2.5.24: Finally Arrived
The first day in Brussels was overwhelming with the first impressions of a new city and culture. Upon arrival, we discovered the European District through visiting the permanent representation of Austria to the EU, where we were received with a warm welcome and an interesting presentation on the works of the European Union. Afterwards we enjoyed famous Belgian Fries, as well as a relaxing evening at the hotel.
3.5.24: Historical and Political Discoveries
On our second day in Brussels we got the chance to visit the European Parliament, our guide toured us throughout the building and told us a bit about the procedures. We really enjoyed his tour as he was eager to answer all the questions and even showed us one of the committee rooms. Next we went to the parliamentarium, where, through a series of interactive experiences, we delved deeper into the European Union now and the past events that influenced it. Lastly we went to the museum of European history where we had an engaging quest that helped us understand some important historical events. Afterwards, we explored the city and ate.
4.5.24: Exploring the Delicious Wonders of Bruges
On our guide in Bruges, we had a guide who looked like Tintin. There, we learned a whole lot about the 1200-year-old city, visiting it’s numerous sights and town center. Fun fact, there are seventy-four chocolate shops in the city.
5.5.24: Two Paths Through Brussels
Group1: Art and Culture
After a nice walk with our teacher, Mr. Opelka, to reach the Brussels City Museum, we observed the countless artistic pieces and learned many historical facts. It was also nice to see sketches based on recognizable buildings we had seen in person.
Then, we went to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts where we spent nearly 3 hours enjoying art from different centuries (nice to see they discovered how to draw with perspective).
Group 2: Sewage and Severed Limbs
We split up into two groups, one visited the sewers, the medical museum and the fries museum. Those were the best fries of our life, and the sewers had quite a memorable fragrance #fragrance! We saw many different deformations in the medical museum, and we are still loosing sleep over them.
Reunited: We spent the rest of the afternoon together, and many of us watched the Formula 1 Grand Prix in which Lando Norris won! (Some of us were ever so slightly more excited than others…)
6.5.24: Shocking Discovery: Chocolate Has an Exciting Effect
Monday was especially thrilling, we went to a chocolate workshop to make delightful chocolate in Form of delicious pralines. After the workshop, we ate Lots of chocolate which made us all very happy.
7.5.24: Waterloo and Departure
The last day was a very exiting yet depressing day since it was our final day in Brussels. We quickly packed all our stuff, and off we went to Waterloo. As we were nearing the museum we realized how breathtaking the landscape was (COWS!). The museum was packed with magnificent paintings, detailed sculptures and deadly weapons. At the end there was even a 4D movie experience. After the movie we went up the Lion’s Mound to bear witness to the sight of Napoleon's decisive defeat. Although it was a difficult climb up, the view at the end was absolutely worth it.
Unfortunately, we had to return to catch our train back home to Austria.
