15 Things I learned This semester

1. How to blog
2. How to create a website
3. How to use Amazon Associates
4. How to use Google Ad sense on my website
5. How to create Cafe press products
6. How to use and create a click bank account
7. How to use and create a Paypal account
8. How to create Ezine articles
9. How to use Google Analytics and create an account
10. I learned how to create an executive summary for my e-business plan
11. I learned how to submit my website to submit express
12. I learned how to submit my website to yahoo.com
13. I learned how to submit my website to google.com
13. I learned how to create a marketplace analysis for my E-business plan
14. I learned how all about computer cookies, and the different kinds of viruses that can effect my computer.
15. I learned all about search engines (Google) and how they operate and rank websites.

Amsterdam

An unforgettable day in Amsterdam -  COMING SOON!

Toulouse, France

Toulouse, in Southern France. - COMING SOON!

Nantes, France

Nantes, France - COMING SOON!

Paris

An unforgettable trip to Paris, France   -  COMING SOON!!!

Biarritz, France

South France -  Rated # 1 most beautiful beach in Europe  - COMING SOON!

Nerac, France

Nerac, France.  Wine Country  - COMING SOON!

I highly recommend studying abroad in Europe

I have changed tremendously as a result of my experience living and traveling abroad. My confidence when it comes to traveling within another country, a major US city, or just traveling in general has sky rocketed now, because I have done it all in Europe. I have now used public busses, taxis, metros, underground tubes, many airports, and high speed trains to get around. Never before have I used so much public transportation and I did not think it would be as easy as it was. Reading maps and following directions is a breeze to me now, after I pretty much read one everyday abroad.  My time management skills have become very efficient as a result of traveling abroad. I really enjoyed our busy schedule, but in the first week or so, it was a little over whelming. Once I became used to the routine, I began fitting in more things I did not think I had time for throughout the days. While in Europe, I have never been so busy from sun rise to sun set in my life. I am the kind of person that has to keep moving and stay busy so I loved it once I got used to it. I have changed in that aspect because, now, I have been doing and fitting more things in my day, then before the trip. I never thought I could do that. All in all, I highly recommend studying abroad during college. It opens you mind up and you will have memories you will remember for a life time. 

Certified Jameson Whiskey Tester

When it comes to the great memories I had in Europe, my list is endless. One of my best memories occurred when I visited the Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery in Dublin, Ireland. While there, we went on a tour of the entire Distillery. There were about 50 to 60 people per group for the tour. During the beginning of our tour, I was one of the lucky eleven to be chosen to be a certified Jameson Whiskey tester at the end of the tour. The tour guide choice the testers. My friend got chosen as well. We got to sit at this table in front of everyone else and test Scottish Whiskey, American Whiskey (Jack Daniel’s), and the famous Jameson Irish Whiskey. There was a place mat with a class of water. The Jack Daniel’s was singled distilled, the Scottish Whiskey was double distilled, and the Jameson Irish Whiskey was tripled distilled. We tasted each one over three times, while taking a drink of water in between to rise out or mouth. We gave our opinions after sampling the three whiskeys and without a doubt we all seven of us choose Jameson as the best one; because of its smooth triple distilled taste. 

The truth is, I really did think the Jameson Whiskey tasted the finest. This is one of my happiest memories because I will never forget getting chosen and going up there. I framed the certificate I was given and every time I look at it on my wall I think of that unforgettable awesome day. 

One of my best memories

I had a handful of best unforgettable memories while I was in Europe.  One of my best memories would be my host family. When they first picked me up in a camper from the park, I knew they would be cool and nice. It was my host mom, dad and they two girls, aged 17 and 19.  I had a very warm welcome from all of them. They lived in a very nice house in the hills of Bristol, England. I really liked the dinners they prepared for us. I have never tried so many different kinds of food in my life. We had everything from English burgers to Mediterranean sea food. I looked forward to dinner at 19:00 every night because I would always learn so much during our conversations. After dinner we also always talked in the living room while we watched the news or football. We talked about everything from the differences in politics to our cultural differences. They were really nice when they let me borrow a prepaid local phone, in which I used for two weeks. Also, just so my roommate and I can have our own rooms, my host parents slept outside a camper parked on their driveway. They gave both my roommate and I out own keys so we can let ourselves in at night. I am definitely going to go visit them sometime in the future and they are always welcome to stay at my home, when they travel to the United States. 

