(dis)Orientation Week

Summer of 2010 is officially over. I had my first day of classes today (kind of....more or less) after an entire week of orientation. Orientation week was.. exhilarating, exhausting, inadequate, informative, and superfluous all at the same time. Obviously the most fun was had in the evenings at the mixer events planned by the JCR (student governing body). After the weekend of Olivia's birthday (which included amazing birthday cake, dancing at random pubs, almost getting in to a fight with an Algerian guy, lots of random wandering, and football Sunday afternoon in the park), we were determined to take it easy during the week... Well that lasted until about right after the tour Monday morning when we all went for a beer at a tavern after lunch. Basically we met tons of people, partied, networked, and generally had a blast every single night of the week aside from Wednesday, where we only sipped some 12 year old Scotch while playing the parking game on Andrew's balcony (1 sip if they parked in over 2 maneuvers, 2 if they hit another car while parking... 2/3 hit another car). Monday was just drinks, Tuesday was bowling (although Tom H. and I just drank a bottle of wine at our place because I got hit by a fucking car that day and didn't feel like going out), Wednesday was our sleepover at Andrew's (which we made into a weekly event it was so amazing), Thursday was drinks and networking at Place Lux where all the Eurocrats go after work. All this before the weekend. By the time Friday was finally there we were so exhausted, but then Friday was free wine at Welcome drinks on campus, so obviously we couldn't miss out. As usual, went for 1 free drink at 5pm, and ended up meeting a TON of people and getting home around midnight (while Andrew, Olivia and Tom B. didn't get home until 4am-ish). And then doing it again Saturday. We're suckers for punishment.

Aside from all the partying and "networking", we/I did get to get a feel for the campus, the program, and what we're in for for the next year. The campus is fairly small, especially compared to the U of S, but has everything you need. A cafe, a bar, an amazingly cheap cafeteria, library, and Common Room at Kent where everyone hangs out between classes. The teaching staff is a mixture of Professors and professionals in the field, and are all very down to earth and always cracking jokes. As a result of this and the small number of students, you get an amazing relationship with your instructors and an education that is a mixture of theory and hands on practical application. As for our individual programs, we're all very excited. That's the beauty of having friends who are all either in their Masters as well, or planning on doing a Masters very soon; we're all clearly very passionate about our fields. This makes for some wonderfully interesting discussions at random occasions. Such as Wednesday night where Olivia, Andrew, Tom B. and I were all in our pyjamas having a very a very trivial high school like conversation on the couch after watching Coco Avant Chanel when all of a sudden the conversation gets in to the political philosophical lens of the American education system, or lack thereof. And then on to sex. I love it.

As far as all of the people I have met, it's really interesting seeing the very diverse backgrounds, countries, and stories of everyone. I mean, the people in our group of friends alone ranges from an Irishmen, an Englishman, a Frenchman, an Aussie, a Spaniard, an Argentinian, a few Americans, some Canadians, and some Russian mixes. Out of all the people I have met so far at BSIS, everyone has a completely different story and perspective. The question, "What brings you to Brussels?" has given me some very interesting and thought provoking answers. Some people are being financed by their parents, some are on student loans. Some come from PhD and Professional parents, others from small town backgrounds. Some have international hands on experience abroad and in developing countries, others are just getting in to the international arena. Some have never travelled, others are on to their 32nd country. Some want to keep travelling after and stay in Brussels/Europe, others want to immediately go back to their respective countries. However, the one thing we all do have in common (aside from a select few who slipped through the cracks) is a passion for learning, thought provoking discussion, and the desire to make a difference. Be in through the LLM in Public International Law, the MA in International Conflict and Security, or the MA in International Development.

Since I never did find that poem I've been looking for that we found in Amsterdam, I'll finish this with the words of a fellow Canuck that sum things up nicely.

