August 27th, 2011 - Bonjour Brussels! - P2

 We visited the Congo Museum. The exhibits include  tribal clothing, weapons, weaving, transportation, and loot from Belgium's colonization of Africa. 

All the objects were looted and brought back as proof of Belgium's success in Africa. There are rooms or stuffed animals: elephants, birds, hippopotamuses, zebras, and any African savannah creature you can think of. The most impressive to me was the elephant and the giraffe. 

The most unique part of the museum is  the descriptions of the objects and African people are not politically correct. The museum's plagues and information haven't been updated since the time Belgium colonized Africa so it is common to find terms such as natives, negroes (or the N-word), which clearly reflect the thought processes of the time. 

There was an art exhibit which depicted modern day (2005 and 2010) African villages and also depictions of the villages from the 1800s. I learned all about an expedition, which ended with the main guy being killed in a shoot out. But, it was interesting to learn about Bantu's family, because I heard about him briefly in my Colonization learning community. 

All in all the museum was fascinating, as well as containing a large expanse of land, complete with fountains, hiking trails, and areas with statues. What I liked most was none of the information was edited to fit PC-Modern day, so I got to view the people's thoughts as they really thought them, not through a revised lense. 

I topped the day off eating in central Brussels at the Aux Armes du de Bruxels (The Arms of Brussels). It was a 4 star (or 5 star) restaurant. I ordered Eels with green herb sauce. The herb sauce wasn't delicious but the eel was amazing. It was as if I were eating chicken wings, but instead of sucking the meat off the bone I was sucking the meat off the SPINE! of the eel. The texture was bouncy and there was a slight,  but not overpowering, fishy taste to it. Unlike any food I have ever tasted. I also drank red wine, and it was amazing. 

We ended the night at the cetnre of Brussels in a town square. The buildings are beautiful containing millions of statues on every facade and rooftop. We were lucky enough to see a light and music show shown on the side of a building. It gave L.D. and W.D.a  great end to their anniversary. Afterward, we visited the A La Mort Subite (The  Sudden Death) a well-known and atmospheric bar. I ordered a Lambric flavored Peach, which was amazingly sweet and 4 percent alcho. 

In general the day was brilliant!

Avor,

H.C.

August 26th & 27th, 2011 - Bonjour Brussels! - P1

 Bonjour mon Amies,

I have traveled under the tunnel! (Which makes me think of Shelob, "And then the tunnel." *manic look on face*)  The Euro Star is a comfortable and airy ride about 2 hours and five minutes, and it doesn't run late! It was really enjoyable.

We had a great adventure after getting off the train! My brother in law W.D. drove for the first time to Brussels Middi - the station which Euro Star embarks to from London. It was his first time driving around Brussels and we gave him wrong coordinates. But, we ended up reaching their apartment safe and sound. It's a nice little previous bachelor pad in the business living district. It has a nice view of the rooftops of Brussels. 

We were slightly more tired than usual (there is a one hour difference in the future from London to Brussels) and decided not to cram too much in the first day. W.D (my bro in law)., myself, and H.S. went walking to St. Confenaire  a small park that W.D. and L.D. (my sister) run in. The park is beautiful and encompasses (what I and W.D. believe) is a World War II memorial dedicated at the centre of Brussels boulevard.

The building has a circular atrium and two wings spreading out from the atrium. Atop the building are beautiful statues of people and possibly soldiers. All around the archway entrance are statues, about eight of them, each unique. One of them was missing its left eye. I think that the statues and memorial are under reconstruction efforts. 

All around the park are various statues, one of a hound, one of a steward, and a few others all with signs in Flemish or French. That's what's great about Brussels (aside from little to no English speakers) is there is a distinction between the Flemish and French speaking population. The park is beautiful and I got a lot of good computer background worthy pictures.

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 Today was the fifth anniversary for W.D. and L.D. We spent the first half of the day driving to Villers la Ville Abbey south of Brussels. The ruins were absolutely amazing! Most of the outer structure is still standing including clock towers, the chapel, and an old residence building. There were many alcoves which I'm assuming contained, at one time, statues of the Virgin Mary, St. Juliana, or other saints. 

