New Surprise!

I should probably start out with a "Hi, I'm back in Belgium".  But I'm pretty sure that you all know that, and if you don't then you probably don't want to continue reading about my adventures here.  I understand that I am a very entertaining person, but it is possible that I'm only entertaining to those who truly know me.  My humor might be lost on others.  (And even then...) So, if you are still reading this, I will assume that you have some knowledge of the past 29 years of my life and that henceforth I don't need to explain such minute details as "I'm back in Belgium" and what that means for me.

So now that we got that out of the way...

Many people have a list of things that they want to do/accomplish over a given time.  These lists that we make help keep us focused, motivated and for a lack of an alternative way of saying it, keep our eye on the ball. Rather then bore you with my entire list, I wish to share one item that can be checked off. I already see some of your minds working overtime thinking what possibly could I have wanted to accomplish?  Could it be living in a foreign country?  Well, I have already done that in the year 2000 when I lived in Israel for nine months.  Yes, yes, I know that was more of a right of passage then personal triumph.  I was living with 60 other girls in a dorm, being served a meal and studying torah each day.  So I will counter by saying then fine, I lived in Israel for 2.5 months last year, on my own, learning the language, refining my already fabulous cooking skills and interning (shout out to my former colleagues Jeremy and Dena!)

Gauffrett (Waffle)

So what possibly could I be referring to?  Well I am happy to say that my flatmate decided to purchase a dog.  This is very exciting news to me because ever since I was a young one I have always loved animals.  (Which begs the question why I never thought about making that into a career, but that is for another post). I have always wanted to have one, but the parents were not to keen on the idea and it wasn't practical when living in the city.  I guess I had to move to Belgium to get one.  In case you are all anxiously awaiting her name, (yes it's a she), my flatmate decided to name her Gauffrett (go-fret) or for all of us English speaking fold, Waffle. Belgium is know for a few things - their chocolate, their beer, their fries and their, wait for it, waffles.  Since the first three options would sound weird, I'm happy she chose Waffle. 

PS I am beginning to realize that this blog seems to be more about me writing about things that are on my mind then about you and what you want to hear about. If you were able to make it to the bottom of this quite so interesting post, you can send me suggestions, hints or ideas on what you want to know about life in Belgium.

Bonjour! Bienvenue en France!

Rabeinu Tam Shul

As I hinted to in my last post, I went with three friends (well technically one co-worker, his roommate and my boss) to Troyes, France.  For all those who have been paying attention thus far, that is where the Rashi, Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, was born and moved back to at the age of 25.  What better activity to do on a Sunday during the 9 days.

Memorial for Rabeinu Tam

The first stop on our journey was actually to Ramerupt, France where we went to a shul that had a memorial of Rabeinu Tam. Rabeinu Tam was born in Ramerupt and incidentally was the grandson of Rashi. Since we left at around 4:30 AM, we got to the shul in time to daven shacharit.  It was a small building and the man who is in charge saw us driving around and assumed that we were there to see the shul.  So he came out and opened it up for us.  Apparently his father was in charge of the shul and I think before that his grandfather.  (You all see where I'm going with this..) So back to the story.  We got in, daven'd, looked around and then were on our way.

Inside the "Rashi" Shul

We stopped at a random coffee shop along the way would definitely be described as a hick town - you know one of those places where everyone really does know your name.  (and they are always glad you came). Although not sure if they were glad that we came or not, but alas, we were there, buying some coffee (and tea for me).

French Poodle, In France

Following that small break we continued on our journey (with a short stop for brunch at a picnic bench that we found) to Troyes! Troyes was a bit larger then Ramerupt, but still had that same small town feel.  We found the shul that is called the Rashi Shul. It was not opened, but there was a phone number on the door.  After two attempts we convinced the owner and his son to come open the shul for us.  They showed us around and showed some very old sefarim that they have on display. We then received a map of the town and other "Rashi" spots.

Rashi Memorial

The people of Troyes don't know where Rashi is buried, but they have put up a memorial statue for him (as seen in the picture).  It's a huge round black and white object with the "reish", "shin" and "yud" carved out.

Street Where Rashi Supposedly Lived

We then went to another part of town to the actual street that Rashi suppodedly lived on.  As the four of us strolled the same roads that Rashi strolled, breathed the same air that Rashi breathed and learned the same torah that Rashi commented on we knew that although many things have changed from  his time, there were many things that have remained the same.

Our day in Troyes had come to an end and we were off again on the road for our four and a half hour journey back to Brussels.

