Where To Go For a Good Cappuccino in Brussels

Coffee. Oh how I love that word. Coffee puts a smile on my face, makes me feel all warm inside, and gives me a bit of a boost of energy when I need it, or don't. Coffee in Europe seems to taste so much better than it does in the US. Sorry America.

I know I have already talked about coffee, but I have noticed that there is such a difference in coffee here in Europe. I know I have only been to Breda and Brussels, but the coffee between the two places is different. Now in Breda, my favorite place to get a coffee is at Bagels and Beans. It is like my favorite place. But when I was in Brussels, I had to find somewhere with a good cappuccino.

Cappuccino and Oranje Juice from Peck 47 - Brussels, Belgium

This little cafe known as Peck 47, is nestled somewhere in the city, on some random street. The location of this cafe is Rue du Marché aux Poulets 47. Now I know the address means nothing to you, but when you get to Brussels, you can easily find somewhere with wifi and look it up, or ask someone.

The cafe was hip, fun, and totally busy. There seemed to be more of a younger crowd that was there. The food was awesome. I got eggs hemingway and it was one of the best breakfasts I have had in a while!

Outside of the great food, their coffee was perfection. I ordered an orange juice with a cappuccino, and it was probably one of the best cappuccino's I have ordered.

Sounds crazy, but for a coffee lover like myself, it was the best thing I had that morning; not including the trip to the chocolate museum following after.

Cappuccino at La Lunette - Brussels, Belgium

Now that was just on one day. On the first full day that we were in Brussels, we were having more of a difficult time going and finding somewhere to eat a good breakfast and have a nice cup of coffee. We stumbled upon this bar called La Lunette. It is by where all the shopping is on 7 Fossé aux Loups St.

I don't recommend you try and get any breakfast from there because it wasn't good, and they didn't really serve it, but their coffee was good.

If you just went through a restless night, you have a headache, and you need something to wake you up, this cappuccino will do just that. I had a terrible night, so this helped me start my day. Why? It was more like a shot of espresso with a little bit of milk more than anything. It was strong, warm, and did the job. Not only that, but it looks pretty.

And last but not least, there is this place not far from Brussels Central Station, and just around the corner from Grand Place. Looks might be deceiving at first, but it is a good choice to go if you feel like grabbing something to go. It's called EXKi.

Cappuccino from EXKi - Brussels, Belgium

This little cafe type place has everything. They seem to be more of a lunch place than anything, but their food is good, and their coffee is better. They are located at Rue du Marché aux Herbes 93. Now, don't get confused and think that this place is near Peck 47, because it isn't. This place is closer to where all the shops and touristy things are.

I know this cappuccino doesn't look as yummy as the others might, but trust me, it is good. It was so good that I ordered a second one that morning!

The way it is set up, is like grab and go; but you can totally eat it there. For breakfast, I got a croissant with fruit, and then this coffee. There are other options as well, but they have more options for lunch. They are on the more healthier side when it comes to lunch and such.

My friends and I got breakfast from this place the day we were leaving, and it was the best option. It was not expensive, it was fast, easy, and close to both our hotel to check out, and to Central Station.

So, if you are a coffee lover like myself, and you just so happen to take a girls trip for a few days to Brussels, just a trip with other friends, or for any other reason, I can recommend that you find these places to get some good coffee when you have a few extra minutes to spare in the morning.

A Trip to Brussels

Brussels, Belgium - Grand Place

Travel the world. That's all I really wanted to do. And what happens when I get the chance to? Um, I go! This past weekend me and my friends Lotta and Heidi went to Brussels, Belgium for a few days, and to say the least, it was an experience.

Just the three of us girls in a different country, experiencing different things, oh how it was lovely. We left on Wednesday, and came back on Saturday. It was the perfect amount of time. We literally did everything we possibly could! 

