Dinsdag, 28 Februari 2012
Slept in until noon (hey, I was tired), had lunch outside, and then worked in the yard for a few hours. Had to haul wood that Frederik had cut down earlier in the week - managed to cut my arms up a bit. Reminded me of one of my last times up north after the big storm.
After that, Marcela and I tanned outside a bit (in February. Tanning. I'm still confused), had a drink, and then we all went grocery shopping. Stopped for a drink in the bar on the way home, where we ran into two Hollanders. So, Denise and Frederik were talking to them for a long time, so Marcela and I just went outside and talked. Finally got home, had tortillas (I tied Marcela in being a real Mexican), and then we just talked until like midnight about education and worldviews on things. Really fun. Time for sleep now - going to Saint-Tropez tomorrow! Slaapwel!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Day 205
Maandag, 27 Februari 2012
Woke up early, ate a bit, and then we were off for Tourtour again. 12 hours in the car, nothing really exciting happened. Got to the house in Tourtour, ate with Frederik (he was there already), and then we all went to bed right away.
Woke up early, ate a bit, and then we were off for Tourtour again. 12 hours in the car, nothing really exciting happened. Got to the house in Tourtour, ate with Frederik (he was there already), and then we all went to bed right away.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Day 204
Zondag, 26 Februari 2012
Great day. Slept in until like 1230 again. Apparently two of the guys that were going to stay at Gio's got locked out last night, and were ringing the bell and throwing rocks and such to wake us up, but I didn't even hear it. Shows how well I was sleeping. :P Had some breakfast, watched some TV and old drumline videos, talked with one of the other directors that was over, and then had lunch.
Around 3, we all went to the clubhouse, watched a movie via the projector, ate, rehearsed a little bit, had announcements, and the final show! Marcela, Denise, Raf (the son of Denise) and his girlfriend all came. :) Okay show - could have been better, but seeing as how we didn't practice like at all the last two days it makes sense. Just sucks it was not the greatest show since it was the one we were recording. :P
Cleaned up a bit, showed Marcela around the clubhouse, and then we drove back to Meerle. Ate, talked with some people and caught up with some things, and now it's time for bed - off to France for the week in like 6 hours! Slaapwel!
Great day. Slept in until like 1230 again. Apparently two of the guys that were going to stay at Gio's got locked out last night, and were ringing the bell and throwing rocks and such to wake us up, but I didn't even hear it. Shows how well I was sleeping. :P Had some breakfast, watched some TV and old drumline videos, talked with one of the other directors that was over, and then had lunch.
Around 3, we all went to the clubhouse, watched a movie via the projector, ate, rehearsed a little bit, had announcements, and the final show! Marcela, Denise, Raf (the son of Denise) and his girlfriend all came. :) Okay show - could have been better, but seeing as how we didn't practice like at all the last two days it makes sense. Just sucks it was not the greatest show since it was the one we were recording. :P
Cleaned up a bit, showed Marcela around the clubhouse, and then we drove back to Meerle. Ate, talked with some people and caught up with some things, and now it's time for bed - off to France for the week in like 6 hours! Slaapwel!
Day 203
Zaterdag, 25 Februari 2012
Slept in a bit (till like 1230), then Gio drove me and the other guy that slept at his house to the grocery store. We picked up food (a loaf of bread, 2 kilos of chinese food, a bunch of breakfast breads, a pie, 2 liters of pop, ham, a hunk of cheese, a candy bar, and a bag of candy), and ran into some other DrumSpirit people, who were also getting a bunch of food. When we went out to Gio's car, he just shook his head when he saw how much food we had (and it was just for the two of us). Went to the clubhouse, ate a bit, then rehearsed from 3-630. Ate, watched some TV, announcements, and then the show again.
Went pretty well - some things were better, some were worse. Talked with some of the directors afterwards - I'm really leaning towards auditioning for a world class line next year for winter, and for doing drumcorps in the summer. Thankfully like all the directors have marched those things in the States, so I can ask for help. Talked with a bunch of people, and while everyone was still in full party mode at like 330am, Gio and I were exhausted so we just went to his house and fell went to bed right away.
Slept in a bit (till like 1230), then Gio drove me and the other guy that slept at his house to the grocery store. We picked up food (a loaf of bread, 2 kilos of chinese food, a bunch of breakfast breads, a pie, 2 liters of pop, ham, a hunk of cheese, a candy bar, and a bag of candy), and ran into some other DrumSpirit people, who were also getting a bunch of food. When we went out to Gio's car, he just shook his head when he saw how much food we had (and it was just for the two of us). Went to the clubhouse, ate a bit, then rehearsed from 3-630. Ate, watched some TV, announcements, and then the show again.
Went pretty well - some things were better, some were worse. Talked with some of the directors afterwards - I'm really leaning towards auditioning for a world class line next year for winter, and for doing drumcorps in the summer. Thankfully like all the directors have marched those things in the States, so I can ask for help. Talked with a bunch of people, and while everyone was still in full party mode at like 330am, Gio and I were exhausted so we just went to his house and fell went to bed right away.
Day 202
Vrijdag, 24 Februari 2012
Rehearsal from 10-5, so that was fun. Managed to eat a bit in there because a girl in my section hurt her finger so we had to keep stopping. Made me realize the finger I hurt last year at drumline is swelling again, so that's a bummer. I think it was like exactly a year ago that I hurt it, so I was hoping it would be better by now.
From 5-730 just ate and hung out in the clubhouse, watched some TV (it's projected on the wall), and messed around with the instruments. Pretty fun. Then announcements, and show time! It went really well - no big mistakes, and everything seemed to run pretty smoothly. Afterwards, hung out and had some drinks with people, talked, and finally went back to Gio's around 330am, which was good because my knees were killing me. Went to sleep like right away.
Oh, and here's a photo from rehearsal on Wednesday I found on facebook - taken at midnight :P
Rehearsal from 10-5, so that was fun. Managed to eat a bit in there because a girl in my section hurt her finger so we had to keep stopping. Made me realize the finger I hurt last year at drumline is swelling again, so that's a bummer. I think it was like exactly a year ago that I hurt it, so I was hoping it would be better by now.
From 5-730 just ate and hung out in the clubhouse, watched some TV (it's projected on the wall), and messed around with the instruments. Pretty fun. Then announcements, and show time! It went really well - no big mistakes, and everything seemed to run pretty smoothly. Afterwards, hung out and had some drinks with people, talked, and finally went back to Gio's around 330am, which was good because my knees were killing me. Went to sleep like right away.
