The Venice of the North: Brugge, Belgium

On Friday, I trekked north toward the coast of Belgium to the romantic city of Brugge for a day trip for my art class. The city is a must-see for most tourists visiting Belgium, and now I can understand why. It was dubbed the nickname "Venice of the North" due to the numerous canals, cobblestone pathways, and weeping willows that drape across every street - it's absolutely stunning.

We lucked out, as it was supposed to rain all day while we were there. Instead, we had sunny skies the entire time, making for a perfect day to explore the city. I immediately fell in love. Our professor walked us around for awhile - we visited Sint-Janshospitaal (a hospital from the 11th century that has been converted into a museum with Flemish artwork from artists including Hans Memling). After, we headed across the street to Sint-Salvator's Cathedral to check out the artwork and architecture there as well. Who knew, but apparently Michaelangelo sculpted the "Madonna of Bruges" which rests inside this church that I had the chance to see it. Pretty neat stuff.

After we finished up with our professor, Izzy and I decided to find some food for lunch. All week I've been craving a big juicy burger, and so we happened to cross "Ellis Gourment Burgers" which is a chain found in Belgium and the Netherlands that makes these delicious burgers to eat. Since it was Friday, I decided to treat myself, and chowed down. If you know me and my obsession with sweet/iced tea, then you can understand why I was so pumped about the one I ordered in the photo below (2 months too long).

From here Izzy and I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the city - enjoy some of my favorite moments below.

Remember when I said I came across that Beguinage in Leuven that housed the religious women? Well, turns out they're pretty common in Belgium, and Brugge had a beautiful one we came across. Our professor told us we came the best time of the year, as the neighborhood had a field full of daffodils that had just bloomed. So gorgeous!

Thank you Brugge for a perfect spring afternoon!

A Surreal Moment

The purpose of this blog is ultimately for me to capture my adventures and moments in time abroad. Because of the Brussels Attacks this previous week, I wanted to dedicate a post not only to the victims of the attacks, but to document the experiences and emotions I was feeling at the time.

On Tuesday, March 22nd, I woke up at approximately 9:40 a.m. to my roommate sharing a text message from our Belgian friend who said 2 bombs just went off at Brussels International Airport. Immediately after receiving this information, I sat up in bed and logged online to start reading news reports informing us about what happened. At this point, we still hadn't discovered it was a terrorist attack, although I had a pretty positive feeling it was. We watched videos being posted of people running away from the building, shattered glass, dust flying everywhere. All of this was happening a 20 minute train ride away. At the initial moment, I didn't know what to think. Should I call my mom? Should I contact my school? It was 4 a.m. back home, and I didn't want to freak my family out with a text message. After a couple minutes, I decided contacting them would ultimately be best.

After getting dressed, I headed downstairs where all my housemates and I gathered around the TV to watch reports coming in from CNN. It's difficult for me to put into words how surreal of a time this was. Knowing all of this was happening so close by was not comforting, and hearing confirmations that it was a terrorist attack did not make me feel any better. Everyone around me was keeping fairly quiet, and it was at this point that I started receiving text messages back from my mom. Props to her, because she handled the situation extremely well. Being a parent, I could understand the extreme concerns one will have when your child is halfway across the world, but we talked for awhile and I assured her that I was safe in Leuven.

From here, we ended up going to our library to study and get some work done with a couple of Belgians. I couldn't get too much accomplished though, due to friends and family that were starting to contact me to make sure I was okay. I am extremely thankful to have been in Leuven when these attacks occurred - and for those who checked in with me. Not only did I first fly into Brussels International Airport upon arriving in Belgium, but I have visited the city multiple times, and I can't imagine being there when these attacks took place.

One of the girls in my house ended up being at the airport when the bombings took place that morning, and thankfully came out unharmed. I had the chance to talk to her the next day, and she told me all about her experience. She explained that at the time of the bombings, she was already past security, so she wasn't in the check-in area when they occurred. At the time, she was about to grab food before heading down to her terminal, when she said it sounded like there was construction happening (and that's what many of those around her first believed). She said the ceiling shook at first and then things started falling from above along with a lot of dust. At the time, she didn't know what to do and started crying, and described that many of those around her were fairly calm. They eventually evacuated everyone outside on the airport runway, where they had shuttles taking people out of the area. I can't imagine how traumatizing that experience must have been, and everyone in my house is so grateful she made it home safely.

I think one of the strangest things I observed that day was how normal things were operating in my town. Besides the fact that no trains were coming in or out of Brussels, restaurants operated normally, my school still had class (although my professors cancelled theirs), and people were going about their daily lives. It felt weird for me to be doing the same thing when 20 minutes away this tragedy was taking place.

The next day, a moment of silence was held at noon for the victims of the attacks all across Belgium, including in the big square of Leuven. While I couldn't attend myself, I was able to see the beautiful candles, flowers, and art that was displayed later on in remembrance of those who lost their lives. If there is anything positive I can take out of this difficult time, it is getting to play a role in the solidarity and unity this country has. It was a powerful and emotional moment to see how my town came together.

I've had a couple ask if I'm coming home or what my plans are next. Honestly -- I didn't even think about coming home even after these attacks happened. I love this place too much, and I truly feel safe in the city where I am located. If anything, these events were a sad reminder that I need to remain aware and smart about what I do going into the future. Studying abroad has been a dream of mine for so long, and I can't imagine giving this up. To my friends and family - just know that I am being as safe and precautionary as possible (and I will be home before you know it!)

Keep this country and the people in your thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to those affected by these horrific bombings, and I can only hope for a day when peace will prevail over everyone.

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.....!