Day 2

On the second day, we attend mass at the local chapel/church of Hoofdorp, Netherlands. How the ceremony is conducted is very different to how it's done in the Philippines. Most of the attendees were old or middle age people. I don't see people my age.

There is a first communion ceremony, so we witness how it's done in Netherlands. It's not so much different, though I could hardly tell because everything is spoken in Dutch.

After the mass ceremony, the children flew balloons.

We board on the bus that will take us to Kortrijk, Belgium. It's a long ride.

I am fascinated at how well-planned roads are.

We arrive in Belgium about 2pm. Kortrijk has an entirely different atmosphere from Hoofdorp. I think it's much more of an established city (since Hoofdorp is just a town of Haarlemermeyer). The place seems quite old compared to the modern Hoofdorp, but it is beautiful. The roads are quite smaller, but traffic was well organized.

Kortrijk, by the train station

L-R: Sean, Arge, Me, Russel and J.Lo, at the train station waiting to be picked up by our hosts.

I am paired with J.Lo, the same partner I have in Holland. We are hosted by the lovely Weydts family. The first question they ask us is if we are afraid of dogs. We aren't. In fact, we love them. Our family has three cats and a Shelty named Jos whom they consider a friend and a part of the family.

They extended their warmest welcome to us and ushered us into their lovely home.

The house is cozy. It is easy to feel at home.

We have meatballs, green peas and rice for dinner. It is a lovely meal. Justien, our host sister, especially request we are served rice for dinner. She has been to the Philippines last year and she knows very well how important rice is as staple food for Filipinos like J.Lo and I.

After dinner, we explore around the backyard. It is really cold outside but we manage to take pictures with warm and happy smiles.

Me with my host sister in Belgium: Justien Weydts. She's nice, kind and smart. I'm so happy to be hosted by her and her wonderful family.

We have a nice and interesting conversation with the family about politics, culture and history. We exchange views on abortion and many other social issues that not only the Philippines is dealing with but issues Belgium is dealing with as well. We also talk about music. When I share I love Queen, Bart, my host father immediately looks for the Queen record, though he could not find it, he plays my favorite Queen song of all time 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on itunes. It's amazing how Music can serve as the universal language and bridge for people of entirely different race and culture.


To the Weydts family, I'll always remember you when I listen to this song.