5 Things today

1. I gave instructions to Anne-Rose and she listened and understood! Often, this is not the case (ok, always), but it happened today finally and it felt good. I feel like dead weight most of the time because Oma always has to help me speak to the girls or drive or do basically start anything. I don't feel like I'm able to do my job, which makes me feel like I'm wasting their time, and I'm still so tired in the morning. But today I could tell the difference between when I started 3 days ago and what I understand now.

2. I rode a horse today! It was also nice, because the girl at the horse riding lessons place spoke english so I got some basics I could understand. The Maes family offered to send me to riding lessons, and then they bought me all the gear I need. It was insanely generous, and I am so thankful for the experience. We are also going on vacation to Italy in August, so there's another. Maybe it would be fun to keep a list of all the things that I got to do or experience every month as a project?

Marie-Louise with the picture we drew together of today. She asked me if I knew what a luftballon was so I could draw it. Thanks Nena, every word counts. 

3. We had pannekoeken for dinner today. Essentially dutch pancakes, with (sometimes) meat in them. Holy yum. A culture that has a designated breakfast food that is meant for dinner is alright with me.

Mine didn't have mushrooms in it, but this is what it looks like. 

4. Everyone here that speaks English speaks British English, so even without being in London I keep picking up British phrases. When I come home and say bloody hell, people will think I'm joking, but I'm not. I remember going to Italy and thinking that nowhere else I could say" "ciao!" sincerely, and this will be the same thing.

5. Oma's boyfriend, Hans, who is my kindred spirit. He speaks pretty good English, but he also knows some spanish, so we just use whatever language we know. He tells the best stories, and gives great advice. He also told me he could immediately tell I was a "good one" because I have dark features that reminds him of Italians. So there's that. He wants to take me to an art museum because we both love art, and he can tell me about it. He is only here to visit though, so I'm not sure how much he will be around for things.