Oh, and here's a photo from rehearsal on Wednesday I found on facebook - taken at midnight :P
Friday, February 24, 2012
Day 201
Donderdag, 23 Februari 2012
Gonna make this quick. Woke up around 10, showered, reviewed videos of the show, and did some emailing. Around 1, realized I was alone in the house which was a little weird, so I walked to the clubhouse (and I got there basically on the first try!). Cymbal sectional from 4-530, folded programs for the show and ate from then until 7, and then full ensemble rehearsal from 7-130. Yep. Then a cymbal sectional from 130-2. We should have went longer but everyone else was getting really frustrated so we weren't getting anything done. Signed up for food tomorrow (I'm spending so much on food this week...), hung out a bit, and then came back to Gio's. Waking up in like 5 hours (rehearsal starts at 10, and all 4 of us here need to shower in the morning), so slaapwel!
Gonna make this quick. Woke up around 10, showered, reviewed videos of the show, and did some emailing. Around 1, realized I was alone in the house which was a little weird, so I walked to the clubhouse (and I got there basically on the first try!). Cymbal sectional from 4-530, folded programs for the show and ate from then until 7, and then full ensemble rehearsal from 7-130. Yep. Then a cymbal sectional from 130-2. We should have went longer but everyone else was getting really frustrated so we weren't getting anything done. Signed up for food tomorrow (I'm spending so much on food this week...), hung out a bit, and then came back to Gio's. Waking up in like 5 hours (rehearsal starts at 10, and all 4 of us here need to shower in the morning), so slaapwel!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Day 200!
Woensdag, 22 Februari 2012
Wow, 200 days! Got up, ate a bit, and then Sharon (a girl in my section), her boyfriend (a bass player, playing in the Scouts in the US this summer) and I went to get breakfast. Around 11 we ended up at the rehearsal site. Watched some ensembles practice, did some stuff, got lunch, and then from 2-430 we had a cymbal sectional. Then we worked on our feature with the electronics until 5 or so, got dinner, and then from 630-1030 was working with the sound guys for the show. Had to set some things, and check it out, so it was a real stop and go kind of night.
Then, from 1030-1(am) was a cymbal sectional. We got some crazy stuff in our solos, and we tried some crazy stuff too. I learned the hard way that I cannot do a handstand and that being dropped on your head on a hard floor is painful. Also, that wearing cymbal gloves is not only good for you cymbals, but also your hands. I think this is the first time my hands have started bleeding because of drumline (even when I messed up before, it'd either just bruise or like, make the finger unable to bend for 8 months). But it's totally worth it.
But not it's like 2am, just reviewed some videos, and now I should get to sleep. Slaapwel!
Wow, 200 days! Got up, ate a bit, and then Sharon (a girl in my section), her boyfriend (a bass player, playing in the Scouts in the US this summer) and I went to get breakfast. Around 11 we ended up at the rehearsal site. Watched some ensembles practice, did some stuff, got lunch, and then from 2-430 we had a cymbal sectional. Then we worked on our feature with the electronics until 5 or so, got dinner, and then from 630-1030 was working with the sound guys for the show. Had to set some things, and check it out, so it was a real stop and go kind of night.
Then, from 1030-1(am) was a cymbal sectional. We got some crazy stuff in our solos, and we tried some crazy stuff too. I learned the hard way that I cannot do a handstand and that being dropped on your head on a hard floor is painful. Also, that wearing cymbal gloves is not only good for you cymbals, but also your hands. I think this is the first time my hands have started bleeding because of drumline (even when I messed up before, it'd either just bruise or like, make the finger unable to bend for 8 months). But it's totally worth it.
But not it's like 2am, just reviewed some videos, and now I should get to sleep. Slaapwel!
Day 199
Dinsdag, 21 Februari 2012
Woke up around 10, got ready for the day, cleaned my room, and packed for two weeks. The bag was fairly heavy. :P Denise dropped me off in Antwerpen (the road to the usual train station was messed up), and so I got a train direct to Kortrijk. Got there around 7.30, and right away we started doing stuff for the show. From 8-10 or so we did group work, and then like 10-1(am) was just a cymbal sectional to work on making our stuff way more awesome. Went to Gio's house, hung out with the others staying there. Watched TV and chilled until around 3, and then went to bed.
Woke up around 10, got ready for the day, cleaned my room, and packed for two weeks. The bag was fairly heavy. :P Denise dropped me off in Antwerpen (the road to the usual train station was messed up), and so I got a train direct to Kortrijk. Got there around 7.30, and right away we started doing stuff for the show. From 8-10 or so we did group work, and then like 10-1(am) was just a cymbal sectional to work on making our stuff way more awesome. Went to Gio's house, hung out with the others staying there. Watched TV and chilled until around 3, and then went to bed.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Day 198
Maandag, 20 Februari 2012
Got up (at like 6.40...), checked bus times, and got ready for the day. Got a bus a bit before 8 (which is the last bus out of this city) to Turnhout, then another one to Mol. Jenna (the Canadian) and I had been planning a "date", but she didn't let me know exactly what it was. (She got a Bongo box for Christmas, which is basically something that has a bunch of little trips for 2 people, and it includes a first class train ride). Turns out, she hadn't chosen yet. :P We decided on laser tag in Ghent, so we got the train there. When we got there, we still had 2 hours until the laser tag place opened, so we just walked around.
Then, when it was time to call (we had to call ahead and say we were going), we realized we actually didn't know where the place was. We checked the directions on the box, which were no help at all. So, we decided to go back to Antwerp, and do our date there. Went to the icecream shop (yes, it was on the list) and got some chocolate thing there, which was nice. Literally ran back to the train station so I could get my train, got a bus, and then Denise picked me up in Hoogstraten.
At home, caught up with Marcela about our weekends, ate, and then we had a Rotary planning meeting for the Brasilian/American night we need to do in April. For American things, we're having brandy slush and steak with beans, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob. There were quite a few plans, so hopefully it all comes together.
Afterwards, went online a bit, tried to work out my visa more (it's getting really annoying - I just want a yes or no, I'm so sick of trying to find info). Now, time for bed before another week of drumline. I'm bringing my laptop, but I might not have internet again until next Monday when I'm in France, so it might be another mass update around this time next week. So if that's the case, slaapwel and until the next time!
Got up (at like 6.40...), checked bus times, and got ready for the day. Got a bus a bit before 8 (which is the last bus out of this city) to Turnhout, then another one to Mol. Jenna (the Canadian) and I had been planning a "date", but she didn't let me know exactly what it was. (She got a Bongo box for Christmas, which is basically something that has a bunch of little trips for 2 people, and it includes a first class train ride). Turns out, she hadn't chosen yet. :P We decided on laser tag in Ghent, so we got the train there. When we got there, we still had 2 hours until the laser tag place opened, so we just walked around.