Life in England

Life in England, especially Bristol, is very different from here in the States. The first thing I noticed when I arrived in England was how small the cars were. I saw one Suburban the entire three weeks in Bristol. I could not stop talking about how everyone was so relaxed in Bristol compared to back here. Many people walk everywhere in Bristol as opposed to having to drive everywhere where I live. I thought it was interesting how they have a law against beeping your car horn in Bristol. When it comes to the roads in Bristol, it is way different. The roads were so skinny, the people have to park their little cars half way onto the side walk. I have never seen people park their cars like that here in the U.S. I noticed how there were barley any car garages throughout Bristol due to the space. Being in the car while they drive on the other side of the road took a few days to get used to. The houses all look pretty much exactly the same compared to houses here as well.  All of Bristol was hilly compared to the plains back here in Illinois. I did not see one corn field when I was in England, and that is way different because I drive past corn fields the entire way down to ISU. In London and Dublin I noticed that there was a lot of security walking around with huge guns. It is different because I have never seen security like that in the US.

I also noticed how life was different when it comes to drinking alcohol in England, but especially Bristol. They are a lot more relaxed when it comes to their view on drinking beer in general. Their lifestyle of drinking would be considered border line alcoholism here in the U.S. I noticed that the younger people start drinking at pubs a lot earlier than here at ISU. Their view towards lager and cider in Bristol is, as if it is good for you. I also noticed how in Bristol/England here are no average restaurants; like a Chili’s here. Life is different because it seemed as if they people only go out to expensive or really inexpensive restaurants, if they go out at all. Public transportation in Bristol and England is different as well, there are a lot of double decker busses and high speed trains.    

3 Countries & 5 Train Stations in 24 hours

I was especially proud of myself on the day I met my family. It all started when two friends and I decided to take quick trip to Amsterdam from Brussels, Belgium. We booked a hotel the day, packed up our stuff, and said good buy to everyone and caught a taxi to the Brussels-Central Train Station. When we arrived, we booked the first train to Amsterdam.

Upon arriving, we walked to our hotel (which was only about a half mile).  In the morning after only getting a few hours sleep, I walked back to Amsterdam Central Station and booked a train ticket to Nantes, France for that afternoon. Nantes is a small town located in West France.  I hopped on the train and arrived in Paris where I had to change train stations.  Alone, I had to take a taxi from one train station(Paris Nord), to the other one (Paris Montparnasse). Due to my train arriving in Paris 25 minutes late and sitting in grid locked Paris; I ended up missing my train to Nantes. When I arrived at the other train station, I looked at that huge board, with all the departures, and ran as fast as I can with three bags to catch another one leaving to Nantes. I spoke a little French and the conductor let me on because he saw how I missed my train. Minutes later, the train left. When I finally arrived in the small city of Nantes, nothing was written in English underneath the signs, like the Paris train stations. I followed the pictures on the signs, read a little French, and got out of there. It was by chance that my family’s hotel was very close to the train station. When I finally met up with my family and my cousins I was shaking because, within 24 hours, I was in five train stations (Brussels-Central, Amsterdam  Central Station, Paris Nord, Paris Montparnasse, Nantes)and three countries (Belgium, Netherlands, France).

 I now look back on that day and give myself a pat on the back because I never thought that I could do what I did, let alone, before. Now when I go to Chicago or any major city, I am not going to think twice about my ability to get around. 

Sneeze Page: My Archive of Favorite Blogs

I have written many blogs on Europebehindthescenes, Here is a list of my favorite ones.

Inside the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin In this blog I give a behind the scenes view of inside the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. I thought this place was really cool because there is not many places like this on earth. The Guinness Storehouse is a place I highly recommend you visit while you are in Dublin.
 
The Tower of London and Tower Bridge Tower Bridge was and the Tower of London were really cool places to see. While in London, I highly recommend you go visit them. There is so much history it’s amazing.
 
Dublin: The Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery  In this blog I give a behind the scenes view of inside the Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery in Dublin, Ireland. While visiting the Distillery, I was very lucky to be chosen to be a certified Irish Whiskey Jameson Tester. The Jameson Distillery, along with the Storehouse, are places I highly recommend you visit while you are in Dublin.

London: The Palace of Westminster, Behind the Scenes  The Palace of Westminster is a very remarkable place to visit. As a part of the program I was in, we were given the unique opportunity to go inside for a tour I will never forget.
 
Inside my 1st day in London, England While in Europe, you have to see the awesome city of London. There are so many sites to see in this city that you have to plan ahead. I highly recommend you see and visit London!