My favorite part of the abbey was investigating the wine seller and jail, both of which were dark and muddy, but I could imagine what it was like back in the 13 to 14 hundreds. There is a still in tact staircase that leads from the base of the Inn to the second floor, which has a great view of the abbey in general. I enjoyed myself immensely and wish that I could have spent more time there. 

We finished looking through the abbey just in time to miss the down pour and ate a small bar/restaurant called Le Chalet de la Forte (or The Cottage in the Woods) . I ate a three cheese and ham grilled sandwich and drank tea. The food was good and held me until dinner. From the abbey we went to a museum all about colonization in Africa from Belgium's point of view (read next post to find out more).

Au Revoir,

H.C,

August 25th, 2011 - My New Home

 I have hardly been in London a day (I know another late post - I've been busy in Brussels), and I already think of it as home. 

This morning, we woke up early, had tea and breakfast, and struck out on our goal to... nap. Seriously, we napped for so long after breakfast. But then, we struck out on our trip to Diana's Memorial Garden. Luckily, it didn't rain on us, and for that I was glad. The garden is more like London's equivalent of Central Park. It is a huge beautiful park meant for dog walking, long walks, and any other activity that doesn't include biking. 

There is a roped off section with a set of classic wooden swings with rope holding them up. I'm sure they rope it off to keep it looking good, and so tourists don't ruin it. I was angry because I've always wanted a picture on one of those swings. I"m William and Harry swung on them as boys, when Diana ventured into the park with her escort. Also, I'm sure the diplomatic custom of giving swans (I may have gotten my birds mixed up) meant that they ended up on the park's river, which is very calming and adylic with natural trees and gorgeous weeping willows (which I am aware are trees, they just deserve special mention because they are so majestic in their old age. There is a small Island, topped with a little house further in the park. 

You can also walk up to and look at the garden by the old bird tender's cabin. It's a quaint little cabin with a beautifully tended garden. All along the paths  in the park are large golden medals claiming the park as Princess Diana's Memorial Garden, in case you ever forget. There is a beautiful view of all the palaces around the lake, there are three, as well as the London eye. We went close to 9 PM, so there weren't a lot of people, but there was still adequate light to see by. 

I enjoyed the sheer idea of the park's exploration possibilities. It is so large and has so many nooks and fields. I almost want to picnic there and make it a day long experience, although I'd have to be careful about my knee which acted up halfway through our beautiful walk. My parents were a cute old couple enjoying a meander in the park, taking pictures and in general calmly enjoying the night together.

We topped the night off at the Cask and Glass with a Pint of Bombardier, a dark ale . But, what I didn't realize is that many beers (and drinks in general) have at least 7 percent to at most 10 percent (haven't seen or been warned about anything higher) alcohol in them, so one is plenty enough. I have discovered I enjoy dark British beers versus light ales (because honestly they taste similar to Miller and Budweiser, two beers I can't stand). We also explored a bit around the area getting our barrings of Victoria Station and the various eateries. 

I haven't spent anything on souvenirs yet, but I figure I've got plenty of time to fine worthwhile ones while I'm here. 

Cheers to another good day,

H.C.

August 24th, 2011 - Oi! I've Arrived!

Victoria is absolutely brilliant, once you start navigating the streets and finding the patches of British culture. I have to say that I wish I could have a good English breakfast every day of my life, fried tomatoes and mushrooms and all. 

The first day wasn't too bad given my body was functioning six hours in the past. The Park Plaza Hotel is beautiful, and because my plane ticket was booked on the cheap, and the hotel reservation was made months in advance, I've been sleeping in a twin (or do they call it a queen?) bed in an Executive room. The room itself is quaint, with two beds, a large flat screen TV, a desk, and an espresso maker. 

