I haven't been updating a whole lot because not a whole lot has really been happening. I go to my internship Monday-Thursday and while I'm there, I usually just go to press conferences or stand outside meetings waiting for various politicians to comment on the issues that are being discussed at said meetings. On Fridays I go to my one class, where we usually talk about cultural differences between the US and Belgium, and the EU, and how to report on the EU.
Brussels is okay as a city. Most days it is cold and rainy and drizzly. I rarely ever feel completely dry or completely clean. One a week or so there'll be a sunny day. It's definitely an urban area; most people are hustling and bustling to get wherever they're going. I get along fine with using English most of the time, and I don't even feel bothered anymore that I can never understand what people are saying. There are so many languages around here that I'm sure no one can understand everything being spoken around them. Although, I do kind of get happy when people are talking in English and I can overhear bits of conversation. Occasionally I hear a bit of Spanish too.
I planned Nick's and my trip to Cologne, Germany and Amsterdam next month. We have round trip train tickets and hostel reservations to spend 3 days in Germany and 2 in Amsterdam, and total we're only spending $220 each, which is not bad at all.
I've been pretty stressed out dealing with housing issues for next year, but I'll get it all straightened out.
I found a book store that only sells books in English, so I was pretty excited about that! And I don't get lost just trying to get around anymore, and feel more comfortable with basic things like grocery shopping and using the metro line.
This is where I work. My office is in the white building in the middle that says "IPC" (International Press Center), then the European Commission is that big building on the right.
This is a piece of controversial art that was installed in the main entrance of the EU council building. I tried to get a picture that shows how much press shows up at these events, but it's hard to capture. There's a pretty big scandal surrounding the art, and I was there for the official unveiling!
Here's an article from the BBC about it.
(you can click on the photos to see the larger versions of them)
Well, I love you all a ton and you can call me at (913) 440-0787. I'd love to hear from everyone.