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| My love Jenna on our date~ |
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| Ghent |
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| I like this one for some reason |
Then, when it was time to call (we had to call ahead and say we were going), we realized we actually didn't know where the place was. We checked the directions on the box, which were no help at all. So, we decided to go back to Antwerp, and do our date there. Went to the icecream shop (yes, it was on the list) and got some chocolate thing there, which was nice. Literally ran back to the train station so I could get my train, got a bus, and then Denise picked me up in Hoogstraten.
At home, caught up with Marcela about our weekends, ate, and then we had a Rotary planning meeting for the Brasilian/American night we need to do in April. For American things, we're having brandy slush and steak with beans, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob. There were quite a few plans, so hopefully it all comes together.
Afterwards, went online a bit, tried to work out my visa more (it's getting really annoying - I just want a yes or no, I'm so sick of trying to find info). Now, time for bed before another week of drumline. I'm bringing my laptop, but I might not have internet again until next Monday when I'm in France, so it might be another mass update around this time next week. So if that's the case, slaapwel and until the next time!
Day 197
Zondag, 19 Februari 2012
Got up around 11 after a long and fantastic night of sleep. Talked with the other two people who stayed at Gio's, packed our stuff, and then we went to get some food. Went to the clubhouse, hung out in the car listening to music as the door was locked. We listened to this really weird Dutch music - it's apparently for little kids, and the lyrics are just a little weird. They translated some, and we found they got quite a bit funnier when put in English.
After the clubhouse opened, we packed up the bus, and then set off for a parade in Zwevezele for Carnival. The parade was... interesting. The float in front of us said "Praise Jesus" on the back, only played this one gospel song, and was just filled with Zwarte Piets (aka, people in black face and huge black afro wigs) wearing purple gospel choir gowns and doing choreographed dance. And there were other people running around in the worst type of stereotypical Asian clothing (like racist stereotypical), and faces painted yellow. I didn't know whether to be offended or just confused.
The parade went okay - I think I know the music pretty well now, and I finally figured out all of the street drill. Pretty fun. We got bread and cola for free after, so that was nice. Bused back, unloaded the bus, and then a few of us got a ride to Kortrijk. Got the trains home, Frederik picked me up at the train station, came home, skyped with my parents for a bit, and then passed out in bed.
Got up around 11 after a long and fantastic night of sleep. Talked with the other two people who stayed at Gio's, packed our stuff, and then we went to get some food. Went to the clubhouse, hung out in the car listening to music as the door was locked. We listened to this really weird Dutch music - it's apparently for little kids, and the lyrics are just a little weird. They translated some, and we found they got quite a bit funnier when put in English.
After the clubhouse opened, we packed up the bus, and then set off for a parade in Zwevezele for Carnival. The parade was... interesting. The float in front of us said "Praise Jesus" on the back, only played this one gospel song, and was just filled with Zwarte Piets (aka, people in black face and huge black afro wigs) wearing purple gospel choir gowns and doing choreographed dance. And there were other people running around in the worst type of stereotypical Asian clothing (like racist stereotypical), and faces painted yellow. I didn't know whether to be offended or just confused.
The parade went okay - I think I know the music pretty well now, and I finally figured out all of the street drill. Pretty fun. We got bread and cola for free after, so that was nice. Bused back, unloaded the bus, and then a few of us got a ride to Kortrijk. Got the trains home, Frederik picked me up at the train station, came home, skyped with my parents for a bit, and then passed out in bed.
Day 196
Zaterdag, 18 Februari 2012
Woke up, ate, and then realized no one else was up, so I went back to bed. :P Got up again around 10 or so, talked with another drumline tech that had spent the night at Gio's. We figured out most of the cymbal feature - movements, who was where, etc. Whew. We went out, grabbed some food, and then went to the clubhouse. Ate and taught the other cymbal players the feature around noon, and then we went and practiced (outside, of course, because there wasn't near enough room inside). Then, rehearsed with the rest of the drumline, working on cleaning drill and music. Got some good reps in, finished around 7 or so.
Basically hung out upstairs a while, and then I went with some other people out to eat, which was pretty fun (even though I can't understand their Dutch really...). They went out to a concert after (just a cover band playing), but as I had felt pretty sickly all day, they just dropped me off at Gio's house. Which was a little weird, seeing as I was the only one at the house. Just showered and watched some TV, and then went to bed. Pretty nice.
Woke up, ate, and then realized no one else was up, so I went back to bed. :P Got up again around 10 or so, talked with another drumline tech that had spent the night at Gio's. We figured out most of the cymbal feature - movements, who was where, etc. Whew. We went out, grabbed some food, and then went to the clubhouse. Ate and taught the other cymbal players the feature around noon, and then we went and practiced (outside, of course, because there wasn't near enough room inside). Then, rehearsed with the rest of the drumline, working on cleaning drill and music. Got some good reps in, finished around 7 or so.
Basically hung out upstairs a while, and then I went with some other people out to eat, which was pretty fun (even though I can't understand their Dutch really...). They went out to a concert after (just a cover band playing), but as I had felt pretty sickly all day, they just dropped me off at Gio's house. Which was a little weird, seeing as I was the only one at the house. Just showered and watched some TV, and then went to bed. Pretty nice.
Day 195
Vrijdag, 17 Februari
Definitely one of the bad exchange days. Started off fine - Dutch school, and then went home. Packed, and then at 3.30 left for my belbus (Denise and Frederik were busy). Ended up getting to Hoogstraten waay too early, so I had to wait there for like 40 minutes until my bus. Then, bused to the train station. And, wouldn't you know it, we got to the station like 20 minutes late - which means I missed my train literally by like 2 minutes. And from this train station, there is only one train an hour.
So, had to wait a full hour for the next train, and had to call the person picking me up in Kortrijk saying that I'd be an hour late. Got something to eat in Antwerp, and then took the train to Kortrijk. Got there, was picked up, and ended up at rehearsal around 8.40. 5 HOURS. I mean, I'm fine with 5+ hour car rides - going up north is 5.40 at shortest - but when a lot of it is wasted time it gets me pretty peeved.
Rehearsed till like 10 or 10.30, then slept upstairs in the clubhouse while some other people were practicing (cymbals were done since there weren't enough of us left to continue practicing). Basically just laid upstairs until Gio (the drumline director I stay with) picked me up. Basically just went to bed right away.
