A Day of Surprises

Today in Dutch class we had our first test. After two weeks of repeating the same questions and answers I was fairly confident in my knowledge. When I arrived in the classroom I saw many of my classmates studying from the textbook or notes. I was surprised to see them studying information I was under the impression would not be on the test. I quickly began studying these unfamiliar phrases. Luckily, they were not on the exam, and I think I did pretty well!

While waiting for the bus home I saw another line, which I learned yesterday will also reach my finally destination, arrived before mine. It takes a completely different route around the other side of the city. I enjoyed discovering this new part of Gent, with beautiful parks and architecture.  I am looking forward to better weather to explore this new area.

I took a nap in the afternoon and awoke to my alarm, reminding me to pick up the kids, and rain. I pulled on my boots, and raincoat, and grabbed a couple of umbrellas for the kids, and started on my trek to the school. About half way there I noticed a cold squishy feeling in my right heel. Upon inspection I discovered a hole between the sole and side of my boot. A sad day for my awesome whale wellies.

Because it was a rainy day the kids had a lot of energy.  Thomas was chasing me and Marie around the kitchen; the pirate trying to capture two escapies.  While turning the corner his stockinged feet slipped on the tiled floor, and he ran into the cupboards. Instead of crying, like I thought he would, the "f" word popped out of his mouth.  I froze.  After inquiring whether it meant the same thing in Dutch as in English, I tried to figure out where he learned that word, and impose upon him the importance of never using it again. At this point the crying began.

At six o'clock, like every night, the children sat down to watch some television before dinner. I sat down to watch with them, and enjoy some relaxation. As I watched, and listened, I was pleasantly surprised to notice that I could follow what was happening, and even being said! I guess I am actually learning something after all!

Stel jezelf voor!

Ik heet Michaela, en ik spreek een beetje Nederlands (I am Michaela, and I speak a little Dutch).  This is one of the few phrases that I learned in my first Dutch class yesterday.  Most of what we learned was how to introduce ourselves.  Our name, home land, current home, and how we got to school were among topics of conversation.  We learned how to greet each other, at different times of day, and inquired into each others well being. 

There are about 10 people in my class, of which I am one of the youngest.  Most seem to be within ten years of me, but we have a few older students as well.  They come from Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, with one other student from the US, Michigan.  My teacher, Dirk, has a lots of energy, and likes to pick on the students who try to stay hidden.  Luckily, he speaks English and French, as well as Dutch (obviously) so he can answer questions, but he tries to speak in Dutch the whole time.  Most of the learning is done with pictures and big gestures to help get the point across.  A lot of Dutch sounds similar to English, so it hasn't been too difficult yet, but it was only the first day. 

The second I picked up the kids from school, they started pelting me with questions about what I had learned.  "Can you speak Dutch now?"  Thomas asks, expecting me to now be fluent.  Anytime I use Dutch they ask if I learned it in my class, even if I have been using that word, or phrase, for weeks.  Marie asked me what my homework was, and if she could help, and was appalled when I informed her that I didn't have any homework, not yet at least. 

To close I will do as the title asks...introduce myself!

Mijn voorname is Michaela (My firstname is Michaela).

Mijn familienaam is O'Neill (My lastname is O'Neill).

Ik kom uit de Verenigde State (I come from the United States).

Ik spreek Engles (I speak English).

Ik woon in Merelbeke (I live in Merelbeke).

Ik kom met de bus en tram naar school ( I came by bus and tram to school).

Hoe is 't (How are you)?

Goed (Good).

Dank u wel (Thank you very much)!

Ok, I hope that is a good introduction to what I have learned, and will keep you up to date on my knowledge!