I’ve just spent the last week travelling outside of France for educational purposes and for a general “vacation” from France for holidays from classes. A few other students and I chose to travel to Bruges and Berlin for our free days. I wasn’t really sure what to expect from either of these cities, but in hindsight, I’m really glad that I went to both.
What struck me most about the two cities was how different they were from each other in atmosphere. Bruges was adorable, immediately inviting, lively, and had a very medieval, old-timey feeling to it. Berlin on the other hand, was seemingly desolate for being the second largest city in Europe and had very little that would have made it immediately recognizable as a European city itself. However, Berlin quickly grew on me. The history from the Cold War was visually everywhere. Most of the buildings looked as if they had been built in the last 50 or so years and, of course, there’s still the wall. Besides the wall, I could not find any distinguishable differences between former East/West Berlin. Although, I wasn’t really sure of what I should have been looking for. The development of both sides seemed to be on par with each other. Anyways, it really fascinated me to be so close to such recent history. This is the farthest east that I’ve been in Europe and I certainly felt it to be one of the most different (from my point of view) places I’ve been.
Funny story- there was an “Occupy Berlin” protest the Saturday we were there (in solidarity with Occupy Wall St. I assume). There is probably a slightly more appropriate name for a protest in Berlin than one that involves occupation.
-Maria
11/01/2011
10/31/2011
Staycation
As everyone were dicussing their future plans for travel; I sat back and thought about returning to Strasbourg. At first I felt a little lame laying around the chateau, but who would've thought it turned out to be a really good. Grant it it was different, but it was good. In fact I would goes as far to say it was an excellent stay-cation. What does this mean? It's exactly as it sounds, the combo of a staying and being on vacation.
I have done things in this week that I haven't done in years. I got to partake in an afternoon of rollerblading, and bicycling around Robertsau. It was like a flashback, but I still had it. Also it so good to be able and relax, take in the sites, and just have a good time.
Today was the cherry on top, it has been crazy since we stepped out the door. There were a number of things: singing teens, strong smells,bats, a busted lip, and a hunting in the woods. I may not have ventured in extra countries this week, but I'll take my staycation.
I have done things in this week that I haven't done in years. I got to partake in an afternoon of rollerblading, and bicycling around Robertsau. It was like a flashback, but I still had it. Also it so good to be able and relax, take in the sites, and just have a good time.
Today was the cherry on top, it has been crazy since we stepped out the door. There were a number of things: singing teens, strong smells,bats, a busted lip, and a hunting in the woods. I may not have ventured in extra countries this week, but I'll take my staycation.
Colors of the Wind
As I have not read far enough into Twain's book "The Innocent's Abroad" to really come up with a philosophical subject to reflect on in my blog, I'll stick with de Botton until I can really dive into Twain's book to really come up with a nugget.
There was a part of "The Art of Travel" that I believe has stuck with me more than anything else that the author had to offer up. It was his chapter on beauty, which toured with the character John Ruskin, to places such as Amsterdam, Barbados and so forth. I have also talked about this particular matter to some of my classmates and asked their opinion on it. In a nutshell this portion of the book has Ruskin complaining about how people, while traveling, do not often take the time to wonder about and explore the beauty that each new place holds. That travelers are more like passerby's, stopping to catch a glimpse of something in order to say that they've "been there, done that". I have found myself in utter agreement with this section because I know that I, myself, have not really stopped to smell the roses or notice the brilliant shades of pink, red, white plus the wilted bits of color that these flowers show the world. It is in this concept that Ruskin believes that people do not pay attention to what is around them, and that they ought to more often. I know I do not really pay close attention to everything that surrounds me, but I believe that I gain enough visual depictions that I can later recall in my memory when I want to think about my time in Paris, London, or Nice. Even with the oodles and oodles of pictures that are taken at each destination, even that is stated in the book that these still life images do not really capture the essence of the objects being shown. It kind of reminds me of Pocahontas when she's doing her little spiel to John Smith saying that (and I quote) "But I know every rock and tree and creature, Has a life, has a spirit, has a name...". Yes, I know that this is kind of a lame tangent, but that is what I think that this part of de Botton's book was trying to pin down, that we need to stop at the place we are currently at and really examine the creatures and objects that surround us and really think about what's going on there. The shapes and contours and colors that make something what it is. That we need to pay attention to the "colors of the wind".
