I'll do it someday...

Sorry about the delays in updating. It's not that I have been entirely too busy to write, it's just that the internet is really slow in the Res Hall and when I think about updating my blog, I think about uploading pictures, and then I just put it off because though it isn't dial up bad, it is really dreadful.

I left off right before I headed out for Belgium. Well just let me say, I ate my fair share that weekend. The bus rides were long, but the ferry crossing the English Channel was perhaps the coolest thing I have ever seen. Some girl on the bus was talking about how she hoped the ferry would have a cafe and some shops to kill time in and feeling sarcastic I said, 'What do you think this boat is? The Hilton?" Oh boy, did I ever have to stick my foot in my mouth. Not only did it have multiple cafes, but it had duty free shops, full restaurants, and an arcade. I was taken aback. Suddenly, I was on a cruise for an hour and half when I really only expected to be cold and stuck in the wind as we crossed open expanses of water. Who knew?

The hostel we stayed in was nice. My program rented out the entire thing and we all spent our one night there huddled in a make shift fort. College students really are just kids in seemingly adult bodies. Regardless, the few days spent in Ieper were focused on WWI history. It was actually good to learn about it since the American system likes to gloss it over. I saw trenches, museums, and cemeteries. I suppose I never had a chance to understand how many people died, especially when the Germans attempted their first gassing. I think what hit home the most was that underage men would lie about their age to join the fight because everyone said the war would be over by Christmas. They considered it a vacation. A way to leave their small towns for the first time and see the world. I can still hardly believe it.

Besides the history lesson though, there was great food. The Belgians invented french fries (and they smother them with mayo), which are fantastic. The chocolate is of course delicious and I may or may not have eaten too much of it. On top of that, we went to a market the next morning where I ate the best waffle of my life and got some Greek olives. It was glorious. I've also become addicted to Nutella since being here, which I've always known is great, but I guess I never really appreciated enough. Anyway, I got some Nutella ice cream to put on my waffle and it was probably one of the best flavor combinations I've ever come up with. Thank you for the opportunity Belgium, you were great.

Since then, I have just been getting back in the swing of things. This week was a celebration of Guy Fawkes Night/Bonfire Night and every Borough had fireworks over the Thames. So when Saturday rolled around, I got a hair cut, visited Camden Market, and went to the Fireworks in Battersea Park with Kaitlin and Alyssa. I didn't really have any expectations, but the fireworks were some of the best I have ever seen. They were choreographed to music about love and I don't think I have ever cheered so loud. I think it was the first moment that I felt completely connected to London.

Mid-terms are rolling back in. Good grades on everything. I'll have pictures of Belgium up soon (I always promise that, so let's hope it happens) and this weekend I go to Prague to see Jordan. Can't wait!