September 30, 2007

Bonjour de Hamoir!

Tomorrow will make it one month since I first arrived in Belgium! Many things have changed since then, so I felt it was an appropriate time to write.

When I first arrived here I was greeted by my host father and his host son, both named Edgar, at the airport in Brussels. They were extremely kind, however I only spoke with Edgar Jr. for about 3 hours before he left on a plane to New York, for Rotary Exchange! My host father, Edgar Sr. (I call him Eddy), was very sad to see his son go, but told me that I am his new son now! Soon I was on my way to my new home of Hamoir.

Hamoir is a small town (or village) of 3-4 thousand, located on the River Ourthe. It is in the province of Ličge, with Ličge being the closest major city (about half an hour by train). At first I did not know what to think of Hamoir. I began to think it would be boring because of it's small size. However, with just my first month here, I have learned that even in small villages, Belgians still know how to have a good time.

The first week or so was pretty difficult, but I think it's that way for most exchange students (except maybe Bill who didn't miss home at all :). I felt a little homesick but it wore off after the first week. The first week dragged on and felt like a month. But everyday things got noticeably better, and now a month is gone and it feels like a week.

This Sunday I will be going to a Standard de Ličge (the soccer team of Ličge) match with my neighbor and his friend. Football (soccer) is the most popular sport here, but kids play other sports too. I guess I'm lucky that I like to play soccer, because most of the boys my age play, and it's a great way to make friends. I have played in several matches with my local team, R.R.C. Hamoir, and I have even scored some goals. Joining the team was definitely a good idea.

School isn't bad. Sometimes it is difficult to understand lessons because of the language barrier, but I still manage and it's getting easier. At first I really disliked school, but now that I've made more friends it's much more bearable. English class is a breeze, so I help the kids in my class and they help me with French.

So far, a lot of Belgians like to tell me they're crazy. I usually just laugh and nod my head. I like to think they're the good kind of crazy. I really like it here so far and I think the year is only going to get better.

Au revoir,
Georges Skelly