Belgium

Graslei Canal, Ghent

“Disculpa, por dónd-” I stopped myself, realizing the language I’ve been using to communicate with on a daily basis in Madrid would no longer be effective where I had just landed.

People say your first solo trip is empowering, and I would have to agree wholeheartedly. Since I moved to Spain, I knew I wanted to venture out on my own, but wasn’t sure when or where. Despite longing to travel to a different country since my arrival here, I was ironically resisting the idea, and therefore had put off making a decision of me. I knew it would require a bit more planning, but it would also be more rewarding in the end.

About three weeks ago I booked my flight and last weekend I traveled to Belgium. There are certain places I feel called to visit, and this was one that had been on my list. Before the trip I gathered recommendations from friends and began loosely mapping out an itinerary, knowing it would of course change upon arrival. I stayed in Brussels the first night, and then Ghent the following two nights, while also taking a day trip to Bruges. Seeing three cities in two days was a lot, but definitely feasible, considering their small size.

The first day, I walked to the city center from my hostel and joined a free walking tour. It was actually in Spanish. Our tour guide told us about the commercial and political history of Brussels, and gave us recommendations for waffles, beer and chocolate, Belgium’s must-tries.

In the afternoon, I took a train to Ghent, a smaller city northwest of Brussels.The ride was just under 40 minutes. Walking to the city center, I admired the Belfry Tower and the ornate gothic cathedrals. I spent a few hours exploring the center and wandering along the canal. The buildings and the bridge, with the towers in the background, looked like something out of a storybook. Since the sun sets early now, I was lucky to see the sky change colors over the canal. Once it was dark, I found a coffee shop tucked away on a side street where I stopped for some hot chocolate and to warm up a bit.

The following day I spent a few more hours seeing Ghent and then took a train to Bruges, an even smaller city northwest of Ghent. I have been yearning to see a Christmas market and I had just found out the previous day that the Christmas market was up and running in Bruges! I was really excited to experience the holiday magic in a different country. I went to Bruges without a plan because part of me just felt like wandering and seeing where the afternoon would take me. It did not disappoint!

I found The Old Chocolate House, an adorable chocolate shop with a tea room upstairs, which had been a recommendation from a local. I made my way upstairs and immediately felt the warmth of the room. It was dimly lit, with older lamps mounted to the walls, black and white photos tastefully scattered. Miles Davis jazz music was playing and a Christmas tree was aglow in the corner. Looking out the stained glass windows in front of me, I felt calm and comforted, which is one of the best feelings to experience while traveling, especially on your own. I ordered a salted caramel hot chocolate. They brought out a cup of hot milk, about the size of a bowl, and then a smaller cup filled with chocolate and caramel pieces, which I poured into the steaming cup, whisking it all together. It was amazing. Belgium is a chocolate-lover’s dream!

Once it was dark, I made my way to the very center of the city, where there was a beautiful Christmas tree lit, white lights draped above and extending outward. It was very crowded - families wandered the cobblestone streets with their children and dogs. I strolled past vendors, gazing at booths strung with decorations and glowing with lights. Despite the crowd, I felt like I was in my own world, in awe of the lights and the magic of the moment.

I am so happy I went to Belgium. I learned to be more sure of myself and more patient. Traveling in general has its obstacles and when you’re on your own, you have no one to rely on but yourself. Spending time alone is good for us, too. In today’s world, we are so busy and constantly connected with others - whether in person or over technology. However on the trip, I found myself disconnecting, like when I went to coffee shops or restaurants. I just observed and enjoyed. I was present. Excited to see where the next trip takes me!