Although it has only been one week, Belgium already feels like home. Between understanding public transportation, trying the greatest foods/wines/beers, understanding the politics and history, and falling asleep at night in the beautiful home of my host family I have found so much happiness in this experience.
For those of you Brussels Program Alumni wanting to know more logistical stuff--so far I have explored a bit in Grand Place, Wezembeek area, Shuman area, and I've gotten lost more times than I'd actually like to share. True story I have't cried yet. That's good right?
Today I found out I will be interning with the Communications team at The Friends of The Earth Europe (https://www.facebook.com/FoEEurope). The two women I interviewed with were so absolutely incredible, kind, warm, british, and passionate... I honestly couldn't have wished for a better opportunity to fall into my lap. Also, it looks like this internship will let me use my photography skills--photos to come!
School is great, another shout out to all of the Brussels Program alums who sang praises to my newest professor & director of the program "Jerry", he is SO incredibly smart and motivated for us to learn and to give us the best experience. He has so much patience and understanding but is all about efficiency and getting as much as we can out of our time here.
My host family is wonderful as well, thank you thank you thank you to Kristen, Courtney, and my lovebug Kelly for recommending them to me. I have my own room, cozy bed, desk, and SO MUCH closet space (it's being well used).
In unrelated news I have found a way to watch hulu/netflix and am avidly keeping up on Parks and Rec and soon House of Cards. I miss the States a lot, but a lot less than I anticipated. My friends, my sister, my mom, my family, MY CAT, my berks apartment, DC, California, oh and THE SUN. But honestly it's great. I don't think I've ever felt so blessed. Yes, it is different, yes it can be frustrating but on the same token this is not "overcoming adversity" by any means, this is embracing opportunity and saying yes (within reason), because I realize how beyond privileged to be here in Brussels, preparing to travel and exploring a beautiful city rich in history AND getting more education. Mom. THANK YOU. I know I wouldn't be here without you.
It's been one week, but it already feels like home. I know already I will be back after this journey ends. The people I've met and the happiness I feel is not only re-assuring but enlightening. And to quote Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse "It's a new dawn, It's a new day, It's a new life, for me, and I'm feeling good."
Bisous.
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