I'm currently staying with a Dutch family in the city of Amersfoort, and having an absolute blast. My homestay roommate from Westmont is a good friend of mine named Sarah, and having her here with me has been great. Our host family consists of host father Jan, host mother Dinie, and host sister Marika. Marika is 17 and is lots of fun to hang out with. Both of our host parents are terrific, and Jan's terrible puns remind me of my own dear old dad back home (Love you Dad!).
(L-R) Dinie, Sarah, Jan, Marika, Me
On Thursday and Friday we left our host families during the day and headed for Amsterdam, about an hour away from Amersfoort. On Thursday we saw the Resistance Museum and the Anne Frank House, and then had a guest speaker give a lecture on Dutch culture and history. Yesterday we went back to Amsterdam and saw two art museums, took yet another canal boat ride (our third so far), and walked around to take in the city.
Today was spent with our host families. It was by far one of the best yet. Our host family took us around the Netherlands to do "typical Dutch things", like seeing a windmill and looking at a cute, very touristy Dutch village. Our family had never visited this particular village, and Marika was especially happy for an excuse to go see it. Jan was less than thrilled, and joked that he would drive us to the village and then find a pub while the rest of us looked around. As it turned out, they took us to a photo shop where we all dressed up in Dutch costumes and had our photo taken. It was absolutely hilarious.
With Sarah, in full regalia
With our host family, looking very traditional
Tomorrow we'll be going to church with our family, and on Monday we're moving on to Berlin. I'll certainly be very sorry to say goodbye to our hosts!
(L-R) Dinie, Sarah, Jan, Marika, Me
With Sarah, in full regalia
With our host family, looking very traditional
I'm so glad you and Sarah have gotten a chance to get to know each other, and your host family sounds great. Thanks for the update!
ReplyDeleteFunny thing about homestays. It is something to be dreaded until you finally do it, and then it is one of the most memorable. (At least that has been my experience.I just got an e-mail this week from the family I stayed with last summer.) I'm sure they were delighted to have to American women staying with them!
ReplyDeletePS I think your dad is a very funny guy! Nothin' wrong with his puns.
Fantastic sister said...
ReplyDeleteHey, how come Dad gets a shout out? And for something as "special" as his puns! How about your other stellar family members?!?
p.s. apparently they won't just let you put an anonymous name anymore when you post your comments.
You look like a natural in that Dutch costume! I'm glad you had such a great experience on your homestay.
ReplyDelete