Brussels is easily becoming one of my favorite places I have lived. It is just beautiful, and I am writing this in January, when the days never become true days, just varying shades of darkness. In spite of this, it is just beautiful. The parks are never ending and exciting to explore. I am getting used to the way of things and I like it.
The other day I was in the park near our house and I saw a woman with blonde hair. She had a child and they were swinging together. Before I heard any word out of her mouth I knew she was American. I knew because she had a huge smile. The fact is more than footwear or clothing style the bigest tell-all for Americans is their smile. Belgians are far more reserved about smiling to strangers, making small talk, and really being open. When I first came here I thought everyone was mad because no one smiled. Now I get it and try to expose my grins sparingly. I get the impression they think I am a big faker because I smile. Little do they know I just like to crack jokes often, and perhaps I smile when I get nervous. Not that being in a foreign country and not speaking any of the two local language would make a girl ever nervous.
Either way, it doesn't matter terribly because the locals are shy when it comes to strangers. If you want to get to know the Belgians you have to actively pursue them because they keep to their selves. My goal before leaving post is to break this barrier with at least one family.
Dream big.
Either way, it doesn't matter terribly because the locals are shy when it comes to strangers. If you want to get to know the Belgians you have to actively pursue them because they keep to their selves. My goal before leaving post is to break this barrier with at least one family.
Dream big.
1 comment:
I found the same was true when I lived in a little tiny town in Germany. For me, the first break through was the hardest. However, once I got to know them and they got to know me, it was SO worth the experience! Good luck to you!
Post a Comment