There was a part of "The Art of Travel" that I believe has stuck with me more than anything else that the author had to offer up. It was his chapter on beauty, which toured with the character John Ruskin, to places such as Amsterdam, Barbados and so forth. I have also talked about this particular matter to some of my classmates and asked their opinion on it. In a nutshell this portion of the book has Ruskin complaining about how people, while traveling, do not often take the time to wonder about and explore the beauty that each new place holds. That travelers are more like passerby's, stopping to catch a glimpse of something in order to say that they've "been there, done that". I have found myself in utter agreement with this section because I know that I, myself, have not really stopped to smell the roses or notice the brilliant shades of pink, red, white plus the wilted bits of color that these flowers show the world. It is in this concept that Ruskin believes that people do not pay attention to what is around them, and that they ought to more often. I know I do not really pay close attention to everything that surrounds me, but I believe that I gain enough visual depictions that I can later recall in my memory when I want to think about my time in Paris, London, or Nice. Even with the oodles and oodles of pictures that are taken at each destination, even that is stated in the book that these still life images do not really capture the essence of the objects being shown. It kind of reminds me of Pocahontas when she's doing her little spiel to John Smith saying that (and I quote) "But I know every rock and tree and creature, Has a life, has a spirit, has a name...". Yes, I know that this is kind of a lame tangent, but that is what I think that this part of de Botton's book was trying to pin down, that we need to stop at the place we are currently at and really examine the creatures and objects that surround us and really think about what's going on there. The shapes and contours and colors that make something what it is. That we need to pay attention to the "colors of the wind".
An interesting Day
Today, after finishing a quiz for an online class, there was a knock at my door. She wanted me to escort her to Kehl; she wanted to go grocery shopping. When reached the tram stop for Bus 21, we began to sing Tupac's "California Love". All of a sudden, about 7 french girls ambushed us with lots of ridiculous laughter. Do you sing? They were talking to Sharrell. Can you sing? She yes and the ball start rolling. Can you sing for us please? Please?! Are you English? American? Are you from New York? America is Beautiful!! You're Beautiful!! The American boys are Beautiful!! While all of this was happening to Sharrell two came to me asked me if they were taking the right bus for a certain stop. I took them to the map, tried to help them as much as I could and returned to the madness that was happening to Sharrell. I think at one point Sharrell asked me for help because these girls were out of control! You would thought us, or at least Sharrell to be famous. Can you sing us a song? Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sharrell asked them to sing and they told her that they couldn't. Apparently, they love Rhianna..( I think its spelled wrong.) Finally Sharrell asked if they knew Destiny's Child. Yeah!!! " Say my name say my name....hmhmmm..mmm ..llalaal." They didn't know the rest of the words. It was hilarious. When the bus came, we stood in the middle where the floor turns along with the bus. All of a sudden we were hit by this horrible spell!!! And we were stuck in traffic. All in all it was an awesome day. I didn't stay at the Chateau. That was definately a plus.
Brussels, Really?
Growing up and finally visiting Europe, I had heard so much about Brussels. I really wanted to visit the place to see what it is that is so special about Brussels. Since I was young, I was curious to visit Brussels and find out why many world organizations chose Brussels to set shop. Well the time finally came for that long awaited visit to the capital city of Belgium, and to my disappointment, I did not see what is so great about the place. It is old and too busy, traffic was more or less like we experience in Georgia on a given day. Cars "flying" this way and that way, people in hurry going some place, trains, full to capacity at all hours, the restaurants stay busy, and sitting arrangements are squeezed together. So then, what is it about Brussels that is so great? Finding the Commission offices was a nightmare, the weather was dull and wet, the walkways covered in large uneven cobblestones were simply not walker friendly, so why is it that Brussels is what it is, is precisely my question.
