Pope Benedict XVI, Nora, and I. . .

My roommate, Nora, and I arrived at our modest hostel in Prague Friday evening (perfectly centered in the middle of Old Town Square!) just as Pope Benedict XVI landed there in all his pageantry. Apparently, someone let him know we were coming. Unfortunately, the Prague Castle was closed due to his visit, but never the less we saw every other inch of this breathtaking city.

First and foremost, Prague has amazingly delicious and inexpensive food! We spent the first night eating in the middle of Old Town Square, watching the busy streets and tourists snapping photos. In the middle of Old Town Square, we claimed as our own the local kebab stands, where the food and the atmosphere were both delicious!

Saturday we conducted our own casual tour of the city. We started walking through Old Town, visiting the Black Cathedral, nearly hidden by more modern buildings, and the Astronomical Clock, which dates back to 1410. Though the clock is stunning, it becomes quite unusual as every hour, a skeleton pulls the doors open for statues of medieval figures to pop their heads out of windows… Nora and I were a bit disturbed until we started walking down the shopping boulevard, where we felt right at home (of course)! Next, we visited the Jewish Quarter with the Old-New Synagogue. The area was full of life and character, busy with street venders and tourists. Following the Jewish Quarter, we stopped at the Czech Senate to see the stunning gardens. What a spectacular setting to conduct business! From there, we ventured near Vltava River with the Charles Bridge. Charles Bridge is a famous as once being the only means between Old Town and the Prague Castle. Linkin Park and Kanye West have even filmed music videos there. Today, the bridge is known worldwide as a place for musicians and artists to gather and perform.

After enjoying local music, we hiked up to Petrin Hill and the Mini Eiffel Tower, overlooking the entire city. The area rests behind the Strahov Monastery, famous as a center of learning in the ancient city. The views from this place are beyond beautiful – in the pictures, you can clearly see Prague Castle, the Black Cathedral, Loreta, Charles Bridge and other landmarks.

Since the Prague Castle was closed for the Pope, Nora and I visited the next best thing – Prague Castle Vineyards! For both of us, this was our first wine tasting. And no better place to start than overlooking the entire European city and largest castle in the world! Later in the evening, we attended the Prague Underground Bar Crawl (actually recommended to us by a professor and fellow Furman student)! One of the workers is actually from Greenville! What a small world! Most of the other bar crawlers were Americans, so it was nice to spend time with tourists similar to ourselves! Needless to say, Nora and I spent the night dancing! But, we called it an early night because…

We had a boat tour early Sunday morning! What a perfect way to end our trip! We toured the Vltava River, actually seeing where we hiked to the day before. While we saw many places we already had on Saturday, the views from the opposite direction on water were peaceful in the Sunday sunrise.

The remainder of the day consisted of another boat, cab, train, plane, shuttle, metro, bus to return to our Rue Gray home! Public transportation is nice here, but can you image all that in one day? =) Slowly, I am becoming a seasoned traveler!

Victor Hugo Knows Best!

As I mentioned in my previous post, two of my friends from Furman , one who grew up in Brussels, were in Brussels this week. What a wonderful time! As much as I’m enjoying my time abroad, it’s nice to have familiar faces in a crowd who speaks local languages! Plus, having a native to be your personal tour guide surely helps.

During our Furman European Studies course, Jonathan Addleton, a career member of the US Senior Foreign Service since 1984 and Counselor for International Development at the US Mission to the European Union in Brussels spoke to us. He’s served as USAID Mission Director in Pakistan, Cambodia and Mongolia. Mr. Addleton also worked briefly at the World Bank, Macon Telegraph and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. It was truly interesting to hear about Europe affairs and intercultural relations from an expert in this field.

This weekend, I visited Luxembourg. The small country definitely does not get enough tourism credit! Luxembourg City landscape has several tiers and is an absolutely breathtaking city! Plus, the fortifications built around the valley make you feel like you’re walking back in time. On Saturday, we went to several cities including Ettelbruck (known for the General Patton Museum), Vianden (with the Vianden Castle and home of Victor Hugo), Echternach (Little Switzerland) and Greiveldange (wine vineyards). Yes, the country is that small that we went to four cities in one day.

