The best way to spread Christmas cheer...

Whoa, where to begin? This past week was INSANE. Really, insane. I guess I'll start by saying that I cannot believe that it is Friday already and I am done with both VeCo (ha) classes and my internship. Now that's crazy. For the sake of brevity and the sanity of any readers, I will not account for every second of this past week. Here are some highlights...

Monday: Work, Laundry at Madou (always a good time), dinner with Evelyn

Tuesday: Class, "marathon" run through Cinquintaire, W Park, and the Forest with Evelyn and Austin (see pictures, I ran with the camera), dinner at Madou, Brussels Christmas markets at St. Catherine, Monk with Austin, Alayna, and Dave

Wednesday: Work, one last Happy Hour at Ralph's with all the Furman people, Dinner/ Cafe Hopping with Molly (I tried Christmas beer and it is really nothing special, just dark and oh so heavy)

Thursday: Run in Louise Park with Austin, Last Kathleen class/ Christmas caroling in French (yeah, it's true. tis the season?!), Last Palo class (and it was the best one all term, thanks to Jack), Family Christmas party at Madou + slumber party

Friday: Last day of work + champagne party in my honor! Aroma with Alayna, strolling through the Christmas markets, SUBWAY (a sweet, sweet taste of home); old brothel bar with Fiona and Mide, girls from Alayna's office (that sounds really sketchy and it is not). Be sure to ask to see my St. Nick's present... it is unbelievable.

All I can say is 'tis the season for lots of holiday fun and unfortunately, little sleep! Dad, if you read this, I promise I do my school work but I choose not to account for all those hours (for the sake of brevity...right? oui.). Anyways, I am soaking up my last couple days here, visiting all my favorite cafes, restaurants, districts, etc. I cannot wrap my mind around December 12, an end to this experience. Though I am ready, the reality of HOME (in just 5 days) has yet to sink in.

"Vienna waits for you..."

Each trip has a theme song, some even have playlists. Billy Joel happend to make my job a little easier this time around. Vienna is, in one word, enchanting. Strolling the long streets adorned with Christmas lights at night will make your jaw drop. I cannot imagine a better trip to end on!

I think we took Vienna by storm this weekend. KatyWynn, Eveyln and I arrived in Vienna a little before noon on Friday, making a bee-line towards the nearest Starbucks (I am really not obsessed with Starbucks, I promise. It is just a little taste of home and familiarity that we all long for). We relaxed for a minute before heading over to our "lodging." Nearly everything in town was booked this past weekend so we ended up staying in these apartments in the heart of town for 20 euro a night. It was a few stars short of the Ritz Carlton, but we could not ask for a better location. After throwing out stuff down, the three of us went exploring. We went through St. Stephen's and wander the Stephensplatz area before heading to Hofsburg Palace and the markets. The food at the Vienna Christmas markets was incredible-- pretzels, "pounch" (punch), mulled wine, chocolate covered strawberries, chestnuts, etc. We indulged! :) It was really cold on Friday afternoon, so we staggered our exploring with trips inside the Parliament building, Churches, and coffee houses to warm up. The Weiner market in front of the City Hall was really precious: they had a number in each window of the hall, like an Advent calendar, counting down the days until Christmas. They open their presents on Christmas eve, so 24 was the last number. We walked through the Opera and another Church, then to meet a friend of Evelyn's Dad. They were really helpful, pointing out things to do in the city. After that, we went to Einstein's for dinner and Cafe Landtmann for coffee and Apple Strudel (so good!). Then it was back to the apartment to chill and wait on David to get in town. Unfortunately, Austrians write their 1's like the letter "M" so when we tried to enter the apartment code, we punched in "M" instead of "1,1" and had to call for help. I must say, I enjoyed standing in the cold waiting for the lady who knew 4 words in English to come let us the the building. Oh, the joys of Europe!

The next morning, Evelyn, KW, Dave, and I took the metro out to Schonbrunn Palace. We spent the morning touring the apartments there and wandering the gardens. We returned to town, visited the Spittleburg market, then grabbed a bit to eat, and continued to explore. Dave and I went into three Churches in the Hofsburg district: St. Michael's, St. Augustin, and St. Peter's. We rejoined Evelyn and KW at Hawelka, another famous cafe in Vienna, then met up with Austin, Alayna, and Molly for dinner. After dinner, we strolled through the streets, then went to yet another coffee shop, Cafe Mozart for Strudel and coffee.

