Well I just left you all on the edge of your seats waiting to hear how that soiree last Saturday went... well all I can say is that these Belgians know how to party!! The event was red and black flapper themed so everyone was looking smashing, and by everyone I mean about 50 guests ranging from a few months to eighties! The evening was filled with dancing, drinking, laughing, and music and with me being the honorary American, I was passed around from one person to the next on the dance floor! It was obviously an absolute blast because by the time Ben, Nicole, Pauline, and I climbed into the mini-cooper it was almost 3 in the morning!!! :)
Normal people might have decided to sleep in that Sunday morning, but Pauline and I had no intention of such nonsense. We were picked up at 9:30 and went to Liege with three guy friends to see the new Harry Potter movie, and although the French accents were a little odd, it wasn't hard to follow and was really fun! Differences between Belgian and American movie theaters: 1. The chairs are a million times more comfortable 2. You do not leave your trash where you sat 3. There is no globs of melted butter drenching your popcorn. That afternoon I really wanted to just come home and take a nap but finals week was starting the next day so I forced myself to study a little. That night we had dinner with Nicole's godson and all went to bed before 9!
Monday we had a half day to get ready for finals week and in my politics class my teacher was explaining the laws of paternal and maternal rights, and claiming a child as your own and such, and so she started making a whole diagram on the blackboard, but to be festive-- she used Mary, Jesus, and Joseph! We were in hysterics when Joseph started having a side relationship with Mary Magdalene, but still wanted to claim Jesus as is son when God was really the father!! Those are moments that I am really glad that I understand French :) Anyway, after school I went to Vise with Nicole and bought a winter coat!! It is big and down and WARM! Very, very content :) Then we went to a shoe store where a friend of the family Gene works (Norbert's wife) and I was just looking around while Nicole and Gene chatted... after about 2 minutes I realized that this was way out of my budget so I got a little nervous when Nicole asked if I found anything. I politely said everything was beautiful, but she was insistent and they made me try on a gorgeous pair of boots and in the end Nicole offered them to me as my gift for under the Christmas Tree. This family makes me want to be a better person because they are quite honestly the most kind and generous people ever :)
Tuesday I had my math final, which I passed easily, followed by my French final Wednesday (an in class essay on discrimination) which I thought went well, and Thursday was Psychology which I also felt very good about! In the midst of those finals about a foot of snow fell!!! And on top of that, the Commune ran out of ice-- so the danger level is definitely heightened for now; however, I am at least nice and warm in my new coat :)
Now what you all have been waiting for... DECEMBER 17th I TURNED 19!!! :) I started my day off by waiting at the bus stop for a bus that never came, but no worries, Fredo came a picked me up and took me to the train station. I took the train to Liege and spent a very snowy afternoon shopping and drinking tea in an adorable little cafe with my wonderful friends Mollie and Mallory. I left around 5 and with train delays (because I always have issues with public transportation) I got home at almost 7. I was told to be ready at 8:15 but I didn't know for what... In the midst of Skyping Sam I heard Nicole call me. I quickly went downstairs where I saw a group of family and friends in the dark, each with a glowing candle, singing happy birthday! I was SHOCKED! Even Mollie and Mallory were there, although they had both said they were busy! And my friends Christine and Celine from school too! We enjoyed a grand dinner together followed by a mousse au chocolat dessert :) Everyone left around midnight and I stayed up with Mollie and Mallory until way too early in the morning! It was an incredible surprise :)
The next morning the three M's went outside and played in the snow because it was a crystal clear day and we couldn't resist! They both left around 5 and I didn't do much besides rest.
Sunday, today, it may seem impossible, however we are currently getting another 20 centimeters of SNOW! I just came back from a run, I even wore my spikes but it was incredibly difficult! A route that usually takes me 20 minutes took me 45- I guess this is why my family was laughing at me when I said that I was going on a run... Oh well, I am warm now!
I had a fantastic birthday weekend and am enjoying the crazy snow that we are being blessed with! At least I am never thirsty! After four months in Belgium I have really started to feel like this is my home and am just so happy with my life every single day. Sending warm thoughts to you all!
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