I thought the hardest part was leaving home crossing borders, saying goodbye.

But no one warned me about the silence that comes after.

In Belgium, I couldn’t read the letters in my mailbox or find the words to ask the bus driver where to stop. In my country, people greet you with laughter, offer tea to strangers, argue loudly, and love openly. Here, everything felt still distant.

Over time, I began to learn the rhythm:

How Belgians say “sorry” even when you step on their foot,

the calm of their bike rides, the value of personal space.

The comfort they find in space and silence.

Now, I haven’t lost who I am I’ve expanded.

I carry two cultures in one heart ❤️❤️❤️