The First Week
Door: Suzanne
Blijf op de hoogte en volg Suzanne
06 Maart 2009 | België, Brussel
Well, where to start to describe my first week at the European Parliament??
Let's just try to tell the story as chronologically as possibble.
On Monday morning, fortunately I did not oversleep (heb me dus niet verslapen) I took the bus to the Place Luxembourg. I was there in about 20/25 minutes, which meant that it was way too early for me to go to the Center of Accreditation (I was supposed to report there at nine o'clock).
So, I went to a nice cafe, which was already open, and ordered a tea. It was about 8.20 am and I already saw a man drinking a beer.
Finally, at ten to nine I went to the Centre of Accreditation. Of course I was not the only trainee there! Many more were waiting, various nationalities. No Dutch though, at least not as far as I know.
Eventually, we (the trainees, total number of about 120 for the entire EP) were escorted to a room for an informal introductory meeting. We got some useful information (and our first of many bags wih brochures and pens), but mostly it was just blah blah blah blah!
After the meeting, I was supposed to go to my new workplace the Press Room, which was nice, except that I had no idea where the Press Room actually was. Got vague directions from somebody, from the Internship Bureau. But unforunately, as I said, these instructions were vague, soo I got lost. It took me a while (most Security Guards weren't really helpful either, apparently they -just like me- had no idea were the Press Room was). When, I finally located the Press Room, I met the other trainees (one guy from Bulgaria and two girls from Poland). We went to get our official EP Batches. Really cool.
By then it was about 12.30, so we decided to have lunch at the Altiero Spinelli building (which is one of the two main/central buildings of the Parliament, the other is Paul Henri Spaak, the building where I work). And we got lost again. Pff, those buildings are huge, especially on your fist day! But we managed to get some lunch. And the cafeteria is soo large. I thought the one at Schering Plough was big, but this one is even bigger. A wide variety of food, from hot meals to salads to fruit to desserts. As always, the healthy fruit is much more expensive than the unhealthy desserts.
After lunch, the other trainees and I went back to the Press Room. Naturally, we got lost! Haha, very stressful the first day at the new job. Fortunately, we got no real assignments for Monday (and spent most of the afternoon behind the computer doing, well, not much. I would have preferred some sort of introductory meeting on the Press Room. But well, that came a little later).
We were asked to think about which Committee(s) -these Committees consist of members of the European Parliament- we wanted to cover during our traineeship (the Press Room follows Commitees, its meetings, its resolutions, its votes etc and writes press releases about these developments). I wanted, naturally, Foreign Affairs. But so did the Bulgarian boy. I was like, oh great, now I will end up at Budgets or Economics (not my thing, but on the other hand, if I have survived Theories of Culture, I would survive a traineeship focused on Budgets or Economics as well).
Still, I was determined not to let foreign affairs go easily. Hey, the Netherlands was one of the (few) original members of the European Union, Bulgaria and Poland only became members recently ;) No, seriously, I did not want to give in (toegeven).
On Tuesday I got my first assignment! The press officer/journalist specialized in foreign affairs needed our help. And the assignment went to Bulgarian boy and me (the two Polish girls have little interest in foreign affairs).
I was supposed to write a short press release on Croatia (the Bulgarian boy wrote something on Macedonia). It was rather difficult, my first journalistic piece in a rather long time. But I felt that I did ok. I hoped I did ok.
On Wednesday, finally, we met some other members of the Press Unit. We were told that we had to decide what sort of Committees we wanted to focus on. One Polish girl picked Environmen/Health, the other one picked Economics/Monetary/Legal/Constitutional Affairs.
And, yes indeed, I got Foreign Affairs (which is actually also International Trade/Security/Defense)! Hah! :D Although I feel kind of sorry for the Bulgarian boy, he got Internal Markets and Budgets instead. I informed my new supervisor (responsible for foreign affairs as press officer) that I would be the one to assist him in the coming months. He then told me that he liked my article on Croatia, really he did!! And I was immediately invited to a special meeting, of the Commitee on Human Rights. Shirin Ebadi, former Nobel Peace Price winner from Iran, attended. She talked about the hardships she and other people in her country (especially minorities and women) endure day after day. Very impressive.
By then, it was already Thursday. And yes, I did have time to cook myself some dinner. No takeout (yet). I even went to the grocery store (supermarkt), which is fortunately rather close to my apartment (easy to reach by foot, and by bus). And I was also able to go jogging/running twice. Took it easy with the jogging/running this week, see what I will do next week.
Oh and so far, I had no trouble wih the bus travelling. It usually takes me about 30 minutes to get to the Place Luxembourg (from there it is a two minute walk to the place I work). And I did not get car sick (yet). The bus drivers are very capable. But most of the car drivers in Brussels are not. Goodness, it is really terrible. I will probably witness an accident or two (or ten, who knows) before I leave.
