey, Robin, how’s that report coming along?” “Well…you know. Belgium.” The word somehow conveys a sense of morose inevitability, yet at the same time remains vaguely ridiculous. Can Barcelona say that? I think not.

And a parting shot from Glenn: “Remember, Belgian kisses are just like French kisses, only with more phlegm.” Woo!