Cultural Note: The principle of “ladies first” does not apply in Brussels.
When waiting for the bus, gentlemen have no qualms about pushing in front of you and/or taking a seat from you. And when people walk down the street, they make their paths and they stick to it. If you happen to be in the way, you move to the side or you get hit.
But aside from the cultural discrepancies, I had a revelation today during my
Communication Theories class at Vesalius. During our class break (which is much needed since our class is 3 hours long), I struck up a conversation with a Belgian girl who studied at American University in Washington DC for 6 months last year. I asked her about her experience, and she went on to tell me that it was wonderful and she really enjoyed her time in the city. She then told me that she met her boyfriend there. He’s a Texan, and she has been in a long distance relationship with him for a few months now. We commiserated about communication issues and other complications, and another Belgian girl chimed in. Her boyfriend (or maybe fiancée because she had a huge diamond on her left ring finger?) is doing business in China until December. He has only been gone for about two weeks, but already she is struggling with the time difference and the loneliness. While my situation did not seem quite as dramatic as hers (she had an intense photo of her and her boy embracing on the background of her phone), it was interesting to hear her take on the situation. This insignificant little conversation reminded me that, beyond the cultural and political differences, we all have feelings in common. We all have to deal with relationships and love and emotions. This encouraged me to look beyond my recent frustrations and seek human connections without cultural bias.
Today I attended my first meeting in the Parliament as a representative for IDF Europe. This meeting is an component of what the IDF Europe crew classifies as "EU Affairs." We met with a few MEP's and the leaders of National Diabetes Organizations to discuss the future of the Diabetes Working Group in the European Union.
The day started off with a rather smooth commute to work (Public Transportation Tip #1: don’t try to be ladylike and cross your legs on the bus. You will topple over embarrassingly onto the person beside you). I tuned into some James Taylor to chill me out, and then headed into the office where I met Chris Delicata, the VP of IDF Europe, and Anne Marie Felton, the Chair of the Federation of European Nurses in Diabetes (FEND). They were both very charming and friendly. After editing a PowerPoint presentation and receiving an official IDF Europe blue circle pin, we hopped in a taxi to head to Parliament. As we drove through the streets of Brussels, Mrs. Felton pointed out nice restaurants and spots worth checking out.
Upon arriving at Parliament, I had to show my passport and receive a badge certifying that I was an official guest of the UK MEP, Sarah Ludford. We then proceeded to the meeting room which overlooked the city of Brussels with a bird's eye view of the Palais de Justice. Somehow, I managed to turn my focus to the meeting and record important notes and suggestions for the meeting minutes. The major point on the agenda was to discuss the logistics of the upcoming World Diabetes Day that will take place in Brussels in mid-November. It was fascinating to be a part of the brainstorming process in politics. All of the planning and strategizing that occur behind closed doors was happening right there while I was in the room. I learned that many of the people have personal ties to the Diabetes cause (i.e. spouses and children suffering from Diabetes). Between hearing these stories and those of my father who has been working closely with a man suffering from severe complications of Diabetes, the cause seems much more real to me. It is astounding that such an epidemic goes relatively unnoticed when compared to Swine Flu and Cardiovascular Disease. In the meeting today, the attendees discussed how it is important that we research the ways in which Cardiovascular Disease has brought it's cause to the forefront of legislative agenda and medical research in an attempt to apply those same techniques to raising awareness about Diabetes.
After the meeting, I returned to the office to type up my notes. There I met Lala who was nervously preparing to send her son off to study abroad for a year. I smiled in a sympathetic manner, remembering the high emotions on the day that I departed for Brussels. She expressed to me that, when she had children, she never imagined what all she would have to go through with them - preparation, separation, anxiety. But, she told me, she cannot imagine her life without her children. This woman has a huge heart. I love that she can be all business with me one moment, and the next open up to me with a profound observation or emotion about family, or cultural influences, or past adventures.
