We only have to do five assignments out here. The final project---a feature article discussing some aspect of Europe---is due in just two weeks. I have already thought of a pretty good idea. Out here, everyone considers themselves to be members of their home country, whether it be Belgium, France, Estonia, etc. I have not met a person yet who sees his/herself as a European first. This is a stark contrast from Americans. Besides a few Texans, Californians, and some other various people, most citizens of the United States consider themselves American first, then their home state (or sometimes their home city---I'm looking at you, Chicago!). But why isn't it this way for Europeans? Is it because of the division of their cultures for millennia? a fear of losing their heritages? worried that European futbol would never be the same?
This is what I intend to find out. I have no further details since I'm still in the early planning stages, but I want my target audience to be both American and European, if that is at all possible. I feel that I can help bridge the gap between how Americans view Europeans and vice versa when it comes to their "label," so to speak. Probably not the best word to use, but I'm really tired at the moment.
In my blogosphere absence, I have been inside the EU three times. Metal detectors and guards line the entrances to all EU buildings. All the buildings are an unending maze of offices, meeting rooms, and tight hallways. Don't get me wrong, I love the EU and its accomplishments--but it's still run like a business, with its agendas, Powerpoint meetings, and the like. I was also surprised to learn that the EU recently turned a church (below) into a welcome center for visitors (complete with guards and sign-in desk). Secularism runs high in Europe, especially in Belgium.
I have also been to Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world (as well as a fashion capital, but since I am fashionably challenged, I didn't notice). My group and I visited the diamond museum, which unfortunately had "copies" of some original crown jewels, which were actually located in the London Museum. The amount of artifacts on display was also pretty light. They were beautiful nonetheless. Antwerp is definitely a woman's city with its streets completely lined with clothing shops.
We also had our first taste of Brussels nightlife. We visited one of the most popular bars out here, called Delirium. It's actually three bars on three stories, with almost 100 beers on tap and plenty more to choose from. Advertisements of different beers lined the walls, all of which I wanted to try but didn't know where to start. Thankfully, I found the perfect one:
Twich's Drink of the Day: Delirium Tremens
With the advertisement "Voted the best beer in the world," it would be hard-pressed to find a drinker who does not enjoy this beer. It has a sweet, smooth taste that goes down easy, and after one glass I was getting a buzz (keep in mind, however, I had not eaten in the previous nine hours). Hands-down the best beer I have ever had.
Twich's Place of the Day: Antwerp's Grote Markt
By far one of the most beautiful main squares I have ever seen. Very lively with horse-drawn carriages, fountains, and traveling organs, not to mention the number of outdoor bars.
Hey Brandon! I'm loving your blog, each time I open it up, I hope that there's a new post. It's strange to think that we're so far away from home, but still relatively close to each other!
ReplyDeleteA comment on your article, Do you consider yourself to be first North American, or just American? You're confusing country vs continent vs state. The EU, or even just Europe, isn't a country with smaller "states", a distinction my British friends and family have made very clear (the Brits are very skeptical of the EU). Does that make sense?
BTW, when you're in England, you should visit Kentwell!!
-Love always,
Victoria
Victoria,
ReplyDeleteGreat catch! The one thing I forgot to mention in the article is that the EU is run like a federation, which is what the United States is, in a way. The main difference is that the "states" of Europe have more power than the central EU government, while the US has most of its powers in the federal government rather than the state governments.
As everyone knows from history, the colonies were all pretty much independent at first, then with the Constitution they were ruled over by a supra-national government--the federal government. That's what the EU is. Will the member countries ever lose their identity? Most likely not. But as long as they continue to give the EU more powers, they will always be "states" under that central government on the Eurasian continent. The British are by far the most skeptical, I agree, but this is my viewpoint from what I have learned about the EU.
I'll see what I can do about getting out to Kentwell. I would love to visit you!