...This is Wassenaar, where we went yesterday
Vast changes in the weather today, SO similar to Northern Ireland; started off grey and cold and raining, and the past few hours its been 70 and sunny. Apparently it's very typical.
and they have a huge team of faculty and students all focused on the transition process. The
head of that department spoke about the emotions of moving and the problems of not having
an identity. He then asked the new students to raise their hands to figure out how many times
the students had moved. Only 3 new students out of over 75 had moved for the first time!!!
ONLY 3!! There were a few who had moved for the 2nd or 3rd time (Chris) but the vast majority
had moved over 4 or 5 times! It was mind-boggling...
They also have a ton of workshops for the parents regarding Dutch culture and Expat life. The
other thing they spoke about was goodbyes. They spoke openly about the fact that most of these
students would probably move again before they graduate. That was kind of shocking to me,
usually people avoid talking about that possibility. I had just never heard anyone speak so
accurately about the feelings attached to moving and not knowing where you come from or
where to call home.
Just got back from a bike ride to Wassenaar Beach with dad, mom, & paul. Extremely windy,
the sand felt like tiny needles stabbing your arms & legs. The water wasn't actually that bad,
not nearly as cold as Ireland. There were a few swimmers and windsurfers.
Bike ride was the most hilly I've had since we got here, especially tough with the head wind
on the way there.
Here are some pictures... it was very windy :)
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