Kawerau's Rotary International Exchange Student Valentine Evers
Rotary International Exchange Student Valentine Evers told us about her life in Belgium.
The country of Belgium is located in the mid-western coast of Europe, and borders France, Luxembourg, Germany, and The Netherlands. Belgium is a multi-cultural society with distinct regions with Dutch, French, and German influence.
Eupen is a city located in the Belgian province of Liège, just 15 km from the German and Dutch borders. It is the capital city of the Eastern Cantons of Wallonia (the small German-speaking area in the far east of Belgium). Although Eupen is a small city with a population of about 18,000 people, its history dates back to the 1200's.
Through time the region has seen many wars and battles. In the early 1900's, Eupen was actually located in Germany until the end of World War I, when it became part of Belgium through the Treaty of Versailles. The region was again annexed by Germany during World War II, only to become part of Belgium again after the war.
The official language in Eupen is German. Eupen lies in the Vesdre River Valley, very near the German border and just downstream from the Gileppe Dam, which was installed to provide a reliable water supply to the town. It is a manufacturing center for soap, beer, and cables.
Eupen is beautifully situated on the edge of dense forests (the 'Hertogenwald' or 'Duke's Forest) and alongside the rivers Vesdre and Gospert. The look of the city is defined by the numerous 17th and 18th century houses of the rich cloth traders. This lovely city can be described as lying in 'an area without frontiers', as Holland, Germany, Luxembourg, France are all only a few minutes away by car.
Valentine lives with her parents, Phillip, a carpenter, and Martina who is a kindergarten teacher; and she has two brothers aged 19 and 21. She has many friends and is very involved in Scouting.
Some differences she has noticed thus far has been the houses, especially the entrance doors to them being direct into rooms, also the insulation. And the water goes the wrong way around going down the plug hole!!
Some differences she has noticed thus far has been the houses, especially the entrance doors to them being direct into rooms, also the insulation. And the water goes the wrong way around going down the plug hole!!
She has been to several scout meetings but is looking at being involved with the Venturers Group in Whakatane who are similar in age and have another exchange student attending.
President Brian thanked her for her well-prepared presentation.
President Brian thanked her for her well-prepared presentation.