Sights I've Seen

It's so crazy to think that it's almost the end of the school year! And as my classes here start wrapping up, Ive been very reflective and a bit nostalgic lately. So instead of being sad that this experience will soon be over, I've decided to remind myself of some of the amazing places I've been able to go since coming here. 

York

From the gorgeous cathedral (shown in the upper left and lower right) to the impressive wall (upper right) that dates back to the times of the Roman Empire, it is clear that this town has a lot of history, which I always find fascinating when visiting a new place. Additionally, the town has been visited by many monarchs who stayed in the building on the lower left (now the University of York) and holds a really cool open market. 

The Highlands




 Although I really enjoyed visiting Edinburgh, my favorite part of Scotland that I was able to visit was the Highlands. Being a nature lover, the gorgeous scenery of this part of part of Scotland left me speechless. It was also cool that I got to see a few castles while I was there and a highland cow (yak). 

Brussels

               

During the Winter break, my dad came to visit and we were able to travel around a bit. Our favorite city on this trip was easily Brussels. Dating back to the late 970's, just under halfway through the Middle Ages, the city is full of history. Being a small city in a small country between bigger forces the city has been conquered time and time again and has still managed to maintain its own culture through these changes of power. Being there in December we also got to see many Winter markets and even the city's most famous attraction was dressed for the occasion (pictured below). 

                                       

Manneken Pis (the Peeing Man pictured up to the left) is a statue that was once very random in the city. Although its origin is still somewhat disputed, its rise to fame is fairly agreed upon. During a raid of the city, a nostalgic family that lived close to the statue hid it to prevent it from being stolen or destroyed. When the conquerors heard this statue was missing they made great, unsuccessful efforts to find it.

While the statue has been stolen from the city many times, it has always been returned and has become an icon of the city. Throughout the year, it is dressed up in all kinds of outfits depending on the events of the time. 

Stonehenge

Although I enjoyed most of these places for the history they carried, I've always been fascinated by the theories behind Stonehenge. Ranging from a communal gathering place to a place of Pagan worship to an amphitheater for entertainment, there are many theories about what Stonehenge ever was when it was first built around 3000 B.C.E. Between this mystery, the age, and the size of this construction, I found it to be a very intriguing place.

  

All of these are also places I had wanted to visit for a long time, so I think this made the experiences of going there all the more special. Where are some places you guys would like to go someday?

Also keep in mind that I'll be interviewing my friend's brother this week so comment any questions you guys would like me to ask him.