Location, Location, Location!

Let me preface this section by disclosing that I may be a bit biased. My first apartment in Brussels was located a few blocks from Made in Louise, which brought back great memories. The hotel is located off of Avenue Louise, known for its beautiful row homes and luxury shops. What I love about this neighborhood is the access to great restaurants, shops, and bars. The famous Place Chatelain (where I met my Dutchman) is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. You can walk to the city center of Brussels in less than 30 minutes. There is also quick access to bus, tram, and metro from the hotel. For more tips on what to do in this neighborhood, check out our Ixelles Guide. I love that you have the residential feeling without the touristy vibes.

Local Vibes

The Duchateau siblings who own Made in Louise are Bruxellois (native of Brussels) through and through. You can see this upon entering the property with all the little personalized details that invoke Brussels. The hotel is quite small and there’s not proper bar. However, they have an extensive collection of Belgian beers you can purchase at the in the lobby area that you can enjoy in the lobby or courtyard. Martin, one of the owners collaborates with small breweries to feature local beers. We enjoyed a cold Chimay in their beautiful courtyard which is an oasis in the busy city.  We saw a varied selection of guests from young European businessmen to a multi-generational American family.

The Rooms

Our room at Made in Louise was clean, spacious, and nicely decorated. It had a minimalist decor with a pop of color with its orange wallpaper. We were happy to see that our piccola’s crib was all set up upon our arrival.  The bathroom was a bit small but it made up with the Clarins toiletries. The only thing I would’ve liked was a coffee maker or tea kettle in our room. However, the lobby has tea and coffee service 24/7. Although there was no minibar fridge in the room, the staff was very accommodating in storing the baby’s food and all of our Dutch cheese in their fridge.

The Food

There’s no restaurant at Made in Louise, therefore I can only talk about their breakfast service. I love European boutique hotel breakfast service and Made in Louise lived up to that reputation. First of all, they have a selection of local ingredients such as granola, waffles, and preserves. The buffet has warm and cold choices and a nice selection of breads, cheese, and cold cuts. Also, I highly advise to go to their courtyard for a beer or glass of wine for an impromptu happy hour. They serve complimentary olives and cheese with your drink purchase.

Made in Louise: The Experience

If you’re looking for a quaint, boutique hotel in Brussels with superb service, head to Made in Louise. I’ll be frank: Brussels is city that does not have the best reputation when it comes to service. Places like Made in Louise are trying to change that. This property goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. It’s like staying at the amazing house of a very cool friend.

Need more Brussels tips? Check our Brussels Weekend Trip Guide.

Made in Louise, Rue Veydt 40, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, Website 

Disclaimer: I was hosted by Made in Louise, however, opinions are my own. We really, really loved this place. There’s a reason why they are #1 on TripAdvisor! 

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Getting There

If you have an extended trip to Amsterdam or Brussels, I highly recommend you add two days in Antwerp to your itinerary. There are direct trains from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Brussels Zaventem Airport that will get you there in under two hours. If you choose to drive, there are plenty of reasonably priced overnight parking garages (we paid 24 EUR per 24 hours). Note that there’s a lot of traffic around the Antwerp ring (highway) during morning and evening rush hour.

What To Do

Shop!

Make sure to make extra space in your luggage for shopping. Anyone who lives in Belgium will tell you that Antwerp is the place to shop. The city center is filled with Belgian designer boutiques such as Essentiel with unique quirky pieces. I also love Galleria Inno, an upscale Belgian department store. Their baby clothes collection is ridiculously adorable! Don’t forget to shop for chocolates! One of my favorite shops, Pierre Marcolini has a small shop near the city center.  Dining Traveler Tip: Belgian sales occur in January and July, prepare yourself for some great sales. I picked up a pair of boots at one of my favorite Belgian shops, Cecil for 75% off!

