I am currently packing for Italy for our Christmas vacation! I really hope my clothes will dry in time. We have to catch a train tomorrow from Arnhem to Dusseldorf at 11:37am, and then our plane to Rome doesn't leave until a little bit later at night (around 6), so hopefully the snow holds off and we don't get any cancellations. There have been a lot of problems with traveling and trains and such here - so hopefully we'll be in the clear. I have all of my train tickets booked and printed, which is exciting - we'll be seeing:
Bologna - for a night (We'll be here for Christmas Eve)
Pompeii - Day trip to Naples, Day trip to The Amalfi Coast
Florence - For Christmas Day (Spending the night)
Venice - For two nights Dec. 26th-28th
Rome - Flying to FIRST OFF on Dec. 19th
Then on the 28th we're off to Berlin for N.Y.E
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE! I'll blog while at the Italian hostels at night :)
I HOPE THE PACKERS DO WELL WHILE I AM GONE! We need some W's from the Green & Gold. Hopefully A.Rod will get better sooonn!
Happy Holidays!
Love,
B
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Belgium! Brugge, Brussels and Ghent
So I spent the past weekend in Belgium and absolutley FELL IN LOVE! Between the chocolates alone and fell in love completely, it is like a Woman's DREAM! Also - they specialize in beer heavily, so we tried a lot. Also, 60% of Belgium speak Dutch and 40% speak French, so I was happy to hear French around town as well. I noticed in Brussels there was a lot of French, and Ghent and Brugge it was more Dutch. We stayed with an awesome couch surfer named Sebastiaan who lives in Ghent. We spent two nights in Ghent, but on Saturday we traveled to Brugge and Sunday traveled to Brussels before then coming home Sunday night, back to Arnhem at 11:15pm. We were very tired, but got to see A LOT! I'm so happy with everything that we saw. I went with my Friend Zuwenah and my awesome friend Inma from Spain. She is from Cordoba Spain, but studies in Seville. Over her Junior Year of H.S. she studied in Escanaba, Michigan! So she's been to Appleton, Green Bay, Chicago, Minneapolis...etc. She's just adorable.
Some of the Shops in Brussels. Did you know >> Brussels is the Capital City of the European Union? Although historically Dutch-speaking, Brussels became increasingly French-speaking over the 19th and 20th centuries. Today a majority of inhabitants are native French-speakers, and both languages have official status. Linguistic tensions remain, and the language laws of the municipalities surrounding Brussels are an issue of considerable controversy in Belgium.
Here is the Royal Palace in Brussels. The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King of the Belgians in the centre of the nation's capital Brussels. However it is not used as a royal residence, as the king and his family live in the Royal Castle of Laeken on the outskirts of Brussels. The website of the Belgian Monarchy describes the function of the palace as follows: "The Palace is where His Majesty the King exercises his prerogatives as Head of State, grants audiences and deals with affairs of state. Apart from the offices of the King and the Queen, the Royal Palace houses the services of the Grand Marshal of the Court, the King's Head of Cabinet, the Head of the King's Military Household and the Intendant of the King's Civil List. The Palace also includes the State Rooms where large receptions are held, as well as the apartments provided for foreign Heads of State during official visits." The palace is situated in front of Brussels Park. A long square called the Paleizenplein/Place des Palais separates the palace from the park. The middle axis of the park marks both the middle peristyle of the palace and the middle of the facing building on the other side of the park, which is the Palace of the Nation. The two facing buildings are said to symbolize Belgium's system of government: a constitutional monarchy.
This photo doesn't even give it justice! I have a great picture at home of me in front of the building - I will have to upload it... but this is my friend Inma's picture. I have to admit, Belgium during Christmas time is amazing. The Christmas markets all around - and the lights/christmas trees and just everything is literally breath-taking. I'd recommend going to anywhere in Europe (Germany, Belgium...etc.) in the December/Jan. months because everything is lit up and BEAUTIFUL! I also took quite a few pictures of the park in front of the Palace, but being that it is winter and it was a tad rainy
My friend Zuwenah and I in front of the Cathedral in Brussels. Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. This is at the Treurenberg hill in Brussels. In 1047, Lambert II, Count of Leuven founded a chapter in this church and organized the transportation of the relics of Saint Gudula, housed before then in Saint Gaugericus Church on Saint-Géry Island. The patron saints of the church, archangel St. Michael and the martyr St. Gudula, are also the patron saints of the city of Brussels. In the thirteenth century, the cathedral was renovated in the Gothic style. The choir was constructed between 1226 and 1276. The façade was completed in the mid-fifteenth century.
In Brussels, this is from the Cathedral overlooking, from the steps.