With this being my first time in Europe, I seem to be so fascinated with everything I see. I mean, I am still amazed that the roads are all brick and not cement. But when I was in Brussels, it was like I was back in time! For one, the air was different. Like, it smelt so sweet and beautiful; but that was probably because every other store was a chocolate or waffle shop. Other than the air, there was just so much history to the city, it was crazy that a place like this existed.

Another thing that was pretty neat, was how different the buildings were compared to Breda. I mean, Breda is the only place I really know when it comes to Europe. There is so much I haven't seen, so when I went to Brussels, I was so amazed at how different the style and architecture was; they are filled with so much history it seems unreal.

Outside of the awesome buildings, it was nice being around people who speak a different language rather than Dutch. Turns out, two years of taking French in High School paid off! It was so much fun being in a place where you can speak their language. I mean, I have tried learning Dutch, but bottom line, I always feel dumb whenever I say anything. Nothing against the Dutch or their language, I think it's just that I find it hard to learn. Anyways, it was fun speaking French to all the people there.

Chocolate Shop in Brussels

Okay, so besides the pretty buildings and the locals speaking French, lets get down to what really matters. The food.

Seriously, the city smelt like heaven. Every other store seemed to be a place that sold either waffles, chocolate or souvenirs. I sort of felt like I was in a town that Willy Wonka created. I can't tell you how many free samples of chocolate I had, nor can I say how much chocolate I had to begin with. But what I can say, is that the rumors are most definitely true. Belgian chocolate is like no other. It's so delicious, and once you try a chocolate bar from some small shop in Brussels, you will never want to eat another Hershey's bar again. 

So, after this trip was all said and done, I think I gained an extra 5 pounds from all the junk food I ate. And I don't regret one bite. But it's okay, because just like here in Breda, you seem to walk everywhere! 

I have come to the ultimate conclusion that maps make you believe that things are a lot farther than they really are; especially here in Europe. I feel like anytime I look at a map of a city, I just wish I had my car. But it turns out that everything is so close, that you don't need your car because everything is walking distance. 

St. Michael's Cathedral - Brussels, Belgium

When we were in Brussels, we actually took the metro everywhere. The metro was something totally new to me as well. It was pretty much the same thing as a subway. We don't have subways in Flagstaff, or back home in LA; but it was a fun experience. When we didn't take the metro to parts of the city that were farther away, we walked everywhere. Thats when we saw all the little pubs, old churches, and fun little shops.

I think that when you just walk, and don't really use a map to see where you are going, that's sometimes when you find many wonderful places. Now of course that isn't always the case, but for this trip to Brussels, it definitely was. 

I can't really say everything about this trip because there is just so much to tell, but what I can say is that it was the start to an addiction. It is a wonderful feeling, knowing that you can be somewhere so beautiful. To have an opportunity like this, to study abroad, is something that I am truly grateful for. 

Sometimes it seems so unreal that I am here. And when I say that it is the start to an addiction, I really mean that. I mean, this trip to Brussels was my first trip somewhere different, but I already have plans to go to other places; weather it's with my family when they visit, or with friends just for a long weekend trip. The possibilities seem endless. 

New Country, Different Culture

When I was thinking about studying abroad, I was thinking more about traveling the world. I thought that I would be traveling every week, and doing awesome things all the time! I learned real quick, that isn't the case. I have spent my entire time here in Breda; which isn't a bad thing! By me staying in Breda for these past three weeks, I have actually learned a lot; and I'm not talking about in school.

I have learned more about how the Dutch people are, which people are nice, which are not, where it's safe to go in the city, and where it isn't, and so on. I think that the one thing I am missing at this point, is being able to speak their language. Speaking Dutch definitely isn't as easy as it was learning French!

Breda is a beautiful city. It is filled with so much culture, history, and interesting food. One of the things I have been able to experience is their celebration of Carnaval. The best way I can describe Carnaval, from an American's standpoint, is this: Carnaval is like a 5-day Halloween tailgate. It's just madness, but it is something different and fun to be a part of.