On Sunday we all woke up early and went to Hofsburg Church to see the Vienna Boy's Choir perform and by perform, I mean they sang one song and left. I must say that they were some of the cutest boys I have ever seen with their sailor-ish outfits! After Church, we grabbed a quick bit and went over to the Royal Treasury to see robes, crowns, jewels, and relics from the Holy Roman Empire. Some of the collection was over 1,000 years old... pretty incredible, I must say! Then, we ate lunch and Evelyn, KW, and I headed back to the airport to come home.

After this weekend, I am confident that I can tell you where most of the Churches and coffee shops are in Vienna. That's what we saw a lot of! We could not ask for better weather this weekend: sunny and warm for this time of year (40 degrees maybe?) but sadly, no snow. I am afraid I will not see any snow in Europe!

This week is my last full week in Brussels (yep, 3 days of work, 2 days of class, and 2 exams stand between me and Nashville, TN). Like, whoa! I don't have a lot of work this week, just preparation for exams, so I look forward to a whole lot of playing! What's in store you ask? Coffee at Aroma on the Grand Place on Monday, running my three favorite parks on Tuesday afternoon with Austin, cafe hopping with Molly on Wednesday, Family Christmas dinner/ Secret Santa on Thursday, maybe Brugge on Friday. Should be a fun last week!

"Y'all Know Stockholm?" "I LOVE Stockholm!"

Our first week in Brussels a friend from Atlanta who lived in Brussels for several years wrote me a facebook message with suggestions of places to go, things to see, beers to try, etc. during my stay. The detailed message overwhelmed me, leaving me unable to conjure up an adequate response. So, I said thank you, wrote a few more lines, then "I love beer." I guess I said that because she listed like 50 of the 487 Belgian beers to try. Who knows, "I love beer" is a great salutation, don't you think? Well, Taylor Hall signed on my facebook, read the message, and will not let me forget it. Three and a half months later that phrase continues to haunt me. I hear the phrase "I LOVE beer!" atleast 10x a week, some times even in French (Je aime la biere). Now we substitute beer for other things that we like, say for instance Stockholm, Sweden: "I LOVE Stockholm!"



Enough about beer and on to Stockholm... in short, it is incredible! I don't know if I liked it so much because it is unlike any place I have visited in Europe or if it is just an awesome place. Maybe both? The air is cool and crisp, the city is clean (no grafitti whatsoever), the people are friendly, English speaking, and inviting (a rare trait of people in Europe I must say) and it is on the Baltic. AND there are virtually no tourists! Boy, is it cold though! The sun sets at 3:00 everyday which made the 20 degree temperatures feel much colder. Originally there were five of us planning to go to Stockholm; however, only THa, Alayna, and I ended up going. We wandered around Old Towne where the Royal Palace is --- we toured the Palace and saw the crown jewels, royal apartments, and the changing of the guards. There are small shops and cafes scattered throughout the town and the a Christmas market was set up in the square. We spent most of Saturday afternoon wandering the streets, searching for coffee shops and warm restaurants to escape the cold. We ate dinner at a little restaurant called Jacobs that served excellent swordfish and a dessert with cloudberries (THa LOVES cloudberries).

On Sunday we set out wandering the streets again. Our ventures led to an island with a zoo, ship museum, an aquarium, and an outdoor musuem. We ended up in the aquarium looking at fish and cracks (see pictures). Alayna, THa and I really had the best time gallivanting the streets of Stockholm together this weekend. We did not have an agenda or a long list of things to see or do and I loved it. We wandered, enjoyed each others company and soaked up the beauty of Sweden. In short, " I LOVE Stockholm!" and it is hands down my favorite European city.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Half way across the world my family is gathered together at my Aunt Barb's, huddled around the den watching the Macy's Parade and NFL on TV, sipping on sweet tea and eating some of the most mouth watering food. I can picture it perfectly: Bob and Hayne are working on puzzles, Blake is flipping the TV between ESPN or Comedy Central, Dr. B and Aunt Barb are cooking, and well, I would normally plant myself on a couch and not move except for the occasional trip to the kitchen for more food or game of football in the front yard. Here I am in Brussels, Belgium where it is just an ordinary day: eating cereal for breakfast instead of a 1848 B and B cinnamon scone, sipping sparkling water instead of sweet tea. Though I miss my family, all the traditions and the fun, I am thankful to be here in Brussels surrounded by close friends and families. The past two evenings I hung out with a group of Furman friends on the London trip who are in Brussels this week. The Halls and the Solomons are taking a group of us out tonight for Thanksgiving dinner. I could not ask for more. I am blessed to be in Brussels. I hope everyone has a joyous, fun-filled Thanksgiving day! Love you all very much.

