A Little Story About Brussels

It's the capital city of the European Union (what do you think is the capital city of ASEAN One - the answer in Jakarta).

Brussels, from my own point of view is not a complicated city. It's a maze, yes, a labyrinth of magical and mysterious places, from its train station to the main plaza. It's a busy place filled with black cars in variety of colors and national flags in them. A showcase of fine arts and modern buildings representing some of the biggest banks in the world.

Even in the 13th century, the Dukes of Brabant decided to give the city a central political role. In the following century, this defensive castle soon became a mecca for diplomats and a prime site for entertaining.

But, more importantly, Brussels, in itself, stood as a city of the world at par with known and established ones, New York, Berlin, Paris, Warsaw and Rome.

Luckily for me, the weather was considered fine by European standards. There was an instance, after the academic lecture when I went out, snow were falling mildly. Like a child, I extended my hands catching them while keeping my body away from exposure pushing myself inside a space between two pillars of the Royal Palace.

I got bored from the mathematics being discussed and wondered what the city can offer. It was almost Valentine's Day and lots of surprises ahead as Europe prepared for the day of the hearts.

The following day, after spending precious and important time for math, I went my way out and looked further to the day ahead, planning to go deeper into the city.

I felt the simplicity of the Brabant culture, with its historic palaces and cultural places, just some minutes away from Rue Ducale Hertog Straat and the Palais de Academies.

It was here in Brussels where Erasmus Mundus, Erasmus and eventually, Erasmus+ was born 30 years ago in Bozar, Brussels' Centre of Fine Arts. It was in 1987, right before graduation from college, when I learned about the program. An announcement posted in a bulletin board.

I tried to write a letter and sent an application, dropped the document to a nearby post office in my hometown, hoping that it will reach the place.

Either it was torn apart by rainy Philippine weather or taken away by the postman.

Just the same, the name lingers in my mind. It was 25 years ago later when I realized a dream. I'm happy that I became part of Erasmus and will always be.

As we always say, "Once Erasmus, Always Erasmus".