One of my classmates here really wanted to see dinosaur skeletons (as she hasn't seen any in real life), so when she found out there were some on exhibition at the Brussels Natural History Museum, we decided to pay it a visit. We walked through Leopold Park (I think that's what it's called) trying to find the entrance to the museum. On arrow pointed in one direction, but then another arrow pointed in another direction ... we were confused, but it was well worth the trip because the park is really pretty now that spring is here.

The museum is pretty big, bigger than I originally thought. The interior design of the museum is actually quite nice, especially the dinosaur exhibit, which is very impressive. It's got more of a modern and industrial feel when compared to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in D.C. Alas, I don't have a camera, so I usurped my friend's camera and took a bajillion pictures. But it's still on her camera, and she's heading off to London and Greece tomorrow, so it'll be after spring break before I can get the pictures. A sample, from the museum's website ~



They also had a mammal exhibit, evolution exhibit, and a north/south pole exhibit (and more, but I can't remember off the top of my head). It was very nice, and there were students (little and big) on field trips in there. We felt like little kids as well. There's just something really awe-inspiring when you're in the same room as those full-scale dinosaur skeletons. They also had a room full of whale skeletons, and that was pretty awesome as well. You feel tiny in comparison.

After the museum, it was still early, so we walked through the park and went to Paul bakery where we just drank some coffee, ate some bread, and talked about ... life. Then it was shopping time, so we went to the shopping street in Brussels (Rue Neuve) where I ended up getting allergies along with socks. Hah. So after that, we decided to head back to Leuven since two of us still had to pack for their trips tomorrow. They're skipping classes so they can go home earlier *gasp!* Hahaha. :P Their spring break has officially started ... mine, not so much. booo!

Overall it was a really nice day. The weather was totally cooperative as well. :D I love Belgium when it's sunny, blue skies, and warm. Good times! But super tiring. I am all pooped out right now. >.<

Neglected! I don't know. Lately it's been sunny and fantastic! Except, now that spring is here, so are flowers with pollen, which means allergies! This past weekend was especially bad to the point that I actually went to bed before 12 three days in a row. Holy! That hasn't happened in a long whiles, even with jet lag I try to sleep after 12. Ah well. Maybe it's a good thing. Today the nose is much better, and it's also not as sunny. Starting to see a sad correlation here. Nooooo ... I love sun and blue skies. Sigh.

Sad news, my aunt's doggie of 12 (?) years recently passed away. He was old and sick, but it's still sad. At least he should be suffering less, and as my sister and I put it, he's probably in perpetual humping heaven. :D He was always thwarted when he was with us. We'll miss you, little guy! Even your terror-dog ways, as was chronicled at the beginning of this blog.


Look at that angelic little face. How can he not be missed? Sigh. <3

On to happier news. After the loss of my beloved fujifilm, my dad's getting me a Nikon D40. Wahahaha. Well, the order's been placed, now just have to wait for it's arrival and for me to get to the States so I can play play play with it. So exciting!!! I hope I use it to it's full capability and not just use it as a point and shoot .... then that would be a waste of money.

Spring break's in about two weeks, and I'll be heading back to D.C. :D Cherry blossom? I hope I don't die of allergies there too. Aishhhhhh.

Mini-update on life so far. :)

Two weeks ago I went to Namur (capital of Wallonia) with a friend. On the train ride to Ottagnie, I was stupid and left my camera on the train. By the time I realized, the door of our train to Namur had closed and we were on our way. Haven't heard anything from the station since, so chances of recovery are null. :( Waaaah. I'm still beating myself up over it occasionally. I mean, it was a really nice camera, and I had it only for 6 months. Gaaaaah. Now I feel naked because I normally carry my camera everywhere. Sometimes I'm like, ooo, that would make a nice picture. But now they're just pictures in my mind. Which means I'll forget about them the next day. Sigh.

Anyway, no point in dwelling on that, I guess. Must move on.

Namur's a really beautiful city, especially on a sunny, warm day (shock! in Feburary?!). My friend and I just went without a map or tour book or anything. So when we stepped out of the station, we were like, uh, where do we go? What do we do? Which way's the city? Wandering around a bit, we found the citadel, which was pretty hard to miss once you get out of the building-filled area since it stood on a pretty tall hill. We made that our destination and had a nice hike up the huge hill and surrounding areas. Thankfully my friend had her camera with her.

Pre-citadel, city shots:

Churches, cathedrals can be found everywhere, and Namur was no different. When we were wandering around, we decided to head in directions of churches since that meant there was a square or market place near it. This church allowed us to see the citadel. :D



There's a river that runs through Namur, which makes the city even more scenic, especially with the citadel being on the other side.

View of the city from the citadel, but this was when we had only started to climb. Nowhere near the top, so you can't see as much yet. But the citadel itself was so peaceful and quiet. And even though it was a really nice Saturday, there weren't as many people as I would have expected. Later, when we wandered into the center of the town, we noticed that's where everyone went. Shopping time! :P

Unfortunately, a lot of the pictures of the citadel itself didn't turn out as well. But! I bought some postcards while we were there, and this one is a pretty nice artist's rendition of the place. :)

(All pictures were taken by my friend, Mireya. Nice shots :P)