Strasbourg, Brussels, Metz

Our Educational Field Trip (a special trip planned by our directors for the entire group) was very politically charged. A majority of the time, we were in presentations at various European Union buildings. We listened to spokespeople at the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and the European Commission, the latter two directly associated with the EU itself. Quite complex, and somewhat overwhelming, we learned about the goals and origins of these European institutions.

Although it was good to be exposed to the organization of the European community, I personally enjoyed other parts of the trip much better. Strasbourg, for one, was the first French city I’d ever visited, and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the old parts of the city (despite the touristy section) and listening to the history of the city and cathedral from our tour guide. There was one pointed moment that I remember in Strasbourg as I stood in the square in front of the Notre Dame, in the shadow of the high Gothic tower and peered into a cobble-stoned back street, serenaded by an accordion player in which I felt the joy of travel, the satisfaction found in soaking up new and invigorating sights, acknowledging (and understanding) the French language surrounding me, and basking in the European midday autumn sun. In discovering and coming upon so many cathedrals, wandering the streets of many a city and town, I am finding it is essential to record and remember each city for these specific and unique moments, lest all the trips I take blend into one.

Brussels, on the other hand, felt disjointed without a real identity of its own, and because of that patchwork, I disliked it. As we drove through the streets, sections of town were designed by past rulers trying to emulate other Western European city plans such as London and Paris. The center of town was dominated by modern EU buildings and other offices. Old town was interesting, but I felt that the size of the city, and the lack of unity in the town identified well with Belgium itself because we learned that the country is dealing with a lack of government right now, and also struggling with a division between North and South, creating problems riddled with language issues, and various opinions on political structure. We did enjoy fries and Belgian waffles, but all in all, I much prefer other European cities to this one.

The final stop on our trip was Metz, France, a small French town with another Cathedral and rich history, as it was the military stronghold for German, French, and Roman soldiers in the past.

The 50-person coach ride was fun too, as we went from destination to destination, watching the French, Luxembourg, and Belgian countryside pass by. The most surprising parts of the road trip, though, were the elaborate and expansive middle-of-nowhere rest stops we came upon. These stop-offs were equipped with fully stocked convenience stores, cafeterias, gift shops, and were pretty impressive, and we all looked forward to eating at these places on our way to the next city. As we neared home at the end of the week, we were able to witness a gorgeous sunset that painted the mountains pink and purple; a great way to end another journey and welcome us back to Lausanne and the beauty that is Switzerland.