So Sunday found me in Ghent, the third largest city in Belgium. It feels much more like a small town, especially since so many businesses are closed on Sundays, but is really adorable despite that. This trip was especially ironic for me since I have lampooned this very town for so long. The Treaty of Ghent was signed there, ending the War of 1812 (yes, that warm existed. No, I'm not really sure what it was about. And yes, the treaty of this essentially British/American war was signed in what is now Belgium). And ever since learning about it, sophomore year history class, I've sworn that Ghent sounded more like an STD than a bastion of 19th century diplomacy. Turns out I was wrong!
Ghent is another Dutch speaking town (seen a few of those now...) and is only 30 minutes outside Brussels. The day was warm, so Eric, Kate, and I spent it exploring a 12th century castle, complete with torture museum!; walking along the canal, and eating more often than we probably should; and learning that this town has three catholic churchs, all of which can be seen from a single point in the town. Excessive? Yes. But also an impressive display of architecture and art from back in the day. Kate commented on how we're doing the cathedral tour lately, and it's true--the names and places are starting to blur a bit. This one did have a giant crypt downstairs for former bishops of that diocese, and this was coupled with some beautiful decorative pieces. I think as Catholics, Eric and I appreciate this stuff more than others do--we can explain the weird nuances (well, some of them) and understand that the people taking candles, instead of lighting them, are quite confused.
The castle was pretty amazing, and the best 1,20 euro I've ever spent. Also, Belgium has fantastic ice cream, a feature I was not alerted to earlier. I think all throughout Europe we'll find this gelato-esque treat, and I'm fine with that. In all, Ghent was a pleasant distraction from the work I have due soon and definetly worth the trip.
Today I had to wake up at 6 am, a time I have not seen since my summer job. How did I do this everyday for high school!? The moon was still out, and I don't mean that weird fadaway thing it does during sunrise; I was, in fact, done with the bus and tram and already at school for sunrise! (stupid northern atlantic country!). Anyway, we took a program trip to NATO headquarters, which is located in Brussels. Security was pretty hardcore, and our delicious NATO cafeteria meal was amazing. Oh, and the speakers in between were pretty sweet. I think we all felt really smart asking these people our foreign policy questions. Especially with Kosovo declaring independence this week, it was especially relevant. Oh, and Castro resigned today. One plus of being at NATO was the bevy of cable news; also, we found out at 9 am, which was 3 am at home, so it was existing to be on the cutting edge.
The rest of this week is taking care of work, so I can skip class and go to Paris on Friday!! I have no idea yet what I'm doing there--give me some suggestions!
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