Definitely one of the bad exchange days. Started off fine - Dutch school, and then went home. Packed, and then at 3.30 left for my belbus (Denise and Frederik were busy). Ended up getting to Hoogstraten waay too early, so I had to wait there for like 40 minutes until my bus. Then, bused to the train station. And, wouldn't you know it, we got to the station like 20 minutes late - which means I missed my train literally by like 2 minutes. And from this train station, there is only one train an hour.
So, had to wait a full hour for the next train, and had to call the person picking me up in Kortrijk saying that I'd be an hour late. Got something to eat in Antwerp, and then took the train to Kortrijk. Got there, was picked up, and ended up at rehearsal around 8.40. 5 HOURS. I mean, I'm fine with 5+ hour car rides - going up north is 5.40 at shortest - but when a lot of it is wasted time it gets me pretty peeved.
Rehearsed till like 10 or 10.30, then slept upstairs in the clubhouse while some other people were practicing (cymbals were done since there weren't enough of us left to continue practicing). Basically just laid upstairs until Gio (the drumline director I stay with) picked me up. Basically just went to bed right away.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Day 194
Donderdag, 16 Februari 2012
Dutch school, which was okay. There was a little verbal spat which hopefully will make this one annoying person learn to shut their mouth, so it good that it happened. Quite a few people were gone, so it was pretty boring otherwise. Then, as my class was on a trip, Marcela and I just went home. I searched a bit for visa stuff, did some emailing, and then took a nap since I'm getting sick (thanks Marcela).
Got up, got ready for a Rotary meeting (skyped my friend in Norway because I couldn't figure out an outfit that looked nice :P), then the Rotary meeting. From 7-11. The speaker I guess is like Secretary of Defense for Belgium (or something like that, I can't remember), but his speech was SO LONG and SO BORING. I stopped trying to understand and just tried to keep myself awake, which was really difficult. Then after, there were a few more little speeches and then we had to stay for coffee after, so yeah, got home aruond 1130, really tired and feeling really sick (of course right when I can't get sick because I have drumline). So, I'm going to bed now. Slaapwel.
Also, I won't be updating again until Sunday (more likely Monday since I know I'll be tired), so yeah, there'll be a few posts then, but none before. Yay for drumline and not being able to come back to Meerle. :/
Dutch school, which was okay. There was a little verbal spat which hopefully will make this one annoying person learn to shut their mouth, so it good that it happened. Quite a few people were gone, so it was pretty boring otherwise. Then, as my class was on a trip, Marcela and I just went home. I searched a bit for visa stuff, did some emailing, and then took a nap since I'm getting sick (thanks Marcela).
Got up, got ready for a Rotary meeting (skyped my friend in Norway because I couldn't figure out an outfit that looked nice :P), then the Rotary meeting. From 7-11. The speaker I guess is like Secretary of Defense for Belgium (or something like that, I can't remember), but his speech was SO LONG and SO BORING. I stopped trying to understand and just tried to keep myself awake, which was really difficult. Then after, there were a few more little speeches and then we had to stay for coffee after, so yeah, got home aruond 1130, really tired and feeling really sick (of course right when I can't get sick because I have drumline). So, I'm going to bed now. Slaapwel.
Also, I won't be updating again until Sunday (more likely Monday since I know I'll be tired), so yeah, there'll be a few posts then, but none before. Yay for drumline and not being able to come back to Meerle. :/
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Day 193
Woensdag, 15 Februari 2012
Had real school today, but only 3 other kids were in my first class (usually like 15 or so), so we just watched Ice Age 2 for the first two periods. Then, the teacher was sick for the third, so I just hung out in the library, and I had to leave in the middle of the 4th for a Rotary thing, so I just chilled in the library a bit before I had to leave. Marcela, Santi and I took the train straight to Brussels, basically just slept.
In Brussels, we spent like half an hour walking around trying to find Jose, who was the Rotary guy in charge of us for the day. Finally found him, waited for everyone else, and then we all walked to a brewery. Had a really nice tour, tried two different types of beer they make, and then got the train back to Turnhout, this time with Jenna with us on the train. From Turnhout, bused to Hoogstraten and Denise picked us up there. So quite a bit of traveling today.
I emailed the Austrian consulate in the US (roundabout story), and they said "you can stay in the Schengen area (of which Austria is a part of) another 90 days within six months without a visa.", so now I'm really confused about visas. I guess since I'm here already with the Student visa that doesn't work, but they didn't say anything so I guess I just need to keep emailing people until I can get a straight answer.
Anyway, I should go downstairs and hang out with the family, but as I haven't been feeling too stellar lately I'm just going to go to bed. Slaapwel everyone.
Had real school today, but only 3 other kids were in my first class (usually like 15 or so), so we just watched Ice Age 2 for the first two periods. Then, the teacher was sick for the third, so I just hung out in the library, and I had to leave in the middle of the 4th for a Rotary thing, so I just chilled in the library a bit before I had to leave. Marcela, Santi and I took the train straight to Brussels, basically just slept.
In Brussels, we spent like half an hour walking around trying to find Jose, who was the Rotary guy in charge of us for the day. Finally found him, waited for everyone else, and then we all walked to a brewery. Had a really nice tour, tried two different types of beer they make, and then got the train back to Turnhout, this time with Jenna with us on the train. From Turnhout, bused to Hoogstraten and Denise picked us up there. So quite a bit of traveling today.
I emailed the Austrian consulate in the US (roundabout story), and they said "you can stay in the Schengen area (of which Austria is a part of) another 90 days within six months without a visa.", so now I'm really confused about visas. I guess since I'm here already with the Student visa that doesn't work, but they didn't say anything so I guess I just need to keep emailing people until I can get a straight answer.
Anyway, I should go downstairs and hang out with the family, but as I haven't been feeling too stellar lately I'm just going to go to bed. Slaapwel everyone.
Day 192
Dinsdag, 14 Februari 2012
Valentines Day!
Got up, went to Dutch school. A bunch of us who were celebrating S.A.D instead (singles awareness day) wore black, so it was pretty funny. Then real school, which was two periods of the acting class, a period in study because the teacher was gone, and acting again. I gave out cookies (peanut butter blossoms) to everyone, and they all seemed to like it. :)
Bused to Lille, ate with Patrick and Truut, read a bit, and then fanfare rehearsal. Played, and then I gave out cookies there. People seemed to like them, which is always nice to see. I had a few requests to make them again, so I'm thinking I'll definitely have to make them and row bars before I leave. Stayed a bit late, then went home and slept right away.
