The Edinbroad

First official day of Brussels! Woke up around 7:30 am, party time USA people. We went on a bus tour...

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:27:27 -0400

First official day of Brussels! Woke up around 7:30 am, party time USA people. We went on a bus tour around the city. One that you hop on and hop off with, it was pretty sick actually. We couldn’t get the hang of it because when you hop off, you have to wait around until another tour bus comes\passes by and you can hop onto that one. In the beginning the 20 euro that was spent was kind of a flop. Until we got to really see what was around Brussels. And what an adrenalin rush I gained. We separated for a half hour. John went into auto world, which is exactly what it sounds like and me and Jacquie went into an aviation and army tank museum. Its completely confirmed. I am a dude and maybe one day I’ll find the little lady I’m meant to be inside. After we met up with John, we discovered that we missed the bus so we took him to the aviation museum…not even a second in the museum and we spotted the bus. I’m pretty sure the people at the museum thought we stole something from the way we were sprinting out of the place. The next bus was actually really cool. It was double decker with no roof on the second floor so pictures were highly accessible. Below is a quick description of the stops from the pamphlet.

They give you headphones and you’re good to go. Just make sure you find the right translation of the tour on one of the channels on the radio. With the bus tour, one of the things that I really recommend is the last site of the Atomium. It is the last structure that wasn’t knocked down from the World Fair in Brussels. Its this HUGE structure that has 8 different globes on it and when you travel to the top, you can see all across Belgium. BEAUTIFUL. After the tour let out, we decided to continue to walk around. We stumbled into this large tunnel that reminded me of Grand Central Station…except filled with shops that sold more chocolate than I could ever imagine. Chocolate on chocolate on chocolate, I need to stop myself before I salivate all over my computer and considering I’m in a library that wouldn’t look proper. But its funny, people window shop for clothes and jewelry, no not in Brussels. You window shop for candy and chocolate, but only the finest sweets. Considering it was close to night time we decided to go back to the hotel to clean up and prepare ourselves.

Hmm, what did our night time festivities include? Oh stole record menus, a giraffe, a zombie, NUA disco at O’Reilly Pub, and dancing Eskimos. Want the background story? Ugh okay…only because I like you guys! We went back to the pub area and went into a renovated building. I didn’t pay attention to the name, but only what they had to offer. The menus were records (which we casually took as a memento) and our choice of drink? A Giraffe…a 3 liter cylinder of beer. Zombie, well thats a secret. Maybe you can Google it and think about it. Is it a drink, a dance, a slang term used in this pub, or a nickname? HMMM. options options. Gotta keep you on your feet during this blog. After the pub we didn’t want to finish our night there. We went dancing in our big puffy coats. No one understood what was going on and we frankly didn’t care.

Not to be all sentimental, but honestly. When you’re abroad…you need to make an ass of yourself. It’s definitely who I am and come on…what do you want to be remembered for? Think about it.

Ended the night with a midnight waffle in the Brussels city square. Bos$.

Spes nostra salve.

ToUcHdOwN

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:14:38 -0400

I just arrived in Brussels, Belgium and I don’t know what to do with myself. We left Edinburgh with the bus called Airlink. Airlink bus is a shuttle that goes from waverly bridge to the airport, highly convenient. 6 pounds round trip….completely worth it. It was a 45 minute ride to the airport. Also…I have a weird fear of airports. I hate airport security because I always have the tendency to get checked. But it was not as bad as I thought it would be. I made a little game out of it actually, how many liquid products can amanda lupo it into a travel sized ziplock bag? A lot actually because im awesome (considering i only had small products to fit inside it). Passed security with a breeze and scooted my way to gate 19 where the journey began. As we lined up a lady warned me and Jacquie about our pocketbooks. Apparently Ryanair charges extra if you can’t fit your purse into your carry on, it’s a good thing that I had a big jacket to drape over my pocketbook! Cheers! We walked onto the plane, quickly found our seats and I just snuggled on down. I also made my first racial joke on an airplane. TYPICAL. But, seriously check out the RyanAir safety guide, the white man always gets the credit.

