Our program, CIEE, takes us on awesome day excursions just about every weekend. So far we've seen 3-4 cities and we've done a high ropes course, biked the Belgian countryside to enter a beer brewing Abbey, and a few other cool sightseeings. The high ropes course was really cool, walking way over top the trees on swinging planks and tiny ladders, but right below were some of the most amazing Belgian countryside views. Then most recently we went to an Abbey and met monks who brew the #1 beer in the world, we got to see their monastery and their afternoon prayer service. It was quite an experience, and something not advertised to the public so it was very private. We tried the beer at their cafe and had great sandwiches then biked some more along the countryside and made our way to a 2nd brewery where we got to hear a lot of how beer is made and about trade and export and taste some amazing beers. It was a purely awesome day. The weather has finally turned away from cold and rainy so we've had some great days for these excursions. We're heading to Brugges and Waterloo this weekend, for our next trips!
Our trip to Berseel to see a castle:
Next, the internship. It started off slow , easing into things, meeting everyone, learning about the company. However I now feel like I'm getting more into the swing of things. I'm working more with the communications director, helping run some fundraisers and brainstorm promotional ideas. The company is awesome, very nice people, a great atmosphere to work in. Small company , helping to make the atmosphere less stressful and more relaxed. They also do great work with asylum seekers, homeless, refugee children, and other great things. It's really neat to see the work their doing, and it's great for me to continue my Alpha Phi Omega service spirit while abroad. Next week we're going to start working with young homeless children, just playing with them and engaging them in genuine play and conversations and making sure they continue to learn and improve. I'm really looking forward to that!
Lastly, the city. Bruxelles (Brussels) is an amazing city with so much to do and offer We're constantly finding a new place to eat/drink/hangout. It's so much fun to walk around and take it all in (especially now that the weather's so much better) The people are really friendly and nice as well, and not to mention getting to practice the French is awesome. Also really rewarding to be able to communicate with people and exchange stories and info that we otherwise couldn't, due to a language barrier.
All in all, Everything is going great, everyone needs to visit here at some point in their life!
