Arrival in Brussels

Okay, so I am not going to make one huge master-post for all of my travels in Brussels and Amsterdam because I decided that would be way too long. So for your reading pleasure I will essentially break it down by day. Here we go!

So we all met at Sarah's at 12:30 on Monday and walked to the bus station where we took a bus to the airport. At the airport we found the place where we needed to get our tickets stamped since we are foreigners. Now the strange thing about this airport was security, you kinda just walked into this warehouse type thing, so we stood for about 5 minutes trying to figure out if we should just walk in or not. I voted yes, Grace wasn't sure, Sarah voted no. So we waited until someone else just walked in and then followed her. When we finally got checked in at the gate I had a bit of an interesting ordeal. The airline we were flying is very strict about its carry on sizes. My bag apparently looked like it wasn't the right size so they made me put it in this basket thing to prove that it would fit. My bag went in just fine, but then I couldn't get it back out...awkward...it turns out my wallet was preventing it from coming out. (The point is that it fit though!!) Getting on the plane was weird too, they pretty much just corralled us all into a room and then opened the door. It was a free for all to get on the plane...very weird.

We arrive in Brussels early and grab a bite to eat at the airport before attempting to find the free shuttle between our hotel and the airport. Once we had eaten we went outside to find the shuttle (or navette in French). It was snowing and it was super pretty but we were tired and just wanted to get to the hotel. We couldn't find the shuttle so we asked the information desk lady and she said we had to call them to come get us. So she gave us the number, we thought our cell phones were going to work in Brussels, but apparently they don't. So we tried the payphone but the number kept saying it was busy and we were wasting money so we finally went back to the information desk lady and asked her to call for us. She had us the shuttle in less than 30 seconds. We get in the "shuttle" which is actually just a taxi and not free at all. (8 Euros for a 3 minute ride!!) But we finally make it to our hotel. We walk up to the desk and they can't find our reservation...That's right we didn't have a reservation! At least not at that hotel. The hotel we booked is the exact same hotel, different airport in Brussels (what city has two airports anyway?) We ended up having to stay the night there because it was cheaper than trying to get to the other hotel.
So now all our plans are a mess and we had to rework everything! I won't go into the details but it wasn't fun at all.

Lapins Crètins

Thursday evening was a surprise birthday for one of the guys living here at the seminary, Timon. We all made food and some people prepared songs to sing for him and such and we finished out the evening with dancing. It was so much fun! I also learned about a game that they play here. For you Gordon students who know what Assassins is, it is similar to that. Everyone who signs up for the game is given an assignment of something they have to get another person to do. So for example, one girl had to get Timon to dance with her. So on his birthday she disguised it as a birthday gift but then when they finished dancing she announced that she had "killed" him. I wish I had been around at the beginning of the year so that I could play. I like it better than assassins too.

Friday I went to go see Les Mis again because Ingvild really wanted to go with Grace and I. Let me tell you, that movie gets better and better every time I see it! I just keep finding knew layers of depth. Then we came back hung out for a while. I skyped with some friends and family and then I was invited to go watch a movie with some of the other students. I wasn't originally going to but the room they were watching it in is the one right next to mine so it was probably going to keep me awake anyway so I decided to join them (plus there was promise of chocolate). Well, in hind sight I should have followed my instinct and not gone. The first movie was incomprehensible to me and then they tried a second movie that had way too many inappropriate scenes so we gave up. Overall, the experience was an adventure and I am trying to get more involved with the people here. I am not scarred for life. On a total side note, you Gordon people will find this interesting since it could NEVER happen at Gordon. I was in a guy's room, lights were off, and alcohol was on the shelf. It might be weird for me to go back to Gordon and so many rules...

Yesterday Grace, Sarah, and I met at a cafe called Book and Bar. It was snowing and the ambiance was literally perfect. We met to plan out what we are going to do in Brussels. Then Grace's friend Stephanie showed up. She grew up in Germany, her parents are Canadian, and she did her undergraduate work in Ireland. She has the most interesting accent and it just so happens that her sister lives in Brussels, so she gave us her number so that we can contact her if something were to happen. (That should make you happy Mom!) Here are some pictures of the snow.