Grand Place in Brussels. This is where the "main"/Everything is. It is also called Grote Markt -- It is the central square of Brussels. It is surrounded by guildhalls, the city's Town Hall, and the Breadhouse. The square is the most important tourist destination and most memorable landmark in Brussels, along with the Atomium and Manneken Pis. It measures 68 by 110 metres (223 by 360 ft), and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once again, this photo DOES NOT GIVE JUSTICE! This is the Brussels Town Hall, again > TOTALLY breathtaking! This is a Gothic building from the Middle Ages. It is located on the famous Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium.
The 96 meter (310 ft) high tower in Brabantine Gothic style emerged from the plans of Jan van Ruysbroek, the court architect of Philip the Good. By 1455 this tower had replaced the older belfry. Above the roof of the Town Hall, the square tower body narrows to a lavishly pinnacled octagonal openwork. Atop the spire stands a 5-meter-high gilt metal statue of the archangel Michael, patron saint of Brussels, slaying a dragon or devil. The tower, its front archway and the main building facade are conspicuously off-center relative to one another. According to legend, the architect upon discovering this "error" leapt to his death from the tower. More likely, the asymmetry of the Town Hall was an accepted consequence of the scattered construction history and space constraints.
Brugge
In the Chocolate shop >>> Need I say More?
Brugge
The chocolate shops in Brugge
I brought some chocolates home... I officially now KNOW I am going to fly home 4,000 lbs heavier!
This is taking a look at the canals of Brugge. Canals are everywhere in this city and are amazing. The buildings are all so old. We took a canal tour as well - I love being in boats :) Brugge has most of its medieval architecture intact.
Some of the Shops in Brussels. Did you know >> Brussels is the Capital City of the European Union? Although historically Dutch-speaking, Brussels became increasingly French-speaking over the 19th and 20th centuries. Today a majority of inhabitants are native French-speakers, and both languages have official status. Linguistic tensions remain, and the language laws of the municipalities surrounding Brussels are an issue of considerable controversy in Belgium.
Here is the Royal Palace in Brussels. The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King of the Belgians in the centre of the nation's capital Brussels. However it is not used as a royal residence, as the king and his family live in the Royal Castle of Laeken on the outskirts of Brussels. The website of the Belgian Monarchy describes the function of the palace as follows: "The Palace is where His Majesty the King exercises his prerogatives as Head of State, grants audiences and deals with affairs of state. Apart from the offices of the King and the Queen, the Royal Palace houses the services of the Grand Marshal of the Court, the King's Head of Cabinet, the Head of the King's Military Household and the Intendant of the King's Civil List. The Palace also includes the State Rooms where large receptions are held, as well as the apartments provided for foreign Heads of State during official visits." The palace is situated in front of Brussels Park. A long square called the Paleizenplein/Place des Palais separates the palace from the park. The middle axis of the park marks both the middle peristyle of the palace and the middle of the facing building on the other side of the park, which is the Palace of the Nation. The two facing buildings are said to symbolize Belgium's system of government: a constitutional monarchy.
This photo doesn't even give it justice! I have a great picture at home of me in front of the building - I will have to upload it... but this is my friend Inma's picture. I have to admit, Belgium during Christmas time is amazing. The Christmas markets all around - and the lights/christmas trees and just everything is literally breath-taking. I'd recommend going to anywhere in Europe (Germany, Belgium...etc.) in the December/Jan. months because everything is lit up and BEAUTIFUL! I also took quite a few pictures of the park in front of the Palace, but being that it is winter and it was a tad rainy
My friend Zuwenah and I in front of the Cathedral in Brussels. Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. This is at the Treurenberg hill in Brussels. In 1047, Lambert II, Count of Leuven founded a chapter in this church and organized the transportation of the relics of Saint Gudula, housed before then in Saint Gaugericus Church on Saint-Géry Island. The patron saints of the church, archangel St. Michael and the martyr St. Gudula, are also the patron saints of the city of Brussels. In the thirteenth century, the cathedral was renovated in the Gothic style. The choir was constructed between 1226 and 1276. The façade was completed in the mid-fifteenth century.
In Brussels, this is from the Cathedral overlooking, from the steps.
Grand Place in Brussels. This is where the "main"/Everything is. It is also called Grote Markt -- It is the central square of Brussels. It is surrounded by guildhalls, the city's Town Hall, and the Breadhouse. The square is the most important tourist destination and most memorable landmark in Brussels, along with the Atomium and Manneken Pis. It measures 68 by 110 metres (223 by 360 ft), and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once again, this photo DOES NOT GIVE JUSTICE! This is the Brussels Town Hall, again > TOTALLY breathtaking! This is a Gothic building from the Middle Ages. It is located on the famous Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium.
