I am sitting in the coffee shop area under the hotel completely immersed in Italy!! There are people coming in and out ordering coffee. There is a table in front of me full of newspapers and Nonno’s just chatting about life. The accent here is a bit weird for me and I don’t understand a lot of what they say. Its almost as if they’re slurring their words. I pick up bits here and there. Its still cool though! I feel like I’m in a movie or something. On the bar there is food t munch, crackers, peppers, olives, salsa, veggies, nuts…. The usual Italian way! And on the other side of the bar is where the gelato is. We have it EVERY NIGHT after dinner. I am tempted to get some right now and after dinner but I will refrain. I’m sitting as far away as humanly possible to the gelato so I don’t get too tempted.
Unfortunately I got separated from Evan and Nicole. They went to some farming county and I am in San Pietro in Vincoli which is a town about 20 min bus ride from Ravenna. I am with 2 americans and 2 Australians. It’s been really cool talking to them and getting to know them, especially Gary and Siobhan because they’re from Melbourne. Everyone is really nice, and although I do miss my old crew of tutors, I have to meet new people! Ahahaha I can’t live the high life all summer! Even though I have been extremely fortunate thus far. The camp is a bit smaller. 49 kids and they’re all really well behaved. I’m teaching the same age level again :) I am going to be a pro soon! Ahahah I know it like the back of my hand.
On Sunday we went to Ravenna!! None of the shops were open but they had a little market style area with booths and people selling all sorts of things. From coins, stamps, clothes, jewllery, African stuff, antiques, pictures, WWII medals, lamps…. Etc etc etc ! It was awesome! There was a lot of antique jewllery that I loved looking at! The medals and coins too! A lot of this stuff was antiques which made it really cool to look through. I didn’t buy anything. I’ve been really good with my money thus far!! Everyone can be proud of me for that! Ahaha Usually my life savings is gone by this point. So we walked around there then saw some incredible churches!!! Ravenna is known for Mosaic technique. We went into a church that actually took my breath away. Pictures don’t do it any justice. All natural lighting, mosaics done with golds and blended with incredible accuracy. Each picture looks like it was done with a machine. It was incredible to think some of the stuff was done in the 6th century! I felt very honored to be able to view that myself and actually be in the presence of a building that old with millions and millions of people and memories attached to it. I was humbled.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Lone Train Ride...
Well! I travelled alone for the first time and made it to my destinations without missing any trains!!! The train from Brescia was 10 mins late which meant I only had 3 mins to make my connection in Verona. Obviously, I was sitting anxiously in my seat trying to calm myself down. I figured the more fired up I got the less I’d be able to concentrate when in Verona. Once the train stopped I ran out and looked for the signs with Train platforms and times Jules told me about. Of course the sign I looked at didn’t have my train! So I kind of freaked out in my head and decided to talk closer to the exit. I found another sign with my destination and time! I didn’t even look twice because by now I had about a minute and a half to catch the train. So I RAN to the platform like an idiot with my backpack and suitcase. I didn’t feel so stupid though because people are running all the time there. Thank you TreinItalia for that!!! Ahahah SOOOO I got to the platform and saw a train, stamped my ticket and ran on the train hoping for the best! There were 6 women who asked in Italian if it was the train for Bologna or Milano. I told them Bologna (because I thought I was right) and they sat down. Thank goodness I was right! If not, I would have sent them, and myself in the opposite direction! I found a seat, luckily just one other woman in my car and took a seat hoping for the best. It wasn’t until we actually got into the Bologna station that I felt at ease. You know how I am with geography, so I would have had no idea what direction I was going in! But I made it safe and sound! My first experience alone – kinda stressful, but fun! Ahahaa Let’s just hope I don’t have to do it too often! This running thing makes me anxious! Hahaha You never know if you’re going in the right way or half way to Switzerland
The Beauty of Brescia
Brescia was incredible! The right mix of mountains and city life make it my favourite place in Italy thus far. My week was perfect (minus being sick Wednesday). I could not have asked for a better week. Massimo and Laura were so accommodating and generous. Although Massimo’s English level was very low and Laura even smaller, we seemed to communicate and have conversations every evening at dinner! Their son Gio was awesome!!! He just wanted to play and have a good time. We played Mario Kart, Mario Tennis and Super Smash Bros. on Wii ! The house was gorgeous and on a mountain of course.
