Good for the soul...

Today I signed up to do some voluntary work. I have a bit of time in the week, especially during the day so I will be driving people, predominantly older people, to and from appointments at hospitals or clinics. I think this sort of thing is so important as it not only enriches your life but gives something back to the community. I'd recommend doing a bit of voluntary work to anyone. Its good to do something for no financial reward as it shows you the value of things in different ways. It will also be good for my Dutch! Speaking of which I have signed up for a one month intensive dutch course from the middle of October. I think it will be very difficult but ultimately rewarding (hopefully).

The weather has been quiet bizarre recently. Lots of thunder storms and rain. One storm caused a disaster at one of Belgiums biggest music festivals, Pukkelpop. 5 people died in what must have been like hell arriving all of a sudden. The videos you can see on youtube etc clearly show it was sunny 5 minutes prior to the storm then it went pitch black in a matter of seconds with huge winds destroying tents and felling trees. Awful. We had a few friends and family members there but thankfully they are all OK.

Belgium has been a interesting place of late. It appears that most of the country is on holiday in August. Many of the cafes and restaurants are only beginning to open now after a few weeks being closed. I have quite enjoyed it, nice and quiet. However, this being a big student town you can see the life coming back to the streets and the bars now. It seemed like the Gentse Feesten was a big blow-out before everyone tootled off to France or wherever for a break and now they are slowly coming back home and to work. So not long and Gent will be its usual vibrant self. I for one will also be looking forward to next year when the town hibernates for a few weeks again. That's good for the soul too.