Last weekend, I went to Huy with my host Rotary District here. It was so much fun to meet everyone and hang out more than in Brussels. Plus it was a smaller group of people (100 students from all over!). At night the Rotary Club rented a dj and a keg and we had a dance party! It was literally so much fun and everyone was soaking from dancing so much - it was gross. We also got to chill and talk with Rotexs (people who went for a year of exchange over a year ago) and rotary kids who just got back this summer. It was really interesting to hear their stories. We also went over all the rules we have to follow - which really stressed me out. I also filled up a lot of my blazer with pins! I look so cool :) It is really cool to have your blazer covered with random things. So am working on being "a cool rotarian".
This week I also started my french course at the University of Liège. It is a legit course - and counts for credits! We took a placement test last monday and out of 4 levels I am in level 2. .Which I guess is for the people who "attempted" to take the test because level 1 is for the people that didn't even take the test. I am the youngest person in my class and the only one who speaks English - everyone else is from Italy or Spain and is 24. But whatever. After the written placement exam there was an oral exam and I had to explain to the professor that I wasn't a student at the University but an exchange student and was really in high school (which I guess is not normal) So ofcourse the lady thought I didn't understand the question and kept asking my major. It was beyond complicated. But my placement is perfect and I am really learning things and using them! Before when I took French it was for a grade, but here it is not for a grade at all so it is a different way to learn. I like it. It is kicking my butt though. I am currently procrastinating on writing an essay... shh!
The first day of high school was today - but I didn't go. I am actually not going all week because of my French course (which is from 9-4:30). The principal thought it would be more productive for me to go to the french course instead. So Jerry (the other exchange student with Rotary from Texas going to my high school) and I will be going to school a week later than everyone else. As if we couldn't stand out anymore! But I am very thankful for the course :)
It is now September and I am still not in school! This is bizarre! I got out of school in the middle of May and I won't go back until the middle of September! Longest summer of my life... no complaining on this end :)
In my down moments I get really homesick. Which I know nobody wants to read about - but this is my life. I just really miss my parents and the random things like calling them when I am waiting for my bus or something. Just communicating like the way I did at home? You know? I didn't appreciate that as much as I should. I am trying to stay as busy as possible... which really helps!!
It is not that I want to come home at all though! Ha that sounds worse than I meant it to be ... it is just that I am still adapting and the homesickness is just a part of the experience. I love Belgium and want to stay as long as possible here and am really enjoying doing things for myself and feeling an independence/confidence I have never felt before. Finding who you are takes some sacrifice... right?
Update on my weight - I have gained weight! My pants still fit though ... so I don't think it is too noticeable... yet! Ugh.
Update on "Mallory Moments" - I have had so many it is hard to keep track of!! The other day, I decided to go for a run (after eating too much chocolate) since it was sunny... and when it is sunny in Belgium you have to take advantage of it. So, I put on my running shoes and started to head out the door. Marta (my host mom) stopped me and begged me to take a rain jacket but I said "Oh, No! I will be fine if it rains!" . 15 minutes out from the house, it starts pouring. Probably the hardest it has ever rained in my 3 weeks of being here. It was so hard I hid under a random tree on the side of the street for like 10 minutes. I am sure the neighbors were questioning who this girl was. So, after 10 minutes I decided to suck it up and jog home. Then I got lost! I called Marta and she had to come get me on the side of a major road during rush hour while I am soaking wet. Mortifying! We both laughed so hard on the way home... classic
Update on public transportation - Success! I was so scared... but now I love it :) I feel so free and it gives me some alone time to my own thoughts after stressful days.
This weekend was seriously .... crazy busy! And I loved every minute of it :)
Friday - I had a full day of school at the U
niversity and then after I met up with my host brother (Benoit) and his friends and we just hung out. I met more people that are in school with me at Chenée. I really like them and they are fun. I am slowly getting over my phobia of hanging out with people younger than me!! Saturday - We got up really early and went to the battle site of Waterloo. I am such a dork - but it was seriously awesome. I was drooling over Napolean information! Shout out to my AP Euro girls. Since my mother (real one) asked me what Waterloo was and if it was even in Belgium - I will take a moment to explain. This was a battle that took place on 18 June, 1815. The battle of Waterloo
is regarded as one of the greatest battles in European history. It marks the final confrontation between Europe (the British and the Prussians) and France (Napolean) and the fall of Napolean which paved 
the way for a new era of peace in Europe. Both sides suffered extremely heavy losses. Some 9500 men from both sides died and 33000 were wounded. So ya... it was a big deal.Their is a monument that was erected between 1824 and 1826 that is a Lion Mound. It is dedicated to the soldiers who died and Prince William of Orange who was wounded in battle - note that he was not killed. At the top is an enormous lion weighing 28 tons! So once again - I climbed the 226 steps to the top and enjoyed the view of the best preserved spot where 300 000 men from 7 nations met in battle. The lion symbolizes the new-found peace in Europe. We also went to an awesome wax museum and a huge panorama that captures the battle is such a unique way through huge paintings! C'était chouette :) - this is Belgian for it was cool. Then that night Laurent's (host dad) family came over. Everyone was so nice and we talked about history and I enjoyed my first all cheese meal! I love goat cheese! I actually could comprehend a lot of what everyone was saying ...
Sunday - I got up at 6 am to go to a theme park with my other host family (the Bran's). It was in Germany and sooooo cool! Like seriously ... it was not a joke theme park. My neck still hurts from going on so many rides! It was really fun to spend time with my other family :) They are super nice and I get along well with both François and Benoit - I think!! We were at the park when it opened until is closed. It was so exhausting to hear french all day in a noisy theme park but I think I did ok... haha
I had a swell weekend :) today was hard though. I am so tired!!
All for now
please leave comments if you want me to cover anything that I have not! Sorry for being so tardy :)
Love
Ma-Laurie
No comments:
Post a Comment