It is easy to get caught up in our lives and lose sight of all the wonderful things that the world around us has to offer. It is even easier to do so when Belgium offers little to no sunlight during this time of year and my motivation to leave the confines of my small, yet heated apartment dwindles.
Last week, our professor of Intercultural Awareness in Business asked us all one simple question at the end of her lecture. "If not now, when?", and I began to think that I really do not ask myself that question enough. I easily get caught up in what I think I need to or should do. So I am working on striking a better balance of stepping back at times and just enjoying what is going on around me. It is important to remember that all we have to do is live, and there is ultimately no right or wrong way to do it. Corny, but true.
And with that notion, I went out into the world this morning with wider eyes and an open mind to enjoy a morning in Antwerp. I started out in the south of the city and went for a walk through the shops and cafes, past the city center, the cathedral and to the MAS. The MAS is a museum in the North of the city near the port that recounts the history of Belgium during the World Wars. If you aren't into history or don't have much time, I suggest you skip the lines, tickets and exhibits and simply take the escalators all the way to the top of the museum and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. It was a perfectly sunny and warm late November morning when I made it to the top and just appreciated how beautiful the city I am living in is and how lucky I am to be able to experience all that it has to offer. Another suggestion for a visit to the MAS is to enjoy a drink at one of the local bars all around the boat yard once you make your decent. Étampe is a nice wine bar directly in front of the museum that I have visited and can recommend. They served a nice chilled red wine (I know it sounds weird but it was quite nice) and I spotted some gorgeous charcuterie plates passing by as well.
In the evening, I had the pleasure to go to a Winter BBQ in Herzele, in the east of Flanders. My classmate and her family hosted a wonderful night of warm fire, drinks, friends and food in the beautiful wooded country side. It just reminded me of what an incredible country little Belgium is and how it can cater to so many different, yet equally pleasing tastes and it is these days that make me once again appreciate this bizarre little country.
Last week, our professor of Intercultural Awareness in Business asked us all one simple question at the end of her lecture. "If not now, when?", and I began to think that I really do not ask myself that question enough. I easily get caught up in what I think I need to or should do. So I am working on striking a better balance of stepping back at times and just enjoying what is going on around me. It is important to remember that all we have to do is live, and there is ultimately no right or wrong way to do it. Corny, but true.
And with that notion, I went out into the world this morning with wider eyes and an open mind to enjoy a morning in Antwerp. I started out in the south of the city and went for a walk through the shops and cafes, past the city center, the cathedral and to the MAS. The MAS is a museum in the North of the city near the port that recounts the history of Belgium during the World Wars. If you aren't into history or don't have much time, I suggest you skip the lines, tickets and exhibits and simply take the escalators all the way to the top of the museum and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. It was a perfectly sunny and warm late November morning when I made it to the top and just appreciated how beautiful the city I am living in is and how lucky I am to be able to experience all that it has to offer. Another suggestion for a visit to the MAS is to enjoy a drink at one of the local bars all around the boat yard once you make your decent. Étampe is a nice wine bar directly in front of the museum that I have visited and can recommend. They served a nice chilled red wine (I know it sounds weird but it was quite nice) and I spotted some gorgeous charcuterie plates passing by as well.
In the evening, I had the pleasure to go to a Winter BBQ in Herzele, in the east of Flanders. My classmate and her family hosted a wonderful night of warm fire, drinks, friends and food in the beautiful wooded country side. It just reminded me of what an incredible country little Belgium is and how it can cater to so many different, yet equally pleasing tastes and it is these days that make me once again appreciate this bizarre little country.