I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five 

A very valuable learning experience ;)

I really wanted to start this entry off with this amazing poem we stumbled across in Amsterdam titled "Je voudrais...", but I can't seem to find it anywhere. It would have perfectly described what I want to get across... Essentially it describes the feeling that I have that there is so much that I want to see, do, and learn in this world, that I can't possibly do it all in one lifetime. There is also the frustration I have with people who have so much potential and possibility to do so much, but rather chose to waste their life on an empty existence. Give me your life!! I could use it! I would love to have 3 more degrees in different topics that I have a passion for. As I believe language is the key to culture, I would love to truly learn at least 4 more languages and spend time living, experiencing and learning the culture in their respective places. I would love to do humanitarian work abroad. I would love to live full lifetimes of work and devotion to each of my 4 potential degrees. I would love to travel from the great pyramids of Egypt to the most remote of places hidden in the rain forests. To achieve important advancements in humanity and society, but to hike and travel the most remote locations... All the while experiencing and living life, faling in love, meeting great people, and somehow making money to fund all of this.

This is my problem. Some people attribute this to the nature of libras, wanting to achieve perfect balance in all aspects of their life, all the while being very social, giving, and fun loving. Amazing as it all sounds, it just isn't possible. Or is it....

This is basically our trip to Amsterdam. An attempt to capture and experience all sides of a truly diverse and multifaceted city in 2 days. As I mentioned, our first night included taking in the city at night, eating some lovely cookies and chocolates, and a live sex show. So we started our 2nd day by getting breakfast at a local café, taking in the scenery of a beautiful albeit windy day, and going to the Anne Frank house. For everyone that has read the book and/or visited the museum, I don't need to recount what a powerful and moving experience it was. If there is anyone out there that hasn't read the book, I highly recommend it. It really reminded me, all of us I think, of why we are in this field and why we are in Brussels for a Masters; Ideally, to ultimately affect positive change.

After this we had a great well priced lunch at a very Amsterdam (colourful graffiti, very antique, very delicious) café and continued on to the park, I AMsterdam sign, and the Van Gogh museum. Anyone who knows my should know my affinity for art, especially expressionism and fauvism, so I needn't explain much about this one. Aside from that it was on the top floor that held all of Van Gogh's inspirations that Olivia, Andrew and I found the poem that perfectly encapsulated the conversation Olivia and I had just had on the way over.

After this we caught the tram back to Central station (for 2,60€, despite our lovely questioning and pleading to get it for free or cheaper), and went on an hour long canal cruise of the city where the very old Captain actually hit the side of the canal. It was definitely no Paris river cruise, but was great nonetheless. After this, we reverted back to exploring the underbelly of Amsterdam and went to the Sex Museum. Amazing, fascinating, weird, socio-political-cultural experience. Haha. It is a side of history that I have definitely never seen before, and would most definitely go and see again.

Then, to continue our quest to experience the city, we had supper with a brownie for dessert, a beer at a local pub with pots hanging from the ceiling for decor, and wandered the city some more. I know I describe us wandering a lot, but wandering was probably some of the funnest and funniest times. As Ciara put it yesterday, "I'd have a blast in a box as long as I had friends there"; and we did.

The following day we were all very exhausted, so we just grabbed some croissant and muffins, some coffee and tea, and sat by the canals and river to enjoy our breakfast before slowly heading down to the bus station. As usual, on the ride back, after laughing seemingly pointlessly about random topics for hours, Olivia and I slipped in to a very deep metaphysical discussion, then back to pointless laughing, anger and frustration as we slowly crawled though Antwerpen, to finally ride the Crazy Bus all the way home.

An amazing trip. I can only hope for many more :)

European city of sin! I heart Amsterdam more than French food.

Amsterdam. Wow. One of the craziest, weirdest, funnest cities I have ever been in; and we've only been here since 6pm today. Today was also actually our "chill night'' after Nadia's birthday party last night. So when we got to Amsterdam, after the adventure to find our hostel, we planned on just eating and wandering. Explore the city a bit and plan our day tomorrow. Well..

First off, Amsterdam is so colourful, in every sense of the word. The grafitti is colourful and expressive, the style is colourful, the streets and signs are colourful, and the red light district is colourful. It is very chill, easy-going, and laid back. Probably the only city where you can have a casual discussion with a guy on the street corner trying to convince you to go to the Live Sex Show, and have one of the Window girls apologize to you.

