Belgium so far: Brussels, Brugge, and Leuven

Hey! I hope everyone's summers were fantastic, and that your returns to Penn were easy (and super fun once you got there). I have been so jealous reading this blog over the summer as Emily, Esther, Kate and Val graciously posted about their incredible experiences (both intellectual and culinary, my favorite). That being said, I anxiously awaited my departure for Belgium...but now I'm here! I have been extremely impressed with Belgium so far, and would love to tell you more about it :)

My dad (thankfully) came over with me. Otherwise, there's no way I would have been able to bring all my clothes, cosmetics, and bedding. Even with space saver (read: life saver) bags, my stuff took up 3 full suitcases..

Once in Europe, my dad and I spent the weekend exploring Brussels and Brugge. The amount we accomplished in those two days was mildly absurd.. we went from place to place to hit all of the main tourist attractions in each city. Brussels was a very cool, modern day city, but so many of the buildings had survived from the 1400s or earlier, or were replicates of what they used to be. It was awesome to see

an H&M next to a 12th century church..and the chocolate was literally amazing. Also, one thing that I loved about Brussels that has been a recurring theme since then: the outdoor tables and restaurants. Outdoor seating is definitely a favorite for Penn students, but the three tables outside Metro and the (former) Marathon don't even compare to the squares Brussels, Brugge and Leuven all have.

Brugge was also incredible. I had never heard of the city before abroad, but I really recommend

anyone traveling through/to Belgium to go there. It's incredibly charming, as most of the olden-day-esque feel has been preserved. Hopefully the picture on the left gives a bit of a sense about what I mean.

In terms of Penn study abroad options, to be honest, I felt pretty limited as a Wharton student who didn't speak another language. I kind of landed on Belgium by process of elimination- it's the easiest to travel from. So I wasn't sure what to expect. Once I arrived int he city, I was blown away. Leuven is an unbelievable college town, if I can't call it a city. The city is super charming, filled with old, beautiful buildings that now function as city halls and other centers. For example, the university library is an incredibly impressive structure that was actually donated to leaven by American universities after World War II.

Besides the older buildings, every single street is filled with side-by-side shops or restaurants. The entire city is basically retail and food, which I will definitely not complain about. The cobblestone streets have tables pouring into them from all sides, and there's actually a ton of international cuisine. I'm convinced the city is one big restaurant owned by the same person because there is zero chance that with so many restaurants in one city, any one

of them is profitable. It's a lot like Philadelphia in that sense- a million places to eat, and not near enough time to explore all of them. What's unlike Philadelphia: there's tons of public parks, on the left you can see a picture of me (middle) in the botanical gardens. The waffles are also a lot better, as is the gelato. Also, they speak Dutch. My first academic experience in Leuven has been the 10-day

Dutch course all Penn student take together. In addition to it being a great bonding experience, I actually feel like I am learning the language a little. We had our first test today, and although it was a lot easier tha

n I expected (and a lot easier than anything I've taken at Penn..) I was surprised by how much material we have covered so far. Who knows how much I'll use it, since everyone speaks English anyway, but it's definitely a great way to ease back into an academic semester after a summer off.

As I explore Leuven more, I'll be sure to keep updates coming! Please feel free to contact me on my personal e-mail if you have ANY questions about the Leuven program at any point during the semester, especially if you are considering studying abroad here (or anywhere else), it's rmeyers@wharton.upenn.edu. Tot ziens!