On Thursday, my supervisor asked me to attend a meeting on Transatlantic Security (mainly on the future relations between the NATO and EU). Unfortunately, I could not attend, I had another (introductory) meeting, where I met more people from the Communications Department (which has several divisions like Audiovisual, Press Room, Internet etc). Here we got yet again a few brochures.
Later, I was able to follow the Transatlantic Security meeting on internet (I did not have anything else to do, and I thought I needed practice, with notes taking for example). My supervisor then asked me if I wanted to write a short report on the meeting, just for exercise (nothing really spectacular/newsworthy came out of the meeting). Of course, I said, I can use the exercise. The article turned out really well, at least that is what my supervisor thought.
Pff, this story is already horribly long. Don't worry, I am almost done! But I just wanted to mention that today I met Hillary Clinton! Well met, that is not the correct word. I saw her, closeby. She was at the EP for a meeting wih several young Europeans (and the President of the EP, Hans Gert Pottering). Even though I still consider myself a young European (I am only 27 haha), I was not allowed to attend. Booh!
Security measures were high (streng beveiligd was het hele complex) for the arrival of the Secretary of State, the (current) Grand Dame of American Politics in my opinion. I was able, somehow, to get close to the place where the former First Lady/Senator/Presidential candidate arrived. I stood next to some nice Security Guards (of the EP), they were kind enough not to send me away. It was great to see Hillary Clinton up close (zo van dichtbij). She radiates strength and charisma. I would have loved to see her as President of the United States. She will always remain one of my favorite (still living) politicians. But, I do wish the man who beat her, President Obama, the best for his presidency. In these tough times, he needs all the support he can get.
I took a picture of Hillary, shaking the hand of President Pottering. I am going to try and upload it on this site. It is taken with my phone, so it is not really clear. I will also upload a picture of the Building I work, Paul Henri Spaak.
Now, I have gone on for way too long. So I will finish off. The first week at the EP was a little tough, all those new impressions. But also rather inspiring. One day I will be able to MEET Hillary Clinton, and not just see her :D
Be back soon (don't know when though, probably the end of next week) with a new message.
I would like to thank all of you for the nice, enthousiastic reactions on this site. Allemaal bedankt voor jullie leuke, enthousiaste reacties op deze site.
And if any of you is ever in Brussels, let me know. Laat me weten als je in Brussel bent :D
Suzanne
Let's just try to tell the story as chronologically as possibble.
On Monday morning, fortunately I did not oversleep (heb me dus niet verslapen) I took the bus to the Place Luxembourg. I was there in about 20/25 minutes, which meant that it was way too early for me to go to the Center of Accreditation (I was supposed to report there at nine o'clock).
So, I went to a nice cafe, which was already open, and ordered a tea. It was about 8.20 am and I already saw a man drinking a beer.
Finally, at ten to nine I went to the Centre of Accreditation. Of course I was not the only trainee there! Many more were waiting, various nationalities. No Dutch though, at least not as far as I know.
Eventually, we (the trainees, total number of about 120 for the entire EP) were escorted to a room for an informal introductory meeting. We got some useful information (and our first of many bags wih brochures and pens), but mostly it was just blah blah blah blah!
After the meeting, I was supposed to go to my new workplace the Press Room, which was nice, except that I had no idea where the Press Room actually was. Got vague directions from somebody, from the Internship Bureau. But unforunately, as I said, these instructions were vague, soo I got lost. It took me a while (most Security Guards weren't really helpful either, apparently they -just like me- had no idea were the Press Room was). When, I finally located the Press Room, I met the other trainees (one guy from Bulgaria and two girls from Poland). We went to get our official EP Batches. Really cool.
By then it was about 12.30, so we decided to have lunch at the Altiero Spinelli building (which is one of the two main/central buildings of the Parliament, the other is Paul Henri Spaak, the building where I work). And we got lost again. Pff, those buildings are huge, especially on your fist day! But we managed to get some lunch. And the cafeteria is soo large. I thought the one at Schering Plough was big, but this one is even bigger. A wide variety of food, from hot meals to salads to fruit to desserts. As always, the healthy fruit is much more expensive than the unhealthy desserts.
After lunch, the other trainees and I went back to the Press Room. Naturally, we got lost! Haha, very stressful the first day at the new job. Fortunately, we got no real assignments for Monday (and spent most of the afternoon behind the computer doing, well, not much. I would have preferred some sort of introductory meeting on the Press Room. But well, that came a little later).
We were asked to think about which Committee(s) -these Committees consist of members of the European Parliament- we wanted to cover during our traineeship (the Press Room follows Commitees, its meetings, its resolutions, its votes etc and writes press releases about these developments). I wanted, naturally, Foreign Affairs. But so did the Bulgarian boy. I was like, oh great, now I will end up at Budgets or Economics (not my thing, but on the other hand, if I have survived Theories of Culture, I would survive a traineeship focused on Budgets or Economics as well).
