2024 was a whirlwind, to say the least—a year absolutely packed with magical moments, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. As we step into 2025, I know it will bring yet another year of change. My expat assignment ends at the end of May, and with it, so does this unique chapter of life abroad. Everyone warned me about how quickly this time would fly by, and wow, they weren’t kidding!
Before I dive headfirst into 2025 and all its uncertainties, I wanted to pause and reflect on the year that was. That’s one reason I love having this blog—it forces me to slow down and thoughtfully document my experiences to share with my friends and family. So, let’s take a look back at 2024, by the numbers:
✈️ 22 flights: Over the course of the year, I spent 3 days and 4 hours in the air, traveling a total of 32,181 miles—that’s 1.3x around the world! These adventures took me through 8 incredible countries: Denmark, Italy (twice), the U.S., Sweden, Austria, Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, and Tanzania. Out of those, 5 were new countries for me (Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Luxembourg, and Tanzania). Austria marked my 30th country, allowing me to complete my goal of reaching 30 countries before turning 30.
🏡 13 Visitors: We hosted so many loved ones this year! Elia kicked off the visits in March, followed by Savannah and Ian in Copenhagen in April. Jossue and his brother swung by in May, and then Alex and Sam stopped in Brussels before we headed on our girls’ trip to Austria. Marisa joined me in Milan, Sarah and Zach explored Belgium for a week, our moms visited at separate times, and Ben’s friends filled in the gaps. I love how much joy these visits brought to our year!
💍 3 Weddings: May was filled with love and family time as we flew to NYC for my cousin Abbey’s wedding, then drove to Virginia to see my mom/grandma, then flew to Chicago for Ariana’s wedding where I was a bridesmaid. Then I flew back to Chicago for just a few days in October to be a bridesmaid in Rachel’s wedding. While we couldn’t attend every wedding we were invited to, we’re so happy for all our friends and family who tied the knot this year!
🎶 3 Concerts – In February, we saw Noah Kahan at a small venue in Belgium. He is absolutely my favorite artist right now – I just love his vibe (he was also my number one most listed to artist for 2024). I also went to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour which was so incredible! I wouldn’t consider myself a “Swiftie” by any means, but anyone who can perform for 3.5 hours in a row every night deserves some credit. Another reason I love her is because I felt like I’ve grown up listening to her music – her surprise song was a song I listened to when I had my first heartbreak and it brought me right back to those feelings. I also went 1 day to Tommorowland which is one of the most famous music festivals in the world, and one of the hardest to get tickets to. This experience was unlike anything else, and we walked over 34,000 steps that day!
🤕 1 Concussion: Not all adventures are successful ones. In 2024, I learned the hard way that some risks just aren’t worth it. During a work event that I planned at an adventure park, I attempted a free fall jump, landed incorrectly, and spent days in the dark nursing a concussion. Lesson learned—2025 will include fewer high-risk “fun” ideas!
📸 48 Favorite Photos: Choosing my top four photos from each month was a challenge, given the 17,000 photos currently living on my camera roll! But this exercise reminded me just how amazing this year was:
We threw a farewell party for our friend Burcu, moved into our new apartment, enjoyed a rare snowy day with Mallow, and cheered on Ben in his hockey semi-finals.We hosted a combined housewarming and birthday party for Ben’s 27th, saw Noah Kahan live, and soaked up cozy evenings at home with Mallow.We visited Versailles and Paris, showed Elia around Bruges (my favorite town in Belgium), and celebrated more hockey wins.I spent quality time with my girls in Brussels, explored Copenhagen with Savannah and Ian, and celebrated Finnish Independence Day.A work trip to Venice turned into a mini-vacation when Ben joined me at the end. Later, we took a U.S. road trip for two weddings, saw family, and I finally got to meet my best friend’s daughter, Gwen!We celebrated Ariana and Jerry’s wedding, I went on a work trip to Northern Sweden then met Ben in Stockholm for the weekend, and Andrew/Ben surprised Silvia/I with a salsa dancing double date.Visitors, concerts, and new experiences filled this hectic yet incredible month. It was hard on the bank account but so worth it!A life-changing trip to Tanzania included a safari and an island escape to Zanzibar. Ben’s mom also visited for the third time—our most frequent guest!We hiked with Mallow, cheered on the Bears (who lost, as usual), and then I headed to Chicago at the tailend of the month where I had a quick coffee with Hannah and Gwen + FINALLY got to meet Carly’s baby, Karson.Rachel’s wedding day was incredible and we felt like celebrities walking through downtown Chicago all dressed up. I saw Ariana for a few hours and popped by Gwen’s 1st birthday before heading to the airport. Back in Brussels, we celebrated my friend Laura who turned 30!This was the first month of no travel in awhile. Ben actually planned a surprise trip to Sicily, but we decided to cancel and stay at home because I was so exhausted. We spent our weekends with friends and hosted 14 people for Thanksgiving!My mom joined us for a magical Christmas market road trip through Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. We ended the year with a quiet Christmas at home with just Ben, Mallow, and me.