Valentines Day!
Got up, went to Dutch school. A bunch of us who were celebrating S.A.D instead (singles awareness day) wore black, so it was pretty funny. Then real school, which was two periods of the acting class, a period in study because the teacher was gone, and acting again. I gave out cookies (peanut butter blossoms) to everyone, and they all seemed to like it. :)
Bused to Lille, ate with Patrick and Truut, read a bit, and then fanfare rehearsal. Played, and then I gave out cookies there. People seemed to like them, which is always nice to see. I had a few requests to make them again, so I'm thinking I'll definitely have to make them and row bars before I leave. Stayed a bit late, then went home and slept right away.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Day 191
Maandag, 13 Februari 2012
Got up, took the bus from a different stop (so we could actually sit down...), and went to Dutch class. We gave our teacher her present, and she gave us all muffins during the break. :) School, didn't have any real classes today, so I did some studying and some reading. Really chill. Home, had dinner, made more cookies, and watched Community/napped a bit since I wasn't feeling the greatest. Now, time for bed. S.A.D (singles awareness day) tomorrow! Slaapwel!
Got up, took the bus from a different stop (so we could actually sit down...), and went to Dutch class. We gave our teacher her present, and she gave us all muffins during the break. :) School, didn't have any real classes today, so I did some studying and some reading. Really chill. Home, had dinner, made more cookies, and watched Community/napped a bit since I wasn't feeling the greatest. Now, time for bed. S.A.D (singles awareness day) tomorrow! Slaapwel!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Day 190
Zondag, 12 Februari 2012
Got up, had breakfast, and then talked with Denise about making cookies. Found my recipe, but of course, there are a few ingredients I needed to substitute (seriously Belgium, no shortening or baking soda?), and I had to find the conversion for the amounts. Turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself - gonna make another batch tomorrow. Napped a bit, watched some more Community, read - the usual lazy Sunday stuff. Talked with my dad a bit about their trip. Now, time for bed. Slaapwel!
Got up, had breakfast, and then talked with Denise about making cookies. Found my recipe, but of course, there are a few ingredients I needed to substitute (seriously Belgium, no shortening or baking soda?), and I had to find the conversion for the amounts. Turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself - gonna make another batch tomorrow. Napped a bit, watched some more Community, read - the usual lazy Sunday stuff. Talked with my dad a bit about their trip. Now, time for bed. Slaapwel!
Day 189
Zaterdag, 11 Februari 2012
Pretty long day. Woke up, reviewed some drumline, got ready, and then Denise drove Marcela and I to the train station. I went to drumline, and Marcela went to Brussels to hang out. Learned drill to another piece, which of course meant no time for reviewing. Did practice for another group after, in which I play the shaker. Good times. And now we have a rehearsal Friday night, then on Saturday, a parade on Sunday, then (during school vacation) rehearsal Tuesday-Friday, and we start the shows that Friday night. So, from Friday on I'll basically just live in Kortrijk for over a week, though I may take Monday to come home and rest up. :P
Afterwards, met Marcela in Antwerp, and then we were going to meet Denise and Frederik at a restaurant down there since they were there and we didn't have a way to get home. :P And, it's the restaurant we went to a while back with Charlotte and the Rotary group, so we thought we knew where it was. Nope. After about an hour of wandering around, we finally called to ask for the streetname (we could remember the first street we needed to get on, but not the second). Finally got to the place, had something to drink, and went home. Talked to my friend studying in Norway a bit, and then went to bed.
Pretty long day. Woke up, reviewed some drumline, got ready, and then Denise drove Marcela and I to the train station. I went to drumline, and Marcela went to Brussels to hang out. Learned drill to another piece, which of course meant no time for reviewing. Did practice for another group after, in which I play the shaker. Good times. And now we have a rehearsal Friday night, then on Saturday, a parade on Sunday, then (during school vacation) rehearsal Tuesday-Friday, and we start the shows that Friday night. So, from Friday on I'll basically just live in Kortrijk for over a week, though I may take Monday to come home and rest up. :P
Afterwards, met Marcela in Antwerp, and then we were going to meet Denise and Frederik at a restaurant down there since they were there and we didn't have a way to get home. :P And, it's the restaurant we went to a while back with Charlotte and the Rotary group, so we thought we knew where it was. Nope. After about an hour of wandering around, we finally called to ask for the streetname (we could remember the first street we needed to get on, but not the second). Finally got to the place, had something to drink, and went home. Talked to my friend studying in Norway a bit, and then went to bed.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Day 188
Vrijdag, 10 Februari 2012
Not a good day. Well, it started out okay. Went to Dutch class, messed around (had a few people get angry since Santi and I were talking so much), and went shopping with a few of the ladies after class (no real school today). We had collected like 50 euro in class to buy our teacher a present, since it's her birthday on Monday. After that, Marcela and I went to get a burger, and then Denise picked us up in Hoogstraten.
Then, she dropped the bomb. The town hall in Lille called her back, saying they can't extend my visa. So, no Austria trip with the fanfare, which was basically the highlight of my summer. Pretty upset about that. Got my return date figured out with my travel lady at home (August 2nd), which is 174 days from now - so I've already passed the halfway point in my exchange. If I was able to extend, I had found sweet tickets home on the 23rd, which would give me 195 days left here. :(
So, Marcela knew I was upset, so we decided to cheer me up. Made a pizza, watched Rapunzel, chatted a bunch, had eggrolls and Mountain Dew, took funny pictures, and then went in the sauna and rolled in the snow. Between (and after) doing all that, I watched 6 episodes of Community, just because. Talked with some people online, basically just bummed around online. My friend who is studying in Norway did a good job of cheering me up, which was wonderful. If it stays like this and I can't do Austria, we're going to meet up for a while somewhere in Europe just to hang out. :) Should have studied drumline, but I really wasn't in the mood.
Anyway, I should probably get to sleep, so slaapwel I guess.
Not a good day. Well, it started out okay. Went to Dutch class, messed around (had a few people get angry since Santi and I were talking so much), and went shopping with a few of the ladies after class (no real school today). We had collected like 50 euro in class to buy our teacher a present, since it's her birthday on Monday. After that, Marcela and I went to get a burger, and then Denise picked us up in Hoogstraten.
