My Second Week

Brussels

Me with a paper flower that Olivier bought me with a handful of shells he used as money.

The family on velo!

Olivier and me.

Paddy in a purse!

The ladies of the family being silly : ) From left: Caroline, Pauline, Malinda, Laurence, Bonne Maman.

Windmills at sunset in the south of Belgium.

A family outing at a resteraunt in La Louviere.

The biggest boat lift in Europe.

My new home

My second week has been incredible. We spent three days at the sea in the south of Belgium. It was too chilly for me to swim; however, my siblings jumped right in! The time spent with the family on velo is one I will always remember. It was certainly a highlight of the trip; the laughter never stopped! The three days I spent with the family at the sea are days I will never forget.

On Thursday, August 27th, the inbound exchange students in Belgium got together in Brussels for a meeting. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to bring cameras inside the Palace or Parliment; however, the visit will be forever carved in memory. We were even able to sit in the seats of the senate! The history of Brussels is one that I can fully appreciate, but never fully grasp.

I am extremely happy with this week's events and am looking forward to the next thirty-six-or-so!

smiles

My First Week

It is true, my title, "Belgium Smiles". Upon my arrival in Belgium, the sky was clear and my family gave an incredibly warm welcome. Already, in only five days, my family has taken me to visit L'atomium, La Grand Place of Brussels, The Inclined Plane of Ronquieres, and my town of La Louviere. As you can imagine, I will be participating in many new events this coming year. I could not be happier with my first host family; they are all wonderful. I have also met members of my third host family; they are also lots of fun. On Friday, all three of my families will get together for a barbecue at my new home.
For five days now the weather has been perfect. I love to go out to the yard with my brother and sisters to play with their new puppy, Paddy. We eat all meals outside and every meal has been spectacular.
In the beginning, I was nervous to come to a place where I didn't know anyone; now, however, I feel like I have been here forever. They treat me like family and I appreciate this more than I can express in words.
From Belgium, I am smiling.
Malinda