Reflections on 2024
Of course, not every moment was easy. Spending Christmas just the two of us, while peaceful, felt a little lonely. I also pushed myself too hard balancing work, travel, and hosting, which caught up with me by the fall. And as we look to 2025, there are so many uncertainties—where we’ll live, what our careers will look like, and how we’ll navigate the challenges of returning to the U.S.
But through it all, I’ve learned so much about myself, Ben, and what we want out of life. These “Brussels Bubble” years have been transformative. Our relationship has deepened as we’ve leaned on each other in ways we never had before. I can’t believe we’ve been together for 8 years (as of 1/1/25) — I can’t imagine this life without him.
The 20s are a wild ride full of growth, love, and chaos. One of my goals for this upcoming year is to embrace the twists and turns that 2025 has in store.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading! Love and best wishes to all my friends and family for 2025.
I am a really big believer that God has a plan & that the right thing will always happen.
On March 7, I broke out my journal for the first time in a long time to make a pros and cons list of staying in Europe verses moving back to America. While I’ve always known that this chapter in my life has an expiration date, there’s a certain magic in dreaming of staying forever in Europe. I wrote about how I need to shift my mindset back to the fact that I am only here temporarily, but how it would be nice to have just a biiiiit more time. Background: typically expat assignments at my company are 3 years long, however I initially expressed that I was only interested in a 2 year assignment (for some reason committing to 2 years felt a lot less intimidating than 3 years of my life).
Just a little bit over a week later on March 15, I was offered an extension on my assignment to stay through the end of May 2025 (instead of January 2025)!!! This came as a shock to me because my department already had a planned restructure for 2025, so I didn’t think there was even room for an extension. However the department is going to be having some internal changes and me staying a little bit longer will provide more stability and the chance to finish up on some of my projects. So now I get four more months of working and living in Europe! YAY!
I was really in awe when my boss asked me, I almost agreed to it on the spot! But then I was like OK Liv hold your horses, you need to discuss with Ben first. Honestly, I could’ve come home and he could’ve told me that he is already set to go home in January, which would’ve been totally fair. Instead, he was overjoyed, super proud of me, and excited to be able to play a second full season of hockey here. Although we both miss home, we realize that life here has a LOT to offer us.
Another exciting career-related thing that happened this week was that I met with Komatsu America to start the discussion about my future role upon returning home. They informed me that they will put together a full repatriation plan and I will know my start date, title, and all the other details by the end of this calendar year! That was such a relief to hear, considering 2025 feels like one big question mark to me. There is so much to figure out and sometimes I get overwhelmed if I think too far into the future. Next year is going to be filled with lots of life changes, but I am so thankful to do it all alongside Ben and the support of family and friends.
Shorter blog post today, but wanted to share this excited update with everyone following along ❤
January & February marked our first two months without any travel plans since our arrival. Thanks to Ben’s commitment to his hockey team here, our weekends have been spent at the ice rink. I love watching him out on the ice, but this decision to travel less was based solely on the hockey schedule 😉 However, after the whirlwind of last year, we have been embracing the rhythm of day-to-day life in Belgium, enjoying the simple pleasures of our surroundings. Not being bound by airport schedules every other weekend has its perks, and Mallow certainly seems relieved to see our suitcases tucked away on a shelf for a change.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on just how different life is here compared to back home in The States. I’m oftentimes asked if I like living here compared to the US. It’s something that’s been on my mind a lot, and I want to share my thoughts and experiences with you all, no filter. The truth is, I’m starting to realize just how tough it’s going to be when we eventually head back (January 2025). If there was a way to just magically transport all my loved ones here, I’d probably never leave Europe! There’s just something about this place that’s got me hooked, and the thought of saying goodbye is seriously tough to swallow. There is a French word that perfectly describes this feeling…énouement.
