Aah winter..

Winter has officially hit Brussels. I just took this picture at 9:30pm outside my living room window. There is a few centimeters of snow on the ground, snowflakes falling from the sky, temperatures of -12, and Belgians and Europeans everywhere slipping, sliding and afraid do drive.. A friend said that over the weekend when they were on the highway coming back to Brussels from France traffic was moving at 30kms/h. Even walking around the pace has slowed to a crawl. We've discussed it at length, and we believe it's because, as Canadians, winter turns the country in to one giant icy freezer for 6 months of the year. So naturally, half your time is spent walking and driving on snow. You get used to it pretty quickly, and learn how to function in such conditions. Whereas in other countries where they have 'normal' winters of 3-4 months and only a bit of snow, they do not adjust the same way we do. So when you get a centimeter or 2 of snow, there are warnings issued on the radio to be careful while driving, and transit is even disrupted.

With winter and the holiday season in Brussels comes the Plaisirs d'Hiver festival, or Winter Wonders. "Every winter, the heart of Brussels beats to the rhythm of Winter Wonders – featuring a magical decor, a magnificent Christmas Market, illuminated Big Wheel, roundabouts, street activities and of course the famous skating rink. " Or so their website says. I have yet to go, but I have heard from everyone that it is absolutely amazing. I've also heard its reputed to be one of the most unique in all of Europe. Plus they have Vin Chaud by the barrel. A few friends and I that haven't gone plan on checking it out this weekend, that is if I don't go with Tom, Stephen, and Lidia to stay on an 18th century Russian war ship docked near Amsterdam for only 40 euro round trip. I might be able to do both...but then I wouldn't be able to work on my final projects and essays that are due very soon. Decisions, decisions. Either way I cannot drink this weekend as I am drugged up on 3 different medications after getting my wisdom tooth pulled today; antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and Belgian pain killers, which make you very relaxed and wonderful feeling. But definitely not as high as the French cold meds.

Things are definitely looking up. I feel like I can get back to normal life now. I got confirmation today that our lease ends March 31st of 2010, so we can move out then with no fees. I am officially registered with the commune and legal in the country, I just have to wait another 2-3 weeks for the card. I received confirmation from the University of Kent head office in Canterbury that my (second set of ) student loan forms have been signed and are being shipped to Canada tomorrow. Other things and issues with people have been sorted out or are in progress as well. So all I have to do is finish these papers and projects, and I can put this term behind me. :) Next term looks very promising. Not only does it look like all my classes will be on Tuesday, giving me the entire rest of to manage things and travel, but I will actually have the month break after classes  that is allotted for essays, to do essays. So I don't have to worry about finishing them during the term.

So between stresses being alleviated, this term coming to a close, proper winter outside, Christmas in 3 weeks, the wonderful pain killers, and the very cozy heater I'm leaning up against, life seems good again :) I'm also in the draft planning stages of a vacation in Spain after I hand in my dissertation as a reward. The ideal situation would be to get a part-time internship in January, and since they typically last 3-6 months, I would be finished in July. And other full time internships typically start in September, and my dissertation is due beginning of August, giving me August free to relax. I want to spend a few weeks in either Barcelona or Granada taking spanish classes, traveling the area, laying on the beach, and just generally living life in Spain. The only hindrance is money. But I figure that seeing as I'm already going to be in debt from this Masters program and doing unpaid internships after it, what's another 500 euro to give myself a break?