I can write a huge list of cultural differences when living in another country. For a while, I didn't like the way things were done. I liked the way I did things in America. Even the simplest of things too, like going to the grocery store. When I would walk into Safeway back home, it would take me no time at all to find what I was looking for, but being here it takes me like an hour! I know it sounds ridiculous but when everything is in another language, you have to be careful of what you buy, and make sure you get the right thing.

Here I am, starting my 4th week here in the Netherlands. If you were to ask me during the first week how I felt about being here, I would have been in tears saying I wanted to be home. Now, I understand why people study abroad. And I realize that it's been the best decision I could make.

Yeah, things are different, but it is something you have to get used to. Being away from home is never easy, even going off to college. But the longer I am here, the more I appreciate certain things. Just because I enjoy staying in Breda, doesn't mean that I am not going to travel. I think that when you first think of studying abroad, you assume everything is free. Man I wish that was the case!

Traveling costs more money than I thought, especially since all my money is dollars, and I have to spend euro's. Despite worrying about money, I came here to travel, and that is what I will do. On Wednesday me and my girlfriends from Finland are spending a few days in Brussels. We all have time off school, and it is cheap to travel there!

So, as much as I thought studying abroad would be about traveling, I think now that it is more about the experience. The experience of getting out of your comfort zone, making friends all over again, trying new things, and living somewhere where you are the foreigner.

All About that European Coffee

Okay, so back in the United States, I was so used to going to Starbucks multiple times a day.  I would order the same thing each time too. Grande hot white mocha with soy no whip. The baristas knew me. Seriously.  But here in Europe, the coffee is different. I have yet to see a Starbucks, and I have

yet to come across a cup of coffee that was even close to being grande size.

I know it sounds a bit odd, but I kind of enjoy not having Starbucks all the time! There was this place in Flagstaff called "Macy's" and they had European style coffee. I actually find it quite hilarious because I have yet to drink any kind of coffee that tastes like it did at Macy's.

This picture I actually took at this little cafe right around the corner from where I live. It's called Bagels and Beans, and from what I hear, it is the only place in Breda where you can get bagels. But I always get this. It's a caramel cappuccino. Yum.

The way coffee is made here, is just so different. And Europeans don't drink it like we do. I mean hell, I know my best friend Sierra and I would have about four cups of Starbucks a day! Here, It is like maybe two or three a week at most. The way Europeans treat coffee is very different than us in the states. We treat it like water; just keep drinking one cup after the other. But Europeans don't.

Not only do you not drink coffee all the time here, but the reason for that is because it is pretty pricy! I was surprised to see that a tiny cup of coffee (like the size of a water cup you get at the dentist office) was €3,50! I was thinking it was crazy. But guess who was the dumbo that went ahead and bought the coffee anyway? Me. But in my defense, it was pretty good coffee.

Gotta Keep Your Head Up

"End your search and begin your journey". Those are the words of wisdom that I try to live by. Also, the words written on my back in black ink. I may forget that the words are there, and a lot of the times I do, but when I remember that they are, I remember they are there for a reason.

Since I have been here, I have gone through a lot it seems like. And, it has only been like two weeks. But you know what, in that two weeks, I have hit my low, and I have swung past it. Unfortunately, I am falling back into that low again. And trust me, I wish I wasn't. Studying abroad really isn't easy! One day, you can be as chipper as a spring chicken, and then the next you hear some country song that reminds you of home, or a time back at home, or even a significant other. I guess I really should have paid more attention to the pre-departure meeting talking about how when you leave you pretty much will get PTSD.

I know all my posts seem to be sad and depressing, and I don't mean it at all. I think I am waiting for the moment to hit me and stay with me. Not only that, but I am waiting to meet that one friend that I can travel with. I just keep thinking about how awesome it will be to travel and see Europe. The only thing that has been putting me down about that though, is money.