The most odd thing about it though, the sink and counter top in the bathroom are completely clear. I hope to get a picture up on FB of the sink so you know what I mean. Just in case I don't: 

The first night we adventured out into Victoria eating a chicken dinner with mash and garlic bread. The charge was about 18.00 Pounds, but tax had already been worked into the final price (something they should really do in America), and we ordered a meal sized for 2 and split it 3 ways, it filled us up pretty good. Not to mention the atmosphere was jovial and the service (and waiters) was darn fine! 

After we filled up, we took a walk to Buckingham Palace. On the way we passed by Westminster Cathedral, which is beautiful with a large tower you are allowed to go up in. I haven't done that yet, and am hoping to do so with S.D., H^2. and a few others who will be joining me this coming Thursday, Sept. 1. We walked on, finally reaching the end of the road and the wall surrounding the palace. This was all around 9 PM. 

We were amused to see the palace guard standing inside the closed gate (you aren't allowed in unless you have at ticket). They were completely still and severe looking. 

The gates of the palace are stunning, with gold decorative crests. The fountain (although it was off- due to construction) was breathtaking. The Chicago recreation doesn't hold its own against the original, although it's pretty darn close and a whole lot larger. I was fascinated by the amount of statues around the fountain, as well as the spire topped with golden angel and several genuflecting statues sitting beneath her. 

The best part of the fountain was the few of the street on either side. All around the spire and cetnre of the fountain are different statues, including a fallen face (of what looks like an angry god) and on the other side a clear representation of Athena's shield with the Gorgon head on it. Across from the fountain is the entrance to Princess Diana's Memorial Park (see next entry for more details).

The night was topped off with a Pint and breaded kalamari rings at the Phoenix, one of three pubs on the avenue that leads to the Palace. Also accessible from the avenue (or street, I have no idea why I'm calling it an avenue) are the Roof Top gardens, which I am hoping to see with the above mentioned girls, S.D. and H^2.

I have to say, despite my getting up and then taking five hour naps around 12 PM, give me a break that's 4 AM American time, I have had a wonderful first day in London. (Might I add I've been super busy exploring and having a great time in London and Brussels, which is why this came a week late.)

Cheers for now,

H.C.

Five Days and Counting

My dear blog Follwers,

This is the week we've been waiting for.  This week nears its end, and with all my preparations nearly complete (including parring down my clothes selections for Europe and transferring all my things to a smaller suite case) I am beginning to get excited and nervous.

Of course, I am excited to be going one week before term starts. With my London guide in hand and recommendations from friends I am set to explore London. I'm excited to be able to do so for the first week with my parents. We shall have loads of fun! 

I am nervous, however, for the flight itself. I am embarking upon my journey on a separate Airline from my parents. This will be my first overseas flight alone. Fear not, good readers, I am an experienced flier. However, the anxiety is something new. I'm good with reading sings and getting to baggage claim. I am most anxious for the customs portion, as well as hoping my flight is not delayed and there aren't any hitches in the general travel. 

Anyways, I am saying Adeiu for the time being, and next post will be coming online from London. 

<3 H-C

Secured Credit Card, Traveler's Checks and Currency

I have been busy chipping away at my list of things to do for London. If anyone following this blog is thinking about going overseas for school or other reasons I have some advice.

First: Convince your parents to get you a Secured Credit Card. This allows you to make purchases and transactions and build a credit score if you don't already have one. It takes 4-6 weeks for approval so do this ahead of time.

Second: Even if you have a hard time cashing them at banks, and you will because they aren't accepted very often anymore, I recommend securing some money in the form of traveler's checks. This will be a good backup if you find yourself robbed or low on money. Even if you find it difficult to cash them, at least you'll have a backup in case your purse is stolen. 

Third: Find a bank near you and ask two questions: Can you (the bank) recommend a bank that has Euors (or pounds, for England) on hand? If so go there and exchange money while in the U.S. it is cheaper.  Second: If there isn't a bank near you that has currency on hand ask them to order it for you. But, you must leave some time for the money to come in. This costs more but is still at a better rate than exchanging money in the country itself.

There are just a few ways, besides owning a debit or credit card, that you can make travel a bit easier on you. 

~ H-Cooke