Belgium? beer, stew, fries and peace.

Julio Torres is a Guatemalan who went to Belgium to get his master’s degree. At first it was difficult for him because of the differences in culture. But after a few tastes of food and people he eventually adjusted and has been having the time of his life ever since. Here is his story.

1. How was it at first to move to Belgium?

At the beginning, it meant a sacrifice because I left my family and friends in Guatemala. At the same time, I was motivated because it was a new beginning and I wanted to study and get my master's degree.

2. How do both cultures differ? (guatemalan culture and belgian culture)

I think the main difference is that the Belgians are very reserved and are not as friendly and cheerful as the people in Guatemala. Even so, one manages to make friends, but it is different. Public transport is excellent, one can get on buses, trains and trams without paying a large amount of money. For example, as a student, they give me certain discounts on all types of transportation and art museums. Another thing is that, even if you don't have a residence, you can receive great quality health services at affordable prices since social insurance covers even foreigners.

3. What has been one of the biggest challenges that you have faced living in Belgium?

I think one of the biggest challenges has been to learn the language since in Belgium three languages ​​are spoken and I live in the part where Flemish is spoken (which is very similar to Dutch). I have had to be self-sufficient because in Belgium there are no housekeepers and restaurants open late. I have learned to cook my food; they (Belgians) don't go out to eat very often because they prefer homemade meals. Another of the biggest challenges has been that pharmacies close very early and if you get sick after 5:00 PM and don't have any medicine, you have to go to the hospital, even if what you have is not that serious because it is the only thing that is open.

4. What do you like most about living in Belgium?

Safety. I can go for a walk at eleven at night without a problem. Also, the food is delicious. Above all, beer, stew, potatoes and obviously chocolate. I love Brugge, it is beautiful in winter. I like that I can travel to any nearby country by train and that I can meet people from all over the world.

5. What do you miss the most about Guatemala? Mostly I miss my family, my friends and the friendliness of the "chapines". I also miss all the traditional food and specifically the tortillas and beans. Here, they give the corn to the animals and do not eat it; Unless it's sweet corn. Finding black beans is very complicated since they generally cook white or red beans. I miss mountains and landscapes because Belgium is very flat, although it has beautiful places too.

6. Do Belgians have any celebration that is different from those held in Guatemala?

Yes, in Belgium Christmas is celebrated with a dinner without any gifts. After dinner, the young people go to Mass after twelve AM. It is a very Catholic and religious culture, although they may share that with the Guatemalans. Gifts are usually given on New Year's Eve as it represents another year of joy and another year of living on this earth. For them, there is no Santa Claus, there is Saint Nicholas instead and he arrives in the new year.

7. Which parts of Belgian or European culture have been left in you?

I would say that I have learned a lot but perhaps what has remained in me the most is the peace with which the Belgians live their lives without getting hooked on work or a material life. Also, the best way to cook real fries, stew and to bake bread.