New People, New Places, New Perspective

Venezuelan Captain Jack Sparrow near  Angeli's class

It is said that 'to travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.' Angeli was beginning to see this quite clearly during her stay in Brussels. She appreciated her host family for the most part for being so original and inclusive. Before getting to Brussels, she half expected to be attacked by Green activists and snobbish French people. She was completely wrong. Dinners with the family opened her eyes to their views about politics, religion, and moral values. Surprisingly enough, she found that just like her family, they disapproved of certain political schemes, they liked exploring new religions, and believed that having an open mind was crucial. The daughters, much so like herself, despised waking up early for class, loved listening to Brittany Spears, and believed in pursuing a career that interested them. Not much was different.

Angeli and her friend spot a moving statue

The group enjoying drinks 

The group hanging out at the steps in Brussels

The city of course was a whole different story. The cobble-stone-like streets made it impossible to wear heels. Good thing she didn't like heels to start with. Getting around from place to place was something to be done via the metro. You didn't need a car to live in Brussels. And things to do? The possibilities were limitless! Angeli did so much in 10 days than she would do in a month back home. Her adventures were equally and uniquely memorable.

The Grand Place 

Angeli ordered veggie lasagna at Platesteen

One such event was a night in Brussels with her fellow study abroad group. They all decided to go for a night out to the jazz music festival at The Grand Place. A large stage was set up in the middle of the Grand Place, tables were arranged, and the show was well into its way. Couples were making out, groups of friends were eating and drinking, and everyone was enjoying their time! A little while after, half of the group decided to go grab dinner. They ate at a very interesting place called the Platesteen. Angeli ordered a veggie lasagna dish and enjoyed a good time with the group. Brussels was alive and everyone was enjoying their Friday night! The group later went out for drinks at an odd tavern-like bar. The nights in Brussels were always this lively and always happening. People only wanted to enjoy the end to their rough week and this is what Angeli loved about Brussels!

Angeli and her friend gave up on rowing the boat

Of course this was only one of many adventures Angeli found herself a part of. One of her favorites and quite interesting at the least was her time with the girls at the park. Angeli and her friend indulged in rowing for thirty minutes to realize they had no idea what they were doing! They rammed into a boat with a few Spanish guys who offered to help them (of course it was just a way of getting to know the beautiful young ladies). Angeli quickly shooed them away. All in all, she would say that her day was successful. She was burnt toast and sore from rowing a broken boat but also very happy that she had spent time with wonderful people doing wonderful things.

The park Angeli went to for one of her adventures

These things allowed Angeli to overlook her homesickness and cravings for guacamole (she plans to make some soon having bought the ingredients already). Being vegetarian in Europe was not going to be easy and she had accepted it. Even finding spicy food was going to be harder than the had imagined. But doing things she otherwise couldn't was a reward of a different nature and she was sure to embrace it. They say, 'your big opportunity may be right where you are now.' Well for Angeli, this was it. This was where there was possibility for so many things! Let's hope she makes most of it!

xoxo