Spending three months at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) as part of my ENSURE-6G secondment was incredibly enriching. Besides engaging in research meetings, exploring security frameworks, and discussing 6G architecture, Belgium unexpectedly became a vibrant classroom of its own, full of history, rich culture, stunning architecture, and breathtaking seasonal scenery.
Let me share some of the wonderful places that made my experience outside work truly memorable.
Brussels – A City of Contrasts
Over three months, Brussels gradually revealed its unique character to me. The Grand Place remains one of Europe’s most stunning squares, especially when lit up at night. Strolling through its cobbled streets with Christmas decorations and the Winter Wonders market adding warmth to the chilly evenings. Light displays, festive stalls, and the seasonal ambience made those last weeks particularly special, a fitting closing to the experience. The Atomium is a futuristic work of architecture for someone in next-generation communications research. Belgium’s capital truly is a city where policy, research, history, and culture come together.
Dinant – Birthplace of the Saxophone
Dinant holds a unique musical legacy. It is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone.
Walking across the Charles de Gaulle Bridge, you’ll notice colourful saxophone sculptures representing different countries, a tribute to Sax’s global impact. There is also the Maison Adolphe Sax, a small museum dedicated to his life and inventions.
One of the highlights was taking the cable car up to the Citadel of Dinant. The short ride offers an increasingly dramatic perspective of the town, and at the top, the panoramic view over the Meuse River. Another memorable experience was visiting Grottes La Merveilleuse, one of Belgium’s beautiful limestone caves. Walking through its chambers, surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.
Namur – Quiet Charm and History
Namur has a quieter elegance. The Citadel overlooking the Meuse River provides expansive views of the surrounding region.
It was less crowded than Brussels, making it ideal for relaxing walks. Sometimes, stepping away from urban energy helps process both research ideas and life transitions.
Food, Markets, and a Michelin Moment
One of the most enjoyable parts of the experience was simply trying new food, especially during the winter markets in Brussels.
The Christmas market wasn’t just about decorations; it was alive with flavours, simple, rich, and perfect for the cold evenings. Beyond street food, I also had the opportunity to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, revealing a completely different side of Belgium’s culinary identity. The precision, presentation, and attention to detail were remarkable. It was a reminder that food, much like research, can be both creative and deeply methodical.