Everything seems to be so freakin expensive here! I mean, it doesn't help that the dollar to euro conversion sucks, but you spend so much money so quickly! When I was at NAU still, I had my jack's card that I got my food with. Here, you have to use real money from a real bank account, and go to the market every few days. These are the times I miss having Alex make those Wendy's runs for me.

When I was talking with my mom, she was telling me that just because something is different, doesn't mean it's bad. And I agree with her. But things are different, and i'm not one to really like different. It is funny because talking with my dad today, he was telling me these words exact, "Damn...if I could leave for 6 months...i'm gone".  I think it is pretty funny actually.

But you know what, I got myself into this so called "mess". I signed up for this. Hell, I am so glad I didn't sign up for the military! If I am having trouble being away for this long, I would never make it going years. But since I got myself into this, I need to finish it.

So, in the words that are written on my back in black ink, one of these days, I will end my search, and begin my journey. Only time will tell.

Finding Happiness

My first week here in the Netherlands was hell. And that can be an understatement. I wanted to go home, I did not care to be here, I didn't want to go anywhere, see anything, meet anyone, or even do anything for that matter.

On the sixth day, things started to look up for me. I was happy, I was keeping busy, and so on. As the day's continue, I was happier being here! Today, I went with Lotta (roommate from Finland) and Agata (other roommate from Poland) to IKEA for the day. We were all thinking how we needed some things for our apartment to make it feel more at home. So, the night before (Friday), I was kind of forcing myself to want to go. Kind of in a bit of a slump.

But by the time Friday morning came around, I was so excited to go with them! We went for a walk to a different part of town before, and then caught a bus to get to the other side of town to the IKEA. To say the least, it was an adventure. and it only cost 5,50 euros for an all day bus pass, so not too bad.

When we got off the bus to go to IKEA, we were all hungry, and what was the first place we see? KFC. If there is anything that I have learned, it is that America has the best KFC. Nothing on the menu was what is served at any KFC in the states. They sell hamburgers there! So I got a chicken sandwich, and noticed that they put sweet sauce on it! Things are definitely different here.

But after buying things at IKEA and getting back to my apartment, I was so happy! Just being able to make this place my home. It makes me so happy that I went, and not only that, but I was able to get myself out of that slump, and find what makes me happy. And now that I have been able to do that, I find this city to be even more beautiful than ever before.

So, things might have been going downhill at first, but like what my mom said to me, "It's all uphill from here".

Knowing that someone else understands

Ugh. Another real rough night. I talked to my mom on Skype and was a total mess. Tried convincing her to let me come home, but I am pretty sure she wouldn't budge. It actually makes me sad that I am making mom and dad mad about all of this. Sometimes it makes you feel like your not good enough, and it puts you down. I don't know. Anyways, this morning I had to wake up early to get ready for a job interview. I felt like I was dealing with jet lag again. I don't really know why either. I didn't cry though!! So I have accomplished something! I stayed strong, and pushed through it. 

When I looked out the window with expectations that the sun was out, I was wrong. There was snow all over the ground and clouds filled the sky. But I had to brace the cold anyways.

I took a different way to school. And this way was better! A lot closer, and not a bad walk. I just put in my music, and walked to school. When I got here, I had some time to spare, so I went to find the Compass office for my interview. I got there, and I did what was probably the WORST interview of all times. The two guys in charge didn't seem impressed, and when they asked where I was from, again another snarky dutch remark. I don't get it! Why don't the dutch like Americans?! All the dutch students that came to NAU liked us! Actually makes me laugh. 

Well, the interview went by really quick, and I am not so sure if I will get it because they were off about it. But after, I didn't really want to walk all the way back to my place since I was here for just a short period of time. So I grabbed an over priced coffee and croissant and sat down.

While I was sitting, people would come and go and sit at the same table as me. I would try and be friendly, but they would do their own thing. And then as I was sitting here on my computer, I saw one of the international students from Orientation. We waved and she came to talk with me. I got a little happy inside knowing I can talk with someone.