Mostly Past, Some Present, Small Hint About the Future

It's been a while since I've last posted.  A lot of things have happened over the past few weeks, so without boring you will ALL the details, I'll try and gloss over the highlights:

Amsterdam

On Sunday a few weeks ago, I went with some locals to Amsterdam for the day.  It's around a 2.5 hour drive north from Brussels.  There are a few random kosher restaurants so we went to go eat at a deli place - i got the corned beef sandwich.  (Just in case any of you are going to Amsterdam and you stumble upon a random Kosher deli place don't get the corned beef.  I assure you, it is much better from dad). We then went to a picnic with some local Jews, where we ate some more.  Following that we walked around the city.  I found the canals, saw the Amsterdamites ride their bikes and then went to another restaurant for dinner before leaving.  

Budapest

One of the perks of my job is the travel.  For those who do not know, I work for an organization that runs events for Jews in different cities across Europe.  Guess where their summer event was held... nope, you're wrong -- I would think it was obvious from the heading of this paragraph... in sunny Budapest!  Really pretty city, great weekend and I had an opportunity to bond with my coworkers.  So all in all, it worked out!  One of the highlights:  We had executive lounge access - basically it was an area on the 9th floor with a huge balcony - free food (although mostly not kosher) and free drinks.   Monday night after most of the participants had left the six staff ordered food from the local kosher meat restaurant - I got the local delicacy, goulash - and ate on the balcony as the sun set over the Danube River.  Not bad for a backdrop. 

Shabbat, This Past Weekend

In general, the couple that runs the organization that I work for hosts friday night dinners for any and all of the local Jewish students and young professionals.  They have been both away the last few weeks so no friday night dinner.  This past shabbat my co-workers and I decided to host dinner.  We sent out the message that we are doing it and had around 35 people respond that they were joining.  Wednesday night we went shopping, Thursday night and Friday we cooked and prepared everything.  Friday night, the meal exploded to over 50 people - we had to set up extra chairs and place settings.  Thankfully we had enough food, thanks to my 'better cook more just in case' mentality.  I also gave a dvar torah (thanks dad).  All in all it was a very successful meal.  People were telling me how good the food was and how much they enjoyed it.  We're making Friday night dinner again this week.  Hopefully it will be as good as last week, only time will tell. 

The plan for this Sunday is to go to Troyes, France - a 4.5 hour drive from Brussels - to visit the graves of Rashi and Rabeinu Tam.  I think it's a great Sunday before Tisha B'Av activity.

And so are the days of our lives... 

Just Another Sunday in Southern Belgium

This past Sunday I went with some friends to Southern Belgium.  We drove south two hours and stopped at a rest stop that surprisingly looked like a regular rest stop that I've been to driving upstate NY. Basic structure - gas station, main building with restaurants and bathrooms.  But... note to all of you who are planning on coming to Belgium - every public bathroom in this country charges anywhere from .30 euro cents and upward to use their facilities.   The most shocking place that I had to pay was at the movies.  Maybe they should just include the .30 euro cents in the admission price - thus getting everyone who enters to pay for the bathroom irregardless if they use it or not and save money on not having to pay someone to sit there and collect money. (Which by the way I think should win Top Ten Worst Jobs in the World - think about having to sit outside a bathroom all day watching people come in and out of the toilet). 

Hiking Spot

Back to the main topic.  We arrived to our forest/hiking point - really pretty area, but you can judge (see left):

We got there around lunchtime so we first bbq'd some steaks, potatoes and onions. Right behind that path that you see to the left are are some bbq areas for the people - fully equipped with picnic benches and a little cafe that sells drinks, amongst other things. 

At the Bottom Where the 'Moat'
and Slippery Rocks Are

Following our delectable meal, we started hiking down.  Basically its an

Pretty Forest Picture

island surrounded by a river; one would call it almost a moat.  We got to the bottom where the water is and the people that I was with wanted to walk across.  I decided to let them try first before taking off my sneakers and socks.  It's a good thing I did because not only would the water be up to my hips, the rocks that they were walking on to get across were pretty slippery.  Suffice it to say we did not end up crossing the river. We then continued hiking and came across a meadow.  

You know the saying 'what goes up, must come down'?  Well it is  true in the reverse too.  Since our car was parked up on the top, we then had to climb all the way back up. 

Following that we drove to a nearby city named Bouillon.  I know what you're probably thinking and I already asked - the origin of the bouillon soup cube sadly was not taken from this town.