Somewhere along the way, I lost track of the fact that I’m here on a two-year assignment, and it’s time to readjust my mindset. During my time here, I’ve encountered truths about life that have shifted my perspective on how it could—or perhaps should—be lived. While I’m always grateful to be an American and cherish the freedoms my country affords me, I want to share my honest thoughts on the differences I’m experiencing.
Food
In Belgium and throughout Europe, there’s a noticeable difference in the way food is produced compared to America. When I tell you that the produce is more colorful and different sizes and the meat tastes distinctly different I am not joking. Here, you won’t find the same level of reliance on hormones or GMOs that is pumped into our food in America. Drive throughs are rare, unless of course you’re on a road trip. The refrigerators are essentially the size of mini fridges, and the freezers are a drawer or two. Small fridges and limited pantry spaces encourages food to be fresh instead of frozen, and people shop at markets and smaller sized grocery stores.
Back home the phrase “my stomach hurts” was used all too often in our household. We had to make efforts to eat healthier to not have stomach pain, but the food here is naturally better for us. To give you an example…my MIL is gluten and dairy free. She maintains a regimented diet but when she comes to visit, she can eat ANYTHING she wants. In Europe, gluten processing adheres to stricter regulations and standards. European wheat varieties typically contain lower levels of gluten compared to American wheat varieties, which may contribute to differences in how gluten is processed and tolerated. European food laws often impose tighter restrictions on additives and processing techniques; overall, European food practices often prioritize transparency and quality. Our food back home is poisoned and there is basically nothing we can do about it. If you’re interested, check out this article about 10 hazardous additives that are banned in Europe but completely legal in the US….
All of this directly correlates to the obesity rates in America. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Nearly 1 in 3 US adults (30.7%) are overweight.
More than 2 in 5 US adults (42.4%) have obesity (including severe obesity).
About 1 in 11 US adults (9.2%) have severe obesity.
So when you see our backyard turned completely into a garden and I bring you fresh fruit/veggies every time I come over, don’t think I’m crazy!
Sustainability
Belgium has extensive waste sorting and recycling programs, with high rates of recycling across the country. The government incentivizes waste reduction and recycling through policies such as waste taxes and landfill bans on certain materials. We are obligated to sort our waste by:
Glass
Paper and cardboard
PMD waste
GFT and organic waste
Small hazardous waste
Old and expired medications
Building waste and rubble
Reusable textiles
Discarded electrical and electronic appliances
We have five different containers in our apartment (blue bag is plastics, first white bag is residual waste, second white bag is garden waste, yellow bag is paper and cardboard, & orange bag is food waste) and we have a public glass waste bin on our street where you deposit clear glass and colored glass separately. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency in Nov 2023, only 32% of America recycles. Seriously, are you kidding me? If you’re not recycling, I urge you to reconsider because each of us has a personal responsibility to care for our planet.
Additionally, Belgium has made significant investments in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass. This country also prioritizes public transportation and urban planning strategies that promote sustainability, such as pedestrian-friendly city centers, efficient public transit networks, and infrastructure to support biking to work. Brussels has also implemented car-free zones and bike-sharing programs to reduce traffic congestion and emissions. My company offers an electric bike leasing program which has resulted in many employees coming to work by bike! It’s little changes like these that can make a big difference in the fight against climate change.
Another cool thing is that every year, my company gives each employee a 250 euro eco voucher. Eco vouchers are a form of payment used in Belgium to promote environmentally friendly purchases. These vouchers are provided by employers as a benefit to employees and can be used to purchase eco-friendly products and services, such as energy-efficient appliances, public transportation passes, organic food, and eco-friendly home improvement items. The Belgian government introduced eco vouchers as a way to encourage sustainable consumption and support businesses that offer environmentally friendly products and services. This system not only encourages individuals to be more sustainable in their purchasing habits but also provides them with the means to do so. Amazing!
