Kayaking along La Lesse

When offered the chance to go kayaking through a Belgian river I immediately knew I would have fun. I did not know however, the difficulties that would be involved. As a Rotary Exchange student, living in Liege, Belgium I am offered the chance to participate in many Rotary sponsored activities. We would be kayaking twenty-two kilometers down the curvy La Lesse river located in Rochefort, Belgium. Twenty-two kilometers roughly converts to ten miles, ten miles of very little current. The challenge of kayaking was not the lack of effort or strength; but, the ability to motivate ones self to keep rowing instead to admiring the beautiful surroundings.
La Lesse river is surrounded by a fortress of trees, rocks, and even a castle now and then. I cannot adequately describe the breathtaking nature that I saw while traveling the river. Some small mishaps along the way made the kayaking experience even more memorable. Just a few instances were running into other kayaks, being forced to stop because a parade of horses crossing the river, falling in the extremely cold water, capsizing the kayak in front of over one hundred people, and barely catching the last train home. I am proud to say that even though I was cold, wet, and tired, the day was full of excitement and great memories.


In other news- I had to give a presentation in my religion class today. In French. I have never ever been nervous about public speaking before, considering that I hosted the talent show, spoke at DECA events, talked in front of adults......in other words, public speaking is not a big fear of mine. But today- I had to speak in french in front of my class. Let me describe how it went. The assignment was to describe what religion meant to you. Well I happen to be the only Catholic in the class, and the only person who beleives in God. So that was a bit nerve racking. Also, my illustration on what God meant to me was displayed for all to see. Then another student had to describe what she thought my picture meant; however, it was in fast french, so I didn't catch most of it. Then I attempted to describe my picture, but was so aweful at prouncing the words, the teacher just told me to say it in english. How depressing is that? Even the people that don't speak english understood my english more clearly than my french. Understandably I am now much more motivated to speak proper french. I have improved a lot since I first arrived, but speaking is more difficult than I initially imagined. Plus everyone here wants to practice their english, so I have to force people to switch and speak french. I'm hoping that by thanksgiving I'll be able to formulate sentences and by Christmas I'll be able to communicate fully. Cross your fingers, please.

Spectacular Spectacular (and me ranting about school)

The citizens of Liege, Belgium have been waiting ten years to finally reveal their beautifully designed train station and on friday, September 18 over 65,000 people gathered to celebrate the opening of the Guillman Train station located in the heart of Liege. I was lucky enough to be included in the magical and much anticipated spectacle. The well-known producer, Franco Dragone, directed the hour and a half long show. The station was illuminated by fireworks and choreographed lights. Although starting a bit late due to the swelling crowd, the show was a success. Horsemen displayed their skills while riding across the station. Dancers moved with compassion. Opera singers brought tears to some of the audience. The intensity of the show was highlighted by acrobatic tricks and a grand finale that most Fourth of July viewers would be impressed by. I was lucky enough to attend this show with some of my new Belgian friends who were proud to show off their city. Even the prince of Belgium was there and happy to cut the ribbon on the completion of this ten year project. Some say Belgium is just a country to travel through when touring Europe, but if that happens to be true, at least get off the train at Guillman and admire the beautiful station.

That was my article sent into the paper.....and in other news:

School is starting to not be so terrible. I actually have friends now who really like me for some strange reason. We get to leave for an hour during lunch which is great. Since my school is so small (only about 75 kids in myentire grade) one would think there wouldn't really be any clicks. Oh would they be wrong. Its so strange to see compare Lee's Summit North to St. Jacques but they really are pretty similar. The kids form together in little groups and hang out in certain areas. My school even has its very own makeout corner, like the band hallway at North. Even though school is clicky, i feel like I do a decent job with being nice to everyone. There are some major differences between schools though. For one thing- I start here ateight thirty and don't get ou until four thirty. But i have two fifteen minute breaks and a hour for lunch. Sometimes if a teacher is gone, a student can leave and not have to go to class. They do not have subs here, which i love because having a sub is always a joke anyway. no offense substitute teachers. also- they use chalkboards here, only write in cursive, make super straight lines with all their writing, are obsessed with white out, and do not have seating arrangements. Sometimes the classroom will move witout anyone being told. Also- they don't have assigned passing periods. When the bell rings, kids just leave and walk straight to their other class. And teachers just start when they feel like it. However, if a teacher's door is closed, you have to knock and wait to be allowed to enter if you are tardy. Its very strange. And i miss fun classes like business and orchestra. The only classes i take are serious- math, science, english, french, social sciences, geography, history, religion, and gym. I don't really understand much at all, but i realy enjoy mygy class. Mostly because its two hours of work out time and requires little to no french being spoken. Today in my math class we took a test, but since i am foreign and new, the teacher didnt really expect much out of me. Good thng because I doubt I will get single point. But every monday and thursday i go to french school for beginers and i really enjoy that. its pretty difficult and moves quickly, but i can already tell that my comprension and speaking skills are increasing. My host father keeps telling people that I will be speaking very well by christmas- i hope i don't disappoint him. Cross your fingers please.

