There is so much I
could say about my experience so far but I will keep to the best (and worst)
bits for now…
First Impressions
1. It is cold and
windy all the time. I should have brought a bigger coat.
2. Everything is so
slow. The escalators, the automatic doors, the cash machines…
3. The people make up
for points 1 and 2.
What I am learning?
1. Lots of acronyms
and legal terminology.
2. Consistency is
everything (that isn't accuracy). The EU has an impressive network of databases
to help translators produce texts that use consistent terminology and phrasing.
A basic version of IATE (the terminology database) is open to the public and EU
legislation translated into all official EU languages is available on the
EUR-LEX website.
3. How the EU really works
and why procedures can sometimes seem to be more complex than they need to be
(it's about fairness and transparency and it's not really that complicated once
it has been explained to you a few times by a few different people).
The Good
1. The other trainees, from 19 EU countries, are a wonderful group of
people and they have really rekindled my desire to get to know more of Europe.
2. Discounts for under
25/26 year olds for most attractions and all public transport.
3. Having to opportunity to listen to lots of presentations by EU
officials from various institutions (EEAS, EDPS, CoR, EESC, EP, and obviously
the Council and Commission).
The Bad
1. When I wrote most
of this post it was sunny. It is not any more. This is bad.
2. Prices in the
canteen don't remotely reflect the size of the portions or the quality of the food.
3. We (trainees) are not
considered staff so we are not entitled to strike. This means we have to come
in and work in virtually empty offices on strike days.
And the Beautiful
1. Park Tervuren- I
have only been once, with the other trainees, but it made an impression. We will
definitely be going back.
2. Cabraliego- An
amazing Asturian social club filled with long tables and plastic chairs. The
tapas are tasty, the drinks are cheap (€3 for a spirit and mixer) and the staff
are always smiling.
3. Place Jourdan- Not
far from the Council, the kiosk in the square does the best chips I have ever
tasted. I recommend the
Samurai sauce (a slightly spicy mayonnaise).
Fait à
Bruxelles, le 14 mai 2013