We started off by going to the Irish Pub downstairs for supper. Well not only did we get 25% off for staying at the hostel, but the service super quick and friendly, and food was amazing. Traditional Irish stew was by far the best stew I've ever had. European food in general... I'm noticing a trend here.. Also met yet another French Canadian. A med student from Montreal doing his residency and taking a break in Barcelona and Amsterdam. From there, despite the fact it was raining, we grabbed our umbrellas and wandered the streets. Went in to a bunch of shops and stores, ate some chocolate (so amazingly good), and some cookies. Took in the local flavour.. Eventually when we wanted to head back to the hostel, we realized we didn't have a fucking clue where we were. So we continued wandering, and stumbled across the Red Light District, and got severely side tracked. After a long discussion and convincing by the guy selling tickets (and Andrew getting yeld at and apologized to by a Prostitute who thought he was taking pictures of her, when he was really taking pictures of the Swans in the canal), we ended up buying tickets to an 8 act Live Sex Show.

Well an hour and a half later, we walked out better people. Or kinker... or something. Totally lost still, and no blood left in our heads, we continued wandering, in a few complete circles, before FINALLY finding our hostel. Getting back, we settled in, Andrew Facebooked, I blogged, and we had some serious deep discussions. I love my friends. I love Amsterdam. I love Brussels. I love Europe. I love live Sex shows.

Tomorrow we're off to enjoy the more historical and cultural side of Amsterdam. Anne Frank House, Van Gogh museum, followed by a nightlife pub crawl of the Red Light District. A well balanced trip to Amsterdam.

I heart French food

So what to say about Paris... I love France, I really do. And my weekend in Paris was amazing. However, I'm still not very fond of the city itself. Am I the only person who doesn't head over heels love Paris??

The food in Paris was definitely the most remarkable and amazing aspect. I ate the most amazing croissant sandwhich in the morning. By far, the best sandwhich I've ever had. Had a chocolate pastry thing while sitting at a cafe, sipping tea, overlooking the Seine and the eiffel tower. Shopped at the Champs d'Elysee. Saw the Arche de Triomphe. Took an hour long night boat cruise on the Seine and saw all the sights of Paris from the river. Met a cute older Canadian Quebecois couple. Had an AMAZING 3 course supper at this random restaurant for 15 euro and a pitcher of wine for 11 euro.

Then had a Parisian night out going to Latin Quarter Cafe where all the servers are amazingly gorgeous and ripped men in booty shorts. So obviously, there was a huge crowd of women waiting to get in. We had to wait in line about an hour just to get in. When we got in, it was foggy, there were girls going crazy dancing on tables, chairs, everywhere, getting their friends the striptease shot from the servers, dancing to the awesome latin music. Then afterwards we met up with friends of Alison's and sat at a cafe for a while winding down the night before (finally and eventually) getting a cab home.

Then Sunday, after another great French breakfast, some great French cold meds, and Starbucks (!), we found some great shops and I got some kick-ass 20 euro boots before catching the RER and metro to catch the Eurolines bus back home.

All in all, even with the sickness, it was an amazing weekend. I love France. I can't wait to go see other cities. The food is fantastic. Loving the european adventures :)

Good new impression of Paris

I have so much to say about the arrival and night in Paris, even though it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. However, seeing as this sentence alone has taken me a few minutes to type due to the Azerty keyboard, I'll make it short.

15 minutes later I managed to switch it! Now I just have to guess where the keys are...

Seeing as our bus was 2 hours late, we didn't arrive at the station until shortly after 10. By the time Alison was there, and her friend Paul drove us back to her place, it was about 11:30. Because Julija and I were both so tired from the night before, we pretty much just ate and went to bed, woke up, had breakfast, and here we are. However, there is so much more to what happened than simply this.

The car ride back to here, for one, was interesting. Her friend Paul is actually an artist, the musical kind, Paul Latour. His car was one of the fanciest cars I've ever been in, althought he modestly claims that it's "not bad". On the drive here, which took a little while because Alison's flat is outside of Paris centre, we passed and saw so many things. One of which, was the Marché aux Puces, or literally translated, Flea Market; at 11pm. I guess selling used crap works better in the dark, haha. We also passed, in typical Parisian style, SO MUCH graffiti. Even though I've already mentionned this in a few different blogs, I still can't get over how absolutely everything is graffitied. Even parked vans in parking lot are covered. Once you get used to it, it does add some colour to the city.

