Baking, Bus Trips and Bastogne

Lots to update on since it's been two weeks. I held off on posting because we had intended on going to the Sea last weekend during a school break and I wanted to post about that. But alas, the weather wasn't too great and was rainy, rainy, rainy so we stayed back. Lots of movies. I have already thanked my Mum silently almost every day for my raincoat and boots she bought me in Montreal, as they have been of great use! Last Saturday, we went to Luxembourg to go skating at the rink there. Sadly I didn't have my hockey skates from home but it got me a little closer to the feeling of home for a few hours. I also have been baking more, such as sugar cookies, banana bread (the best I've ever made) and apple crisp (a flop). My host family kept questioning me on why I put my bananas in the freezer and I tried explaining it's to ripen them, but I'm pretty sure they just think it's a weird Canadian thing. Trying to find canned pumpkin for other recipes but it is proving difficult to find. We drink lots of apple juice here as it is homemade every year, but sadly all the apples got frostbitten so none this year. Though, I was able to visit where they make it!

This past Wednesday, I travelled to Charleroi for a field trip. It was for an NGO called "Oxfam", who tries to educate people on equitable shopping. We had a few workshops and got a chance to buy FairTrade food. I was introduced to many other students from around Belgium and when asking where I was from I proudly got to say "Canada", in which their response was "Is that a joke?" (lol).

I've given up on trying to find a soccer team for right now as I've been invited to join an all-girls boxing class every Thursday. A family friend attends with two other ladies and she kindly extended the invite to me. I went to my first class this past Thursday and really enjoyed it! We start with some running, then some other cardio (kind of like Just Dance), technique with the bag and then some sparring. Safe to say I needed a nice, hot shower after and slept quite soundly!

Friday evening I had a sleepover for my friend Jessie's birthday in Bastogne/Givry. It was quite a journey to get there... After one bus not arriving, waiting at my connecting stop for 30 minutes in the rain, 3% battery and arriving 30 minutes later, I did end up making it. I was so glad to see 5 of my exchange student friends again, pretty clear by how late our night went. We also ate so much food, my favourite being the pitas for dinner! The returning trip on Saturday was way easier and less stressful, I even got a moment to watch an episode of The Crown!

My days are getting better, having found some more simple comforts such as walks in the brisk morning air, knowing where my closest walking distance grocery store is, Earl Grey tea I recently bought on a trip to the grocery store, Haribo strawberry gummies and baking on the weekends. I registered to vote for the national election and received my ballot in the mail... the snails seemed to enjoy it. Still working on the friend department in my class, a bit difficult trying to worm your way into such tight-knit groups. But things are looking up and I am so very thankful for all your support! Have a great coming week!

All the love,

E

P.S. I believe I made a mistake somewhere with my towns spelling, so if you are kindly sending mail, please double-check that it is spelt AUBANGE (there's an Aubagne in France) .