Tired with a bit a Flem

If you've talked to me at all, you probably haven't heard many stories from me when I was living overseas. Many people can relate to the situation where you've told some stories so many times that you don't remember who exactly you told them to. This was unfortunately the case for a couple years now and I've gotten into the nasty habit of not telling people about my experiences anymore. But something hit me recently that made me want to re-explore those stories, and invite others to share their stories with me. I always enjoy the experiences which others have gained in whatever language they want to do it in.

My first day in Belgium was something to remember. I hadn't exactly had the best plane ride. My contacts were drying out, I angle myself well enough to sleep, and in Belgium the day was just beginning. The saving grace of that morning was a bagel which the stewardess brought around. It's as though the cold winter had thawed over night as the warmth crossed into my hands while the cream cheese was spread. Just thinking about that bagel made the plane ride worth it. As we landed, I looked out the window and could even see the wing of the plane. Belgium was covered in a February mist. We were blind as we were taxied into the terminal and stepped off in some brand new adventure.

Greeted as we came to the baggage claim by strangers we would only vaguely remember the next day through our groggy eyes, no amount of excitement could motivate us to do much else besides rest against a soft fabric seat belt as our bags were easily loaded into a van. We were shipped off to the main office to sign in and be interviewed for our assignments. The slow hum of the heater was near enough to make our trance complete at the loud, obnoxious clapping of the stewards commenced to hustle us into the car to go to the house. We marched as though to our death, unmotivated into the firm narrow seats of the van.

Upon arrival to the house, we were greeted with grand news. First food, then rest until the mid-evening. We ate prepared sandwiches and meandered off towards the bunks. I don't remember much of the conversations around me, probably because there were none. Within moments, we were sleeping. The grandeur of Brussels would have to wait until morning.