Siestas, Fiestas, y Playas

Well, lately my blog posts have been a little bit outdated so I'm sorry for that. Within the next few weeks I'll try to use my free time to keep you all up to date and fill you in on the newest developments on my continuing life abroad.

In the meantime, however, I'll be devoting this post to the beautiful, sunny city of Barcelona. With my outrageously long winter break, I figured I should spend at least some time exploring a different piece of Europe. Since my good friend from Wisconsin is currently studying there I figured Barca would be my best bet, and I certainly can't say there were any second thoughts about that idea. Who wouldn't want to turn down sun, beautiful people, and the beach? Regardless of the fact that it still wasn't quite sunbathing time, I'll take the continued presence of the sun over getting bogged down in the grayness of Bruxelles any day.

Once Lindsey finally found me standing practically smack dab in the middle of Passeig de Gracia, we made our way to a cute Tapas place near her housing. We ordered a few small plates, fried fish being one among them (sounds... normal, right?). We were.... well.. unpleasantly surprised to find ten minutes later a full plate of little baby fishes staring us in the face (literally... eyes and all included). We tried them out, but needless to say the waiter seemed a bit disappointed in our ability to stomach the little guys. Fortunately the rough start was not a bad omen for the week to come, which was filled with more delicious tapas, desserts, and plenty of paella.

One of the things I was most impressed by in Barcelona (aside from the remarkably clean public transport) was the architecture, specifically that of Gaudi. We started our little tour of his creations by visiting Parc Guell, a neat little place that boasts lots of green space, a great view of the city, and fabulous examples of Gaudi's work. We then went on to la Sagrada Familia, one of his last big works which is still in progress today. Hands down, this place is one the most phenomenal churches I have yet to see in Europe. Forget Notre Dame, this place is just overflowing with architectural singularity and overwhelming detail. Much of Gaudi's inspiration came from nature, and this could be clearly seen in the tree like resemblances in the columns and ceilings. Unfortunately he died a tragic death before his work could be completed, so the newer side is a bit of a disappointment, but still worth the entrance ticket nonetheless.

When I had some time to myself I went strolling along the beaches... stopping along the way to play with the sand and even take a little snooze. As I sat and took it all in I began to notice some of the habits of these Southern Europeans. One pronounced detail was the amount of young men coming to get their gym on - just along the beach was a little area that looked almost like a child's playground. However, this was not a place for children, but for dudes doing all sorts of odd exercises, looking to get ripped on the monkeybars. The best part for me though was witnessing the group of older, out of shape men in their speedos hangin' out on the rocks. Despite their massive (beer,food, both?) bellies, they still made some effort to do some exercises, whether it be stretching or running just on the edge of the water. Though they may not keep up their bodies like some northern Europeans I've seen, they certainly still seemed to care about staying active.

Spending some time along the beach also brought a lot of differences into perspective. One might see the Spaniards' inherent 'disrespect' for time as some fundamental flaw, but how could one not share that kind of mentality if one lived in a place that was ALWAYS sunny and offered not only the beach, but mountains too? Though understanding that late lunches and late dinners were very much the norm (oh, and don't mess with that 2-5 break for siestas) was a little difficult for me, it's all apart of their culture so why mess with it? I certainly don't see it as laziness, as current opinions may suggest, just a different way of life. If anything, it only highlights the difficulties in trying to bring so many nations together that, in the end, don't really have all that much in common. Not trying to start a political debate here, just putting forth a perspective that dawned on me (but certainly not one that should hold very much weight :) ).

Though Barcelona may be an exception to the other cities in Spain (or so I've heard), I still had a wonderful time and if the opportunity ever posed itself I would certainly go back in the future. Any of you fellow travelers looking for a good deal on hostels should definitely check out Equity Point Centric. It's located right on Passeig de Gracia, is a great deal, offers extremely helpful service, and breakfast is included! Can't really go wrong with all of that. Aside from that I would encourage anyone to explore Barca - it truly is a city you can get lost in, whether it be at sea level or far, far above :)

La Vie Parisienne

Well, after 4 months abroad I finally made it to the city of lights, wine, cheese, and tourists: Paris. I have to say my expectations were not high as I heard from many about the unending hordes of tourists; my experiences this far have taught me that tourist destinations are not exactly my favorite. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a city that is constantly moving and full of new sights and sounds around every corner.

I spent the week with my mom and dad, and we were lucky enough to have the insight and recommendations from his good friend who now lives in Paris. The first evening was spent enjoying a 5 hour Christmas meal in true Parisian fashion: champagne, fromage, foie gras, wine, macaroons, wine, and more champagne (the real stuff, mind you!). One thing is certainly true, the French really know how to enjoy a meal, especially around the holidays.

Though the night of the 25th was relatively quiet on the streets, we were able to enjoy a sunny first day walking around our neighborhood, eating lunch in a park facing Notre Dame, and spending some time exploring the infamous church. We ended the day walking along the Seine and enjoying the last bit of our sunny weather. One of the most wonderful things about Paris is the atmosphere; unfortunately it's hard for me to describe because it's really something you have to experience on your own.

The rest of our week was filled withsome of the typical sights (Eiffel Tower, Musee d'Orsay among them) and evenings of wonderful meals spent in great company. I’m lucky enough to have spent that time with my parents; I am just now appreciating the kinds of differences one sees in traveling with members of different generations. While of course at my age it’s always fun to travel with friends, stay in a hostel, stay out late and do risky things, I realize the wisdom and insight we learn from our parents is truly a blessing.

So my trip to Paris was overall a great success, and only showed me that there’s still a lot more I want to experience there. I foresee at least one more trip within the next 5 months, if not more. In the meantime, it’s on to Barcelona…

La Vie Parisienne

Well, after 4 months abroad I finally made it to the top tourist destination in the world: Paris. As its title presumes,

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%.