Another day off school

Today was the second day all Brussels area schools were closed due to the threat level in Brussels being at its highest, 4/4 and the government wanted to minimize the risk of something happening and therefore closed the schools Monday-Tuesday to not have as many people in the traffic. It feels surreal that drastic measurements like this have to be taken and I never imagined having to stay home from school due to terrorism and fear of attacks happening. Our principal was on Swedish television commenting the situation.

    Here in Waterloo there has been no direct threat. We have been living our lives as normal. Shops are open and we even went to the movie theatre to watch the newest Hungergames movie. But inside Brussels the situation is slightly different as the city is under lockdown. There are military patrolling the streets and police everywhere and several shops and restaurants will be closed until Monday in addition to all major events being cancelled. In Waterloo there has been more security than usual, police are driving around and I was forced to leave my backpack at the entrance when I went to the supermarket. 

    What I feel is most important is that we don't live in fear. We feel safe here at the castle and I do not worry at all that anything would happen here at our boarding and school. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3331781/Soldiers-stay-streets-Brussels-WEEK-schools-metro-remain-closed-terror-attack-fears-EU-staff-warned-stay-home.html

Danish Christmas market

Annually the danes host a Danish Christmas market at the school campus. Several thousands come to shop all the Christmas essentials like different foods and decorations. The sports hall was filled with booths where you could buy or eat anything that had to do with the Danish Christmas traditions. The event really got the christmas spirit going.

This year though the market was slightly different because of the raised threat level in Belgium from 3/4 to 4/4. Armed police were patrolling the whole campus, even up in the corridor right outside my bedroom and police were stationed in the window above the main entrance. We were not especially under a threat but as it was a big event precautions had to be taken.

A moment of silence

For the events that happened this Friday we had a moment of silence for the victims of the Paris attacks, at the school. Students dressed in black and lit candles. During the moment of silence it started raining, students stood in the rain and hugged each other. Living only a couple of hours away from the place of the events feels strange as it is so close.

Condolences to all those who lost their lives, friends or families this weekend.