Vianden is now my all-time favorite place. With a population of 1,500, the city is magical like my childhood Disney fairytale equipped wit the castle looking over the city. We took a chair lift over the Our Valley and were able to gaze down at the castle. It was beautiful from high above, but not the most comforting… As for the next step, we hiked down to the castle. For those of you who know me, I CERTAINLY was not dressed for hiking! Mind you, I was wearing skinny jeans, dress shoes, and a pashmina. Nevertheless, I arrived safely! The Viaden Castle was built between the 11^th and 14^th centuries. Victor Hugo’s home overlooks the Our River and his desk looks directly at the Viaden Castle. No wonder he wanted to share this place! And as you can see from the photos, the town is absolutely magnificent. I feel like these photos are much better than any words I can say.

On our way back from our day trips, we ran into other students participating in the Brussels program. Though Luxembourg City is not known for its nightlife, it has its fair share of techno dance clubs. It’s fair to say I would not be caught dancing to techno with glo-sticks, but what happens in Luxembourg stays in Luxembourg. Saturday evening was quite a surprise – who would have thought quiet, little Luxembourg would be so fun!

From the remainder of our Luxembourg stay on Sunday, we visited the casemates, which are a 21km network of underground passages made from the solid rock. During the 17^th and 18^th centuries, the tunnels housed thousands of defenders, horses, artillery workshops, slaughterhouses, kitchens, bakeries, and equipment. The casemates earned the title of the “Gibraltar of the North". You could truly get lost for days in these winding dark passages!

Sunday was also “no car day” in Brussels, as part of the European Mobility Week. During this day lots of activities about mobility will be proposed teach alternative ways of traffic: train, cycle, streetcar, buses, skates, etc. My French professor calls it “party in the streets day.” Plus, it’s simple to get from one destination to another, given that public transportation, including bus, metro and tram, are free. With my recent environment research for Ogilvy PR and my former internship at the Cliffs Cottage at Furman (a sustainable showcase home), the concept of a no car day seems like a great way to motivate citizens to be physically active while improving quality of environment. It amazes me how Europe is so focused on the environment and the positive impact of its citizens participation.

This week, Exki, a chain of Belgian health restaurants, is becoming my home with its free WiFi. Our internet at our charming Rue Grey apartments has been out for a few days. At least, I’m learning to live and eat as a local! My roommate and I are headed to Prague this weekend. If any of you have suggestions for us, please be sure to comment! =)

When “In Bruge”, do not do as Colin Farrell…

Even though I’ve been in Belgium for a month, hearing multiple languages on a daily basis never ceases to amaze me. At Ogilvy PR, there are professionals whom are fluent in English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Polish, Swedish, German, Italian, Norwegian, Danish, and Turkish. I am continuously impressed by the versatility of Belgians and how they are able to intertwine several languages in one conversation. As much as I try to explain this, it is something each person needs to experience to value. It emphasizes the magnitude of insight on different cultures in this global world. Though many things separate nationalities, we are all connected, inspired by passion and life.

This weekend began our first class trip! Friday afternoon we headed to Bruge and Ypres. For our study away trip, we are required to read books related to our class trips. Our first book, “A Storm in Flanders,” is about World War I’s significant battles at Flanders, specifically Ypres. The book depicts the pivotal points of World War I that has forever changed the way the world fought and thought about war. After reading and researching this historic area, it felt surreal to visit battlegrounds, trenches, and the final resting places of the narratives from “A Storm In Flanders”. Our first stop on Saturday was Cloth Hall. Built in the thirtieth century, Cloth Hall was one of the largest commercial buildings in the middles ages. After World War I, it had to be rebuilt and then repaired again following World War II. The current Belgian King Albert was present for the first and last stone of the new construction. To this day, outside of the Cloth Hall hosts a weekly shopping market on Saturdays. Though not the same as the thirtieth century, the city of Ypres holds strong to its traditions. The second floor of the Cloth Hall is now home to the In Flanders Fields Museum, dedicated to the study of World War I. As you enter the museum, you become a character from the war. I became eighteen year old Stanley Alfred Haves of London. While at the Third Battle of Ypres, I wrote a letter to my parents on September 25, 1917. However, on September 26, I went missing. It stated that I went over the trench and both my legs were blown off and there was no choice but to leave me behind on the top of a hill. The museum is truly impressive with actual and recreated artifacts reflecting the friendly exchange between the Germans and British on Christmas Day 1914, new war technology, and effects to civilians. Following the In Flanders Fields Museum, we visited the Menin Gate, which is a memorial dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers killed in Ypres, whose graves are unknown. Opened in 1927, we actually visited Great Britain as the Menin Gate is their territory thanks to an agreement with the Belgian government. Since 1929, a memorial ceremony is held every evening at 8pm to commemorate over 90,000 individuals whose names are listed on the gate walls. At the Essex Farm, it was completely unreal to enter bunkers used during World War I and where so many died. Belgian Army Cadets in training were visiting as well. Additionally, “In Flanders Fields”, the most popular poem from the war, was featured on a Essex Farm monument. Next, we visited a German cemetery where 44,061 soldiers are buried. Unlike the British memorials, this cemetery was German land for only 35 years and included visitors like Adolf Hitler. Our last cemetery was the British Commonwealth Cemetery, Dochy Farm, which holds 12,000 individual graves, the most for any World War I memorial in the world. However, more and more soldiers are being added. Only two weeks ago, one British and one unidentified soldier were buried. Our final visit was of the trenches at Hill 62. One farmer returned after the war and refused to fill the trenches on his property, believing someday, someone would want to see this. He was right. The biggest surprises to me were the holes near the trenches, made from shell explosions which were nearly three yards deep and as long as five yards across. The zigzag trench tunnels covered the property. It is hard to fathom that the soldiers slept, lived, and battled in these dugouts. As our group ran through the tunnels and trenches, it seemed like a playground rather than a historical landmark. Yet, the highlight of our trip will leave a lasting impression, as that is one of very few places with untouched, authentic trenches.

