**Note: If you missed “Blog 1”, click here.

After months of planning and reading, we’re finally here.  The weather was perfect today, and since we had no institutional visits scheduled, we did typical tourist activities- Grand Place, Manneken-Pis, double-decker bus tour of Brussels, and of course, waffles.

I am very excited to see how my students grow on this trip.  All of them are in Model UN and are interested in international relations and global issues, but I really want to increase their understanding of and appreciation for the EU and transatlantic relations.

For this post, I asked them to write a few words about their initial observations of Brussels.  Stay tuned for more throughout the week.

Ali B.
After completing our first day in Brussels, we managed to see a whole array of different things within the city. My favorite thing we did today was go on a bus tour to many significant landmarks throughout Brussels. Although I was at first wary of the tour being overly “tourist- based”, it was a terrific way to learn and experience many sites we otherwise wouldn’t go to. As the bus drove up to the Atomium I was immediately shocked at the stature of the building. Pictures could never prepare a person for how large it truly was. Also on this tour we were taken past gardens, cathedrals, and homes of past influential people of the city. After the tour we walked around Grand Place, where the surrounding buildings were unique with details along the sides. I expected Brussels to be much smaller overall. Although there are tourist based spots, a majority of the city is maintained as it’s initial state. I’m excited to learn more about Brussels history as the trip continues.

Andy K.
Throughout my entire life I have wanted to visit Europe and finally this gave me a chance, and it hasn’t disappointed. From the narrow winding streets to the prestigious churches towering over the city, this place is truly a unique one. Since the minute I have gotten here, I have been surprised by a number of different aspects of the city. For instance the massive emphasis on multilingualism is something I have never witnessed in the United States. Yes we have many different languages, but it is new to me for so many citizens to speak a variety of languages. More than anything though, the clash of historical and modern architecture gives the city a look that is very new to me. You can notice it anywhere, with modern day company buildings set right next to buildings built over 500 years ago. Today was only the start of the comparison of the many similarities and differences between the US and Brussels. However due to the longevity of buildings, cobblestone roads, and slight differences in how nearly everything is run, Brussels is clearly a city unlike any I have witnessed in my life.

Bailey A.
Today we arrived! Right off the bat I was impressed by customs, the lines were very short and the questions reasonable. This was very exciting because we were able to get out of the airport in under an hour to start our day. Once we started exploring I was very impressed with everyone’s mastery of languages, I didn’t get to use my French at all. I’m very glad we arrived on a quiet day, so we could get oriented without traffic adding new stress. We took a very interesting tour bus to the Atomium, and were able to see a lot of the major attractions without all the hassle. On that note, I was expecting the Mannekin Pis to be bigger! It was very cool nonetheless and I can’t wait to see more of the city while learning more about the EU.

Cat G.
Currently I’m running on very little sleep, but Brussels is absolutely gorgeous.  I love the architecture of all the buildings, and it’s so cool hear so many different languages when walking around the city.  We went to the Grand Plaza and it was absolutely astounding, I also really liked the tourbus ride we took of the Brussels, it was really cool to see all the different parts of the city.  So far I have had two Belgian waffles and one Gelato Cone and I couldn’t be happier.  I’m really excited to talk to the Sweden Representative to the EU tomorrow because I really admire their feminist foreign policy and I want to know more about how they use it when interacting with other countries, especially those with differing societal values.  I’m also really looking forward to sitting in on the EU council, and see how it actually operates from a first person perspective instead of just reading about it.  Today (and yesterday) has been a really wild, really phenomenal day and I’m really excited to see what tomorrow and the rest of this week has in store.  Bonsoir from Brussels!

Greta S.
Before coming, I was expecting to be most shocked by not being around only English, but I was actually way more surprised at how European everything is. Seeing the old buildings and statues and the stone streets is something I never really get to see in the United States, and seeing such a stark difference from the moment of walking on the streets was amazing. The bus tour was fascinating and showed me places I would have otherwise never known about, and walking around the Grand Place was beautiful. Even the hotel room feels new and makes it that much more special. It’s surreal to think that I’ve actually left the country and that I’m actually in Brussels, but it’s so incredible and I am so happy I’m here.

Joe G.
Today we arrived in Brussels, and promptly walked from our hotel to the Grand Place where we had lunch. I was immediately taken by the beautiful architecture and scenery surrounding us on all sides; the narrow streets, old buildings, and cobblestone sidewalks created a feeling of intimacy, a closeness shared between the city and I. We continued exploring the city on a bus tour, stopping at major landmarks, and niche neighborhoods along the way. The rich social and cultural history and influence held by this city is as far-reaching as it is intriguing. The Belgian people I have encountered have been open, friendly and helpful. There is much more of a feeling of connectedness, of respect, and of empathy here than in the U.S. It has already become very clear in the short time that i’ve been here that Belgians are proud of themselves and of their city, and I think justly so.

Julia P.
Whew! What a crazy, fantastic, awe-inspiring 24 hours – at this time yesterday our plane was taxing to the runway. After an 8 hr flight with movies & meals, we got into Brussels Airport around 9am Belgium time- 2am Wisconsin time!! But even though we were running on four hours of sleep (or less), there’s just something about this city that’s so energizing (well…except for dragging our suitcases up cobblestone hills). I loved the way old and new blend in this city- red roofs and intricate carvings mingle with glass and steel in the most interesting and amazing way possible. I also enjoyed the Grand Plaza, with the gilded buildings and little cafes hinting at a Parisian background it was just one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. But there’s no way one can see all of Brussels on foot as well as the double decker bus we took around Northern Brussels- which was fantastic, and featured the Atomium and gelato cones as well as many beautiful basilicas and churches. After that though, we all very much appreciated a nap before heading out to get the famed Belgian Waffles which were all they are hyped up to be. I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep in a bed (!!) before heading to the EU Council  and the Sweden Representative to the EU tomorrow. I’m excited to observe the inner workings of the council! Additionally, I’m interested to see how Sweden got their foreign policy up and going in the first place (from idea to reality) and how this policy has effected their relations with other countries- especially those in the middle east who tend towards the opposite side of the gender equality spectrum. All in all, with the birds chirping and live music strumming outside my window, and a view of intricate marble carvings sheltered by a classic European style tiled roof, I’m amazed by the crazy, fantastic-ness of this day and can’t wait for tomorrow! Au revoir!

Katie B.
During our first day in Brussels we did a lot of sightseeing and walking around the city. A few things that I found especially interesting were l’Atomium, le Mannequin Pis, and the unique balance seen with the abundance of tourist attractions in a beautiful, historical city. Finally getting to see l’Atomium in person was amazing because it is just so much larger than expected. It was really astonishing to stand underneath it and appreciate that it’s not just a sculpture but a functioning museum. I loved getting the chance to see le Mannequin Pis as well because it is such an infamous fountain head that has such a cool history and tradition behind it. It’s always amazing to see art in person that you’ve only seen in pictures. Lastly, I thought the fact that the city is equal parts waffle shops, souvenir stores, and bus tours, and beautiful statues, homes and parks, is really wonderful and makes Brussels unique.

Thanks for reading.