The 96 meter (310 ft) high tower in Brabantine Gothic style emerged from the plans of Jan van Ruysbroek, the court architect of Philip the Good. By 1455 this tower had replaced the older belfry. Above the roof of the Town Hall, the square tower body narrows to a lavishly pinnacled octagonal openwork. Atop the spire stands a 5-meter-high gilt metal statue of the archangel Michael, patron saint of Brussels, slaying a dragon or devil. The tower, its front archway and the main building facade are conspicuously off-center relative to one another. According to legend, the architect upon discovering this "error" leapt to his death from the tower. More likely, the asymmetry of the Town Hall was an accepted consequence of the scattered construction history and space constraints.
Brugge
In the Chocolate shop >>> Need I say More?
Brugge
The chocolate shops in Brugge
I brought some chocolates home... I officially now KNOW I am going to fly home 4,000 lbs heavier!
This is taking a look at the canals of Brugge. Canals are everywhere in this city and are amazing. The buildings are all so old. We took a canal tour as well - I love being in boats :) Brugge has most of its medieval architecture intact.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Booked Italy trains & headed to London!
We finally figured out our Italy plans:
Fly to Rome on Dec. 19th then off to Pompei on the 21st. Off to Bologna on the 23rd and spending Christmas day in Florence on the 25th. Then on the 26th off to Venice, then we fly out of Venice to Berlin for New Years on Dec. 28th - very exciting :)
My friend Zuwenah and I found DIRT CHEAP flights to London in January through Ryan Air. We are leaving at night out of Dusseldorf on Jan. 7th 2011 to go to London Stansted Airport. We'll stay until the night hours on the 11th and then head back home. On Jan. 12th I have an exam at 9am and also at 2:00pm so I'll be studying on the plane :)
Fly to Rome on Dec. 19th then off to Pompei on the 21st. Off to Bologna on the 23rd and spending Christmas day in Florence on the 25th. Then on the 26th off to Venice, then we fly out of Venice to Berlin for New Years on Dec. 28th - very exciting :)
My friend Zuwenah and I found DIRT CHEAP flights to London in January through Ryan Air. We are leaving at night out of Dusseldorf on Jan. 7th 2011 to go to London Stansted Airport. We'll stay until the night hours on the 11th and then head back home. On Jan. 12th I have an exam at 9am and also at 2:00pm so I'll be studying on the plane :)
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Today in Arnhem! It is -7°C and 19°F! I have more pictures to come
This is in our backyard basically, right behind the honigkamp building. Its funny because there are still mallards, ducks, seagulls and swans around Arnhem. We've seen them on the canals (and hear them squaking all of the time) and seagulls in the park on the walk to school.
I mean c'mon don't they migrate at this time?!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving 2010!
We did celebrate Thanksgiving and I am so happy we did! It was a blast! My friend Tayler video taped so I really want to watch it and maybe download it. We all did go around and say what we were thankful for. We had four countries represented at our Thanksgiving: Spain, Canada, USA and Australia.
Dessert --- I really wanted Pumpkin Pie this Thanksgiving, but of course that wasn't able to happen. This was an Apple type of dessert, and it did the trick for the time being :)
All of us!
The Wisconsin Fam :)
Chili, Mashed Potatoes and Chicken with veggies soup
The spinach dip was awesome! So happy my friend Zuwenah made this, it was a hit
All of the girls
Myself and Inma (from Spain) in the kitchen helping Joe and Tayler with the meal.
My dish to pass was devlied eggs! I LOVE DEVILED EGGS! A lot of people have never had them before, and this is a huge hit at my house so I wanted to make them as something "new" for others to try.
The other night as I was trying to figure out my laptop dilemma, I went to my friend's apartment, Madison, who is from Toronto. Her Dad actually came on skype while I was at her house and he brought up how Thanksgiving was coming up and how huge of a holiday it is in the US (They indicated that in Canada it is NEVER as big as it is in America), so he sent Madison this picture and she printed it out for all of us to have on the table during dinner. It was so nice. This is my friend Zuwenah showing the image for the camera :)
I hope everyone back home had a great Thanksgiving and remained safe and warm :) Ours was a great holiday and it was awesome celebrating with those who never celebrate Thanksgiving but to spread the holiday cheer. Yes, yes we listened to christmas carols during the night as well. It was great for me to come home after our festivities at Joe and Taylers apartment and skype with my family.
Miss you all!
Love,
B
Dessert --- I really wanted Pumpkin Pie this Thanksgiving, but of course that wasn't able to happen. This was an Apple type of dessert, and it did the trick for the time being :)
All of us!
The Wisconsin Fam :)
Chili, Mashed Potatoes and Chicken with veggies soup
The spinach dip was awesome! So happy my friend Zuwenah made this, it was a hit
All of the girls
Myself and Inma (from Spain) in the kitchen helping Joe and Tayler with the meal.
My dish to pass was devlied eggs! I LOVE DEVILED EGGS! A lot of people have never had them before, and this is a huge hit at my house so I wanted to make them as something "new" for others to try.
