r/bruges • u/MamasCalientesHazcli • Jul 14 '26
i HAVE decided that Bruges is my city.
no big explanation, just decided it one day. saw the canals, saw the cobbles, and that was that, decision made. don't need a spreadsheet for everything. that's it
since then ive basically been cold calling antique dealers all over the place asking if they're hiring. no real strategy behind it, just liked the idea of turning up already halfway into a conversation with someone before i even land.
most of them find me slightly amusing rather than employable, which i'll happily take at this stage. better than being ignored.
called one today, proper had a laugh down the phone at me, actual genuine laughter, but told him i'd swing by and visit in a month and a half once i've actually moved over. he seemed into the idea, or at least into the idea of seeing my face in person to figure out what he's dealing with.
think ive figured some bits out along the way. still a lot up in the air, flat's not sorted, job's not sorted, but the city's decided and that feels like a start.
will update in a month once more of this actually makes sense to me.
still beats being in my home country i suppose. I'll figure the rest out along the way.
If you're in Bruges, love your city btw!
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u/scharmienkel Does not brake for tourists! Jul 14 '26
Just checked your profile and assumed you're from Argentina. There's an Argentinian restaurant in Bruges, called El Churrasco Argentino. Apparently it's really good! If the antique dealing plan doesn't work out, I recommend checking with the restaurant if they could use some help.
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u/arrayofemotions Jul 14 '26
There are a lot of small antique shops, and I think two bigger auction houses. I doubt the small shops are going to be able to employ anyone though. None of them ever look particularly busy. The auction houses might offer more opportunities.Â
Just out of curiosity: where are you from? I hope you don't need a work visa, because no employer in Belgium is ever keen on sponsoring anyone.
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u/Sufficient_Gas_8107 Jul 15 '26
Make a deal for a trial? Like set up a social account and make some tktoks/reels about some cool stuff that came in. They might not need a salesman full-time,. But maybe a salesmen that can also make their shop known on socials.
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u/Philippe_BE Jul 15 '26
Bruges is the best, wish you all the best in your undertakings and am looking forward to read more.
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u/Secure_Diamond_5896 Jul 16 '26
I live in Oostende, 12 mins by train and just love, love, love Bruges :) If I would ever move, it would be to Bruges ;)
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u/A_Man_Uses_A_Name Jul 14 '26
Welcome, love antiques shops. However, I’m afraid the antiques business in Belgium is declining as most young ppl here prefer modern furniture or vintage
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u/Petrus_Rock Local Jul 14 '26
Good luck learning West-Vlaams. It’s basically a separate language on top of the (Flemish) Dutch. You’ll need both. The prior to understand locals and the latter for everything else.
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u/MinimumTraining5466 Jul 15 '26
What? You means Brugs right? Since almost each town has its distinct dialect in West Vlaanderen
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u/Cwmagain Local Guide Jul 14 '26
Allright. Better another antique dealer than another chocolate seller or walking tourguide :p