I headed home pretty pleased with the way my day turned out. I had started out nervous and uncertain of what to expect, and I ended up rather confident and content. I settled in for the ride home. I quickly realized I wasn’t the only one having a good day – a young couple sitting across from me, about 14 or 15 years old, I’d have to say, were necking and kissing and canoodling without a care in the world. Ah, Europa…there is no holding back over here.
 While some of the other students scattered to places like London and Amsterdam for the weekend, my roommates and I spent the weekend in Brussels, regrouping after a hectic week of classes and work. Yesterday, we ventured into Grand Place downtown to check out the annual Brussels Beer Weekend. It was quite a sight! There were silly hats, and vintage cars, and more beer than I have ever seen in my entire life. We even noticed a visibly pregnant woman holding an empty glass of Duvel - a 10% alcohol content beverage. Very interesting.
We even saw a parade of strange characters in costume along the streets of De Brouckere. An older gentleman was wheeling about a recreation of the "Manneken Pis" - a small sculpture of a peeing boy that is an icon in Brussels. As he approached, I noticed that one of the parade officials muttered something about, "American." Before I knew it, a man was taking a picture of the Manneken "peeing" all over me. It was only water, but it was embarrassing. Thank you, Brussels, for peeing all over me. The ultimate sign that I am not wanted here, perhaps?
I have found that at this point in my adventure, the homesickness is setting in. I almost teared up yesterday when we stopped in a shopping gallery that reminded me of an American shopping mall...pretty pathetic. It doesn't help that the internet connection in our apartment has been rather spotty, making it difficult to connect to people back home (as if the time difference doesn't make this hard enough). I'm also nervous and stressed about my job at IDF. Tomorrow's meeting will be an important task for me, so I am anxious to do well.
I feel like I am at a strange point - between new excitement and comfortably settled in. It is still bizarre to me that I can't just order a water with dinner, or find a normal folder in the store to hold my papers (they are hard to come by, and the ones that you do find have strange flaps that are not very effective at holding papers in). I spoke with Nora today about similar anxieties. While we are thrilled to be here, we are worried about the fact that we are already counting down the weeks until we return. This study abroad trip is unique because, rather than traveling and touring and taking a few classes, we have to adjust to work and school and life in a specific city, and become more than just tourists. This is both stressful and amazing.
I'm just hoping that this stressed out feeling will subside once we begin traveling. Next weekend, we are heading off to Bruges with the Furman group to check out WWI sites and explore the beautiful town that is hailed as "the Venice of the North."
Waiting for the bus this morning, I turned on my iPod and mentally prepared myself for the day (determined that this time, I would actually notice the bus coming and flag it down before it pulled away as happened on Wednesday morning). The first song that came up was the title track from Needtobreathe's new album "The Outsiders." I smiled to myself as I listened to the lyrics, realizing that some of the concepts were actually quite appropriate for my current situation over here in Brussels:
"On the outside,
You’re free to roam
On the outside
We found it home
On the outside
There’s more to see"
I am, without a doubt, an outsider over here. No matter how I try to fit in, I still stand out. But, as I approach the three week mark of my stay in Brussels, I realize that it's okay. That's not to say that I will not try to adapt to my surroundings and respect this astounding and different culture, but I will be proud of who I am and where I come from. I may come from the outside, but I will explore and learn about and observe this new place. Not only am I learning more about the culture over here, but I am also delving deeper into the values of my American culture as the glaring differences rise to the surface. While my culture is different and doesn't quite fit into the puzzle of life over here, I won't be ashamed of it. When I first arrived, I was embarrassed that little behaviors like smiling at strangers and not knowing how to open the bus door left the natives scowling at my stupid "American" behavior. But now, I just laugh it off and know that I'm learning. I don't know that this is the specific message that Needtobreathe was going for, but I took pieces of it and made it my own.
