Belgium Blog - Waffles, Fries & Pride: A Belgian Adventure
As an International Event Manager, I had another work trip coming up - and this time, two exciting firsts: organizing an event in the Netherlands and visiting a brand-new country, Belgium, which officially became number 72 on my travel list. Was so excited, to say the least!
But just a few weeks earlier, I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to go. I ended up in the ER on Easter Monday, just two days after landing from Bali (totally unrelated, by the way). For a moment, surgery was on the table - but I chose to manifest a happy ending… and the Universe delivered. Grateful for that!
Brussels
When I arrived in Brussels, I spent some time wandering through the old town and quickly noticed the city was covered in rainbow flags, even though Pride Month isn’t until June. Curious, I did a quick search and found out that Brussels Pride was happening the very next day!
And if there’s one event I truly love, it’s Pride - a celebration of love, equality, freedom, and just pure joy, surrounded by like-minded people. So it was a no brainer to change my plans to be part of it.
I had two things on my food bucket list that I had to eat while here: Belgian waffles & fries, so that’s what I did. Fries
before guys I would say
a warm welcome
in my turf
Belgian fries, a must eat
yummi
Brussels
Bruges
After that, I hopped on a train to Bruges, a place that’s been on my travel bucket list for ages. Bruges is like stepping into a fairy tale, with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and dreamy canals winding through the historic center. Its well-preserved charm and romantic atmosphere make it one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations.
That said, I am usually pretty good in picking decent hotels, but this time I missed the mark- the place I booked was so far out of the center that I had to walk 3 km with my backpack and suitcase just to get there. By the time I made it to my room, it was 7 p.m., and I had walked a total of 18 km that day. My back and legs were done. I was too exhausted to head back out for dinner, so I curled up in bed, put on a show, and pretended I’d eaten.
Bruges
my daughter would've loved this
check off my bucket list
Antwerp
On Saturday, I took a train to Antwerpen, my next stop on the trip, just to check in and drop off my luggage. But then, out of nowhere, I had an allergic reaction - to what, I still don’t know. My throat tightened, I couldn’t breathe properly, started coughing heavily, and felt an intense scratchiness in my throat.
I’ve experienced this once before, on a night train from Vienna to Zurich, in the middle of the night and literally in the middle of nowhere. That episode was so frightening it left me with a lasting phobia of sleeper cabins.
Unfortunately, even after running all kinds of tests at the hospital back then, no one could figure out the exact cause of the reaction.
Thankfully, this time in Antwerpen, I had my emergency kit with me. I took the meds right away and, after feeling a bit more stable, I decided to go ahead and make my way to Brussels Pride.
Medical emergencies are always scary but even more so when you’re abroad and traveling alone.
Antwerp
Pad Thai is always a good choice
Brussels Pride
On the train, I caught myself thinking how much more fun it would be to celebrate Pride with a group. After all, it’s about community. I don’t mind doing certain things alone, but this just isn’t one of them. So, I scanned the train, did a bit of profiling (as one does lol), and spotted a nice looking guy with a Mediterranean vibe who looked like he might be headed there too. I decided to strike up a conversation - and I’m so glad I did.
He turned out to be super friendly and invited me to join him and his boyfriend. I happily accepted.
Fun fact: as a kid, I was super shy and could never talk to strangers. I always sent my sister to ask things for me. Looking back, I think it came from a place of insecurity. But thanks to years of traveling and my line of work, I’ve completely outgrown that. Now I can talk to just about anyone. I’ve even mastered the art of small talk…even though I don’t enjoy it. I prefer deep talk over small talk, anytime.
Pride in the European capital turned out to be everything I hoped for - we talked, we danced, we laughed, we sang. The day ended with a party and a delicious Korean dinner. One of those spontaneous, joy-filled days I won’t forget.
Pride in the Capital of the EU
love is love
made two new friends, and we partied together all day
living my truth, one bite at a time
Brussels
we were having too much fun
Korean dinner
red velvet pancakes 
& iced matcha latte 
On my last day in Antwerp, I had one mission: to find the best brunch restaurant in town - and I succeeded. I ended up at Goodie Foodie, where their pancake menu ranges from Benedict-style stacks to Dubai chocolate. I went for a classic with a twist: red velvet pancakes, perfectly paired with an iced matcha latte. I was in Heaven.
