Culture shock in more ways than one

OK,  I'm in Bruges, which is in Belgium and the culture here is a mixture of Dutch and German.  People speak a variety of languages and will switch from one to the other depending on to whom they are speaking.

We have an assignment while travelling which requires us to note the differences in culture and ethics in each of the countries we visit and write an assignment about it when we get back and present it to the class.

Now, I am being immersed in different cultures in more ways than one.

Half the class is from northern America around the Pennsylvania, New York area, and they have a culture of their own.  The other half are from Oklahoma and the deep south and they certainly predominate.  The accents from the south are very strong and I hear 'y'all' from both the kids and the lecturer all the time.  Then we have a sprinkling from other states and then there's me.  I've been teaching them all about the Australian culture, which is vastly different in many ways from theirs.

In addition to these, I am immersed in the Y- Gen culture and especially the female Y-Gen culture.  The group I am travelling with is a sensible bunch of girls who are intelligent and mature. They still do the young girl things like shop till they drop and feel the need to curl their hair when we are running late for a train.  Some of the other girls are wild, loud, and scarey.  Even the guys are overwhelmed by some of them.  Scarey because I'd be afraid to go travel with them as they would be the types to party all night, get drunk and get into mischief.   I had contemplated going with Liz and Julie to Barcelona on our next Open Travel session, but I've changed my mind after imagining what it would be like to actually travel with them.  I think I might stick to the group I'm with who are going to do Germany and Austria.

I guess they are also learning about the 'baby boomer' culture, however, as I am in the minority around here, I try to keep that behaviour under wraps.  I have been waking up early and wanting to go to bed early at night, and yesterday I excused myself while we were shopping and came home to rest my weary legs.  But mostly, I am keeping up with them and not really acting my age.  Don't know how much longer it will last before I crave a bit of luxury and some adult conversation.

Let me say I am missing y'all back home.  Would love to have Peter here with me experiencing all this too.  It would be nice to have someone my age to pal up with.  I guess I'll just have to wait until the end of the trip when I meet up with my friend, Maureen.

Haven't been able to post any photos as I didn't bring the cable with me on this little jaunt.

Can't believe it is 7.42am and the hostel is as quiet as a mouse.  Nobody is awake.  I am sitting at the bottom of the stairs writing this blog because I can get wifi reception here.  I've had my shower in the communal facilities and  got myself dressed and ready.  The 4 girls had their showers last night before bed as they like to sleep in.  I now know how Peter feels when he has to creep around early in the morning trying not to wake me.

Today we are taking the train to Amsterdam, and tomorrow afternoon we head back to Maastricht for 3 more days to end this part of the course and complete all our assignments.  I think we have another formal dinner to attend, too.  Then we are off on 6 days travel with NO ASSIGNMENTS!!!  before making our way to the Cesar Ritz School in Le Bouveret in Switzerland where the 2nd part of the course will be held. 

Love to everyone back home.  I'm missing y'all. xxxxxxx