Then I came back to the seminary made dinner and then got invited to go play Wii. I am pretty sure we were not technically supposed to be in the room we were in...but hey YOLO right? And I can always play the "I'm a stupid American and I didn't know we were breaking the rules" card. It was super fun, we played Raving Rabbits and I impressed everyone with my super awesome gaming skills. Actually, all the directions were in French so I really had no clue what I was doing most of the time. The game made me think of home and I loved it.

Every day I am loving it here more and more. I love that I live at the seminary, I love the people I am meeting, I love the town! I have a lot of love going on!! Be careful guys, I might not come back! (I'm kidding, but I wish you were all here so that I didn't have to come back). Tomorrow we depart for Brussels. Hopefully I will have wifi at some point so you all know I am alive. But if not, you will hear all about my adventures with lots of pictures next Monday at the latest. (Always assuming the internet is working.) Please keep me in your prayers! I want these trips to other countries to be fun and safe!!

Les Miserables

You know how I said I wouldn't never wait that long to post again...well I did. But in my defense the internet wasn't working yet again and then I have been busy with classes.

Valentine's Day night was actually really fun! Sarah, Grace and I had a girls night and watched you've got mail while eating strawberries and Nutella. Then Sarah slept over in my room. This weekend was super duper boring, I pretty much did homework since the internet didn't work. But I did get to go see Les Miserables with Sarah and Grace on Saturday. I finally got to see the end!! There was a preview for a movie in Spanish but there were of course French subtitles which essentially blew my mind, it's so hard to think in three languages at once. It was also interesting to read the subtitles during Les Mis to see how the French would say things. I also got to meet Ingvild's friend Christina who was visiting for the weekend. She was so nice! I miss her, and I only knew her for a few days.

Fast forward to Monday. First I had to get up early (which is tough because I was fighting a bit of a cold or rhume in French) because I needed the internet to do homework so it was finally working in the morning so I got up to finish my work. Then I went to phonetics class, followed by history, and finally language class. Nothing exciting to report in my classes. Then I came back to the seminary for dinner. I don't think I have mentioned this but I often walk back from class with a Colombian girl. I actually have made a friend! She invited me over for dinner and drinks sometime. (I'll pass on the drinks) It's really cool to talk to her because we both speak English, Spanish, and French. So we have no problems communicating.

Then I invited Essie and Naomi to the seminary for the group dinner and they really enjoyed themselves. They said they wished they lived here, and I wish they did too. It was a really good evening of practicing French and building friendships.

On Tuesday I went to class and finished taking care of the last few plans for my trip next week. When I came back from class Ingvild was heading out to do some grocery shopping so I went with her. It was really good to spend some time with her. We even ran into Naomi and Essie at Dia (the grocery store). Ingvild and I then made dinner together. Overall, it was a good evening.

Then yesterday I had class for a good portion of the day and then I came back and talked to my mom and did some more research into our trip next week. I am trying very hard to be prepared and therefore safer in my travels. Then I went to Bible study in the evening. It is so great to fellowship with other believers. (who speak English that is). I was also put at ease in my travels when I see how unprepared everyone else is for theirs.

Today I woke up and went to market. I bought so many wonderful things! Particularly, chevre, green beans and raspberries. I am going to be eating well this week! Then I came back and watched some TV while I ate lunch. I had a mini catastrophe with the microwave. I did something to it (I honestly have no idea what) and it caused it to start smoking...some of the nice gentlemen here at the seminary fixed it. (Which is good because I didn't want to be the person who broke the microwave) Then I went to history class. SUCH A SNOOZER! Then I came back and I am sitting and chilling with Ingvild. I am also failing at a Soduku puzzle. It's a nice leisurely afternoon. I'll probably post one more time before I go to Belgium and then I will have a super duper long post after I am done with my travels!

