At first the atmosphere (and weather) here was a little abrasive compared mediterranean Barcelona, but coming on day 2 here I'm beginning to re-appreciate what Brussels' atmosphere has to offer. Actively hearing several languages at any given time. Being able to communicate effortlessly with the people around me. (Although this could also be just yet another reason to improve my Spanish) The upbeat music with a techno and hip-hop twist that seems to be playing at every café and corner. What I don't miss is how plugged in everyone seems to be here. You can definitely feel if not visibly see the difference in community, or lack thereof. In Brussels everyone seems to be walking in their own little world, always listening to an mp3 player or texting or talking on the phone. In Barcelona, this isn't the norm. Most people are engaged in lively conversations, lounging on corners or terraces, or reading a book waiting to get their stop.
Haha. This blog is definitely getting an unbiased perspective. Or a choppy one. Depends how you see it. The first paragraph, (or sentence) was written a few hours after I arrived. The second while taking a break from CV writing this morning. And this one, after finishing a delicious Italian focaccia panini and sparkling green tea this afternoon before my orthodontist appointment.
Yes, on that note, this current trip to Brussels has made me aware of certain European habits I've picked up in the last few years. For starters, the appreciation of sparkling water or tea. I now find that there is indeed a time and a place when I prefer them. The weather tolerance. Last night I caught myself wishing I'd brought my mitts and thick red scarf. Even my thicker coat once. It was a little less than 10C outside. Stairs. I no longer wish for escalators and elevators everywhere. I'm quite content by-passing the elevator and walking the 4 flights of stairs to get to my 2nd floor room at the hostel. I'm also now quite content to walk ~20mins somewhere. This seems like a distance not worthy of even public transit. Showers that are mounted shoulder length. I have actually come to prefer them over North American height ones. It seems to be cozier for some reason.
I have retained however my fondness for large quantities of tea or coffee, these little 50-150ml cups are NOT enough, and travel mugs to carry said quantities with me everywhere. As well as my sense of distance travelling. The 6 hours door to door from Barcelona to Brussels I found quite pleasant.
I find myself noticing a lot of things on this trip. As if my cerebral self had gone on vacation (or rather in to hiding) for a while (most likely to leave more brain space to cope with the CELTA and everything that came with the last month), and is only now re-awakening. That is after a final attack on the remaining brain cells this past weekend celebrating the end of the course. I feel like things have finally started to fall in to place. Life wise. By this all-encompassing umbrella term, I mean in regard to my sense of self, emotionally, my place in the world, my skills, my goals, my awareness of the people in my life and the people around me. It's a nice feeling. Now if only I could stop being so damn poor, maybe get to the poverty line or minimum wage living or something, things would be perfect.
Post Script
Day 3 in Brussels and I still have yet to publish this blog. My bus to my plane doesn't leave until 17h30 and right now I'm in the hostel common room waiting for my new Aussie buddy and Brazilian guys to wake up. My recently created TEFL version of my CV is finally complete and waiting to be sent out. And the removal date for my braces has been set for May 2nd at 13h. yay. :)
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