I like to think that we made the right decision moving to Belgium! We have traveled to places we had never dreamed of. The culture experience our children have had is beyond something we could ever teach them through books and movies. My first thought writing this article was to write about how much our family has enjoyed this posting. From my point of view everything has been amazing, but do my children share the same feelings? I just assume they do because they’re only 6 and 3 so they must feel the same as I do, right? I have decided to do a mini interview with my 6 year old son to find out.
Interview between Alexander & Mommy
Mommy : Good Morning are you already for your interview? Can you tell me your name?
Alexander : Good Morning Mommy, my name is Alexander and yes I am already!
Mommy : Great, let’s get started! How old are you and what grade are you in?
Alexander : I am 6 and in grade one.
Mommy : Let’s talk about our move from Canada to Belgium. Where did we come from in Canada?
Alexander: We came from New Brunswick (That’s interesting, I am pretty sure we came from Quebec). We came by plane and it took us 20 hours (it really did feel like 20 hours, but it was only 8).
Mommy : Do you remember how many suitcases we had?
Alexander : We had 17 suitcases (Yes, it did feel like that many! We actually had 3 suitcases, 4 carry-ons, two barrack boxes, stroller, car seat and a baby seat)
Mommy : How long did we stay in our hotel?
Alexander: We stayed 9 days (Wow, it felt like 9 months to me but we actually stayed for 5 weeks)
Mommy: Before we moved here, do you remember what you thought Belgium would be like?
Alexander : Like Canada (Good point, considering that was where you spent the entire 3-4 years of your life).
Mommy : What are some things you have enjoy here in Belgium?
Alexander : Fries with Ketchup, waffles and those chocolate things that look like little hamburgers (chocolate macrons). I like going on adventures!
Mommy : Me too!! (I’m sure I have set him up to become a world explorer). What are your favorite places we have visited?
Alexander : I liked going to the big tower in Paris and the place that had a lot of green stuff (after a bit more investigating I realized he was talking about Ireland). Oh and I liked Budapest!!
Mommy : Wow that sounds like you have had some great adventures. Do you have any upcoming trips you are excited about?
Alexander : Yes, Lego house. I don’t know where it is but I get to take a plane to go!!
Mommy : Have you enjoyed any new traditions since we arrived?
Alexander : Mommy, I like Saint-Nicolas but he doesn’t visit Canada.
Mommy : Do you mean Santa?
Alexander : No, I mean Saint-Nicolas. You know the man that comes on a boat with his Donkey and friend and they leave candy in our shoes.
Mommy : Oh right! Saint-Nicolas! I remember now. Do you have any advice or tips for children who will be moving to Belgium?
Alexander : Yes Mommy I am very happy we moved here, I like my new school and going exploring. For the advice can we tell them that the letters and numbers are written differently here than in Canada. We can also tell them that Belgium doesn’t have a lot of snow! Oh and there are a lot of places to visit from the war.
Mommy : Very true! I forget when was that war?
Alexander : It was in 1059 (okay so maybe he is off by a few years)
Mommy : Thank you for the interview Alexander!! You did a wonderful job!
Alexander: You’re welcome Mommy!
Although he may not see it at this moment, I think this Belgium experience has shaped him into the little person he is becoming. The places we have visited and the culture differences are something he picks up on and has become a part of him.