Where I’ve been:

• Bruxelles & Brugge 2013 ( Bruxelles from the April 19th to the 22nd 2013 )
• Bruxelles 2018 ( 10 days back in Portugal, with a stop in Bruxelles 2018 )
• Bruxelles & Antwerp, Tomorrowland 2023

My First Flight – An Unforgettable Trip to Belgium 2013

My first time flying! My boyfriend and his friends celebrated his bachelor’s degree, which he had completed the day before the 18th of April, by taking a trip to Brussels. Even though we had only been dating for four months, we decided to go together, and it turned out to be an unforgettable adventure.

I felt both nervous and thrilled as I boarded the plane for the first time, and I couldn’t wait to explore a new city. I wasn’t 18 yet, but my mum allowed me to join him on this special occasion. The four days we spent there were filled with laughter, sightseeing, and unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever.

( me in front of the Atomium )

DAY 1 – Friday 19.04.2013

( Night at: ApartHotel Adagio Europe, Bruxelles )

We flew out of Milano Orio al Serio Airport and landed at Brussels Airport, excited to begin our adventure. After checking in at the Aparthotel Adagio Europe, we met up with my boyfriend’s friends and headed out to explore the city. Our first stop was the impressive EU Parliament, where we marveled at the architecture and learned a bit about the European Union. From there, we walked over to the iconic Grand Place, a stunning square surrounded by beautiful buildings.

As the evening rolled in, we gathered at a cozy pub in the city center, where we spent the rest of the night enjoying good drinks, great company, and lots of laughter. It was the perfect way to end an amazing day in Brussels.

DAY 2 – Saturday 20.04.2013

( Night at: ApartHotel Adagio Europe, Bruxelles )

The next morning, we headed to the Magritte exhibition, which was both fascinating and beautiful. It was amazing to see his surreal works up close and dive into the world of one of Belgium’s most iconic artists. After the exhibition, we took a stroll around the city, visiting the impressive main cathedral and the beautiful Notre Dame.

In the evening, we gathered for dinner at a cozy pub in the center. Surrounded by good friends and great atmosphere, we enjoyed delicious food and drinks, making it the perfect end to a wonderful day of sightseeing and exploration.

DAY 3 – Sunday 21.04.2013

( Night at: ApartHotel Adagio Europe, Bruxelles )

My boyfriend and I decided to take a day trip to Bruges, a charming little city just a short distance from Brussels. We spent the entire day exploring its picturesque streets, soaking in the beauty of its canals, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Bruges truly captured our hearts with its medieval architecture and quaint vibe, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

DAY 4 – Monday 22.04.2013

We woke up early on our last day and started the morning by visiting the Atomium, one of the most iconic attractions in Brussels. Its unique structure and panoramic views of the city were truly amazing. Afterward, we took one last stroll through the city center, soaking in the sights before it was time to head to the airport. With memories of a wonderful trip, we boarded our flight back to Italy, already looking forward to the next adventure.

10 days back in Portugal, with a stop in Bruxelles 2018

( Belem tower, Lisbon )

Holidays from 02 to 11 March 2018. I returned to Portugal after finishing my second Erasmus experience, one year later.

I decided to come back to Portugal during the spring break with my friend Lucrezia, whom I met in Tomar while we were living in the same dormitory. That time together made the trip even more special, as we shared memories from our Erasmus experience and enjoyed reconnecting in a familiar place.

DAY 1 – Friday 02.03.2018

( Night at : Quality Hostel City Center, Brussels )

I live in Riga, so I started my journey with a flight to Brussels at 20:40 from Riga Airport. The next day, I continued my trip with another flight to Lisbon, as it was the cheapest option available.

When I arrived in Brussels, I took an Uber to my hostel, called “Quality Hostel City Center,” where I stayed overnight. It was a simple but convenient place to rest before continuing my journey the next day.

DAY 2 – Saturday 03.03.2018

( Night at : Hostel 2300, Tomar )

I arrived on Saturday, 3rd of March, in the afternoon. Lucrezia had arrived a little earlier than me and was waiting for me at the airport.

After that, we went to Tomar, the small city where we used to live. Our Portuguese friends came to pick us up at the train station, left out stuff at the hostel, and we went back to the university dormitory for dinner. It brought back so many memories—there were a lot of emotions. It was hard not to feel nostalgic.

