hops hops hops (Belgium)

For the second part of my program's European Study Tour, we all took the Eurostar to Brussels for the weekend. It was so great to have everyone together, including the kids studying in Paris and Madrid. There were quite a few early mornings, but it was honestly one of the best weekends that I've had in Europe thus far.

(European Parliament)

We toured European Parliament and held our own mock parliament based off of our individual travels (see previous entry). One morning was spent in Leuven, touring the Stella Artois brewery. It smelled pretty weird and we encountered yet another offbeat tourguide, but it was pretty cool, considering I don't even like beer...Nourishment for the weekend mainly consisted of a hearty hotel breakfast, chocolate and waffles. I couldn't leave without trying moules frites, which I really enjoyed.

(Stella Artois brewery)

Since a large part of our program was winding down, we took the opportunity to celebrate at an absinthe bar in Brussels. Located on a side alley off of the Grand Place, which is actually considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The square itself was stunning, and I guess the absinthe could be considered stunning as well...

(Grand Place)

On our final day, we took a train to Brugge, the Venice of the North. Brugge was once an extremely wealthy city, so it's architecture was quite enjoyable. Filled with chocolate shops, small lace boutiques, and quaint restaurants (in stature, but certainly not in price), Brugge seemed to be quite a romantic place.

(Brugge)

Now I'm back in London for 5 weeks and I could not be more excited. As much as I have enjoyed my first set of travel experiences, I feel like I haven't been here for so long and there is still so much to do.

when in....athens?

As a part of my study abroad program, we were each assigned to go to a Member State or candidate member of the EU for a European Study Tour, culminating in a a mock parliament in Brussels, Belgium. I went to Athens to hold interviews and gain some knowledge of their perspective, but I also had quite enough time to explore the city. Basically, I ate kebabs, crepes, waffles, and meze all weekend. My roomie and I had a chance to check out the Museum of Cycladic Art and a bit of the Benaki, which had a really odd contrast between ancient artifacts and modern art.

(walk up to the Acropolis)

(the Erechtheum. We all know what the Parthenon looks like, and I found this to be much more fascinating)

(Panathenaic Stadium)

The best way to see everything was a bus tour, so we spent an afternoon cruising around on the top of a double decker. We toured the Acropolis, which was absolutely incredible, and then visited the Panathenaic Stadium. On the last day, we boarded the bus again but, this time, to Piraeus, which is on the coast. Even in January, the weather was perfect. After enjoying kebabs at a restaurant directly on the water, we headed back to kill some time in Athens.

(kebab in Piraeus. Yes, it is swinging)

(Pireaus. JANUARY?!)


Valuable lessons learned:
-People will urinate anywhere. It doesn't matter if it's on the side of the biggest road in Athens.
-130 pound dogs exist. In fact, they are legitmate citizens of the city and are apparently too good to accept your scraps.
-The Omonoia metro station is an American girls worst nightmare. But, McDonalds serves as a wonderful place of refuge.
-Waffles and crepes are always a great idea for a snack.
-Despite economic woes, there's always time to do nothing in Athens. Zonar's is always open...

haggisland: edinburgh

Bah I've been slacking but I actually just haven't had time to do anything lately. Classes finished up and I just got back from Greece (post to come!) and I leave for Brussels tomorrow (at this rate, look for a post in a month or so...). The first weekend in January, I traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland. I didn't really have many expectations but was excited to just walk around and explore.


Walk around we did. I've never encountered so many steep hills, but it was completely worth it. After strolling down The Royal Mile, my roomie and I took a tour of Edinburgh's Underground City. It was a history lesson/ghost and spirit visit that I can safely state that I will probably never encounter again. The first evening was spent checking out the National Gallery (some interesting things, but not very unique in my opinion), climbing Calton Hill with its absolutely incredible views, and consuming a brick-sized portion of lasagna for dinner. We checked out a 5 story club called Espionage that evening, and I must say that I'm still surprised at the amount of "American" music that is played here. I suppose in the grand scheme of things the artists from home are really global, but I was kind of hoping to investigate some new music.


The next day, we walked to Edinburgh Castle and spent the afternoon at Holyrood House. It was a little odd knowing that I was in the Queen's place of residence, but I guess I thank her for having me. Everything proved to be such a unique experience and a breath of fresh air (literally), although I can't say it was my first time eating that much lasagna...Oh, and despite the title I did not eat haggis (WAY too afraid)

one week in

After romping around since the 2nd, I've really gotten to love it here. I was warned of homesickness on numerous occasions before I left, but it doesn't seem to be that bad. Classes usually kill the day, but I've enjoyed the random adventures that I've been on so far.

This past weekend was a WashU reunion, and seeing everyone was pretty entertaining. The band of "degenerates" all went to tigertiger, which was such a fun time. The next day, Harrod's was our main destination. I honestly don't see how someone could really accomplish shopping there, but it was rather beautiful (and the food was so delicious).

Sunday's original plan fell through so we pulled out a Frommer's guide and ended up at Covent Garden Market. I was kind of expecting a quaint outdoor market with rows of homemade goods, but it was basically a big outdoor mall. The stores were incredible and the architecture was gorgeous as well. This was our first really sunny day (hopefully more to come!!) so we took advantage by walking to the Waterloo Bridge to watch the sunset. It was quite an incredible view.

more recent shenanigans

So it's been a while. And by a while i mean multiple months. The past semester really just disappeared without giving me the chance to realize what had happened. Oh well, on to more interesting things. Even after only 2 days (with one being spent in a mildly hallucinogenic manner due after no sleep) I have found London to be completely incredible. It's only taken a few glimpses for me to truly realize how wonderful of an experience this is going to be. I guess since I'm just getting settled there isn't much to say, but more to come...