Leaning tower

Saturday, June 15, 2013

 Bonjour!

I'm glad to report that I have succeeded taking 8 exams this week. I only have four exams left before I can finally go home, kiss my parents, hug my grandma and run around the house with my dog. Although I'm a bit worried my dog might not recognize me anymore. 

Even though I haven't felt homesick since I got here last year, part of me still wishes I can be with my family again. However, I think being reunited with my siblings and parents is quite challenging. As you know, my siblings and I are very blessed to have received good graces such that we are now on our solo flight in conquering the world. My big brother is in the Philippines. My older sister is in Thailand. My younger is in Japan. I'm here in Belgium. The thought of having a reunion anytime soon isn't achievable. My parents and grandma are at home, preoccupying themselves probably so they wouldn't miss us too much. The other week, I have learned that, since we left, they have started making a "zoo" at home. They have collected numerous animals I really don't know if they are planning to have our zoo open to the public. Almost a year ago, when I  left home, they only had 4 dogs, 1 cat and 1 tarantula. Now, they have 4 dogs, 4 cats, 1 tarantula, 2 chickens, 2 turkeys, 2 fishes and 2 rabbits. My siblings and I are probably so difficult to handle such that, after we have all left, my parents suddenly had the luxury of time to take care of so  many animals. But I'm sure none of the animals are as hyperactive as me. haha

I travel here and there whenever I have time. Last April, I also went to Pisa to see the infamous leaning tower which probably would never have gotten famous if Galileo didn't drop a feather and a stone to demonstrate the effect of gravity. The tower isn't as tall as it looks like in pictures. It's one of those edifice which has gotten "beautiful" because of some historical events. An ordinary Belgian mansion is probably way more beautiful. But then again, the mansion is nothing but a structure. If the mansion crumbles due to an earthquake, after a few years, it will soon be forgotten--unless of course E. L. James was there and she was buried alive. 

Keukenhof, Holland- The Largest Flower Garden in the World

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Hi everyone!

Our series of exams commenced this morning. I spent two weeks studying. I think I read my entire immunology book! I never thought I could possibly read an entire non-fiction book. My travelling escapades have temporarily ceased and will resume next month. Definitely! Meanwhile, I need to get through 12 exams so I can move on with my first year of master's degree.

Several weeks ago, my friends and I went to Keukenhof to visit the largest spring garden where 7 million tulips are planted. I think it's the most beautiful place I have seen on earth! 




When I was still in the Philippines, I have always wondered how a tulip looked like. I've heard from quite a number of women that tulips are so majestic. I thought, can any flower be more beautiful than a pink rose (pink roses were my favorites)? 


Roses are so soft and fragile, I can't help but feel weak when I see one. Tulips, on the other hand, are so hard and resilient, it felt like feeling weak when I see one was never an option. 


I think I love tulips more than roses now. Unfortunately, they only bloom in Spring. :-(