charmed by ixelles

Early on Sunday morning, Lara and I hopped on a Compèigne-bound train to meet her French aunt and uncle. After a brief meet and greet, we hit the road for their home in Ixelles, a charming Brussels commune, where they so generously hosted us during our stay.

I fell in love with the treelined streets, townhouse architecture, and art nouveau accents. It's diverse, too, with a vibrant student population, buzzing African quarter, and expat families (case in point). Had there been better weather, I'd have many more photos.

Sunday brunch at Portrait de Famille: Ciney Brune beer, vegetable soup, quiches, assortment of salads, tarte tatin)

(Morning run through Bois de la Cambre)

(Les Brassins lunch: Bon Secours ambrée, shared Flemish meatballs, carbonnade, fries, stoemp (potato stew with seasonal veggies)

Waffles for dessert from a truck similar to this one

As you can see, we had many meals à la maison. Monday's dinner, for instance: a wine from Bourgogne, pumpkin purée on toast, cous cous, baked fish over leeks, green salad, gruyère cheese, and brownies. The following morning, Lara's aunt and uncle put out another thoughtful spread. My breakfast: a Belgian croissant and plain yogurt with baked apple; a strong Italian café alongside it. The lovely international feel continued throughout my stay in the EU capital (and in more than just that which we ate). More to come!

running towards...

Something. Good morning, darlings. Hope your weekend was fabulous! There was once a time when I used to blog about my day, my meals and most things in between. Ready for a blast from the past? ;)

I woke up more chipper than usual on Sunday morning thanks to my extra hour of sleep. It could also be attributed to the fact that I was going to the city for purely recreational reasons for the first time all week. Also, I don't think I will ever tire of oatmeal breakfasts. They just taste like home.

As I've said probably too many times already, I spent most of ING New York City Marathon Sunday volunteering with the American Cancer Society at a cheer station on 1st and 73rd St. You'd be surprised how fun encouragement is!

Bundled in my layers, with a cow bell in hand, it was absolutely, positively invigorating to watch the runners from all over the world speed past their 16.5 mile mark on the in the sunshiny November chill. I even caught a glimpse of Megan, albeit not an actual picture since she was racing by too fast. I love being able to say I know super awesome people :).

Around noon, Miss Shannon found her way over to Laura and I. That was an accomplishment in itself, mind you, because numerous Manhattan streets were blocked off, and the ones that weren't were packed with spectators and supporters. I've known Laura since I was seven, and Shannon since this past August at the Healthy Living Summit, and I'd say we had a wonderful time together.

Eventually though, after all the standing, bell ringing, flag waving, and cheering (I'm not complaining), we got hungry. Very much so. It's in situations like this one where I've found that keeping to vegan principles has been the hardest. Not only is amazing pizza widely available throughout New York, but it is also a very economical choice--an important factor at this point in my life. I did, however, make sure to choose a whole-wheat slice and add fresh vegetables on top. Then I splurged like an 80-year-old man and had a ginger ale. I'd like to say that it wasn't a good choice, but honestly, I really enjoyed it. Oh well.

Afterwards, the focus returned to the runners. It was at that point that I received NY Times News Alerts about Ethiopian Gebre Gebremaram's win of 2 hours, 8 minutes and 13 seconds, and  Kenyan Edna Kiplagat's win of 2 hours, 25 minutes and 19 seconds. Beyond amazing. Yesterday was my first time actually witnessing it all, and I have to say, it made my want to run, race, and do a marathon myself.

Shannon and I decided that we should. And maybe together. With enough training and time, perhaps even what I'd otherwise think would be impossible, could be made possible. A true 26.2 mile glimpse into the diverse beauty that characterizes the five unique boroughs of one of the world's most favorite cities? Yes, please. One day.

Until then, I will focus my efforts elsewhere. I had sushi, extra vegetables, and tea for dinner last night. It was simply, easy, and delicious. I call myself a flirt for a reason, and I don't think I'm ready to give up fish quite yet, but dairy and eggs are very possible if I prepare myself accordingly. Other goals include 30 days for $30 days at NYSC for affordable yoga and pilates classes, obtaining enough part-time jobs to support an exciting new year (details to come), and savoring the single life in every way I can. Speaking of, there's a couple of just-for-me art projects that I've been meaning to work on for a while. Today's that day.

the happiest of feet

A few years ago, I spent Thanksgiving at my cousins apartment. We ate, we drank, we were merry, and then we drove a few blocks down to see Happy Feet. I don't exactly remember why :). The main character penguin in the animated film spends most of it in search of his heart song, that beautiful unique little song that male penguins sing to attract a mate. For a more comprehensive review, in the words of the AFI, "Happy Feet is a one-of-a-kind motion picture experience. George Miller continues to paint outside the lines of traditional filmmaking, and his genius expands upon the animated art form to illuminate a world where penguins embrace dance and differences to survive and thrive. But that is just the tip of the iceberg, as the environment, religion and the chasm between generations enrich this sweet and subtle tale - one that is fun and funny, brilliant and beautiful, groundbreaking and global in its message."

