Epilogue
One month and three days ago, I was living in Brussels. It still feels like a dream that didn’t quite happen, and yet this life I’m currently leading also feels bizarrely temporary. Life back in the states: I’ve picked up right where I left off, miraculously. I’m the new editor in chief of my college … Read more
A list: My Top Ten Moments on the Road
I’ve been back in the US for a few weeks now, moving quickly into my fast-paced, appointment-filled existence. I’m drinking a lot more beer than I used to, though, with the typical evening spent nursing a new local brew before bed. It’s the most noticeable, immediate change to my every day life that points directly … Read more
Pre-departure musings
Between studying for final exams, packing my current life away, and getting around to doing things I never did in Brussels, this is proving to be a busy week. My checklist of “things to do that I never did in Brussels” is nearly complete, though. I’ve devoured Brussels’ art house cinema scene. I’ve finally sat … Read more
How to Fall in Love with Brussels
Nearly nine months ago, I arrived in Brussels with one backpack, one suitcase, and not much else. I was easily excitable. I was nervous. I was uncomfortable. I was overwhelmed by city life, by options, by people. And here we are. Nine months later. I’m leaving Brussels in a week, as easily the best year … Read more
Italy and France: Foodie Edition
I recently uploaded a photo album to Facebook exclusively of food I’ve consumed this semester, mostly during travels. My host mother had one thing to say to that. “Did you come to Europe for studies, for culture, or to eat?” She laughed. I laughed. We all laughed, because we all knew the answer. I’m sure … Read more
A trek through the Balkans
We get into the car. We’re off to Somewhere, Macedonia, approximately 15 kilometers away from Bitola. Somewhere, Macedonia, is beautiful. Our host, Vlad, wants to show us some Macedonian village life. We stay in a mini-house, cold and destroyed from winter cruelty. We strain homemade wine through an old sock for the evening, take shots … Read more
An ode to France, Provence and Montpellier
This question frequently comes up: “What is your favorite city you’ve visited so far?” This question kills me. I immediately mentally scan the list of capitals I’ve seen this year: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Prague, Copenhagen, Vienna, Berlin, Rome, Bratislava. Then I scan the list of obvious second-cities: Barcelona, Rotterdam, Florence, Munich, Salzburg. This question … Read more
A family vacation in Italy
To sum up nine glorious days in Italy in one short blog post would be insulting to the country’s idyllic views, charming chaos, unbeatable history, and endless onslaught of thick prosciutto. But I’m going to have to be insulting, to a degree anyway. There isn’t time to go into much detail, and regardless, such details … Read more
A List: Things that are Better in the States
If it’s not obvious, I’m a Europe lover. I often talk ill of the USA, whether it’s the political system or the ubiquity of awful fast food. With my parents coming into Brussels — gasp, tomorrow — and my two worlds soon colliding, I have been thinking about home a bit more than usual. I’ll … Read more