Then, she dropped the bomb. The town hall in Lille called her back, saying they can't extend my visa. So, no Austria trip with the fanfare, which was basically the highlight of my summer. Pretty upset about that. Got my return date figured out with my travel lady at home (August 2nd), which is 174 days from now - so I've already passed the halfway point in my exchange. If I was able to extend, I had found sweet tickets home on the 23rd, which would give me 195 days left here. :(
So, Marcela knew I was upset, so we decided to cheer me up. Made a pizza, watched Rapunzel, chatted a bunch, had eggrolls and Mountain Dew, took funny pictures, and then went in the sauna and rolled in the snow. Between (and after) doing all that, I watched 6 episodes of Community, just because. Talked with some people online, basically just bummed around online. My friend who is studying in Norway did a good job of cheering me up, which was wonderful. If it stays like this and I can't do Austria, we're going to meet up for a while somewhere in Europe just to hang out. :) Should have studied drumline, but I really wasn't in the mood.
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| Marcela and I in our bathing suits in the snow, wearing our Brasilian kangas and wearing Brasilian sandals |
Anyway, I should probably get to sleep, so slaapwel I guess.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Day 187
Donderdag, 9 Februari 2012
No Dutch class today, which meant it was a late start for me! Slept in, had a nice breakfast - just had a nice, relaxing morning getting ready for the day. Really nice. Frederik drove us to Hoogstraten, and Marcela and I went to school. Had my music classes, nothing really exciting. Back home, read a bit (and had my first time encountering "phantasmagoric" in a book, which was really exciting for me).
Home, read a bit more, had dinner, and watched Country Strong with Denise. Pretty good film. Then, went online, and my brother showed me The Reason Rally. And I can say, with all honesty, if I was in the US I would do whatever it took to go to it (like how I went to the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear last Halloween). The headliners of the rally - Dawkins, Adam Savage, Tim Minchin (<3), and PZ Myers. Seriously, check it out. Go and tell me about it and make me totally jealous.
Anyway, gonna watch some Tim Minchin and go to bed. Slaapwel!
No Dutch class today, which meant it was a late start for me! Slept in, had a nice breakfast - just had a nice, relaxing morning getting ready for the day. Really nice. Frederik drove us to Hoogstraten, and Marcela and I went to school. Had my music classes, nothing really exciting. Back home, read a bit (and had my first time encountering "phantasmagoric" in a book, which was really exciting for me).
Home, read a bit more, had dinner, and watched Country Strong with Denise. Pretty good film. Then, went online, and my brother showed me The Reason Rally. And I can say, with all honesty, if I was in the US I would do whatever it took to go to it (like how I went to the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear last Halloween). The headliners of the rally - Dawkins, Adam Savage, Tim Minchin (<3), and PZ Myers. Seriously, check it out. Go and tell me about it and make me totally jealous.
Anyway, gonna watch some Tim Minchin and go to bed. Slaapwel!
Day 186
Woensdag, 8 Februari 2012
Different day today - instead of real class, I had Dutch class today (the teacher needed to switch it up this week). So, that means a later start than most Wednesdays! Marcela stayed home sick again, so that means this time I talked to Santi during most of the class. There are a few new ladies who are getting along great with our old group, so that's really nice. And since it was a Wednesday, after Dutch class I got to go home! Bused back with Carol, a lady in the class from Brasil I'm friends with.
At home, ate a bit, and then... napped. Yep. I'm a Lysford - I love me some naps. Woke up, chatted with Marcela, had dinner, then did some reading and whatnot. Killed time until it was time for bed. Another exciting day in the life of an exchange student.
Different day today - instead of real class, I had Dutch class today (the teacher needed to switch it up this week). So, that means a later start than most Wednesdays! Marcela stayed home sick again, so that means this time I talked to Santi during most of the class. There are a few new ladies who are getting along great with our old group, so that's really nice. And since it was a Wednesday, after Dutch class I got to go home! Bused back with Carol, a lady in the class from Brasil I'm friends with.
At home, ate a bit, and then... napped. Yep. I'm a Lysford - I love me some naps. Woke up, chatted with Marcela, had dinner, then did some reading and whatnot. Killed time until it was time for bed. Another exciting day in the life of an exchange student.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Day 185
Dinsdag, 7 Februari 2012
So, my bus wanted to go to Antwerp again today. Thankfully I realized what was going on this time, so I managed to get off the bus in a city that had more than one bus running through it, and I got to Dutch class only like 20 minutes late. Seriously though, I don't know how this works. I looked it up again today, and the only way to get to Antwerp at that time from my city is to get off the bus, wait ten minutes, and take a new bus. I did not do that.
Had my acting class for two periods, and then a study period which I just spent talking to Bella, the other Brasilian exchange student at school. Home, read a bit, had dinner and watched the news with Frederik, talked with Marcela (she stayed home sick - and it's not my fault this time, I haven't been sick since before the last time she was sick). Tried to look up hotels for my parent's trip but I got really tired, so I just decided to go to bed. I swear, I'm probably the least exciting exchange student ever.
Anyway, slaapwel!
So, my bus wanted to go to Antwerp again today. Thankfully I realized what was going on this time, so I managed to get off the bus in a city that had more than one bus running through it, and I got to Dutch class only like 20 minutes late. Seriously though, I don't know how this works. I looked it up again today, and the only way to get to Antwerp at that time from my city is to get off the bus, wait ten minutes, and take a new bus. I did not do that.
Had my acting class for two periods, and then a study period which I just spent talking to Bella, the other Brasilian exchange student at school. Home, read a bit, had dinner and watched the news with Frederik, talked with Marcela (she stayed home sick - and it's not my fault this time, I haven't been sick since before the last time she was sick). Tried to look up hotels for my parent's trip but I got really tired, so I just decided to go to bed. I swear, I'm probably the least exciting exchange student ever.
Anyway, slaapwel!
Day 184
Maandag, 6 Februari 2012
Typical day. Got up, went to Dutch class, ate out with Santi and Marcela since Marcela didn't have time to pack a lunch, then went to school. Two free periods and then Latin. Went home, napped a bit, had dinner, watched some TV, read a bit, and went back to bed. Gosh I'm exciting.
Typical day. Got up, went to Dutch class, ate out with Santi and Marcela since Marcela didn't have time to pack a lunch, then went to school. Two free periods and then Latin. Went home, napped a bit, had dinner, watched some TV, read a bit, and went back to bed. Gosh I'm exciting.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Day 183
Zondag, 5 Februari 2012
Woke up around 930am for some ungodly reason. Figured I may as well just stay awake and go home, seeing as how I was still at Patrick and Truut's house. We went to the bakery to get breakfast, ate breakfast, and then Denise picked me up. Back at home, I checked messages quick (somehow I managed to get like 20 emails since I had last checked on Friday), and showered. Had lunch with Denise, Frederik and their kids, but by dessert I was so tired I just went upstairs to sleep.