Driving up the mountain at the end of camp and in the morning was great. I truly felt like I was in Italy because of the winding roads, small cars and constant sick feeling in my stomach ahaha But the drive was breathtaking!!! I wish I had a constant video camera going on recording everything I saw. Once off the mountain and on the main roads, you could still see the beginnings of the Alps as well as buildings and city life. It just blew my mind everyday. I tried to soak in as much as possible. I was truly blessed to have been placed in such an amazing place for the week.
The camp kids were good. A bit rambunctious and we all lost our tempers on more than one occasion, in the long run, they were good kids. I taught 9-10 year olds again. I really like that group. Although their English level isn’t the best, they are willing to learn, try to communicate and want to play all the games! Our show was girls vs boys in a fight at school and becoming friends at the end. Haha They wrote it themselves!
The tutors were AWESOME! Again! I couldn’t ask for a better group. We seem to compliment each others teaching styles, and all jump in and help each other out. We get along fabulously and just have a great time together. I have laughed so much in the past 2 weeks just from the people I am around. It has been an incredible experience thus far. Carly and Cady are heading back home after this camp. Jules is heading to Liverpool. So that leaves Evan, Nicole and Myself. I really hope we get placed together, but, if not, I hope to have a great group again.
One night we had dinner on a mountain at a pizzeria! The sights were awesome, the air was crisp and clean and the food was deeeeeelicious! I had fungi pizza which is basically, tomato sauce, cheese and mushrooms. All fresh of course!!! Check out my picasa album for pix.
On the last morning, Laura, Gio, Pepita (their awesome Chihuahua) and I went to an ancient Roman Castle. It was from the 15th century. Mind Blowing!!! A lot of it is original and it was soooo cool to see the different lookout points, the brick, where executions took place, drawbridge and the views of the city! I was very lucky to have time to see the castle. It actually rained a bit and I never realized but they strategically built the pathways so the rain poured down and around, never allowing the castle to flood. I tried to get a picture but it didn’t work. We walked in the rain, all 3 of us under one umbrella, with Pepita in my arms. We walked soooo slow! Ahaha It was great fun. At the end of our travels on the way back to the car there was a hhuuggee puddle that you couldn’t get around. Of course we all got dirty! Laura put her foot in the puddle and screamed! It was hilarious. Gio and I were laughing histerically at her! Think of the stereotype of a woman seeing a mouse! That was Laura.
All in all, I am so happy with Brescia! I def. recommend it to anyone travelling to Italy. Its close to Venice and Verona, so all 3 can be hit in a few days :)
Driving up the mountain at the end of camp and in the morning was great. I truly felt like I was in Italy because of the winding roads, small cars and constant sick feeling in my stomach ahaha But the drive was breathtaking!!! I wish I had a constant video camera going on recording everything I saw. Once off the mountain and on the main roads, you could still see the beginnings of the Alps as well as buildings and city life. It just blew my mind everyday. I tried to soak in as much as possible. I was truly blessed to have been placed in such an amazing place for the week.
The camp kids were good. A bit rambunctious and we all lost our tempers on more than one occasion, in the long run, they were good kids. I taught 9-10 year olds again. I really like that group. Although their English level isn’t the best, they are willing to learn, try to communicate and want to play all the games! Our show was girls vs boys in a fight at school and becoming friends at the end. Haha They wrote it themselves!
The tutors were AWESOME! Again! I couldn’t ask for a better group. We seem to compliment each others teaching styles, and all jump in and help each other out. We get along fabulously and just have a great time together. I have laughed so much in the past 2 weeks just from the people I am around. It has been an incredible experience thus far. Carly and Cady are heading back home after this camp. Jules is heading to Liverpool. So that leaves Evan, Nicole and Myself. I really hope we get placed together, but, if not, I hope to have a great group again.
One night we had dinner on a mountain at a pizzeria! The sights were awesome, the air was crisp and clean and the food was deeeeeelicious! I had fungi pizza which is basically, tomato sauce, cheese and mushrooms. All fresh of course!!! Check out my picasa album for pix.
