Just the First Day

My belongings were packed, my documents were in order and my goodbyes were said, all that was left was to board the plane!

As a Rotary exchange student, I was required to participate in pre-exchange functions and meetings, and by the time the date arrived for my departure I already felt like I had gone on an exchange! I have learned so much, done so much since that first interview in the fall of 2013.

But all that could not have prepared me for Belgium. The flights went smoothly, a gift from God! I arrived, tired, but excited to be in this foreign country. I was met by my first host family, my host brother from my third host family, and the Inbound Youth Exchange officer.

And I instantly realized that my French was très mal!

After a long day of traveling I arrived in Belgium in the morning, with a full day before me. After driving the 1hour trip from Brussels to my host village of Remicourt I was left for a bit to unpack my things and make myself comfortable.

But the activity had not yet ceased. There was lunch to have, a tour of Remicourt to take, and many, many more struggling attempts on my part to comprehend even a few of the words that everyone was speaking around me.

Already I have noticed some interesting cultural differences. Remicourt is like no place I've seen before, it's such a quaint little village and I'll be more than happy to give more details about the place as I explore it more!

So, my first day has been conquered, only a year to go!