The Beauties Take Belgium

The Belgian Experience

This past weekend my friend Lena and I were invited to travel home to Belgium with our friend Léticia. We took Lena’s car and drove about 3 hours to the city of Brussels. Although I had spent a lot of time in the Brussels train station on my previous trip, I was very excited to see what the rest of the city had to offer!

A Canal in Ghent

Where is it from again?

Friday evening we arrived at Léticia’s house where we were greeted by her family. Léticia’s father spoke English but her mother really only spoke French so the conversations moved back and forth between French and English. We had drinks and chips as appetizers before we were graciously served her parent’s version of a Spanish rice dish and a speculoos tiramisu for desert. Speculoos is a type of spiced biscuit that I would compare to gingerbread found in this part of Europe. While Léticia began explaining how speculoos was from Belgium, Lena wasn’t so sure. Being from Germany, she stood firm in her belief that speculoos was from her home country. All I knew was I had tried it in the Netherlands and had no idea where it came from. We decided to google it where it confirmed all of our assumptions. Speculoos is a biscuit that came from Belgium, Germany AND the Netherlands! It is interesting to see how many cultures share similar aspects of life without even realizing it. Where ever it came from, you’ve gotta try it!

Speculoos Biscuits

Speaking of food, I am sure all of you American’s reading this have heard of Belgian Waffles, Belgian Beer and Belgian Chocolate. We all hear about those and think it is some sort of thing we just HAVE to try when we go to Belgium. The truth is, we already have! Belgium is the proud “owner” of the waffle and there are actually two types. One is a light, square version from Brussels and the other is a dense, sugar-filled version from the Liege which is in the south of Belgium. If you take the batter from the first and combine it with the shape of the latter, you get: The American Hotel Waffle. I am sure you’ve all tried it! Next is the beer. Since I am not 21, I don’t know if we sell Belgian beer in the United States but I’m guessing we do. There are over 2,000 different types of beer from Belgium so I would assume we have at least one or two. Look up popular Belgian beers and see if you recognize a few! I tried a couple while I was there but I don’t know much about good beer so I’m hesitant to give out any recommendations. Lastly is the chocolate. Yes, it’s spectacular. Run to Godiva at any mall and try out a piece of Belgium.

The Great Belgian Waffle!

Waffles from the South of Belgium

 Waffles from Brussels

Gothic Ghent

Saturday we traveled about a half an hour outside of Brussels to the city of Ghent. This is a Flemish city (meaning they speak mostly Dutch). I had heard that the city of Bruges was the city to see. I also had heard that Ghent was just as lovely and quite similar but not as far away. (This sounds like Utrecht vs Amsterdam all over again!) I never made it to Bruges though so you’d have to see for yourself. You could always ask my parents too since they made it to both without me. I really enjoyed my day in Ghent with the girls. We walked around with a guide book from Léticia’s father and looked for the “must see” spots. We visited the outside of a castle and a cathedral as well as some fancy buildings that looked important. It’s not that the names or purposes of these buildings didn’t interest me, it is more that I just really enjoyed seeing the city even without remembering all of that information. My only complaint about the city was that most of the beautiful things to see were under construction. I didn’t take many photos because the streets were torn up and bulldozed, the cathedral was lined to the top with scaffolding and my favorite view had a rickety metal bridge placed right in the middle crossing the canal, obstructing the view of the buildings.

 Look carefully and you'll see that metal bridge I was talking about!

Inside the Cathedral was very different from any other Cathedral I have been to in Europe. It was extremely dark with enormous amounts of black and stone decorations. There was so much décor that I wasn’t sure what to even look at. It was tremendous to contemplate. I realized then how different people’s experiences of Christianity can be. It was humbling to enter into someone else’s sacred place and think about the idea that even with a place so different, we still are worshiping the same God. It was a pretty cool realization for me.