Still, I was determined not to let foreign affairs go easily. Hey, the Netherlands was one of the (few) original members of the European Union, Bulgaria and Poland only became members recently ;) No, seriously, I did not want to give in (toegeven).
On Tuesday I got my first assignment! The press officer/journalist specialized in foreign affairs needed our help. And the assignment went to Bulgarian boy and me (the two Polish girls have little interest in foreign affairs).
I was supposed to write a short press release on Croatia (the Bulgarian boy wrote something on Macedonia). It was rather difficult, my first journalistic piece in a rather long time. But I felt that I did ok. I hoped I did ok.
On Wednesday, finally, we met some other members of the Press Unit. We were told that we had to decide what sort of Committees we wanted to focus on. One Polish girl picked Environmen/Health, the other one picked Economics/Monetary/Legal/Constitutional Affairs.
And, yes indeed, I got Foreign Affairs (which is actually also International Trade/Security/Defense)! Hah! :D Although I feel kind of sorry for the Bulgarian boy, he got Internal Markets and Budgets instead. I informed my new supervisor (responsible for foreign affairs as press officer) that I would be the one to assist him in the coming months. He then told me that he liked my article on Croatia, really he did!! And I was immediately invited to a special meeting, of the Commitee on Human Rights. Shirin Ebadi, former Nobel Peace Price winner from Iran, attended. She talked about the hardships she and other people in her country (especially minorities and women) endure day after day. Very impressive.
By then, it was already Thursday. And yes, I did have time to cook myself some dinner. No takeout (yet). I even went to the grocery store (supermarkt), which is fortunately rather close to my apartment (easy to reach by foot, and by bus). And I was also able to go jogging/running twice. Took it easy with the jogging/running this week, see what I will do next week.
Oh and so far, I had no trouble wih the bus travelling. It usually takes me about 30 minutes to get to the Place Luxembourg (from there it is a two minute walk to the place I work). And I did not get car sick (yet). The bus drivers are very capable. But most of the car drivers in Brussels are not. Goodness, it is really terrible. I will probably witness an accident or two (or ten, who knows) before I leave.
On Thursday, my supervisor asked me to attend a meeting on Transatlantic Security (mainly on the future relations between the NATO and EU). Unfortunately, I could not attend, I had another (introductory) meeting, where I met more people from the Communications Department (which has several divisions like Audiovisual, Press Room, Internet etc). Here we got yet again a few brochures.
Later, I was able to follow the Transatlantic Security meeting on internet (I did not have anything else to do, and I thought I needed practice, with notes taking for example). My supervisor then asked me if I wanted to write a short report on the meeting, just for exercise (nothing really spectacular/newsworthy came out of the meeting). Of course, I said, I can use the exercise. The article turned out really well, at least that is what my supervisor thought.
Pff, this story is already horribly long. Don't worry, I am almost done! But I just wanted to mention that today I met Hillary Clinton! Well met, that is not the correct word. I saw her, closeby. She was at the EP for a meeting wih several young Europeans (and the President of the EP, Hans Gert Pottering). Even though I still consider myself a young European (I am only 27 haha), I was not allowed to attend. Booh!
Security measures were high (streng beveiligd was het hele complex) for the arrival of the Secretary of State, the (current) Grand Dame of American Politics in my opinion. I was able, somehow, to get close to the place where the former First Lady/Senator/Presidential candidate arrived. I stood next to some nice Security Guards (of the EP), they were kind enough not to send me away. It was great to see Hillary Clinton up close (zo van dichtbij). She radiates strength and charisma. I would have loved to see her as President of the United States. She will always remain one of my favorite (still living) politicians. But, I do wish the man who beat her, President Obama, the best for his presidency. In these tough times, he needs all the support he can get.
I took a picture of Hillary, shaking the hand of President Pottering. I am going to try and upload it on this site. It is taken with my phone, so it is not really clear. I will also upload a picture of the Building I work, Paul Henri Spaak.
Now, I have gone on for way too long. So I will finish off. The first week at the EP was a little tough, all those new impressions. But also rather inspiring. One day I will be able to MEET Hillary Clinton, and not just see her :D
Be back soon (don't know when though, probably the end of next week) with a new message.
I would like to thank all of you for the nice, enthousiastic reactions on this site. Allemaal bedankt voor jullie leuke, enthousiaste reacties op deze site.
And if any of you is ever in Brussels, let me know. Laat me weten als je in Brussel bent :D
Suzanne
-
08 Maart 2009 - 15:31
M:
Hi Suzanne,
Nou, je hebt wel een enerverend weekje achter de rug. Met als hoogtepunt vrijdag het bezoek van Hillary. Spannend allemaal.
