Monday:

Today first we had to go to school. After school we went to the train station to pick up the Greeks at 4.22 pm. Mekeliana is my Greek guest. In the beginning it was a bit uncomfortable. We had to wait half an hour for my Spanish guest: Lucia. When Lucia arrived, it clicked immediately. We went home, and when we got home, I gave them a tour of the house. They were then allowed to choose their own room where they went to sleep. After they had chosen a room, we sat down to socialize at the kitchen table. I asked about their habits in their own country, so they went on to tell about their habits. At around 7 p.m. I and my family got a little hungry, so we already had a little dinner. We ate soup. We asked if Mekeliana and Lucia already wanted to eat a little, but they didn’t. Chiara (my Italian guest) arrived at 8.22 pm. Then we went for dinner. After dinner we went for a bike ride to see if the bike fit. In the end, we didn’t go to school by bike because we thought it was too scary.

 

Tuesday:

We had to be at school at 8.55. When we were in school we sat down in the room. There were already a few others. When everyone was there, the director had a speech and in the speech was told what we were going to do that day. We spent the entire week working in groups that we had made the week before. I was in group 1. After everything was told we had to give a tour of the school. That was fun to do. Two Greek teachers also walked with us. They started to ask questions all the time how the school system works. Occasionally I didn’t really understand the questions. After the tour we went for a quiz. With all questions. It was told in advance that the group with the most points in the quiz and the treasure hunt in the center would receive a prize. We achieved 60 points with the quiz. After the quiz we were allowed to take a break. It was told that we had to be in the center at 1.30 p.m. We went to the center a little earlier because we were brought by car but it was not that far. We were pretty quick there. So we had to do a treasure hunt in the center. First we were given a tour of the mill. Then we started the search. You had to take photos with an assignment on the paper, for example: Lick your elbow. After the hunt we went home and ate dinner at dinner stew. And they found that very delicious !! After dinner we went to Hanna. We played Uno, that was very nice. At 10 p.m. we went home and go to bed.

 

Wednesday:

On Wednesday we had to be at school again at 8.55 a.m. We first had to sit in the middle room again and received an explanation. From an activity in Drenthe we had to figure out everything you can do there and for who it is and more. We had ‘ Het Kompenmuseum’ and the different markets in all places in Drenthe. In the afternoon went to camp Westerbork. First we went to watch a movie and then just into the museum. At 3 p.m. the bus had to go to the camp itself. At the camp we went to the monument with the blocks. Many found that to create an impression because which block was a person who did not survive the war. And then to the other monument of the train track. After everyone had looked out we went back to the bus and when we were on the other bus home. In the evening we had a winter BBQ at Hanna. The 3 Greek teachers also came to eat. After a while Danny and Joran arrived too. Then it became even cozier. We started to put on music from the different countries where we come from. It was very nice. When it was over we went home and to bed.

 

Thursday:

Today we had to work on our final project. You had to invent an activity that does not yet exist here in Hoogeveen. We have devised an International Festival for people who don’t have enough money to go on a holiday. It is a festival that lasts a week and every day there is a different country. You had to think of everything with the questions on paper. Such as: how expensive it is, whether it is climate friendly and more. You had to present your activity to everyone. So we also made a powerpoint. It contained the information about the activity. Went to Wildlands in the afternoon. We first went to the polar bears because Lucia and Marta had never seen them. After the polar bears we went to the covered hall and there we went in that boat. We also had ice cream. Then we went to the safari. We also went to the arcade and we went there for a while. Then we went to the safari bus. Then we went to the roller coaster. We have been there 10 times or so. After the roller coaster it was time to go back. In the evening Hanna and Maya came to my house. That was nice. Hanna, Maya, Lucia, Marta and I played 30 seconds. Hanna and I against Lucia and Marta. Maya started translating the cards for Lucia and Marta into Spanish. They left again at 10 p.m.

 

Friday:

Friday we had to give the presentation. First we were allowed to practice. After the little break we started the presentation. We had to be second. At first I was afraid that I would suddenly start speaking in Dutch. But luckily that didn't happen. I thought the presentation went pretty well. Because we all knew what to talk about. In the afternoon we went to the Bonde Bever. The swimming was very pleasant. Together with Dewi I went down the slide very often. And we also went outside a few times. And that was cold!! When we were back at school, Mekeliana and Chiara asked if they could go to town tonight because a lot of others were going too. I actually didn't want to go because I was tired. I said I was going to ask my parents about it. My parents thought it was good. It was not allowed by Hanna's parents. Hanna called me and asked if Lucia and I would come too. I actually didn't feel like it, but went anyway. I asked Lucia if she wanted to go. Fortunately, she agreed. At 8 p.m. we met at the oliebollen stall. I also let them taste an oliebol. They really enjoyed it! After the city we went to Hanna.

 

Saturday:

We had to get up at 6 a.m. because went to Amsterdam. We had to be at the school parking at 7:30 a.m. We arrived in Amsterdam at about 10 a.m. first we went to the science museum NEMO. We first received some information there, then we were allowed into the museum. I first walked in a group and then with Dewi. On the floor with that of humans there was a shock device. There 4 people could put their finger in it and 1 could get a shock. I didn't get 1 shock. We have also been on the roof. There could look over the city. After Nemo we went on the canal boat for a tour. You got to wear earplugs and then you got information about the houses and more things. After the tour we went to the dam on foot. You had to be back at the dam at a certain time. I walked through Amsterdam with Hanna and Dewi. It was very nice with them. When we had to go back to the bus it was raining hard and my feet hurts. In the evening we had a farewell party at school. My parents made a cheesecake and pudding for dessert. At the party it was very nice with everyone. I told Lucia that she should try the pudding. And she really liked them. After the party I gave them a few presents at home. They really enjoyed those presents. Then we went to bed.

 

Sunday:

Sunday was the last day they were here. We all slept well. And we also have an extensive breakfast. After breakfast they went to the station. There were already a few. I also had to cry a bit because I was going to miss them. We stood inside and say them goodbye. When the trien came Tess and I went running for a bit. When I got home we immediately went app in our group app. I found this a very nice experience and made very good friends.