 A Castle in the City

Goin' Broke in Brussels

That evening, back in Brussels, Lena, Léticia, her boyfriend and I all went to a tiny little restaurant called ‘t Potverdoemmeke (don’t worry, I checked with Léticia for spelling!).  It was the coolest atmosphere of eclectic historical style and it served “typical Belgian food”. I ordered some yummy Belgian meat balls covered in a sweet sauce and served with Frites (Belgian French Fries) and homemade mayonnaise.

Sunday we spent the day touring the city. We did a little shopping (which ended up with me using up my one allowed European splurge on a leather bag!), tried some mussels, $1 waffles, chocolate and walked around the city. Léticia guided us through the beautiful government buildings which reminded me of Washington, D.C., as well as through parks and statues and we ended up at the City Center which is encased in extremely unique architecture. We went to see the Manneken Pis which was much smaller than we all had imagined and that concluded our tour. With a weekend well spent in Belgium, we headed home.

Fun Fact: In Brussels the majority of people speak French!

Brussels Centre

A Girl’s Weekend

By far my favorite part of traveling to any city is the social interactions that come with it. Every place I have gone so far, I have gone with friends. The time I get to spend with people while traveling is extremely important for building friendships. Seeing new places together brings up many topics of discussion that otherwise would have never been thought of. Each time I go somewhere with these girls, I learn so much about them as well as myself. I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. It’s the reason I am here! Thank you Léticia for allowing me to enjoy your hometown. Thank you Lena for enjoying it with me. Of course, thank you all as well for reading!

 Léticia, Me and Lena in Ghent

Brussels Centre

Holland's Happy Place: My Dutch Fairytale Adventure

Efteling Amusement Park

If you know me at all, you know I love roller coasters. Having been on some record breakers in the United States, there is absolutely no coaster I won’t try. This past weekend I had the chance to try out Holland’s most famous theme park. The park is called Efteling and it was quite the experience.

Efteling Park Entrance

The Opportunity

About a month ago, the international students got an invite to sign up for a trip to Efteling. They were taking about 180 students via charter bus to the theme park about an hour away for the day. The entire trip (including the entrance fee and the ride there and back) only cost 35 euros so I secured my spot the day I was able. I did a little research and knew the park had roller coasters but its advertisement was mostly centered around other aspects of the park. Because of this, I assumed the rides weren’t going to be impressive and I would just enjoy my day wandering around the little kid exhibits and trying out the Dutch foods.

I spend the entire day with a friend of mine Leticia. I got really lucky because she was just as excited as me to ride any and all rides as well as seeing all of the fairytales as well.

Leticia and I before riding Baron 1898

Typically Dutch

If I could say one thing about this park it would be that it is so Dutch! It’s main theme is a sort of Dutch fairytale land and they went all out. Everything from the food stands and restaurants to the buildings where you wait in line for the rides  (called a queue over here in Europe) was straight out of a historical fairytale. The buildings had thatched roofs and rounded architecture just like any kid’s dream.

One of the places in the park I found while doing research was their highly rated Pancake Restaurant. Because I love pancakes, I made sure I made time for that. The restaurant was adorable and the pancakes were so yummy. Mine had bananas inside with chocolate on top and we sat eating as we watched all of the moving cartoon foods throughout the entire room. It was a perfectly whimsical experience!

 Polles Keuken (Pancake Restaurant)

Sprookjesbos (Fairytale Forest)

The part of the park that Efteling is most famous for is the fairytale forest. Equipped with scenes from 28 fairytales, it was impressive. There were some I knew like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel and Rumpelstiltskin but there were also others that I had never heard of like The Little Match Girl, Guinevere’s Bridal Gown, Mother Holle and Wee Walter Messenger. Each scene had anywhere from a few characters to an entire town of buildings, perfect for all ages to enjoy. My favorite was Cinderella’s house since her's has always been my favorite fairytale.