Irish Countryside This blog is about my trip to the Irish Countryside, south of Dublin. It is beautiful I highly recommend you read this blog and go on a tour to the Countryside while in Dublin.

Behind the Scenes: European Parliament

While in Brussels, I recommend you walk around and see the buildings of the European Union’s Parliament. During my trip to Europe, I was given a unique opportunity to go inside and tour the main Europen Parliament building. It was really interesting to learn all about it and see it first hand. I  learned that there are 23 different languages within the 27 member states. I also learned that the maximum amount of seats a state can have is 99 and Germany is the only one that has that many now. I thought it was really interesting how 40% of the European Parliament’s staff is translators. I learned how the European Parliament works. Work and life there are reflected in a calendar divided up into different colored weeks. The different colored weeks are pink, red, blue, and turquoise; each corresponding to a different type of parliamentary activity. I also learned that the European Parliament has 20 standing committees. Each committee specializes in a particular field, such as transportation and the environment.

That night after the European Parliament, me and a few frinds tried to go to a nicer restaurant that wasn't that expensive. We finally choose one and we all ordered lasagna. One lady worked there and after we ordered she went to the back area and opened up packages. After that we saw her put four plates into four microwaves. We were mad that we were going to pay eight euros for micro waved lasagna but we were also laughing at the same time. That night we went to the pub which has the most beers in tap in the world. 

Inside the European Commission Headquarters in Brussles, Belgium

While in Belgium, I recommend you visit the city of Brussels. We took our private coach to the European Union capital city of Brussles, Belgium. First, we were given the opportunity to visit the one of the 81 buildings of the European Commission. We saw behind the scenes of the European Commission, what it is made up of, and what it does for the European Union. During our presentation we learned many things about the European Commission. It was established in 1958 as a executive role for the European Union. We learned the president of the European Commission is Jose Barroso.

Headed by the President (one of the commissioners), The commission is in charge of 26 commissioners that act as a cabinet government.  We learned that the Commission is responsible for the implementation of legislation once it is passed by the European Parliament and the European Council. It was interesting to learn that the European Commission operates in 3 main languages (Englsh, French, German) We also learned that it can take around 10 years for a state to apply and be accepted into the European Union. I also learned about the Eurozone; and that only 16 out of 27 states adopted the Euro. It is interesting now looking at a Euro bill; all of the normal representations are taken away. For example, there is no President. There is only the European Union flag and a bridge. It is all because they were creating a currency without a state for the first time in history.  I recommend visiting Brussels and walking around the city to view all 81 of the European Commission buildings. 

Belgium: Inside a WWII Prison Camp called Fort Breendock

On the way to Brussels we stopped at one of the best conserved camps in Europe called Fort Breendock. Fort Breendock is located around the city of Antwerp, Belgium.  Fort Breendock dates way back to WWI when it was built by the Belgium army for defense purposes. They built a huge moat around the entire camp and they built up tones of soil for defense against bombings.  During the years, Fort Breendock was used first as a fort and then a prison.

However, Fort Breendock was also used as a prison camp by the Germans during World War II.   

During out tour of the camp, we saw the yard where the prisoners had to pass their days in forced hard labor. The Nazis turned the fort into a prison. During our tour of the camp, we learned that the hard labor consisted of removing thick layer of top soil that covered the fort. We saw the shower rooms, the hard wooden beds, and the toilets. During our tour there was audio and visual guides that helped us be immersed in the life of the detainees; which were controlled by the SS.  During our tour we learned that the prisoners were only served a very small amount of food each day. In 1947, the nation of Belgium declared Fort Breendock a national memorial.

All in all, If you are looking for a good history lesson about WWII go visit Fort Breendock near Antwerp, Belgium. However, I think that it is not a place to bring small children. 

Brugge, Belgium

When traveling to Belgium, I highly recommend you visit the city of Brugge. As a part of our study abroad program, we were given the opportunity to visit the old city of Brugge. While in Ghent, we woke up early and took a coach bus to Brugge. (It is a really nice way to get from one city to another while in Europe, but I recommend the high speed trains.)  This city was awesome. I learned that Brugge has over 176 chocolate shops. 

I bought some hand made chocolates and they were the best I have ever tasted. I highly recommend buying as much chocolates as possible because they are so delicious. Brugge is a small city that has very old medieval looking buildings and towers. Like Amsterdam, it has lots of water ways. In fact, I learned that there are 196 bridges in Brugge! While in the city I recommend you climb to the top of the tower for amazing views!  We did exactly that, our professor took a small group of us to the Brugge tower. We climbed up all 300+ stairs to get to the top. Seeing the city of Brugge from the tower was spectacular. While in Brugge, do not hesitate to eat as many waffles as you can! Because they are awesome!! 

