Brussels and blogging

Well here I am in Brussels with two sociology students on a field trip – which is a new experience for me as many of you will know I don’t know Brussels so much so was a bit worried at how it would all work out! My main reflection so far is to have more faith in myself as despite a lack of contacts I think it’s going really well and we are making the most if the contacts we have! Lauren and Selina are mature responsible students who are a pleasure to be with (and I’m not just saying that because they will read it!) and have fully immersed themselves in the tasks I have set them. On the plane I made too use of a great map Lauren had managed to find when that morning I had declared ‘Oh my life I haven’t evern prepared an urban trail !’ The map she gave me was full of great suggestions .. But more on that later.

The first visit we made was to visit the fair trade advocacy group here in Brussels and hijack the first 20mins of an interviewing that Bob had set up – some really interesting insights into the important role of advocacy and forthcoming events followed by a mega long chat about education, which is the focus of the research being done her by Lauren and Selina. Lots of questions for us to think about such as the role of mayors in today’s society, why is the UK so conservative and in today’s recession is it easier for males to get a place on PGCErt courses and why.

We then did a massive urban walk taking covering most if the south side of the city having a lunch stop along the way as we headed to the British Council then European Parliament. The BC was not so much use given they don’t let anyone in but the European Parliament had an interactive exhibition which was interesting to reflect on. The best bit for me was the maps and globes – reminding me of my geographical routes !

Then coffee an cake in a great little organic fair trade cafe – lots of these about in Brussels.

Met the girls for breakfast and had briefing session on diaries and set them a task for the day ready to meet up later tonight – I had some time to catch up on work and plan my trip to Leuven tomorrow. Being away and travelling makes you realise the value of having on your own time as you really can step back and reflect – my problem now as I am posting my ideas onto Facebook and blogs and generating more and more work for myself – note to self plan in some chill time !

Using the great map mentioned before I planned out a self guided tour on my own to check out others area of the city and set of on tram and a metro to check out the ‘exotic’ international sector in the north – which turned out to be no so exciting and rather dull. The most exciting thing a I saw was lots of tubs of olives – but to the north of the area was in interesting looking Art project on gender what ill have to check out.

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However I did come across the offices of use it who are the people, behind the map and ended up with the most brilliant discussion with the two volunteers who were in the office that day on a whole range of top is from how the projects work, how the maps and are made and possibilities of how we can engage young people in Liverpool in the initiative – I'm sitting in the cafe next to the offices now just buzzing with ideas and hope that it leads to something practical in Liverpool but only time will tell … If you are interested in what use it do – engaging and empowering young people to make maps for other young people – then check out http://www.use-it.info. Also came away with ideas for where to go tonight so all in all a good days work.

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And finally about to head back but having great Moroccan soup and cappuccino in Via Via which is the nearest type of bar cafe I have found to the pass by bar in Beijing – and very similar to caves in Kathmandu – very laid back and chilled – alternative – off for one more coffee

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