Sunday, September 15, 2013

Three Weeks Gone By = Too Fast

I AM LOVING EXCHANGE!!!
Now that I have this out of my system, here is the low-down :)
Since the last time you heard from me... I went to a Rotary "campout," started school (found out Chemistry here SUCKS), went to Liege [;)], went to french lessons (kind of), concert at The Spirit of 66, birthday party, and a Rotary Moules dinner (I did SO MANY dishes), and well, I just ate a LOT of food...

Alright, I don't have enough time to write a bunch about all of these, so I'm just going to put some pictures and short stories :)
first day of school: CRMT
Rotary campout: Ate a lot of food, went on a nature hike, got locked in the attic room, and ate a lot of food, oh and found a friendly draft horse 
Les Filles :)
the view!!!
Nature walk...
did I mention food!?
un cheval!
My first basket ball game...No really, I'm serious!!

^^ Liege! oh fun times :)
School Friends (yes mom, I do actually have friends ;)
The Spirit of 66 (popa chubby is the band)

Moules lunch thing

General update... thing
Basically... I am just great. Like, I love Belgium so much (that sounds so typical teenager) but it really is! I love this place, the food, the people, the culture, the fun it is all so amazing and this opportunity is one of the greatest things my mom has been able to give to me (thanks mom, I am so very lucky to have you!!) 
You guys are probably wondering about my host family too eh? Well, here's the deal, they are so basically like my real family that when we are at events I'm just like, "have you seen my parents??" Seriously, they are great. I get along so well with them, my parents that is and my host sisters of course (they are amazing!)  They make me feel right at home, it is the best I could ever hope for!
Also, I have already met my next two families, they seem pretty excited to have me in their homes! One of my future mothers even told me today (in French) "I can not wait until you are in my home!" Her saying this made me so happy, it is great how everyone here is so accepting and nice to us. 
I also can't believe I have already been here three weeks! Soon it will be a month, then two, then ohh I don't want to think about it! haha I am having a great time, learning a bunch, making friends, going places, it is truly awesome.
Alors, this is getting way to long so I'm just going to post this thing before I accidentally delete it and have to start all over...
If you have any questions or just want to talk post a comment or hit me up on email/facebook/skype (I will try to respond but, you know, exchange life and all)
Okay, that's it. See you all another time!
Bisous, 
Holli 

Monday, September 2, 2013

Oh how I LOVE BELGIUM!

Hi Guys! It's just me again, updating you on life as an exchange student! :)
A lot has went on my first week here! I went to Brussels, and had an Orientation of my Rotary district!
The orientation was on Saturday and it was quite fun but reallllyyyy hot! I met lots of new friends and I was able to meet up with the ones I made in Brussels! Over all, It was a great day. Here are some pics of orientation:
Me with some exchange student friends!
My host mother, Isabelle, and I. She is the best!!
Maxim and I. He is a Belgium rotex, he went to Japan and is very funny and nice!

Another group of Exchange friends! They are all so nice!

Alright, so then on Sunday I went into town with my family and some friends of their's, we had lunch and drinks. After that we went to an Agriculture exhibition! Some photos...

 I tried a beer at lunch, my host mother said I could try one, it was okay, but a little hard to finish (which I did!!)
I got to see my favorite sport at the ag fair! Show Jumping!! whoo! a little side story... I REALLY HAD TO USE THE RESTROOM. So I practically run to the line and am waiting and there is a quite handsome boy in front of me holding his show clothes and horse's boots, so when it comes time for him to use the restroom he turns to me and starts talking to me in rapid French asking me to hold his stuff. So I replied in French that I really didn't understand and was sorry. So basically he just shoves this really nice stuff into my hands and goes to the bathroom while I am standing there waiting almost wetting my pants and I had to go so bad that I just gave him back his stuff without even getting his name... It was HILARIOUS!
What do you know... I ran into an exchange student! Lucas! He is so nice :)
We had our host parents go into this, Isabelle and Alain, they are definitely the best! I love them so much they are awesome :D
Oh and I saw a bunch of John Deere's! Whoo!

Okay so now it is Monday, tonight we (all of the students in Herve) go to French lessons in Verviers, I hope it will be fun. Also, on Wednesday, I start school!! But it only goes until about noon on Wednesdays... But I am hoping to have lots of fun!

Okay, I am going to go now!

See ya and love you guys!

-Holli