Slept on and off until Marcela got home (she was at a friend's house this weekend), we caught each other up on our weekends, and then napped a bit again. Had dinner, talked a bit, and then went to bed. All in all, a pretty calm day.
Woke up around 930am for some ungodly reason. Figured I may as well just stay awake and go home, seeing as how I was still at Patrick and Truut's house. We went to the bakery to get breakfast, ate breakfast, and then Denise picked me up. Back at home, I checked messages quick (somehow I managed to get like 20 emails since I had last checked on Friday), and showered. Had lunch with Denise, Frederik and their kids, but by dessert I was so tired I just went upstairs to sleep.
Slept on and off until Marcela got home (she was at a friend's house this weekend), we caught each other up on our weekends, and then napped a bit again. Had dinner, talked a bit, and then went to bed. All in all, a pretty calm day.
Day 182
Zaterdag, 4 Februari 2012
With all honesty, I can probably say this was one of the best days of my exchange, by far.
Woke up fairly early, packed a lunch, and then was at the fanfare local a bit after 7am for Teerfeest, which is basically the biggest event for the fanfare (like C*Fest for drumline a month or so ago). Had breakfast (scrambled eggs and bacon - Dad, as you know, this wasn't the best way to start off the day seeing as how I had to be out and about) with the fanfare, got hyped for the day. We then went to the church, which is a tradition of the day.
After the church, they all loaded into vehicles, as the next like 9 hours they would be going to cafes to play and drink. I, however, had to go to drumline. On the train from Antwerp to Kortrijk, I started talking with the lady (and her mom) across from me. Apparently her daughter is going to California for three weeks in July, so we exchanged contact information so I could meet up with her daughter. She also told me I can sleep at her house any time. :P Very nice lady, even though she was pretty hard to understand (she spoke West Vlaams, which is basically Dutch without pronunciation and quite a few different sounds).
Then, drumline. Gosh it was a good rehearsal. New song, so memorized our part in that. But, it turns out it's a cymbal feature, so I got to help out writing the drill for it. It's pretty intense, not gonna lie. We just need to practice it... quite a bit. Then learned a dance with the whole drumline, which was also cool, but needs some practice. Reviewed some older stuff, and then we had to rush out because apparently there was a little kids soccer team practicing there.
Got back to Lille around 10, changed into my disco outfit (aka, clothes Marcela had lent me), and Patrick drove me to Teerfeest, which was now a disco dance party. Suffice to say, it was a great night. There's really nothing to say. I'll put a few pictures other people took (I didn't have my camera with) for an idea, but there really aren't words to describe it. Got home around 4 or 5 (my phone was messing up so I really don't know), and just slept.
With all honesty, I can probably say this was one of the best days of my exchange, by far.
Woke up fairly early, packed a lunch, and then was at the fanfare local a bit after 7am for Teerfeest, which is basically the biggest event for the fanfare (like C*Fest for drumline a month or so ago). Had breakfast (scrambled eggs and bacon - Dad, as you know, this wasn't the best way to start off the day seeing as how I had to be out and about) with the fanfare, got hyped for the day. We then went to the church, which is a tradition of the day.
After the church, they all loaded into vehicles, as the next like 9 hours they would be going to cafes to play and drink. I, however, had to go to drumline. On the train from Antwerp to Kortrijk, I started talking with the lady (and her mom) across from me. Apparently her daughter is going to California for three weeks in July, so we exchanged contact information so I could meet up with her daughter. She also told me I can sleep at her house any time. :P Very nice lady, even though she was pretty hard to understand (she spoke West Vlaams, which is basically Dutch without pronunciation and quite a few different sounds).
Then, drumline. Gosh it was a good rehearsal. New song, so memorized our part in that. But, it turns out it's a cymbal feature, so I got to help out writing the drill for it. It's pretty intense, not gonna lie. We just need to practice it... quite a bit. Then learned a dance with the whole drumline, which was also cool, but needs some practice. Reviewed some older stuff, and then we had to rush out because apparently there was a little kids soccer team practicing there.
Got back to Lille around 10, changed into my disco outfit (aka, clothes Marcela had lent me), and Patrick drove me to Teerfeest, which was now a disco dance party. Suffice to say, it was a great night. There's really nothing to say. I'll put a few pictures other people took (I didn't have my camera with) for an idea, but there really aren't words to describe it. Got home around 4 or 5 (my phone was messing up so I really don't know), and just slept.
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| Me about 5 minutes after I got there |
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Day 181
Vrijdag, 3 Februari 2012
Dutch school, a free period at school, and then art history. And guess what happened then? IT STARTED SNOWING! Like, legit snowing! I was so happy, I literally almost started crying. I guess I never noticed just how much I missed having real snowfall. Saw another Brasilian exchange student we're friends with, Isabella, at school before leaving - I think she was crying. It was her first time seeing snow as well this year, so she was just ecstatic.
Went to Patrick and Truut's, warmed up a bit (I wasn't wearing my winter boots today, OF ALL DAYS), and then shoveled the driveway for them. We watched a movie (which was set in Minnesota in winter, which was really funny - and I totally guessed it was in Minnesota even before they started talking about Winona or explicitly saying it was in MN). Then, went to bed, seeing as it was going to be a long day.
Dutch school, a free period at school, and then art history. And guess what happened then? IT STARTED SNOWING! Like, legit snowing! I was so happy, I literally almost started crying. I guess I never noticed just how much I missed having real snowfall. Saw another Brasilian exchange student we're friends with, Isabella, at school before leaving - I think she was crying. It was her first time seeing snow as well this year, so she was just ecstatic.
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| Isabella at school |
Went to Patrick and Truut's, warmed up a bit (I wasn't wearing my winter boots today, OF ALL DAYS), and then shoveled the driveway for them. We watched a movie (which was set in Minnesota in winter, which was really funny - and I totally guessed it was in Minnesota even before they started talking about Winona or explicitly saying it was in MN). Then, went to bed, seeing as it was going to be a long day.
Day 180
Donderdag, 2 Februari 2012
Typical day. Went to Dutch school, hung out with those people a bit, lunched with Marcela, and then had my music classes. Did more of learning a little dance, did some jazz playing (actually fun today!) and jazz theory, which was basically nap time, even though the teacher gave us some caffeine pills (or something like that). Went home, got a "final" plan ready for my parents trip here, emailed some hotels, and started booking. Then dinner, and basically went straight to bed, seeing as the weekend was going to be long.