Happy Valentine's Day

Wow! It's been almost a week since I last blogged for which I totally apologize! Every time I had the time and wanted to blog the internet decided not to work...naturally...but it's okay, I no longer have mini panic attacks when the internet doesn't work! I think that's a sign that I am finally getting settled. It's pretty crazy to think that a month ago today I left to embark on this journey! I must say that this past month has been so different than I could have ever imagined and I have learned so much. I can't even begin to think of what the next 4ish months have in store!!

So anyway, last time I blogged I was heading to Sarah's to celebrate her birthday. That day we also did some planning for our February break travels! We originally wanted to go to Italy but that ended up being far more expensive than we expected and now we are officially going to Brussels, Belgium!! And I am going to Amsterdam, Netherlands after that to celebrate my birthday with my friend Joyce who is studying abroad in Scotland this semester!!

We had a good time at Sarah's her host mom made an absolutely delicious quiche with salmon, we had tomatoes and finally pasta of some sort with a very yummy sauce. We of course had cheese and bread and then dessert was an apple baked good of some sort. (I wasn't a fan of that). I have discovered that Chevre might be my favorite cheese here. Particularly the aged chevre. Chevre is made of goat's milk. After dinner we played some card games and learned that Sarah has quite the competitive streak.

Sunday I slept in and then met Grace to walk (in the snow!!!) to Mme Coates for a brief lunch before heading to the movies. We saw Alceste a Biciclete which is apparently a modern spin off of the Misanthrope of Moliere. I didn't understand everything (obviously) but I understood enough to be disappointed with the ending. You see, the French don't do happy endings, they think they are too unrealistic. But I enjoyed the movie all the same.

Then we went out to coffee (or hot chocolate in my case) to discuss the film. It was a very good discussion but unfortunately because we went for coffee I was unable to go to church which was somewhat disappointing for me. I then came back to the seminary and spent some quality time with Ingvild. I can't remember for the life of me what I ate for dinner that night...oh well, mustn't have been anything good.

Monday pretty much totally consisted of classes. I met all my new classmates and I memorized a poem by Victor Hugo so that was pretty cool. Then we had dinner with everyone and it was egg rolls and rice so it was delicious!! It seems like every meal they make is delicious!! Then there were crepes for dessert. Sarah came for the first time and I think she liked it a lot. Uncle Fred (who no one seems to know why he comes) said that Sarah and I have different accents in French. I am really intrigued by this since we don't have different accents in English. Grace and I wonder if it's because I studied Spanish first.

Tuesday I had language class essentially all day, with a bit of a break midday. I came back to the seminary for a bit to do some homework and unwind. During my time of unwinding Ingvild was in need of a friend so we spent some time together and to get her mind off of her troubles she walked me to class, which I enjoyed.

In my language class we play this "game" where everyone has made up a character and we all live in an apartment together. Since my grandma's name (and maiden name) are very French I decided that my grandma would be my character. My professor liked it a lot. We were also introduced to a new song that contains a poem we have to memorize by next Monday. If you want to look it up it is called L'invitation au Voyage by Leo Ferre.

Yesterday was a good day, I went to class I had language class and Theater which basically took up my entire morning and then I came back and read for my Gordon class later in the evening. I also had more hot chocolate with Ingvild. Then I made an early dinner for Grace and I of egg sandwiches  (very exciting I know). Then we went to our Gordon class where we learned about Postmodernism which essentially just blew my mind to pieces. Is reality real? I unfortunately have to do it again tonight.

Today I went to journalism class in the morning (I'm still loving it!) Then I went out to the flower market to buy flowers for Grace, Sarah, and Ingvild. On my way I saw some strawberries and since they are so hard to come by here, I bought some to treat myself on the this Valentine's Day. I plan on dipping them in Nutella :D Also on my way there I got hard-core checked out by this elderly gentleman...he actually stopped in his tracks to watch me walk by...super awkward. Why can't the young guys do that? I'm kidding, I'm kidding.  Then I had to go to history class...not my favorite by a long shot. Now I am going to fill out some applications and then make dinner again for Grace and I. I will never wait this long to post again, I leave out all the fun details when I wait this long!