The other night as I was trying to figure out my laptop dilemma, I went to my friend's apartment, Madison, who is from Toronto. Her Dad actually came on skype while I was at her house and he brought up how Thanksgiving was coming up and how huge of a holiday it is in the US (They indicated that in Canada it is NEVER as big as it is in America), so he sent Madison this picture and she printed it out for all of us to have on the table during dinner. It was so nice. This is my friend Zuwenah showing the image for the camera :)
I hope everyone back home had a great Thanksgiving and remained safe and warm :) Ours was a great holiday and it was awesome celebrating with those who never celebrate Thanksgiving but to spread the holiday cheer. Yes, yes we listened to christmas carols during the night as well. It was great for me to come home after our festivities at Joe and Taylers apartment and skype with my family.
Miss you all!
Love,
B
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Nerd Party
So last Thursday night before heading to Prague the organization that I am a part of on campus (ISA) had a "Nerd" themed party. We all had worked very hard on exams (I only had one, but others had upwards of 4 in one week!) So we decided to dress as nerds and head downtown.
Everyone had a great time laughing at each other for looking so ridiculous.
Here are some pictures from the event
Everyone had a great time laughing at each other for looking so ridiculous.
Here are some pictures from the event
Birthday Party! 24 Nov
So it is my Australian friend's 22nd birthday today! I secretly woke up at 7am this morning (yes yes, I know VERY rough -- especially since we were up past midnight last night watching Gosspip Girl, I AM SO ADDICTED!) and decorated her door with massive amounts of green, blue, pink and red balloons and a big streamer that says "Happy Birthday" in Dutch. Of course with the classic pink "Birthday Girl" pin that she'll be wearing tonight. I had class at 8:45am this morning and she did as well, so I hope she got a great awakening before heading out ;)
Tonight we are headed to a pizza/pasta place for her Birthday Dinner. She set the reservation for about 30 people so it should be a blast! They have a 5.95 Euro special tonight for any pasta or pizza on their menu... so it is very reasonable.
I'll try to post a picture of her door within the next few days. Still no laptop! Hoping to buy a computer monitor today.
B
Tonight we are headed to a pizza/pasta place for her Birthday Dinner. She set the reservation for about 30 people so it should be a blast! They have a 5.95 Euro special tonight for any pasta or pizza on their menu... so it is very reasonable.
I'll try to post a picture of her door within the next few days. Still no laptop! Hoping to buy a computer monitor today.
B
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Praha! (Prague) Nov. 19th, 20th, 21st 2010
The view out of the boat window on our boat tour
The stairs leading up to the tower in the clock!
Astronomical clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock is a medieval astronomical clock located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. It is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall in the Old Town Square and is a popular tourist attraction.
It has three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; "The Walk of the Apostles", a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months
Prague Castle
This fairy tale castle on a hill overlooking the Vltava River is the most popular sight in the city, reflecting the city's "Bohemian Baroque" architecture. The seat of Czech rulers for 1,000 years, today it houses the office of the Pesident. Contained within the castle walls are three courtyards, beautiful gardens, shops, and restaurants. St Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic landmark of the city started in 926 that has always been the center of Prague's religious and political life, is in this giant castle. The cathedral has 21 chapels as well as its most famous archway, the Golden Portal entrance , containing a mosaic of The last Judgement dating back to 1370.
Prague Castle
Baroque statues
Baroque statue
Right near our hotel in town
Me on the Charls Bridge overlooking
Charles Bridge is a stone Gothic bridge that connects the Old Town and Malá Strana. It was actually called the Stone Bridge (Kamenný most) during the first several centuries. Its construction was commissioned by Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and began in 1357. In charge of the construction was architect Petr Parléř whose other works include the St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle. It is said that egg yolks were mixed into the mortar to strengthen the construction of the bridge. Our tour guide explained this egg yolk thing to us!
Charles Bridge is one of the many monuments that were built during Charles' reign but it is not the first bridge that ever connected the Prague banks of the Vltava. Another bridge used to stand in its place - the Judith Bridge, which was the first stone bridge over the river. It was built in 1172 and collapsed in a flood in 1342
The bridge also has the Baroque statues (a total of 30) began to be placed on either side of Charles Bridge in the 17th century. Now many of them are copies and the originals can be seen in the Lapidarium.
Our view from the top of the tower
Our view from the top of the tower
Charles Bridge
Our view from the top of the tower
Charles Bridge
The driver/our tour guide on the boat tour
On our boat tour :) We had hot wine and beer included in the price. The others didn't like the hot wine, but I surprisingly did!
Powder Gate
Powder Gate
TGI Fridays in Prague! Whaaaa?!
Me!
Overlooking
Overlooking
Do not be alarmed! We didn't spend this much money! It was just crazy seeing that on a bill.
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