I had been wondering and tinkering to move to Brussels since last year. It was always my wish to work in the centre of Europe. However, in Feb last year, I got the contract with Microsoft, so I decided to hold on to my plans for a later date.
So after my contract with Microsoft finished, I decided to take some time off and start searching for a job in Bruxelles. I admit it was not easy since my French is still in its early stages, and I am not fluent at all. So it had to be either an English or an International company.
Last April, I got a call from Neil, who is the head of IT at Enhesa, and he told me that they saw my CV and that they were interested in having me over for an interview. I said sure, when do you want to interview me? He told me, can you make it next week? I was shocked but I accepted that and after an initial interview, I was offered the job. No need to say I was really exicted and happy, although the thought of leaving Ireland after 3 years, and moving to an “unknown” territory scared me a bit. But its not the first time I have done this. First moving to Australia, which was quite hard because of the diversity of cultures, and then Ireland. However I accepted the challenge to move here, and so far, I do not regret it.
Its been already a month and a half now in Brussels.
Things I like are:-
Public transport:- This is the first thing that really struck me here. Its quite cheap compared to the rest of Europe, especially Ireland! And the network is so vast it covers the whole of Brussels. If you are going to stay in Brussels, you don’t really need a car. Even to get to the airport, it takes like 15-20minutes from Central Station.
Belgian Food and Beer and Beer and Beer and Beer:- One of the things the Belgians do very well is the cuisine and their beers. I have heard that they have around 350 different beers produced here. Till now I have managed to try at least 10, and they are really really nice. Even the cuisine is very exquisite. When you come to Belgium, you have to try the moules and the frittes! I admit, the moules are not one of the things I really like, however I tried them and they are really tasty. And the frittes…………..no comment, you really have to try them! Ah and what about the chocolates? OMG, they are amazing. You cannot come here without devouring a box of Belgian chocs. And there are lots of shops that sell them, especially near the Grand Place.
Way of Life:- The Belgians, and the large expat community, seem to enjoy their time fully, sitting outside of bars and cafe’s sipping some nice beer or wine, especially in these hot months of summer. I say hot months, since from when I arrived here in the beginning of June, the weather was very kind, sometimes even unsupportable with the heat and high temperatures, sometimes even in the low thirties. Its something different from what I experienced in Ireland, where everybody goes to the pub and drinks, drinks, drinks. I compare it a lot to the way of life back home in Malta.
Language:- As I said before, my French is not good at all at the moment, (i am planning to take some classes), however I have always managed with my English. Even here in Brussels, since there is a huge expat community, English is accepted everywhere, unless you need to work with French or Dutch speaking clients. However, having said that, knowing some French in the French part, and some Flemish in the Flemish part is always helpful and quite nice to have. If you show the Belgians that you are making an effort to speak the language, they appreciate that a lot, and I find it they will warm to you more. But this is everywhere in the world I guess.
Cost of Living:- Compared to most European cities, the cost of living in Belgium is quite low. Renting can be quite affordable, depending which are you are renting in. An average, good restaurant will total an average of 30-35euros per person, public transport is quite affordable, a trip for a whole hour if bought in advance will cost you something like 1.10euros, and you can take anything from the tram, to the bus, to the metro since they are owned by the same company.
Things I do not like :-
Housing:- Before I came here, I was of the idea that renting here in Brussels is cheaper than in Ireland. But it depends on which part of Brussels you are renting. Since most of the Xpats live in the Ixelles and Etterbeek area, where the European institutions are set up, renting here is quite expensive. For a 1 bedroom flat, moderately sized, you expect to pay between 800-1000. I also noticed that flats here are in the majority quite old, with some being renovated now. I did not find lots of newly built developments around Brussels. Here you also pay for the “charges”, which include the lift, common area and water. On a positive thing, there are lots of flats empty, so its a buyer’s market. You can find a flat easily within a week.
Pollution & Traffic:- I noticed here that the air seems heavier to breathe compared to Dublin, where there is lots of greenery. Even traffic can be very heavy at times, and I must say that you must be very careful when crossing a zebra crossing, even if the light says green! Always look 2 times before you cross the street! On a positive side, only Brussels central is heavy on traffic, when you start driving outside the city centre, then its much better.
So all in all I think it was quite a positive start to my stay here in Brussels. How long will I stay here? I have no idea yet, I have a permanent IT job in the city centre which I really like, and so, at the moment, it feels like I will stay here for long.
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