French Boys?

So, I left you all hanging as to what happened at Bible Study! So on Wednesday night Sarah, Grace and I went to the young adult small group. It was funny because when we got there and rang the doorbell and no one answered. Before long, all the other students showed up too and we were just standing there outside looking awkward. We even called one of the leaders and she showed up and didn't have a key. It was really funny. But then the person with the key showed up and we had homemade dumplings for dinner! They were so good! Then we watched a video about relaying the true Gospel, not a prosperity Gospel. Finally we had discussion. It was great! I really enjoyed the fellowship. 

Thursday I went to one of my new classes, journalism. I am going to love that class, I can already tell. We get to write articles and then at the end of the of the semester she compiles the best into a newspaper. Then after that class I had history of France. That's going to be a snoozer, but its either that or the history of art...

When I got back to the seminary I just hung around and eventually spent time with Ingvild, helping her to make a good old-fashioned American pie. I also made myself dinner of breaded chicken. It was quite yummy. I then skyped with Briana for a bit and ultimately went to bed fairly early. Overall, Thursday was nothing particular exciting. 

Friday I got up later and just relaxed. Then I met up with Josh, Grace, and Sarah for lunch before class. Then we went to class, which was slightly more interesting this week thank goodness! Then Grace and I walked Sarah back to her house which is on our way back to the seminary. But instead of heading back to the seminary we instead turned back around to sneakily buy her a gift for her birthday today! We got her a cook book with a bunch of recipes you can make with Nutella and then got her some Nutella to go with it. 

We then came back to the seminary and made a cake and ate dinner with Ingvild. This cake was soooo good. Finally we ended the evening with messages for each other. Overall, yesterday was a very good day!

Today I got up early to go to a women's ministry fellowship. We went to this GORGEOUS chateau that used to be a bed and breakfast but is now someone's house. I have officially decided I want a French chateau when I'm older. It was great to fellowship with the women! They were all so kind and inviting! 

We met one lady whose first words after meeting us were "So my question is, can I introduce you to some French boys?" I told her I wouldn't be opposed to it ;) But now I am getting ready to go to Sarah's to celebrate her birthday and study and such. 

Whoville

Well, the internet is out yet again....but it is better now because I actually have things to do and people to talk to. So I am currently sitting in my favorite cafe that I come to just about everyday. It's called L'Aixcale, it's the cafe that I came to the first time the internet was down. No, I still can't use the internet that they advertise, but Sarah's host mom has a user name for something called FreeWifi (not actually free). But the cool thing is that there are Free Wifi hotspots everywhere in France, so that's convenient. Anyway, on to recounting the past few days for you all!

Sunday was again a very uneventful day, but I was able to get the rest of my laundry done so that was nice. I also went to the international church again and this time signed up to get emails and got connected. I am actually going to a youth Bible study tonight!! (Best part is they serve dinner!!) After church Grace and I went out for dinner and I'm not quite sure what I had but it was delicious and included French Fries so I was happy. I also learned that French Toast here is called pain de perdu (lost bread). It's called that because it salvages the leftover stale bread that French people have sitting in there homes.

Monday, I went to class bright and early and took the test that would determine if I would change levels or not. Then I went to Phonetics class which might end up being my favorite. Then I went grocery shopping again. Gosh I hate it!!! Not the actual shopping part, but the carrying the twenty pound bag back two miles. Unfortunately, I had to buy a lot of heavy things so my bag was especially heavy. But when I got back I rewarded myself with having bread with Nutella....perhaps my new favorite snack!! Then I did some translation homework and hung around the common room. In the process of sitting in the common room I met Oncle Fred. I don't really know how he is connected to the seminary, but everyone knows him and loves him. I like him a lot since he talked to me and actually got me to talk!! I am starting to talk more and more every day I am so proud of myself. Dinner was a traditional Aix dish that I forget the name of, but essentially it is shepherd's pie, so I liked it a lot. Then for dessert it was Fondant au chocolat (do I really need to translate that?) I was one happy girl!! If dessert includes chocolate I am happy!

