Holland!!

Went on my first group trip this weekend to Holland. It was fantastic. And so close. At first I was really bummed that we weren't going to Amsterdam. Soon I learned that there is much more to Holland, the culture, the history, the environment was just fascinating.

Part 1: The Hague - Peace Palace, Escher Museum of Art, Central District

After just an hour and half bus ride we arrived a huge palace in The Hague, Holland. The "Peace Palace," home of the International Court of Justice and Permanent Court of Arbitration. A Supreme Court where countries and large multinational entities can solve there disputes. 100th year of existence, Andrew Carnegie donated $1.5 million for its construction. After that we had lunch in ther Center Square of the city. It was incredible to see the thousands of people commuting by bicycles. Every street has a closed off bike path on both sides of the road. Following a delicious dish of Dutch Crouquettes, we headed to the Escher Museum to view M.C. Escher's super trippy art and displays. Afterwards we headed to our hotel right in the center of downtown The Hague. Dinner we headed out to the beach (not much of a beach) and enjoyed some authentic fish and chips plus a Heinekin....in Holland.

                                                                         Peace Palace

Holland's Passion for bikes in the form of art

                                                                         

                                                                 Traditional Dutch Croquette 

Super Cool Exhibit at Escher Museum

Part 2: Spijkenisse, Delph, and Rotterdam

The next morning, we shoved down a delicious Dutch breakfast, and headed straight to Spijkenisse (dont ask me to pronounce it) for a bike tour in windmill country. It was more than I could even imagine, windmills everywhere, bike paths going every which way. Learned all about the rich history of milling and how half of Holland would be underwater without windmills. I could've ridden all day in this part of the country. It was gorgeous. Next, he headed to Delph, a small, quaint town....that had a bike race going on. It was soooo cool to see real european racing going on. They were so fast! Our guides then told us about a surprise they had in store for us. We headed to Rotterdam (got to see several of the Big 4 offices!!) and got a huge speed boat. They surprised with a large b-day cake for one of the girls in our program and we got a tour of the 3rd largest shipping yard in the world. IT WAS HUGE!!

I really loved Holland, so beautiful and their use of bikes just makes me want to move there. Such an incredible trip. Can't wait to see more of the world.
                                                                           

Sexy Bike!!

                                                                                  Holy Bikes!!!

Bike Tour in Windmill Country

Settling In

So far so good! I am completely moved in to my apartment, enjoying the sights, and already having my fair share of tasty Belgian delights. My roommate is a really great guy, we share a lot of common interests, and thankfully he knows a tad bit of French. I really love the city, it is incredibly beautiful. You have to see it to believe it!

As you can imagine, there are some huge differences living in a city that is very different than Aledo, TX or Lubbock.

I've learned a few lessons so far:
1. Learn French before you come
2. Get use to walking
3. Public transit sucks
4. European power outlets do not like American appliances (shorted out my fan, shut off the entire electricity for my building
5.Charge your phone before going out (phone died halfway on my trip to Aalst, wandered around for 4 hours trying to find my bike shop, then prayed I could remember my bus route)
6. French "R's" are really hard to pronounce
7. Bring your own bags to grocery store and plan on walking a quarter mile with whatever you buy
8. Buses stop running at midnight. Had to 3 miles all the way back from Grand Place.
9. Nothing is open on Saturday or Sunday...except bars
10. Kids love to loiter on the streets and drink beer
11. I keep getting mysterious bites all over my legs
12. I will never tight skinny pants like the guys here in Belgium
13. French wine and Belgian beer at the grocery store is sooooo cheap.
14. I miss my car, my dishwasher, my tv, and cell phone service

                                   (the view from my balcony, all buildings must have a different color)

I've made many friends already, from all across the US and the world (met some interesting Swedes in Grand Place). Orientation starts today. I'm super excited to meet my other classmates!

Made it to london

So I made it to London. What a day. So far 18 hours of travel. I'm incredibly tired. Haven't slept in 2 days. Dumb idea. Just 7 more hours and I'll be in Brussels.

The trip had gotten off to an awesome start. So far I've made two new friends. On my flight to Chicago I sat next to 60 year old man who has done several ironmans and triathlons. Common conversation topics included Zipp wheels and his new Trek Speed Concept he just bought. Probably the quickest two hour flight of my life.

On the second leg of my trip to London i was fortunate enough to sit next to a girl my own age. She had been studying in Spain for the last 3 years at a small university in Pampaloma. I grilled her with questions about her time there and the secrets to having a good time abroad. The most unfortunate news of the day was that Netflix doesn't work in most European countries! We couldve talked for hours and hours about Europe and traveling.

Finally I arrived in London. Exchanged a dollars for pounds, bought dinner, and set up camp for the night. Can't wait to get to Brussels!

Let's Go!

As many of you know, I am studying in Brussels, Belgium for 4 months this Fall. Instead of responding to multiple emails from family and friends, I figured a blog would expedite the process and not blow up your Facebook or Twitter. I will try to post pictures and share my adventures as much as possible!

Just three days away from a journey of a lifetime. I can't contain my excitement. Right now I am doing all the "fun" stuff they don't show in the brochure (copying all my documents, printing out schedules itineraries, and packing enough clothes to not to laundry for four months in one suitcase). But all I can do is think about all the beer and tasty food Belgium has to offer.

Obviously through all the positives of this trip, there are many things I am going to miss out on while on my trip. It kills me not to be able to see the Tech football season (I just know I'm going to miss one of the most epic games ever) and I will definitely miss the daily rides with all my Tech Cycling buds, train hard! To my fantasy football league...you better believe I'll still be studying my team like no other...I AM NOT GETTING "THE BAILEY" (our last-place trophy) AGAIN. Finally to my family, I will miss you dearly, and I promise to bring back more chocolate and other goodies than you can eat.

                                                                     2013 - Kyle Walker

I look forward to sharing my journey with you. Stay tuned for more.

***No post will be checked for spelling or grammar, so bare with me***