Bon Voyage Friends : Belgium

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

WLFEO Wed- the chocolate induction

Hazing is banned and something we advocate against. Our sorority, Alpha Delta Pi was the first sorority to call new members Alphas instead of Pledges as the first step to show we believe everyone is equal and no one should ever be placed a situation where they are hazed to be part or any organization.

Unfortunately, hazing continues throughout the world in a variety of organizations. My husband and I were walking to dinner in Brugge when we came across this interesting sight... I of course wanted a picture & I think it embarrassed my husband, he puts up with most things BVF or salon related but this one he felt was an invasion of 'privacy'. But given this was done out on the open, why not take a photo to show people that even around the world the acts that Greek letter organizations have no tolerance (and sadly it does still occur) and exist in other groups.

Photo taken in Brugge, Belgium

I've dubbed it the 'chocolate induction'- some students were dressed in white lab coats & the recipients were in normal clothes, on their knees (on cobbled streets-ouch!) with their hands behind their backs. They were being smeared with thick chocolate paste and being given cups of chocolate milk to drink- only in Belgium right?! The country known for it's delicious chocolate. I hope whatever group came up with this idea realises there are better and positive ways to bring new members into an organization.

Thank you Adpi for showing us the importance of having zero tolerance for hazing.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Travel Tuesday: Belgium, a Tour of Brussels & 5 BVF Favs to do

Belgium is a BVF Fav! Brussels is a vibrant, eclectic, and exciting city. As the capital of the European Union, the city is filled with nationals from throughout Europe. Sitting at a cafe nearby the EU headquarters and listening to the chatter from patrons, one can easily feel they are in multiple countries at once.

Although we traveled to Belgium on separate occasions, we have wonderful memories from our visits! Mon's friend Mike has lived in Belgium for a few years and has embraced the beautiful city as his second home. He participated in a team building retreat for works and each team had to blindly taste chocolates and identify which chocolatier made them. Yummmmy!!

Prior to Mike's fam visiting Brussels, he created a simple and enjoyable tour that covers a mix of food, culture, and history. Mike shared his custom tour and we hope you get the opportunity to try!

See Mike's walking tour at the end of this post.

It's always wonderful catching up with friends and extra special when it's far away from home. Mike and Monica toured the city and had a delightful dinner at Nuetnigenough. The ambiance and food were equally amazing.

Fast forward a few months later and it was Di's first visit to Brussels. The trip was even more meaningful with her dad and brother (extra bonus, Di was an expectant mum at the time). They also enjoyed a delicious meal at Nuetnigenough. Delicious!!