Short, but Sweet -- Brussels & Amsterdam

After a long week of classes (5 days instead of the typical 4), we only had two days to travel, and we were going to make it count. So, we randomly picked Belgium and Amsterdam to spend our shortened weekend (When in Rome??). Belgium was great! Although we decided to remain in Brussels for our day there, we left feeling as if we got a pretty good taste of the country--especially after indulging in authentic Belgian waffles and frites smothered in ketchup and mayonnaise and topped with cooked onions. My arteries may have shut down for the afternoon for repairs, but I didn’t need them while wandering the city.

We didn’t really have much of an idea what we saw that day to be perfectly honest, but nonetheless, it was a great place to go for my first time traveling outside of Italy. Brussels gave us a chance to see a lot of great architecture, the famous (or so we were told) Mannekin Pis, or “Pissing Boy” statue/fountain, and CHOCOLATE galore. I’d have to say that this was the best part of Belgium. We were even given a chocolate bar at the train station in celebration of Valentine’s Day! (A train ticket and a chocolate, not a bad combo) Speaking of Valentine’s Day, there was a great event going on (which, you guessed it, we stumbled upon in our aimless wanderings) called “Brussels in Love.” Long story short, participants were given a piece of wax paper with some melted chocolate on it. They would then “kiss” the paper, and if they could avoid the temptation of licking their lips for about .3 seconds, (which is definitely harder than it sounds considering it was Belgium chocolate) they would kiss a canvas leaving behind their lip-print. A fine piece of art, I’d say!

               

Sunday was an experience and a half—Amsterdam. The city was probably one of the most unique I’ve ever experienced. (As one of my good friends described it to me, “It’s something you have to experience for yourself.”) Again more or less wandering (and avoiding being run over by the insane number of bicyclists), we found ourselves in the world famous Red Light District. There were a few clues that tipped us off on where we were, but I’m sure if we all just use our imagination here, we can figure it out…just take a deep breath and you’ll get the picture (not to mention in pretty colors too). We didn’t linger like what was in the air, but rather roamed the city, following its many many canals. About mid-afternoon we stopped in the Anne Frank House. This was an amazing place to visit considering the story behind it, and deeply moving...when you walk through the old bookcase that is still in place and go up into the small living quarters that formerly hid eight people trying to escape certain death, you can’t help but feel chills. You are silenced by the power of such a simple place whose very walls tell so many stories.  As the floorboards creak below your feet, you can imagine yourself taking every step into consideration so as not to draw even the slightest bit of attention to yourself… It just so happened that the day we went was Miep Geis’s 100^th birthday (she is one of the people who took care of the Frank family and the other members of the Secret Annex while they were in hiding).

That pretty much sums my first out-of-Italy trip up in a nutshell: chocolate, wandering aimlessly, making out with a piece of canvas on Valentine’s Day and calling it art, questionable sights, tastes & smells, Anne Frank House. Mmm…chocolate.

A very short update...sorry

To all my friends out there who keep up with my travels...

Before I have to go to my last class and head off to London to begin my spring break adventures, I just wanted to let all of you know that I have not forgotten about letting you in on my travel adventures. As I travel over the next week or so, I promise that I will write down my observations and memorable moments that you would all enjoy, AND I will write out what I will post when I get back. Some adventures you can look forward to hearing about in about two weeks...Brussels and Amsterdam, Cairo, Berlin, Marquette's spring break (yes, I got to enjoy this too), London, and Ireland. Until then, please be well and please forgive me for my long overdue updates.

NightTime Stroll

Have you ever noticed how even when you're away from the norm of life, you still need a breather from time to time? That's how I felt last week. I got to thinking one day (a dangerous habit, I know, but one I try to limit), and realized that although I've seen a fair amount of the city, I still haven't seen near as much as I'd like to. It was time to challenge myself.

Last Wednesday night, I was invited by Fr. T to join in evening prayer with himself and some of the men from around the States who are on their way to priesthood (I'm sensing a theme among priests I encounter and their hopes for a young lad like myself...hmm...). Afterward, we had dinner in the dining hall (I know I mention food a lot in these blogs, but it happens a lot here, I feel...yes, food "happens" here), and he gave me my first taste of grappa. For those of you who aren't familiar with this toxic drink, it is made up of the remains of what makes wine (seeds, leaves, etc). Worst. Idea. Ever. I never would have thought it possible for one's facial expressions to be completely out of their control...on account of a drink, but I learned quickly. As hard as I tried to smile in response to the conversation we were having, my mouth denied me the ability. Maybe it was something I ate?

Before we parted ways for the evening, Fr. T showed me around North American College, which is located on Gianculum Hill. My favorite part of the tour was easily the trip to the roof. You could see ROME from here. I realize how ridiculous that sounds, but there's only one other view like that in the city and if you're seeing it from that perspective, you're missing out on seeing St. Peter's.

When it was time to leave, I walked in a direction that overlooked the city, though from a lower vantage point than I'd just been allowed. After about 20 minutes or so of slowly making my way back to where I should go down stairs to get back home, I started arguing with myself. The argument was over which way to take--the easy, mindless way of getting home or the new, unknown and hopefully exciting way. After a couple minutes of debate, I emerged victorious--I was taking the new way. This would be fun. I took about 16 steps in a rightward direction and stopped in my tracks at the sight of 3 large military men. Equipped with guns similar to the machine guns that the polizia carry and decked out in camouflage garb, they were anything but intimidating. So, I did what any sane person would do in this situation...I snuck up on them, shouted "FIRE!", and took off running.

On the rest of the way home, with Orion as my companion, I enjoyed having only a vague idea of the direction I was going. It was very freeing, to be honest. At one point, I found myself on the road where my apartment is. I followed it for about one block then took a right up a random hill and street, to break habit. I found a couple sets of steep stairs a short distance up this hill. Not having any clue where these went (other than up), I felt the need to take them, so I did--two at a time and at a decent speed considering their numbers. In true Rocky fashion, upon reaching the top, I extended my arms into the air...success! I looked back and considered doing laps up and down these stairs, just because, but considered it a little too ambitious and thought it would be better to save my energy for the unchartered territory ahead. Long story only slightly longer, I wandered somewhat aimlessly for a little over an hour. I think I even left the area where I live for the first time (on the west side of town anyway). All that time, I just kept thinking about how much further I could get, AND I was never really too lost--the moon was always to my left to guide me. Who needs a map anyway?