Well, I went to more countries this week than I did in 18 years of life.
I really, truly meant to write something on Monday. I mean it wholly and completely. I just got sidetracked with other things, that's all. Going to Belgium, for example. That was one such distraction from my otherwise devoted writings.
Our group got on a very early train from Paris to Brussels. We saw the city and I got my first taste of English football hype. I was asked twice if I knew where to buy cigarettes, by two separate young Englishmen. I guess I just look like that type of person, huh? They were very funny. I asked who was playing and they told me, "NewcAstle and YOUnion, mahn". When I asked who was going to win, without hesitation, one answered, "f****** Neeewcastle." I laughed and told him the last guy came back with tobacco from down the street. Very strange.
Then we went to Ghent — and holy cow — was that the coolest thing I've ever seen. There is an artwork there that was stolen back and forth several times before it was stolen in the 30s. It was never returned and is still missing today. The other 8 or so pieces were separated for a very long time for various reasons, like WWII art claiming, but they are reunited except for the missing piece. The painting is just the crown jewel; the rest of the cathedral is incredible. It was different from the other ones we went to because it had several layers and they contrasted white and black stone very well, which made for a very stark interior style. I was in awe. They had some incredible stone work, of which the required hours of labor I cannot imagine. Alterpiece of Ghent, definitely going back.
Bruges was also very good. We took a canal tour of the city which was absolutely beautiful. The sun was setting so everything was golden and it had just rained, so it was a very soft lighting that made the city glow. I ate bread and ice cream and seriously enjoyed myself. Everyone there was very friendly. The French aren't rude, they just don't care. The people in Bruges did care, and wanted to know about you. They spoke English, which also took the stress off for having to order and conversate in French, and it was very pleasant. Everyone seemed very happy there. Some odd man came up to me and informed me that I looked like Boris Johnson because of my hair. The worst part was that he was right.
I also toured the Hemicycle, otherwise known as EU Parliament. It was cool to see where the EU's decisions are made. Hot take, but I think the EU is starting to figure out how government should work. They are forced to collaborate, so one party's legislation is never the one that actually goes through. Only something in the middle can make it through to law, which I think eliminates a lot of the political craziness that is found in America.
One thing that I also noticed here is that people aren't afraid of political opinions. They aren't afraid of sharing them and they don't get defensive of them either. They recognize that there is no point in fighting each other on something that is going to be resolved in the middle ground anyway, so they just don't. I can't quite explain it, but it feels much healthier than our current situation in the states.
Yes, waffles in Bruges are delicious. Yes, I saw the peeing boy of Brussels. No, the people there were not mean.
They spoke Dutch in the north, which was an entirely different battle than French. In French, I can at least guess and try to piece together what a sign is saying, but there? Completely lost cause. The words do not look annnnnything like their English equivalents. However, if you ask, they will just tell you. I made the mistake of not asking and bought 1.5 liters of sparkling water. How was I supposed to know that "light brunnen" or something meant sparkling? The print was so small anyway. I drank/shared all 1.5 of those liters. You want to know something else? I have drank sparkling water 2 separate times this week, which isn't a lot, but odd that it happened twice.
I have also fixed blinds and lighting for my host mother, as well as computers and internet issues. I simply live to do other people's chores. My actual mother will have a list for me, I'm sure. It will probably begin with a trip to Costco to get the water softening pellets. I am sure we are running low, and I have recently been taught that only someone with a Y chromosome can touch water softener pellets. Love you, Mom.
I quite like it here. I am very happy and am confident in myself. It is kind of odd, since that isn't what always happens, but I get home and wonder why my face hurts and realize it is because I've been smiling all day. I have made good friends who are smart and like to talk about meaningful things and aren't just trying to be somebody else. It is cool to know people like that. Several of us had a conversation a couple of nights ago about our futures and it was very relieving to see that everyone else has the same worries and the same insecurities about themselves and their lives. I think my generation will in fact be alright. Hopefully.
I will be sad to leave this place. I don't know that I want to, but I guess a career would be fun to have and you can't really do a whole lot without monetary means. The sacrifices I make for people I don't yet know. What can you do?
Anyway, life is good. I am struggling to remember much else that happened, other than that I voiced my strong distaste for the phrase, "I invite you to…". It was a hot topic for the better part of an hour.
Oh, the grand square in Brussels is beautiful. I loved it a lot, especially at night.
That's all from me this week.
-Will
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