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.

Okay, wow... sorry everyone! Not sure what happened here, but my updating abilities have been seriously lacking these past few weeks.

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 :)