Brussels to Brussels (creative title pending…)

I know I've talked about this strange coincidence that I'm from a place called Brussels. And now I live in a place called Brussels once again. (If you're bored already, I suggest searching youtube videos of "Flight of the Conchords". If interested, read on). This ironic town-name keeps coming up in conversation, like it's somehow a scripted theme that the witty writers of my screenplay life keep coming back to. So I'm going to humor them by thinking another thought or two. What have I got to lose?

Also, I'm thinking about entering a travel-blog contest through DeepTravelers.org (I could win $500)

Brussels to Brussels (People, Places & Food)

Brussels, Belgium – the capital of the European Union & cultural melting pot. Population: 1.4 million (over 30% composed of expats).

Brussels, Wisconsin – the oldest Belgian settlement in the United States of America. Population: 1,112 (98% of pop. composed of Caucasians).

Now, if you were me, how would you explain that you’re living in Brussels (the big one in Belgium) and that you’re really from Brussels (the little one in the US)? Oh yeah, and remember, you don’t speak French yet…or Dutch/Flemish…or German, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese… last time I checked, even my English needed some work.

Well, I guess I’ve got some explaining to do. How did I get to this beautifully diverse city smack dab in the middle of Europe? I traveled here of course! It all started like all good stories do: when I was a young boy, born and raised in a small town in Door County, WI—a town famous for Door County Cherries, fresh cheese curds, and more shoreline than any county in the United States. That being said, the number of people that visit this quaint, little tourist attraction on a yearly basis still doesn’t add up to the number of full-time residents living in Brussels, Belgium. So what makes Brussels, WI so great? I’ll tell you.

The people. I have a fondness in my heart for towns with fascinating people. I love Brussels, WI for the people, the stories, the food, the earth, the possibilities, the view, and the cheese curds! In my short 24 years on this great planet I have done my fair share of traveling. And one thing I know is that people, including yours truly, love food! I have found that some of my most enjoyable traveling memories consist of me, a few close friends or family members, a good view and quality food. Much can be said of a window view at one of Door County’s enchanting shoreline restaurants. Or how about a picnic amidst the hussle n bussle of Frisbees, canine companions and waffle-selling trucks in a sunny Boits de la Cambre in Brussels, Belgium (One of my favorite green spots in the city if you haven’t been!). Give me food and a view and I am happy. Merci beaucoup. Muchas Gracias. I mean, thank you. And yeah, don’t forget the people.

Last night, after soaking up the Belgian sun, I called a few expat friends living here in Brussels to meet up. Together we enjoyed a few Westmalle Tripples, in the proper glasses of course, before heading off to Av. des Courses 27 for an evening of music and socializing. On arrival I looked up to read the hand-painted sign “Sans Souci Social Cloub.” And for those of you who may find a translation useful (as I did): “No Worries Social Club.” Simple enough venue—not really a club at all, but the basement of a dance studio and living space. The home of Adrian, Nicolas, and [tie-died hippie friend with cute nose piercing]. Excuse the missing name as I just met her last night and by this time in the night we were more concerned with the quality of music and beer than remembering each other’s foreign names so we smiled and kissed gently on the cheek. It was clearly a “No Worries” gathering of friends to enjoy good music, dancing, beer drinking, laughing and stories.

The entertainer was a beautiful, young Belgian woman who sang and told stories through poetic monologue and dramatic facial expressions. Her voice was sweet and sinister enough to compliment the clever accompanist leaning effortlessly against the wall. Quite a dynamic pairing these two were. Song after story, the space filled with laughter and sincere applause. I was glad to be present on the hard, cold basement floor, to be part of an authentic night of French wit and musical comedy. I was surprised to find myself quite comfortable in this French-speaking setting, maybe the most at ease I’ve been thus far in my 10 weeks in Brussels. I wonder if I’ll ever forget the faces of my new friends sitting next to me on the floor. We smiled and brought each other beers for the ensuing hours. There was an unspoken appreciation for what we were experiencing, part of this unique Belgian culture, rich in stories, brews, and generosity. Give me food and give me a view. And don’t forget the beer and kind-hearted people, si vous plea. J

So that’s why I’ve traveled to Brussels, Belgium from Brussels, Wisconsin. Maybe it’s sort of a simple story now that I sit back and read it myself. But isn’t it nice to reflect and feel content with the simple things around us? The people, the stories, you’ve heard it before…

I have embraced the differences. I have been surprised by the similarities. And I continue to thoroughly enjoy eating as much as humanly possible. I’ve always been a fan of irony and coincidence so I think it is fair to say that is has been quite a trip living in a different city with the same small-town name.