I knew that Belgians (perhaps Europeans in general, save England which I'm sure has a somewhat bizarre tradition associated with higher education that probably puts ours to shame) didn't have much associated with the "receiving a paper" that comes with finishing up degrees and such. Well I didn't know it would be this bad (using the term "bad" lightly.)

I already found out last week that I "graduated" and/or passed my studies at Sint-Lukas, and tonight was the "official" proclamation ceremony. (If one chooses to call it ceremony!) Eva and I were running behind, as usual, as I picked her up on a very busy work-day in Mechelen, we headed to Carrefours to buy deodorant since it appeared that I had forgotten to put it on in the morning, grabbed a bite to eat at McDonald's (which doesn't happen very often) and then we headed in to Brussels. Nothing at Sint-Lukas has ever really started "on time" so I figured tonight wouldn't be an exception to the rule.

We took my "short cut" to Schaarbeek in our car, and soon found a parking place just around the corner from where we needed to be. Granted, we were 30 minutes late, but I had figured in time for long-speeches, hand-shaking, etc. I had no cap and gown (I knew this long in advance) and figured that there'd be no music or lining up associated with it. I didn't, however, count on what did happen. (almost nothing!)

We walked in, and what do you know, I hear Bavo Olbrechts as I'm coming in the front door, and then Frances Andrea Wilkinson just as I got to the mouth of the standing-room, hall-type room where it was taking place. It was packed with parents and students (graduates) and I handed Eva my bag, and figured I should at least make the appearance if the appearance was necessary. Thank god I didn't push through the crowd or anything and make a complete fool out of myself. I soon realized that no one else was making much effort to move forward, and so I ran into the Director of Transmedia who simply said, "Hey Andrea, sign this paper to prove that you have received your diploma" and "here it is..." as he handed me a plastic sleeve with my diploma in Dutch, an English translated version, and a proof-that-I've-studied-my-second-year sheet of paper.

Yes, that's all!

I'm not much for silly little pomp, but I can't act like I wasn't mildly disappointing. At least for graduates in the states (both high school and university level) there is some sort of "ending" to it all. This was much more like a gathering of people who came for the free wine and snacks, than it was an ending to 2-4-5 years of utter artistic stress! Give me my silly cap and gown any day!

I was telling Eva and others about it, and they all seemed to think the American (and others) version so silly. Well it may be silly, but at least it gives you an opportunity to dress up in an outfit you'd never wear ordinarily, and to be seen for that one bright moment and to exit the stage as a proclaimed graduate and pseudo-knowledge-filled person entering into the world.

I told my parents about it when I got home. They thought it was hilarious. My mother remarked about what I was going to do if I ever taught at a University and was a part of the graduation ceremony? (Professors and teachers at Colleges and Universities wear their old cap and gowns with all of the additional higher-learning capes, hats, and tassels associated with their studies...) She told me that she supposed I could wear hers. It's not like they are the same color/function everywhere, so I'll be happy to wear her Masters in Education/Child Psychology/English (or whichever it is) and proclaim it as my Masters/Post-graduate in Transmedia outfit.

So it's official. Now I only have to get through another week of setting up for the exhibition at Argos this weekend, the day at Hoboken, and then one more week in Borgerhout until I'm finished. Then of course Eva and I must take a small vacation...I don't care where, just some time for the two of us to be together...and then I think I'm going to start painting again.

IN THE NEWS:
Protesters threw red paint at a ship crewed by a Dutch abortion rights group as it arrived in Poland today. Dozens of people, many shouting "murderers" and waving Polish flags, met the Langenort as it pulled into the Baltic Sea port of Wladyslawowo. They included a small group of women who applauded the arrival of Women on Waves, a group who says the purpose of its trip is to offer Polish women advice on contraceptives as Poland has some of Europe's strictest anti-abortion laws.