Wander

The city is very walkable and with two days in Antwerp, onee of the things we enjoyed the most was walking around the city and taking in the details of the classic Flemish buildings, entering the small shops, walking into an anonymous café and sipping on a Chimay Blue (my favorite Belgian beer). We walked from the city center to the MAS Museum on a rainy Sunday morning. We encountered a small antique market with booths sparsely stocked with old China, fur coats, and art work. I bet that with a bit of patience you can encounter a gem to bring back home.

Our wandering took us to the Schipperstraat “sailor street”. As the Dutchman and I walked into the street, pushing the stroller with piccola, we realized something was off… Lots of men walking around looking suspicious. It just hit us that we walked right into the red light district where scantily clad women display themselves on the window for potential customers. Thanks, Google maps! Needless to say that it may not be a street you may want to take with young children!

See & Do

Two days in Antwerp is not enough to see all the attractions, so I will give you a shortlist of what I find special. We really enjoyed the MAS Museum. This modern art museum is an experience even before entering. Its cube like structure reminds me of an unfinished game of Jenga. The multi-level museum has a diverse range of collections. We enjoyed an exhibition on food ranging from the history of food to sustainable agriculture to how to combat food waste. Start your visit at the top floor with

If you love architecture, there are plenty of treasures in this city. I recommend you head to the Port of Antwerp to see Zaha Hadid’s building. The futuristic design is a friendly contrast to the old Flemish architecture of the city center. Another architectural gem is Antwerp Centraal Train Station. In my opinion, it’s one of the prettiest in Northern Europe. The classic facades, the touches of gold, the intricate vaulted ceilings are a sight to be seen.

Eat

You may think I’m being biased, but Belgium has some of the best food in Europe. When I first moved to Belgium 11 years ago, I was surprised how many times other Europeans would tell me: “oh you live in Belgium? The food is amazing there”. Antwerp is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants and once you’re there, you know why! Two days in Antwerp is not enough to savor it all, but you can try! I’ve drawn from my experience and some other local sources for a list of must-go places:

The Jane: This Michelin-starred restaurant is one of the favorites of my good friend Maria who wrote our Dining Traveler Foodie Guide to Antwerp. The innovative dishes are a once in a lifetime experience. Make sure to book well ahead of time.

Mercado: This new food hall in Antwerp is the perfect place to go with a group of friends with diverse palates. Indulge in French and Dutch oysters, stay warm with a savory laksa soup, or kick back a few Duvels at their bar. We loved the hip, relaxed atmosphere.

The Square: The restaurant at the Radisson Blu near Antwerp Central Station serves a creative menu of refined Flemish classics at a great price. For 35 Euros, savor a three-course meal. My highlight: the trio of chocolate that young Chef Jorn creates.

Brasserie t’Parkhuis: Our friend who grew up in Antwerp treated us to dinner at t’Parkhuis. This brewery features their own beers paired with hearty Belgian dishes such as Waterzooi, Carbonade, and vol au vent. I never had seafood vol au vent before and I loved it! The crispy pastry topped with a creamy, savory seafood sauce is the perfect indulgence.

The MAS Museum Storm Café: On my foodie wish list is dining at the Michelin-starred ‘t Zilte restaurant at the top of the MAS Museum. However, on this trip I settled with drinks at the Storm Café downstairs. Loved the relaxed vibe of the space and the selection of local beers of Antwerp such as De Konick.

Check out our Dining Traveler Foodie Guide to Antwerp for more picks!

Where to Stay

Local Charm: We stayed at Hotel Les Nuits, a small, local-owned Boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Antwerp shopping district. Their complimentary breakfast buffet with smoothies and a selection of homemade granolas is an added bonus. Full review here.

Modern Business: If traveling on business, the Radisson Blu Astrid is a great choice with its modern vibe and great restaurant. The hotel is just steps from Antwerp Central station, making it very accessible to public transportation and the city center.

Boutique Hotel: The laid back yet stylish Queen A is a short walk from the Antwerp Central Station and Antwerp Zoo (yes, Antwerp has a zoo in the City Center!).  Love the trendy design of their lobby.