On the last morning, Laura, Gio, Pepita (their awesome Chihuahua) and I went to an ancient Roman Castle. It was from the 15th century. Mind Blowing!!! A lot of it is original and it was soooo cool to see the different lookout points, the brick, where executions took place, drawbridge and the views of the city! I was very lucky to have time to see the castle. It actually rained a bit and I never realized but they strategically built the pathways so the rain poured down and around, never allowing the castle to flood. I tried to get a picture but it didn’t work. We walked in the rain, all 3 of us under one umbrella, with Pepita in my arms. We walked soooo slow! Ahaha It was great fun. At the end of our travels on the way back to the car there was a hhuuggee puddle that you couldn’t get around. Of course we all got dirty! Laura put her foot in the puddle and screamed! It was hilarious. Gio and I were laughing histerically at her! Think of the stereotype of a woman seeing a mouse! That was Laura.
All in all, I am so happy with Brescia! I def. recommend it to anyone travelling to Italy. Its close to Venice and Verona, so all 3 can be hit in a few days :)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Castenaso- the small city with a big heart
I’m almost through my time here in Castenaso Italy. Time really does fly! I cannot believe I have already been here 6 days!!!! I know I haven’t been online a lot this week and Im sure everyone is wondering how Im doing, but my house family has to pay for the internet per use, so Ive kept that down to a minimum. But Im here writing again, so I will try my best to give the best play by play of the week so far.
We arrived on Sunday evening (after missing a train and having delay- thank goodness for Jules). Camp started on Tuesday so we had Monday free to do whatever we wanted! We decided since Bologna is so close, we would go and see what it was all about. It had a lot of great shopping, and although I did drool over some things, I didn’t buy anything. I am waiting to see something I fall in love with instantly, then I’ll make the purchase! So we did a bit of shopping and then went to the Piazza and saw some architecture. Two of the house mom’s don’t work so we got a nice little tour! :) We saw a Church that was intentionally made to be bigger than St Peter’s in Rome. However, when in construction, the Pope put a stop to any church being larger than St Peters, and alas, the one in Bologna is not finished! If you check out my pix you’ll see the top is much different than the bottom! As well, there are two towers in Bologna, one unfinished and one complete. Apparently, two very wealthy families wanted to see who could build the taller tower, but when they reached a certain height, they began to lean so one family stopped. The other finished and you can climb 500 steps to the top and check out the view of Bologna! Even decided to brave it and said it was really nice. I did it in Paris, that was enough steps for me! Ahaha
My house family is very nice. Giancarlo, Magda and Letizia. I have my own room with some cupboard space and shelves. They have been very accommodating, taking me to get a cell phone and to a festival (think veryyyyy small Corn Fest) so I have had a wonderful experience. Magda’s cooking is fantastic! My favourite dishes so far are a room temp pasta salad and homemade gelato!! Delicious. The gelato was green apple and vanilla. Sounds weird but it was incredible. At the festival we bought fried dough with warm nutella in the middle. It was incredible !! The best 500+ calories I have ever eaten! Ahahah I could have had about 20 but I refrained and had one lol
The kids at camp have been awesome! It’s a new camp and most of them are younger so their level of English isn’t very high. Its been tricky some days to get them to understand what I am saying and to cooperate. Fortunately, we have helpers who can translate if we really need them to. I had a group of 10 kids, 9-10 years old. I have taught them quite a few things and am happy with how things turned out. Tomorrow is our end of week show and I am a bit nervous. Although they have been practicing and learning their lines, they seem to forget or speak very quietly and mumble the words. I am not sure how to remedy this but I guess there isn’t much I can do now. I have tried my best with them and am hoping they will be wonderful, which I am sure they will! Everyone loves children. Our show is about the Olympics and different athletes. They came up with the idea themselves, I just put the script together for them.
The group of tutors I am working with are awesome. We’re all having a great time and are naturally meshing very well. I am very blessed to be working with the people I am. Jules is kind of the ring leader and rightly so, he’s been incredible and just completely an inspiration. I feel I have learned so much from him in one week, I really look forward to having another week working and learning with him!
