An American Abroad @daniellezta - Tumblr Blog

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How to end my chronicle of the last five(ish) years in Belgium? The most fitting way I can think of is with a bittersweet reflection, as that’s how I feel about leaving…

Bitter? Well, sad really. Sad to leave my charming apartment. Sad to leave my friends. Sad to leave my life and routine… my local Carrefour 100 meters away, my friendly nail salon, infinite running trails, favorite beers, and the endless weekend getaway locations within 2-3 hours.

Sweet? Change always brings new opportunities. New circumstances to make the most of. New possibilities to stretch myself, learn new things, and explore. While I’m a bit nervous about the severity of the winters in Toronto, I’m excited to explore the food scene and the culture of the biggest city in Canada.

After visiting 28 European countries, I can honestly say two things with certainty:

1. I truly made the most of my time in Europe exploring new places and cultures, and…

2. Grand Place is the most beautiful, picturesque town square in Europe. Period.

What I’ll remember most about the quirky country I’ve called home since 2014 is how, once I lowered my expectations on convenience and learned to take advantage of the sun on the rare occasions it was out, I enjoyed an amazing quality of life and met some truly amazing people.

Reflecting on these amazing people is the most fitting way I can think of to close this chapter of my life. These final pictures are of the many who came out for an amazing last hoorah. Live music from Leandro near the cozy fireplace at Ram Dam, all while enjoying delicious Rochefort 8’s and chatting with these lovely people was a fantastic cherry on top of an experience I’ll always cherish.

Thanks for everything, Belgium. Until we see each other again! Xx

So many amazing memories in this place! 🇧🇪After five years, it was difficult to leave... 😢

But really just sad...

Candid pic of my last apartment entrance courtesy of mom. So happy sad.

I said vaarwel and au revoir to my Mercedes. It reliably got me to and from work for four years, and led me on road trips to Germany, Amsterdam, France, and all across Belgium. It was the car that helped me to improve my manual driving skills which I’ll forever value.

That said, I’m looking forward to going back to an SUV. 😬

Speechless over my last “speechless” brunch from Peck 20, another favorite spot. Poached eggs, fried chicken, bacon, waffles... there’s a lot to love. 😊

Another proper #runsploring goodbye to my all time Brussels favorite, Duden Park. While not huge, it’s bendy, tree-lined, hilly trails were the perfect spot for my regular morning runs and hill repeats. ☺️

What to do with all my spare change collected over the years? I thought I’d deposit it in the bank as mom had counted about 40€ in all. However, when I went for what I thought would be a quick stop, I learned there was already a queue that I’d need to wait in. I’d be the fourth person, and it was NOT moving. (Abort!)

So instead I donated this lovely bag of coinage to the man I deemed most worthy on my walk home. Under the condition of no tobacco or alcohol and a significant amount of eye contact to reinforce me seriousness, I relinquished the bag. I didn’t see him posted up at his spot when walking that way later so have chosen to assume he was already putting it to good use to feed and clothe his family. 🤞🏼😬

I attempted a moving sale. Don’t think it’s really a standard thing in Belgium. 😕

Facebook Marketplace helped me get rid of some. The rest went to my cleaner, Sarah, and goodwill (Les Petits Reins).

Poor stuffed Hunty got soapy from some delinquent shampoo. 🤣 We had to make him shower at the Pental Hotel, where mom, me, and the kitties stayed for three nights while closing out apartment and moving details.

Too fast... 😭

The move got real, real fast. 😥

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