Waffles.  Fries.  Architecture.  An actual subway system.  Just some of the wonderful things I experienced on our study trip to Brussels, Belgium.  

I will be honest when I say that I had very low expectations for Brussels.  I thought that it would just be a stopping point before heading to the true star of the study trip (aka Paris), but boy was I as wrong as could be.  Brussels is a pure gem.  Grade A quality.  One of the most interesting cities I have yet to experience.  

The official purpose of my time in Brussels was briefings at the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union.  This in itself was pretty cool.  We learned about European energy policy and the infamous Brexit vote.  They gave us free pens and coffee, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank Europe as a whole for your hospitality. 

A mural, near the back entrance of the EC.  I tend to think that Europe has got a pretty strong grip on the past, but hey, believe what makes you happy, Europe.

  
When not learning about the future of nuclear power in EU member states, you could find my friends and I exploring the city and enjoying the bustling old town area.  This area is home to the famous Grand Place and about a thousand waffle stands.  It was also home to a cool street band we ran into on about every corner called Soma Age.  

After running into them four times it only made sense to take a photo.  They probably didn't think we're stalking them.  Probably.

The variety of food choices and activities also made Brussels a winner.  I had the chance to eat tacos for the first time in months. Also, the general feeling of the city made it stand out (I'm not the world's biggest fan of the word ~ViBeS~ but the vibes of the city were really cool).  You could tell that it's an important and major global city, but it never felt like anyone was in a rush.  You could just enjoy the architecture and the history and the double-fried fries.  

Some of the best things to come back with me from Brussels were my thrift shop finds. I got a couple of really sharp blazers (one is velvet, so look out, academic community. I'm fully initiated.) and a lot of memories.  Check out this staw boat hat (which unfortunately did not return with me): 

Singing bass in a quartet or giving gondola tours? You be the judge.

Some of my greatest memories in Belgium are just sitting around with my friends in the middle of the Grand Place. I really recommend this at night.  In the middle of the day, though, you are more likely to spontaneuosly have your photo taken by strangers.  Still unclear why this was a thing, but oh well.  

Sophie and I. Brussels' hottest tourist attraction, apparently. Our strained and slightly pained smiles are due to the (count 'em) four different people who spontaneously decided to take a photo with us.

Despite the strange photographers, Brussels was incredible.  I would genuinely and wholeheartedly recommend a stop by for anyone who finds themselves in the neighborhood.  

A bunch of pommes de terres just trying to find their way back to Delerium in this world.