My life is like a splash of reality of the USA and the “American Dream” on my dreams and hopes. I wanted to feel safe and secure, not fear my life, because the government could care less. My country doesn’t …
How I Ended Up in Belgium: Chris Jiang’s fight against loneliness
I came to Belgium for the work-life balance, but quickly realized Belgians are not as open as other Europeans I’ve met. And that’s making things more difficult for me. I moved from Taiwan to Belgium because of a job opportunity: …
How I ended up in Belgium: The story of an 11-year-long search for a country to call home
It’s been over a decade since I lived in my home country Lithuania. At first, I considered it home, but the connection faded over time. Sometimes, I still call it home, but I don’t feel at home there anymore. My …
Navigating the wonderous waters of Nautic Model Hobby Racing
It’s the middle of December. The wind is howling, and the lakes are frozen. While the cold weather puts a stop to the boat racing season, it finds Danny and Herman in their atelier. Nautic model racing is a captivating …
How I ended up in Belgium: Leaving orthodox Georgia to chase opportunities

Elene moved from Georgia to Belgium to study engineering, hoping for a better future /Credit: Evy Coeckelbergs
When I was eight, I knew I wanted to leave the country. The typical Georgian life – study, marry, work, die – is not made for me. I wanted more than the average Georgian. I knew I wanted to leave …
From the Taliban to the streets of Brussels, this is my story
All people chase their hopes and ambition. I, on the other hand, chased something that is self-evident for most: a safe country. I knew the Taliban were looking for me and that it was dangerous for us to have the …