Work/Life Balance
Work-life balance in Belgium is highly valued and prioritized, with ample vacation time, flexible working hours, and a strong emphasis on family life. Belgian workers typically enjoy generous annual leave entitlements. If you’re wondering how I travel so much 😉 it’s because the EU mandates that every employee is entitled to at least four weeks (i.e. 20 days on a full-time basis) of paid annual leave. Additionally, my organization offers 12 WTC days which are accrued throughout the year. Since I’ve entered my 5th year with Komatsu, I also received 1 extra seniority day. This doesn’t even include public holidays!!! Typically June/August is known as the holiday period, with people escaping to Italy for 2-3 weeks (or whatever country they prefer but I swear everyone’s always going to Italy!)
Additionally, many companies offer flexible working arrangements, such as telecommuting and part-time options, to accommodate employees’ personal needs and commitments. Belgians place a high value on spending quality time with family and friends, and there is a cultural expectation of maintaining a healthy balance between work and leisure activities. We have a huge coffee culture, with 10-15 minute coffee breaks to encourage collaboration and to get to know your colleagues. There’s also organized sports and activities after work. The working days are long though, many people often don’t leave the office until 6pm. Overall, the work-life balance in Belgium is characterized by a commitment to both professional success and personal well-being.
Safety
Safety is a topic close to my heart, and it’s one that’s been on my mind a lot since moving out of America. The sense of psychological safety I’ve experienced here in Belgium has been a stark contrast to what I grew accustomed to back home. One significant factor contributing to this sense of security is Belgium’s strict regulations regarding firearms. (Don’t get me wrong, I am not anti-gun…however I believe there should be regulations) Guns are generally not allowed for civilian possession. Pepper spray is even illegal (which I think is crazy). This means that incidents involving weapons are far less common, and there’s a tangible feeling of safety in everyday life. Most likely, the worst thing you will experience is getting a knife pulled on you.
The most important thing in my eyes is that parents can send their children to school safely without the fear of gun violence. We’re only in the 3rd month of 2024, and The US has already had 16 school shootings. Truthfully, what’s more important than our children? Not to mention, road rage incidents don’t escalate into fatal shootings (which everyone likes to mention when I tell them I’m from Chicago). I’m not fearful in crowds whereas I use to have extreme anxiety about mass shootings. And let’s not forget the prevalence of violence against women, which sadly remains a serious issue in many parts of the world. The fact that women can’t even feel safe running on trails in broad daylight on college campuses in America without the fear of being assaulted or worse is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges we face in terms of safety and security. So, when I talk about feeling safer here in Belgium, it’s not just a matter of personal comfort—it’s a reflection of the tangible differences in safety measures and societal norms that contribute to a more secure environment for everyone.
Parenthood
Let me begin by stating that 186 countries in the world provide paid maternity leave and health benefits by law; the US is one of seven countries with no national paid leave. Make it make sense????
Source: The New York Times, 2023
On a global scale, the average paid maternity leave is 29 weeks; the average paid paternity leave is 16 weeks. Here in Belgium, working mothers are entitled to 15 weeks of paid maternity leave. This leave is paid by the government, so it also applies to self-employed mothers. Salaried and self-employed fathers and co-parents are currently entitled to 20 days of fully-paid paternity or birth leave. Another perk for working parents in Belgium is the option to adjust their work schedule to better accommodate family commitments. For instance, many parents can apply to work at a prorated level, adjusting their hours to fit their family’s needs.
Here’s a real-life example: Schools in Belgium have half days on Wednesdays. So, if a parent’s child has this midweek break, they might adjust their work schedule accordingly. My boss has a young daughter and values spending time with her, especially on Wednesdays. Her work contract was modified to 90%, meaning she works 90% of the standard hours and receives 90% of her paid days off. Despite this adjustment, she still holds a significant role within the company. This flexibility allows her to strike a balance between her career aspirations and her family commitments without having to sacrifice one for the other. This shift in mindset reflects a broader trend towards flexible work arrangements and a recognition of the value that individuals with diverse lifestyles and responsibilities bring to the workplace. Ultimately, it’s about redefining what success looks like and embracing a more inclusive approach to career advancement that accommodates the diverse needs of employees, including working parents.
