Have Bag, Will Travel: Brussels

Last semester I studied abroad in the wonderful city of Brussels in Belgium. Before going I didn't know much about the small country, and after living there for four months, I can't imagine ever not knowing about it.

Beligum has a diverse history and culture. Essentially known as the "battleground of Europe" during both world wars, Belgium's atmosphere is very different from the U.S's. Not as keen on celebrating nationalism and split down the middle in terms of language, it's a country that keeps you guessing.

There are so many things I love about Brussels. It's complexity. It's multiple languages because of the EU's prominent seat in the country and just the city itself. It's big enough to be a major European capital but small enough to get around, sometimes even just by walking. There's culture there - with many museums including my favorite the history of music museum.

While living there, I worked at Reuters TV. Covering breaking news, I was all over the EU circuit during one of the most interesting times in Europe. The aftermath of Charlie Hebdo was prominent, and the crisis in Ukraine and Greece dominated the news cycle.

Brussels is stunning, even though I was mostly caught up in the rain and wind. There would be a few days from Jan. to April when the sun would come out and all would rejoice. Regardless of gray weather, Brussels always has something to do, whether it's the vintage market the first Sunday of the month or the multitude of small cafe bars in the hipster part of town to the gold movie theater to the royal greenhouses.

My favorite time in Brussels is Sundays. Unlike in the states, everything shuts down. There are only a select amount of stores open, and depending on the weather, all is quiet and the streets are almost deserted. It’s a quiet day full of exploring, perusing the markets for oysters, champagne, flowers and produce. It's a day to walk along the lake's edges as families take their time soaking up the sunshine and young couples relax on one another's shoulders. Sundays in Brussels are a breath of fresh air after the hectice work week.

Brussels is a city that keeps you guessing. It's a city that always has something to do, but you'll never really know what it's all about. Brussels is an enigma, a beautiful enigma.