Our Trip to Brussels

Tuesday

Last week, our class went on an exciting trip to Brussels, where we visited many famous and beautiful places. Our three-hour guided tour began at the impressive Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by magnificent old houses of Gothic architecture. The majestic Town Hall, with its soaring spire, and the King’s House, which now houses the Brussels City Museum. After that, we strolled through the Gallery Royales Saint-Hubert, one of the oldest shopping arcades in Europe. As we walked beneath the stunning glass roof, we saw the elegant shops selling everything from luxury chocolates to fine lace. Next, we visited the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, another stunning example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral’s towering spires and intricate stained glass windows date back to the 16th century.

Later, we made our way to the Mont des Arts, a cultural complex that offers breathtaking views of the city.  We also explored the nearby Royal Library, which houses an extensive collection of manuscripts and rare books, and the Old England building, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and now home to the Musical Instrument Museum. Our next stop was Place Sainte-Catherine, where we saw the old fish market basins and the Sainte-Catherine Church. We then visited the Church of Our  Lady of Victories at the Sablon, a stunning Baroque church famous for its beautiful interior and impressive artworks. Afterward, we went to the Royal Palace, the official working place of the King and Queen of Belgium. We learned about the history of the monarchy and the palace’s role in Belgian politics. Finally, we headed to the Petit Sablon Park, a small yet enchanting garden adorned with numerous statues representing the guilds of Brussels.

To conclude our trip, we walked to the Quai au Bois à Brûler, where we discovered the old water basins that once played a crucial role in the city’s water supply. It was a really nice tour, and we saw many interesting and beautiful places in Brussels. (Jasmin, Mohadisa, Hümeysa, Rita, 6e)

Wednesday

On the second day (April 23, 2025) of our trip to Brussels, the 6E class, along with our teachers, Frau Prof. Plattensteiner and Frau Prof. Tausig, visited the chocolatier Concept Chocolate, the European Parliament and the Parlamentarium. We arrived quite early at the chocolate factory, and the first thing we noticed was the delicious aroma of chocolate filling the air. Our tour guide was already waiting for us, so we quickly took our seats. First, we received a brief presentation about the process of making and selling chocolate. Afterward, we followed him to the basement, where we had the chance to create our own chocolate bars. Time passed quickly as we explored the various steps of chocolate production, from tempering the chocolate to adding our favorite toppings. Once everyone had finished, we left our chocolate bars to cool and returned upstairs. There, we learned about the regions where cocoa is harvested and enjoyed a demonstration of a professional chocolatier’s skills. After a quick lunch break, we gathered in front of the European Parliament, where we first had to pass through security checks.

Once inside, we were greeted by our tour guide, Maria Therese Tauscher. She explained the functions of the European Parliament and shared insights about her own career and work within the institution. We then had the opportunity to meet an Austrian Member of Parliament and supporter of our trip, Thomas Waitz. Our class was invited to ask him personal and critical questions, which he answered openly and respectfully, providing us with a deeper understanding of the political landscape in Europe. The highlight of the visit was seeing the chamber of the European Parliament, an impressive room where important decisions are made.  After our visit to the European Parliament, we had the opportunity to explore the Parlamentarium, the European Parliament’s visitor center. This interactive exhibition provided us with a deeper understanding of the European Union’s history, its institutions, and the role of the Parliament in shaping policies that affect millions of citizens across Europe. Overall, the second day of our trip was both educational and exciting. At Concept Chocolate, we experienced firsthand the art of chocolate making, while our visit to the European Parliament provided us with valuable insights into European politics and decision-making processes. It was a day filled with new impressions, practical experiences, and inspiring conversations that we will surely remember for a long time. (Tamara, Mariia, Yuliyana, Azra, 6e)

Thursday

On Thursday, April 24th, we had two major programs that focused on both the European Union and Austria. In the morning we attended a session where we learned about the European Council, its history, structure, and role within the EU. The distinction between the European Council and the Council of the EU was clearly explained. During the presentation in the conference room, we noticed that different countries of the EU were represented at each seat. Poland currently holds the presidency and is focusing on defense and security. The entrance hall is decorated with beautiful ceramics showcasing Polish craftsmanship. After lunch break, we visited the Permanent Representation of Austria to the EU, where Ms. Claudia talked us about Austria’s largest representation, which employs 188 staff members. Each ministry sends teams to Brussels to represent Austria and negotiate with the Council. She emphasized that the role of these representatives is not to share personal opinions but to convey Austria’s official positions and viewpoints. We also discussed Europe’s key institutions, gaining insights into how this representation operates, the important figures involved, and Claudia’s role as one of the 30,000 employees working to promote Austria’s interests within the EU.