My company in the US offers 6 weeks paid leave for natural births and 8 weeks paid leave for C-sections; in 2022, I helped implement a policy for 2 weeks paid for fathers. So you’re telling me that if I give birth naturally, I should leave my baby and return to work after 1.5 months? In no way is that natural…for the baby or the mother. Additionally, the standard for higher-level leadership positions typically mandates full-time employment. Part-time roles are typically capped at 50%, and individuals aspiring to top-tier leadership positions are generally expected to commit to full-time work. The option to work at 90% capacity (or 70%, 80%) isn’t even an option for these roles.
Reflection
Okay, so I might have come off a bit harsh on the US, but hear me out—it’s all part of this eye-opening experience of discovering how differently people live around the world compared to what I’ve known growing up. While Belgium is definitely smaller than the US, a lot of what I’ve observed here applies to the broader European Union, which comprises 27 diverse countries.
That’s not to say that there aren’t downsides….
First of all, the sun BARELY shines here and we get lots of rain
Salaries in Europe tend to be much lower, and tax rates are definitely higher. To put it in perspective, starting salaries for university graduates in Belgium average 2000 euros net per month (approximately $2,189). Plus, Belgium’s progressive tax system means the more you earn, the more you’re taxed, with rates ranging from about 25% to a hefty 50%. If you earn 46,440 euros annually (about $50,849), you are paying 50% in taxes. Keep in mind that those taxes do include healthcare and university education…but that is still super high
Restaurant substitutions and alterations don’t exist here and I miss that in American you can basically have anything your way
They don’t celebrate Thanksgiving (for obvious reasons) but they’re missing out because it is the best holiday!!!! Halloween is also not popular here
Air conditioning is rare which means the summers are HOT (& stinky)
You essentially have to have a university degree and speak at least 2 languages to get a white collar job whereas the US has a strong culture of fostering entrepreneurial spirit and encouraging innovation
I also recognize there are some adjustments I can make when returning home that are within my control, like cultivating a healthier lifestyle by growing more natural foods or shopping organically. But when it comes to bigger societal issues like shootings or the lack of paid maternity leave, it’s a different story. That feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming at times. I know it seems dramatic like “calm down Liv this was only for two years” but this is my LIFE I’m talking about.
Cue the deep sigh and maybe a few tears. I’m incredibly grateful for this experience, but the thought of moving back is bittersweet. I hope that you can understand that a little bit more after reading this & support me with the transition next year. But for now, I’ll try to push these thoughts off and enjoy every last second here!!!
Today marks ONE YEAR of living in Europe, 4,000+ miles away from home. Can you believe it?! It has been a whirlwind for Ben and I…with new jobs, global friendships, hosting 16 visitors, and exploring 12 countries (8 of them brand new!). This year brought personal growth, adventures, and challenges – and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
The Highlights
Obviously, the reason for this international move was for my job. I have had three roles with Komatsu so far, and this one is definitely my favorite! In my recent performance review, my manager mentioned that I have assimilated extremely well into the work culture and have formed relationships at all levels of the organization. She even said that I was exactly what the HR team here needed!
As the HR projects supervisor, I am the European liaison from headquarters to all European entities for HR related topics (Germany, Italy, Sweden, etc.) I have been able to work on some exciting initiatives…from creation to implementation to evaluation. Having a project-based role is right up my alley. In 2024, I will have business trips to our facilities in Sweden and Italy too!
We hosted a “Family Day” back in March on a Saturday. I normally dress more in business attire during the week
Another major highlight is that we have an established community of friends here. I knew that it was really important for Ben and I to find this because we are both super social people who love to host. Because Brussels is such an international city, we have made friends from all over the world, which has brought new insight and unique experiences. We have made friends through work, hockey, and expat groups on Facebook! I am so thankful for these people who we get to celebrate birthdays and holidays with, plan trips with, and have been such a support system during our time here.
Celebrating Thanksgiving together!
Vacation (referred to as holiday) time is extensive, and I am taking advantage of that! Not only that, but it is encouraged at work that you take your time off…even multiple weeks in a row. The famous question “Are you living to work or working to live?” really resonates here. In my experience, the American dream drives Americans to live to work, whereas Europeans are working to live.
