LIVING IN BRUSSELS - 6 Best & Worst Things (Part 2!)

Start beefing up your language skills with Lingoda’s online courses! You will practice with native speakers, in a group setting or one-to-one. In 2020 I worked as an English language teacher with Lingoda for about 6 months 👩🏻‍🏫
Use the code: try.lingoda.com/Ally25 for 20Euro ($25) off your first online course!
📌First step: choose your language (French, Spanish, English, or German).
📌Next, pick the level that suits you, and the topic that you feel you need the most help with (i.e. grammar, conversation, reading, etc.)
📌Finally, start practicing the phrases you’ll need for your next trip: “What’s your number?”, “Can you recommend a good place to go dancing?” and “How much for the whole pitcher of sangria?”
Good luck!!
Salut everybody! Today we are going over 6 more things that make this city quirky and unique. I hope you enjoy!
If you're planning a trip to the Belgian capital, I'd highly recommend booking a tour with The Legends of Brussels. Their guides are local, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable.
Check our their site here: www.legendsofbrussels.com/
If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to drop them down below :)
Animo Studios - I teach 9-10 classes a week (search 'Alexandra')
www.animo-studios.com/
If you enjoyed this video, you might also like:
Life in BRUSSELS - An American Perspective 2023
• Life in BRUSSELS - An ...
All About BELGIAN BEER // Tasting 4 Famous Brews in Brussels
• All About BELGIAN BEER...
LIVING IN BRUSSELS | 8 BEST & WORST Things About Living in the Belgian Capital (part 1!)
• LIVING IN BRUSSELS - 8...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & video outline
1:10 Chapter 1- Trash talk
3:15 Chapter 2 - It's all connected
4:31 Chapter 3- Better off walking
5:26 Chapter 4 - Creature comforts
6:35 Chapter 5 - Out to lunch
7:48 Chapter 6 - Community
10:16 Outro
Turn your notifications and make sure you subscribe so you don't miss a single new upload every week!
MY WEBSITE: www.alexandratempletonfit.com/
INSTAGRAM: / allyt.fit
Popular videos: / allytca
#Brussels #BrusselsTravel #AmericanInBrussels #BrusselsTrip #AlexandraTempleton

[@fifi3649]

Thank you! I'm moving to Brussels for 6 months in a few weeks and hearing another expat's perspective is super useful, especially when it's exposed in such a clear way. Now going to check out the first video on Brussels positives and negatives

[@AlexandraTempleton]

My pleasure Fifi! I wish you the best of luck on your transition to Brussels :)

[@francoisdevilez8466]

As a Belgian guy that just came back from a 5 years trip in Ireland and planning to move to Brussels in the coming month. It is really nice to follow your videos ! Gonna open a nice tripel karmeliet now. Good work and I hope you enjoy little Belgium 👍🏻

[@AlexandraTempleton]

That’s so nice to hear, I’m glad a bona fide Belgian likes the video 😄 Enjoy the Tripel Karmeliet for me as well please 🙏🏼 And good luck on your move!

[@xibokamania]

If you move commune you just need to register at the new commune and they will handle everything including the previous commune

[@wanneske1969]

I love Brussels, but there are definitely some parts of town you want to avoid, especially at night. It has the same issues as other big cities : pickpockets, garbage everywhere, drug addicts, vandalism etc ...

[@philippeaguer9256]

You are right: I was watching your video because I am planning on move to Brussels from Tokyo with wife and son… thanks for the honest feedbacks

[@estanda13]

Wow. What a wonderful video! Awesome ❤

[@notrejardin3052]

I love your video!

[@dombyrne1549]

I can vouch for the fact that being turned away well before advertised closing time is definitely a thing!!! 🤬

[@AlexandraTempleton]

It is perplexing indeed 😅

[@flitsertheo]

We don't turn away customers but after years of experience with them I do hate last-minute-customers. Their catchphrase is "it isn't X o'clock (closing time) yet ! Knowing very well that the sales procedure takes way more than the few minutes or seconds left. And you can be sure there will be a problem along that procedure, either they aren't able to provide some vital information or there is a payment problem. People behind the counter have a life after working hours too you know.