I do not know whether I can attribute my feelings towards Brussels to the hostel we stayed in, which was one of the poorest places I have ever stayed? or to eat all you can bread and cereal breakfast that was served at the hostel? I really do not have answers to these questions. On our free time, I did not feel motivated to explore Brussels or even the surrounding area where the hostel was located, I cannot express my feelings while in Brussels, all I can say is that I simply hated my experience in Brussels.
Ok, we are students from the U.S., but the security we endured at the U.S. EU Representative Offices was unbelievable. We had to wait to be escorted inside the building, in groups of fours, and if one decided to go to the bathroom, then the rest had to wait so that the escort could resume, once the briefing was over, we had to be escorted once again until we fetched our personal belongings and out of the building, this whole scenario of security measured was overplayed in my opinion and for that reason, I would not even want to come back to that office for paid or unpaid internship!
All in all I was glad when we left Brussels for SHAPE. SHAPE was the icing on top of the cake, I enjoyed the briefing, which was lengthy but very informative, we were even served coffee and cookies, something I have noticed is not common in Europe, we took a group photograph and got copies before we left, I did not see anybody from the highly security minded place fuss about our visit, once the officer met us at the gate, gave us our visitors passes, that was all. We could even take photographs of the buildings outside, so if there is a place I would like to come back and visit in Brussels, it would definitely be SHAPE.
All in all, I was glad when we finally got on the highway heading back to the Chateau. - Caroline
I do not know whether I can attribute my feelings towards Brussels to the hostel we stayed in, which was one of the poorest places I have ever stayed? or to eat all you can bread and cereal breakfast that was served at the hostel? I really do not have answers to these questions. On our free time, I did not feel motivated to explore Brussels or even the surrounding area where the hostel was located, I cannot express my feelings while in Brussels, all I can say is that I simply hated my experience in Brussels.
Ok, we are students from the U.S., but the security we endured at the U.S. EU Representative Offices was unbelievable. We had to wait to be escorted inside the building, in groups of fours, and if one decided to go to the bathroom, then the rest had to wait so that the escort could resume, once the briefing was over, we had to be escorted once again until we fetched our personal belongings and out of the building, this whole scenario of security measured was overplayed in my opinion and for that reason, I would not even want to come back to that office for paid or unpaid internship!
All in all I was glad when we left Brussels for SHAPE. SHAPE was the icing on top of the cake, I enjoyed the briefing, which was lengthy but very informative, we were even served coffee and cookies, something I have noticed is not common in Europe, we took a group photograph and got copies before we left, I did not see anybody from the highly security minded place fuss about our visit, once the officer met us at the gate, gave us our visitors passes, that was all. We could even take photographs of the buildings outside, so if there is a place I would like to come back and visit in Brussels, it would definitely be SHAPE.
All in all, I was glad when we finally got on the highway heading back to the Chateau. - Caroline
Mama said there'd be days like this
Over the school break, I was able to make my way to Amsterdam. Made attractive by its museums and coffee shops, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to visit. As I pursue my career goals in the public sector, I have always tried to be a law abiding citizen. In the Red Light district, where my hostel was located, there were ample opportunities to have a legal substance to smoke that would otherwise not be legal in the United States. Never having tried this herbal substance in the states, I figured the best place to try it would be where it is legal. My mother had always warned me of the dangers of any drug I may come in contact with during my high school and college years. Having heard the redundant horror stories parents use as a scare tactic with their children, I obeyed my mother's advise with my own reasons to provide support.