And the best highlight…being able to travel at a level I have never before experienced (and will probably never experience again). In 2023, I flew 44,388 miles on 30 flights. That is 1.8x around the world! We spent our first wedding anniversary in Paris, saw the famous tulips at Keukenhof in The Netherlands with my sister, stayed in a villa in the French Riviera with my dad, visited Prague with my mom, went to a music festival in Budapest with a friend from college, went on the “World’s Best Hot Air Balloon Ride” in Turkey with Ben, stayed in a honeymoon suite in Santorini next door to our best friends on their honeymoon, went to Germany for famous Christmas markets with Ben’s family, and so much more!! It sounds like I am making all of this stuff up…I seriously think that when we tell our future children about this life that we lived, they won’t believe us!
The hardest parts
I have received SO much encouragement and excitement from family, friends, acquaintances…even people I haven’t talked to in years. I love getting to share this journey with everyone, but I don’t want it to seem through the lens of social media that everything is perfect. It is easy for everything to appear like sunshine and rainbows, but there are clouds and storms (literally because it rains 200 days per year here!!!).
The most difficult part of this entire experience was trying to focus on living my life here while being away from my life back home. For example, being away from our families during the holidays, missing my childhood best friend experience her first pregnancy, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, baby showers, birthdays, family dinners…people’s lives keep continuing and I’m watching them from a far. There are also so many events I will miss in 2024 and I know I will struggle with that. On the other hand, our family and friends have been SO intentional with planning to FaceTime, sending us letters in the mail, and encouraging us above and beyond. To my people, you know who you are, I love you!!! Thank you for your support.
The second most difficult thing was not having air conditioning. This is such an “American” comment but let me tell you…it SUCKED. There was a 10-day period in July/August where it was above 85 degrees Fahrenheit every day. Ben was back home in Chicago and Mallow and I were so overheated. It resulted in her not eating and me having an actual heat stroke. I finally decided to check us into a hotel for one night so just we could reset. She immediately ate 3 bowls of her food and I started to feel better. All my friends were teasing me for not being able to withstand the heat, but I had no shame! I needed to feel the A/C again LOL.
Mallow at the hotel…naturally she had to bring her frisbee
Another difficult adjustment was living in a country that is sooooo different from my own. Being around people that speak in foreign languages and navigating a completely different culture can be a challenge. For example, the workplace culture is completely different (& I experienced my first ever conflict in the workplace!), the currency is euros, we drive in kilometers, discuss the weather in Celsius, must use our translator app when shopping for groceries, etc. I even got a bridesmaid’s dress tailored by a woman who spoke only French! Every day I’m outside of my comfort zone. Most of the time I can handle it but sometimes things feel overwhelming.
Another battle was the neighborhood we lived in for the last 11 months. We thought we could handle the city center, but it turned out that after surviving an attempted mugging (thanks to Ben’s quick reflexes and my fight/flight response he didn’t get our jewelry), our building being broken into resulting in my favorite blue bike being stolen, and the constant crowds of people…that the city center was not for us. We have just moved (only 3 miles away) to a new neighborhood into the most beautiful apartment! We are so excited for this change and thankful to my company for being accommodating.
Some other funny “challenges” we’ve experienced…one of the hockey teams in the league Ben plays in filed a complaint against Ben. They were inquiring to see if we moved here for his hockey career LOL (because he is the #1-point scorer on his team, humble brag), so we had to provide our work contracts to prove hockey is just an extracurricular. North American hockey is at a completely different level than European hockey, so Ben has been targeted during games. It isn’t fun to watch your husband get slammed up against the boards, and I am now making him wear a cage to protect his face. I just think this is so funny because if we were to move for his hockey career, why do they think we would choose Belgium???
Go #16!!!
Lastly, our challenges in America (political, social, and economic) have undoubtedly tainted the reputation of the United States. For many, they view the US as somewhere they still want to visit but not necessarily live. I take a lot of heat about America…people are always making comments about how I should be use to mass shootings, how the food is so unhealthy there, or how our Presidents are a joke (they’re not wrong). I can handle it for the most part, but sometimes it gets to me. I have to realize that I can’t defend an entire country.
What I’ve learned
I’ve learned that I am adaptable and can handle change. As someone who typically fears changes and struggles with anxiety, this is exciting progress!
My perspective has changed about sooo many things and I’ve learned more about the world and myself more than ever before. I am changing and growing and figuring out who I am and what I like. Part of that is what your 20s are for, but it is definitely intensified in my current situation.