One Month.....and the South of France

So far I have been in Belgium for one month. In that time frame I have toured Paris, gone to the capital (Brussels), been on a weekend retreat in Huy, Belgium, been to Disneyland in Paris, and visited the South of France for the weekend. Maybe I should just become a nomad and continue to move to different countries so I am able to get the best of every country. Now that I have started school, a bit of reality has set in for me here. I attend class but unfortunately just sort of sit there and attempt to pay attention, but its difficult considering I do not understand a word that is being spoken. Well, some words.....so most of the subject is lost on me. My school, Saint Jacques is really unorganized compared to my American high school. I thought when I arrived at school I would have a printed off schedule; however, I was thrown with a girl who was suposed to guide me around. She was nice, but ended up leaving mid-day because she just didn't have class that day. So i just sort of walked into random classes the rest of the day and then left. I have been to school for a week and still am not sure where or when I am to go to class. Oh Belgium......I am now attending french lessons. It is so great. Today was my first class and it is Monday and Thursday for three hours each class. I already feel like I have learned a lot and I only went one day! My host father told me that I will be speaking well by Thanksgiving and practically fluent by Christmas. I can only work hard and continue to absob as much as I possibly can in order to be sufficient.

So this weekend my host family took me to the south of France. We drove for six hours, through Luxembourg and arrived to a beautiful sunset overlooking the mountains. It was a Rotary event, so my friend Audrey, from Canada also went with us. She and I enjoyed the car ride and most importantly enjoyed the great food and drink we shared with the Rotarians. Friday night we ate dinner with fifty other Rotarians from both our host club, Herstal and the French club, Priva. Then saturday we woke up early and went on a tour of a little village. We walked through tiny streets, then wound our way to a gorgeous trail. It led to a waterfall, a wide river, mountains, and lush greenery. It was a sight I will not soon forget. After we hiked down the trail through the mountains, we climbed our way back up the mountain, winding our way up steep stone steps. After the amazing hike we ate mussels and fries, accompanied with delcious drinks, including a morroco, which is grendine, club soda, and beer. yummy. Then we toured an old castle, (Chateau) i think that is how it is spelled anyway. Really cool and so historical. Audrey and I took an adventure around the place instead of listening to the french tour guide. So exploring led to a fun experience for us. And you can even get married there! It was beautiful. After lunch we went to see a church and small village which was built in 994. Yes, 994. It was by far the oldest thing I had ever been inside. It was simple and humble, yet beautiful nonetheless. Then we strolled through a typical french village and ate fresh figs from the tree, as well as grapes and blackberries growing off a vine. I drank homemade wine also. For dinner we enjoyed a six course meal which included a duck liver spread with crackers for course one. Course two included creamed cauliflower and steamed pumpkin. Course three was spinach and sausage. Course four was mashed potatoes and pork. Course five was an assortment of cheeses. Course six was fresh figs baked over a lemon tart. All topped off with cafe, and its not coffee- its two shots of espresso. And on the way out there was a plate of fruit if you weren't full from dinner. I ate fresh produce from the area and drank both red and white wine which were specialities of sotuhern france. All in all it was a great weekend filled with delicious food, beautiful sites, and a lot of laughter. The Rotarians in Europe know how to have a good time.

Disneyland

So for my 19th birthday my host sister treated me to a day in Paris at Disneyland. Her boyfriend Laurent drove me, Virginie, and their friends Justine and Kevin to Paris. The four hour drive was a little annoying, but now I have appreciation for Kayla, who had to be in the car for ten hours on our way home from South Carolina. When we got to Disneyland it was like I wasn't 19, but more like 11. Riding rides, taking pictures, waiting in line for hours, and attempting to learn a bit of french made me feel like a kid again. Plus we ate at McDonald's.....so that really made me feel American for the day. Disneyland in Paris is bilingual, with rides, instructions, and even coreographed dancing in both French and English. We went to a Lilo and Stitch interactive film and Laurent was targeted. The instructor asked him his name and where he was from. He said, "I'm Laurent, and I am from Belgium." Then the cartoon Stitch said, "Belgium, never heard of it!" it was so funny, and made the entire trip memorable.

