Saturday, October 16, 2010

Cologne Pictures

We got off of the train and found a bike buggy to take us to the hostel
An upward sloping moving walkway.  Scarily entertaining for Anne and I.
On the steps of the cathedral
Thousands of locks line the fence of the bridge over the Rhine river.  Anne and I added our own.
Checking out the Rhine river
The hostel.  6 other women stayed that night.  3 Germans, 2 Japanese, and 1 French girl. 
Michael Jackson tribute wall
The Cologne Cathedral
Inside the Cathedral
Fun Day!
After a tough climb to the top of the cathedral. Awesome view!




428 steps of Claustrophobia
A train headed to Trier, Germany.  Go Trevians!








Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Antwerp Zoo

The half-marathon went great!  Not quite as fast as I had hoped, but it was a beautiful day and a truly memorable experience.

After the race, it was off to Antwerp for the day.  I had been dying to visit the zoo there, and I knew it might be one of my last sunny weekends here in Belgium.  The zoo was much larger than I expected, and had a great variety of animals.  It was interesting to see the French and Dutch words for each kind of animal.  Our favorite was the tigers...MIZ! 

Afterwards, we ate at a Mexican restaurant.  It was pretty average food, but we were very excited when the server brought us sombraros to wear!

This weekend, Cologne Germany!


Leopard

Cheetah trying to eat a plant outside of it's cage.

 So excited to go into the Zoo!

The sombraros
Will and I
Waiting at the Mcdonalds in Antwerp for our other friend.
This must have been before I found out it was 20 euros to get in...
The first animal we saw at the zoo
Giraffes
Mizzou kids in front of the tigers.  M-I-Z!
elephants
Gorilla
attempting to growl at the camera, but laughing too hard. Z-O-U!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Weekend in the Netherlands and New Internship

We had our first test in Gareth's class on Friday.  It was over the EU and it's institutions.  While studying for the test I got to see that I have really learned a tremendous amount about the EU, both from Gareth's class and my internship at European Voice.

After the test, we went to the Atomium.  It is a huge structure that resembles a giant atom with steel spheres connected by tunnels.  We went up to the top sphere where there is a magnificent view of the city.  Despite the rain, we could still see for miles in each direction.  It was interesting to look at a city where the tallest building is a church.  Certainly a little different than the Chicago skyline!

On Saturday, I went to the Netherlands to go snowboarding at an indoor park.  It was quite an experience, and I learned quickly that snowboarding is not as easy as it looks.  After a few hours of falling frequently and admiring ten-year-olds who are as talented as professionals, I decided it was time to give my sore tailbone a rest.  We left and drive through the Netherlands countryside, making a few pit stops so I could take pictures of a few animals at the side of the road.

We stopped in Gent on the way back to Brussels.  What a cool city!  It has the same charm of Bruges with the canals and old architecture, but has a much more modern feel.  We will definately be back for a day trip!

I started my new internship on Monday.  When I walked into the tiny office building I was greeted by James, (the Editor) a hilarious British man, and David (The Publisher) an incredibly friendly Belgian.  The office pretty much consists of 5 employees, with many of the writers working from home.  It is a small, relatively new publication, with a ton of marketing potential.  David has been single-handedly running the sales, so he is really happy to have me and more than willing to give me interesting assignments.  I could not be happier with the internship, and I see the small size as an opportunity to really get involved and learn about different aspects of the magazine business.

The half-marathon is this weekend!  I am really looking forward to it and praying that it's not too rainy!

The Mizzou kids were informed that there is a Chipotle restaurant in London.  We decided instantly to go asap.  October 16, London here we come!

Indoor Snowingboarding Park in Terneuzen, NL


Finally made it up here after many failed attempts to use the lift.

All suited up!

Ponies on the side of the highway.  They were about three feet tall.

"Ellen, people are staring.  Take the picture and get back in the car."

Cows!  The Netherlands have the most friendly animals!

Dutch Windmill

Probably right before one of my many falls

The bunny hill.  Spent most of the day here.

Driving along the coast of the North Sea