  

Bouillon

Bouillon is a pretty town, quite quaint actually.  It has a river that runs through it, almost Venice like. Like every good town, there was a castle situated on top of a hill, which was unfortunately already closed for the day but lucky for us there was a carnival/fair with games and live music (although since it's Belgium the music is more European then what I'm familiar with). 

So that was basically my Sunday in Southern Belgium.  Stay tuned for next week's issue where you might find me in another city, or not.  Only time will tell. 

PS - This is what the alphabet would look like if q and r were eliminated

PPS - Shabbat Shalom Everyone

The Weather

The weather always seems to be one of those 'safe' topics that people talk about with one another.  When all else fails, talk about the weather and you know you at least have 3-5 minutes of conversation.  Until recently, the weather was never something that I put that much weight on.  As we New Yorkers know, it's generally cold in the winter and hot in the summer.  Aside from majojr catastrophes, we can always count on rain, snow, hail and sleet coming and going at normal intervals per season.

Belgium, it seems, does not agree.  What I have learned from my (short) stay in Belgium is that the normal rules don't apply here.  The weather is typically in the 60's in the summer with tons of rain.  Last week I counted seven people on the street wearing boots and tons more wearing tights. Not sure what I was thinking when I packed for here. Yesterday was the first hot day here - with temperatures hitting the 90's, but I was told that by tonight we are again down to the 60's. 

So now that I got that out of the way, I guess I can move on to other topics. Currently, I'm in search for an apartment.  The search has not been going that well (i.e. I didn't find one yet).  It seems that most places don't want just a summer sublet - they are looking for a longer term. I have a potential place I'm hopefully going to look at tomorrow. It seems that someone is converting their office building into apartments - I'll let you all know how that goes.  I might have also stumbled upon a site that is designed for short term rentals, but I emailed them yesterday and still haven't heard back.  

Sad to say that there are a lot of scammers out there too.  There were around six apartments that I sent inquiries on and each one sent back pictures of places that were definitely too good to be true.  Some of the pictures were tiny and too low res for it to be real, some pictures were of these massive kitchens that are just not possible in studio apartments.  One guy even sent the same pictures as someone else. Each one sends pretty much the same email verbatim and they all have the same story of not being in Belgium, but wanting to sublet.  I can't see the apartment before agreeing and I have to give a 500 euro deposit. At least they should be more creative when scamming. 

The word of the day is au revoir, which is French for Goodbye.  In Flemish that's afscheid. 

Week One

I never thought I'd be the type of person who writes a blog and I certainly never thought that I'd move to Belgium.  I guess I'm 0 for 2 on predicting what I'm going to do next.

Week one here has definitely been an interesting experience, one quite different then I imagined. So far it's been pretty much the same every day - getting up, going to work, some sort of evening activity, then back to the apartment to sleep.

I just spent my first Shabbat in Brussels. Shabbat here ended this week at 11:11 PM.  It typically doesn't start to get dark till around 10:30 here.  I imagine there are a lot of confused kids in the summer time wondering why they are going to sleep when it is still light outside.

Friday night, the local students and young professionals get together for Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv at one of the Jewish Center buildings. It is mostly people that are unaffiliated, so there is a lot of page number calling and explanation of what we are doing.  Following dinner, the group goes to the home of the head of the organization that I'm working for (also the people that I'm staying by while looking for an apartment). This week there were about 30 people eating dinner together.

Shabbat day all of the religious Chabad families go to shul together and have a kiddush lunch following davening.  This week one of the congregants was the guest speaker.  She spoke about an editorial that she published through the BBC about the pogrom that occurred 70 years ago in Baghdad, killing 150 Jews living there on June 1, 1941.  They call it the Iraqi Kristallnacht.  There was one story she told us about a survivor she interviewed who was 11 at the time. It seems that his whole family was killed during this massacre.  This boy vowed after that to kill any muslim that came in his way. A few years later when the boy was 15, he heard someone drowning in a river screaming for help.  The boy helped this man live.  He was distraught for breaking his vow and went to the town Rabbi who told him that you can't make a vow to kill, you can only make a vow to save.  This little boys whole attitude changed and he grew up to become a doctor, living in Manhattan.  He now treats Iraqi patients who were wounded by explosions for free and was returned to Iraq at the behest of the Iraqi government to be an advisor.   If you want to read the article here is a link: http://www.newenglishreview.org/blog_display.cfm/blog_id/35611

In general, I'm not sure what to write here or what you guys want to read, so all suggestions are welcome.

Gut Vach and Have a Great Week.