Taken on my walk yesterday. Was trying to get the spider web, but that's kind of hard to see (unless you enlarge it by clicking). But the colors are so vibrant. :)
2 years ago
So I don't know if it's because wisdom tooth is growing or if it's because I'm biting my skin or something, BUT IT HURTS. Oh the pain ... Sigh. It's spread to the left side of my face, and like whenever I open my mouth or bite down, it hurts. >.< And the usually prepared me forgot to bring pain killers. I guess I could go buy some, but I don't know what's good here. I could also go see a doctor, but I have no insurance. And even if I did, I wouldn't know where to go! Blah. This sucks. Majorly.
It would be just my luck to have this happen to me now. Fan-freaking-tastic.
Someone, STOP THE PAIN. Aghhhhhhhhh.
(image from here.)
Went walking around Leuven on a nice sunny day today. It was Sunday, so not as many people around. Although, because it was a nice sunny day (guess we don't get that much around here), there were a lot of people at the park and other grassy areas out sunbathing. The atmosphere here is very relaxed, chill. It's kinda nice. Anyway, because it's been a while since I've actually taken any decent pictures, thought I'd get back into it. Here's a little photo tour of my new home.
In Leuven, there's an area of old dwellings that's been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO called the Beguinage. It used to be where sisterhoods of the Roman Catholic Church lived, but nowadays it has become housing for professors and students of KUL. It's super quiet inside (except today there was some activity going on, so it was kinda noisy). There's a courtyard that's really peaceful and nice, too, but didn't get a chance to take pictures.
And the following are my attempts at being artsy fartsy ... I used to be all black and white, but lately I've been drawn to bright colors. I've matured. Hahahahahahaha .....
So, that's one part of Leuven. Still have the Centrum (St. Peter's Church, City Hall, the library), train station, medical plaza, etc. to explore and take pictures of. Probably next Sunday. Maybe. If I can get off my lazy ass ........
Near our old apartment in Brussels was small open space where a horse and pony would spend their time grazing. One time we were walking by and the pony was super close to the fence. My dad fed it grass, but I was too wimpy to do it (not to mention, I wasn't keen on getting slobber all over my hands. Gross!). It definitely liked its grass.
MUAHAHA. I gots a new layout for blogger! And it's pretty. Scroll down to the bottom to see where I got it from (if you're on my blogger site). Too lazy to retype. And, for those of you reading from my facebook notes, come to my site! It's pretty, I promise!!! :D
Before my dad left, I went on a book shopping spree in Brussels. There's a bookstore that sells all English books. OH MY! Exciting. Two constants in my life (especially after going to college all by the lonely self): books and music. So easy to escape into the world of books when you're feeling lonely or have nothing to do really. Especially with some good music to keep you company. I may be internet-addicted, but there's no replacing a good book, some music, and the nice warm sun.
The first book of the bunch that I finished reading is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I had no idea it was a bestseller until just now when I went to Wikipedia. Crazy! It's a translation of the original Spanish version (as I don't read Spanish, DUH!). But anyway, it's good. And I'm never any good at giving plot summaries - I tend to make them sound super boring and not worth reading. So I really shouldn't try because this is a good book, and I don't want to ruin people's impression of it (Just read Wiki's).
But it's a book about a book and the mysteries surrounding it and its author. Vague enough, right? Not boring? Mysteries can never be boring, I must say. This one involves a mystery, suspense, romance, drama, action ... everything! My favorite place of the book is the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. Man, if such a place existed, I'd want to visit it, except I'd probably die of allergies. Eh.
So, I recommend it to people who ... like books! Harder and harder to find nowadays. E-books, PSH! REAL books, please. Ok, the end of my first book review.
Saw this during one of my walks around Leuven. The arrow's pointing at a wall ... hmm. What's it mean?!
Today had my first class of physiology and endocrinology of sexual reproduction (I think that's the name. It's so long I can't remember). Despite the relatively dry name, it was a pretty interesting class. And if all my professors are like this one, school will be fun!
Anyway, one of the interesting things we learned about was false pregnancy. I had no idea that this psychological disorder actually existed; the only time I heard of it was on CSI: Las Vegas. Hehehe. It was an episode where the daughter thought she was really pregnant with her dad's kid, I think, but it turned out to be not true even though she had all the symptoms of pregnancy. I thought it was ... science fiction or something. Guess not. Apparently if you really want a baby or you're really afraid/anxious that you're having a baby, you can actually trick your body into believing it's pregnant (with hormones), so your breasts swell and your tummy gets bigger (abdomen gets filled with H2O), but you're not really pregnant! Interesting, no? Scary, too.
Oh! so we do have one more classmate. That makes four of us, total. Although in this class, we're taking it with the Erasmus psychology students, so it's not just the four of us. There's like around 11 or 12 I think. Dang, that's the smallest class I've ever attended (as far as I can remember, anyway). It's an interesting feeling, though, since it feels like the prof is just talking to you, which in a sense he is. So weird. This'll definitely be a new experience.
Yah ok, so one of the few pictures of humans on my blog. :) Kenting via Picker's picture taking skills.
