Groeten!

Groeten! ("Greetings" in Dutch) --- I've been in Leuven for about 6 days now (I still get confused by the whole losing a day/8 hours during the flight over--but we'll just say I've been here for 6). The first 24 hours here in Belgium was probably one of the most overwhelming experiences I've ever had! Within 5 minutes of being in my new "home" I had managed to blow up my power converter and was scared that I had blown up my laptop as well (which is one of my only sources of communication with everyone at home). So in tears I found my professor and explained what I did and he figured it all out for me... luckily, my computer was still alive and I'm just a technology idiot. (But we all knew that). We explored the city a little more before finally getting to clean up and crash... we were all exhausted going on more than 24 hours without sleep. After blowing up the converter I figured it couldn't get worse... I was wrong. After my first shower here I managed to blow up my brand new blow dryer.... and then my straightener. Awesome. Clearly I was thinking this trip was a mistake and I was never going to make it in Europe. But after a stop at a local store, which was very "bed, bath, and beyond" like I managed to find a new EUROPEAN straightener and no longer have to worry about converting anything. Phew!

The last few days have really been a blur. We've been going non stop since we arrived here in Leuven. I'm exhausted to say the least. Everything is so different here... but I would definitely say it's a nice change. They are so much more relaxed and easy-going... there's not the rush and craziness like there is in the US. And fortunately for us we have been blessed with BEAUTIFUL weather... highs in the mid 70s and plenty of sunshine (something that is very uncommon for Belgium). However, the weather is supposed to get back to normal within the next few days (clouds, clouds, and more clouds... along with highs only in the low 60s... oh and don't forget the annoying drizzling rain) --- but that's ok... I am starting to run out of warm weather clothes anyways ;) Yesterday we went to Brugge... a little bit more of a tourist destination, but amazing nonetheless. There are canals there that run throughout the city... much like what you think about when you picture Venice, Italy. Also, there are many tourist stops like a french fry museum, chocolate museum, art and lace museum, and a million different shops. I finally had my FIRST WAFFLE (or wafel as they spell it in dutch) yesterday while traveling through Brugge. Hands down, BEST waffle I've ever had. We didn't have nearly enough time to see everything in Brugge since it was just a day trip, so I'm hoping to get a chance to go back some time before I come home! Today has been a much-needed day of down time. We have been on the go since we got here and since today is the Pentecost (some Catholic holiday that Europeans observe) most of the shops were closed. It was nice to get a breather after going at 100mph for the past 6 days. At times I get a little homesick and miss all of you... but then I remind myself that I am in one of the most amazing places I've ever seen and you are all in boring ILLINOIS haha.

We're heading on a group trip to a castle here pretty soon... it's supposed to be about a 25 minute walk but the weather is nice so it will be great to get out of our cramped, extremely hot room. Hope you all are doing well and I'll update again soon! Miss and love you all! :)