Plugged in my headphones and let the direction of the airplane take me away. an hour and twenty minutes later, touch down New York Giants! Oh I mean WOO BRUSSELS AIRPORT! Quickly exited the terminal where I was greeted by a nice man who asked me tons of questions about my stay in brussels. Visas are no joke and bringing important papers makes a difference (tickets, hotel/hostile confirmations/credit cards) he stamped a pretty little ID for brussels on my passport then finally! Running to the bus to take us to our hotel….oh except for the fact that the ATMs here don’t take your card the right way. Normally the black chip faces the bottom, here, you have to flip your card to pay. We missed an early bus because I was of course having trouble…of course, not surprised by myself. But whatever! The bus was comfy, 45 minute ride to the bus station where we walked to our final destination Hotel Opera.

Dropped our stuff off at the hotel and walked around to try to find the perfect bar to situate ourselves for the night. Many bars to choose from but a lotos them were already packed by the time we hit the streets and by packed I mean insanely cluttered with people. We chose “zebra” first taste of hommel beer, which I crave now. It was delicious. I also went up to the counter and spoke French to the lady behind the bar and ordered John a beer and I did it flawlessly. BOOM.

oh…did I mention they speak French here? Because they do. They speak French.

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Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:54:22 -0500

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Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:36:33 -0500

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Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:25:37 -0500

Loch Ness, Scotland It really does exist! No, not the monster,...

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:21:00 -0500

Loch Ness, Scotland

It really does exist! No, not the monster, but Loch Ness…which was absolutely beautiful. Its funny, I get extremely cranky when I don’t sleep..which is basically all the time but for some reason I did not mind at all waking up early for this trip to run across the city to make a bus that we traveled with for 8 hours. We took a Highland Bus Tour that traveled through the Highlands to Loch Ness. The trip was just for a day and not that expensive. Definitely something that needs to be done, especially if you just want to get away for a little bit, see a different side of what Scotland has to offer. What was cool about bus tours is that it stops every now and then to show you different views of Scotland and different places of importance where you can roam around and take pictures.

I love long bus rides, i don’t know why but something about them is very soothing and I guess its the fact that I get pure excitement for the final destination, and considering this one was a loch, I was ready! The weather was the only thing that was extremely bitter. We were not expected heavy rain/snow and thank god i wore my timberlands. OH GOOD THING TO BRING! HIKING BOOTS OR DURABLE BOOTS! My boots are brown Timberlands, not the normal ones. I consider them to be extremely fashionable but so durable and very useful. Once we got to Loch Ness, you had three choices: stay in the hotel for an hour and half and just lounge around, go to a castle for an hour and then a cruise around Loch Ness for a half hour, or do the full time on a cruise around Loch Ness. We chose to do the cruise around Loch Ness and definitely worth it!

There was just something about this place that was extraordinary. It might have been the fact that there is a myth based around this place, or the fact that everything just felt right being there. The weather was bitter and dark for the whole trip until we got on a cruise to travel around Loch Ness. The skies opened up for a little revealing the sun and a crystal but sky appeared. Definitely taking that as a sign and enjoyed every moment of the peeking sun. Its times like this that make me appreciate what I have been offered in life. There will always be those moments where the path seems to dark to travel on, but sometimes its worth taking those chances to see if there is a light at the end of the path, and there was.

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Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:15:38 -0500

Definitely Hyrule Castle...definitely.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:08:00 -0500

Definitely Hyrule Castle...definitely.

You all look like little ants from up here!

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:02:38 -0500

For Aidan,

You’re making an amazing decision and I really hope you take what I have to say on this blog and use it to your advantage. Obviously you will have a completely different experience. This next post is about something that actually changes you.

Looking outside of our room window we see the picturesque Arthur’s Seat. It does not look like much and it could prove to be an easy climb for some, but the majestic beauty that I saw looking out from the top was breathtaking. My pictures do not describe what happens up there. You feel like you’re on top of the world, a different experience from Jack and Rose, let me tell you that.

