There's Nothing Like a Sunday Stroll

Week 7 has come and gone. I am almost done with month 2 of study abroad and each day I am discovering little parts of Leuven I never knew existed before. I love my free days where I can just wander and explore the town. Today, I ventured out to Abdij Van Park (Dutch for "Parc Abbey"), just outside the city in the Belgian countryside. It was an easy and quick 20 minute walk from my house, and boy was I so thankful I decided to spend a Sunday stroll here.

The parc was built on the grounds of an abbey that was established in 1080. After doing some research on the area, I discovered that it went through many changes and developments - the church standing there today wasn't installed until the 18th century. Back home in Indiana, I love visiting Ritchey Woods - a little nature preserve about a 10 minute drive from my house. I think Abdij Van Park will definitely take it's place until I return in the summer. 

I had no destination set in stone, so I spent much of my time exploring different paths. Everyone was walking their dogs, spending time with family, riding bikes, or going on runs. It's days like today that make me so thankful I chose to study in Leuven. Sure it would've been great to study in the South of France or in the U.K. - somewhere where you always have the hustle and bustle of the city, but Leuven just makes this experience so much more authentic. 

I feel like I'm truly living life like a European. I can experience both the peaceful moments and crazy moments. I never have to take a metro to get anywhere and yet I can still explore all parts of the city. If I want to take part in the nightlife, I walk 10 minutes down the street. If I want to go for a run in the countryside, I turn right out my door and take the sidewalk out of the city. This place just feels like home. Knowing all of these special moments I've had with Leuven is going to make it that much harder to leave come June.  

Yesterday also included a visit to a market that we came across close to the town hall. It was so cute and full of fresh produce and flowers to purchase as well. This week I'm trying something new and making avocado chicken bombs for dinner, so I ended up buying 2 avocados as well as a fresh bouquet of tulips from a stand that brings in flowers from the Netherlands to brighten up the room.  

Besides this, classes are interesting. We made a trip to Antwerp on Friday because our art class was supposed to meet at the Rubenshuis for a field trip. We waited an hour for our professor to show up (which he never did) - so a few classmates and I ended up just exploring the museum ourselves. I'm really glad we did, lots of neat paintings and architecture to discover. 

Below I'm attaching a few random pictures from the week. This is our last week before our 2 week Easter Break. During our vacation, we are venturing to Spain and Ireland - so I will be sure to keep the blog updated with the new adventures that come!

J-House Hotel Party - The residence I'm living in does one of these each semester where each room prepares a snack/drink/game to play so everyone can see each others rooms and get to know one another.

Selfie Stick always coming in clutch.

Until next time.....! 

Castles and Coffee and Class - oh my!

Week three is done. I can't believe it'll be a month that I've been gone here soon. Time flies. Unfortunately, I fell ill with a cold and sore throat (my body's way of saying slow down) so there was much more time for relaxation included in my schedule these past couple days. As you know, Monday I visited the beautiful Kasteel van Arenberg. From there, it was class - class - class - coffee - and more class.

I know I will be saying this throughout the entire semester, but I truly have already come to appreciate the education I'm receiving at Hanover College. While the subjects in my courses are extremely fascinating, it's difficult sitting in a lecture for 2-3 hours when there are no discussions to engage in. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to attend this university, but I already know I will be so happy to be back in our 15 student classrooms when I return back in September.

Tuesday, we had a girl's night with Annelien and a few of her friends. We made chocolate fondue that we dipped bananas, grapes, madelines, and marshmallows into and it was heavenly. While many foods taste different here in Europe - both the chocolate and marshmallows taste are out of this world in the best way possible. After indulging in sweet treats, we watched the movie, "The Other Women" in her residence hall's movie theatre.

Speaking of food, I am having McCalister's Sweet Tea withdrawals. I also want breadsticks....and Qdoba chips and queso. I have no clue how I will last the next 4 1/2 months, but I guess I can give in to snacking on some Belgian chocolate to ease my sadness.

Nonetheless, this week did bring a great surprise. My Institutions and Policy of the EU course met for the first time, where I discovered shortly after class began an exciting tidbit of information. My professor explained he was going to be at conferences throughout the semester, so days would vary when we would meet. As soon as he said this, I was curious, and googled him to find out that he serves on the European Commission (a.k.a the executive board of the European Union). How neat is that?! I will be learning all about EU policies straight from someone who serves at the executive level. I've heard the course is extremely tough, but I am so excited to gain knowledge on this area from an EU commissioner himself.

I also checked one of the coffee shops off my list - Koffie Onan. I already know I will be back. Say what you want, but I don't mind spending a few euros on a good vanilla latte. The drink I had was frothy, creamy, and dreamy all at the same time. I had a cliche European moment, as I sat at the cafe watching people walk by and taking in all that the scenery had to offer. It was a blissful moment - my sore throat was thankful for the warm drink as well.

So frothy, so wonderful.

You know how you can buy pillows or frames with cheesy sayings and life lessons to adorn your home with? Well, I've got one I want to custom make already. Life Lesson #1 brought to you by my time in Leuven: "Whether it's taking a different street home or going out of your comfort zone to meet someone new - don't always take the same path in life." I know I am a very task-oriented individual. I like knowing what I'm doing/where I'm going/how I will accomplish things. When you're traveling or living in a new place, that isn't always possible. I'm learning to slow down, to look up, and to take the long way back home - it's doing me wonders.

The cutest apartment I discovered, courtesy of "taking a different path home".

Today, I am catching up on some Cold War History readings and later we're meeting one of Izzy's friends who is currently studying abroad in Paris for dinner. New adventures are in the near future, and I can't wait to see what more this city brings me.