We had dinner together there and did some pre-drinking before going out. For our first night out, we went to the same club we used to visit, Rio Bar. It felt like going back in time, reliving moments we had shared during our Erasmus experience.

DAY 3 – Sunday 04.03.2018

( Night at : Hostel 2300, Tomar )

The next day was basically a hangover day. We didn’t do much, just walked around the city and spent most of our time in our favourite bar in the main square, catching up with friends and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.

Later in the evening, all together we went for dinner at Bela Vista. It was a calm and nice way to end the day after the night before, surrounded by good food and good company.

DAY 4 – Monday 05.03.2018

( Night at : GSpot Party Hostel, Lisbon )

Today we went to Lisbon, catching the train in the morning from Tomar. Fortunately, the weather wasn’t too bad, and compared to Riga, where I used to live, it felt almost perfect.

In the afternoon, we visited São Jorge Castle again, enjoying the view as the sun began to set over the city. It was one of those moments where everything feels calm and beautiful at the same time.

At night, we went to Pink Street, a lively area full of pubs and clubs. After enjoying the atmosphere and spending time there, we eventually headed back to the hostel to sleep spending the evening in the city.

DAY 5 – Tuesday 06.03.2018

( Night at : GSpot Party Hostel, Lisbon )

We decided to wake up early, around 9 a.m., and head towards Cabo da Roca. None of us had ever been there before, and it was absolutely amazing. It is known as the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and standing there felt really special.

After that, we went for lunch in Cascais and visited Boca do Inferno, a beautiful and impressive coastal area in the Lisbon region. It felt like a rich and elegant part of the area, with stunning views all around.

On the way back, we made a quick stop at Belém Tower as the sun was setting. It was a perfect moment to see it in that golden light.

Later in the evening, we went out for dinner to end the day.

DAY 6 – Wednesday 07.03.2018

( Night at : Hostel 2300, Tomar )

( All together  at Rio Bar, Tomar )

On our last morning in Lisbon, we decided to treat ourselves and have breakfast at Praça do Comércio, enjoying the amazing view of the river and the city. It was a calm and special way to start our final day there.

Later, we took the train back to Tomar. In the evening, we went out for one last night at the club we used to visit, Rio Bar the same place where we had spent our first night.

DAY 7 – Thursday 08.03.2018

( Night at : Hostel 2300, Tomar )

The next morning was a bit of a hangover day. We visited our former university, the dormitory, and the Mensa where we used to have lunch together. It brought back so many memories, and it felt strange but nice to be back in those familiar places.

We spent the afternoon there all together just chilling, since the weather wasn’t the best. It was relaxed and nostalgic, simply enjoying each other’s company and remembering our time as students.

In the evening, we all had dinner all together at O’ Tabuleiro, which was a lovely way to end the day, surrounded by friends and good memories.

DAY 8 –  Friday 09.03.2018  

( Night at : Hostel 2300, Tomar )

We had a chill morning at the hostel, taking things slow and enjoying the last moments of the trip. Later, we met up with our friends and visited the Convent of Christ, which was actually my fourth time there. Even so, it still felt impressive and beautiful, like every visit offers something a little different.

For our last dinner, we went again to O’ Tabuleiro. We enjoyed their super tasty sangria and the amazing atmosphere, as usual. It was the perfect place to end the trip, surrounded by good food, friends, and a lot of memories.

DAY 9 – Saturday 10.03.2018

( Night at : Quality Hostel City Center, Brussels )

spent the whole day travelling from Lisbon Airport to Brussels. It was a long journey, and I felt quite sad saying goodbye to Lucrezia. Even though it was emotional, we only live about an hour apart in Italy, so we’ll definitely see each other again in the coming months.

When I arrived in Brussels, I went back to the same hostel, “Quality Hostel City Centre,” where I had stayed before. I got there late at night and finally settled in after a long day of travel.

DAY 10 – Sunday 11.03.2018

I had a little walk around Brussels in the morning. It was my second time in the city—my first visit was in April 2013 with my ex-boyfriend for his graduation trip. I still remembered parts of the city, so it was a real pleasure to have the chance to be there again.

Unfortunately, after lunch I headed to Charleroi Airport to catch my flight back to Riga. Around 9 p.m., I finally arrived home.