I had the best Belgium waffles. First, I had one with wip cream and chocolate; it tasted so incredible. Then, later that day I had another Belgium waffle with this cookie spread that looked like peanut butter.  After that we took a boat tour to see the whole city. I recommend you do that when going to the city.

All in all, while in Belgium go visit the city of Brugge. Get some chocolates and waffles, climb the tower, go shopping, and take the boat tour.

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent, Belgium is a very interesting city located not to far from the capital city of Brussels. We were given the opportunity to visit Ghent, Belgium for two in a half days. The second day we woke up and went to went to the local McDonalds for breakfast. We went to McDonalds because we thought the hostel breakfast was no good at all. McDonalds in Ghent had a very interesting menu that had some similiraties and differences to the United States menu. 

I ordered a New York City burger.  It was interesting how there was a little pieces of ham on top of my New York City sandwich’s bread. It was also interesting how they served Jupiter beer in McDonalds. I do not think they serve beer at all in any McDonalds in the United States. I remember like how they charged 30 cents to use the toilet in McDonalds. That was interesting because I have never seen a restaurant charge to use the toilet. 

We also thought it was a little funny and something else how they charge for ketchup and bbq sauce at McDonalds. Those little things are what makes traveling so interesting.
In the afternoon we went on a boat tour on Ghent. It was really nice to see the city from the river. If you go to Ghent, Belgium, I highly recommend you go on a boat to see the entire city from the river. During the boat tour I thought it was cool to learn about the history of the medieval city. It was interesting to listen to the boat driver in three languages. The Medieval towers and buildings throughout Ghent reminded me of the video game Assassins Creed and during the boat ride I learned that there are over 250 different kinds of beers in Belgium!

Trip to Belgium & Behind the scenes of Ghent, Belgium, Day 1

While abroad, time is going to fly by. The last morning of Bristol, England I woke up and said goodbye to my host family. I tell ya what, I am definitely planning on going to go visit them in the future.

After our goodbyes, we took a train to France from England. I thought it was really cool how the coach went right into the train. I never new that trains that large were being used. The train was so awsesom because it went underwater across the English Channel! The tunnel is called the Chunnel Tunnel.

After traveling through the awesome Chunnel, In the afternoon, we arrived in Ghent, Belgium. Ghent was a very nice little city in Belgium. I thought it was a Medieval looking city with cobble stone streets and old clock towers. We watched the first World Cup Game of England vs the USA on a huge big screen. It was really neat how the game was in Dutch. 

When the US scored our group was the only ones yelling out of at least a couple thousand. The big screen was in a square with a few restaurants. I had beef for dinner and Belgium fries. (I highly recommend you eat plenty of Belgium fries while in Belgium, also  waffles and chocolate!) I also had this really good beer called Hoegaarden with dinner. 

After dinner we all went to a local pub and had drinks. The city of Ghent is really beautiful at night. It was cool that everyone was staying close together because we all hung out more.

While in Belgium, I highly recommend you go and see the city of Ghent!

A Brief Explanation of the European Union & a local Bristol, England Business

While studying abroad, I recommend you wake up as early as you can because I did the opposite and found myself always eating breakfast on the way to the bus stop. One day, during my second week in England I kept pressing snooze, resulting in me having to run out the door and eat on the bus.

During classes at the University of the West of England we had different professors come in and teach us different subjects. I am going to give a brief explaination for one of my days in class when we learnd about the European Union.

In the morning secession, we learned about Integration in Europe. It was interesting to learn about the differences in the UK and the rest of the EU. The first difference is the England does not really show the European Union flag while Ireland, Belgium, and the other countries do display it next to their own. There are 27 member states that make up the European Union and that it all started with six. Some states (Switzerland, Ireland, and Norway) are not part of the EU because of reasons like human rights, fishing legislation, and lack of public support. The basic of starting  point to the European Union was based on trade and manufacturing goods. 
After the morning secession, we went to Bristol Blue Glass. Bristol Blue glass was an interesting business to learn about. We learned that they use a hot oven called a glory hole. It was really cool to see hot glass  stretch all the way around the block and more. 
While abroad, I recommend you take as many pictures as you can. So that evening me and my roommate took pictures with our host family. I also recommend you talk some pictures of where you lived so you can share the memories with friends and family. I took some pictures of my host family’s home so I can show my family.