Self-employed creatives and entrepreneurs alike often have to deal with some tough phases where everything seems to happen at the same moment: multiple deadlines, projects that have to be delivered sooner than expected, things to be organized, papers to be filed and the oh-so-dreaded overloaded inboxes or interruptive calls to top it all off. And so, sooner than you know it, you’re turning into a zombie. A happy one, of course, because it’s hopefully about stuff you love to do anyway, and it gives you a kick, but your brain doesn’t quite seem to respond and your body keeps telling you “Oh darling, would you please slow down?”

Yep, this last week has been pretty tough on us! Oh well, and so was the week before, and the one before it, and oh, it actually seems like we’ve been like that since before Christmas. Yikes! So we decided to do a 1-day escape, change our environment and go for a little midweek city trip, in a funky city not far away, Brussels.

Brussels is a city that you get quite confused about at first, but you fall in love with after a while, by being immersed in it regularly. That’s how it happened for us, at least. The open-mindedness, kindness and quirkiness of this place are something you start to feel when you get to know it, and it becomes quite vital. This is a place for all kinds of creative breeds, all kinds of ideas and philosophies, because the people are curious, open, friendly, and there’s a neighbourhood for everyone to make something happen.

We have been in this city about a thousand times, but every single time we find out something new, as it keeps evolving in so many directions.

Linda found a beautiful lettering on a shop window at place du Châtelain.

Apples from the nearby market. The Châtelain market is small, but a real food marvel. You can find fresh produce, flowers, but also artisanal cheese stands, thai snacks, moroccan & lebanese delicacies by the kilo, organic and gluten-free baked goods… Needless to say, a trip to the market can easily provide the best and most complete lunch feast.

Moving around in public transport gives you an opportunity to unwind, soak in everything you can catch visually, and do some people-watching. It’s fun to imagine what everyone’s story is about and what they could possibly be up to.

The discovery we made that day was an amazing concept store which sells custom-made furniture made of only reclaimed/recycled wood, called “l’atelier en ville“. We love any concept with a core in sustainability and eco-awareness, so this really made our day. Also, surprisingly, the pricing of this furniture was quite reasonable for something that’s completely custom-made. But then again, this is Brussels: awesome things, interesting people, accessible prices!

You can even grab a bite to eat or a nice warm drink in this lovely setting.

There are so many great things to do in Brussels, we’ve already done plenty, but there are more on our to-do list for next time:

• Visit the Laeken Greenhouses in spring. Apparently the botanical diversity in there is something amazing to witness.
• Go to the flea market on Place du Jeu de Balle.
• Brunch at Yéti
• Dine at Henri & Agnes
• Any other ideas??

Linda & David