Cordoba and Granada

First week in the Netherlands

Mission 1: Adapt, adapt, adapt, adapt......

Bergen op Zoom

 

 

The first week might seem to be the most intimidating for most people. Somehow for me I guess the transition was quite smooth. Having been prepared and knowing what to expect beforehand was a bonus. In addition, I also had a very positive attitude and that has been the attribute I continue to grip onto with both hands and feet.

Culture shock: Adjusting to the food, language, culture differences, weather, new schedule, family, ect. All the new things were not easy, but knowing that everything would get easier with time and all the preparation I have done has made the 'culture shock' that I was supposedly to experience was easily succumbed.


The weather too during the first week has also been an advantage. Since I left the summer in Cape Town and be received by the winter in the Netherlands, one would think that it would add to the adjustment. I was lucky though as the weather apon arrival was relatively 'warm' and to a degree similar to a winters day in Cape Town. Gradually the weather has transitioned and in turn become colder.

Calfven, Ossendrecht

I also spent two days with the previous au pair for two days. That has helped to find my way around places. Before bidding saying our goodbyes; the host father decided to take us along with his sons to the cinema. Life of Pi was the movie we happened to watched. A great start and inspirational story for the coming year.


Au pair showing me around Bergen op Zoom

 

I have also met an au pair, from Columbia, that lives in a town relatively close to me and we have schedule to meet the very first Sunday and ended up having a great time as we had alot in common. We went to Bergen op Zoom as every first sunday of the month was 'Koop Zondag' and all the shops were open; and that was the perfect opportunity to purchase a few items that I was needing. It was a great way to end my first week in the Netherlands; I was getting along with the host family, settling in well, met new people, and already saw alot in the very first week.

My new friend