A Monthly Review

Here I am again, after a month of silence. My silence was mainly due to the lack of news (and of course I did not want to write a three/four sentence blog every time :D).

And since I don´t want this to become a negative weblog, I will keep this part brief. Let´s just say, so far, the traineeship was not what I expected.

There are some things that I do want to talk about more elaborately. Just some random thoughts:

Sports: Love it! Not only a great way to stay in shape. But also a good way to deal with any frustrations ;) I registered at the Sports Centre shortly after my traineeship started. Mainly, I wanted to do some exercises to strengthen the muscles in my lower body, in order to improve the stability/strength of my knees. I got a really nice fitness program, which also includes some cardio exercises (for example on a hometrainer of the exact same brand as the hometrainers in the SAC in Mount Pleasant!). I go to to the Sports Centre regularly, at least once a week (depends on the weather). Also played some squash, which I really enjoyed. And this afternoon, I am going to a self defence class for the first time. Naturally, especially with the current wonderful weather, I love to go running outside as well. I am so lucky with the wonderful running/jogging route close to my apartment.

Apartment: A little more about my apartment, which I really like. It is well taken care off, and almost everything in the apartment is in good condition. Besides, the apartment is close to the bus station and metro station (a grocery store, supermarkt, is close to this metro station). Auderghem/Oudergem, the part of Brussels in which my apartment is located, is really nice. There are many restaurants, shops and a wonderful boulangerie (during the weekend I always get my breakfast, freshly baked buns and croissants, there! Hmm!).

Trainees: I get along well with the other trainees, especially the ones in the Press Unit, where I work (Boyko from Bulgaria, Alexandra and Marzena from Poland). Almost every day, we go to lunch together (and from time to time we also go to a bar in the Parliament to drink coffee or tea). Of course, we are in this together, so that creates a bond :)

The Clintons: It´s funny, but most of the highlights of the traineeship here seem to have something to do with either the United States or the Clintons. The most interesting debate I followed was on the future of US/EU transatlantic relations (my supervisor graciously gave me this assignment, because he knew I have a great interest in the US). And during my first week here, Hillary Clinton visited the European Parliament. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to attend a meeting with her and various Young Europeans. But I did manage to take a picture of Hillary, who was only a couple of feet away from where I was standing. And tomorrow, Bill Clinton is going to address a conference on the global crisis, here in the Parliament. I really hope I can attend. That would be wonderful!

Brussels: Brussels is a great city. My friend Martina visited last weekend. We went to check out the city center of Brussels. Saw, among others, the Grand Place (Grote Markt), Manneken Pis (sooo tiny!) and many, many, many stores with delicious bonbons. Very tempting. I managed to stay away from the bonbons. But not from the waffles (wafels). I had my first waffle this past weekend. With whipped cream (slagroom) and melted chocolate. It was good, but a little too much :) The taste of the waffle itself is already so good, therefore the next time I will just take a simple waffle with powdered sugar.

Spain: Yes, indeed, I am going to Spain again. From April 7 to April 14, for Easter. Cannot wait!

So this is it for now. Again thanks for all the nice reactions on my weblog (either on this weblog or through email).

Suzanne