Thank You Brussels

With just 5 days left in this amazing place, I’m feeling torn.  On one hand I’m more than ready to go home.  I’m ready to hear my sweet horse’s nicker, hug my family and boyfriend, see my amazing friends, and go to the beach.  On the other hand, I’m going to miss cappuccinos and croissants, cocktail dates at LIB, fabulous dinners at Kokob, and most of all, my host family.  Brussels, you’ve quickly become my second home.

Like I said in my very first post, I was terrified to do this, but thank God I did.  I studied the European Union IN Europe and went to cities that I otherwise never would have known existed, like Gent.  I rode some pretty incredible young horses and made some forever friends.

I not only experienced Belgian culture in day to day life, but also I had the opportunity to get to know some Moroccan culture. I celebrated the end of Ramadan, got to know my host family’s extended family, sipped tea from beautiful, ornate glasses, and had my fill of traditional pastries and sweets.  I spoke French with family members who were more than patient with me and my many errors, and got to know the two amazing kids I’ve been living with, who are not only poised and kind, but also are already so worldly at such a young age.

I explored Paris all by myself before meeting up with another family member, who showed me the more local parts of the city.  I attended a horse show at Champ de Mars under the Eiffel Tower where I watched my idols compete on a drizzly Parisian afternoon.  I feel like I really gained a sense of self on this trip, learned more about my own culture from a different perspective, and became even more determined to continue my French studies when I return to the States.

This was easily one of the best experiences I could have asked for, and I highly recommend studying abroad to anyone who’s thinking about trying it.  Take the risk, do a home stay, branch out, and you may be surprised what all you learn.

“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere.  That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” -Miriam Adeney

À la prochaine, Bruxelles.