My dear parents,

Today, we have been served our first Belgian meal, and I have to admit

I miss England and its wonderful canteens ! I had already eaten here,

in Belgium, with the family I live with, but they had made fish and

chips, not to change my habits too fast. Therefore, I discovered the sad

reality only a few hours ago, after eating in a Belgian canteen, and,

now, I almost regret the day when I decided to take part in this

exchange. My new friends are very nice, but I will be starving to death by the

end of the week. Have Belgian students unlearn to eat ? They just

can't eat that food, if you call it food, every day ! Only vegetables !

Soup, meat and cheese, this was all they served us ! And I am not even

sure it was really meat. Moreover - will you believe it ? - moreover,

we had absolutely no choice ! They say it is healthier than what we eat

in England, and that we will have better marks. Corpses do not get any

good marks, but I admit it is a good way to improve our behavior.

Indeed, we will be rather quiet, once in a coffin.

More seriously, how can they serve only this ? Do they think we are

not responsible enough ? Do they think we would eat only junk food if

they served it ? If so, they might think right, but, anyway, we have the

right to become fat ! Why should we all have to stay thin, and to be

good-looking ? It does not make any sense !

Your son, A*

PS: I have almost forgotten the reason why I am writing : could you please

be nice enough to send me some really fat cakes, or fish and chips, or

whatever you may find to help me survive this awful trip ? Thanks in

advance."