Once we got to Alison's "modest" flat (better and nicer than any of mine or my european friend's), in true French style, she had this amazing, yet simple meal ready waiting for us by a very elegantly set table. A delicious salad, 2 different kinds of cracker style breads, a variety of juices, and some excellent French wine from the Vallée de Loire. So at midnight, the four of us sat, ate, sipped some wine, and talked. It was fantastic. Afterwards Paul showed us a few of his music videos, and Julija and I basically passed out from exhaustion.

This morning again, in true French fashion, our breakfast was so simple, yet so delicious and amazing. The same as any other breakfast I've had, yet different, like our meal the night before. We sat and talked around the set table, drank tea, hot chocolate and coffee, ate some cereal (which chocolate of course), with some brioche pain on the side, while gazing out the window to the sunny and warm Paris day lying ahead of us :).

These events while very normal, and completely ordinary to Alison, were still amazing. Such a relaxing atmosphere, great, fresh French food and drink, and good company. We truly are in France. I've realized that I don't hate Paris; I actually love it already. I hate touristy Paris.

Today however, should be much more exciting. First stop on the agenda is the Champs d'Élysée to take in the glitz and glamour and stop by Alison's modelling agency. We will see where the day and night takes us from there:)

The power of thought

How do we know when our lives are changing? Technically speaking, our lives are always changing. However, how do we know when something important is happening? An event that will be forever marked in our personal histories. These things are usually easy to spot in hindsight, or when reflecting upon the course of your life or certain periods. But can we manage to pinpoint, even in retrospect, certain realisations, encounters, trips, accidents, people, or decisions that changed our perceptions or courses forever? Better yet, can we identify these things as they are happening?

As a species, one of the things that make us unique is the ability to reflect. We can reflect on certain situations, pieces of information, the passing of time, or future possibilities and we are able document and share our discoveries with others. I think that this reflection, as such, is one of the things that makes us human; a crucial element in our lives. However, many of us do not take the time to reflect on subjects much deeper than what TV show to watch next, or what to do this evening? And we are all guilty at some point in time of purposely trying to drive thought and reflection away rather than embracing it. But how do we ever really get to know ourselves, what makes us tick, why we are the way we are, what we want, and how to make ourselves happy, if we have never stopped and thought about it? Even more, how do we expect other people to make us happy, if we ourselves don't have a clue?

All that being said, right now it's just past 9am and I just finished another great novel at about 4am this morning. I never have been able to put a good book down once I start. The book itself has little to do with ramble above, but is rather a work of fiction depicting a dystopian future cause by human beings selfishness, lust for immortality, and disrespect for nature; Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood. While the book does read as science fiction with genetically spliced and created species running a mock everywhere and the better off human beings living in artificially created and protected compounds, taking a look around, you realize that it might not be too far off. Just the other day, Salmon that has been genetically altered to grow at twice the rate was declared safe to eat in North America (link). Not long ago I found a few of the more famous ponds in Brussels, only to discover they were dirty, fenced off with warnings of bacteria and potential botulism. Most of the beautiful parks left here are fake and have been landscaped and dreamed up. The most depressing thing about all of this, is that the progression of things happens so slowly and "naturally", like our lives, that if we don't stop to take in to account what we've done, what we're really doing, and the possible future consequences of our actions. Things then simply progress and move on until we reach a point, good or bad, where there is no return. If such a dystopian future were to ever come to existence, there will have been ample books, articles, lectures, newscasters, and researchers, to sum up, warnings of consequences that we didn't follow.

What does it take for us to actually sit down and think about the greater good? To think about and reflect on how we arrived at the state in which we find ourselves, as a species and as individuals. Unfortunately, it usually takes the worst to happen. However, if we were to pay closer attention to details, to the events around us that shape our lives, maybe we'd be able to better understand ourselves as individuals and as a whole. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is to actually stop doing everything else, just sit down, and think.