You’re steps away from falling and the lack of protection catches you off guard. This was a place where you let go. You climb all the way to the top and look out into the city of Edinburgh. There are plenty of places you can climb, such as Duomos in Italy, especially climbing a top of Saint Peter’s Basilica. But, there is something different about climbing a top of Arthur’s Seat and looking at the fall colors of the land. It is breathtaking. Completely worth the huffing and puffing. If you need to get away and just take a chance to find yourself. Definitely do this. A completely out of body experience for me that made me enjoy the natural beauty.

Edinburgh wishes & Scottish kisses!

Arthurs Seat, Edinburgh UK

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:12:49 -0500

Arthurs Seat, Edinburgh UK

A few clubs that we have graced with our dancing presence....

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:03:00 -0500

A few clubs that we have graced with our dancing presence. It’s funny, you can really tell who is from the United States by the way girls dance :O. Going in order of the pictures: Club Oh No!, next two are from Shanghai Night Club, The Hive, and The Big Cheese (our student center hosts a big “cheesy” dance every Saturday night. One word, ridiculous.)

The clubs and pubs here are hilarious with their names. I mean, a complete step up from Dizzy Lizards or Nacho Mamas on Long Island. Our first club was called “Why Not?” It was my first UK club experience and I honestly did not know what to expect. If it was anything like what we have on Long Island, it just was not going to be enjoyable…but it worked out. The club was amazing for our first experience. Before entering into each club, you must get stamped (tramp stamped basically because this ink does not come off whatsoever). This one happened to be a question mark, how ironic (why not, question mark, funny!) But, its great! Each club has its own photographer and damn is it nice to see mah face all purrty (just kidding, im not THAT conceited). The clubs listed below are very fun, especially The Hive. When we went all that was playing was punk alternative cheesy rock. For example: Nickleback, Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco, A Day to Remember, The Darkness, All Time Low & Rage Against the Machine…but that’s just to name a few! Really really fun! Definitely worth going back to, made such a good impression on our night! OH! HOW COULD I FORGET! We celebrated Chinese New Years at 80’s night at Shanghai Night Club. I really should have been born in the 80’s. The Music was awesome, the fashion was hot and the movies were watchable. It was so much fun, also considering that we were stamped to get into VIP foooo freeee! WOO! Finally special enough for VIP status. The countdown began as we were dancing to 80’s jams and we listened to everyone cheer and jump around when it was finally the new year!

“Tea for Two” at Elaine’s Cuppa Cake,...

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 09:39:00 -0500

“Tea for Two” at Elaine’s Cuppa Cake, Edinburgh UK. We were defeated after what we thought would be a small meal. Let me tell you, it was anything but….

We never took this establishment into consideration. We would constantly walk by the window that was filled with cakes and treats, but we never decided to go in. One of Jacquie’s friends from home recommended Elaine’s Cuppa Cake for something called “Afternoon Tea.” We ventured into town to find this little hole in the wall, a quaint teashop filled with pasties and a never-ending lingering smell of all things delicious, seriously have you looked at my pictures? We quickly scurried to a table where Jacquie and I exchanged stories pretending that we haven’t been spending every waking moment together (definitely not complaining haha!) We ordered the “Tea for Two,” which blew my mind and filled my stomach with the most delicious deserts I have had in a while. “Tea for Two” consisted of a pot of tea (and yes, the tea kettle wore a knit suit of some sorts, absolutely adorable), four muffins filled with jam, two butter biscuits, four scones with jam and a dollop of thick whipped cream and two sandwiches. Jacquie ordered a chicken sandwich and I caved into the meat trail. I ordered a meatball sandwich with cheddar cheese on white bread. BEYOND DELICIOUS. The tea was fresh and delectable. I mean, look at Jacquie! So defeated at the end of this whole endeavor, but very much worth it.

The University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity....

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:31:33 -0500

The University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Title: Til Kingdom Come Artist: Coldplay Album: X & Y Year:...

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:30:12 -0500

Title: Til Kingdom Come

Artist: Coldplay

Album: X & Y

Year: 2005

Outside of the School of Divinity. Edinburgh, UK

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:17:00 -0500

Outside of the School of Divinity. Edinburgh, UK

if you understand my last name, then you’ll understand...