After that delicious send-off, it was time to continue my railway adventure into the Netherlands making more train ride memories. Traveling by train in Belgium and the Netherlands is incredibly easy - stress free, comfortable with frequent connections between major cities.
Next stop: the Netherlands 
on the hunt for tulips, windmills, and a little Dutch charm! 
Let’s see what this colorful country has in store this time…
next stop: The Hague
Scheveningen
I checked into my hotel in The Hague, located in the World Trade Center, and decided to embrace the full Dutch experience, which is by bike, of course, renting one right at the hotel. The Hague is wonderfully bike-friendly, with 370 kilometers of dedicated cycle paths.
The city is also very interesting because it is the seat of the Dutch government and home to the royal family. It hosts major global organizations such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, earning it the nickname “the international city of peace and justice.
My bike ride took me to Scheveningen, a popular seaside district known for its long sandy beach, vibrant pier, and lively promenade. I grabbed some sushi, sat by the shore, and watched the waves roll in - alongside curious birds and a stream of beachgoers. That’s when I noticed a strange foam forming at the shoreline. Of course I googled it.
It turns out it’s called Phaeocystis - a type of harmful algal bloom. When it decays, it produces large amounts of surfactant-rich sea foam. Sadly, in 2020, five experienced surfers tragically lost their lives off the coast of Scheveningen after getting trapped in a thick layer of this foam. A sobering reminder of nature’s power.
After lunch, I decided to walk along the dunes for miles, listening to music on my headphones. Just me, the ocean breeze, and endless sand, a relaxing, soul-refreshing way to end the day. Not even the grumpy middle-aged guy who told me off for riding in the wrong lane or the teenage delinquents who thought it’d be hilarious to try to tip over the dixie loo while I was in it - could ruin my mood.
In just four days, I’d walked 80 km and biked 20 km - I could really feel it in my legs and figured I’d earned a rest day. But then I thought, “Come on, Marisa, stop whining.” My dear late grandfather ran a 100 km marathon at the age of 75 - in 17 hours! Now that’s inspiring. Proof that age is no excuse when it comes to staying fit.
made it to the beach
Grand Hotel Amrath Kurhaus
gross
Scheveningen Pier
walking on sea shells is definitely better than walking on egg shells
I wish you were here my girl
The Hague
last preparations for the upcoming days in „home office“
exploring The Hague by bike
Açai love
Rotterdam
Playtime was over - it was time to get to work. I hopped on a train from The Hague to Rotterdam, heading to the event location we had chosen. And wow, was I impressed when I arrived: the SS Rotterdam, a former cruise liner turned hotel, event venue, and restaurant. Over the next two days, we had a packed program - two conferences, lunches, a supper, and the grand finale: a dinner cruise. That cruise was easily the highlight for me. A deluxe BBQ, the city skyline glowing in the sunset, and a peaceful stroll along the river all the way to the edge of the Port of Rotterdam.
The Port of Rotterdam is the largest seaport in Europe and ranks among the busiest in the world. Spanning an impressive 42 kilometers from the city center all the way to the North Sea, it handles hundreds of millions of tonnes of cargo annually - making it a vital hub for global trade and logistics.
Rotterdam Central Station
surfing in the city
coolest food hall I have ever seen
downtown Rotterdam
our event venue: the historic cruise liner SS Rotterdam
welcome aboard
my cabin
I enjoy working with these guys
golden hour
Forum Train Europe Executive Board
work hard, play hard, tan harder
Rotterdam River Dinner Cruise
this is actually used to build windmills in the North Sea
Rotterdam Port, largest in Europe
wer hets erfunde? 
Rotterdam
back to the ship
Rotterdam Skyline
Amsterdam
Before it was time to head home, I managed to sneak in a quick trip to Amsterdam - just enough time for a delicious Chinese lunch and a stroll through the city’s charming streets.
It’s hard to believe how much I packed into just five days - new places, new people, and unforgettable moments. Sometimes the shortest trips leave the biggest impressions.
Chinese lunch
quick visit to Amsterdam
just another tourist taking touristy photos
tulips & flower seeds
