On 3rd February, my flatmates and I were sitting in the kitchen, having a casual conversation.
I said that I wanted to eat Belgian waffles, not from Manchester. I know they’re available in the UK, maybe even at well-known restaurants, but I wanted to go to Belgium specifically for authentic Belgian waffles.
My friend said, “You can go to Paris for croissants. I’ll pay.”
At the same time, in my mind, I started secretly planning a future surprise for them.
On 9th February, I suddenly booked my flight, a completely random plan just for Belgian waffles.
In the morning at 5:45, I knew it was too early, but worth it. I had to reach the airport around 2 o’clock. Everyone was sleeping… and my inner reaction was, WTF. Smiling, I started recording myself with a tripod, as you can see in my picture.
After booking my flight, I planned to go somewhere else too.
After one hour, I started getting hungry. Thank God I carried two bananas with me before tasting Belgian waffles in Belgium.
My flight took off at 5:45am. There were only around 15 people on the plane — it felt like I was in a private jet.
I literally slept on the plane even though the flight was only 1.5 hours. Then suddenly my eyes opened in the sky… wow.
At immigration, there was a short conversation. My eyes were still sleepy.
Immigration officer: Why are you here?
Me: To explore.
Officer: What will you explore?
Me: To make Belgian waffles and eat them.
Officer: laughs Okay.
Me: Another stamp on my passport.
You might ask how I planned what to explore.
Simple, I just booked activities I liked.
I had already booked a Brussels waffle workshop at 14:00. I couldn’t miss anything before that. I took the Flibco bus, there was no other way to reach Brussels. Honestly, it was the worst experience.
Police officers stopped every bus midway for checking, and we were stuck for around 2.5 hours. Because of that, I missed my morning tour, The Most Complete Tour of Brussels (10:45–12:45), where I could have explored everything with an experienced guide.
On the bus, I was sitting next to a random girl. We talked a little. I was shy, but it was okay. When the bus stopped, I found out she was a senior-level lawyer. I was shocked.
Since I missed the morning tour, I checked what places I could cover myself.
I was hungry and had no internet on my phone, so I just started exploring alone.
I entered a café hoping for Wi-Fi and ordered a latte in exchange for internet access. Then I went to my workshop 30 minutes early, but the staff told me it was closed. The whole reason I came to Belgium felt lost.
I went back to the same café for Wi-Fi and messaged them asking if the store was closed or if I could get a refund. Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly rechecked my phone — they replied that the workshop was open and they couldn’t see me. I immediately said I’d be there in 15 minutes, packed my things, and walked straight back.
Everything was ready when I arrived. I guess they were literally waiting for me.
The workshop instructor explained everything properly and guided me on how to make waffles.
There were two groups in the workshop — one family, one group of friends, and one solo traveler: me.
While talking and sharing experiences, I learned they had traveled from London to Paris to Belgium. I asked them for guidance about my next destination.
Since I was leaving the same day, we decided to explore together.
I booked my Paris ticket for 2:45am so I could get enough sleep in the bus itself, no need to book accommodation.
We cycled together, explored the luxury side of Brussels, and in the end… went to McDonald’s. Randomly, I forgot their names, and they helped me remember them. Then we started playing UNO. Based on my “analytical skills,” I predicted their positions, and they actually secured them.
Before leaving McDonald’s, I told them it was my first time eating there outside the UK. They told me to eat quickly before it got cold, but I drank my latte first.
One of the girls looked very sleepy. I suggested they should leave and rest. I walked them to the station and said goodbye, thinking it was their train, but it wasn’t. Three minutes later, their real train arrived, and I said goodbye again.
After they left, I finished my burger and fries and walked to the bus station.
It was very cold. I explored the night city and saw an ibis hotel. I entered, asked for coffee, but they had no milk. I sat there quietly for 1.5 hours before leaving on my own.
Then I waited for my bus… still a little cold and hungry.