Bruges, Belgium

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

traveling- be careful

The train conductor with the snatcher and the lady who had been robbed.



The snatcher was the black shirted man and the people who helped. My husband was there too.These pics were courtesy of a man who took the photo when it happened and sent it to my husband.

I would like to share this with you because it is important . I hope you learn from this experience of mine and thus will help you anyway.

Below was the published letter I sent to the Editor of an international newspaper last June 2006.


Dear Editor,
My husband and others caught a bag snatcher on a train on 9 June 2006 in Antwerpen, Belgium. It is good to know that there are some people who will readily help others. I was very happy because I also had an experience with this kind of snatching on 21 March 2006 in Brussels North, Belgium. We were going to travel to Quito, Ecuador, for an anti-child labor exhibition. Unfortunately, a man splattered my jacket with something like a lotion or a shampoo and got my full attention. I put down my two bags and the next moment the man was gone and my bags were gone (my ATM cards, cell phone, wallet, jewelry and watch were lost). My husband (still outside), was busy with our two big boxes of artworks. This was minutes before the train was to leave. I went to the next section, saying, my bags were stolen, but nobody reacted. As a newcomer, I didn't know about the emergency bell inside the train. In my social integration class, there was no information of that kind. All we could do next was to report it to police at the Brussels Airport. Surprisingly, police knew about it already, because they had retrieved my two bags, but everything was gone and they didn't catch the snatchers. After a week in Ecuador, we went back home and again to the police station, but they didn't catch the thieves or retrieve any of my things.

Hence, my tips to others travelling:
1. Pay attention to your belongings always.
2. Don't be distracted when a stranger tries to get your attention.
3. Don't react immediately, thinking this stranger is just trying to help you or is concerned about you. He/She might not be.
4. Put your purse/wallet on your clothes. Carry your cell phones or put them in your pocket or dress.
5. Wear your jewelry. Don't put them in your bags.
6. It is better to put your important papers, jewelry etc. in your big suitcases. Large cases are difficult to snatch.
7. Carry your passport on your body. (Fortunately for me, my husband had my passport).
8. Photocopy your passport and important papers.
9. Report immediately your loss to your bank and police.
10. Be wary always that there is somebody who would like to take advantage of others or will intentionally try to steal your belongings.
11. But when your life is in danger, give your things away, whatever they are. Life is more precious than money or things. You can't replace your life.

Regards,

susan

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My friends, It was a journey which i considered a good one because we have done something for our brethren and the more i thought about it, the more i consider it as a journey for myself as a person, as a human being who has to search deeply the reason why some would do it and i learn to understand. Somehow it left me a lesson to become a better person to others.
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To the man who snatched my handbags, i pray he was able to feed his family because i think he needs it more than me. I pray that he will change his ways.
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"When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always". Mahatma Gandhi