 Beautiful Brussels sunset outside of my work. As my journey draws closer and closer to the finish line, I am an absolute mess of mixed emotions. I am worn out from all of the travelling and schoolwork, and I long for the moment when I can truly relax and know that I don't have to worry about another paper or travel booking or project. There is no doubt that I am having an absolutely amazing time, but I am also overwhelmed with...well, stuff. Whenever I have a moment to sit still, I feel like there is something else that I should be working on or doing.
Part of this stems from the fact that there is still so much that I want to do. In Brussels alone, there are so many little places unexplored, foods untasted, and markets un-perused. Will I ever have time to stop into that quaint little boutique with the gorgeous scarves that I have passed on the way back from school too many times to count? Will I have enough time to check out that cozy coffee shop on Avenue Louise? Are there enough nights left to go dancing at the Fuse club that we have heard so much about?
I look around me as I walk the streets of my neighborhood, and I take it all in: the distinct architecture of the European rowhouses, the French/Dutch signs, the biking couple. Soon, I remind myself, this will all be a memory. While I cannot wait to be reunited with my family and to sleep under the covers of my very own bed, it will be hard to let it all go.
It is truly a strange feeling to be soaking up the moment, but counting down the minutes.
 The lyrics of the Fray's song "Vienna" ran melodiously through my head throughout my Vienna adventure as a soothing soundtrack. But as I saw the city for myself, I realized that there are no words that can properly capture the beauty of the city of Vienna. Stepping out of the metro or the "U" and into Stephansplatz square on Thursday evening, I was absolutely blown away. My aversion to the bitter cold was overtaken by the absolutely awe and amazement in lieu of the sights around me - the towering cathedral, the warmly lit storefronts, the men in traditional Viennese costume peddling Mozart concerts.
We wandered through the freezing rain and found ourselves a quirky little "Rosenberg Markt" restaurant. Not only were the staff members sporting liederhosen and traditional Viennese garb, but there was a huge spread of fresh Viennese delicacies: fresh fruits, thick bean soup, pastas and breads, chocolate cake, and Gruner Veltliner wine. Needless to say, we were quite satisfied with our chance selection.
After dinner, we were lucky enough to find a beautiful doubledecker Starbucks along the main drag near Stephansplatz. Although the price for a familiar taste of home was a bit pricier than usual, we couldn't help but indulge in the lovely taste treat. Just across the street from the Starbucks, the Vienna State Opera House was broadcasting an opera on a giant screen in the middle of the square.
Before long, my roommate Ashley and I hopped back on the U in search of our hotel for the evening. Although the directions indicated that the hotel was only 350 meters from the U stop, there was no indication of which direction to head in. After bracing the snowy cold for about 45 minutes, passing a few schnitzel stands, and asking 5 different people for directions, we made it! We crashed as soon as our heads hit the pillow.
 Friday was our day of true exploration. First off, we stopped in Cafe Central (at the brilliant suggestion of my father) where Austria's brilliant thinkers used to congregate for chess and brainstorming. With the high ceilings, the Old World furniture, historical paintings, strong coffee, and astoundingly fresh warm rolls, our breakfast at Cafe Central was truly unforgettable. A true breakfast of champions! I would say that a visit to Cafe Central is an absolute must while in Vienna. Next, we made our way to Hofburg Palace - an absolutely gorgeous and HUGE piece of Austrian history. Along the way, we spotted dozens of horse-drawn carriages and horses with little earmuffs to ease the pain of the bitter cold. We couldn't help but smile at seeing this! Ashley and I opted to take the tour of the Imperial Apartments in the Palace. There were what seemed to be thousands of different plates that the royals themselves used throughout history. Some were golden, others porcelain, many were detailed with intricate designs and seals. There were utensils that I did not even recognize! Ah, the luxuries of being a royal...
 The Sisi Museum of the Hofburg Palace was one of my favorite parts of the trip. The exhibit featured artifacts and photographs from the Empress Elizabeth's life, in a chronological account of her tumultuous life. I loved piecing together the story of this remarkable royal who had a difficult transition into her esteemed position. The exhibit intrigued me and made me anxious to further investigate the life of this deep character. We spent the rest of the afternoon popping in and out of quaint Viennese shops. The selections varied from traditional to modern, from schnitzels to Swarovski crystals. After a powernap back at the hotel, we met up with one my sister's friends from La Salle to go out on the town for the night. He and his friends are part of a year-long program in which they teach classes in local Viennese schools. It was nice to wander about with people who knew the little secrets and corners of the city. They took us to a hole-in-the-wall bar underground called " Zwoelf Apostelkeller" that we never would have found on our own! We knew that we were in for an authentic experience when we looked around to see groups of locals digging into schnitzels and sipping their lagers. We were quickly introduced to "Sturm" - a sweet and traditional Viennese wine. It was nice to chat with other Americans about their European experiences. They have only been here in Vienna for a month, but they spoke very highly of the people and the food and the atmosphere. We all came to the consensus that Target is one of the things that we miss most about America. It was refreshing to interact with some Americans in a foreign city and find some commonalities in our foreign experiences and struggles. Vienna was an absolute gem of a city - classic and breathtaking. I love that, as I travel from city to city, each one has a distinctive personality. This one happened to embody old world sophistication and luxury...with some traditional schnitzel flair. There was so much to explore and to do in the city, but the best part was simply wandering around and taking in the surroundings.
 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.
I have survived my first week of classes at Vesalius. Today, I had intercultural communication which looks like it will be fascinating. The course examines the overlaps in cultural communications, and the interactions among different cultures. We have to keep a journal of our own intercultural experiences and turn it in as a creative piece...this will be a fun assignment for me. I have already encountered a number of cultural challenges which have peaked my curiosity and captured my attention.
For instance, I have noticed that customer service is not one of the strong points in Brussels. With a few years of waitressing under my belt, this really stood out to me. I am very accustomed to encountering waitresses and cashiers that have permanent smiles plastered on their faces. Whether fake or sincere, it is customary. When someone receives a handbook on training in customer service, a smile and polites exchanges are at the very top of the list. Now don't get me wrong, there is the occassional grumpy waiter or arrogant saleswoman, but that is more of an exception in the US than it is over here. In Brussels, however, the cashiers typically scowl and mumble, unenthusiastic about "putting the customer first". I have encountered a few who are very pleasant and polite, but those are few and far between. Perhaps it is because I am merely a stupid American, and I am difficult to deal with. But maybe not?
Anyway, my European excursions are in the works! I have plans to go to Paris, Madrid, Venice, and Amsterdam (tentatively) with some of the girls on the trip. It is so bizarre to me that flying from country to country over here is just as easy as going from state to state in the US. It also helps that I have friends in different European countries (Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands) who I can visit. I am determined to take advantage of it while I can!
Oh and just for an update: my roommate Nora successfully survived the "Death Ride" at the Atomium yesterday! She said it was quite the rush. Wish I could have joined, but computer complications sent me on an unanticipated tour of the Brussels metro system. At least I made some computer savvy friends along the way.
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