It was an extremely emotional experience coming back after one year. Now, when I think about those days, it feels like a beautiful dream. For me, it is always difficult to say goodbye to people and places, and this time was no different. I know I will return to Portugal someday, maybe to Lisbon, but not to my little Tomar for a while.

Tomorrowland 2023

( Me at Tomorrowland, Belgium )

During the summer of 2023, after my surgery, Jasmine asked me if I wanted to join her and her friends at the Tomorrowland festival, something that had always been a dream of mine. I had always imagined going when I was 18, but I didn’t make it there at that age. Instead, I went at 28, and I was genuinely happy to finally experience it felt like an important moment in my life.

After my holiday with Jasmine in Tel Aviv, I flew to Brussels. Well, I was supposed to, at least I actually booked the wrong flight, which made the journey a bit more complicated than expected. Despite that, everything worked out in the end.

We stayed in Brussels for just three days, but it was enough to enjoy the experience before I continued my journey back to Australia.

DAY 1 – Friday 21.07.23

( Night at: Milan Linate on the floor )

We woke up early, had breakfast, and headed to Frishman Beach. We stayed there until lunchtime, when we ate at the same place as the first day. After that, we grabbed ice cream at Golda and then went back to the hotel.

Packed everything and we ordered a Gett to the airport. However, while we were in the car, I realised I had booked the wrong flight to Brussels for Saturday tomorrow instead of today. At that point, there was nothing we could do except go to the airport and figure it out there.

In the end, I bought another flight with Jasmine to Milan Malpensa with Wizz Air. It was supposed to depart at 10:10 p.m., but it got delayed, and we finally left at 11:35 p.m. When we arrived in Milan, it was too late to go to Jasmine’s friend’s place to rest for a few hours because my second to Brussel flight was soon early in the morning.

So she went to her friend’s house, and I stayed at Linate Airport where she gave a lift to and then I slept there on the floor, waiting for my early morning flight to Brussels at 7 a.m.

DAY 2 – Saturday 22.07.2023

( Night at: Citybox Antwerpen, Antwerp )

I woke up at Milan Linate Airport and got ready for my second flight at 7:00 a.m. to Brussels with ITA Airways, landing at 8:35 a.m. I was extremely tired, so I tried to sleep at the airport until midday.

Later, Jasmine and Valentina arrived as well, and we took the train to Antwerp. We arrived in the late afternoon and checked into the hotel. After that, we waited for another friend Jona, along with two boys who were Valentina’s friend.

In the evening, we went for dinner at El Rancho Steakhouse. After dinner, we went back to the hotel and all slept together in one bed. It was the only option Jasmine had managed to book, and by the time I decided to join, everything else in the city was already sold out.

DAY 3 – Sunday 23.07.2023

( Night at: Citybox Antwerpen, Antwerp )

We woke up early, got ready, and went for breakfast before meeting up with the two boys as well that they slept somewhere else. From our hotel lobby, we decided to make our way to the festival. The only option was a taxi, which was quite expensive, but it was the only way to get there.

We arrived around 2 p.m. and stayed the whole day. It was an amazing experience, walking through all the different areas and stages. Unfortunately, it started to rain a bit, and it got unexpectedly cold, but that didn’t take away from the atmosphere.

We stayed until closing time at midnight. By then, we were extremely tired and slowly made our way out with the huge crowd. It took us about an hour of walking just to find where the taxis and shuttle buses to Antwerp were. Eventually, under the rain and in the dark, we found the shuttle.

We got back to the hotel, showered, and went straight to sleep.

DAY 4 – Monday 24.07.2023

( Night at: On the Emirates planes )

We woke up pretty early, and Jona left early in the morning. Jasmine, Valentina, and I had breakfast together before catching the train to the airport. We had lunch there, and when it was time for my check-in, they came with me to say goodbye. Then I started my long journey back to Australia, which involved three flights.

My first flight was at 3:20 p.m. from Brussels with Emirates to Dubai, landing at 11:55 p.m. I had a short layover in Dubai before boarding my second flight at 3:25 a.m., again with Emirates, this time to Bali, where I arrived at 4:35 p.m.

In Bali, I had dinner before boarding my third and final flight at 9:30 p.m. with Jetstar to Darwin. I landed at 1:40 a.m., where Carmel was waiting for me. She picked me up, gave me a spare key to her apartment so we could live together, and surprised me with a late birthday present. It was such a sweet and thoughtful welcome back.