Waalwijk Adventures Chapter 1

Around this time two years ago I would be preparing for my trip to the Netherlands. One of the best trips of my life. It was an exchange program with AACS and Dr. Mollercollege in Waalwijk, NL. I think every American student should have to do an exchange trip sometime in their school career. I learned so much in my two weeks with Anne (my "FEZ") in the Netherlands. Starting with Dutch:


Living in a place where English is not the primary language is...strange? People wouldn't realize I was foreign and start speaking to me in Dutch. It was really awkward at first because I didn't know what to do. Should I nod and pretend I know what they are saying or just admit right away that I'm just a stupid American? I tried both. But for the most part I would just stutter and then say "Sorry, do you speak English?"
I learned a few words before the trip, but none of them were very useful. For example: tafel (table), vliegtuig (airplane),zwart (black), blauw (blue), hond (dog), kaas (cheese)

I owe Rosetta Stone the credit for informing me of such practical words
Of course Anne taught me more throughout the trip. Hello/Goodbye and such. And of course, my favorite: Sinaasappelsap (Orange Juice)

Or in case you are ever in need of an escape hammer in the Netherlands try this: