Round 1 Done! (Well, almost..)

As this post is being written, I have just finished my official classes for the semester and am moving on to the joyful stress of finals. I would try to make a reflection on my experiences this past semester, but I don't exactly think I'm ready for that just yet. The fact is I still have almost 6 months to go, and for that I couldn't be any happier. I just need more time.

I apologize to those of you who expected to hear about all of my amazing travels and crazy experiences, because unfortunately there wasn't really a whole lot of that. I was lucky enough to see the sites of Waterloo, Bruges, Utrecht, The Hague, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Normandy, Berlin, Enschede, and Aachen. Though it may sound like a lot, most of those trips were day trips done with my program, and my travels have not yet given me the chance to venture outside Western Europe. In relation to many of my friends here, my trips have paled in comparison. However, the more I dwell on this thought the more I realize that none of this is about living up to some expectation or idea - it's about me. Though it may sound bad that 4 months in I still can't put my finger on what it is I want out of this experience, I'm not worried. For me this is about learning; learning from my mistakes, learning a new way to learn from those around me, and learning just what it is I'm here for.

Despite not having many of the typical experiences of my fellow abroaders, I do believe I've experienced one thing that most will not have the chance to - dating a European has its perks you know! (Maybe now you know what's about to follow..) Because of Gerard, I feel lucky enough to have had the chance to get to know another city completely outside the realm of being a tourist. Though yes, some of my weekends spent in Utrecht could have been spent exploring some new 'exotic' country (whatever that means), they were spent getting to know a different European culture through new friends, meeting family, and simply enjoying new experiences. And for that feeling - that home away from home feeling - I wouldn't change a thing.

So now comes the time for me to wrap up the semester, and wildly anticipate what is to come - I'm looking forward to spending a few weeks in Europe with mom and dad, doing some traveling in January, a whole new range of classes, and even the possibility of having an internship. Though I could be seeing my situation in any number of ways right now - almost over, a waste of time, with undying nostalgia for home - I choose to see it the only way I know how - half full.

Workin' Hard or Hardly Workin'

I write this post in the midst of another stressful school work related crisis. With two major term papers and a presentation staring me in the face within the next week and a half, naturally I've decided the best next move is to update the blog and procrastinate some more. Word to the wise - if you're all about the lack of work on your study abroad experience DON'T choose Vesalius College in Brussels.

However, I do know by now that Brussels was the perfect choice for me. I have to constantly remind myself that I'm here for my studies, and I am gaining a lot so far from my classes. That doesn't make the overwhelming amount of work any better, but the good news is there is always a light at the end of the tunnel - specifically in the form of Mom and Dad coming to visit for 2 weeks during my winter break! I'm really happy that they both have made the time and commitment to come, even in light of the newest addition to the family who will be here in late January.

Aside from the heavy stress at this point in time, I have had some time to enjoy myself the past few weeks. Over fall break I visited Berlin, a city brimming with historical sites (among many, many other things) and full of good atmosphere. My favorite site was the house of the Wannsee Conference - a bit off the beaten path of touristy sites and a really moving experience for me as I am in the midst of learning about Germany under Nazi Socialism. Overall Berlin was a really excellent city, and I would highly recommend it to anyone making their way across the pond.

This past weekend I also received a visit from a really good from school who is currently studying in Spain. It was a really nice little taste of home, and to top it off we got to experience some table dancing, fancy chocolate, and (I think it goes without mentioning) some ladling. I think the overall consensus was a thumbs up for Bruxelles, so I'm happy everyone had a good time. Now it's back to the grind - best of luck to everybody back home going through the same pain! There's always a light at the end of it all :)

Normandy

I just got back from a wonderful weekend in Normandy, France with the rest of my program and I have to say it was one of the best experiences I've had so far. I'm going to make this post mainly about the pictures so I won't say much more. I never expected to feel the kinds of things I did when visiting such historical sites, but being there made everything feel so much more real.

Mount Saint Michel

American Cemetery

Omaha Beach

Socialism.. That's like, um, Communism or Something, Right?

Actually, it's like, um, where you give a little more back to the government and in turn you and your fellow citizens receive abounding benefits including (but not limited to) health care (that isn't just there for those who can afford it, surprise!) and education. Wait.. that doesn't sound so bad does it? Okay, so maybe this sounds like I'm about to go on some rambling rampage, but I promise I have a point here.. er, at least I think I do.

So maybe I haven't yet been sent to the hospital here (fingers crossed), and my exorbitant tuition fees haven't changed, but I still believe it is reflected in society as a whole in Europe. It's so refreshing, and yet, I can't quite put my finger on what it is. However, maybe I can tell you what it isn't. It isn't people obsessing over this mine, mine, mine syndrome. Money, food, beer - take your pick, it doesn't matter - if it's my 'hard earned' 6 pack of Brewskis don't even think about asking for one without getting a considerable guilt trip before I finally give it up (a trite analogy, I'm aware, but one I relate with nonetheless). All over the money, because it is all about the money after all, right? Why should I share that with anybody else if it is, after all, mine.

Because of the Common Good, something I believe is lost on a lot of people, particularly in the land of the proud and free. You don't want people rising up against you when they realize they've been cheated out of what is rightfully everyone's? When those who are more fortunate give back a share, not only do they benefit in the end, but they contribute to everyone else's well being. Guess what that equals? A happier society on the whole. Please don't take my words wrong and think that I'm saying Socialism is the answer to all of society's ills - I don't think anybody's ever gonna have that one figured out. I'm also not saying, "Hey, Capitalist America.. maybe it's time you quietly move your way on over to Socialism?" Because that's simply not feasible. Afterall, there will always be a Europe for me to come back to.

I do, however, believe that many Americans have been duped into believing that Socialism is just another word for Communism - that very scary monster we thought we got rid of in 1989. Don't be mistaken, the government hasn't come to take over everyone's lives, it just wants to spread the wealth a little more evenly. And I really can't see the harm in that.

Which is why I am so excited to see where this Occupy movement is going. It makes me proud to see, from way over here, what the 99% are finally making a stand for. Taking a stand against capitalist greed, corporate gain, and frank injustice toward the American people. 4,000 miles away, I stand strong with the 99%.

Oh wait - I go to school here too?

Okay, so maybe the rumors I've heard are true - there must be some sort of 'study abroad shield' that keeps us naive college aged hooligans from coming to terms with the reality of our experiences. The past week has been a true testament to that idea. Oh wait, this is the 6th week of classes? Midterms are a week away from tomorrow? And maybe it's time to start thinking about that 20 page term paper staring you in the face. . . So I guess I became the stereotype and let everything get ahead of me, but the bottom line is this beautiful city is just one grand distraction from anything academically important.

Of course I haven't completely forgotten that I am 'studying' abroad, but the abroad part manages to win out everytime. Not to mention the difficulties I've been having getting acquainted with differences in classroom structure, teaching methods and expectations. I've been here for a month and a half, shouldn't I have it all figured out by now? However, through all of the frustrations and struggles I seem to be going through within the past few weeks, I am reminded by my dad of some important advice: Focus on and do well at those things you actually have control over, and the rest will be okay. Maybe more importantly - You've gotta let what's happened in the past stay there. There's no sense in worrying about something you may have done wrong a week ago.

As difficult as this new environment may be for certain aspects of my personality, it's all a learning experience. Ultimately, that's the reason I'm here - not only to learn more about myself, but to learn to adapt and make the best of a situation. It may be uncomfortable and challenging, but a different perspective is one we all need sometimes.

Sorry for the lesson in life, (I'm sure you're all here to read about marvelous traveling adventures and the glamorous European life) but unfortunately (or fortunately) that's not all I'm here to do. This year for me is about a lot of things, many of which I'm sure are still not completely evident to me. Thanks for reading, and I hope everyone is getting the chance to experience their own life lessons; They won't kill you, but they'll certainly make you stronger :)

Education - European Style

Okay, wow... sorry everyone! My updating abilities have been seriously lacking these past few weeks. I am currently into my third week of studies at Vesalius College, a small school that has an affiliation with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (a Dutch speaking university). So far I'm really enjoying the atmosphere - small classes are a nice change of pace from the massive lecture halls back home!

My experience with studies in Brussels so far has actually been quite enlightening. I am taking five courses: Elementary Dutch, Military Approaches to Global Security, a course on Belgian history and culture, The EU's Common Security and Defense Policy, and Germany under Nazi Socialism. . . or in other words the schedule of my dreams. For the first time my semester is completely focused on the concentration of my major: Global Security. I share courses with many study abroad students and also regular VeCo students who come from all across Europe. The advantages of this kind of environment are tremendous.

In my first week of classes I found out my Global Security class was located in none other than The Royal Military Academy. What? Yes.. an educational institution for members of the military. My course is being taught by two members of the military: one from the Netherlands and an expert on Russia, the other a professor from Belgium. Now at what other point in time will I have the privilege of saying I took a course in a military academy? Probably never. One of the benefits of this class is the variation of opinions within. There are quite a few Europeans, but most unexpectedly a gentleman from Pakistan is also a member of the class. To share the classroom with someone from a country we hear so much about on the news, most always in a negative light, is actually quite a humbling experience. No, the days of taking in an American-centric point of view are long gone.

Aside from studies, I have already taken a weekend trip to Utrecht, Netherlands to see Gerard which was a really nice break from reality. I will travel to the Netherlands again soon to The Hague/ICTY and (hopefully) sit in on a trial (Hardly containing my excitement for that one). Suffice it to say, Brussels has already offered me so much, and I cannot wait to see what the next 8 months will bring.

Home Away From Home

So I have a feeling it's going to get harder and harder to write these blog posts... way too much has happened in one week! Orientation started on Sunday, and was a very full three days of instruction, getting to know the city, and meeting lots of really great people.

One of my highlights of those three days was a visit we took to a local brewery called Le Cantillon. My knowledge on beer (and how it's brewed) was certainly not extensive, so I'm sure most of what I learned was way beyond me. Yet, I was still very appreciative of the integrity this place has; they've been keeping up the brewing business for more than a

century and have made little to no changes to the process along the way. It was

quite refreshing considering the corporate, greed driven world we live in today.

On the subject of beer, I've already gotten a few chances to get a taste of the night life here. As I was warned it is nothing close to scenes in the U.S. of skimpy dresses and huge keggers, and the differences may take some getting used to. Things do move at a much slower pace

here (how many people can say they've experienced a five hour meal?) which I am definitely starting to appreciate. I'll take enjoying a beer in front of the Grand Place over a frat party any day (no offense to my sisters back home - I'm definitely going to miss the apartment crawls and themed parties!).

So now that all the craziness of the past week is finally over, I now have the chance to relax in my own room in Europe. . . now there's something I never thought I'd be saying. I finally moved into an amazing house just south of downtown that I'll be sharing with a Moroccan, an Austrian, a Frenchman, and a Belgian - talk about diverse roomies in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect way to start my year in Belgium.

Classes start on Monday, so maybe you'll be hearing from me a bit less. Good luck to all my friends back home starting up the rigors of university life once more! We will share the same pain soon, I promise. But before all the stress comes, be like the Belgians: have a beer, relax, and eat some good food :)

In Love

Well, after all these months of it never feeling very real, I'm finally here and I have to say - it's really not such a big deal. I mean that in the best way possible: the second I stepped off the plane things felt as if they were all in place for me. Sure, the wooziness of getting off an 8 hour plane ride was not a pleasant feeling, but in the few hours I've been here I already know these 9 months will be nothing short of amazing.

Clue number one: While standing near the baggage tram waiting for my luggage, I was approached by a woman who asked "parlez-vous le francais?", an instance that might have intimidated me greatly had I imagined it happening in my head, but in reality went quite smoothly. I replied "un peu" as my usual response to any such question, but was then able to help her understand whether or not this was the right tram for the baggage coming from Montreal. She was quite grateful, and this initial interaction only moments after getting off the plane was a great bolster to my French speaking abilities. Not to mention, do I already look so European as to get approached with such a question?! Okay, I'll try not to get too far ahead of myself...

After the taxi ride from the airport with a female driver (seriously, how common is that?) I found myself at the door to Hotel des Colonies, a charming little place where I'll be staying the next few days. It's in a quiet little nook of a street, just outside of a major shopping district in Brussels. So, naturally, I just got back from looking around a few hours... I think these next 9 months will be a goldmine for my wardrobe, but quite bad news for the bank account (I only kind of mean that, dad). So I end my first outing in Brussels at a nice little lunch place with a beer (at 10:30 am ..but who's judging?) and some tuna salad while I witness the first of I'm sure many, many sudden rain showers in this beautiful city. Long story short, I can't wait to get to know this wonderful city. . . its everything I ever could have wanted so far! Pictures to come :)

DSM - ORD - BRU

Just 10 days remain between me and what is sure to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Despite the lack of legitimate packing I feel 100% ready to get the heck out of the U.S. and find my way to the land of beer, waffles, and most importantly - chocolate. 9 months abroad certainly sounds like a long time, but I have a sneaking suspicion it might just fly by.

My decision to study abroad in Brussels wasn't one that took a whole lot of thought, but once the decision was made I knew it was the right one. My original thought was to find a program in a Francophone country, with the goal of eventually becoming fluent in the language I've been taking classes in since freshman year of high school. No need to get into the nitty gritty, but I landed on UW's academic year program in Belgium - a terrific place for an International Studies/Poli Sci major as it is the capitol of Europe and a truly Cosmopolitan city. Though Brussels may not be on the radar of most tourists' destinations, I am sure it is a place I will grow to love and know very well.

So I'm clearly Gung-Ho about packing up a suitcase (or two...) and living in Europe for 9 months, and maybe I haven't put enough thought into the things I'll really miss about home. A good burger, friendly midwestern smiles, the convenience of having a car - all things that any respectable Iowan might miss. Yet, I'm ready to see what the other side of the pond has to offer even if it means some unease and discomfort at first. I already know that the experiences and life lessons I will get out of my time abroad will be well worth it in the end. A la prochaine fois, en Bruxelles!