Next week we head to Brescia. Sunday afternoon is our train ride. We have a connector in Verona, and only 10 mins to make the train, not going to lie, I hope we miss the connection so we can go see Juliet’s house in Verona! Ahahah It was on my list of things I want to do in Italy, so if I can do it on ACLE’s watch, why not !!?? PLUS, Verona is supposed to be breath taking, so it would be nice to be able to venture in the city for an hour or so. The next train would be 2 hours later, so that is what I am hoping for ;)
That’s about it for now. I am exhausted tonight! It has been go go go and for the first time, I’ll have almost everything done before dinner so I can actually relax a bit and maybe, if Im really lucky, be in bed around 9:30, 10 at the latest! Its 7:36 right now, and we haven’t eaten soooooo I am hoping for a quick dinner (not like wed when we ate for an hour), put some pix on their computer and call it a day
Peace and love and Italian food
We arrived on Sunday evening (after missing a train and having delay- thank goodness for Jules). Camp started on Tuesday so we had Monday free to do whatever we wanted! We decided since Bologna is so close, we would go and see what it was all about. It had a lot of great shopping, and although I did drool over some things, I didn’t buy anything. I am waiting to see something I fall in love with instantly, then I’ll make the purchase! So we did a bit of shopping and then went to the Piazza and saw some architecture. Two of the house mom’s don’t work so we got a nice little tour! :) We saw a Church that was intentionally made to be bigger than St Peter’s in Rome. However, when in construction, the Pope put a stop to any church being larger than St Peters, and alas, the one in Bologna is not finished! If you check out my pix you’ll see the top is much different than the bottom! As well, there are two towers in Bologna, one unfinished and one complete. Apparently, two very wealthy families wanted to see who could build the taller tower, but when they reached a certain height, they began to lean so one family stopped. The other finished and you can climb 500 steps to the top and check out the view of Bologna! Even decided to brave it and said it was really nice. I did it in Paris, that was enough steps for me! Ahaha
My house family is very nice. Giancarlo, Magda and Letizia. I have my own room with some cupboard space and shelves. They have been very accommodating, taking me to get a cell phone and to a festival (think veryyyyy small Corn Fest) so I have had a wonderful experience. Magda’s cooking is fantastic! My favourite dishes so far are a room temp pasta salad and homemade gelato!! Delicious. The gelato was green apple and vanilla. Sounds weird but it was incredible. At the festival we bought fried dough with warm nutella in the middle. It was incredible !! The best 500+ calories I have ever eaten! Ahahah I could have had about 20 but I refrained and had one lol
The kids at camp have been awesome! It’s a new camp and most of them are younger so their level of English isn’t very high. Its been tricky some days to get them to understand what I am saying and to cooperate. Fortunately, we have helpers who can translate if we really need them to. I had a group of 10 kids, 9-10 years old. I have taught them quite a few things and am happy with how things turned out. Tomorrow is our end of week show and I am a bit nervous. Although they have been practicing and learning their lines, they seem to forget or speak very quietly and mumble the words. I am not sure how to remedy this but I guess there isn’t much I can do now. I have tried my best with them and am hoping they will be wonderful, which I am sure they will! Everyone loves children. Our show is about the Olympics and different athletes. They came up with the idea themselves, I just put the script together for them.
The group of tutors I am working with are awesome. We’re all having a great time and are naturally meshing very well. I am very blessed to be working with the people I am. Jules is kind of the ring leader and rightly so, he’s been incredible and just completely an inspiration. I feel I have learned so much from him in one week, I really look forward to having another week working and learning with him!
Next week we head to Brescia. Sunday afternoon is our train ride. We have a connector in Verona, and only 10 mins to make the train, not going to lie, I hope we miss the connection so we can go see Juliet’s house in Verona! Ahahah It was on my list of things I want to do in Italy, so if I can do it on ACLE’s watch, why not !!?? PLUS, Verona is supposed to be breath taking, so it would be nice to be able to venture in the city for an hour or so. The next train would be 2 hours later, so that is what I am hoping for ;)
That’s about it for now. I am exhausted tonight! It has been go go go and for the first time, I’ll have almost everything done before dinner so I can actually relax a bit and maybe, if Im really lucky, be in bed around 9:30, 10 at the latest! Its 7:36 right now, and we haven’t eaten soooooo I am hoping for a quick dinner (not like wed when we ate for an hour), put some pix on their computer and call it a day
Peace and love and Italian food
on the road again....
On the train to Bologna right now. Our train from San Remo was delayed into Milan and we missed the first train out. We had just enough time to pee and run to the platform!!! Clearly, trains and I don’t get along well in Europe. Its scary to think I’ll be doing this for the next 8 weeks. Eeek.
So far the train rides have been alright. We’ve had a chance to talk and get to know each other a bit better since none of us really chatted during orientation week. The girls seem really nice, and Evan is great fun! Jules is, Jules! I think he’ll be fantastic to work under though. I’m going to learn a lot from my new Liverpooldian friend.
