Being Gregarious…

After several months of working from home, doing strange hours, never really leaving my unit, I am surprised it took me less than a week to find the light-hearted, gregarious person I used to be. It happened so quickly. I have already made a few friends, contacts and met some really awesome people. It is probably helpful that most people can speak English here, and they seem, on the whole, a very friendly country. Maybe too friendly once the drinks start flowing. I have already had a couple of hang overs.

Walking! I am doing so much walking. In 7 days I walked 104kms.

Last week I met my Aunty, the last of my mums siblings. She took us out to a local restaurant for dinner, and then we played a very serious game of cards. I have no idea what the game is called, but I was fun. I was surprised by both the fact that I won, but also by the fact that both my cousin and my aunt were playing for money. I made a two cool euros. I am meeting with her tomorrow to spend time again… but at the casino. Yup…

Miriam and I drove down to Belgium (followed by Wynand by train) to meet with my cousin Daniel, and “uncle Louis”. The meeting was really informative and I learned quite a bit about my family history. However, I have to say I did not feel so great when the conversation moved to the Holocaust… but nobody feels great learning what happened then.

Saturday night in Antwerp was certainly fun. I had a few too many shots (street vendors selling something like flavoured tequila) and suffered for it the next day. One thing I tried, and hated, was hot red wine. Nope! I got to eat mussels in Belgium, so I can tick that one off my bucket list!

I have added some photos under "Current Photos"

Cheers,

JC