So it's been brought to my attention that I forgot the crazy shenangigans that went down in school today. My bad, here it is:
Belgian's talk about sex. They talk about all of the reproductive organs, and birth, and all of that shit that we American's stick our heads beneath the ground for. And I am not ashamed in saying that I behaved like an American today.
Our teacher was passing out the papers that will be our guide through this...course..and I was just so happy and optimistic and apparently missed the part where they said we were studying this, and I saw the paper, said "Hey what's...OH MY GOD CLITORIS!" And it all went downhill from there.
I freaked. I laughed. I said inappropriate things. In short, I acted like a teenage American who was confronted with something she considered awkward.
Where others would have been ashamed of their lack of maturity on such a subject, I am not. You know why? Because this was my first real culture shock. Four and a half months in, and I hit my first cultural barrier! And I think that that is a damned good streak.
I make no promises as to whether or not I'll behave better in the class in the future...We'll see on Thursday. :|
Hey Maggie! I hope everything is well in Belgium :) I'm an AFS canditate for next year! But uhm I have a problem on my choices I can't decide between Norway and Belgium(Flanders) could you reccomend me Belgium or do you have a friends that go Norway? I'm curious that which city or place they generally go I hope you can answer! Loves and kind wishes!
ReplyDeleteHey :) Congrats on being an AFS candidate! I would definitely recommend Belgium Flanders. If you do come here, I sincerely hope you wind up in MIL chapter ;) It rocks. No, but seriously, Belgium Flanders has one of the best AFS programs worldwide. There is a lot of in country support, and at least with my chapter, you're always doing things organized by your chapter, like a special christmas dinner, or ice skating. The orientation camp is really helpful, they give you a lot of insight into Belgian Culture just in case you didn't research anything, and help you adjust to the time difference and what not. You make a lot of friends at camp, it's an awesome experience.
DeleteAlso, side note: one of the volunteers here went to Norway for his year, and he said that they definitely were not as well organized or supportive as BFL. Also Belgium is pretty cold for me(I'm from North Carolina), I can't imagine how FREEZING Norway would be!
I really like Belgium, and the only reason I wouldn't pick it again if I got a do-over, would be to go to an underdeveloped country, not another first world country. Belgium rocks :)
Maggie
Dear all, what do you think about My Videos on :
ReplyDeleteLovely Belgium
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnZOXRiUKlU
Thanks
Greeting from
Brunei Share
http://virtual-bruneidarussalam.blogspot.com
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI randomly found your site and thought about my own time with AFS in Belgie-Vlaanderen! I was there from 1989-1990, so I am wicked old, but I have to say that there isn't a long period of time in my life that I don't think about my experience. I still stay in touch with my family in Braaschaat and feel like my time really opened my eyes, even for a first world country. At 42 I feel as though I am missing out on not raising my children in a society that values family first.
I hope that the last few weeks are amazing! Remember that life is an adventure, let your curiosity lead you where others won't dare! Beste wensen! CLS
Hi Maggie,
ReplyDeleteAre you still learning Turkish? Just curious :)
Hope to hear from you..
Cheers..