more than waffles: la fin

As they often say, all good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, my exchange year in Belgium was no exception. I am currently writing this blog post from my house in the United States. I arrived back just four days ago, and it's been rather strange to be home. I often find myself thinking in French and comparing the things I see and experience to my life in Belgium. I'm sure my friends and family are already sick of me saying "in Belgium, we...", but sometimes it's hard not to share my thoughts!

My last few weeks in Belgium were great. Right after the exams at school finished, I made sure to fill up my days with things to do. I went numerous places and saw lots of things, ranging from Luxembourg to the Netherlands to Brussels and so on.

Overall, my year in Belgium was probably the best decision I've ever made so far in my life. The chance to learn another language, travel, and meet so many new people is probably never going to be as easy as it was this year. I am still having some difficulty realizing that it is really over forever. However, this past year was just the beginning! There are still so many things to do and so many new places to see. The future is wide open to possibility. In just a short month, I'll be starting college in Philadelphia. That in itself is going to be new and exciting (fun fact: the day that I move into my dorm room is the same day that I left for Belgium last year). For now, I will take the next few weeks to just reflect and enjoy my time that I'm spending in my home town. I hope to visit Belgium and my host family again someday soon! La Belgique, tu me manqueras.

Namur! Last day of school picnic at the citadelle.

(June 18, 2013)

Montevideo at the Namur music festival.

(June 22, 2013)

Callie sleeping in the grass in a park in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

(June 29, 2013)

Maastricht...bikes!

(June 29, 2013)

The St. Servatius Bridge in Maastricht.

(June 29, 2013)

We found a tire swing in the woods at our AFS orientation. Hoorah!

(July 1, 2013)

Everyone brought flags to sign at the orientation as a little souvenir to remember our year in Belgium.

(July 2, 2013)

My friend Keaton from Michigan playing guitar. It was a great way to end the year.

(July 2, 2013)

The Vianden Castle in Luxembourg.

(July 3, 2013)

My host sister Caroline (on the right) came back from a year abroad in Russia just one week before I left for Belgium, so my host family and I took a day trip to Luxembourg.

(July 3, 2013)