Little Homesick

Hello All,

It is interesting to be on exchange and discover what things are really missed from home and what things really aren't.

Firstly, before I delve in, look at how beautiful the park by my house is. Belgium gets a real Autumn, unlike back home. I'm in love with how green the grass still is despite all the orange leaves.

Can't help but smile on days like this.

Just out of sight is a little bit of a fountain :)

Battle of the Cities: Video Follow Up

Hey Team!

This is something I thought was kind of neat. The Nike Belgium facebook page posted up a video compilation of our 10 km run. Take a look - watch for me throughout but particularly noticeable from the front at the 5 second mark and from behind (mass of bouncing curls!) at the 23 second mark.

I adore the shirt they gave us. It is really nice fabric and perfect for the weather in Belgium - which is still absolutely gorgeous (compared to Canada where everyone is bemoaning the first snow). I busted it out today for a run in the park with my German friend Tina. I'll have to take some pictures of the park here with all the amazing coloured leaves to show you all. Too beautiful!

Jacqueline

Italy: October 28 - November 2, 2011

Hi to all Family and Friends!

Because university activities were suspended for three days straight to celebrate All Saints Day (November 1) and both the proceding and following days, four of us (KSweet, Bee, and Germany) took the opportunity to escape Belgium and wander south. With no school for 6 days and cheap international flights, we launched into a whirlwind four city taste of Italy.

Our path and city order are in blue. As you can see, we stuck to Northern Italy.

Classes, Battle of the Cities, and Antwerp

Bonjour Everyone!

This past week has been considerably busier in regards to school work. Firstly, French courses are up and running so Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-8 pm I get to indulge in the language here. I absolutely love that class. It is truly one of those that feels like no work at all despite the homework and quizzes. I just feel like a sponge soaking it all in. If I could, I would drop out of HEC (the management/economics faculty) and just take French full time. A girl can dream...

ESN Paris Trip: October 14-16

Hello All,

I truly should have written about Paris immediately after I returned - forgive the late posting!

The trip had a very early morning start with a 5 am meeting at the HEC campus to catch the coach. Myself and a few others stayed up all night in anticipation of the trip. What is the point of sleeping when you know you're going to bed around midnight and getting up around 4? Or so the logic went (and what completely terrible exchange student logic it was...). Due to some quick feet and good luck myself and Camillo (Brazil) managed to score the front seat on the top level of the bus. Driving 4.5 hours to Paris is much more bearable when you have the best seats in the house. Sleeping for more than half of it didn't hurt either. Until we actually got within 20 minutes of Paris, it was an extremely quiet bus ride as everyone crashed.

First stop on the tour was the palace of Versailles. We only had an hour or so to whip through the main palace and tour the gardens. While it was not enough time, it was a great opportunity for everyone to stretch their legs and get a good idea of the grandeur and splendor of the place...

Another Week Flies By...Unifestival, Masquerade, Tom's birthday

Hello Friends and Family!

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Our gorgeous sunny autumn weather has taken a cloudy damp turn for the worse. Today is a pretty typical example of the weather as of late: light rain with a high/low of 14°C/9°C (57°F/48°F) with wind at 12 mph. Although the air temperature is decently warm, the wind just cuts right through you in this extremely bone chilling way. Additionally, it gets really dark here really quickly. Although the sun sets at almost the exact same time as home (Calgary is on latitude 51° 03' N and Liege is 50º 50´ N), it feels like the light doesn't linger as long. I think it is probably just the effect of the high buildings and narrow streets instead of the big open landscapes I'm used to. Regardless, winter is coming.
Not that this stops Erasmus students from anything! Not even in the slightest.

La Nocturne des Coteaux de la Citadelle

Hello Family & Friends,

In the old neighborhood of Hors-Chateau, Liege has a particularly intense set of stairs known as the Montagne de Bueren. The staircase, built in 1875, honours Vincent de Bueren (1440-1505) who was one of the fiercest protectors of Liege against Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. Don't quote me on this but a friend told me there are 374 steps. Anyways, as an annual tradition, on the first Saturday of every October the stairs and entire neighbourhood get lit up by candles in an event known as La Nocturne des Coteaux de la Citadelle. I have heard estimates of the number of candles to be as low as 3000 and as high as 15 000. Regardless, it is an extremely good time. People are out late wandering the crowded streets with friends and family, live music is being played everywhere, and the evening ends with a big fireworks display.