Beyond this minor revelation, I had an interesting transit to work. Upon hopping on the tram and traveling just one stop in the direction toward work, the driver announced something in French. Then, all of the passengers began to get off the train. I hadn't the slightest idea what was going on, so, like a little lost lamb, I followed the herd of people to a nearby tram. The only problem was, I did not want to board a tram and end up in the middle of a corn field or Lord knows where. And then it began to rain. It was actually more comical than anything. I considered phoning my Furman professor for advice, but I decided to give into adventure and wing it. I approached the traffic director gentleman and inquired, "Parlez vous anglais?" Much to my relief, he replied, "Yes, I do." He then told me that I had to take the tram that everyone herded to for two stops, and then pick up the tram that would take me to work. Thank goodness. I did as he said and made it to the proper stop where I stood in a huge pack of Europeans in the chilly rain for a few moments before my saving grace of a tram finally arrived. I then resumed my "chill state" and settled into a tram swet where I soon noticed some of my IDF comrades were on the very same tram, and we struck up polite conversation about the craziness of the situation. Sweet victory. So the moral of this little tale is this: public transportation is a crazy beast. You never know where you might end up (besides in the lap of the smelly man beside you as the bus/tram/metro comes to a screeching halt without warning). Just go with it.
Today at work, I am compiling information for the meeting at Parliament on Monday. It has been a very informative week here so far, and I am excited to delve into these exciting projects. I am also looking forward to regrouping this weekend and curling up with my newly fixed Macbook.
On a side note, I got electrocuted yesterday when trying to plug in my Macbook to the adapter that was already in the outlet. Not a good decision, I concluded as the heat of the shock burned through my fingertips. You live and you learn.
 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 officially started my internship in Europe today. I am working as a communications intern for IDF Europe. The office is situated in a business and residential area south of downtown. Not quite as business-like as the Parliament area, but not nearly as touristy and chaotic as downtown. It's very strange to me to join the morning rush to work, hopping on trams and buses with real business people. It is even more surreal to me that I have my own desk and computer! I almost feel like an imposter...The office is very sleek and sophisticated, complete with modern black and red furniture. There's even a dishwasher and coffee maker! On top of a lovely setup, my co-workers are very friendly. They come from all over the globe - Madagascar, the UK, Holland, and other incredible places. I am excited to work with them and learn from them. I will undoubtedly encounter diverse perspectives that will open my eyes to new ways of communicating and thinking. Just today, one of my supervisors, Lala Rabemananjara, was filling me in on her travels to the US. She spoke of her visit to New York City with utter amazement and delight. She told me about how it just seemed like a city where anything is possible, where a city could rise from the hands of man and become something so majestic and inspirational. The cathedrals, she said, looked so historical. And there was so much to see and do, and so many sights at which to marvel. But the way in which she described the feeling of New York made me a bit homesick: "Anything and everything is possible....such freedom and liberty!" It made me smile to finally hear a positive perspective about America from someone who lives in Europe. I have heard a number of negative comments about our materialism and ignorance, but this was a refreshing perspective. America may not have the long and tumultuous history that Europe boasts, but we have ambition and success. We are far from perfect, but I appreciate our history and our culture. Especially now.
So back onto the work track, today was a really positive experience overall. Ms. Rabemananjara filled me in on the upcoming schedule for IDF Europe, and told me that I will be assisting with EU relations and communications as IDF Europe seeks new MEP's to promote diabetes legislation and awareness. After reading up on the cause and the background of IDF, I have a strong appreciation for their desire to promote healthy living and educate the public about this worldwide issue. It will be exciting to delve into the work and come to better understand the role of communications in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) and the world at large.
 Yesterday, my roommate Ashley and I decided that we wanted to be tourists in Brussels. Both of us begin our internships this week (unlike many of the other students on the trip), so we thought it would be best to stay close to "home" and skip the group trip to Antwerp.