Typical day. Went to Dutch school, hung out with those people a bit, lunched with Marcela, and then had my music classes. Did more of learning a little dance, did some jazz playing (actually fun today!) and jazz theory, which was basically nap time, even though the teacher gave us some caffeine pills (or something like that). Went home, got a "final" plan ready for my parents trip here, emailed some hotels, and started booking. Then dinner, and basically went straight to bed, seeing as the weekend was going to be long.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Day 179
Woensdag, 1 Februari 2012
Bad start to the day, considering I had to get the bus like 40 minutes earlier than usual. Plus, there was no bread or milk, so breakfast was a difficult matter. School, had the listening class, Latin, English, and Science. Didn't too anything of note in any of them, except showing my classmates in English who Michelle Bachmann is and how insane (in a negative way) she is. They couldn't believe what they were hearing when I played video clips. One guy actually took off the headphones so he didn't have to hear anymore. :P And I taught them how to debate certain issues from the view of both political parties (what our unit is in English), but I won't get into detail about that, because I'd probably offend a few people.
Then, at 1220, got a train to Kortrijk. Stopped in Antwerp for lunch, and got to Kortrijk by 310. Ugh. Then we drove to Dadizele, practiced till 6 or so, back to Kortrijk, I bought dinner (I hate spending money on food, but it was SO GOOD), and then I was at the train station by home at 9, so I was home by 920. Long, long day for like 3 hours of rehearsal. Whatever. I needed it.
Home, got ready for bed. Marcela got home around 1130, utterly frozen. She went out today in Wallonia with some friends, and it was *gasp* -10 Celsius, or 14 Fahrenheit. She had never been in a place that cold before; she said she was frozen, turning purple, and even getting sick. Like, she almost threw up because she was so cold, couldn't feel her fingers or toes (which is normal, but I suppose if you're not used to it it's a bit weird). Poor Brasilian. To me, it's still above 0 (I can't get the hang of thinking in Celsius), so whatever, it's fine for me. I love being a Minnesotan - it's fun to laugh at people cursing at the "cold".
Anyway, slaapwel (and stay warm!)
Bad start to the day, considering I had to get the bus like 40 minutes earlier than usual. Plus, there was no bread or milk, so breakfast was a difficult matter. School, had the listening class, Latin, English, and Science. Didn't too anything of note in any of them, except showing my classmates in English who Michelle Bachmann is and how insane (in a negative way) she is. They couldn't believe what they were hearing when I played video clips. One guy actually took off the headphones so he didn't have to hear anymore. :P And I taught them how to debate certain issues from the view of both political parties (what our unit is in English), but I won't get into detail about that, because I'd probably offend a few people.
Then, at 1220, got a train to Kortrijk. Stopped in Antwerp for lunch, and got to Kortrijk by 310. Ugh. Then we drove to Dadizele, practiced till 6 or so, back to Kortrijk, I bought dinner (I hate spending money on food, but it was SO GOOD), and then I was at the train station by home at 9, so I was home by 920. Long, long day for like 3 hours of rehearsal. Whatever. I needed it.
Home, got ready for bed. Marcela got home around 1130, utterly frozen. She went out today in Wallonia with some friends, and it was *gasp* -10 Celsius, or 14 Fahrenheit. She had never been in a place that cold before; she said she was frozen, turning purple, and even getting sick. Like, she almost threw up because she was so cold, couldn't feel her fingers or toes (which is normal, but I suppose if you're not used to it it's a bit weird). Poor Brasilian. To me, it's still above 0 (I can't get the hang of thinking in Celsius), so whatever, it's fine for me. I love being a Minnesotan - it's fun to laugh at people cursing at the "cold".
Anyway, slaapwel (and stay warm!)
Day 178
Dinsdag, 31 Januari 2012
Not enough snow to mess with the buses, so there was school. Lame. :P Had the Dutch class, and since it was a new level there were some new people, but of course our little group was all there as well. It seems like it'll be a fun class again - it's the same teacher, so that's a good sign. School, had the acting class, two periods in study (looked up colleges and such), and then the acting class again. Got home a little after 6.
Of course, at 630 we left for a Rotary meeting in Turnhout. Santi's new host dad invited us, because Santi has to go to the meetings every week, so he gets pretty bored. Frederik came with, so we got to talk with some new people, and Emi delivered my blazer for me :) Pretty fun night, with a lot of good food.
Also, my biological brother Collin left for his semester study in the UK (Bath) today! He's a way better writer than me, so you should definitely check out his blog.
Not enough snow to mess with the buses, so there was school. Lame. :P Had the Dutch class, and since it was a new level there were some new people, but of course our little group was all there as well. It seems like it'll be a fun class again - it's the same teacher, so that's a good sign. School, had the acting class, two periods in study (looked up colleges and such), and then the acting class again. Got home a little after 6.
Of course, at 630 we left for a Rotary meeting in Turnhout. Santi's new host dad invited us, because Santi has to go to the meetings every week, so he gets pretty bored. Frederik came with, so we got to talk with some new people, and Emi delivered my blazer for me :) Pretty fun night, with a lot of good food.
Also, my biological brother Collin left for his semester study in the UK (Bath) today! He's a way better writer than me, so you should definitely check out his blog.
Day 177
Maandag, 30 Januari 2012
Best part of relying on public transit for school?
When there's a strike, there's no school. So, that basically tells you that my day was uneventful. Spent time just looking over some old Dutch class notes, reading, and just hanging out in general. Then, something magical happened - it started snowing! Marcela RAN to my room yelling, so we got all bundled up and went for a walk outside. She was so happy with the snow, it was really fun to see.
Afterwards, we went home, and Marcela made some Brasilian sweets with the ingredients her mom brought, and I skyped with my biological family to try to plan out their trip here. It's getting so close! Watched Mulan, had dinner, and then watched the last Hornblower (that ship series I adored that we started in France) episodes. Fun night!
Best part of relying on public transit for school?
When there's a strike, there's no school. So, that basically tells you that my day was uneventful. Spent time just looking over some old Dutch class notes, reading, and just hanging out in general. Then, something magical happened - it started snowing! Marcela RAN to my room yelling, so we got all bundled up and went for a walk outside. She was so happy with the snow, it was really fun to see.
Afterwards, we went home, and Marcela made some Brasilian sweets with the ingredients her mom brought, and I skyped with my biological family to try to plan out their trip here. It's getting so close! Watched Mulan, had dinner, and then watched the last Hornblower (that ship series I adored that we started in France) episodes. Fun night!
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