November 8, 2008

I don't know how long it has been since I have written in this blog, but I can guess a pretty long time.... I apologize profusely.

Well, since the fall break (the Beginning of October) I have been to the Netherlands for a weekend. It was a very interesting city to go to, Maastrichts. It was the oldest city and also the city with the most tourism (contrary to popular belief that Amsterdam is). It is the city with most tourism because it is on the Border of two other countries: Belgium and Germany. The town had many Romantic style buildings and churches. There is also a big University there, all in English. The city is also located on the Maas River.

I have mainly just been going to school here, it's getting quite decypherable now. It is very strange how I will just magically know how to say things or what I read or hear means. The three month mark of me being here is tomorrow, and it's out of this world to see the dramatic changes I have went through, not only with the language but as a person. To come to a coutry not knowing a language at all and to be extremely proficient with it in three months is a great accomplishment (in my eyes) and I never thought it was possible, seeing as with 2 years of French I barely know anything.

Is is also very interesting to live in a completely different atmosphere on the other side of the world, you get a great perspective about how much the world is really similar, yet with subtle differences that make each region unique. Another part to this adventure that it seems everyday I have some sore of life revelation, it's nice to have a new outlook on life or see yourself becoming the person you will be (for the most part) for the rest of your life. I can also see some of my social, maturity, independence, and leadership skills evolving to a new level.

Some things I have done with my Rotary club lately are a hike, seeing a fashion designer's store, and a hopsital. I rotate families soon, I think in about 2 weeks or less. I will have more then.

Thanks for reading,
Jess