I must say...

Really, I don't know what to say tonight, but I know that for the first time in a while I really want to blog. There are days when you talk to your friends, even your closest friends and wonder if they actually listen, if they hear what you really say. I often think to myself, "Am I rambling?" "Does this even makes sense?" or "Do you even care or do you just nod and say 'ok' hoping that I will stop talking?" My friends in Brussels are some of the most caring, selfless, loving, and forgiving people I know. They are reliable, eager to listen, and counsel with wisdom. Yet, at times, I wonder if they truly hear or even understand me. Last week I wrote an entry for the Furman Brussels blog entitled "Carpe Diem." In the entry, I described how my experience in Brussels has taught me patience, flexibility, and spontaneity, that I cannot live by my agenda, expecting everything to go according to plan. More importantly, living in Europe for the past three months taught me to seize each moment and live it to the fullest, whether that means taking a day trip to visit Chartres Cathedral in France, skipping class to run for hours in the forest with Austin, rolling down a hill, or spending the afternoon people watching outside of a local cafe. I want to enjoy each moment, to live in each moment and not consume my thoughts with what lies ahead.

I must confess that I am a prodigy at the whole "Carpe Diem" thing, despite what my blog entry may suggest. Last Thursday I wrote those very words and now I find myself anxiously awaiting December 12, the day that I come home. In the past four days I allowed myself to slip into countdown mode, where all I can think about it what lies ahead which is crazy considering I have three whole weeks left! There is so much left to do, to see, and to learn before I come home. I poured out these thoughts and feelings at lunch today to several of my girlfriends. After a couple minutes of discussion and even silence, it was apparent that most of them did not understand nor could they relate. To be honest, I was a little relieved when one girl told me that she understood completely and actually felt the same way not because I wanted a pity party but the comfort of knowing that someone feels the same way, that someone understands. After 13 weeks the new-ness, the challenge and the excitement of everyday life in a European city has slipped away leaving feelings of frustration and even boredom. I do not find work or school overly stimulating and the things I enjoy doing most are often difficult to make time for. Really, these are all just excuses. I have exactly three weeks left in Europe. I want to rejoice in each moment, to enter it with a positive attitude and an open mind, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and not just another thing to check off my "to-do" list. Do me a favor and hold me to it. Even if you read this entry and do not know my experiences or even the feelings that I have right now, encourage me. I need it!

Bratwursts, Chai Lattes, and Nutcrackers?!

This past weekend "the sorority house" took a two day trip to Cologne, Germany. Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany, home of 5+ Starbucks, 1 Dunkin Donuts, bitter cold weather, a beautiful cathedral, and the best Christmas markets in Germany. Unfortunately, we missed the markets by a week. We did, however, visit Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and the cathedral multiple times. This past weekend was one of the most relazing travel weekends that I have experienced in Europe thus far. We had no agenda and no plans to visit museums or landmarks, we simply wandered for two days. Though skyscrapers, cranes, and signs of progressed are scattered throughout the city, it retained its German feel.

We spent Saturday afternoon exploring shops and the "old town" along the Rhine. That evening we found a bar/restaurant called "the washroom" that served a rather random but delicious array of food. After dinner we decided to skip the bars and clubs and venture to the English movie theater for a little taste of home. Really and quite surprisingly, the whole city was a taste of home with the all the American restaurants (Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Burger King, McDonalds, Subway, etc.), entertainment (English movie theaters, American sports bars), and decor (yes, we say American flags flying outside in several buildings... strange). This morning we climbed 500+ flights of stairs to the top of the cathedral tower for the view of the city. Honestly, I felt like I was climbing the "stairway to heaven" because the stairs just kept on going. I ordered a very German dish, a bratwurst with potatoes, for lunch today. Talk about a man meal! Though I enjoyed it, I would not want to eat sausage on a regular or even semi-regular basis.