For example, I definitely don’t want to live in the middle of a city. But I don’t think living in the suburbs is for me either. I think I’d like a balance where we could drive/park and have a backyard but also be able to walk to dinner or some grocery stores/markets. Anyone have any recommendations?
I’ve learned more about sustainability, extreme consumerism in America, what’s in our food and how we should treat our bodies, etc. For example, this past year I have shopped less than I ever have. I now only buy things that “speak to me”, whereas back home I would have an Amazon package showing up on my porch every other day…yikes.
Conclusion
I am the first, youngest, and female expat in a male-dominated organization to have an international assignment in Europe. There are not enough words that could ever express this experience. I’ve felt every emotion this year. Happiness, sadness, excitement, frustration, overwhelmed, pure joy…you name it, I’ve felt it. But the thought of leaving here makes me so sad…so I’m going to make this last year count!!!
Culture shock is something that I knew we’d have to navigate. No matter where you move to, they probably do a few things differently. When you move internationally, that adds a whole other layer. The most typical things to consider are language barriers, social cues, and unfamiliar customs.
Here is what I have found to be the biggest differences in our time here so far:
Every one and their mother (literally) smokes cigarettes here. People of all ages, ethnicities, social status, at all times of the day…the secondhand smoke exposure is real
The first floor here is called the ground floor, and the second level is actually the first floor. Our temporary apartment is unit 702, but we’re actually on the 8th level
Belgian’s wear their engagement ring on the ring finger on the left hand. After you are officially married, the wedding band replaces the engagement ring on the left hand and is moved to the right hand
When you dine out, you have to pay for water. You have the option between still and sparkling in a half liter or a liter. Oftentimes, wine or beer is cheaper!
You are legally required to sort your garbage, which is referred to as rubbish. Blue bags are for plastics and metals. Yellow bags are for paper and cardboard. Green bags are for leaves, weeds, and grass cuttings. Orange bags are for food waste. White bags are known as the catch-all. Don’t even get me started on sorting glass! This is a whole other category.
Not only do you share the road with other cars, but also with trams. (pretty sure this happens in San Francisco, but definitely not where I’m from in Illinois!) Traffic here is also notoriously bad, as Brussels ranks the 3rd most congested city
The driving age is 18, not 16
Speaking of age, the legal drinking age is 16 at bars, and 18 for liquor with over 20% alcohol
Dogs are off-leash, roaming freely at parks and on the streets. This is still so crazy to me!
It isn’t that hard to find an apartment with an in-unit washing machine, but forget about a dryer. Because of the cost of energy, hang-drying is the most common method
Because bills already include a service charge, you don’t tip at restaurants, hair dresses, or if you take a taxi
Speaking of restaurants…even in a nice sit-down restaurant, you go up to the front of the restaurant and pay your bill to the cashier
Most refrigerators are extremely small, resulting in people going to the grocery store each day. And freezers? If you’re lucky, maybe you have one shelf
Doors open inward and locks work differently. For example, in order to get out of our apartment, we have to use the key. Talk about a fire hazard!
Instead of saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a cow”, the expression is “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.” Some people actually eat horse here 😦
Instead of saying, “Kill two birds with one stone”, the expression is “Catch two flys in one clap”
Air conditioning in apartments/homes is essentially nonexistent due to cultural, territorial and climatic reasons. In fact, less than 5% of all European households have AC. An actual picture of me this Summer…
After a tearful goodbye, we departed Chicago and had a direct flight to Brussels. We landed in Belgium on the morning of January 17th and it has been a whirlwind ever since.
After landing, a driver was waiting for us where he took us to our temporary accommodation where we will be staying until mid-February. Our temporary housing is right near Parc du Cinquantenaire, a 19th-century city park with floral gardens and fountains, home to art and military museums.
Later that evening, Mallow finally arrived. We could barely wait up for her, as we were so exhausted. The number one tip for tackling jet lag is to avoid napping, and we were unsuccessful at that!
Our family was finally together and we began adjusting to the time difference and exploring. The next day we unpacked a couple of suitcases and made sure Mallow got plenty of exercise. The pet relocation company provided us with a bunch of tips on how to get your pet acclimated, and part of that means making sure they get back to a normal routine.