Speaking of culture, I brought mine. While Saturday was a busy, historic day, Saturday evening and Sunday were leisurely spent in Bruge, known as the “Venice of the North,” It truly lived up to the title. For those of you who have seen the movie, “In Bruge”, do not fear – Bruge is much better than Colin Farrell makes it out to be! On Saturday night, I even met several students from Miami University of Ohio who are studying in Luxembourg. Such a small world after all! While we were anticipating the Buckeye game, Europeans starred as we shouted “O-H… I-O”! (And even though OSU lost, it was worth the football sprit from across the pond!)

While wondering the city on Sunday, we visited the canals of the River Zwin and walked the cobblestone roads with medieval buildings overhead. The market area reminds me of Grand Place. However, the quaintness and charm of Bruge truly compares to nothing else. The highlight of Bruge (and also noted in the movie) is the Belfort tower, 272 feet above the main square. Built in the 13th century, the tower used to store the town’s charter. However, to reach the very top is no easy task. The narrow (I mean extremely narrow) winding staircase (aka don’t look down) brings you to breathtaking views of the entire city. “It’s all downhill from here” did not apply in this case. Our group predicted at least one person falls down the staircase each day. Nevertheless, the spectacular sites of Bruge landscape made the stairs painless.

Monday is back to work week. Although, I was am truly excited for this evening, as two former Paladins are in Brussels! I’m looking forward to visiting with old friends in this new place!

1st Week of September = Belgian Beer Festival

Tuesday was my first day at Ogilvy! I attended a staff meeting and familiarized myself with their agency. I read last year’s annual report to gain understanding of Ogilvy PR’s relations and workings with the EU. From there, I assisted with what I like to call “official work.” Since I have only basic knowledge of the EU and its intricate workings, time spent was invaluable. Additionally, I’m not familiar with the European media or news sources; consequently I invested much of my time in reading background information. Needless to say, culture differences were evident, but it’s so important to learn about other societies in this global world. Hopefully, in a few weeks I’ll be able to say I’m getting the hang of it! Wish me luck! =)

Friday was the beginning of the Belgian Beer Festival in Brussels! And my professor of International Business Negotiations is VIP! Saturday we attended the festival parade and saw some “unusual characters”. From the photos, you can make your own opinions! Haha

College football began this week and I’m happy to be spending Sunday morning catching up on the scores! Glad to hear the OSU Football team is 1 for 1! Next week – USC! Go Buckeyes =)

Life in a foreign country is becoming more and more real every day. Of course, some things remind me of home – the ice cream truck visits our neighborhood regularly each evening and taxi cabs still come close to running over pedestrians. Some days I even forget I’m in Europe! But as soon as I enter the hustle and bustle of the metro station, reality sinks in. While walking the cobble stone streets, it continuously surprises me when I hear songs from the 90s in new techno form. My roommates and I often question if many people here even understand the lyrics they sing…

This experience is more exciting than I imagined, yet more overwhelming than I can fathom. The culture differences seem more pronounced this week - from learning UK English for my internship to hearing Belgians whisper “American” as I pass by on several occasions. Nevertheless, each day is a new experience, filled with questions and answers to guide me through this journey. Being in an international environment is truly the chance to gain insight of other cultures and grow as a person. And now, there’s a fire burning brightly inside of me. I’m here for 4 months. I thought I was ready for this adventure before I boarded the plane, but some things in life have a way of surprising you.