Memorial Day in Brussels

Last week was our program's first week in Brussels. Monday started us off with a tour of the city, which did nothing but confuse me. Tuesday through Friday we had class at a local university - Universite Libre de Bruxelles. The weather was beautiful so we were able to eat lunch on the lawn every day amongst the other students. Also I think that was the most intense week of class in terms of the amount of information that I've had in a while. There will be a lot of re-reading things on Wikipedia to make sure I got it all before various site visits.

The weekend was spent in Brussels venturing around. Yesterday was a holiday in Belgium (as well as conveniently Memorial Day) so we did a girl's day and went rowing in a pond in Park Woluwe!

Park Woluwe & Memorial Day

There is also nothing funnier than watching two girls who don't know how to row, attempt to do so!

"How does this work...."

I also did my souvenir shopping for Brussels yesterday. Got a sticker for my Nalgene and a badge for my backpack!! (Big spender over here) We also went to the market and one of the girls found the CUTEST ring stand. So obviously I bought one of those too.

I kind of wish they had it in silver, but it was too cute to pass up!

This past weekend was fun though. One of our host brother's was in town from France so we went to a BBQ at his friend's house in Northern Brussels and then went out downtown with them on Sunday night (holiday Monday, so downtown was packed). I was too intimidated by everyone's French that I chickened out and spoke English with them.

The weather has been so nice here, but I am about ready for it to get colder again. I did NOT bring summer clothes to Europe. Not a single pair of shorts, and after this past week I kind of regret that decision. Although the weather really does need to start to cool down. The portion of our trip that requires us to be in suits has started. Either the weather has to cooperate or we are about to be really gross and sweaty in our nicest clothes.

I thought one of the biggest adjustments would be living in a family again. I haven't lived at home since I left for college before I turned 18! And last summer's study abroad we weren't living in families so we could come home at 2 AM if we please. My biggest adjustment has been to come home for dinner every night (but with the price of food here, I am more than happy to do so). Our host parents are currently in France until next Sunday so it's just me, the roomie and their 24 year old son. Between the 3 of us we have very minimal cooking skills, although I'm tempted to take over that department. I'm just happy enough to be getting free coffee in the mornings before heading out.

Also bought tickets to Croatia last night. Random, I know.

From Connecticut, to Manhattan, to Brussels

So this past week has been, well to say the least - interesting. Went to Connecticut, did the whole New England thing (which was AWESOME!). Visited Mystic Seaport with Lee. Walked aboard the oldest wooden functioning whaling ship, the Charles W. Morgan. Learned how to eat lobster (the appropriate restaurant way). Went and visited Yale in New Haven. It was almost a little depressing to walk around and seeing how beautiful their campus is in comparison to Georgia Tech.

On Friday, we went to Manhattan for the day since my flight left for Brussels that evening. Picked up sandwiches and had a picnic on a rock next to the pond in Central Park. What more could I ask for. Then we went downtown to see the construction of the Freedom Tower, walked around Battery Park and saw the Statue of Liberty. Perfect way to end the spring in the Americas before jet setting to Europa!

View from our picnic in Central Park

The flight to Brussels was good, no complications. I of course am not used to flying to Europe with such short distances (I usually leave from Atlanta so that buys me a couple more hours on the plane) but this flight was 6h 45min. That's cool and all, but I needed to finish my homework!!!! Like it was the first time I was legitimately a little upset about how short my flight was...

Anyways, made it safely in one piece to Gare Central, met up with the rest of the students and off we were to have lunch together and go home for the weekend with our families. I live in a French speaking family, which was intimidating at first, but I have yet to speak English! We went on a guided tour of Brussels yesterday so I am slowly catching on to how to get around here. It's crazy how I have very little sense of direction here, but put me in Paris and I can find my way home without a problem.

Belgian Waffles at the Cinquantenaire

Today was our first day of class (at ULB) and we went over very basic things. The history of the EU & European identity. We only have lecture this week, so it's hard to cram a semesters worth into 4 days. Today I decided to be lame after class and go running. My host brother asked me if I wanted him to show me how to get to the park... stubborn Jonna said no and went off on my own. I got lost. Go figure. I went running around in Etterbeek though, the neighborhood that I live in. There are some reaaaally nice houses!!

School is off to a good start so far! Day 1 down.

Finals are over, time to pack.

Finished my final French assignment today so it's time to switch gears!! I am leaving for the longest time ever, 3 months away from Georgia Tech!! I have confirmed my internship in Brussels, just received my itinerary for the school portion, planning out my trip to Finland, get to spend a day in NYC. I thought nothing would top summer 2011, yet I think it already has and I haven't even gotten on a plane yet.

MY NEW BACKPACK!!!

Also, the most amusing part of all. I'm leaving for 3 months and bringing one backpack. (Last year I brought a HUGE suitcase, duffle bag + huge purse for 2 months.) But I'm really excited to see if I can do this!

But there's also pre-trip homework. Just opened it up and well, let's just say I'm not going to look at it again until Monday. I need a weekend off from school work. :)