Turns out, she hates her classes as well, and can't seem to find any friends. She is originally from Vietnam, but studies in Finland. Pretty neat. But it was kind of comforting to know that someone else is kind of feeling the way I am. The only difference, she is used to being away.

So today, I am really trying to make myself feel a bit better, and not so sad. I was able to not let myself really cry yet, which is think is a step forward. 

Right now, if you were to ask me if I want to go home, I would say that I am not sure. Im actually enjoying myself here at school. Just people watching with a nice coffee. It's not so bad. But the second I have to leave and go back to my apartment, I might say I want to leave.  I think that if I have no choice of leaving, and have to stay, I need to stay busy. I need to keep myself occupied. And really need friends. But Vu (the Vietnamese girl I met) says that finding friends is really hard to. So I guess all I can do is just sit here, and hope for the best.

Not going to lie, wish I had a friend from home with me. 

Making the Decision

I have been here in the Netherlands for five days now. And if there is one thing I have learned, it is that before anyone studies abroad, they need to really make sure that's what they want to do. If you are someone who thinks it would be fun, and all good, traveling all the time, and happy dappy times, it's not. Five days here have felt like five weeks.

My last post was really bad. I was an emotional wreck, and still am.

I signed my lease agreement and moved into my apartment today, and the second I got my keys, brought my stuff up to my crappy room, and went to say goodbye to Eline, I was crying. I swear that is all I ever do!

There is something about this place that makes me feel really uncomfortable. Like I think part of it is that I don't have a car so I have to walk everywhere, which sucks. And like I don't have a bike either. I don't know. The apartment is really weird as well. It is bare, and the bed sucks and is uncomfortable, and I don't know. It does feel like home.

As much as it is really difficult to go day-by-day here, I had to come up with a decision.

I called Alex up at 4:00 am his time, and I cried the whole time. It is really hard for me to be this far from him; but he thinks I should give it another chance. But overall he thinks I wish I figured it out more; which I can agree with.

I then talked to dad at 4:30 am his time, and he says I should stay. Like part of me agrees with him and says, "come on Kaleigh, you are better than this. You have always wanted to study abroad, and now you can do it!" And the other part of me says, "well there is a flight to go back home for $850".

Dad told me that I am strong, and quitting is something I don't do. He is very true too. I don't quit on things. He also said that it would screw up wanting to get a job. I know what he is saying.

Talking with my family and friends form back at home is nice. Whenever I feel like quitting, they remind me that I am strong enough to stick it through. But again, studying abroad is hard. Everyone I have talked to says that it is not easy. Friends I talk with say they go through the same thing.

So, again if you want to study abroad, know that being homesick is real. You might be like me and think you are stronger than that, and know that you will be okay; but you won't. I know it sounds really terrible, but it is the harsh reality. For some people like me, it might hit you with a ton of bricks just after you get there, and others, it might hit after a few days or weeks.

Homesickness is terrible. You can deny it all you want, but it is real. Like me, you will probably go through a lot of bumps. One minute you are thinking positive about things, and then next you might be crying because you miss home. It really is a roller coaster of emotions as I am dealing with it first hand.

I think keeping busy is the best way to cope with these problems. I applied for a job with Compass Breda (international organization with NHTV) and hope that will get me some friends, and I am going to Amsterdam this weekend, dad is visiting me in April, Alex hopefully in May, mom and Tyler in June, and before I know it, I'll be back in the US in July.

My goal: keep my head up, keep busy, and keep thinking positive.

The REAL First Day of School

Yesterday was just orientation. I don't know if you count that as the first day of school. So, technically today was. Class from 9:00-10:00, and then 10:00-11:00. Wake-up call at 7:30. Still don't like it here.

I'm going through a lot of emotions since I have been here. I don't think anyone really understands until they are studying abroad. I cry multiple times a day. Doesn't matter if it is in public or private. All I can ever think about is how much I want to go back home. It is really hard for me being here.