Despite the fact that I'm a fan though, I bring up Happy Feet not to praise it, but to announce that I have found my heart song. In human terms, my study abroad friends and I determined that a heart song is hardly a musical tune to attract the loves of our lives; Our heart songs are those songs that make us feel the most alive, that wrap themselves around our heart in both a comforting and invigorating way, and that truly speak to us on a deeper level. Although I've known this since my time in Strasbourg, it's taken me up until now to find one for my own:

Both mellow and motivated, I'd say it's a nice fit. Have you found your heart song?

Me and my emo self ;). Ha. In other news, I am currently getting ready to head it into the city (for the 6th time in the past 7 days, mind you) for the ING New York City Marathon. I'm so excited! Running such a long distance for such an amazing cause is a wonderful thing, and I am fully prepared to be inspired. Come visit myself, Chrissie, our friend, Laura, and Florida export, Shannon, at the 16.5 mile station at 73rd and 1st, if you can. Good luck to all participants and see you there!

unchartered territory, again

Hi chicas (and chicos?), Happy Travel Tuesday! Guess what? We've reached the end of Road Trip USA, or at least my overview plan of it. In less than two weeks it'll really all begin. I can hardly believe it myself.

Stop number 23 will be in the funky college town of Madison, Wisconsin. I'm looking forward to some major Everythingitarian face time while crunching on healthy green meals, sampling the fabulous cheesy curds of the dairy state, and drinking the local brews. Although not all at once ;). I also hope my crazy wonderful host will take me the gardens at U.Wisconsin, or I obviously can venture there myself. Either way, foreseeing a great time is an absolute understatement.

From there I'm off to the city of Indianapolis. To do what? I have not yet decided. Anything you could recommend would be much appreciated! The NY Times (source of these pictures) suggests a run along the Canal Walk for views of fountains, gardens, and sculpture exhibitions. I've done this before, all throughout South America and Europe as I discussed in a guest post for Geek Turned Athlete, and it became one of my favorite ways to explore a city literally by foot.

Afterwards, I'll head into the City of Bridges. Touted by the Forbes as the U.S.'s most livable city, I don't doubt that it'll also be quite enjoyable for a visit... if nothing else, then for the chance for some art, food, and fun with none other than Rose, and possibly Betsy too. By the way, did you know that Pittsburgh has about 89 distinct neighborhoods? I will be one busy tourist, hopefully not too burnt out though because there's just one city left:

Syracuse, New York. Alright, I admit, it might not be the most unfamiliar of cities, but I will conveniently make the visit just in time for SU's Homecoming Weekend. There, I'll reunite with fellow graduated friends, my 5th year architecture gals, and a couple of favoritist young folk ;). If this trip is going to go out with a bang, (and boy, is it) that bang is bound to happen with this crowd. And once that is over?

I have not a clue! I feel like life is this insane maze, an Inception-worthy maze, and every time I think I've got the hang of the route to take, I suddenly turn a corner and I'm just as lost as I was when I started, maybe more so. By now maybe I should be used to the thrill of adventurous uncertainty... but I'm not at all. Once again, I'll come home from a trip that'll change my life, albeit my perspective on living, and be back at square one. Opportunities will be as seemingly endless as they are limited. Will I be happy and thankful for the experience? Sure, but it's also quite likely that that is the only thing I'll be sure of.

Last night I had the pleasure of meeting Nomadic Matt for dinner. If you don't already know the guy, he is a self-professed vagabond who's regularly been on the road since 2005. Now, perhaps I should've prefaced this entire post  with one simple fact: dining with food bloggers is pleasantly satisfying, whereas dining with travel bloggers (at Café Asean, in this case) is enticingly dangerous.

You see, my dears, travel bloggers (like my new blend, Matt,) travel, inspire travel, and literally open up an entire world of personal travel possibilities that can lead one very impressionable food/travel/health blogger to consider a next move that extends beyond the cubicle. 'Tis the art of wanderlust seduction, I suppose ;). It was all such a treat though, including my plate of Halia Tofu stir-friend with Asian mushrooms, lotus root, and vegetables in a ginger wine sauce.