I had to go to school yesterday and today. Turns out I really did not enjoy it at all. The secretary is so unorganized and yesterday just threw me with a girl who i just followed around. I currently do not have a set schedule and do not understand a word that is being said to me. People are being nice about it though, even though I feel like a complete idiot when someone asks, "whats your name?" and i just stare at them blankly. I really should have practiced a LOT more before coming here. Every wednesday however we get out at noon, so that is really nice. Hopefully within the next few weeks I will start to enjoy school. I start French classes at a special school next week, so I hope to see a lot of improvement

ps- here is my third article to the LS Tribune

Life in Belgium: An Insight to Life as an Exchange Student
Jamie Bronder
Article III

One of the greatest advantages to being a foreign exchange student in Belgium, is my ability to travel. The first week I arrived my host parents, Philippe and Christine, took me on a day tour of Paris, France. The city is obviously known around the world for its famous tower, the Louvre Museum, Napoleon's Tomb, Notre Dame Cathedral, and its classical romance; however, it is so much more than those things. Traveling with native speakers gave me the advantage to see a different side of Paris. We used the city's metro system and ate and some delicious cafes. One of the most memorable and probably overlooked aspects of the city was La Grande Arche. It is an office building meant to be in the shape of a window. A small plague described the building as,"Idea, an open cube, a window to the world, a symbol of hope for the future,that all men can meet freely." I thought this was beautifully poetic and inspiring. I was also able to go on another weekend to Disneyland Paris. It is very similar to both the U.S. amusement parks; but, everything is spoken in both French and English. As a nineteenth birthday present my host sister, Virginie took me to the magical world of Disney. It was an adventure and a birthday I will never forget.

Its official......

That is my new house and the view from the front yard. I am only five minutes away from the downtown, too!

I am applying to Tulane University and if I am accepted, plan on attending in the fall of 2010. You are welcome Kayla- I guess all that pestering finally paid off. I have to write a 250-500 word essay about myself and why I should be accepted to Tulane. Its pretty informal, but I wanted all the input I could get before submitting. Thanks!

While working in my local ice cream shop, I struck up a conversation with a customer. She told me about her unforgettable year as a Rotary International foreign exchange student. It has been my dream to live and work overseas for several years and with a passion for marketing and traveling, I know my future career is in international business. After a stressful application process, I am the first outbound student that my Rotary district has ever sent. I am currently living and studying in Liege, Belgium. Living with a new family, attending high school again, and speaking a new language has been truly unforgettable. French is by far a more difficult language than I anticipated, yet I am confident in my abilities and fully expect to be fluent by the end of my exchange.
I know that being an exchange student has changed my life for the better. I have met people from over thirty different countries, and have no doubt that I have made some lifelong friends. It is my belief that every person should experience life outside their native country. Seeing the world from a new perspective has taught me to appreciate and accept with a more open mind, yet hold fast to my core values. I believe that my experience living in Belgium would bring a unique aspect to Tulane University.

LS Tribune Article II

Life in Belgium: An Insight to Life as an Exchange Student
Jamie Bronder
Article II
When I first heard about the Youth Exchange Program offered through the Rotary International, I only knew a little of what would be in store for me. I knew I would attend school, learn French, and live in Belgium; but, it is the little things I was not aware of which have made my first three weeks in Liège such an unforgettable journey so far. As a Rotary student I was able to visit Brussels, the nation's capital. Brussels is a mixture of different cultures, combining both the Dutch speaking region with the French region. I was able to visit the Grand Palace and Parliament. I toured through the glowing hallways filled with beautifully illuminated chandeliers and elaborate paintings. On the visit to Parliament, I was able to meet the president of the chamber of Parliament, Patrick Dewael. This was a fantastic oppourtunity to see inside the Belgian government and meet a very important man in my new home.
As well as visiting the government, the Rotary students attended a welcome weekend in the small medieval town of Huy, Belgium. Huy is a quaint town sprinkled with hills and wineries, as well as an incredible citadel built in 1818. Attending these conferences can often be dull; however, the unique history which lies within each of these places is worth the seminars. Along with the rolling hills and the rivers which shine throughout the cities, the people I have met are incredible. Over thirty different countries are represented, and each person brings a special aspect these adventures. I can only hope I get the chance to meet people from thirty more countries throughout my life.