To reinforce our knowledge, there was a fun quiz at the end of the session, and the top three winners received applause. We had a lot of fun during these sessions. Thanks to the engaging presentations and interactive quizzes, it was easy to remember everything we learned. Even though we had previously studied the EU, visiting the different EU institutions provided us with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of their functions. We look forward to applying what we’ve learned and exploring more about the EU in the future, as we continue to develop our knowledge of European politics and its impact on our lives. (Kamilla, Madina, Rana, Mela, 6e)

Friday

On Friday, we took a day trip to Bruges, the capital and largest city of West Flanders in Belgium. Our city tour was guided by Anne, who shared many fascinating facts about Bruges. We learned that the city has been populated since Roman times. The name “Bruges” first appeared in the 9th century and is derived from the Old Germanic word “brugi,” meaning “mooring.” In the 13th and 14th centuries, Bruges became an important trade center due to its strategic location near a river that flowed into the North Sea, providing the city with excellent access to maritime trade routes. The combination of water and trade significantly contributed to the prosperity and wealth of Bruges during this period. During the tour, we explored the old town and discovered that Bruges was primarily a beer region, with only two small areas dedicated to wine production.

We also visited historical hospitals and learned about how healthcare practices differed in the past, gaining insight into the evolution of medical care over the centuries. Another highlight of our visit was the Church of Our Lady, which boasts the second tallest brick tower in the world. As we wandered through the charming, narrow side streets, we later visited the College of Europe, an esteemed institution where many international students pursue their studies in European affairs. After the tour, we enjoyed a short break to relax and soak in the atmosphere of this picturesque city. We then split into two groups: one group embarked on a delightful boat tour of the canals of Bruges, while the other group participated in a photo project. Our task was to capture creative photographs of Bruges, showcasing different angles and typical Belgian elements, such as the iconic canals, historic architecture, and delicious Belgian waffles. Overall, it was an exciting and enriching day for all of us. The combination of history, culture, and hands-on activities made our trip to Bruges a memorable experience that we will cherish for a long time. (Behar, Galin, Martina, 6e)

Saturday

On the last day of our school trip to Brussels, the students of class 6E visited two important places: Experience Europe and the Atomium. These visits highlighted why Brussels is such a significant city in Europe. The day began with a visit to Experience Europe, an exhibition organized by the European Commission located in the European Quarter of Brussels. There, we learned how the European Union functions and how it impacts people’s lives across member states. The exhibition featured engaging videos, games, and interactive displays that made learning enjoyable. Each student received a quiz booklet filled with questions to answer during the visit. After completing the quiz, our teachers, Ms. Plattensteiner and Ms. Tausig, checked our answers. Everyone performed well, so we were allowed to choose one or more small gifts as a prize.

After our visit to Experience Europe, the class took the metro to the Atomium, one of the most iconic buildings in Belgium. Constructed in 1958 for the World Expo, the Atomium resembles a giant iron atom, composed of nine large metal spheres connected by tubes. Standing at 102 meters tall, it symbolizes peace, science, and collaboration in Europe. We took a group photo in front of the Atomium, capturing the moment together. My partner and I also explored the entrance, where we read many fascinating facts about the building. We learned that the Atomium is a symbol of the European Union and was originally intended to stand for only six months; however, it became a beloved national symbol and has remained a prominent landmark ever since. Later, we collected our luggage from the hotel and headed to the airport. We arrived home around 9:00 PM, filled with memories of our adventures. It was a fun and educational day, providing a perfect conclusion to a fantastic school trip. We returned with a deeper understanding of European culture and politics, as well as cherished memories of our time in Brussels. (Savita, Salwa, 6e)