February 23-25, 2020
February 23, 2020
I stood in the long line, passport in hand. As I inched closer to the security checkpoint, I began to shrug my backpack off my shoulders, readying myself for the inspection. To my surprise, the security guards didn’t instruct me to open my backpack or my small suitcase. Other than a basic metal detector that we had to walk through, the security seemed quite lax. I suppose, as an American, I’ve come to associate more complicated security protocols with crossing a national border. But here, people cross national borders regularly, some even on a daily basis.
Our study abroad program was about to board a train that would take us to Brussels, Belgium to begin our week-long study trip. After a few days in Brussels, we would head next to Paris to finish the week and reward us with a free weekend in the famous capital city.
After hours on the train, and a brief transfer in Paris, Brussels greeted us with gray skies and the pitter-patter of rain. With a sigh, our group speed-walked through the drizzling city to our small hotel. Having deposited our luggage in the rooms, a smaller group of us set out to fill our stomachs.
If you had asked me even hours ago what I would want to have for dinner, “mussels” would not have been my answer – simply because I wouldn’t have thought it to be an option. But at the Chez Leon, our little group ended up ordering a variety of styles of mussels – deep-fried, with cheese, plain by the bucket, and more. And my goodness it was delicious. I had had my misgivings – a plate full of seafood in a new city hadn’t exactly been at the top of my bucket list – but I was more than satisfied. The Belgians have definitely perfected this dish.
Feeling entirely satisfied but now craving dessert, we wandered out of the restaurant in search of something sweet. As we rounded the corner, a crowd of people drew our attention, and we soon found ourselves in the center of Grand Place. What a sight! The buildings on all sides of the courtyard were lit up with ever-changing lights, from blue to purple, yellow to red. The town hall and other buildings were, on their own, beautiful and elegant. It would have been wonderful to be able to see the famous Flower carpet – but that’s in August.
I stood staring for a good while, and after taking enough time to take a plethora of pictures, we set out to look for dessert, again. I think it was our noses that found the waffle house first. There was still a line, despite it being later in the evening, and the variety of options on the menu were impressive. I got a classic Belgian Waffle – and I can definitely see why waffles are so famous here. The taste was rich and sugary, but thick – very filling! On the walk back to the hotel, I spotted a number of restaurants and shops that I made a mental note to return to.
February 24, 2020
After the build-up before this trip about our visit to the European Union Commission, I must admit it was a bit anti-climactic. The lectures we heard were informative and interesting enough, but not quite… engaging.
We briefly dropped by the Belgian Palace – it was regal, for sure, although I don’t think I appreciated it as much as I normally would have, what with the near-pouring rain… Convincing my friend that it was definitely normal to try Korean food for the first time in Brussels (of course it was!), we headed to Kimchi House, the KBBQ place I had been eyeing the night before. Definitely not the cheapest or the best BBQ I’ve had – after all, I’ve grown up in LA’s Koreatown, quite spoiled – but it was Korean food! And KBBQ! And it had been so many months since I’ve had it. I enjoyed not only the food but sharing it with my friend – would recommend!
And of course, what is the point in finishing lunch ahead of schedule if we didn’t get dessert? Round 2 at the Waffle House – tried a wafflini this time. A wafflini is basically a waffle sandwich – and I chose to insert strawberries and white chocolate between the two waffle “slices”. Sugary delight. And so cheap, too! While I’ve definitely realized that the prices for meals in Geneva is expensive compared to what I’m used to, the comparison really drove this realization home – everything is so much cheaper here!
Later that night – after a much-needed nap – we headed out again for another glimpse of the Grand Place. I really don’t think I’ll get sick of staring at the shifting lights. Ah and we also grabbed the well-known fries, hot from the pan – crispy and exactly the right amount of salt and sodium for a night out.
As per the recommendation and urging of my lovely French teacher back in Geneva, a group of us headed to Delirium Bar. I don’t particularly enjoy drinking, but since we were in Brussels, I figured I needed to at least try the beer. And I ordered probably one of the fruitiest options on the menu – Floris Apple… and was very pleasantly surprised. It was very good! Fizzy with the sweet apple flavor covering up the bitterness of the beer itself.
February 25
My Brussels adventure can be summed up with the meals I had. Today was Pho for lunch (I really missed my Asian food!) and mussels, one more time before leaving at the La Maree. Excellent, again. And the service was amazing here – our server was amazingly sweet and attentive. Oh, and of course, I can’t forget the bucket-load of chocolate truffles I purchased… If I was leaving for Geneva on a flight, I would’ve had to make sure my suitcase didn’t exceed the weight restrictions.
After a quick stop at Delirium one more time, I chose to turn in fairly early – after all, tomorrow, we’ll be in Paris!