Nowadays, you can go on Instagram and Facebook and see countless people chasing the European dream. For me, my European aspirations have been more of a well-laid plan, born from pure wanderlust. This “Wanderlust Ignited” post nostalgically revisits the adventure that sparked my passion for Europe and set me on the path to making it my home.
Every journey begins with a single step but is paved with many choices. My journey to a new life in Europe began with a trip to Belgium. Growing up, my house often hosted individuals from around the world. My mother placed exchange students in a program in our county, and through them, I heard tales of far-off homes in Paris, Madrid, Hong Kong, and more. This was the first thread attached to my dream of moving abroad. I loved trying the dishes they’d make and the traditions they’d share during our typical holidays. This background of cultural exchange and culinary adventures fueled my wanderlust and set me on a path to explore the world. For me, it was a journey where wanderlust ignited at every turn.
Setting the Scene:
Wanderlust Ignited the travel bug runs deep
As the plane touched down in Brussels, a rush of excitement and anticipation surged through me. This was my first trip to Europe, yet my love for travel runs deep in my veins. My family was big on travel, taking epic road trips, including more than one from Georgia to Washington State.
After my father passed away, we ventured on two cruises, fulfilling a dream he had for us before he fell ill. He instilled in me the importance of living life to the fullest and chasing your dreams.
Originally, Belgium was supposed to be a trip for my mother and me, but she passed away before our departure. Knowing she would have wanted me to go, my sister and I made the journey together.
Both my parents nurtured and raised a curious, go-getter of a human. Belgium, my first European gem, is a country I’ve explored twice more since that initial trip. Today, I jokingly tell myself I mustn’t plan another visit until I’ve explored a few other destinations. Little did I know, this trip would change my life forever.
Wanderlust Ignited: First Impressions
Getting into the city, I was immediately struck by the unique blend of old-world charm and modern energy that defines Brussels. The city’s stunning architecture was drastically different from back home. The buildings’ diverse grandeur and intricate details captivated me, even if I couldn’t pinpoint the styles then. But I fell in love.
Back home, we often demolish the old to make way for progress, preserving only fragments of the past. Brussels was the opposite, seamlessly blending history with modernity, and this contrast left a strong impression on me.
My sister, tired from the journey, wanted to take a nap when we first arrived at our accommodations. I, on the other hand, was full of energy and eager to explore the narrow streets of the city. Reluctantly, she allowed her sixteen-year-old sister to venture out, with the promise that I wouldn’t go too far!
Our hotel opened up on a little square. The sights, sounds, and houses were all full of character. It felt like a scene from a movie: pigeons flew by, a church bell chimed in the distance, and people speaking in various languages strolled along.
I left the hotel and walked in a circle around the area. Then, I grabbed some iconic fries with mayo and sat in the square to people-watch before heading back inside. Everything seemed peaceful and serene within a bustling city, and it left me enchanted.
Brussels’ Captivating Lure
Brussels has a way of igniting your wanderlust. Its unique blend of historic monuments and iconic architectural landmarks, paired with mouthwatering food options, creates an irresistible allure.
My wanderlust ignited at the sight of the iconic square, the Grand Place, where I was awed by the opulent guildhalls and the intricate details of the Town Hall. This 360-degree square is epic both day and night and serves as the epicenter for the best waffles, just a few paces from the Mannequin Pis, the statue with the most costumes in the world.
Wandering through the streets, or even getting a bit lost, leads to hidden gems like the Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert, where you can shop or indulge in sweet Belgian chocolates.
You must try the moules-frites (mussels and fries), a culinary delight. I only made the pun “mussels in Brussels” a couple of times to my unamused sister.
Bruges, a Picturesque Fairy Tale I could live in
Next, I ventured to Bruges, a city that felt like stepping into a fairy tale. This was a time before Instagram, so I hadn’t seen pictures of Bruges before traveling there.
Needless to say, with its serene canals winding through cobblestoned streets, this quaint place is the epitome of breathtakingly picturesque. The medieval buildings and windmills on a hill by an old city gate created a magical atmosphere.
We took a boat ride through the canals, setting our eyes on the beauty of Quai du Rosaire, visited the Belfry, and enjoyed a peaceful afternoon watching the swans in Minnewater Park.
Bruges was where I realized the beauty of small squares where locals gathered and talked for hours. Life slowed down, and they seemed to savor each moment. Although I was a tourist, I felt immersed—or maybe just intrigued enough to feel like I belonged in such a place.
Another Key Experience
Perspectives shifted, A Day trip to Amsterdam & The Tulip Fields
One of the highlights of my trip was a spontaneous day trip to Amsterdam and the nearby tulip fields. The vibrant streets of Amsterdam, with their picturesque canals and historic buildings, provided a delightful contrast to the serene beauty of the tulip fields.
Amsterdam is home to the Anne Frank House—a must-see—and countless museums, including the Van Gogh Museum (my personal favorite). It’s also famous for many other things. However, during this visit, I was just sixteen, so I had a tamer Amsterdam experience.
We took a walking tour through the city’s iconic districts, including the Red Light District, which represented unrestrained freedom and openness in my opinion. Nothing felt taboo or stifled, as it can be in the States.
Next up were the tulip fields. The bus ride was memorable, though lacking air conditioning and reminiscent of the humid Georgia heat. The journey was worth it when the fields’ vibrant colors emerged. Although walking deep into the fields is discouraged to protect the tulips, the sight of endless stretches of color was breathtaking.
Wanderlust Ignited: The Realizations
As I explored Belgium and the Netherlands, I felt a growing connection to their distinct cultures. Belgium, with its mosaic of languages, stunning architecture, and mouth-watering culinary scene, contrasted beautifully with Amsterdam’s bold openness and progressive vibe.
It was in the in-between moments, between tours and just sitting on terraces with my sister, people-watching. Whether these times were serene or crowded with the buzz of city life, my desire to learn more about these captivating places deepened. Did the people here truly live at this slowed-down pace, seamlessly balancing work and entertainment? The proverbial “work hard, but live big” ethos was something I wanted to experience for myself.
Decision to Move
The trip opened my eyes to the possibilities and ignited a passion for new experiences. When I returned home, I had the unshakeable feeling that I had left a part of myself in Europe. I knew, perhaps even before getting back, that my future was there. The decision to move was certain; the only question was how. That, I shall cover in another edition of a Wanderlust diary post.
Dreams are often thought of in an imaginative and whimsical state, unless we give them structure. I knew I would move to Europe in the future, and my next steps—like college—would need to facilitate those ambitions. Yet, as we know, not all paths are linear, and I can surely say there were twists.
Looking Back: Personal Insights and Advice
Looking back, my trip to Belgium was more than just a vacation; it was a revelation. It was where my wanderlust ignited and where I realized I wanted to plant roots. The experiences, the people, and the places I discovered inspired me to follow my heart and move to Europe.
I encourage you to take the time for small trips, staycations, or even a simple stroll in your backyard. Reflect on where your hopes and dreams stand. If they’ve fallen by the wayside, what motivation is needed to reignite that drive and focus to make those dreams a reality?
I was deeply tethered to my family, having lost my parents just two years apart. I often buried my grief to avoid drawing attention, as we had all lost so much. In Belgium, I felt their presence and saw them in the experiences I had. I could almost hear their voices commenting on my adventures.
The trip was both an inspiration and a reminder of the values my parents instilled in me: a love for culture and new experiences. I hope my story encourages you to take that leap and chase your dreams, wherever they may lead.