Two Days in Antwerp: The Verdict

As I previously mentioned, two days in Antwerp is not enough. If you’re a lover of great design and delicious food, this is the perfect destination for you. Dining Traveler Tip: Head to the Antwerp Tourism Office,  for more info, loved their tourism information materials. Buy City Card for attraction discounts and inclusive public transportation with purchase of the card.

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All about our stay at Hotel Les Nuits

The Vibe: Hotel Les Nuits is a small boutique hotel. The vibe is very cozy, starting with the front desk staff meeting you at the elevator to start your check-in process. The small reception area is fashionable with modern furniture yet homey. Make note that the hotel offers a complimentary tapas hour at 5pm.

The Location: Location, location, location! If you’re looking to explore the city mostly by foot, Hotel Les Nuits provides the perfect location. If you need to get around via public transportation, there’s a tram stop directly in front of the hotel.

The Room: Our room was tastefully decorated in a Chinese lacquer style, with sleek dark hues.. The large window brought tons of natural light. The bed was large and comfy and my favorite part was the quality of the linens. They were soft, fluffy, and smelled wonderful. We informed the hotel ahead of time that we were traveling with the baby and when we arrived to our room, a crib was fully assembled and ready, which was a very nice touch. The only point for improvement is that some of the furniture pieces look a bit dated but still fit well in the overall aesthetic of the room.

The Food: We enjoyed the complimentary breakfast during our stay. I’m a sucker for a good hotel breakfast and Hotel Les Nuits delivered. The elegant buffet included smoked salmon, selection of cheese, bread, smoothies, fresh fruit, among other classic breakfast staples. The staff also prepares eggs on demand. I’m still thinking about their scrambled eggs with fresh herbs!

Hotel Les Nuits: The verdict

I must say that I was hesitant to stay at a boutique hotel with a baby in tow, but the hotel was so attentive to our every need. It felt like we were staying with very stylish friends! I also enjoyed the attention to detail: the hotel has unique postcards for guests to send to their loved ones back home that they even mail for you.
Hotel Les Nuits, Lange Gasthuisstraat 12, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium, Website.

Disclaimer: we were hosted by Hotel Les Nuits, but as always, opinions are our own.

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Dining Traveler @ Brussels Flower Carpet by Rahul Venkit on Vimeo.

Behind the Scenes: Brussels Flower Carpet 

The Event:  The 2016 Brussels Flower Carpet took place from August 12th until August 15th.  The event was open to the public but guests were also able buy a pass for 5 Euros to gain a view from above from the balcony of Brussels City Hall.  The city has been hosting this event for years, highly recommend to make your way to Brussels during this event.  What also makes the event special is that many volunteers from young to old, from every part of Belgium, come together to manually place the flowers one by one on the design which literally covers most of the area of the Grand Place.

The Theme:  As mentioned before, the city partnered with the Japanese Government to come up with the design. Young  Japanese designer Fuji Suzuki, says she drew inspiration from Japanese representations of flowers, birds, the wind and the moon to depict the beauty of nature. She also mentioned that she was inspired by patterns she had seen in kimonos to come up with the design. Belgian Mark Schautteet, the architect of the Brussels Flower Carpet decided which flowers fit best into Ms Suzuki’s design.  Although this was her first time in Brussels, Ms Suzuki felt that “she had been there many times before” as she spent time in the city.

Thoughts:  This was my first time back in Brussels after the city experienced the terror attacks on March 22nd.  My friends who live here are still trying to recover from the horrendous effect it had on the city.  Hotels and restaurants have seen a drop in guests, which sadly affects small, local owned businesses the most.  Sad to see that many people are still afraid to visit this beautiful and vibrant city.  I tell you, as a traveling pregnant woman, I felt incredibly safe in Brussels.  As I stood at the balcony of Brussels City Hall, with a view of the beautiful Brussels Flower Carpet I knew the city will heal fully from the unfortunate events of March 22nd. Je suis Bruxelles…

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One hundred and fifty kilometers away from the fast-paced life of Brussels, there’s the town of Bastogne best known for the battle of the Bulge.  Nestled in the countryside of Wallonia, there is the Brasserie de Bastogne, an artisanal beermaker.  Upon arrival, we enter a small barn where the whole operation takes place.  As we park our car, we see chickens roaming freely on the driveway, adding to the sounds of the country. This is not the typical flashy beer producing operation you may see in the United States.  It feels like you’re at someone’s home due to its intimate feel.