Komende week wordt het vast wat rustiger als er in Straatsburg vergaderd wordt of moet jij nu de boel in Brussel draaiende houden :)?
De taartjes waren heerlijk, nog bedankt voor de gezellige ontvangst.
Groetjes en liefs, ook van P&L, M
-
08 Maart 2009 - 15:32
M:
P.S. Krijgen we nog meer foto's te zien? M -
10 Maart 2009 - 20:31
Jantineke:
Helemaal the place to be voor jou! Gaaf dat je Hillary hebt gezien, ik twijfel er niet aan dat je 'r ooit nog eens te spreken (of interviewen) krijgt.
We krijgen helemaal zin in een weekendje Brussel. Als je een beetje ingeburgerd bent in de stad, komen we langs hoor! -
10 Maart 2009 - 20:55
Robin:
Hee Suzanne, wens je veel plezier en een leerzame tijd daar in Bruxeles. Hier in Mexico bevalt het nog prima, ga nu bijna aan mijn rondreis beginnen, heb er erg veel zin in. Saludos -
11 Maart 2009 - 06:56
Marga:
It all sounds very exiting, good for you to get the Foreign Affairs assignment. I think you will get on very well with your supervisor.
Thinks are very slow here, we have been taken over by Merck which means meetings at which you do not become any wiser on the future of former OBS.
Hope to hear from you soon. -
11 Maart 2009 - 06:56
Anneke:
He Suzanne,
Leuk verhaal, ook goed om zo mijn Engels weer een beetje te updaten hahaha! Leuk voor je dat je toch op Foreign Affairs zit. Heel veel succes en plezier gewenst de komende tijd.
Liefs Anneke -
11 Maart 2009 - 08:07
Sis:
Wat een mooi begin zeg, dat mrs. Clinton JOU op je werkplek kwam opzoeken. Heb je het verder gezellig met je 'collega's'?
Moet rennen, er is een klein Belgje op een gevaarlijk stoeltje geklauterd....(kan nog niet lopen, maar al wel klimmen. Belgen hebben vaker een rare volgorde. Want 's ochtends aan het bier zoals je hebt gezien, zal je nog wel vaker tegen komen).
Salut! -
11 Maart 2009 - 09:32
Maria Arts:
Hi Suzanne,
Great story, I think you feel good over there.
Thinks coming in place after all. Good luck for the rest of your work.
regards, Maria
-
11 Maart 2009 - 16:57
Martina:
Hey Suzanne, Wat een leuk verhaal over je eerste week daar in Brussel. Ik ben net als jij een echte Hillary-fan, dus bedankt voor de foto:) En idd, one day you WILL be able to meet with Hillary, dat zou echt wat zijn. Anyways, werkze nog en als het goed is zien we elkaar binnenkort in Bruxelles! Leuk:) liefs, Martina -
12 Maart 2009 - 15:15
Nichtje Marije:
Hé Suzanne,
Ook leuk dat je supervisor tevreden is met je werk... zo'n boost kan je na al die maanden zonder journalisme wel weer even gebruiken -
13 Maart 2009 - 03:21
Brigitte:
Hallo Suzanne, het was erg interessant om de belevenissen van je eerste week te lezen en je "ontmoeting" met H.C.
Hoop dat in de tweede week alles een beetje beter georganiseerd is.
Liefs en groeten van Brigitte -
16 Maart 2009 - 13:23
Fleur:
Hey Suzanne,
Leuk berichtje, klinkt wel goed! Tof dat je Hillary Clinton hebt gezien en met andere jonge mensen (samen)werkt. Hopelijk bevalt het wonen in Brussel je ook een beetje. Ik kom zeker een keer langs :) Zal je mailtje ook nog beantwoorden. Succes!
Fleur -
17 Maart 2009 - 18:47
Noortje:
Hoi Suzanne,
Las je vraag op site van Robin over hoe je mensen kunt laten weten dat er een nieuw bericht is verschenen. Iedereen kan dit zelf doen door e-mailadres in te vullen onder het kopje "blijf op de hoogte" en dan aanmelden. Daar hoef jij verder niets aan te doen.
Hoe is het je overigens in je tweede week vergaan? Nog spannende dingen en interessante ontmoetingen meegemaakt? Of heb je het te druk om in je vrije tijd ook nog te moeten schrijven?? -
30 Maart 2009 - 08:17
Marga:
Looks like you are very busy as your last posting was 2 weeks ago. Which is of coarse a good thing as I suppose it means you are integrating well. Hope to hear from you soon.
Reageer op dit reisverslag
Je kunt nu ook Smileys gebruiken. Via de toolbar, toetsenbord of door eerst : te typen en dan een woord bijvoorbeeld :smiley
