Final Call: Departure for Barcelona

A semester abroad, half a world away from everything we know as home, finally comes to an end.

Last night marked the closing ceremony for the Spring class of 2010 Clemson University Brussels Center. With a smorgasbord of mixed emotions, we bid each, other as well as the CUBC faculty and staff farewell. Having come to appreicate Brussels and the memories gained while studying abroad, we found the ending of the semester bitter sweet. Many of us are anxious to return home but we know that deep down, in all reality we'll miss the place we've called home for the past half a year.

As I've said before, its hard to explain what study abroad is truly like. Its one of those adventures in life you actually have to partake in to really understand. You develop a newfound respect for the world outside your own little bubble, but you also begin to realize how much you truly love home.

I'm ready for my return to the states, but there is not a doubt in my mind that we will all miss Brussels very much in our own ways. I thank those that helped get us here, and I wish everyone the best.

All good; all the time,

Thomas

Planete Chocolate

"To respect a tradition of Belgium chocolate making; to offer a new product with genuine design, and to offer an impeccable service to our customers"

This is the motto and mantra of one of Belgium's finest chocolate producers, Planete Chocolate. The C.U.B.C. class was offered a chance to take a walk through their establishment as well as take an active role in the production of the world's most favored sweet, chocolate.

Mere hours before the start of our second Law exam, my fellow classmates and I found ourselves wandering into the confines of Planete Chocolate's operational home. After a short instructional video and interactive trivia quiz (contestants were rewarded for correct answers with chocolate) we headed back into the kitchen, sterilized our clothes/hands, and scrubbed up to hands on with some traditional chocolate making.

The tour was short in duration but very informative and enjoyable for myself and my fellow classmates.

Just another factor in Belgium's overall international standing [chocolate, waffles, and beer].

All good; all the time,

Thomas