Brussels Part Two

Greetings from Brussels! I don't have much time to write, as I am on break from a seminar on lobbying at the European Union, but I wanted to publish a quick update on what's been going on. The seminar, the European Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute (EPAAI), is going very well. We've met with representatives from the European Union, Pfizer, the Financial Times, NATO, and a ton of other organizations involved in lobbying in Brussels. Their insights are helping me develop a thesis for my independent study, which contrasts lobbying efforts in the U.S. and the EU, with a focus on drug safety.

EPAAI is enjoyable on another level as well. Many of my friends from graduate school, with whom I have spent hours and hours poring over material, studying for exams and preparing briefings, are here, and we are taking advantage of the Brussels nightlife. Last night, we spent 4 hours at a small tavern not far from the Gran Place, and drank beer that isn't usually available at the touristy bars around town. With our limited French, and sophisticated gesticulating techniques, we were able to converse with the bar tender about his favorite types of Belgian beer. The cultural barrier, however, did arise when I followed him into the kitchen to pursue the topic further.

I am returning to our seminar so I will have to fill you all in on some more details (and bawdier anecdotes) a little later. I still must cover a trip to Amsterdam and a night of barhopping in Brussels (all within 24 hours) as well as my reflections on the city of Brussels. I hope everyone is well and I miss you all.