DOC...in Schiedam

Here I am, once again, updating you all of my exciting DUTCH adventures. I have returned home safetly from DOC, and I am now living with my first host family. I would now like to take the time to recap the uitstekend Dutch Orientation Course in Schiedam.

When I first arrived in Schiedam I was welcomed by friendly Rotarians, host families, exchange students, and by the RAIN! The first day of the course included many welcome speeches in Dutch as well as in English. By 4pm we were free to leave with our host families for the week. I was paired with a 16 year old girl from Mexico, who I have become great friends with now. We were hosted by a couple, with two sons and a daughter. Both of their sons have also participated in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. One son went to Japan and the other son went to New Zealand. My first evening in Schiedam was spent enjoying an Indian meal with neighbours who were also hosting two students, a 16 year old boy from Mexico and an 17 year old from Thailand. Sunday was a free day spent with host families. My Sunday began with a mass at a Catholic Church, followed by my first bike ride in the Netherlands. In the afternoon we visited Madurodam with four other families, who were hosting two students each. For those of you back home, Madurodam depicts the Netherlands in minature size. It consists of minature replicas of historically significant buildings such as the house of Anne Frank, The Peace Palace, and the Dutch Parliament Buildings ( Het Binnenhof). In the evening we visited the beach and pier of Scheveningen. For dinner we had fish and chips, as well as fresh herring. I have been told herring is "typical dutch"and it is traditionally served raw with onions. I have to say that I am not a big fan of herring, but atleast I can say that I tried it!

The next few days were spent making new friendships, handing out pins, cards and buttons, signing for Stroopwaffles, eating pannekoeken, enjoying many beginner Dutch lessons, laughing, experience Dutch Culture at its finest, trying my best to master the sounds of the Dutch language and of course, feeling proud to be an exchange student. I met amazing people from all over the world including India, Thailand, Mexico, U.S, and fellow Canadians. The Rotary Clubs of Schiedam and Schiedam-de Veste had action packed afternoons planned for myself and fellow exchange students. Afternoon activities included a canal tour of Schiedam (unfortunately it rained and rained during this what could have been beautiful tour), a tour of the city by "Step" ( a combination of a bike and a scooter), paddle boats, a tour of a wind mill ( 150 steps to the top) and a disco in de kerk!! Our week of Dutch culture and language came to an end with a show stopping performance by the exchange students. I can't say that we were all in tune, or that we pronounced all the words correctly, however, I can say that we put on a good show for all the Rotarians and Host Families!

Language camp has been amazing! Thats all I have time for at the moment. Stay tuned for more updates! Miss you all!

Much love,

Deirdre xoxoxo