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Bookstores In Puerto Rico

What bookstore in Puerto Rico? After Borders closed the biggest Mall in Puerto Rico does not have a bookstore. This is kind of a big deal in the island because this mall is literally the center of consumer spending and social activity. I've heard people complain about how their children want books for Christmas and they don't know where to buy them aside from the internet. This is ridiculous! How do we not know where to buy books?

Although Borders closed, there are smaller local bookstores around the island one of the most known being Libereria Tertulia in Rio Piedras. However, not many people know about them. I believe small bookstores should advertise themselves more in order for people to realize where they are and that they exist for that matter.

Also, although this is good for local economy I believe there is still need of a big bookstore with the cafe and all that jazz. So I plead to Barnes and Nobles to open in Puerto Rico. These big bookstores especially if located in Plaza Las Americas make people sit down and read. If not Barnes and Noble than a local, bigger bookstore should open.

With our high crime rates and low education standards, it is impertinent for books to be accessible to everyone.

Comment on what other measures could help the lack of bookstores in Puerto Rico.

Christmas Markets

One of the most beautiful things I saw in Europe was the wonderful Christmas Markets. Going to them gave me back the feeling of being a 7 year old in Disney World. Everywhere I went I couldn't stop smiling and thinking about how the end of my study abroad experience ended so magically.

I went to markets in Cologne, Brussels, and of course Leuven.

Cologne

Cologne is the mecca of Christmas Markets. The City actually has 7 of them which are all walking distance from each other. Out of the seven I was able to go to four.

Top things to do:

- Drink Glühwein, a warm wine with cinnamon and other spices. They serve it all around Europe but in Cologne you get a cool cup with it. Each Market has its own cup so you could try to collect all 7 or pick your favorite. 

- Buy an ornament! You cannot leave Cologne without buying one of their beautiful Christmas ornaments. They make great gifts for the family.

- Eat sausage or a sausage in a bun. You're in Germany, it's only right.

- Don't forget to visit the Cathedral. It was the only thing that survived the Allies bombs.

Brussels:

The Brussels Christmas Market is your typical market with ornaments, food etc. except it has one of the most magical shows I have ever seen. I use to think that the Grande Place was more beautiful during the night but the Grande Place during Christmas at night is awe inspiring. They have the most beautiful light show... I have never seen anything like it. It's truly moving.

Things to do:

- Stand in the middle of the Grande Place and look up. It's as simple as that.

- Well, you're in Belgium, have a beer. I recommend the Delirium Noel or any other Winter season beer.

Leuven

Well of course, I loved the Leuven market because after all this was my home for three months. Leuven Market might be smaller than Brussels and Cologne but it has a community feel and coziness to it.

Things to do:

- Go to the Santa Claus' house and get a picture with Santa! It's completely free :) 

- Find the man that sells the weird animal like key chains and look at them. He has whales, owls, cyclopes and many more.

- Stay in the Market till late and watch how it goes from family-friendly to a huge college party. Gotta love Leuven.

Just another day in Parliament...

Last Thursday was my last day working in the European Parliament. Leaving is simply bittersweet. For one thing, I can't wait to go home for Christmas and see all my family and friends. Yet, I have learned so much this semester and my last day of works signifies that the end of my semester abroad is here.

The reason I came to Belgium was for the internship. I wanted to see what European politics were like and get a different perspective of issues. The fancy building filled with big dreams did not let me down. The European Parliament is the only elected branch within the EU. Each Member of Parliament (MEP) serves for 5 years. MEPs represent the people of the European Union and strive to fight for their countries' best interest.

Who I worked for, Livia Jaroka, is very special because she is the only Roma (gypsy) MEP in Parliament. Her drive and strive for equality for this minority (which is the biggest in Europe) is amazing. Right now the National governments of the European Union have to draft a Roma Integration Strategy which is meant to improve their education, health, employment and housing issues.

All of this was possible because of her efforts. She breaks the stereotypes of Roma by showing that with the right education they can be as successful as any European. She actually breaks many other stereotypes, such as being a member of the largest conservative party and fighting for minority rights. However, it is Livia's modesty that makes her so amazing. She has achieved so much within the European Union, yet, still thinks she has not done enough.

Aside from my MEP, I also learned from being in the EU in a time of economic crisis and political upheaval. I got to read news about the Euro and sit in meetings where politicians would talk about it.

Everyday at Parliament was something new. When you walked through its halls you would hear and see people from different countries. With 23 official languages there was a chance you never understood what anyone was talking about.

Now my days at Parliament are over. Yet, I'm not sad. I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity and I believe there are so many others to come.