As a blogger, I read other blogs on a daily basis and I simply love them.
I like coming across posts and thinking “Yes, I’ve been through that”, “Oh, I feel the same way”, “Thank God I’m not the only one” or “That looks nice, I should do that too”.
That is precisely why I write as well – so that people can connect with the experiences I’m living and feel like they’re not alone or maybe even inspire them (to live abroad, to follow their hearts, whatever).
Lately I’ve been focused on expatriates in Belgium blogs – I enjoy reading the impressions my fellow expat bloggers have of Belgium and these are stories that need to be told.
I've challenged myself in writing a novel set in Brussels, let’s see what happens!
These are my favorites:
1. Opposite Ocean
Written by Leah Budke - an American who has lived in Italy and Spain and is now in Gent.
She writes about learning Dutch, her experience as a student at Gent University and more on the “curious yet charming country of Belgium”, as she describes it herself.
Must read:
10 things I’ve learned about studying at a Flemish university
Dutch, the mythical Unicorn of European languages
2. More than Beer and Waffles
Mrs. Isinvar is an American who recently married a Belgian and moved to Antwerp. Her posts go from the nightmare that is apartment hunting to culinary curiosities to language observations. There are also very interesting encounters and reflections like At least I don’t hear bombs and American awareness: thoughts on global citizenship.
3. Things you didn’t know about Belgium
Diana Goodwin left the USA and the film business to come to Belgium a few years ago. She blogs as an expat since 2010 and you can find a variety of topics: food, music videos, holidays, festivities, cities, language, customs.
Must read:
Getting married in Belgium, part I
Getting married in Belgium, part II
4. Gulf Stream Blues
A serious and informative read, this blog is dedicated to European politics. The posts are wonderfully written and interesting. It’s been online since 2005 and it’s written by an American expat in Brussels.
Must read:
Brussels’ complicated expats
Dutch rally round ‘right to be racist’
5. Life in (and around) Brussels… Random tips on things to do and places to go in Brussels and beyond
They write fantastic tips ranging from “best patisserie in Brussels”, “all things Japanese”, events, concerts, and especially restaurant reviews – every post accompanied by mouth-watering pictures.
6. Ivory Pomegranate
Written by Kirstin, a young American expat who previously lived in Kyrgyzstan (yes, that’s a country, I googled it) and has just moved to Gent. Welcome, Kirstin! I can’t wait to read more of your experiences and impressions of our (not always) lovely Belgium.
Must read:
Illogical thoughts on moving to Belgium
You can also find other expat bloggers (including me) on Fans of Flanders - Blogs.
If you know of other expat blogs, don't hesitate to comment below!
I like coming across posts and thinking “Yes, I’ve been through that”, “Oh, I feel the same way”, “Thank God I’m not the only one” or “That looks nice, I should do that too”.
That is precisely why I write as well – so that people can connect with the experiences I’m living and feel like they’re not alone or maybe even inspire them (to live abroad, to follow their hearts, whatever).
Lately I’ve been focused on expatriates in Belgium blogs – I enjoy reading the impressions my fellow expat bloggers have of Belgium and these are stories that need to be told.
I've challenged myself in writing a novel set in Brussels, let’s see what happens!
These are my favorites:
1. Opposite Ocean
Written by Leah Budke - an American who has lived in Italy and Spain and is now in Gent.
She writes about learning Dutch, her experience as a student at Gent University and more on the “curious yet charming country of Belgium”, as she describes it herself.
Must read:
10 things I’ve learned about studying at a Flemish university
Dutch, the mythical Unicorn of European languages
2. More than Beer and Waffles
Mrs. Isinvar is an American who recently married a Belgian and moved to Antwerp. Her posts go from the nightmare that is apartment hunting to culinary curiosities to language observations. There are also very interesting encounters and reflections like At least I don’t hear bombs and American awareness: thoughts on global citizenship.
3. Things you didn’t know about Belgium
Diana Goodwin left the USA and the film business to come to Belgium a few years ago. She blogs as an expat since 2010 and you can find a variety of topics: food, music videos, holidays, festivities, cities, language, customs.
Must read:
Getting married in Belgium, part I
Getting married in Belgium, part II
4. Gulf Stream Blues
A serious and informative read, this blog is dedicated to European politics. The posts are wonderfully written and interesting. It’s been online since 2005 and it’s written by an American expat in Brussels.
Must read:
Brussels’ complicated expats
Dutch rally round ‘right to be racist’
5. Life in (and around) Brussels… Random tips on things to do and places to go in Brussels and beyond
They write fantastic tips ranging from “best patisserie in Brussels”, “all things Japanese”, events, concerts, and especially restaurant reviews – every post accompanied by mouth-watering pictures.
6. Ivory Pomegranate
Written by Kirstin, a young American expat who previously lived in Kyrgyzstan (yes, that’s a country, I googled it) and has just moved to Gent. Welcome, Kirstin! I can’t wait to read more of your experiences and impressions of our (not always) lovely Belgium.
Must read:
Illogical thoughts on moving to Belgium
You can also find other expat bloggers (including me) on Fans of Flanders - Blogs.
If you know of other expat blogs, don't hesitate to comment below!
