Thursday, February 28, 2013

Belgium Day 98: Greek Fest

My Turkish class went on a lunch outing, to the local Greek festival. 

Nothing like tasty treats to bring together nations and friends.  


Traditional dance performance.
Olives.  I almost teared up when I finished eating my sample out of sadness that the party in my mouth was ending. Needless to say, I bought a jar.  
Don't worry, I didn't eat the seafood. I did enjoy the beef meatballs, the fruit, cheese, biscuit, and spinach pastry. 
Strategically color coordinated.

Apparently people who like to speak Turkish also like to have long hair.








Saturday, February 9, 2013

A Quick Trip to Paris

first glimpse




She is way better-looking than I expected. Changing the position where you stand really does change the apparent mood on her face. 



winged victory

hugging? What a nice thought for a king and queen.  

I'm not sure, either.  



AH-MAZING.  Loved it.  

death army.  




Mummified cats.



Venus de Milo





This French Onion Soup was the best I've ever had. Ever.  


Sparkle show, on the hour.

Evening Splendor.




Friday, February 8, 2013

100 Books

This year I have a goal to read 100 books.  I am rather excited for this goal, as it essentially entails reading two books each week that are not academic or part of assignments for school.

I have finally made progress towards this goal.  My first read of the year is finally complete.

1. Little Princes by Conor Grennan (highly recommend)

Currently underway:
2. Passage to Istanbul by Joseph Kanon (meh- slow spy novel, not very much culture)
3. Desert Queen by Janet Wallach (you have to be in the mood)
4. Tales from the Expat Harem by Anastasia Ashman (highly recommend)

Up next:
5.  Apples are from Kazakhstan by Christopher Robins
6.  Rebel Land by Christopher de Bellaigue
7.  Crescent & Star by Stephen Kinzer




A Quick Trip to Germany