Tuesday I slept in a bit then I got up and went to the market to get my fruits and vegetables for the week. But a funny thing happened on my way to market. An elderly man started talking to me. (A bit of back information, all the trees on the main street are covered in red polka dot paper. It looks like Whoville like Dr. .Suess.) So the man started on a rant about the trees and how strange they look (I think). Then he said something about students and asked me a question. Not really knowing what he had said, I said that I didn't know. I thought at this point he realized that I didn't understand him, but clearly not, since he kept talking to me. Then I tried to say goodbye and he started saying how youth are so self centered and don't care! To which I said "No, no, no!" to. This seemed to appease him somewhat. Then we reached one of the Whoville trees and he started on his rant again. This time I just gestured to the tree and said "C'est bizarre" (literally it's bizarre) He chuckled and smiled at that and finally he said "Au revoir mademoiselle. Bon journee" (Goodbye Miss, have a good day). I don't think he ever realized that I didn't totally understand him. So I am proud of myself. I was able to pass for a French person!! (I think)

At the market nothing eventful happened but I really enjoyed buying fresh produce and it isn't nearly as expensive as back in the States. Then I headed back to the seminary to just relax, but only to find that the internet no longer worked. Therefore, I did homework instead. Very exciting, I know. Then I went to my translation class, again nothing exciting there. Then I headed back and talked with Ingvild for a bit. We showed each other pictures of our friends and family. Then we watched an episode of Friends, after which I made my first actually presentable meal since I have been here. I made chicken which onions and pepper and pan cooked potatoes. I wish I had had ketchup...but besides that it was delicious. I had a whole conversation with Baptiste in French (and he is actually French) so I was proud of myself. Just about everyone had dinner together last night so it was a lot of French and eventually my brain shut down so I headed up to shower, curl my hair and watch Friends with Grace.

This morning, I woke up early and was out before the sun and went to my class. About an hour in we took a break and when my professor came back she informed me that I was switching levels!!! I am now in level 3C. So the same class as Sarah! I'm really excited!! So that's why I have the time to write now because I then had two hours to kill. Hopefully, the internet will be back tomorrow. But I should be busy for the rest of the evening with Bible study so that will keep me occupied. A demain, j'espere. (Until tomorrow I hope).

Gouter

Okay!! Get ready for a super long post describing the past three days in detail!

Thursday was my last day of classes for the week. I woke up and had my Lucky Charms for breakfast!! By the way I have tried the milk and while it doesn't taste like milk back home, it is okay. I definitely like it better cold. So then I went to my language class. Nothing much to report there, though I did talk to my professor about if I am at the right level. I will find out for sure tomorrow because we are having a test tomorrow in class. I also had a class called Simulation Globale. I am still not totally sure what the point of the class is, but it was fun because we got to make up our own French town and make a history behind it. I don't really like the group I was put in. They are all very nice girls but they aren't very serious about learning French so we basically spoke English that entire class.

I then met Sarah after class and brought her back to the seminary. We did some homework together and then she wanted to get to H&M before it closed so we went back out around 4:15. I went to go get cheese, tape, and bread. (One of those things is not like the other...the tape is to hang pictures on my extremely depressing walls). I came back and Skyped with my friend from college (Anna!!!) I then had dinner and found out that Thursday is girls night at the seminary, so we watched Remember Me (in French of course!) I understood most of it and of course it was nice to be included!

Friday I didn't have classes at the language institute but we do have our class that is given by Gordon. So we all met Mme Coates at 1:30 in the afternoon and went to a restaurant for dessert/lunch. I had dessert. I had Fondant au chocolat. Oh. My. Goodness. It was good!!! It's like the molten chocolate lava cake at Applebee's but way better! We had good lunch conversation and we learned that the French way of saying little blessings from God is petit clin d'oeil de Dieux, which translates to literally little winks from God. I liked that a lot.