In the Red Light district's best known coffee shop, I was ready to try what was always raved about as the best part of Amsterdam. Taking a legal substance, of age, with a trusted companion, in a known part of town, things started to go wrong. I felt my body reacting in a way I could not explain and ultimately could not control as my dinner ended up on the sidewalk only minutes after my first experience. Being raised in a superstitious family where karmic retribution is almost immediate, my only thought, as I was bent over on the sidewalk spilling the contents of my dinner, was that this is what happens when I disobey my mother. This exact urban legend of a girl abroad, alone without her mother, did something she know her mother would forbid and ended up, insert the most horrible situation you mother could think of here, and this situation I found Myself in was my mother's words becoming a reality. Only a Roman Catholic would believe they were being punished by God for doing something legal. This feeling of remorse and shame, with just a touch of guilt is the essence of how I was raised... and I just realized it.
Whether I became sick with the thought of having the horrifying stories of my mother in the back of my mind or because of actual physical reaction of overdosing on a drug in which it is almost physically impossible to overdose from, I will never know.
My mother may not know what Strasbourg looks like, how crazy the Roman drivers are, or where to catch a bus in Madrid but she did tell me about days like this... she, somehow, was right.
In the Red Light district's best known coffee shop, I was ready to try what was always raved about as the best part of Amsterdam. Taking a legal substance, of age, with a trusted companion, in a known part of town, things started to go wrong. I felt my body reacting in a way I could not explain and ultimately could not control as my dinner ended up on the sidewalk only minutes after my first experience. Being raised in a superstitious family where karmic retribution is almost immediate, my only thought, as I was bent over on the sidewalk spilling the contents of my dinner, was that this is what happens when I disobey my mother. This exact urban legend of a girl abroad, alone without her mother, did something she know her mother would forbid and ended up, insert the most horrible situation you mother could think of here, and this situation I found Myself in was my mother's words becoming a reality. Only a Roman Catholic would believe they were being punished by God for doing something legal. This feeling of remorse and shame, with just a touch of guilt is the essence of how I was raised... and I just realized it.
Whether I became sick with the thought of having the horrifying stories of my mother in the back of my mind or because of actual physical reaction of overdosing on a drug in which it is almost physically impossible to overdose from, I will never know.
My mother may not know what Strasbourg looks like, how crazy the Roman drivers are, or where to catch a bus in Madrid but she did tell me about days like this... she, somehow, was right.
10/30/2011
Disciple of the Heinous Path
I want to go back, to relive this experience. I cannot think of the last time a city compelled me to such an extent. Amsterdam: where I should have been living for the past, I don't know, twenty-one years of my life. I will start from the beginning:
I exited the train after a two hour ride from Brussels, another city in which my time was too short. I hadn't slept for about a day, but my adrenaline was pumping so hard that I could have easily stayed up another two, feeling like a had injected three cans of Red Bull directly into my bloodstream. This was the end of my Haaj and Amsterdam my Mecca. Alexandra and I quickly located our hostel, which was conveniently located only about half-kilometer from the Amsterdam Centraal, an architectural marvel as far as train stations are concerned. The city was alight like the 4th of July; A thousand fireworks going off at once, people meandering through tight alleyways and backstreets, which amply supplied them with all that they desired. I can liken this city at night to no other. It was simply incredible.
We put our belongings away in our rooms, and set out to explore the city. Each street was a microcosm in and of itself. One would have to spend an entire day to have a comprehensive understanding of what each street had to offer. We settled into an establishment known as the Green House, a place with a sheik ambiance and very chill atmosphere and staff. After I partook in their award winning specialties, we ventured out again to find something to eat. This was not at all difficult, as we soon came to find out. Amsterdam was loaded with street venders, and cheap restaurants, at which one could indulge and be right on their way again to experience the many sights, sounds, and tastes of Amsterdam.
The next few days were jam packed with more of the same activities, so I won't go into much detail. We visited the Anne Frank house/museum, which was actually worth the one hour wait in line and the 9 euro entrance fee. We also walked for hours around the city, finding that Amsterdam, or at least the oldest section of Amsterdam, was not that large at all.
