When I arrived here in Belgium, four years ago, I enrolled in Nederlands class because I am situated in Antwerpen, Belgium to be able to understand and communicate with the people and above all for the reason of social integration. (By the way, they have 3 recognized languages: Nederlands, French, German languages. I tell you, Belgium is small but incredible country). I was given an exam to know what class I will be in. Well, I did pass with flying colors, I was so proud with my score and YES! I was enlisted in the fastest class not realizing that it would put me to the test and difficulties. I have no clue that it would be agonizing to be in that class.
Oh my golly! On my first day, a little bit late, with my husband with me I heard the teacher from a distant talking in Nederlands language. Even my husband was saying, "oh, oh oh!" so I got scared at that instant, but I have to attend the class so I entered and meekly approached the teacher. She was talking fast like a lightning, using words that I could not comprehend. I have no idea what she was talking about. Anyway, I did attend the class until the end of the school semester which well, of course I passed although not with flying colors but with sweat and crying facing my husband who laughed at me. Lol
My classmates, mostly from European countries(by the way, there are more than 150 other nationalities in Belgium) were taking it easy because they knew some of the words. Overall, aside from the difficult lessons I went through, my first Nederlands class was a good memory. My classmates were good to me and we became friends and had a good time together specially when we had the Bruges field trip. We went to Bruges, Belgium. Would you believe, I was lost? We were heading to take snacks and take a rest after a long walk seeing the magnificent views in Bruges (take note, it was beautiful!) before heading back home. On the way to the cafe, we passed a little market (markt). My friends and I stopped by and looked to see what to buy. I was so engrossed, amused and busy looking at all the stuffs displayed. Seconds later, when I looked around again, I could not see neither my classmates nor the teachers and the rest of the students. I was frightened because i knew right away that I was left behind and lost so I retraced my way. My teacher was wise though because in the train, she gave us individually a xerox copy of the trip and her cellfone number written on it. I rang the number and requested the vendor to speak to my teacher. ( Bear in mind that I could not speak well the nederlands language even at this time). So my classmates went back for me, upon seeing them I was so happy and relieved, and they were laughing. I said to them, "don't you ever leave me again!" Lol In the end, we enjoyed the trip and we happily headed back home!
Below are the pics with my friends in Bruges, Belgium. Enjoy!
the xerox copy with the teacher's
celfone number
the foursome
serene place
beautiful houses
I was captivated by this art
it is not for sale but a
display of their creativeness
.
inside a church
Belgium is rich in so many ways
