So. The program is coming to an end, and I'm about to leave this beautiful city. I feel like I'm the only one who likes Brussels as much as Paris, but I think there is so much underappreciated charm here! Sure, it's known for the EU and its chocolate and waffles, but there is so much more! Which isn't to say their food isn't a major plus, because it is... the waffles are amazing, the chocolate is rich and delightful, and the mussels and fries are to die for. But Brussels is also full of life! So many friendly people, who all love their city and want to tell you all about it. The national sense of humor is alive and well, as evidenced by the fact that their national mascot is a one-foot high statue of a young boy peeing. He's called the Mannekin-Pis. Look him up. Did I mention that they have a national museum that shows the aforementioned statue dressed up in 800 different costumes? Yeah. They range from Nelson Mandela to Lady Gaga. I'm not joking.
But Brussels is also known for its art and culture and music. It is the comic book capital of Europe, and boasts one of the best museums dedicated to all things comic-related. Maybe this is a niche interest, but being the daughter of a cartoonist, I ate it up. I spent at least four hours at that museum, and consider them incredibly well-spent. One of my favorite surrealist painters, Rene Magritte, also hails from Brussels, and you can find his work everywhere you go. I was surrounded by things I love! Belgium is also famous for a certain hoppy beverage that shall remain unmentioned since the program does in no way condone the consumption of alcohol... but it is a huge part of their culture here. Needless to say, no matter what your interests, chances are you can find something fun and exciting and affordable to do here in Brussels.
We didn't go on any excursions while we were here in Brussels, but we did take a day trip to Bruges, the tiny storybook canal city. I first decided Bruges was on my bucket list when I saw the surrealist thriller film In Bruges (I recommend it), and it was just as picturesque as I had imagined. We arrived by bus in the early afternoon, and walked along the streets to a church the professor wanted to see. Then we were set loose to wander until we were about to leave, popping into chocolate shops to try all the samples and grabbing smoked salmon paninis when we realized we should probably eat something other than sugar. Gonzalo even splurged a bit and took us on a boat tour through the canals; we were ducking under low bridges and getting in splash wars with other tour boats.
Finals were turned in this morning, so it feels like everything is wrapping up. It is incredible to me that it's only been three weeks. On one hand, it feels like it flew by, and on the other it feels like I've been here forever. That, I suppose, is the fleeting nature of life. Also what they mean when they say, "time flies." It's a small world. Girls just want to have fun. Have I given you enough clichés yet?
What else is there to tell you? The hotel is the best we've stayed in yet, very luxurious and soft and clean. Of course, the full course catered breakfast downstairs is a huge bonus. Baked beans, eggs, potatoes, fresh fruit, coffee, and an assortment of baked goods is a big step up of from soggy yogurt and a croissant. OH! Also! We visited the EU yesterday!
My classmates may disagree, but to me that was one of the coolest tours we'd been on, because we got to see firsthand some of the things we were reading about and talking about in class. Isn't that the whole point of travel study, to add dimension to our studies by thrusting us into the middle of what we're studying? Our guide, a short and chipper man from Greece, was incredible knowledgeable since he used to work in another department that drafted legislation for the council-members. It was fascinating to hear about how they honor each member country's culture and language by allowing them to speak in their mother tongues, which is provided for with an extensive translation team that covers over 24 languages spoken by members.
What a beautiful thing. Like I said, I really think that tour embodies the whole point of travel study. Everything you learn jumps right out of the book and onto your plate. If you study art history, you can look at the painting up close and actually see the textures and the brush strokes and the presentation. If you study international law (like we did), you get to see the institutions that have culminated from centuries of war and transformation in Europe, that were shaped by the ideals of peace and prosperity, solidarity through diversity, to secure a better future for generations to come. This was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of this. If you're reading this blog and thinking about joining - all I can say is go for it. Come on, how could you ever regret a summer in Europe? In the wise words of Nike/Shia LaBeouf, just do it.
Au revoir, and bon voyage, friends! Maybe I'll see you on campus.
-M
But Brussels is also known for its art and culture and music. It is the comic book capital of Europe, and boasts one of the best museums dedicated to all things comic-related. Maybe this is a niche interest, but being the daughter of a cartoonist, I ate it up. I spent at least four hours at that museum, and consider them incredibly well-spent. One of my favorite surrealist painters, Rene Magritte, also hails from Brussels, and you can find his work everywhere you go. I was surrounded by things I love! Belgium is also famous for a certain hoppy beverage that shall remain unmentioned since the program does in no way condone the consumption of alcohol... but it is a huge part of their culture here. Needless to say, no matter what your interests, chances are you can find something fun and exciting and affordable to do here in Brussels.
We didn't go on any excursions while we were here in Brussels, but we did take a day trip to Bruges, the tiny storybook canal city. I first decided Bruges was on my bucket list when I saw the surrealist thriller film In Bruges (I recommend it), and it was just as picturesque as I had imagined. We arrived by bus in the early afternoon, and walked along the streets to a church the professor wanted to see. Then we were set loose to wander until we were about to leave, popping into chocolate shops to try all the samples and grabbing smoked salmon paninis when we realized we should probably eat something other than sugar. Gonzalo even splurged a bit and took us on a boat tour through the canals; we were ducking under low bridges and getting in splash wars with other tour boats.
Finals were turned in this morning, so it feels like everything is wrapping up. It is incredible to me that it's only been three weeks. On one hand, it feels like it flew by, and on the other it feels like I've been here forever. That, I suppose, is the fleeting nature of life. Also what they mean when they say, "time flies." It's a small world. Girls just want to have fun. Have I given you enough clichés yet?
What else is there to tell you? The hotel is the best we've stayed in yet, very luxurious and soft and clean. Of course, the full course catered breakfast downstairs is a huge bonus. Baked beans, eggs, potatoes, fresh fruit, coffee, and an assortment of baked goods is a big step up of from soggy yogurt and a croissant. OH! Also! We visited the EU yesterday!
My classmates may disagree, but to me that was one of the coolest tours we'd been on, because we got to see firsthand some of the things we were reading about and talking about in class. Isn't that the whole point of travel study, to add dimension to our studies by thrusting us into the middle of what we're studying? Our guide, a short and chipper man from Greece, was incredible knowledgeable since he used to work in another department that drafted legislation for the council-members. It was fascinating to hear about how they honor each member country's culture and language by allowing them to speak in their mother tongues, which is provided for with an extensive translation team that covers over 24 languages spoken by members.
What a beautiful thing. Like I said, I really think that tour embodies the whole point of travel study. Everything you learn jumps right out of the book and onto your plate. If you study art history, you can look at the painting up close and actually see the textures and the brush strokes and the presentation. If you study international law (like we did), you get to see the institutions that have culminated from centuries of war and transformation in Europe, that were shaped by the ideals of peace and prosperity, solidarity through diversity, to secure a better future for generations to come. This was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of this. If you're reading this blog and thinking about joining - all I can say is go for it. Come on, how could you ever regret a summer in Europe? In the wise words of Nike/Shia LaBeouf, just do it.
Au revoir, and bon voyage, friends! Maybe I'll see you on campus.
-M