[@millsmoore24]

I fully agree with the trash issue. I used to live in a building where household refuse was taken care of in the same way you're used to in the US. It's much better. I have noticed that the situation with the state of the pavements very much depends on the mentality of a particular street. When everyone is neat and tidy, that trend will be maintained. If stinking stuff is tolerated, everyone joins in being sloppy. You have to be careful of birds too actually. Some birds tear the bags open in search of food. The Brussels authorities have really tried to tackle the issue of trash bags lying around for too long by restricting the amount of time the bags stay out. There's a two hour window now, and not more. It doesn't work where I live. You can complain to your syndic. If they do their job well, they will reinforce discipline. I find that Brussels is a very green place. 💚 There are many parks and woods. Or woods in parks. I moved out but came back a few years later. Brussels gave me work, love, children and Islam ☪️ 🌿🌷⚘️ Alhamdulilah

[@AlexandraTempleton]

So glad to hear you've had a positive experience overall living in Brussels. Of course every city has its quirks, but we have to take the good with the bad, right? Thanks for watching, I'm wishing you a great day!

[@yehong_freyja]

Hi thanks for the video, it is wonderful and informative, especially those websites shared. My family is planning to move to Brussels this year and it will be great if you're interested to share some house hunting tips!

[@AlexandraTempleton]

Thanks for watching, @yehonglin4442! I'm so glad to hear that you found the video helpful :) I'm not too familiar with the housing market here, but you can check out this website which should point you in the right direction: www.expatica.com/be/housing/housing-basics/belgium-housing-106777/

[@maitrigoswami2990]

hey! can you also make a video related to clothing like essential clothing items to pack for brussels or like what to bring and what not, I am moving to brussels in mid September, that sorta video would be really really helpful

[@AlexandraTempleton]

Hey @Maitrigoswmi2990! Thanks for watching :) For the clothing I'd recommend you bring lots of layers. The weather here can change quite a lot day to day, so I'd suggest you bring warm clothes (Northern Europe) and water resistant shoes. Other than that I think you'll just need a good sense of humor as the moving transition can be a little rocky. Wishing you the best of luck though!

[@alifpr]

Hi Alexandra, as always a great video which I found very informative and entertaining! 🎉 I’ve got a few questions: 1. How much do you spend for Internet there both for your home network and your mobile data? 2. When you said that 90% are closed on Sundays what types of establishments are in the 10% that are still open? 3. What’s your experience with people and their interactions on the street? Like are they more the type who minds their own business or are they the type who is more willing to help other people in public places? Thank you!

[@AlexandraTempleton]

Hola Ali! I'll try my best to answer your questions: 1. There are many internet providers, I currently use Voo and pay about 85 Euros each month for internet and mobile phone data. 2. The 90% that I cited in the video is a rough estimate, but most important establishments are closed: bank, big grocery shops (the express ones stay open), post office, clothing stores, many restaurants, etc. 3. I would say that on average Belgians tend to mind their own business and will not bother you on the street. That being said, I haven't had any rude interactions with people if I do need help/ if someone comes up to ask for directions. The problem that comes up more often is trying to find a common language :P Hope this helps!

[@di4m0nds]

Hey! I've been checking out your vids and I'm grateful for the info🙌. I'm from Argentina and thinking of moving to Belgium. I'm a 23yo software dev with 1 year of exp in a junior role. I'm curious if you've had any insights from people in the same field about the job market in Belgium? Thanks!