Last week was a little quiet around here with Evelyn in Copenhagen and Alayna in Paris with her family. Austin and I went to see Okkivil River (I know I did not spell that right) in concert on Monday night. I must say that my run-ins with America last week, ie hearing an American band, eating at American restaurants, and meeting Americans makes me anxious to come home. On Thursday I went to a press confrence for Esko, one of Duomedia's clients which was rewarding for me. I met journalists who write for magazines that I spend hours scanning each week, saw Esko product demonstrations, and even picked up a little souvenir (yeah, Duvel cut-out!). Fran came to town this past weekend and I spent some time with her on Friday night which was like a little taste of Furman. Oh man, all the reminders of home!

This week is really exciting with all the families here, Evelyn's 21st birthday coming up, and the London group coming. I cannot wait to meet all the families and see familiar Furman faces!

Chartres Cathedral (Check it off the "to-do" list!)

Most people, well, most of my friends, have a "Life To-do List." I suppose I have one too. I remember writing out a long list one day in high school Chemistry class, but I can't exactly remember what is on that to-do list. Everything just escapes my memory -- all of it, except one place, Chartres Cathedral. In 10th grade Western Civilization class Mr. McBride assigned us a paper on architecture and art in cathedrals and for some reason, I chose Chartres Cathedral. Pouring into my research, I fell in love with the rich history, Gothic architecture, sculpture, and stained glass in Chartres. Yesterday Evelyn and I made the trek from Brussels to Paris to Chartres to see the famous cathedral. From the outside it looks like an ordinary place, a place weathered by 800 years, a fire, and two world wars. But the inside offers a glimpse into the past, telling the story of Christ's life, death, and resurrection through sculpture, Bible stories and tales of the lives of saints and theologians like Thomas Becket on stained glass windows, and the story of a Christian's journey to Jerusalem through the Labyrinth on the floor. With 174 stained glass windows and over 12,000 pieces of glass, to say it is an incredible place is a bit of an understatement. The pieces of glass on each window are so intricate and detailed that it is difficult to even guess which story the window tells. Though the windows are beautiful, they were constructed with the intention of teaching the Bible and the stories of the Church. No two windows are exactly alike in shape, color, or design, which is remarkable to me. I could go on forever about this place but I really won't do it justice. Ask me to see the book or better yet, if you are in Paris, take a day trip to Chartres and discover for yourself the pioneer of Gothic architecture, a place where Christians have worshipped since 1194.

After our visit to Chartres, we walked from Montparnesse train station across the Seine, past the Opera House to Montmartre and the Basilique De Sacre Couer. It took over 1 1/2 hours on foot, but the journey unveiled undiscovered parts of the city to me. Definitely worth the blisters on my feet. After the walk, we plopped down at a bistro in Montmartre for dinner, soaking in the melodies of the wailing singer that resembled George from "The Wedding Singer." AWESOME. We wanted to document the moment but there was really no inconspicuous way to take a picture in the restaurant from where we were seated. Just let your imagination run on that one. OH, and there was a screaming child on our train car that morning. I say this because Evelyn and I sat down in our seats on the way back, heard a familiar sound, looked up and realized "the screamer" was back. What are the odds?! The same child, on the same car, in the same train, both ways. YES!

I just want to say that today marks...
- 12 weeks in Brussels
- 12 1/2 in Europe
- 4 weeks left of work (11 workdays to be exact)
- 4 weeks of class (8 days) + 1 week of exams
- 5 weeks (from today) I will step foot in the US :)

BIG things to look forward to...
- Cologne next weekend + Fran and Sims come!
- Evelyn's 21st bday
- Solomons, Halls, Parkers and Wynns come for Thanksgiving
- FU London trip comes for Thanksgiving
- Stockholm
- Vienna
- Christmas markets, Christmas beer, Christmas music
- London at Christmas time