<p><a href="https://chiaralanguagefreak.com/2023/11/16/feeling-part-of-a-community-the-podcast-festival-of-de-standaard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://chiaralanguagefreak.com/2023/11/16/feeling-part-of-a-community-the-podcast-festival-of-de-standaard/</a></p> <p>On November 11, I attended the podcast festival by De Standaard in Oostende. Living on a tight budget, this trip was a real investment, but my curiosity about Belgium made it worth every penny.</p> <p>Growing up in Italy, Belgium was a mystery. Apart from hearing about Brussels due to EU affairs and the tragic Marcinelle coal mine accident, I knew little about this country. Since moving to Belgium, I’ve wanted to immerse myself in its culture, starting with learning Dutch and keeping up with Belgian news.</p> <p>Integration through shared experiences</p> <p>When I quit my job, I decided it was time to truly &quot;Belgify&quot; myself. Watching Belgian news became a daily ritual, and I gradually expanded this to include Dutch-language podcasts, with De Standaard’s &quot;Vandaag&quot; becoming a favorite.</p> <p>Taking the leap</p> <p>Attending a full Flemish event was my next step. I wanted to challenge myself to interact with locals, especially Flemish speakers, in their own environment. Despite initial nerves, I succeeded, engaging in conversations and understanding most of the discussions, even if some podcast references eluded me.</p> <p>The highlight of the day was meeting Alexander Lippeveld, the voice behind my favorite podcast. Being able to connect and share my appreciation for his work was a significant moment of integration for me.</p> <p>Small talk and connections</p> <p>My efforts to engage in small talk paid off when I found myself at the new smokers&#39; corner – the power socket station. A fellow attendee struck up a conversation in Dutch, making my day and marking a milestone in my journey to feel at home in Belgium.</p> <p>Reflecting on the day’s achievements, I watched the stormy sea and felt a deep sense of fulfillment. As I boarded the train back to Brussels, exhaustion set in, but it was the sweet kind that comes from stepping out of one’s comfort zone and making meaningful connections.</p>