Hello everyone,

 

            I know it’s been awhile and that everyone is wondering why I am MIA. Did I get kidnapped in some godforsaken land and am now located in some obscure town in Eastern Europe? Fortunately no, I have just been extremely busy. With all the travelling, planning, reading 21 chapters on the European Union in six days, and the inability to find an Internet connection in some places blogging has proven to be quite difficult. So to make up for all the missing pieces of my adventure in Europe I will be writing consecutive entries to catch you all up!

Last time I left you I believe I was about to travel for my study tour.  Here we would visit different EU institutions such as the Court of Auditors, European Commission, Council of Regions, etc to meet representatives and learn about the overall functions of each specific organization. At the end of the day we would go back and write essays on each of these institutions for PSU professors to grade. Now don’t think that all we did was go to these institutions–although interesting–it is not the number one way I want to spend my time in Europe. While in Strasbourg, our first overnight stop, we went to a palace that use to belong to the royal family of France and also rode on a boat tour that showed up the quaint town of La Petite France. But the most impressive thing of the city for me at least was the cathedral; it towered against the skyline with it red stone, beautiful engravings, and mesmerizing bell tower. Turning the corner of a street into the square where it resides, I have never been so awestruck to see such a magnificent basilica. A picture shows what it looks like at night with the light penetrating into its deep crevices.

From the eastern part of France we made our way to the City of Love and Lights where we explored all the sights–the Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe, Napolean’s tomb, the Louvre, and of course Moulin Rouge. We did not visit any institutions here but we did enjoy a free day on the town which I would have to say was one of the most beautiful days of the trip. We travelled a little outside to see the majestic palace of Versailles which splendor and grandeur could be considered unparalleled. The enormity of the gardens is really what struck me, and I actually got lost in the maze that is by the little town Marie Antoinette had made for her pleasure.

Leaving Paris we made a quick stop at Reims, France heart of the wine country to enjoy the champagne at the Pommery Estate where 20 million bottles of champagne are stored. We even got a free sample of the famous champagne. Now I am no connoisseur of champagne but I thought it was pretty good.

Next stop was Brussels and I honestly have to say that this was one of my favorite cities. It seems to be a mix of modern and ancient building lining the streets with the Royal Palaces and Gardens, the Grand Place, and the Atomium being essential spots to visit. I loved all these places but what grabbed me most was the shopping and good sector of the city. Located in tight, winding allies coated with Italian, Chinese, Thai, French restaurants, sports grills, Irish pubs, and everything else under the sun this quarter made Brussels different than any other place I’ve ever been to. Storeowners would be at the front door attempting to persuade you and your company to enjoy the night inside their establishments. They would complement you, ask you what you like, and even offer special discounts just so you would come and eat. So being a lover of economics I took advantage of this situation and bargained a meal with free drinks and appetizers–a pretty good deal I think.

In the center of all this hubbub lies the world famous Delirium, a bar that holds 2,004 beer types giving it the Guinness World Record. The group spent its nights here enjoying the different assortments of tastes unheard of back in the United States. Just be careful not to over indulge yourself for the Belgian beer can be 12% alcohol content–some people learned the hard way. It was here we met people from all over the world and celebrated the 4^TH of July with all the Americans present–of which there were many.

While staying in Belgium we made our way to Bruges. I can safely say that if I were to retire and got to choose my residence in the world it would be this charming village. Boasting canals, cobblestone streets, gorgeous churches, quaint cafes, and old-world homes, Bruges really lives up to the title, “Venice of the North.”

It was here we went on a great boat tour, which showed us all the ins and outs the town has to offer, and ventured into a brewery to teach us the making of beer. Although just a day trip, it was one of the most enjoyable trips on the study tour!

            The study tour really has made the trip for all of us here in Maastricht. Our bus driver Huber and our tour guide Tim showed us a good time day and night and really made an effort to make sure we got the most out of every experience. We so happened to have the honor of being Tim’s last tour after six years of working for CES and to commemorate all he has done for Penn State students throughout the years we roasted him on the bus and gave him many gifts to remember us by.

 All in all this experience couldn’t have been more enjoyable and will be a fond memory for all involved. Next entries will include the weekend trips to Barcelona and Amsterdam.

Location: Maastricht, Netherlands