[@AlexandraTempleton]

Hey @Di4m0nds! Thanks for stopping by, I'm so glad to hear that the videos have helped you out :) Unfortunately I don't have much experience with your work, but I would definitely recommend you check out this site: www.expatica.com/be/working/finding-a-job/ for any job-related questions. They do a great job of answering the specifics :)

[@FedorKrasheninnikov]

Very interesting! Thank you

[@AlexandraTempleton]

Thanks Fedor! I'm glad you found it valuable :)

[@FedorKrasheninnikov]

@@AlexandraTempleton now i live in Brussels too! 🕺🏼

[@jihuff1]

Hello Alexandra, I have enjoyed watching your videos. We're an old couple(Texans) coming to Brussels after a transatlantic cruise to Southampton then Eurostar to Brussels. We are going to be using Brussels as our hub to travel to several cities in the area using the train and also tours from Brussels. I've been looking on AirBnB for a rental during our time in Brussels. I would appreciate your insight into good areas to stay. We have traveled in Europe using public transportation and are comfortable with trains, buses, metros, etc. Thanks for your time and suggestions. Jody

[@AlexandraTempleton]

Hi @Jhuff1, thanks for stopping by :) I would say that it depends a lot on what you plan to do/ see while you're here. If you want to be central to the action I would recommend you check out the neighborhood Sablon as it's centrally-located but has some nice residential pockets. For more greenery, I would recommend either Uccle (close to Bois de La Cambre- a big forest), or Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (more residential but well situated on the tram and metro lines. I hope this helps a bit! Safe travels and I hope you enjoy your trip here! Ally

[@jihuff1]

Thank you for your response. I will look at both of your suggestions. Always🙂@@AlexandraTempleton

[@maryloubusuttil3448]

What are your thoughts of moving to Belgium( not necessarily Brussels) with a family with young children. ( 4 under the age of 7yrs) . Thanks for your videos 😊❤

[@AlexandraTempleton]

Hi MaryLou! Thanks for watching :) I would say go for it! Belgium has a lot of great infrastructure for kids, and within Brussels there are resources for language learning, daycare, community groups, and more. I wish you the best of luck on your move, if you decide to take the leap :)

[@maryloubusuttil3448]

@@AlexandraTempleton Thankyou so much for your feedback ❤️🙏

[@cottonpatch2000]

Why did you move to Belgium from America?

[@cottonpatch2000]

Plenty of volunteer opportunities in America.

[@cottonpatch2000]

The customer is always right phrase comes from deescalating situations- it’s not literal.

[@Legendaryfizz]

Trying to decide whether I should move to Brussels or Munich for work. Thanks for the insight!

[@AlexandraTempleton]

Glad to have helped :) Good luck on your move :)

[@Legendaryfizz]

Thanks! :D@@AlexandraTempleton

[@wanneske1969]

TROC is actually quite expensive

[@flitsertheo]

Then you are better off visiting the "kringloopwinkels" all around Flanders. I don't know if they have an equivalent in Wallonia.

[@cottonpatch2000]

I guess the question I wanted answered is if one needs to know French

[@PDVism]

Need to? No. Does it help majority especially when dealing in person with any officials, of course. Having some knowledge of Flemish will help one as well but in Brussels French still is way more useful. Imagine that, knowing the local languages being useful, what a concept eh? However, as a tourist you'll do fine with just knowing English, at least, if you are polite about it.

[@cottonpatch2000]

Uhh it’s called Antique shopping. There’s nothing unique about it

[@PDVism]

Thank you for demonstrating that you don't know the difference between antics and second hand.

[@cottonpatch2000]

So, we have cliques and even indoor climbing walls in America. Just because it has a fancy name, doesn’t make it unique

[@PDVism]

Did anyone say that NO where in the world you can find indoor climbing? Nope. So pipe down mate, you just make yourself ridiculous.

[@achmadiid8644]

Are you homeless?

[@darius524]

where is these places at 8:13 and 3:19 ?

[@AlexandraTempleton]

Hey @Darius524! The spots around 3:19 were all shot in the Sablon neighborhood- near the Sablon square, Rue des quatre fils Aymon, and next to the Square du petit Sablon. There's a little park there called Parc Egmont that I chose for the speaking portion at 8:13. Thanks for stopping by!