Last nigh I was wide awake and crying at 2am. I immediately messaged Alex. That is when I just let it all out. I have been keeping this in the whole time. Yes, I have always wanted to study abroad. But I never gave myself any time to prepare for it. It was like, oh Sierra is going, so I should go. I'll be cool and everyone will be impressed by me. Stupidest decision.

Yeah, studying abroad always seemed like something awesome to do. But I never wanted to come here. It was kind of like, Breda was the only option, so I took it. I took it and committed without really thinking about it. I feel like this is when I bought my car. I bought it, and the second I got home, I regret my decision. My biggest issue is not taking time to really think about things before I do them.

So as I walked 20 minutes to school, I was thinking about everything. And then when I was in class, it was more so, me not even paying any attention to the teachers. Im having a rough time concentrating because all I can think about is wanting to go home.

When I was in my second class, I was Facebook messaging a friend from NAU who studied here. Turns out, he went through the same thing as me. He wanted to do this though. I don't.

My biggest question is, is it too late to turn around?

Alex asked me last night if I was to just come back, what I would do. Well, it is too late to get into any classes at NAU, so I told him this. If I was to come back to the states, I would live with Alex and just hang out until I have to go back to Flagstaff for my last semester of school.

I just wish that this was my last semester there. I wish I could take all of this back, and never commit to coming here. I am so sick of pretending I like it here. I am so over acting like I don't feel so hurt inside. And most importantly, I feel like the biggest disappointment.

Not only do I feel like a disappointment to my parents, but my family, friends, and Alex. I don't want people looking at me differently or thinking I am pathetic because I couldn't do it. Because I am not one to quit on anything. But this is the first thing I am having a real tough time believing that I will be okay. I need to be with Alex. I need to be in the states. I need to be where I feel safe and where I am happy.

I think when I said how I wanted to study abroad, it meant that I wanted to travel. Because that is still the case. And I believe is what really is the case. I want to travel the world, not live everywhere in the world. America is my home. And that is where I need to be.

First Day of School

So after sitting around on Sunday, 8:00 in the morning rolled around fast. I was pretty excited for the first day of school. Obviously, I am thinking that school will be like what I am used to. But no.

First of all, it takes like 20 minutes to walk to school, which is different because I am used to taking the bus, or driving. So walking 20 minutes to the school is different, and a bit of a drag. So, Eline walked me to school so I can find my way, and then we broke off and she did her thing, while I was starting the orientation.

There was a decent amount of international students in the group. But of course, I was the only American; and better yet, I was the only one without any friends. So we all got a quick tour of the building (which is all the school really is), and after, we sat down with one of the instructors, Anna, and she helped put our classes together.

My classes seem interesting. I am taking TV production house classes, which is different than what I am used to doing. I really don't know what to expect, but that is okay. I guess the way it is for international students, is that I go to classes for two weeks, and then after, I can chose what classes I really want to take. So right now, I am put in for  25 credits, but there are two blocks in one semester, so I will probably drop a few classes, and then take others for the next block.

My walk back wasn't the best. It was snowing the whole time. It is a different cold here. So walking back sucked! But right now, all I can think about is making friends. Moving into my apartment will be so nice. I just want to be settled in, and feel better about being here. And once I make some friends at school, I think I will start enjoying my time. I mean, the past few days hasn't been bad, they have just been different.

I really hate to say it, but so far studying abroad hasn't been what I expected it to be like. I look at Sierra and see all the cool things she is doing, and I wish that was me. I don't know. I suppose I shall give it a few weeks and see how things are. But it's not like I can turn back now! I just keep thinking how long six months is. Something I need to stop doing. Every time that I think about how long I am here for, I get all emotional and start missing things; like Alex, Flagstaff, my car, and just everyday life. For now, I try thinking about staying warm in the snow.