Hello Collegiettes!
I still can’t believe it is week three already! Time is flying by and this week has been just as chaotic and busy as the last two.
This week I went to Brussels for three days with my politics class to visit European Parliament as well as NATO. We also had a fair amount of free time away from our professors to explore the city, so I took full advantage of this time to explore and find the most valuable cultural aspects Brussels has to offer: the food. The frites, waffles, chocolates, and the beer were all sampled during my stay in Brussels, and none left me disappointed. The best was probably the frites, or French fries. We got our fries from a stand highly recommended, proven by the fact we waited in line for almost a half hour. The frites in Brussels are fried up fresh when you order, salted right out of the oil, and wrapped in newspaper to form a cone of deliciousness. You can also choose from over 30 different sauces to put on t0p of your fries if you so choose.
It was also during my stay in Brussels this week that I experienced my first abroad snow flurry. Now while I normally welcome snow, I was not the biggest fan of this particular snow storm. First, it was a surprise snow so I hadn’t packed a wardrobe that was “snow friendly” so to speak. Secondly, there was a transportation strike in Brussels during our stay, meaning that we had to walk, a lot. And then finally, I have also had a miserable cold for the last week that did not appreciate the 25 degree weather, the snow, and the walking for about 6 hours total.
Overall the trip was a great experience, and I learned a great deal about the infrastructure of the European Union, as well as the challenges they are currently facing, and the unique role of Great Britain in the EU. At NATO Jamie Shea, the former spokesman for NATO and the current Deputy Assitant Secretary for Emerging Security Challenges, talked to us about NATO’s current involvements, and what they hope to address at their summit this Spring in Chicago.
Upon returning to London I spent the last few days recovering from my cold, and starting the piles of homework that are starting to build up. I am half way through phase one of my program here in London, meaning that I have finals and papers due in just two short weeks! My internship placement should be coming any day now, and I am planning on booking a few trips this week with some friends.
Until Next Time,
Emily
Read all my previous posts from arrival to now:
Hopping Across the Pond!
Being a Tourist