We meet our new families tonight. I am a little apprehensive, only because I am nervous they won’t speak English. Communicating with them will be difficult but at the same time it’ll force me to really work on my Italian and better myself at the language. I will try very hard to improve on it, but it would still be nice if they spoke a bit more English than I did Italian.
I’m beginning to think about camp Tuesday morning and am a bit apprehensive. Jules seems to have great faith in us so I am assuming it’ll be fine, but I guess the fear of the unknown is getting the better of me. Also, I’m so used to being completely prepared and at this point, I don’t know what I’m teaching yet! I’d like to have a game plan in action for Tuesday morning. I am hoping we can get everything sorted out tonight so I can at least work on some stuff tomorrow. If I don’t have that luxury, then I’m not sure what to do. Plan a bunch of games and hope they fit into the curriculum and can be taught. I’m not so much worried about activities as I am about teaching the material, I’d like to look through the book and find out what is expected of me and what I have to teach. So it will be interesting and a good experience for me. Because I have no choice about being prepared or not it will be good I hope!!
Well I should really stop writing about it because I’m starting to get stressed out! Gah!
So far the train rides have been alright. We’ve had a chance to talk and get to know each other a bit better since none of us really chatted during orientation week. The girls seem really nice, and Evan is great fun! Jules is, Jules! I think he’ll be fantastic to work under though. I’m going to learn a lot from my new Liverpooldian friend.
We meet our new families tonight. I am a little apprehensive, only because I am nervous they won’t speak English. Communicating with them will be difficult but at the same time it’ll force me to really work on my Italian and better myself at the language. I will try very hard to improve on it, but it would still be nice if they spoke a bit more English than I did Italian.
I’m beginning to think about camp Tuesday morning and am a bit apprehensive. Jules seems to have great faith in us so I am assuming it’ll be fine, but I guess the fear of the unknown is getting the better of me. Also, I’m so used to being completely prepared and at this point, I don’t know what I’m teaching yet! I’d like to have a game plan in action for Tuesday morning. I am hoping we can get everything sorted out tonight so I can at least work on some stuff tomorrow. If I don’t have that luxury, then I’m not sure what to do. Plan a bunch of games and hope they fit into the curriculum and can be taught. I’m not so much worried about activities as I am about teaching the material, I’d like to look through the book and find out what is expected of me and what I have to teach. So it will be interesting and a good experience for me. Because I have no choice about being prepared or not it will be good I hope!!
Well I should really stop writing about it because I’m starting to get stressed out! Gah!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
san remo 2
Well, I know its been a few days since I’ve written but this was one hell of a busy week!! To sum it up in one word, intense !!! We learned so much, grammar, songs, games, history, ate, slept, danced, drank! It was just a non stop week. We had training from 9-5 everyday and it usually went over time. We had to eat at 8:30 every night but sometimes we had to walk an hour to get to the restaurant. As a result, we’d have just enough time to go to the hotel, shower, change and go to dinner!! The food has all been awesome so far! The only issue I’ve been having is that I am on carb overload and feeling kinda shitty about it. My tummy is not feeling so great, I’d like to have some more fruits and veggies, but if that isn’t possible then I’ll take what I can get! I am in Italy after all! I can’t really complain too much :)
One night we went to dinner in “the old city” part of San Remo. It is a really incredible area of the city that was built before roads were made. It’s basically all slopes and rocks but the buildings are all close together and people live in them. It reminded me of a stereotypical sight of Italy with clothes lines out the windows and just massive buildings that are like apartment buildings. I took a lot of pictures in this area. The lighting was all yellow and orangy so I tried to capture it as best as I could with my camera. I look forward to hearing peoples reactions to this part of the city.
The only crappy thing is that we didn’t get a chance to go to the beach :s We tried one beautiful afternoon, but walked the wrong way and couldn’t find one unfortunately. Although it’s a coast there aren’t a lot of spots designated as beach areas. Thursday we were all set to go in the morning, packed our suits and towels but it ended up being a really cloudy day so there really wasn’t any point.
It hasn’t really rained here. There were a few periods of a little drizzle and one morning it was raining. But other than that its been clear skies (except our beach day) and quite warm! Ive already sweat and it’s only been orientation thus far!
On Wednesday we got the opportunity to go to a school and kind of work with the kids. That for me was the highlight of my week!!! They were awesome! 95% of them just wanted to play and enjoy their time with us. They participated in the games and seemed to really enjoy themselves. My group worked with 11 year olds and 8 year olds. I liked the 11 year olds better because they understood more English and we could do more with them. I feel like the younger ones are going to be a challenge just because it will be difficult to teach them so they can comprehend and move forward with their English abilities.
