Today is my final day in Brussels. I cannot believe that this four month adventure is actually coming to an end! It has been a whirlwind trip full of challenging and amazing moments.
Last night, we went downtown to celebrate my roommate Nora's 21st birthday. We ventured to Delirium for one last time, wandered through the beautifully lit Grand Place, and danced at a local club. It was enjoyable and carefree without the stress of work and classes. I began to feel sentimental, wishing that I had taken more advantage of the beautiful city while I was here. But ultimately, I have no regrets and I am extremely grateful for all that this experience has brought me: the memories, the adventures, the new perspectives...
In honor of this being my final entry, I've compiled a list of the top 10 things that I've missed about the US and the top 10 things that I will miss about Brussels.
US Top 10
10) The PAC workout center
9) Free water at restaurants
8) Riding in a car
7) My Blackberry/texting
6) The ease of communication sans language barrier and time zone difference
5) Efficiency of banking and bureaucracy
4) American football
3) My Wardrobe
2) Starbucks/Panera/Smoothie King/Target
1) My family, friends, and pets
Brussels Top 10
10) Sunday markets
9) Daily integration of environmentally friendly options (i.e. motion-operated escalators)
8) Acceptance of dogs
7) Belgian beer
6) Fanta Zero
5) Daring fashion choices (and amaaaazing boots!)
4) Belvita chocolate cookie snacks
3) Ease of travel to other countries
2) Breathtaking view of Grand Place at night
1) My roommates
When my supervisor's assistant, Lala, introduced me to everyone in the office yesterday, she kept referring to me as the new "Stagiaire." Needless to say, I was very confused. I thought perhaps I was signed up for the wrong position. Clearly I am not up on my French lingo.
Today, Lala explained to me a little bit more about what my duties will be at IDF Europe. She told me that I will serve as a liaison between IDF Europe and the European Parliament by attending meetings at Parliament and coordinating information exchange between the two. Since there has been a recent changeover in MEP's, IDF Europe is focusing on attracting new MEP's to join a working group and promote diabetes awareness. I have to attend my first big meeting at the European Parliament on Monday morning with a few MEP's and some of the leaders for different Diabetes organizations to discuss the events for the upcoming World Diabetes Day which is to take place in November. I have included in this entry a photograph of the building in which I work. It is a "green" building...very popular over here in Europe.
Today I did a lot of research on the different political parties of the EU to learn more about which parties and committies are likely partners for IDF. I particularly enjoyed reading about the Greens, for some reason. They seem sort of Hippy-Chic haha.
During my lunch break, I spoke with my supervisor, Lex, about his newly acquired mobile home. He told me about his plans to take it to Holland, his homeland. What a great way to take advantage of the different cultures and histories that are within driving distance over here in Europe.
Before Lala left for the evening, she informed me that she has "dinner parties" every Wednesday evening, and invited me to join sometime. Unfortunately, I have class every Wednesday evening, but I hope to attend at some point. At the very least, it was a very thoughtful invitation.
There has been so much going on since I arrived last Saturday! We toured Vesalius College yesterday where we will be taking classes. Let me tell you, scenery wise, it is no Furman! I will most certainly appreciate Furman a lot more once I get back there. Especially the free access to the PAC workout facilities! To get a gym pass to the on-campus gym, you have to pay about 200 euros. Insane. Let's hope that the weather allows for walking around!
We officially move into the apartments tomorrow, so it will be good to get settled and shift out of tourist mode. I have included a picture of a cute little traveling book van that I saw on our street. There's even a piggy on it!
On Saturday, we will be doing a three hour tour of Brussels by bus with our Vesalius group, so it should be informative and fun. Shopping is always a temptation here because the clothes/shoes are so distinctive and cute, but it is pretty expensive so i have held back. Even small dinners are expensive! Soda costs about 1,50 euro a can (but the beer, of course, is much cheaper). It will be nice to finally settle in and make our own meals from home. Our landlord is sweet and accommodating. We even have our own washing machines in the apartment! We have a limit on energy/water consumption so we'll have to monitor that!
Speaking of which, I have noticed that the people here are very "green." You have to purchase a plastic bag at the grocery store, escalators start automatically with motion detectors, and the cars are super tiny (no SUV's!).
Well I'm off to dinner, but I will update again soon!
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