Beginning to Belong in Brussels
About the author: Nick Kingsley ’20 is a TEC Undergraduate Intern at Bruegel in Brussels, Belgium. Nick is currently a Stanford undergraduate majoring in political science.
The first couple weeks of my brief stint here in Brussels have been very exciting in a paradoxically prosaic way. Discovering the wonderful nuances of existing on one’s own in a new city has been a rewarding learning experience. These discoveries are rarely enthralling or traditionally ‘blog-post-worthy,’ but, I think, do get at the real value of the incredible opportunity to live and work in a new and foreign city. I have learned, for example, that many people living in Brussels are, in fact, not Belgian at all. I have learned that you can only purchase a metro pass if you have your passport; that trash is picked up on Sundays and recycling on Tuesdays; that even though my street is technically pedestrian-only, cars often audaciously squeeze through its narrow sides. It is an awareness of these idiosyncrasies that really defines a place — that makes it something more than just another destination passed through.
Brussels, of course, is wonderful for more than these unique quirks. The diverse culture, amalgamation of architecture styles, and famous waffles make it so much more than just the seat of the European Parliament. My sister, who was studying in Spain for the summer, came to visit and propelled me into a hectic weekend of seeing everything we could of what Brussels has to offer. The weekend took us to the site of the 1958 World Fair, several churches, and various museums. Our travels were punctuated with frequent stops at the many “frites” stands scattered around the city — the French fry, it turns out, is a Belgian invention. My photos capture some highlights of these travels. Most striking, perhaps, was the Museum of Musical Instruments. Located in an ornate, Art Nouveau building, the museum boasts a collection of over 8,000 instruments from truly all over the world. The audio guide offers no commentary, but instead allows you to listen to the unique sound of each instrument.
Needless to say I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Brussels thus far. Much of this time, of course, has been devoted to work. I have been struck by the relaxed and equable nature of the office environment — a departure from my preconceptions about the realities of working life. I look forward to exploring more and continuing to learn!
