I had a moment when I sat down to use this computer where I thought that the shift function of the number 2 was an odd place to put the @ sign. Then I remembered that this is where it usually is for me... how long have been away?

I loved Gottingen a lot. Smaller, university town, plus getting to hang out with Almuth! It was a relaxing few days, just sitting and talking, walking around the town, trying weis beer (the funny s-like symbol that should be there isn't on this computer), and just catching up on the last 3 and a half years! I really didn't want to leave. That's the thing about visiting people - it always sucks to have to move on, especially when it's been a good visit. But.. on I went.

Spent a couple of nights in Amsterdam, which is taking the title of most over-rated city so far. I didn't like it too much. They're in the process of building a new metro line, so there is lots of construction. The hostel I was staying at was alright, but social to the point of never being quiet all night. Sigh. I like social places, but I also like getting at least some sleep... that may also have clouded my opinion of the city. I went to the Van Gogh museum, which was nice. I had a poster of Starry Night on my wall all through undergrad, so it was interesting to see some of his other works/styles (Starry Night itself is in MoMA in New York, I think). I also went to Anne Frank's house. It's amazing that so many people were kept hidden in such a small place for so long! The bookcase itself is still in place, and her original diary is on display as well.

From Amsterdam I went on to Bruges, which is where I arrived yesterday. I had intended to get up early, leave Amsterdam just after 7 am, and spend the day in Brussels before coming here, but I was just too tired. I came straight here, and was very thankful for it! I like Bruges! I think it's the smaller town thing. Yesterday I wandered around and visited a couple churches (how many times have I said that? parents' child, anyone?). One has a vial of what they say/believe is the blood of Jesus, and it's only set out for a couple hours per day. I didn't feel the need to pay a donation to go kneel in front of it, but I looked from afar. I also visited the church that has Michaelangelo's "Madonna with Child" sculpture.

Today I tried two food items that I was told I couldn't leave Belgium without eating. The first was their style of french fries with mayo on them. Tasty! But the paper cone disintegrates in to this soggy, oily mess of hydrogenated oils and you think to yourself... did I really just eat that? The other was a Belgian waffle. mmm. I visited a chocolate museum that told about the history of cacao beans in South America, how it came to Europe, etc. They also had a section of chocolate art. A copy of "Madonna with Child," dogs, purses, etc, all made of chocolate. I looked in the windows of a bunch of classy chocolate shops as well. Chocolate pope, anyone?