Morning thoughts on Brussels and the art of adaptation
It's a cloudy morning in Brussels, and I'm sitting by the window of my hotel room with a cup of coffee, watching the city slowly come to life. The weather forecast predicts showers later today – seems like I'll need my rain jacket again. It's currently 14°C outside, which feels almost warm compared to September mornings in Kristiansand.
I woke up earlier than planned today, around 6:30. Still adjusting to hotel beds, I suppose. After a quick shower, I ventured out to find breakfast and was pleasantly surprised to discover a small bakery just opening at 7:00. The owner seemed surprised to see a customer so early, but greeted me with a warm "Bonjour" as I entered. I managed to order a pain au chocolat and coffee in my limited French, which earned me an approving nod.
Sitting in the bakery, watching the morning commuters hurry past the window, I found myself reflecting on how quickly we adapt to new environments. Just sixteen days ago, I was nervously checking my packing list for the thousandth time, wondering if I was making a huge mistake. Now here I am, casually navigating a foreign city, ordering breakfast in a language I barely speak, and it all feels... normal.
Perhaps that's the most surprising part of this journey so far – how quickly the extraordinary becomes ordinary. Finding accommodation, navigating unfamiliar streets, deciphering menus – tasks that seemed daunting just two weeks ago are now just part of my daily routine.
After breakfast, I took a short walk around the neighborhood before returning to my hotel to plan the day. With the forecast showing showers by mid-morning, I'm thinking the Royal Museums of Fine Arts might be the perfect destination. I've been meaning to visit since I arrived in Brussels, and today's weather makes it an ideal choice.
Destination decisions
I've been in Brussels for four days now, and while I'm enjoying the city, I'm starting to think about where to go next. That familiar feeling is creeping in – not quite restlessness, but a gentle nudge that it might soon be time to move on.
This morning I spent some time researching potential next destinations. Paris is an obvious choice – just a quick train ride away. But I'm also drawn to the idea of heading east, perhaps to Luxembourg or Germany. There's something appealing about following a less predictable path.
I've decided to give myself one more full day in Brussels before making a decision. Tomorrow I'll visit the areas I haven't explored yet, particularly the European Quarter, and then decide whether to book transportation for Saturday or Sunday.
One thing I'm learning about myself: I seem to have a natural rhythm of about 3-4 days in each place before I start feeling the pull to move on. I wonder if that will change as the journey progresses, or if I'll find places that make me want to stay longer.
The transformation question
Sixteen days in, 484 to go. Am I transforming yet? It's too early to tell, of course, but I catch glimpses of small changes. I'm more patient with myself when things don't go as planned. I'm more willing to attempt conversations in languages I barely speak. I'm less concerned about looking foolish.
Perhaps transformation isn't some dramatic metamorphosis but rather a gradual shift in perspective – seeing the world differently, and as a result, seeing yourself differently too.
The clouds are getting darker now, and I can hear the first drops of rain hitting the window. Time to grab my jacket and head to the museum. The forecast shows clearing by late afternoon – perhaps I'll get a chance to revisit the Park of Brussels and see how those magnificent plane trees look against a post-rain sky.
Until next time, Ruben
Day 16/500