Marc, the manager and beermaker happily welcomes us.  There are a few men in the background, processing bottles of beer.  He goes on to explain to us that this is a community behind the beer.  There is an older gentleman with long white hair and beard who volunteers at the Brasserie.  There’s an intern, the brewery owner, and a loyal customer in the background working packaging, processing, and of course tasting the final product.

The operation is small, but you can see the effort placed on each of their brews. Not one of them is alike.  We sampled light beers with floral hints to malty dark beers. Our favorite: La Trouffette Belle d’Ete (beauty of summer), a light summer better with sweet undertones.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t taste as much as I wanted because I had to drive to Luxembourg.  Thankfully, you can buy your beer to go. This is not a large operation where you get a full guided tour but rather a place where you can purchase the beer and witness firsthand the process of artisanal Belgian Beer.

Brasserie de Bastogne is a small producer of beer who supplies mostly local restaurants, specialty exports, and local consumers.  If you are on a road trip through Bastogne, I definitely recommend for you to stop by and try the beer! Afterwards, headed to the city center of Bastogne for lunch and a walk through this historic town.

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Start your day by arriving at the beautiful Antwerp Central Station (it was recently selected as The Most Beautiful Station In The World) and hit the streets right behind the commercial and popular Meir! You will be easily distracted by the sweet vanilla smell of Belgian waffles!

Where to eat in Antwerpen: Start your day by arriving at the beautiful Antwerp Central Station (it was recently selected as The Most Beautiful Station In The World) and hit the streets right behind the commercial and popular Meir! You will be easily distracted by the sweet vanilla smell of Belgian waffles. No smell distinguishes more this tiny country than the smell of freshly-made yummy waffles. Heaven!

Walk through the South (Het Zuid), feel the breeze of the Schelde River and visit the Castle (Het Steen – Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerpen) for a little bit of history. When you are hungry, go for one of the below, you will not be disappointed!

A gift of the sea: “vispannetje” (fish & seafood stew with yummy tiny North sea shrimps) at De Markt. You can shop at the market during the early hours then end up having a wonderful lunch at their terrace.
A classic “Stoofvlees” (beef & beer stew with hand peeled Belgian fries) at Home Brewery ‘T Pakhuis (Vlaamsekaai 76, 2000 Antwerpen). This dish is best eaten on a typical Belgian rainy wintery night!

Edgy:  This is certainly the prettiest hamburger I have ever eaten and it was oh so tasty! Te Kook (Vrijdagmarkt 7, 2000 Antwerpen) is a very innovative restaurant of French and Belgian cuisine with a modern twist. Pricey but absolutely worth it! Honest and innovative Matty (Brederodestraat 23, 2000 Antwerpen) and his wife Katrien offer light, creative 5 star cuisine at affordable prices. My favorite dish is the parmesan and fresh truffle risotto. To die for.

Romantic Eats:I have never been disappointed by Josephine’s (Gentplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen). You can have the most amazing cocktails (I always want to be creative but boringly end up ordering their 5-star Mojito) rightly served by the best barman of this country. Their duck dish is so perfectly executed and presented! The decor is soft, candle-y and romantic, and they do have live Jazz most nights and a charming piano in the middle. What else could you ask for?

On a budget: 100 grams of garlicky black olives, a tiny pot of fresh humous, a couple of slices of freshly sliced Belgian ham and a warm Moroccan bread at one of the amazing market stalls at the Exotische Markt (Oudevaartplaats, Theatherplein en omgeving) on Saturdays from 07h00 until 15h00). This will cost you 7 Euro and if it is sunny I guarantee you an amazing meal and people watching!