After searching for a Bank of America compatible ATM along Avenue Marnix with no success, we ventured over to the Royal Palace to scope out the site. Admission is free (always a plus), and it will only be open for tours through August. The grounds are beautiful with maze-like gardens and intricate sculptures. It is a magnificent piece of property unlike anything I've seen in America. Upon entering, we were told to leave our bags with some ladies at the entrance in a purse check. Being the paranoid protector of my beloved Christmas gift purse that I am, I got antsy. Luckily, Ashley had similar sentiments. We wandered through the rooms along a carpeted pathway of ogling tourists, and stood in awe of the luxurious surroundings. We saw countless paintings of monarchs and Belgian scenery. The light fixtures along cost significantly more than my college career, I'm sure. I commented to Ashley that, while it was a beautiful museum, I could not imagine settling in with my Cheerios at a fancy marble table in a plush satin chair under a chandelier of diamonds and bopping around to Shakira. It got me thinking about how maybe stuffy people aren't really so stuffy, they're just conforming to their environment. There is no way I could be chill in that place. Now mind you the king resides in a different palace with his family, but I am sure that it is no less extravagant.
Anyway, I was soon reunited with my purse and belongings (much to my relief), and we continued on to the downtown area via the metro. Of course we got sucked in to buying a few school supplies to help us stay organized, and this led to a few clothing items to keep us warm and fashionable in the coming months. I even purchased a beautiful scarf of bright turquoise and pink and silver from a woman on the street for only 5 euro! Scarves are all the rage here right now. Girls wear them everywhere. We made it home after a short walk from the Merode metro and a grocery stop. After reading and tidying up a bit, we declared it a movie night. We watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith because it was on TV in English with Dutch subtitles. Nora decided to go out on the town after her day in Antwerp, but Ashley and I opted to stay in and watch a very bizarre movie that happened to be in English and involved a magic 8 ball and a highway and the girl who played the Pink Power Ranger. We ended up watching the whole thing because it was just too strange and terrible to turn away from.
Today has officially been declared a Lazy Sunday. I finally finished reading Winston Groom's "A Storm in Flanders" for our trip to Bruges in a few weeks, so now I just have to write the outline for the assignment. I found the book fascinating considering history and I don't usually get along too well. I'm anxious to see the trenches and the sites that I read about.
The rest of the day is full of homework and leisure. I am making a special tofu dish for dinner, so I'll post the final verdict on the outcome.
My internship starts tomorrow and I am ridiculously nervous. I haven't the slightest idea what to expect. But that's what adventure is all about. Right?
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.
My laptop has already self-destructed after being in Brussels for only a little more than a week...fabulous. My roommate Ashley and I ventured across town to the Apple store. After much confusion and a few befuddling direction requests with the natives, we finally stumbled upon the shop. The woman simply looked at me and said, "Oooooh it is very expensive to fix in Europe. You have to call Apple and send back to United States." So basically, Apple support is no good over here. Wonderful.
On another note, I started my Vesalius career today with my 3 hour "Communication Theories" class. There were only two other US study abroad students in the class, all the rest were Vesalius students from Spain, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, etc. They described their summer holidays in Croatia, Italy, Spain, and other beautiful spots. Us Amurricans simply said we were at home in the States over the summer, working and saving up money so we could actually get to Europe. So blah. Throughout the class, my professor made reference to the shortcomings of American media, and how there are limited resources and we are all brainwashed by Fox News. Wonderful. I am already perceived as a dumb robot. It will definitely be interesting to hear more about the European culture and media because I don't know much about it. There is a lot of reading to do in the class because it is an upper level with mostly students in their final year, but I feel that I will learn a lot and get a perspective not available at home.
Tomorrow is the big interview day for the internship! Fingers crossed that I do not get lost and that all goes well!
Another update soon to come...
 Also, on the tour yesterday, we visited one of the Brussels landmarks called "The Atomium" - a tall DNA looking structure that could pass for the set of the Matrix. From the very top of the structure, we noticed that there were people leaping and sliding rapidly down a zip line rope. The jump is about 300 feet high, and it is known as the "Death Ride." Nora and I are considering taking the leap...
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