 Cinderella's Home, Spookjesbos

Gnome Village, Sprookjesbos

The Big Guns

Moving away from the Princesses and pleasant stories, I turn to the tales of knights and dragons, completely dark rides and Ghost Haunted Mines. The roller coasters did not disappoint with atleast 4-5 coasters that even I would consider a thrill. There was an old loopy one called the Python and an indoor one that was completely pitch black called Vogel Rok. My two favorites were Joris en de Draak (Joris and the Dragon) and the brand new Baron 1898 (the dive coaster). Joris en de Draak is a wooden twin racer coaster with one side using fire and the other using water to slay the dragon. I liked this one because it was fast and long but was really smooth compared to most wooden coasters I have been on in the past. Baron 1898 you are a mine worker, diving down into the mine to search for gold. The white women, which are ghosts, are keeping you from getting the gold which makes it all the more creepy. The ride starts off putting you at the top of the highest peak, making you sit there for a few seconds and then dropping you face-first straight down into a dark, steamy abyss. Although the ride was extremely short, I would say riding it once was worth the hour and a half wait.

Baron 1898

Wrapping up a day well spent

Overall my experience of Efteling was a very special one. It would be really cool to one day bring my kids back there, although I doubt I will ever get the chance. I had nothing but really positive experiences and I loved the differences I saw between Efteling and amusement parks in the United States. A memory (like so many more I have had so far here in Europe) that I will never forget!

What to look for next:

This upcoming weekend I will be traveling to the beautiful Belgium! I know I will have so much to share soon about my trip. Thanks for reading!

Mon Voyage en France!

Traveling to France

My senior year of high school, there was an exchange student in my calculus class who was from France. Her name was Milie and she stayed a year and graduated with us. It happens that she is now in a business school in Lille, France, which is just across Belgium from Nijmegen. The second she found out where I was studying abroad, she invited me to visit her in Lille. The last weekend in September, I took a train to visit!

Paris

Saturday morning we woke up at 5 am and took a bus to Paris. It was a 3 hour ride through the French countryside. Once we arrived in Paris, we bought a metro ticket for 4 euros that we could use all day long (we definitely got our money’s worth out of it). The only thing I told her I had to see was the Eiffel tower, so we did that first. It was a very interesting moment, walking up to it. In a way it felt so familiar considering I have seen so many photos of it and trinkets made to replicate it. It looked exactly how I expected it to. Also, in a way it felt strange to see it. All I could think was, I never imagined I would actually see the Eiffel tower in real life. I hadn’t planned to go to France before that weekend and I had no idea that I would end up in Paris until we planned it a few weeks before. What I learned from the Eiffel tower was I was lucky to be there to see it. It was beautiful and tremendous and I tried to soak in every moment with it, just like the Rocky Mountains or the beach in Florida and just be thankful for my opportunities in life.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

The Louvre & The Louvre Pyramid, Paris, France

Next we saw the Lourve and the Lourve Pyramid, Montmarte, Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Garden and then ate at a Bistro Milie recommended (Le Competior). We went to see Notre Dame de Paris and walked up the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. I will also admit, I had no idea what most of these things were and had to look up the names before blogging about them. The architecture was what amazed me the most. All of the buildings were different shades of white and creams. All girly and ornate, with black rod-iron balconies with flower boxes full of pink flowers. I decided that I loved Paris.

Paris, France

Tuileries Garden, Paris, France

Hotel de Ville, Paris, France

Lille

After Paris, we took our bus back and arrived in Lille at 9 pm, just in time for the Renaissance parade! Milie’s apartment was just across the street from where we were dropped off by the bus but of course the street blocked off for the parade. We soon accepted the fact that we weren’t going to cross it so we stayed to enjoy it instead. The floats were huge, bright and colorful on the back of semi-trucks. There was loud music and confetti cannons as well as half-naked dancers with feathers and glitter. The parade marked the beginning of a series of art events that will last until mid-January. Although we were super hungry and Milie was sick, we still were able to enjoy the parade.

