Mid-semester Reflection-- 4) Paris, France

Paris, France:

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Ah, Pahh-ree!--the "city of light" and the "city of love." Come to this city, and expect to see medieval abbeys, classical architecture, high fashion, and the world's best bistros =)

~One site you must visit in Paris if you are are interested in art is the Louvre Museum. This famous museum was once a royal palace and now holds many celebrated pieces of art, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

~In addition, you MUST all see the Eiffel Tower!!--of course =p And if you have time to climb the Eiffel Tower, do it! My friend and I climbed to the top (with the help of a lift) which was just SO cool!!! I can't even tell you.

Here's a pic I took while in the tower that is angled up the tower:


And here is the stunning view of Paris we were able to see from the top of the tower:


Please go to my facebook to see plenty more Eiffel Tower pictures! Also see my facebook for 3 videos that show the tower sparkling in the night sky, my friend and I moving up the tower on a lift, and my friend and I at the top of the tower =)

With love,
Caroline

Mid-semester Reflection-- 3) Versailles, France

Versaille, France:

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One of the grandest attractions to visit in this city (if not the grandest) is The Place of Versailles.



The "Chateau de Versailles" (as they call it in France) was the center of power in which King Louis XIV lived and ruled from 1682-1789. It is the largest palace in the world and a symbol of Louis XIV's absolute monarchy.

Be sure to go inside and marvel at the beautiful rooms:




The Hall of Mirrors--


The Queen's bedroom--


And definitely take a stroll through the gardens:





Isn't that crazy, yet amazing?! Those who are into home design (like me) can take some cues... ;-)

With love,
Caroline

Mid-semester Reflection-- 2) Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium:

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Another beautiful Belgian city. Also check out the Market Square and its medieval buildings, especially when it is lit up in the evening!

~A symbol of Bruge to see (and climb if you dare!) is the Belfry Tower:


This bell tower, located beside the Market Square, is 272-feet tall and 366 steps long! Its lower section was constructed in 1240, with the other portions constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries. Listen for the clock's chimes every 15 minutes =)

Other notable mentions...

* Visit the Church of Our Lady if you are interested in art. This gothic church holds the small marble statue of Michelangelo's Madonna and Child... pretty neat!

* Tour the Halve Maan Brewery if you would like to learn about the old traditional brewing methods of Bruges. This brewery-turned-museum dates back to the 1500's and offers a panoramic view over Bruges at its top:




* Take a boat tour on Bruge's gorgeousss canals:



* And eat more Belgian chocolate =p

Reflective posts to be continued.... <3

With love,
Caroline

Mid-semester Reflection-- 1) Brussels, Belgium

We've hit the halfway mark in the semester =( It is October 31st (HAPPY HALLOWEEN btw!!!) and time for some reflection. I have been very fortunate to travel to so many places in Europe and would like to tell all of those who are interested a little bit about each spot.

Starting with...

Brussels, Belgium:

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Beautiful city-- particularly the Grand Place, or the historic market square, featuring guild houses and the Gothic Town Hall.

Quick facts:
* Brussels is more than 1,000 years old
* It is the European capital, housing the European Commission, the Council of Ministers, and the European Parliament
* French and Flemish are the city's official languages

~A neat landmark to visit in Brussels is the Atomium, which was built for the World Expo:


Other notable metions...

* For those who enjoy drinking beer, be sure to stop at the Delirium Cafe-- a pub that is located in an 18th century basement, offering over 2,000 types of beer. Although I am allergic to beer, it was def a neat place to visit.

* It is highly recommended that you purchase and devour at least two or three Belgian chocolates.


* While walking around the city, look out for the playful comics painted on some of the buildings...


Isn't that so cool & adorable?

* And please walk down this street:



That is, indeed, a gorgeous church sitting on a random street corner. Gotta love the juxtaposition of Old & Modern Europe.

Reflective posts about European cities and countries to be continued! <3

With love,
Caroline