Decadence all the way:Splurge with the 4 -dishes menu at The Jane. Chef Sergio Hermann (my favorite Chef ever!) and Nick Bril are true artists of food making. Their dishes are locally sourced, pretty, harmonic and they scream creativity, passion for the job and flavor! Everything is out-of-this-world good but my favorite are the desserts (and their zesty foie gras and granny smith jus!). Look at this pretty strawberry creation! Mindblowing.
Drink: Have a cold Kwak beer at Pelgrom (Pelgrimstraat 15, 2000 Antwerpen). This middle age cellar is utterly amazing and off the beaten path. Go there for a romantic drink or for a fun beer night with friends! Ideal for after-dinner drinks is Het Elfde Gebod (“The eleventh commandment”) (‪Torfbrug 10, 2000 Antwerpen). The religious décor of this bar is breathtaking and peaceful. Indulge with more specialty beers or their tasty fruit-flavored Jenevers.‬

See/Experience/Shop:  If you are travelling with kids do not miss Antwerp’s Zoo (Koningin Astridplein 26, 2018 Antwerpen). It is in the middle of the city right next to the train station, a perfect combination for every member of the family. If you love art the Place To be is The MAS (Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen) Museum aan de Stroom (a landmark building between the city and the port). The current Display of Power exhibition about the world of prestige and symbols is captivating. For the fashionistas out there, do not miss the shops on the Schuttershofstraat for Wouters&Hendrix, my ultimate “affordable luxury” Antwerp jewelry designers. This city is beautiful for its diversity. I very much hope you can include it on your next Belgian stop. Enjoy the vibe of Antwerp, be curious, keep on traveleating!
Thanks Maria for all the tips! It brought back some great memories of Belgium!  I hope you enjoyed our Antwerp Belgium Foodie Guide.  What’s your favorite city in Belgium for food?

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Luxury Travel:   The Hotel Brussels has just undergone a massive renovation.  Located on Chaussée de Waterloo among luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton, Armani, and Tod’s it’s the perfect place for a luxury trip to Brussels.  Tip: the higher you stay, the better the views of the city from your room.  You can see the Place du Sablon, Palais de Justice, and the beautiful architecture of the city. The rooms have comfortable beds, modern décor, neutral colors, and most importantly, tons of light (very important on a light deprived Brussels).  Local tip: head to Mamy Louise for lunch or a coffee (five minute walk) or head to the weekend antique market at Place du Sablon (10 minute walk). The Hotel Brussels, Boulevard de Waterloo 38, Bruxelles 

Affordable Design:  I don’t want to be biased but Ixelles is my favorite commune of Brussels.  It’s where the energy of the college students, the international vibe of the expats, and locals come together. I was fortunate to have lived there for six years.  So many great places to see, eat, shop in the commune. On an unassuming side street off Place Stephanie, there’s Zoom Hotel, a new photography inspired hotel in the city.  The rooms are decorated with photos of the city taken by local artists. The rooms range from 80-130 Euros a night and are large and comfy. Mingle with guests and locals alike at the lobby café.   The metro, tram, and bus are very close by.  Local Tip: Head to Rue de Bailli, a 10 minute walk from the hotel for local shops and restaurants (one of my favorite for cocktails is Roxi and DOD for shopping designer deals) Hotel Zoom, Rue de la Concorde 59-61, Bruxelles 

Design: If you love design, The Dominican Hotel in the city center is the place for you.  The Dominican monastery turned hotel is perfect for a romantic city trip or a luxury getaway with friends.  I love the open courtyard of the hotel, popular with locals for weekend cocktails or a coffee break.  As you walk through the dark hallway to your room, you are accompanied by soft music and taken to a quaint, gorgeously decorated room with hints of green and purples.  The tub is deep, perfect for a soak after a long flight (aromatic bath salts included).  Make sure to have cocktails at the bar, they are simply delicious.  Local Tip:  Walk to Place Saint Gery (five minute walk) for drinks at one of my favorite spots: Halles de Saint Gery. On Saturdays, head to Place Saint Catherine (five minute walk) for the markets. The Dominican Hotel, Rue Leopold 9, Bruxelles 