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:07:55 -0500

if you understand my last name, then you’ll understand when I say that me and sister both howl at the same moon.

miss ya sis!

Going to the chapel & we're gonna get married

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:59:00 -0500

Currently in Saint Giles writing this post as we speak and I know that I have been slacking on my posts. My sleeping schedule is still out of whack so I’m going a little crazy, and it doesn’t help that the beds are solid as rocks, but at least im warm! Big things have been happening. On Saturday we had our first international Meet and Greet at the student center, and I swear it was just like walking into the Magic Kingdom. The castle like structure had neon beams of light that illuminated the sides. As we walked in I held my breath. I get really shy around new people so it wasn’t the most comfortable experience, but hey! We met three people, two who conveniently Jacquie knew. We struck up a conversation and I felt at ease. Later in the evening after smoozing around the student center, we took a still down the street to a pub called The Tron. Now, I haven’t seen any of the movies (new or old) but this pub is quaint and free spirited. Meant for the pallets of a younger generation and we loved it from the moment we walked in. The pub was two levels. Top level was very lit and it was more of a hangout, downstairs was where the music bumped. The bottom floor wasn’t as highly lit at the top, which set such a chill mood. Jacquie experienced her first guiness and I, of course, reached for my pint of heineken that was beautifully poured. I’m easy on the eyes but heavy on the beer (just kidding parents, I’m a classy gal.)

Sunday was our official orientation. It only lasted about three hours, but I got to meet a few international students and travel around our campus. I was graced with the honor of looking…at a distance…at the cafe where JK Rowling “in the deep” wrote a famous book or something. The cafe is called Elephant House…she would. And, It’s not like I have my religion class in a school that looks like Hogwarts, or there is a Potterrow right by the cafe, or we passed a building called Dobie before. Actually, fun fact, Jk Rowling is an alumni of the University of Edinburgh. I didn’t even know that and I’ve been here for a whole week and a half (LOL just kidding Rowling, I’ve seen the movies and read up to the 5th book)

Monday was our first official day of classes! YAY….but classes have been really good so far. Also we were finally exposed to the cLuB sCeNe, which, I don’t know, I just really loved it. We loved to dance, which made the experience really awesome. I can officially say that I partied at a club called “Why Not” and the stamp to get into the club was a question mark hahaha, what is this life I live?! Definitely not complaining. The rest of the week has been pretty mellow, but I’m hoping it will gain more momentum soon enough. Also, with the help of the girls on our floor, they have been wonderful. We have been going through initiation, but I think we got it in the bag. Their hospitality to knock on our doors and invite us out has been such a beauty to us and we fully appreciate hear girls and guys.

I guess the good thing about being in Edinburgh is that I get to appreciate what it’s like to be myself again. I’m only here for 5 months so if I slip and say something wrong or awkward, what are my chances of being called out on and then seeing that person again back in the states.

Although, truthfully, it’s been a little weird being here just the two of us while others engage in the comfort of having a bigger group of people to go out with or room with or travel with, we’re doing just fine for ourselves. I just need to remember that this is still the beginning of an adventure and I know that I need to be here.

Signing off.

Edinburgh wishes & Scottish kisses

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Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:25:41 -0500

Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:24:00 -0500

Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh

The Secret Garden

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:09:10 -0500

There is a light that shows me the way,

To a secret garden, with a fragrant bouquet,

And as I enter through its welcoming gates,

To savor all that for me awaits -

I can’t help but wonder why the light chose me

Why fate gave me the Garden’s key.

For whatever the reason, this much I know,

It is a lovely place where I love to go -

A garden full of life’s delights -

Of tenderness and wondrous nights.

A garden in which to nourish my soul;

A place to go to make me whole

Where the warming light beckons me stay

Where always it is Valentine’s Day.

Time has shown me this simple truth,

That the light that shines from high above -

That leads me to this garden each day

Is the nurturing light of your infinite love.

- Ara John Movsesian