christmas in leuven!

So, still no post on Amsterdam.. but it was a whole weekend and I have a lot of pictures.. so I'm scared that it's going to be long and take me eight hours to write. Okay, so that's an exaggeration. But I'm still going to wait until I have a little more time on my hands.

On the bright side I read half of my Islam textbook today and wrote ten pages for my Marketing exam.. that's progress, right? RIGHT. Just give me a week.. I'm gonna show those exams who's boss.


In the meantime, though, I've got a little treat for you! First things first.. check out this sunset that I saw out of my window tonight.. it's the little things, isn't it?

And then... I've talked a little bit about Christmas Markets in Europe.. and guess what? We have one here in Leuven! Even more exciting.. it officially opened today! They've been setting up for a couple of weeks now, but everything came to life today and it was WONDERFUL to see.

I was sitting in my room when the fireworks started going off. Yes, you heard me correctly. FIREWORKS. This Christmas Market is a pretty big deal, eh? Welllll.. I was skyping my Mom. And I was all by my lonesome.. so I opted not to run out and firework-gaze. Until Claire walked into our room, and then that was just not an option.

We ran up the HUGE hill right by our home to get the best possible view, and thank goodness for Claire or else I never would have seen the official Christmas Market fireworks - and what kind of study abroad student would I be then? I was only able to take one picture, and it was on the move..  oops?

Once the grand finale rang loud and clear throughout the city, Claire and I continued onward to take a quick study break run-through of the Christmas Market.. and to find a snack. It ended up being a longer break than anticipated.. but I'm so happy that we took the time to see most of the Market! After all, how many times are we going to have a lovely, European Christmas Market at our disposal? Probably never again. So we wandered through the lovely stands that boasted scarves, decorations, food, jenever, purses, jewelry.. so many beautiful things to look at. I loved it. We made a pact to come back on Saturday when a) Kelsey would be with us, and b) it would be less crowded. We have lots of Christmas shopping to do! Watch out, Christmas Market. I'll see you Saturday.

I wanted everyone to be able to see the twinkling lights on the Stadhuis.. aren't they great?

Carousels? 

Yes, Carousels. In the Grote Markt. Life is good. 

Christmas Market!!!

Our tasty treat for the evening.. some sort of Hungarian pastry? Delicious. 

Claire was excited. 

As we walked back home, we were feeling extra Christmas-ey and walking through the Oude Markt only increased that - look how beautifully it's decorated!! Leuven at Christmas is definitely a sight to behold. I'm so lucky.

Can you believe this is a minute's walk from my home?

Happy Lauren.

I'm really trying to take advantage of the time that I've got left here, find positive notes in the midst of all this angst about exams, and really enjoy my last week and a half - I can't believe it's already here! Mixed emotions, still. I'm sure I'll have some sort of sappy blog post next week.. get pumped? And I'll tell you alllll about Amsterdam by that time I'm sure :)

Have a beautiful day!