Art Lovers:  I first experienced Hotel Bloom! in 2009 to plan a work event and was captivated by the original concept of the hotel.  I soon returned for dinner at Smoods, the hotel restaurant which five years later is still popular among the locals, especially on the weekends since they have a DJ. What makes Hotel Bloom so original is the art work in the rooms. No two rooms are alike. My room during my stay December 2014 was hand painted by a Ukranian artist and it had a really cool view of the Botanique (the botanical garden of Brussels).  Stay highlight:  breakfast. Not only does it have a wide selection but it also has a waffle truck inside the breakfast room!   Local Tip: The Botanique has some amazing concerts in their initamate venue, make sure to check out their schedule. Although the neighborhood has its rough parts, the metro is located right next to the hotel and there is a tram stop right in front of the hotel so accessibility is perfect.Hotel Bloom! Rue Royale 250, Bruxelles

At home with locals: I love the concept of a bed and breakfast hosted by locals.  My Italian friends Pietro and Mario opened Sleeping in Brussels, bed and breakfasts in the heart of the city with two houses on Rue de l’Eclipse.  They both have lived in Brussels for decades and know the city like the back of their hand.  Pietro also owns a wine bar nearby, Winehouse Osteria and  a wine online wine shop, Only Great Wines.  I used to order Italian wines from them when I used to live in Brussels for my dinner parties. The rooms make you feel at home with personal touches and breakfast. Another perk is that the bed and breakfast is LGBT friendly but also caters to all visitors (I gifted my friends a stay for their wedding present there, they loved it).  Local Tip: Do you love Salsa?  Walk over to Che Havana, a small salsa bar on a side street of the Grand Place for live music and delicious mojitos.Sleep in Brussels, Rue de l’Eclipse 7, Bruxelles

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During the holidays, I spent a few days in Brussels visiting friends and researching the local hotel scene. One of the hotels that appealed to me was The Dominican Hotel Brussels. I used to go there quite often for a quiet cocktail with friends. To me, it always seemed like a luxurious oasis in the middle of the chaotic city center of Brussels. On a quiet side street facing the back of La Monnaie, the Opera House of Brussels the former Dominican monastery turned hotel resides. Tip: Go to the café at La Monnaie, it’s quite popular with locals.

Facade of The Dominican Hotel in Brussels

Room:

My room at The Dominican Hotel Brussels was a deluxe room. Loved the simple décor of the room and its masculine colors and details. The dark curtains were perfect for taking a post flight nap and there was plenty of light from the courtyard when I needed it.  The hotel has free wifi and plenty of outlets to plug all my devices in. The bed was plush and comfortable but the highlight was the bathtub. After a long day at the Christmas Markets, I treated myself to a long bath in the deep bathtub (sea salts included).

Room at The Dominican Hotel Brussels

Food and Bar:

The food and bar of the hotel are quite popular with locals so I suggest to make a reservation if you plan to dine, especially on the weekend. The bar has been one of my favorite cocktail bars in the city for several years now. It’s the perfect place to catch up with an old friend, go on a date, or just decompress after a long day of sightseeing.  The breakfast, in Belgian fashion is also delicious. The restaurant area faces the courtyard of the hotel, where you can sit in the summertime.

Location:

If you are on a short trip and want to see all the important sights, The Dominican Hotel Brussels is in the perfect location.  The property is just a short walk from popular attractions such as the Grand Place, Place Saint Catherine, Sablon, among others.  The metro DeBrouckere is a short walk from the hotel and there are plenty of buses and trams nearby as well. If you’re a foodie, you will love the seafood restaurants near Place Saint Catherine. If you love to shop, head to Rue Dansaert which is hopping with new Belgian designers and hip vintage shops.

