Today is my final day in Brussels. I cannot believe that this four month adventure is actually coming to an end! It has been a whirlwind trip full of challenging and amazing moments.
Last night, we went downtown to celebrate my roommate Nora's 21st birthday. We ventured to Delirium for one last time, wandered through the beautifully lit Grand Place, and danced at a local club. It was enjoyable and carefree without the stress of work and classes. I began to feel sentimental, wishing that I had taken more advantage of the beautiful city while I was here. But ultimately, I have no regrets and I am extremely grateful for all that this experience has brought me: the memories, the adventures, the new perspectives...
In honor of this being my final entry, I've compiled a list of the top 10 things that I've missed about the US and the top 10 things that I will miss about Brussels.
US Top 10
10) The PAC workout center
9) Free water at restaurants
8) Riding in a car
7) My Blackberry/texting
6) The ease of communication sans language barrier and time zone difference
5) Efficiency of banking and bureaucracy
4) American football
3) My Wardrobe
2) Starbucks/Panera/Smoothie King/Target
1) My family, friends, and pets
Brussels Top 10
10) Sunday markets
9) Daily integration of environmentally friendly options (i.e. motion-operated escalators)
8) Acceptance of dogs
7) Belgian beer
6) Fanta Zero
5) Daring fashion choices (and amaaaazing boots!)
4) Belvita chocolate cookie snacks
3) Ease of travel to other countries
2) Breathtaking view of Grand Place at night
1) My roommates
On Saturday, my internship experience came full circle when I attended an IDF Europe Board Meeting at the offices. Throughout the meeting, my supervisor Lala kindly inquired as to whether or not I was learning from the experience, and if I felt that it was worthwhile. I assured her that I was truly grateful to be invited to attend. It was interesting to see such a diverse group of professionals represented on the Board, and to listen to their input on the issue of diabetes in relation to their specific field of expertise. There are 11 Board Members from fields ranging from Management Consulting to Internal Medicine. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce them to IDF Europe and to outline their duties as Board Members. I got a unique firsthand perspective of the brainpower behind IDF's ideas and actions.
At the conclusion of the meeting, I realized just how much this experience has meant to me as the bittersweet feeling sunk in. It was hard to say goodbye to Lala. She was so welcoming and eager to share information with me about the organization. It was wonderful to connect with her on a more personal level, as well, as we discussed everything from books and movies to women's rights. I feel so fortunate to have worked with someone so passionate about not only her work, but about the world as a whole.
It's surreal to think back on all that I've accomplished over the past four months. This study abroad adventure has undoubtedly been more rewarding and challenging than I ever could have anticipated. I navigated my way through European freedom, completed a Communications internship with an International Organization, attended meetings in the European Parliament, traveled to at least 7 different countries, written articles for a NGO's global newsletter...I could go on for while, but words can't really capture all the ways that I've grown from this journey.
Less than 10 days to go? I cannot wrap my brain around it. This Brussels life that started off so strange and alien is finally my own. When I returned from Amsterdam this past weekend, I stepped out of the Maelbeek metro stop and thought, “Aaaah I’m home!” When I first arrived, I could not fathom the idea that I might come to know and, dare I say it, love the streets of Brussels, but I certainly did.
Throughout my time in Brussels, I had a recurring dream about returning back to the United States. In this dream, I only had one full day to see my family and collect my American treasures (i.e. Honey Bunches of Oats and various items from my long lost wardrobe). It was overwhelming and sad, and I would wake up in a panic. I felt like my return to America was something so far out of sight that it would never come. But now I am feeling this panicky sensation in reverse.
I have less than 10 days left in Brussels. That’s a single digit. That is so soon. Do I really have time to do everything that I’ve wanted, and soak up the last bit of this experience? Have I truly taken advantage of this amazing adventure? I’ll have time to reflect when it’s over, but for now I’ll just enjoy my Belgian chocolate.
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