"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

The Holiday

Last week I had a whole week off from work and school and it was glorious! However, I definitely earned my time off after Friday's mishaps. The Belgian transportation employees decided to strike on Friday October 26 which delayed my train to work and my train home (really, what is the deal?! Go to work.). I left a couple minutes early to make sure that I made it back to Midi in time to meet my friends to take the shuttle to the airport in Charleroi. My train back to Brussels from Enghein, the town I work in, was the only train not cancelled. Thankfully it was only delayed by a couple of minutes so I made it back to Midi on time but I was pretty stressed by then. On the bus ride there Alayna looked at her ticket and realized that she bought an airline ticket for 6:30 AM and not 7:30 PM-- darn military time! Fortunately the plane did not fill up and she managed to get a seat on our flight.

We flew RyanAir, the cheapest, most hilarious airline ever. I will try to describe this flight as best as I can but it will probably fall short of painting a true picture of the chaos. They call themselves "The On-time Airline" and yet our plane did not leave until 45 minutes after the scheduled departure time. False advertising? I think so. Really, the plane is like a cattle car. They do not assign seats on the flight, so people form this massive herd around the gate, pushing and shoving to be first. If you make it through the gate alive, you walk outside to board the yellow and blue plane. Everything in the plane is bright yellow or royal blue, from the seats to the carpet to the attendants attire. There are three seats on each side of the plane, a total of six per row. If you are over 5'5" your life pretty much sucks for the next couple hours because you have to hold your knees up because there is zero leg room. There are screaming children and un-phased parents evenly dispersed throughout the plane so the flight is enjoyable for just about no one. There is advertising on the panels of the overhead storage bins and the flight attendants even sell lottery tickets during the flight. IT IS INSANE.

We arrived in Milan Friday evening, found the hotel, then ventured out at 11:00 to find a restaurant. We ended up at this place nestled behind vines and overgrown flower/shrub boxes with signs in pink and black, making it look more like an adult video store than a restaurant. The food was excellent and we actually went back on our way home. On Saturday morning we "trained" to Florence. I spent most of the train ride with my face pressed to the glass, admiring the mountains and the countryside. I loved Florence: the water, the architecture, the bridges, the museums, the food, the gelato, all of it! The city was much smaller than I expected and I am pretty sure that I saw every inch of the city in two days. I visited San Marco, Uffizi Gallery, and the Accademia museum. I saw famous art and breathtaking cathedrals but my favorite thing about Florence was sitting on the steps of Michelangelo Plaza at night, soaking in the beauty of the city at night. Confession: I ate gelato five times in my 2 1/2 days in Florence.

On Monday morning we left Florence and trained to Venice. Venice was like an adult Disney World. Glass stores, designers stores, overpriced restaurants, and vendors selling cheesy souvenirs were crammed in every square inch of the city. People just flooded the narrow streets. It was difficult to move, to walk any place took a lot of time and patience. Alayna, David, Taylor, and I took a gondola out at sunset and it was incredible to see the city from the canals. The gondola ride did improve my outlook on the city, but honestly, I really did not like it. We did find some cool trattorias(sp?) and cafes and I enjoyed my visit to Santa Croce.

On Tuesday afternoon we took the train back to Milan, then a bus to the airport, then a cab to the hostel. I felt like we were on a revolving door of transportation hopping for five days. By the end, both guys were sick and the rest of us were suffering from exhaustion. It was so tiring and expensive, but I would do it again in a heart beat.

We had about 18 hours to rest, unpack, do laundry, then repack for Amsterdam. Antwerp was on the way, so we spent the afternoon on a guided tour of the city. I felt like a zombie sleep walking and cannot recall one word that tour guide said for the life of me! There is no place on earth quite like "Am-Dam." The city itself is really cool and the waterways are charming, but after a couple hours of walking on the street you feel as high as a kite. "Coffee shops," bars, and sex shops line the streets. It is really unreal. We had a bus tour of the city one day and visited the Rijks Museum, Van Gogh, the Anne Frank house, and a diamond museum. We had a lot of free time, so Austin and I found a little park and ran in the rain one afternoon. Our last night there we sat out on a bridge with our feet dangling over the edge, singing along to random Alabama and George Strait songs at the top of our lungs. It was so fun. We did eat at a Mexican restaurant and a pancake place one day which satisfied two of my cravings!

That's all the "stuff" we did on holiday last week. It only took me 6 paragraphs to get to what I really want to say. I woke up really early one morning in Amsterdam, really early. Not knowing what to do I showered, wandered down to the lobby, curled up on a couch, opened the first page of my journal and began reading. I smiled, I laughed, and at times, I wanted to cry as I read all my thoughts, stories, and prayers from the past 10 weeks. I want to share an excerpt from an entry I wrote at the Madou laundromat on October 31, the day I came home from Italy.
"There is nothing more terrifying than spending five whole days with your peers because they see everything-- the good, the bad, the brokenness, all the things that you try to hide, they see it. They notice all your quirks, sense your frustrations, and learn to read you like a book. There is nothing more frightening to show yourself and yet, there is nothing more real or freeing. This past weekend my friends saw a glimpse of my heart, my true self and they continued to show me with love and patience. Perhaps our situation forced us to cling to each other and deal with each other's nonsense. Or perhaps it is the most beautiful picture of grace, of Christ's love, and of relationships as they are intended to be."

The museums were impressive. The cathedrals were breathtaking. The gelato was delicious, even on the fifth go round. What left an impression on me most, what I will never forget about my trip to Italy is the people I shared those five days with. I am so thankful for each of them, for all they have taught me, for the laughter, for the hilarious stories, and for the grace and love they showed me. I stumbled upon this quote while flipping through my journal that provides a beautiful image of friendship that I want to share:

"But Oh! The blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearless on any subject; with whom one's deepest and most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely. Oh the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person - having neither to weigh ones thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, right as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with a breath of kindness blow the rest away." - from "A Life for Life"