Cocktails at The Dominican Hotel Brussels

Verdict: The Dominican Hotel Brussels 

If you want to be in the middle of it all but still appreciate anonymity, The Dominican Hotel Brussels is the place for you. One of the things I enjoyed the most was walking to all the attractions I love about the city center and then retiring to a quiet and peaceful room. For tips on what to do on a weekend trip to Brussels, check out my Weekend Guide to Brussels.

The Dominican Hotel Brussels, Rue Léopold 9, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium, Website 

Decor at The Dominican Hotel

* Disclaimer: My stay at The Dominican Hotel Brussels was sponsored by the hotel. As always opinions are my own and I only write about the things I love. 

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Grand Place, Brussels

Bourse, Brussels

Smoked Salmon at Saint Catherine Christmas Market

Saint Catherine Christmas Market

Ferris Wheel at Saint Catherine Christmas Market

Oyster Stand at Place Saint Catherine Christmas Market

Ice Skating, Place de la Monnaie

Oysters at the Christmas Market

Belgian Waffle at Place Saint Catherine

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Rewind to 1996.  After my freshman year at University at Albany I had itchy feet. I wanted to live a life of adventure. I joined the US Marine Corps Reserves.  As a young enlisted Marine, I did not get to travel abroad I got to see many places as a 19 year old Puerto Rican girl in Western NY didn’t get to see: Missouri and Kentucky! My senior year I ended up signing up for a study abroad program. It wasn’t that exotic (at least for me): I returned to Puerto Rico to spend a semester at Universidad del Sagrado Corazon. I needed the income from my reserve job and Puerto Rico had a unit I could work with. Fast forward to 2014: Did you know you can use your GI Bill while studying abroad?

Although I did not need a passport for that adventure, I was immersed back in my Puerto Rican culture. I spent my semester honing my writing and speaking skills in Spanish.  Although I grew up in Puerto Rico, my high school studies were mostly in English. It was great to master the literary part of the Spanish  language. I still use those skills at my work and my upcoming Spanish Language travel segment with Despierta DC.

Upon graduation, I was commissioned as a Marine Corps Second Lieutenant. My first assignment was in Okinawa, Japan. Needless to say, I was in a work/study abroad situation.  I loved driving around the island and walking into small shops and ordering from a menu that I couldn’t even remotely read! I pointed at kanji script and prayed (everything was always delicious)! During that year in Okinawa, I also got to do extended assignments in Thailand and Australia (45 days each). Those assignments opened my mind and my palate to travel. My next assignment was just as exotic but dangerous: Baghdad, Iraq. There, I learned from talking to the locals working on base, eating the best hummus I’ve ever had, and reflecting on myself and humanity.

In 2005, I returned home physically and emotionally exhausted from my deployment to Iraq and decided to use my GI Bill and all of my savings to move to Belgium, where I found a Masters in Management and Business Administration from Boston University (the program is no longer available in Belgium). Before my big move I visited Brussels for the BU program and the Copenhagen School of Business.  Although I was more keen to move to Copenhagen, I was turned off by the staff member I met with. She told me (by the way she was American) in a condescending tone: “you are aware that you have to have 5+ years of work experience to apply”. She automatically judged by my appearance as she had not seen my resume.  When I told her everything I had accomplished since my college graduation, she was quite humbled. Needless to say, it was a turn off. I was happy that the BU staff was so open and eager to have me join their program.

Although I had lived abroad before arriving to Brussels: Japan, South Korea, and my deployment in Iraq, Brussels was a whole new world in so many levels. I recall getting my student visa at the Belgian Embassy in Seoul (where I was living at the time) and the whole process seemed so foreign to me. I arrived to Brussels with no sponsor waiting for me at the airport, no housing office, no tax-free benefits, and no paycheck! Being overseas in the military has a lot of privileges that I was no longer entitled to now that I was on my own. I’ll be honest, it was difficult to adjust, especially as a graduate student since the environment was much more independent than my undergraduate experience.

Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium

At My Farewell Party in Brussels, 2012

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