Wine? Did I hear wine? Oh yes, we had quite a few generous glasses of wine as well. More than enough actually to make me come home at midnight and break into my Japanese dessert stash. And yet even in my tipsy state, my ever-picky sweet tooth could not stand to finish the chocolate snack cake. There are sesame and green tea flavors, amongst others, as well but I'm waiting to try 'em. In the mean time, I'd rather focus on that I know, like music and wine, and Miss Leslie too. You'll be able to find us at City Winery for the rest of the night. And after that? Oh, please... as if I ever really know...

stoked & sentimental for life

Hey there, good lookin'. What a past two days I've had! Pro: I crammed in everything I wanted to do. Con: I'm behind on studying for finals and preparing for final assignments. Pro: No con, no matter how important, could make me regret any of it.

Most of Saturday was spent inside the confines of my study zone. I worked on my magazine article and an iced coffee at Freedom of Espresso for the early afternoon and then made my way over to Panera for the rest of it. I've been getting excited about how well the article is coming together; Countless studies, ten interviews, seven references and three months later and I am almost done! Although I doubt I'd wish to read about fertility, infertility or acupuncture for the next hundred years, I hope you're interested in reading it eventually :). 

I also squeezed in a bit of Spanish-paper-writing and Beer-final-studying. Did you know that a good beer is essentially ruined when a slice of lemon or orange is added? Anyway, supposedly the weather was beautiful. I obviously completely missed out, but with good reason. Case in point:

Saturday night. A group of 13 girls and I went to Tokyo Seoul to celebrate our friend's second 21st birthday (otherwise known as her twenty-second birthday but who's counting?).

Despite our reservation, we were sent to the bar, before being seated, as the staff prepared our table for us. I had a glass of refreshing Pinot Grigio to keep me company.

Not too long after, it was onto the food! FYI: This Korean restaurant is popular for it's Japanese Hibachi. No questions asked, we enjoyed soups (mine was miso) and salads as watched as the chef prepared our meal right before our eyes.

Later, as I nearly cleared my plate, I was thinking about how unhealthy my dinner most likely was... and how I did not give a damn. When I think of living a healthy lifestyle, it is representative in times like this. You see, most of the time, I eat well and clean because it makes me feel my best and is ultimately better for my health, but on that same token, doing so allows me to have these out-to-dinner meals (that don't quite get the nutritionist's bill of health) without guilt. Mental well-being is just as important as, if not more so, than physical well-being. Nourish your soul.

And that is why it is important to have fun and live a little, or a lot. I did not partake in the sake-bombing at dinner (I was a driver, after all) but I certainly enjoyed watching it and once home, made up for it with a fabulously-extended night on the town Marshall Street.

STAY STOKED FOR LIFE.

Thankfully, beneath my fun-loving exterior I am quite the mature little college student, so I made sure that I was able to hop out of bed at 8 a.m. this morning. I had a race to run for me. Remember?! Breakfast was thus kept light, highly-digestible, and energizing: almond butter toast with cinnamon and banana, cut into fours because I am additionally a child at heart.

At nine, myself and three other lovely girls drove down to Clinton Square for the Mountain Goat Run.  I was pretty excited to pick up my shirt and get right up to that starting line :). 

I love the energy on race day! Without that, I doubt I would have made it through as quickly as I did (15:42). The run itself was fine, I had prepared myself well, the air, on the other hand, was disgusting. I was literally carving my way through it with each stride. 

But of course, despite our states of complete grossness, Kate and I were pretty thrilled and proud to have made it through with flying colors. Following a the entirety of a refreshing water bottle and quite a few orange slices (I felt like I was at an AYSO soccer game), we walked over to the starting line again to watch our other friends take off for their 10 miles. There were so many people, young and old. Inspirational, to say the least!

Then we made our way back to the Syracuse University campus, but not before acting our age and posing along the way.

It was a spectacular morning and I only have Kate to thank: When I found myself suddenly single, it was her that suggested I find something healthy to motivate and distract myself with. Enter my re-entry into running, and putting myself back together again. What will I do without her and everyone else in a few months?

Hi, my name is Danielle, and I apparently cry for everything. Oh yes, sentimental Sunday made an appearance once again, and multiple times this round! In addition to my last day of classes ever (this Tuesday), last final ever (next Tuesday), and my first day as a college graduate (the Sunday after next), tonight marked my last Alpha Chi Omega chapter meeting. 

I will also be moving out of the house three Mondays from now, unless I can figure out to pause time...