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 Ger
man 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.
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 Ger
man 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 ar
e 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) win
ding 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!
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