Then we went to the course required by Gordon. I took pictures of the house this time!!! They don't really do it justice and its only the living room, but still, it gives you an idea.

The class itself was extremely boring. We watched another video, this time about Jean Calvin but this one went so over my head!!! I had no clue what was happening. On a side note, does anyone remember Swoops chocolate? They were like chocolate Pringles? Well they apparently still have those in France! Yum!

Then I came back to the seminary, made food for myself and then watched Friends with Ingvild and Yasmine (she's from Guatemala). I turned in somewhat early because we were going out with Mme Coates somewhat early the next day.

Yesterday we met Mme Coates at l'hotel de ville. Which apparently is not the town hotel as I foolishly thought! It's basically the town hall. (I now know where I need to go if I decide I want to get married while I'm here) The town hall was very cool though, it had a hall where they had portraits of all the important people in Aix's history. The name Aix is actually a contraction of Sextus the Roman soldier who conquered Aix. Also part of the town hall has a tower that has a little statue in it. It actually changes with the seasons.

The post office is across the street it has a carving on the top of a man and women who represent the two rivers of the region. The woman's foot goes over the edge of the carving symbolizing how that river often overflows.

We then went into the post office and learned how to get postage and send mail. This may sound silly but it was actually very helpful. They have these kiosques where you weigh your letter or package and then you choose where you are sending it to and then it prints out a stamp for you. It is incredibly convenient!

Then we went to the market. There is a vegetable market every day! And unlike in the states the vegetables and fruit are cheaper at the market than at the grocery store. So I have officially decided that is where I will get my fruits and vegetables from this day forward!!! Its not something I will be able to do once I get back to the States so I am going to take advantage of it while I can.

Once we had bought all the ingredients for lunch we went back Mme Coates house. Our lunch consisted of some pretty strange things for us Americans. For example did you know you can make mayonnaise with mustard, egg, oil, and salt? I didn't. Then we had celery root mixed with the mayo, which I actually really liked. Then we had beetroot with vinegar, that was not so good, but it wasn't repulsive. Then we had radishes raw or with salt or butter. That was good too. We also had tapinard which is basically olives and anchovies mixed into a paste type thing spread on bread like bruchetta.  It's okay, again not my favorite.

Next we had pasta for the main course with a carrot and tomato sauce that was delicious! Followed by bread and chevre cheese which I LOVE!! I ate a lot of that. Then we had hot drinks and everyone please be proud of me, I drank an entire MUG, I repeat MUG of hot chocolate (chocolat chaud). I think its better here than in the States, non of the watery stuff. Then we spent some time talking about our goals, fears, challenges and such for the semester while we waited for Josh to arrive.

Once Josh arrived we made crepes in honor of PANCAKE DAY!!! I learned how to flip crepes. Apparently, the tradition is to flip a crepe while holding a coin in the other hand. I was very proud that I didn't drop it on the floor.

Then we ate the crepes both sale et sucre (salty and sweet). So my first crepe had a fried egg in it with ham and cheese and onions. Then I made a miraculous discovery. I LIKE NUTELLA!! My whole life I have thought I didn't like Nutella. But I don't think I have actually ever tried it. I think I just assumed I wouldn't like it because of the hazelnuts. But no, I like Nutella...a lot! I ate so much! I think I had 5 crepes. I was so full!! Then they tell us they have dessert!! Since it was Josh's birthday this past week, we had a chocolate tart and we sang to him and he blew out a candle. I made enough room for a very small piece of the tart and it was soooo good! I wish I had had room for more!

Finally our day was over and we got back to the seminary at 11pm. But for me it was a great day full of adventure, trying new things (gouter = to taste), and spending time with others. I will try very hard to post again tomorrow. (But no promises!)