This isn't my first rodeo.

So shortly after I got settled back in Leuven, I had some visitors! Ciara and Dad made the transatlantic trek to go on their own Eurotrip! They were supposed to land early on Monday morning, but with some heavy fog...they had to make a pitstop in Frankfurt, Germany. #casual  But in the end, they made it to me, safe and sound! I spent the day showing them around Leuven and than we went into Brussels to spend the night. It is funny because the only time I go into Brussels is when I have visitors, so I am certainly a tourist myself in that city.

Belgian waffles and Mannekin Pis, typical Brussels!

   My Dad's good friend Jack is originally from Heerlan, Holland, and he coincidently happened to be over here for his annual trip back home. He picked us up and we spent the night in his hometown. My Dad REALLY enjoyed this, we went to the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Maastricht. It was really am amazing thing to see. There is so much history all over Europe, and I am just barely scraping the surface with my year abroad. After driving around the countryside for a while, soaking up the beautiful scenery, we headed back to Heerlan for the night. 

     

I think its safe to say, Dad enjoyed himself! Prost!

After our time in Heerlan, we headed back to Leuven for the huis end of the year BBQ. Its crazy that this 10 month trip is coming to a close, but it was great that Ciara and Dad got to meet all of the people who I have been living with this past year.

Loyola Nachbahr Huis 2011-2012
Can you find me?!

 

The 3 of us at the BBQ. 

On Friday we woke up and headed to Paris! We had big plans for our 2 days, so we had to be efficient! The sights on Friday, and Disneyland Paris on Saturday. Yes, I already was there, but Ciara really wanted to go as well, and I couldn't blame her! We even convinced my Dad to come and go on all the rides! So in Paris we obviously saw Mona at the Louvre, went to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, ...all the "touristy" things. It was my third visit to Paris, so as my Dad always says...'It wasn't my first rodeo!'

Ciara and I in front of Notre Dame

Dad and Ciara in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland Paris.

   After Paris, we were headed to Amsterdam! After some difficulties and delays with the trains...we eventually made it! It was my fourth time to Amsterdam, but I suppose there is a fourth time for everything! I really wanted Ciara to see the sights, since she had never been. We went to the Anne Frank Huis, but I didn't go in this time, I thought that might be a little excessive. We walked along the canals, through the Red Light District (#classy), and the list goes on!

Dad and I at the Heineken Experience!

Ciara and I beside one of the canals.

We were really lucky because we had lovely weather! it was a great trip and I was so glad I was able to travel with them. We headed back to Leuven for their last full day.

Dad loves his spaghetti bolognese! He may have mentioned it once or twice...

       

Ciara and I outside De Werf cafe in Leuven after lunch. 

I was very sad to see them leave, but its finals time! Boooo. But I suppose it was great while it lasted! I'll be in Leuven for the next few weeks studying my life away...oh how excited philosophy is! (#not) But i'll do my best! Tot ziens!