Taken on our trip to Kenting with Picker's DSLR. Fantastic camera, btw.
Man, I'm missing those good times. I think it was especially fun because we could just avoid the real world for those couple of days and just enjoy the sun and surf.
Sigh. I'm just being nostalgic.
Technically that was yesterday, but there were no classes, no orientation. Apparently all the professors dressed up in their ... gear (whatever that may be) and paraded down in the Centrum towards the main cathedral to attend mass. I missed it, sending my dad off at the airport, but no great loss there I think. And that's the second goodbye. One more to go! Sigh.
Anyway, today we had our program orientation. One of my biggest worries was that I'd be the only student in the program. And I was sitting there in the big classroom alone and getting worried-er and worried-er by the minute when in comes another student! Phew! So at least I'm not alone. And then the professor walks in, and he said there should be another student. She shows up a tad late, but that's okay because the place is confusing as hell. Took me a while to find it yesterday, too, and we later learned that she'd walked all the way from the train station area. A little perspective - it takes me about 20-25 minutes to walk from where I live to the medical area. It also takes me more than 30 minutes to walk to the train station from where I live. So yah, it took her more than 50 minutes to walk to the medical plaza! Insane!
I digress. So, I'm still sorta confused about our schedules and what's going on, but I hope to be enlightened as the week progresses. First class should've been this afternoon, but the professor's double booked, so that class is going to be moved to another day. Apparently I have three classes to actually attend, but a bunch of self-study ones to complete. Sigh. Also have to start thinking about a thesis and getting an advisor. Ugh.
So begins another school year. Haven't said that in a year! Hopefully I'll get the hang of being back in class with homework and stuff. Yay? *Apprehensive*
Today was international car free day! How international it was, I have no idea. But, there were no cars allowed (except for taxis, buses, and those with special permits) in Brussels today. And there were some areas in Taiwan that were car-free as well. So, in my very narrow view of the world, that's semi international. :P It was interesting. There were a few cars that still drove, although I'm not sure if they were just ignorant, didn't care, or had special permits. But generally in our residential area, there were no cars, so you could walk on the roads. What a liberating feeling of not having to worry about having cars run you over. =P All the public transportation here were free too! So we took the metro to get downtown and back.
Last night in Brussels for me. Tomorrow, I will officially be living in Leuven as there will be no more home for me to come to in Brussels. Just as I was getting used to and knowing my way around this neighborhood. Meh, at least downtown Brussels is just a few stops away via train from Leuven.
Anyway, I think you all should visit me because I have a nice bottle of red wine waiting to be drank (drunken?) in Leuven. Who's up for it?
It's International Talk like a Pirate Day! And over on facebook, you can change your language to English (pirate) on the bottom of the page, left hand side.
So, instead of home, it's home port, and instead of wall, it's plank.
The funniest is people who are listed in a relationship = ____ has found private booty!
Heehee. Love it.
Sorry for the lack of updates. It's not really due to lack of internet (been coming to Brussels quite often); more just that I'm not feeling all that great lately. Hopefully with time, there will be adapting and things will get better. :)
In the mean time, talk like a pirate! :)
Pardon the mute sign in the picture. Dunno how that happened and too lazy to fix it. :)
Dear avid readers of mine (all 4 of you), I shall be offline for a couple of days (hopefully one, but heck, knowing the way things are here, probably not). I'm moving over to the new studio tonight, and alas, there is no working internet there currently. They are awaiting those cable boxes that are required for internet connection, so unless I can leech internet off some poor soul, I shall not be online for a whiles. The manager said hopefully they will arrive end of this week, keyword "hope."
[/rationality]
Ahhhh!!!! If it's really till next week that I won't have internet access, then that'll be .... *gasp* more than five days without internet! HOW WILL I SURVIVE?! Ugh. What will I do? This will just compound my loneliness even further *tear*. Why does life play these games with me?! AHHHHHH. But yes, if you have my phone number (wait, I don't think any of you actually do, ugh), call me! or ... something. *sigh*
(Image from Purseblog.com)
It's SO COLD. Ahhh!! The actual low temperature of yesterday was 5 degrees celsius. FIVE. It's only September! I remember it still being hot everywhere else I've lived during this month. Today's not as bad, but it is like 12 degrees!!! Aieeee. It's so cold. >.< I'm so cold. BLAH.
Also, yesterday we started moving stuff to my apartment (I have so much junk it's unbelievable). We moved like two boxes, which were relatively heavy, but I hurt my waist while moving! It's ridiculous! I used to move heavier stuffs and not hurt anything. *sigh* I am getting old. :( This is not good.
My parent's apartment is currently slowly filling up with boxes. Although I think once I move all my stuff out, there'll be less boxes lying around. But yah, all the furniture and stuff are leaving this week. This place will be empty! I guess it's a good thing I'll be at school.
But ... that means school's starting. :( I am scared. Sigh. What else is new? Ha!
I was looking at my Google analytics to see where all my wonderful readers are reading from (see above picture), and I noticed that they have Taiwan as part of China. So, when you mouse-over Taiwan, China lights up along with it .... ew. At least it's still called Taiwan instead of just China. Sigh. Also! The other day while looking at my bank info, ING has my parents as from Taiwan, but me as from China! What's up with that?! =.=
Rawr. My patriotism is insulted.
