Thanksgiving in Europe has a different feel than at home. Besides having to work in the morning, I had to dress up for a dinner in a fancy hotel in Brussels. The dinner was good. Part of it was "normal", according to our standards and the other part was very European. They got the turkey and the stuffing right, but the pie was not their forte. I didn't finish my piece of "pumpkin pie", if that tells you anything.

After a very low key Friday, I celebrated food with the other international students who live in my building. We had a little party in the 3rd floor kitchen. We had food from Belgium, Estonia and the Czech Republic, as well as Belgian Beer and Spanish wine. And I had a diet coke.

This low-key week is being followed by a week of non-stop craziness.  Today, I am headed to a reception for Fulbright grantees and alumni at the American Ambassadors residence in Brussels. Business attire required. I will be getting ready for this after my rehearsal today at noon. That's right, rehearsal. On Thursday night, I am required, as part of my Italian class, to sing at the Soiree Italienne on a stage in front of people in Italian. Luckily, the whole class is singing together, so I won't look like the only fool. I have to remember though, if I consider the last show I saw, I will look like a rcok star singing "I bambini fanne oh"-the theme song for UNICEF.

That's not the end of the week I have ahead, on Friday, I am off to Diepenbeek. Where you ask? That's a great question! I don't know. I know it is in Flanders where they speak Flemish. Other than that, I am clueless. But there, I must go. I am giving a lecture on American Education to a class of English-speaking-hoping-someday-to-be-teachers. That's right; I am going to be a guest lecturer at a college. This is humorous to me.

Then to end my constant running around, I will be attending a Christmas party called "cookies and carols" on Sunday.

I think this is the most I have done since I've gotten here this short of time, in regards to outside of working. As far as work is concerned, it is going well. Class on Monday went great. We talked about American television after watching an episode of 2 and a half men. Next week: radio and magazines.

I hope this finds everyone well. Take care and watch for more updates soon.