On Thursday morning, a private taxi picked me up from the apartment and I headed into the office for my first day of work as the first ever American expat at our European headquarters. Our office is located in Vilvoorde, which is only about 20 kilometers but takes roughly 45 minutes with traffic. In Brussels, everyone speaks French and some English. However, Vilvoorde is located in the Flemish Region of Belgium which is the Dutch-speaking portion of Belgium. Essentially, I need to learn both French and Dutch…wish me luck lol. The official language of the office in Vilvoorde is English, so I can certainly get by.
I was able to finally meet the HR team in person, and go through orientation. I received my laptop, rental car, gas card, and company phone. I also learned that it is extremely common for companies here to provide their employees with cars for tax advantages. I didn’t have these benefits in America so internally I was thinking, “this is sooo cool!!!”
The car is a Peugeot 2008, and yes, it is automatic. I made sure that my offer letter specified that I receive an automatic car, because ya girl cannot drive stick shift! After three months, I get to choose between different options that I will have for the rest of my time here. The only time I plan on using my car is to get to and from work. If you live and work in Brussels city center, there is no need for a car. I only need one because work is tricky to get to via public transport. Speaking of that…
The team hosted a welcome lunch for me, and kindly invited Ben. I asked him to meet us at the restaurant in Vilvoorde at 12:30 and he didn’t show up until a little past 1. Turns out, he took the wrong bus and accidentally ended up at the airport LOL. He was so embarrassed but we are able to laugh at it now.
Driving here has definitely been the hardest part for me (besides being away from family and friends obviously). Luckily, the driving is on the same side of the street as the US, however they are crazy filled with pedestrians, cars, trams, buses, bikers, dogs, electric scooters, and more. Hopefully it will get better…but for now, keep me in your thoughts!
We have also done some exploring. Below is a picture of the Grand-Palace, known for its decorative and aesthetic wealth. It is breathtaking, and the funny thing is we just stumbled upon it. That’s the thing I love about Europe…you find beautiful things without even looking for them.
We have also had some great cuisine. The refrigerator at our temporary accommodation only has two shelves, and the kitchen is extremely small so we have been dining out more often than I’d like to admit. Belgium is (obviously) known for their chocolate and waffles, but they also have frites (fries) stands on nearly every corner! Brussels is one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the world, with over 104 languages spoken and 184 nationalities (eurocities.eu). A typical Belgian dish is called boulets liégeois; it is meatballs swimming in an apple and onion gravy, served with frites.
Today marks 13 days until the big move. That is less than TWO WEEKS!!
The tears fell heavy this morning and I thought to myself, “Who the hell just picks up and moves to freaking Belgium!?!” Sometimes this feels like the biggest, scariest, most exciting thing I will ever do. Other times I remember this is something I dreamt up, pursued, and made come to life.
We hosted New Years in our home two nights ago. We had a murder mystery dinner and we all showed up dressed like our characters, solved the mystery, and danced until the clock struck midnight. Right around 11:30pm I went up to Ben and said, “These are the moments I am going to miss the most.” My people. Our home. Celebrating holidays with the ones I love.
Leaving my friends and family is hands down going to be the hardest part of this move. Time to get back to packing!
Hi there! My name is Liv (Olivia) Ratner and I am about to embark on a life-changing adventure. I have accepted an international assignment in Brussels, Belgium for the next two years with my company, Komatsu. If you’ve never heard of Komatsu, Komatsu provides essential equipment for the construction, mining, forest, energy and manufacturing industries. Look outside your window on your next car ride for construction equipment, and you’ll probably see our excavators!
I hope that this blog will allow my family, friends, colleagues, and anyone else chasing their dreams to have some insight into what it is like to live, work, and travel abroad.
Some other fun facts about me:
I just got married in March of ’22 to my husband, Ben. Ben is the most hard-working, loyal, funniest person I know…and I am so thankful that he is willing to join me on this journey
We have a mini-aussiedoodle named Mallow. She is very intelligent but has more energy than the law allows
One of my goals is to go to all 50 states in the US; currently I have been to 31. Only 19 more to go!
I studied abroad in Barcelona in the summer of 2017 with one of my best friends Rachel, so I’ve technically lived abroad before
My friends would best describe me as the clumsiest person they know (seriously)
Life with Liv 