Some history, some orientation, some interviews...oh and some more interviews.

Since my last post, I had a history-packed tour of the Grand Place area by our professor (we affectionately know him as Jerry...so from now on, that's who I'll mean when I say Jerry). I think him and Dad would get along great, and he would be the perfect tour guide type for Nana Camp adventures for sure; He knows all the random facts you wouldn't ever think to ask about from architectural subtleties to the history of conflict and significance in an area--very engaging. 
The tour was great an all, but I must complain just a tad about the insane wind and freezing rain that day that none of us expected (forgetting the farther North latitude of Brussels I guess, but made the tea I had at lunch all the more enjoyable!)

La Grand Place

Some of you may notice "Le Chat Noir"...

 Some other area shots

 

Le Manneken Pis...

...and in case you didn't recognize this icon, here's a bigger version (take note of the ever famous "gaufres" or waffles in all the lovely varieties on his right)

Anybody recognize Tin Tin?

Local landmark: Delirium Bar

After our tour, we rode the metro together for the first time to the American University Brussels Center on our host university's campus. We got briefed on information about our host families and then got whisked away by our host parents to our first night at the homes! I live with Bridgitte de Paul and her 25 year old daughter (who is diligently studying for exams which are brutal and quite important here). Oh, here are some other fun facts: I'm living in a semi-homestay situation which means I get 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners; Otherwise, I'm on my own and get a stipend, can use the house kitchen and the like. 

 My humble abode!

Any family that welcomes with chocolate is A-OK in my book

Another fun fact: the next day (Monday/today) we learned all about our interviews which start tomorrow...and of which I have four--the most in the group tomorrow just due to luck of the schedule. Wednesday I only have one. I am super excited for all of them! They are with: The German Marshall Fund, Landmark Europe, Atlantic Treaty Association, CEJI (A Jewish based but general anti-discrimination network), and AEFJN (Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network). I highly recommend looking them up! I'll let ya know what I think of them/how I think the interviews go though over the next two days and give more information. The process involves inter-group competition/overlap so we really have to sell ourselves at the ones we want! I've been told my french will help, as well as my work experience, and these organizations picked us based off our resumes, so that's good also. After we each had individual briefings about our interviews, a group of us wandered around the area by my house, shopped a bit, and I grabbed a couple lunch items to pack--my first Brussels grocery experience! More time consuming with deciphering new brands and foreign labels...but success nonetheless!

 A look at the metro-WARNING: must press door to enter, doors will not open automatically! My friend and I realized this trying to exit this morning actually and ended up a stop too far...whoops. 

Well, seeing as how it's approaching a late hour and I have a packed day from 9:30-4:30 scheduled interviews all around the city tomorrow, I should probably head to bed but more to come as I learn what I'll be doing! First step: Press metro door open button...