The Best Laid Plans…

One of the hardest things for me to get used to in my current expat life is unpredictability. These days, Andrew and I plan ahead in terms of hours, or possibly days, but weeks, months, years — these timeframes remain as foggy as a Belgian morning. I have always been...

An Historical ‘Wow’

In Canada, architecture that is over a hundred years old is considered … well, really old. If a building reaches this 'landmark' age, you can rest assured that someone will slap an informative plaque and/or interpretive sign on the wall and it will henceforth be governed by a million rules...

Taste the World

If there is anything that Andrew and I enjoy doing as much as travelling, it's eating. While I love to cook and experiment with new recipes, I have to admit that when the budget allows (or I'm just sick of the kitchen) I love to dine out. Brussels is a...

A Changed Space

It's funny how, in a year, you can grow accustomed to something, without even noticing. My trip back home to Halifax last week made me realise that living in Brussels is changing some of my perspectives. Most noticeably, my concept of personal space is shrinking. I've always disliked crowds. I...

Football Fever

Here in Europe, you'd have to live under a rock to not notice that the World Cup is in progress, but those who live on the rocks back home in Eastern Canada aren't even likely to know what the World Cup is all about. Football fever has hit Europe and...

Expat Careers: The Inside Story

Like many expats, Andrew and I moved overseas because of Andrew's career. Unlike some, we were given a choice and we decided together to take on the challenge. Since then, we've faced many obstacles together, but there are some that Andrew has had to face alone. I don't talk about...

Braving the Immigration Debate

I try to stay away from political topics in my blog. I'm an opinionated person but I tend to keep my viewpoints to myself unless they are asked for. Lately however, I can't seem to escape the immigration issue. I have to admit that before I became an expat, I...

Feline Fun

Belgians love a good party. Even the tiniest villages have some sort of annual celebration. Throw in a parade, live music and of course a good helping of Belgian beer and you’ve got yourself a Belgian festival.

It’s heating up

Every year, about this time, something miraculous happens in Belgium — the people go outside. Of course, there are people outside in Belgium at any given moment of the year, but they are often scurrying from place to place, under heavy layers of clothing. They look determined to get from...

Alison Cornford-Matheson