I just returned from my first French lesson. The best part about it? I didn't have to wake up with a two year old! It is one o clock in the afternoon & I am not yet worn out from playing ball and reading Mimi.
The lesson itself was a new experience for me. The lesson is taught completely in French because there is not a common language between all the students (though all but one student does speak some English). It is difficult for me to, not only talk so much in a class, but to speak in French in class. I had to read my French alphabet, say my name & where I was from, and count up to ten. The teacher was very nice and encouraging. The other students in the class ranged from the old to the young and came from all over the globe. Some spoke with confidence and others struggled in their pronunciations. I was one of the only ones who could speak only one language though. The lessons will be good for me if I can overcome my shyness and just learn to speak with confidence and learn to laugh at myself. Probably the homework will be the most difficult art as I won't feel like doing it in the evenings.
Life in Brussels is going well for me. I am slowly begininning to feel like a part of the city. I get asked for directions on a regular basis (though I have never been able to show a person the correct way). I believe I am adjusting to my job here, learning that I just have to be as flexible and as understanding as possible. Living in Brussels is much different than my time in London because the majority of my time is not my own. I think I am shaping my character here. I am learning not to be selfish with my time--I must share most of it with the family. I am learning patience--I can't speak the language so I can't understand the family a lot of the time. So much to learn.
I think the World should have a common language as well!
An interesting video can be seen at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8837438938991452670
Otherwise http://www.lernu.net might help?