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Benedetta is from Puglia in Italy and lives in Brussels Four expats tell us about their lives in Belgium

Benedetta Dentemaro

“These days I value the basic things that make us human”

“I came to Brussels in 2005 to live the European dream. I’m an EU civil servant: it’s a competitive and demanding environment but very stimulating and rewarding. I feel part of the EU integration process. Before the Covid-19 restrictions, I enjoyed Brussels’ nightlife, cinema in the original language and the capital’s connections with the world. I love multicultural events and I organise the annual Grand Bal d’Italie gala, which promotes “Italianness” within the international community in Belgium. But during lockdown, I have been struggling. As I live on my own, my job tends to fill the space normally occupied by social relations and sport. When you’re teleworking, you have to draw a line between professional and private, which is tiny if you don’t have family here. And not everyone feels comfortable meeting in person, even outdoors. I’ve had enough of video chats and online gym classes. Of course, I die at the idea of jumping on a plane or on the dance floor. But these days I value the basic things that make us human and decent, like a haircut or breakfast at a cafe with a friend.”

Bartek Matczak

“Before Covid-19, I loved walking to the office and simply watching people”

“At university, I did internships in Germany, Finland and Liechtenstein. Then, after graduating, I joined an American company’s office in my hometown, Warsaw, and enjoyed a secondment to Italy. In 2014, I took a long-term assignment in Dubai. After almost five years, I decided to find a job in Europe. I was approached by ING Belgium and a few months later we arrived in our new host country. I’m the bank’s senior process advisor. It’s a very satisfying job; I’m able to learn and undertake rewarding projects that impact on customers’ experience. I like to challenge the status quo. While some Belgian colleagues find comfort in the things they know, we are able to find common ground. Having multiple perspectives in the room really helps to determine the best solution. Before Covid-19, I loved walking to the office and simply watching people. The hardest thing about working full-time from home is the lack of that moment between finishing work and going home. Having rituals like virtual coffee with colleagues, dressing up as if it was a regular day in the office and a clearly defined agenda have helped me adopt the new reality. Still, I am looking forward to freely travelling without PCR tests and without the need to wear a mask. Last year, we had to postpone a camping trip to Scotland. So maybe in 2021, we will finally be able to go and see if Nessie is still there!”

Bartek, from Poland, lives with his wife, Paula, and sevenyear-old daughter, Maria, in Etterbeek

© Bert Stephani

Morten Petersen

“Living in Brussels gives you an opportunity to live your culture and mix with Belgians”

“I lived and worked in Switzerland and France before moving to Belgium in 1992. I moved here when my Swedish employer asked me to establish and head a Brussels-based sales company to cover the Benelux market. While I knew Belgium from many earlier business trips, I discovered the easy living of the Belgian people in contrast to the complexity of the political systems. Living in Brussels is easy as an expat; it gives you an opportunity to both live your culture and mix with Belgians. I run my own public policy consultancy practice specialised in trade and related environmental policies. As an amateur cyclist, my big adventure is a fantastic charity project that raises some €10 million every year across Europe. As country and team manager for Team Rynkeby-Granini Belgium, I gather amateur cyclists, supporters and sponsors to make a 1,200km cycling trip to Paris. We meet up with almost 2,200 cyclists departing from 59 other cities in eight European countries and aim to collect over €100,000 for our two fantastic Belgian charities, KickCancer and Belgian Kids’ Fund, which support research on critical child illnesses. I’m looking forward to the summer when I can cycle (without getting wet), meet friends and my social network for something as basic as a coffee or a beer at a table in public, and be spontaneous!”

Anushree is from India and recently acquired Belgian nationality. She lives in Sterrebeek with her husband and daughter

Morten is Danish and lives in WoluweSaint-Lambert with his wife and daughter

Anushree Chembukhar

“During lockdown we got to spend quality time with our daughter”

“I left India over 10 years ago and lived in the UK before moving to Belgium in 2017. My husband, Nishant, had an opportunity to work with Toyota Motor Europe as an R&D engineer. Belgium has been a very positive experience for us. It’s a well-connected country within Europe and people are friendly and warm. Our daughter, Kiara, was born here and it’s been a beautiful experience. I currently work as a contract manager with Toyota Material. It’s challenging and a fast-paced role as we deal with various customers on a global level. But every day is a different experience and I enjoy the variation that keeps it interesting. Colleagues are very friendly and the team I work with is great. It’s been a tough transition as working parents, especially during lockdown. We struggled when day care was closed; it was difficult managing a toddler in the house and working at the same time. On a positive note, we also got to spend some good quality time with Kiara. I am hoping that the restrictions are relaxed and that we can plan a short trip, at least within Belgium. Of course, this should be done by following all the regulations.”