I just had a fantastic lunch that cost more than 50 euro per person (yah, you do the math) at L'Ecailler du Palais Royal. Muy expensivo! But, it was pretty good, and it's supposedly famous! :) I think I've eaten more fish this trip to Brussels than the last year in Taiwan. Hah! Um, unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera (stupid!), but! I did bring my cell phone, so there are pictures, just not of the best quality. :P The description of the restaurant on their card reads, "L'Ecailler du Palais Royal is located in a 17th century house in the "Sablon". The charming centre of the Brussels antique trade." The place is actually really nice (cozy feel), and the service was fantastic. They specialize in fish and seafood, so that's what we had! I just realized I forgot to take a picture of the white wine (a type of Riesling), which was pretty yum, and the bread. Ah well, here's everything else:
Ughhhh, Right now, though, I feel disgusting. I just had the first ever subway sickness! Hah! Nothing to be proud of, I'm sure. But of all the subways, metros, and MRT I've ever taken, this is the first time I felt like upchucking my lunch right there. I've figured out potential reasons why: 1) I had a big lunch (as you can see), 2) It was way stuffy and hot down there as they have no a/c in their subways and the windows were closed shut, and 3) The constant swaying and starting and stopping didn't help. Blergh. 
Also - new drawing at Lines n Curves. :)
Oh wow, I'm in a blogging mode. :)
Had a conversation about where home is (for those of us with parents that move around) with a friend yesterday that spurred me to be introspective. So, being unable to fall asleep last night, I laid awake thinking, "When did Taiwan become home to me?"
Before, when we were moving to a new country every 2 to 4 years with my dad, I'd always considered home to be wherever my parents were at the time. Taiwan was just a country where I was born and had only lived in for 2 years and went back to visit every once in a while. Then, my dad got sent back to Taiwan for four years, where I finished out high school and applied for college in the States. As graduation approached, I was excited, like everyone else, to be leaving Taiwan and going back to the States. But a few weeks into first quarter of freshmen year, I realized that I actually missed Taiwan. Some time during the four years I was in Taiwan, Taiwan had become what I considered to be home (at the time, I think I was missing more the people than the place, although the convenience of Taipei can''t be beat). There was no doubt as graduation from UCLA approached that I would go back to Taiwan to try my hand in the job industry. I had the option of applying for OPT and staying an extra year, but for some reason it didn't appeal to me. I just wanted to go back home.
Of course after going back, I missed LA and all my friends, but I didn't feel too foreign in Taiwan. I adapted fast to the life back there and settled into a routine. The only thing that was hard was my inability to vocalize my thoughts well in Mandarin, and that was pretty frustrating, making me want to move to somewhere that spoke English. But after a year in Taipei, I think my Mandarin has approved vastly (speaking and listening-wise anyway; writing, not so much) that maybe continuing to stay in Taiwan wouldn't be so bad.
Anyway, when I was given the opportunity to study in Belgium, I decided to go for it because I had the moving itch, and also I thought Europe would be cool. It is cool, I guess. But so far, I've been here for nearly a month, and I find myself constantly comparing to life back in Taiwan and realizing how much I miss home, once again.
Maybe I'm just being close-minded and just need to open my mind a bit to the life and people here. Or maybe I just need to adjust and get over the culture shock. Or maybe I just need school to start to keep me somewhat occupied (if there are even any classes for me to take).
However, this temporary move out to Belgium has reinforced my belief that I will one day settle down in Taipei (whenever that may be) because that be home!
... I just need to stop having this itch to move around (and then regretting it). Ugh!
Image from silentreaper.devart.
Thought I'd split the food entries up. One entry seemed a tad long. :P
Antwerp
Dimsum! That's all that needs to be said, except, we ordered way too much for the four of us. We'd taken the train there and were starving by the time we got there. Needless to say, we left overfull. Yikes! Towards the end, I was too busy eating to take pictures one by one. :P But if you guys come visit me, I know where to take you for some decent dimsum!
Seafood Restaurant
Ugh, I'm so bad with names. If I don't get their cards, I never remember them. Anyway, this restaurant is frequented frequently (heh) by my dad and his office for lunch appointments and such with ... people. Eh. Anyway, they serve mainly fish, and sometimes they have lobster. But not the time we went, boo! Instead, we got mussels, which was yum!
Aux Armes de Bruxelles
Mussels! For my sister's last dinner in Brussels, we decided to be touristy and go where the tourists go! Near the Grand Place, there's a little alleyway that has a whole bunch of restaurants that serve mainly mussels and some other assorted seafood (e.g., lobster, clams, etc.). As you walk down the alley, these waiters try their best to get you to go into their restaurants. It was kinda weird with all of them talking at you, but I guess they have to because there's a lot of competition. Anyway, one of the most famous mussels restaurant is Chez Leon, but my said it was too touristy. So we went to the one across from it, which he likes better. It was pretty darn good. :) All the main courses, except for the lobster came with fries.
The end (for now)!
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