Belgium

There are a number of seminarians from the dioceses of Wisconsin who study at the American College in Louvain, Belgium. Every year after exams, the men from Wisconsin studying in Rome are invited to spend a weekend in Louvain with their Wisconsin brothers in Belgium. The following pictures were taken throughout the 4 days I spent in Belgium:

The Catholic Cathedral in Brussels.

Apparently Belgium is known for its mussels. This was something that I was NOT aware of. Being a mussel-lover myself, I had to try them. Even though they were not 'in season,' they were splendid indeed!

The touristy, but colorful restaurant district in Brussels. The restaurant workers try to lure in Americans by yelling "Americano, Americano." I didn't fall for it.

Leonidas chocolate store!

This is a replica of a famous statue in Brussels. There are many legends associated with the statue but the one I was told says that the Duke lost his son, and while searching for him, promised to erect a statue of his son doing exactly what he was doing when the Duke found him. Needless to say, the kid was relieving himself. This is a chocolate replica of the statue made by a local chocolate vendor.

Some of the beautiful architecture in the town square in Brussels (above and below).

A scenic part of Louvain - tucked away in a large park on the outskirts of the city.

The best duck I ever had at our Wisconsin dinner.

More from the large park in Louvain.

The river running through the city center of Louvain.

Louvain's basilica.

Architecture from Louvain's town square.

A beautiful church just down the street from the seminary in Louvain.

Friday morning I scoured the city for a quaint little cafe where I could read my book with a cup of coffee. This is what I found. What could be better than a good book, a cup of hot coffee, and a multi-grain bagel with pesto, mozzarella, lettuce, and sun-dried tomatoes? In Louvain! There came a point while I was sitting in this cafe, looking out the window at the students walking to and from classes, when I just had to stop and realize the goodness of God. How could something so simple as a good book and a small breakfast be so beautiful? I thanked God profusely for that moment.

Foggy London Town

Rather than bore you all with elaborate descriptions of experiences that really cannot be properly recapitulated, I figured I would show you through a SMALL selection of the many photos I took during my trip to London and other parts of England. I was joined by two of my fellow classmates, Peter and Chris.

Wells Cathedral

Fish and Chips at a local pub in Wells, shortly before attending an Evensong celebration that evening (evening prayer sung by Cambridge choir).

View of the surrounding area in Bath.

Bath Abbey

Salisbury Cathedral by night!

A view of the immaculately preserved Roman baths. The dark figure in the foreground is me.

Salisbury Cathedral by day.

A picturesque view of Stonehenge at dusk.

Stonehenge. It was so freezing that day. I guess it doesn't help that we were standing in the middle of an open field with the wind wipping around freely.

Westminster Cathedral (not to be confused with Westminster Abbey).

A shot of Trafalgar square on New Year's Eve after getting out of the National Gallery - gorgeous!

Outside the Eagle and Child in Oxford. One of C.S. Lewis' favorite pubs during his time in Oxford.

A view of Trafalgar Square.

Tower Bridge after a tour of London Tower, where St. Thomas More was kept, among others.

Chris and I feasting on a traditional English Breakfast...I was so happy!

Munching on an English meat pie.

The entrance gate to Canterbury Cathedral, situated next to a Starbucks (thank God!). There is actually a room in Starbucks with big bay windows opening up to the Cathedral - beautiful!

At Christ Church College, in Oxford.

More of Christ Church College. You might be thinking, "Wow that looks a lot like Hogwarts!" Well, you're right! They used this room to film the dining hall scenes.

At Buckingham Palace.

Aerial view of Oxford (above and below).

Big Ben!

Another view of the Roman Baths, in Bath.

Bath Abbey from the front.

Salisbury Cathedral cloister courtyard.

Enjoying a Starbucks coffee in Canterbury with Peter and Chris. After being away from home for a while, you begin to crave things that you can't get abroad, even if you don't have it as much back home. Even still if the coffee costs $7.50 - it was totally worth it.

Canterbury Cathedral! So sad that all these beautiful Churches were once Catholic.