BELGIUM: Bruges

Bruges was the center of the textile industry in the early 12th Century.  In 1134 a storm allowed Bruges to benefit from its proximity to the UK by opening waterways that allowed for ease of transport of both raw materials and finished goods.  While there are still lacemakers in Bruges, much of what you see in shops is imported.  In the 1500s, when silt filled in the canal and prevented vessels from making their way to the city, the industry collapsed and as a result, the town has remained largely unchanged, as there was no need for growth or expansion.

This town is gorgeous and would be my number one recommendation for a romantic getaway in Belgium.  And the chocolate... The small hand crafted goods are unique from shop to shop, providing an endless sense of wonder and gastronomic experiences.

We did get caught in a thunderstorm on our way in, but it cleared quickly and allowed us to take in some medieval charm.

Oldest home in Bruges - one of the last wooden houses. 

As homes burned they were replaced with brick

Town center.  This used to be a water port 

housing all the guilds that facilitated trade.

Michelangelo's Madonna

The Prinselijk Begijnhof Ten Wijngaerde

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and 

Safe Quarters for Women While the Men Were out at Sea

The small dark structure in the corner is 

where the relic of Christ's blood is held.

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Brussels: Frites, Gaufres, and the EU

As I make room in my suitcase for upcoming adventures, I thought I would use this blog to post some of my memories so that I can allow other students to read the book in which I scribbled my experiences in the margins.

My arrival in Brussels had been delayed due to complications by a concussion I sustained in December 2016.   Note to self: put Christmas decorations up AFTER finals and do not climb ladders alone.  Given this was my second head injury, my doctors were extra cautious to make sure that I had enough time to heal before embarking on what was to be a 7 month internship/social enterprise abroad.  Fortunately, most of the concerning symptoms were gone when I arrived at the beginning of April.  I only had a few relapses, which just helped me to know how to temper my activities so that I was getting enough rest.

I have been told that the weather in Brussels during my stay has not been typical.  That the mild but sunny days have been more frequent than usual.  The first few weeks, however, were quite rainy so I would venture outside to explore whenever the clouds parted.  Here are the fruits of those excursions:

Protecting the Heart of Europe

Three months ago, I landed in Brussels, Belgium to begin working onsite on an internship I began remotely more than a month before.

Through my years as a legal assistant in a prominent New York entertainment firm, one thing consistently stood out.  Copyright, while fiercely protected in the US and the U.K, has very little effective returns for artists abroad.  

In Fall 2016, the European Commission released a Draft of the Copyright Reform Directive.  As Europe is often looked to as a cultural hub, I knew that whatever happens in this directive would set the pace for the rest of the world.  I knew I needed to be in Brussels to work on it.  After over a hundred hours of consulting with my academic advisor and many industry professionals, I was put in touch with an organization that had room for me to do just that.  It has been an amazing experience.

Without going into specifics, particularly since the directive is still up for vote, I have had the opportunity to meet with members of the Commission, Parliament, Ambassadors to the EU, trade associations, coalitions, artists, authors, NATO, Fulbright Foundation, and many many others.

Here I am looking seriously on as MEP Julie Ward confirms my previous comments at the European Parliament.

My experience has been life changing and has reconfirmed that I am heading in the right direction with my life goals.

Due to Experiential Learning funding through BYU, I have been able to take advantage of the ease of travel by rail and air from Brussels.  I will try to keep it to highlights! 

Soon we will head to Barcelona and then Oxford, other areas of the U.K., and India before returning to the States.