One aspect that particularly made this trip noteworthy, was the hostel. On hostelbookers.com, Hostel Croydon was rated with a 51% average. Initially, was quite worried that this experience would be overshadowed by the looming cloud that could have been an abominable hostel stay. The sort of hostel that leaves you filthy, tired, and upset that you ever chose such a place to lay your head at night. Fortunately this was not the case. Croydon was located adjacent, or rather, connected to a crepery, with delectable waffles and crepes. We also had the luxury of free wifi in the hostel, and clean dorm-style rooms, with a bathroom and shower in each. You may say to yourself, "This seems pretty normal as far as lodging goes", but get this: It was only about 10 euros a night to stay there. Win.
Amsterdam is, in my opinion, the greatest city in Europe. This was the very first time after an extended trip in Europe that I didn't want to return to the Chateau for a shower and renurishment. I was so upset to have to leave, and I am still longing to set foot on its hallowed ground in the future. In fact, I am going to book a return trip before I leave Europe. I would recommend Amsterdam to anyone, whether or not you are a partier, antisocial, or don't like to travel. You will love it. And if you don't, I want nothing to do with you.
-Tyler Collins
I exited the train after a two hour ride from Brussels, another city in which my time was too short. I hadn't slept for about a day, but my adrenaline was pumping so hard that I could have easily stayed up another two, feeling like a had injected three cans of Red Bull directly into my bloodstream. This was the end of my Haaj and Amsterdam my Mecca. Alexandra and I quickly located our hostel, which was conveniently located only about half-kilometer from the Amsterdam Centraal, an architectural marvel as far as train stations are concerned. The city was alight like the 4th of July; A thousand fireworks going off at once, people meandering through tight alleyways and backstreets, which amply supplied them with all that they desired. I can liken this city at night to no other. It was simply incredible.
We put our belongings away in our rooms, and set out to explore the city. Each street was a microcosm in and of itself. One would have to spend an entire day to have a comprehensive understanding of what each street had to offer. We settled into an establishment known as the Green House, a place with a sheik ambiance and very chill atmosphere and staff. After I partook in their award winning specialties, we ventured out again to find something to eat. This was not at all difficult, as we soon came to find out. Amsterdam was loaded with street venders, and cheap restaurants, at which one could indulge and be right on their way again to experience the many sights, sounds, and tastes of Amsterdam.
The next few days were jam packed with more of the same activities, so I won't go into much detail. We visited the Anne Frank house/museum, which was actually worth the one hour wait in line and the 9 euro entrance fee. We also walked for hours around the city, finding that Amsterdam, or at least the oldest section of Amsterdam, was not that large at all.
One aspect that particularly made this trip noteworthy, was the hostel. On hostelbookers.com, Hostel Croydon was rated with a 51% average. Initially, was quite worried that this experience would be overshadowed by the looming cloud that could have been an abominable hostel stay. The sort of hostel that leaves you filthy, tired, and upset that you ever chose such a place to lay your head at night. Fortunately this was not the case. Croydon was located adjacent, or rather, connected to a crepery, with delectable waffles and crepes. We also had the luxury of free wifi in the hostel, and clean dorm-style rooms, with a bathroom and shower in each. You may say to yourself, "This seems pretty normal as far as lodging goes", but get this: It was only about 10 euros a night to stay there. Win.
Amsterdam is, in my opinion, the greatest city in Europe. This was the very first time after an extended trip in Europe that I didn't want to return to the Chateau for a shower and renurishment. I was so upset to have to leave, and I am still longing to set foot on its hallowed ground in the future. In fact, I am going to book a return trip before I leave Europe. I would recommend Amsterdam to anyone, whether or not you are a partier, antisocial, or don't like to travel. You will love it. And if you don't, I want nothing to do with you.
-Tyler Collins
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