Since I was selected as an EIT Digital Ambassador, I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop in the main location of the organization, the European capital Brussels. Although it was only for 3.5 days in total, I was positively surprised, especially since it was my first time in Belgium. Arriving at Brussels Airport in the afternoon, a gloomy Thursday awaited me. A little later I arrived in the city center and it started to rain. But that didn't stop me from exploring the city center a bit and I treated myself to the famous fries with the popular Andalouse sauce at Friterie Tabora. Expected good, but not earth-shattering, since in the end they are only fries 😅. The city center, was pretty and although I have not been to France for a long time, it gave me the France vibes. Probably also because of all the Carrefour's supermarkets. But I just have seen a glimpse of the city, more to explore in the next few days. At the end of the first day, I went to a bar where a few Ambassadors wanted to meet in advance and wow, the corner around Delirium is the place to be.
The next day I had the workshop where we had to take photos in different places of the city in the afternoon. This was of course a good way to explore Brussels a bit more. I was actually impressed by the presence of the European Union and its massive buildings like the European Commision, Parc du Cinquantenaire or the European Parliament. Not bad, I have to admit. In the evening, the Ambassadors met again in a larger group this time. First to eat fries at probably the most famous snack bar Fritland, followed by a bar visit at the even more crowded Delirium, followed where by a visit at Latino club after midnight. In fact, I had a really good time there, because the people were very open, but also because they were more into networking and exchanging. Thanks goes out to the other Ambassador 🫶🏽.
Saturday was also reserved to explore Brussels more and luckily the sun was shining. I first headed to the Parlamentarium, the museum of the European Union, which is interactive and well designed. Via the district of Ixelles, where a Uniqlo was waiting for me, I went to the Mont des Arts which shone in beautiful splendor thanks to the broad daylight. After that I took the train to Ghent. The train travel was actually uncomplicated and the ticket could be also spontaneously bought at the machine.
In Ghent I spent the evening and the next half day. My conclusion? Ghent is a small fine city, but was enough for me for one day haha. There is one or two canals flowing through the city, which is quite cute. The city center offers some nice spots, like churches, bars, narrow streets, bridges and a castle, but well, what did I expect. In the hostel I fortunately met a group that make their Erasmus in Amsterdam and also wanted to make a side trip to Ghent. With them I had then a very cool evening. The next day I explored the castle and the rest of the city but it unfortunately rained the whole Sunday which has made the whole experience not as pleasant as hoped. I left early to go to Charleroi Airport and I can already say to my future self: Don't take a bus from Gent to Charleroi again.
Overall, the short trip to Belgium was a nice experience. I was positively surprised by Brussels and their waffles & fries culture and maybe I will have the opportunity in the future to spend a few days in Belgium again. Thanks to EIT Digital for making this trip possible ❤️.