Sunday morning we went to a bakery to get bread for our dinner later and a muffin for breakfast. I saw a little coffee shop that I had heard about on Pinterest called Notting Hill Coffee so I figured I had better try out their coffee. We walked around the market in the middle of the city and Milie gave me a tour of Lille. The architecture in Lille was beautiful as well and there was a lot to see. Most shops were closed because it was Sunday which was a bummer considering France clearly has great shoes. There were many shops with windows full of cute shoes that taunted me throughout our walk. We did find a store that was open that was full of things made in France. I decided I needed a French souvenir so I bought a pair of socks because socks are just about my favorite thing ever.

 Notting Hill Coffee, Lille, France

 Hotel Carlton, Lille, France

Place du General de Gaulle, Lille, France

I would most definitely recommend traveling to Lille, France. The architecture is wonderful and the streets are alive with locals.

Never say no to food

Friday night we made quiche which I had never had before. We also had stinky cheeses and different kinds of meats that Milie told me were all typical French foods. Saturday in Paris, we went to a lovely French Bistro called Le Competior and I had a Steak with potatoes and salad on the side. I usually don’t like steak but this one was amazing. Milie informed me that most French people don’t cook their meet like we do in America. Knowing this because she lived in America for a year, she ordered my steak cooked for me (thank goodness). After, I ordered a banana split for desert and she ordered a gourmet tea. I learned that in France a gourmet tea or coffee comes with all kinds of little deserts as well. My banana split was just as wonderful as the steak and I was feeling quite happy. Saturday evening once we were finally home, we had Chicken Cordon Bleu from a box with pasta which Milie said was a typical college student meal. Sunday I got a muffin from a bakery and for lunch we had steak patties and zucchini. Of course, I loved the food once again.

Trains, Trains, Trains

I was able to set up trains online in which it told me exactly which changes to take in order to get me to Lille. On Friday I woke up at 4:45 and biked to the train station for my train at 6:17. From there I went to Roosendaal, Brussels, Tournai and then to Lille. Everything went very smoothly and I was there before noon. Expecting my journey home to be just as simple, I left Lille ready to make my 6 changes on my way to Nijmegen, getting home just after midnight. I arrived in Tournai at 6:30 and my train was supposed to leave for Brussels at 6:44. I looked at the board and under that train in bold letters read something in French. I could only assume it meant canceled and my heart sank. Apparently, they can just cancel a train last minute just because. I still had many more stops to go and I would miss them all if I didn’t get to Brussels on time. I searched for anyone who looked like they spoke English and even asked a few. I got a lot of blank stares and some no’s. There was a huge line for the window where I could get information but I finally found a girl who spoke English but she didn’t know what I should do. I decided my only choice was to take the train in an hour to Brussels and ask for help there because it is a bigger station and people would be available. I rode the train for an hour to Brussels feeling sick. The second I got to Brussels I ran off the train to the nearest information desk. I told the man my problem and he said the last train for the Netherlands already left. He sent me to the Thalys desk where I repeated my problem to a woman. When speaking with her, I was so nervous and overwhelmed I could have thrown up right there. Thankfully, she told me that I could get on the last high speed train to Amsterdam and then from there take a train to Nijmegen that would arrive after 2 am. She was able to switch my ticket for free. I got on the Thalys train and sunk into my velvety seat that would be my home for the next two hours. I realized that I had never been on a high speed train before. I also realized that even though it was inconvenient, I was still going home that night. While abroad I am learning that there are certain things in life that are completely out of my control. There is always another option, and it will always work out. Yes, I am stuck on a train in the middle of the night, but I am traveling at high speeds through the Netherlands completely on my own. A month ago, or even a year ago, I would have never imagined doing the things I have done here abroad!

Lille, France

Thank you to everyone who is reading my blogs. I try to post as often as I can, but my main priority here is my schoolwork. I will be posting in a few days about my trip to a Dutch theme park as well. Then I am headed to Brussels, Belgium this weekend and you can look for a post about that trip shortly after!

Also, thank you Milie for hosting me for the weekend and being such a fantastic tour guide. I was lucky to have met a friend like you who showed me living abroad isn't as scary as I thought. I probably would have never considered going abroad if it weren't for you doing it in high school. I enjoyed learning about France and it's history as well as seeing a little piece of your "real life"!