Leuven et le Printemps

Spring has arrived in Brussels! Finally we've been able to enjoy sun and 60 degree weather, something that Belgians go crazy for. Seriously. Everyone is in the park eating ice cream and enjoying this taste of early summer. Since midterms, it's been quite a relaxed time since I've had a break from studying and can continue to explore Brussels. Lots of sleeping in may or may not have been involved this past weekend...but I did manage to squeeze in a trip to Leuven (Louvain in French). This little college town is just about a 20 minute train ride from Brussels, and it consists of cafés, bars, and university buildings. So what did we do then? That's right, try a few Belgian beers and enjoy the sunshine of course! After visiting, I realized I should have reconsidered choosing Ohio for college and just have gone to Leuven haha. A relaxing afternoon of bagels, beer, and sunshine was perfect. Other than typical school life, it's been a pretty chill week here in Brussels. This weekend I'm off to explore Luxembourg and Germany a little bit with my dad who is in town. Can this weather stay please? I promise I would send it to the states if I could! 

Bisous x

Kate 

Amsterdam + Friends

Hallo from a weekend in Amsterdam! Last weekend I was in the Netherlands with my art class and I have to say, Amsterdam has been my favorite city I've visited thus far. I know, I know, I didn't expect it either, but it is an absolutely gorgeous city full of bridges and crooked buildings. I am convinced that Dutch is just silly English though, because half of the words are so similar. Oh, and Amsterdam definitely wins the award for having the cutest children! I swear all of the kids were adorable. Not to say it's not a weird place, it definitely is. Amongst all of the charm and beauty there's the red light district of course, so it is quite a strange combination. In terms of museums, I was able to visit the Van Gogh museum, the Rijk museum (basically the Louvre of Amsterdam), Anne Frank's house, and much much more. If anyone is planning a trip close to Amsterdam, I highly suggest you go! Also, the food is heavenly. Stroopwafels= two thin waffles with honey and caramel in the middle, and it is HEAVENLY. Clearly from the picture of me and my friends eating the waffles, we didn't enjoy them at all haha. We were able to squeeze in a tour of the Heineken brewery which I did not realize was in Amsterdam, but that was a fun touristy adventure too. I miss Amsterdam already, but it's so great to be back home in Brussels.  

This past weekend my best friend Allison who's studying in Granada was able to visit me and it was a perfect weekend! It was so great to show her around and have her meet all of the people I've been telling her so much about. We did go a little overboard on the chocolate and speculoos though...oops! I was sad to see her leave because it was such a fun weekend, and now I have midterms to study for this week. So yes, I promise there is studying that happens on study abroad! It's just infinitely more difficult to motivate yourself to study when you get to live in such a fun place. Cross your fingers that I survive midterms and get some sleep. 

xoxo 

Kate