This morning I had to say goodbye to Alyssa and Mario after 2 weeks. We all got separated and sent to different areas of Italy. I am going to Castenosa which is in the Bologna area. It’s a new camp so we basically have to set the standards and get it up and running. It’s a great opportunity because we are establishing this camp and can use all the materials we just learned. But at the same time scary because none of the kids have been to camp and I’m not sure how much English they’ll know or understand. However, any experience is a learning experience whether good or bad. So I am staying positive and just looking on the bright side!! I am finally starting what I came here to do so that’s really cool. I am going with 5 other people. 2 boys and 3 girls. All of which are from Canada or the US except for our leader or returning Tutor, he’s from Liverpool. He’s a huge Beatles fan so I’m sure we’ll get along just swimmingly!
We met two really cool guys that we’re not going to be teaching with this week. Mark – he’s from BC, 27 but he’s been travelling Europe since September! I Envy him for his ability to do so, but also the fact that he can live out of a suitcase and not really be bothered by it! I’ve only been doing it for 2 weeks and I already want to kill myself! Hahaha So he’s been really cool, reminds me of a modern say hippy in a way because he just goes with the flow and loves life wherever he is. We also met Vinny – he’s from New York and he’s 19. He’s been really fun to hang out with and imitate his New York accent! He went with us to the Old City so we made him pose in some artistic pictures we were trying to create.
I’m sitting here in the hotel right now alone, just writing and biding my time. It’s kind of chilly here today so I’m hoping I won’t get too cold! I’m not sure what to do yet. I’m supposed to be meeting the other girls in my group in about 30 mins but with this weather I’m not sure what will be on the agenda! I wish there was a museum or something we could go to for the day. There isn’t a mall or anything; it’s all outdoors so I’m praying for dry weather hehe We’ll see where the day takes us! There’s also a bunch of people who have the week off and are roaming the city as well. We may just find people along our way and hang out somewhere.
I’ve been really missing everyone this week. Even though I’ve been so busy, I still have time to think about everyone, especially at night when I’m laying in bed. I talked to my mom for the first time last night since Paris and she didn’t know it but I was kind of crying a little in the convo. It was just so nice to hear her voice and talk to her. I almost miss everyone LESS when I don’t talk to them! It’s like when I talk to them it brings up memories or sad feelings because I know I still have a long way to go before I make it home! Another 3 full months and about a week! That’s alright though, it’s all part of the process and it will be fun! I miss the depot ppl too! I’m sure BTS is starting to come in and they’re trying to find places to put it all! Hheheheh I’m sure everything will work out smooth there but it still would have been nice to go there and help them with it.
It’s weird how I’ve only been gone a few weeks and already, so many things have changed in my perception and thoughts on things. I’m still not sure exactly what I’m doing when I get home. Hopefully I’ll have a bit of money left so I won’t be broke from the get go ! hehehe I really want to go out to BC for school and to live, but then it makes me sad that I’ll just be leaving everyone again :s It’s such an odd feeling to want something and be terrified of it at the same time. That is how I am feeling with this job too! I’ll be fine with all the big group activities, but one on one in the mornings I’m a bit nervous for. Im just going to go in as prepared as I can be and hope it will all work out! I guess I feel the same way with life too!! Hehee Whatever will be, will be!
Well, This is quite a long blog! But I figure I haven’t written in a while hehehehe Hopefully my home will have either internet or wifi so I can stay more in touch
xoxo
One night we went to dinner in “the old city” part of San Remo. It is a really incredible area of the city that was built before roads were made. It’s basically all slopes and rocks but the buildings are all close together and people live in them. It reminded me of a stereotypical sight of Italy with clothes lines out the windows and just massive buildings that are like apartment buildings. I took a lot of pictures in this area. The lighting was all yellow and orangy so I tried to capture it as best as I could with my camera. I look forward to hearing peoples reactions to this part of the city.
The only crappy thing is that we didn’t get a chance to go to the beach :s We tried one beautiful afternoon, but walked the wrong way and couldn’t find one unfortunately. Although it’s a coast there aren’t a lot of spots designated as beach areas. Thursday we were all set to go in the morning, packed our suits and towels but it ended up being a really cloudy day so there really wasn’t any point.
It hasn’t really rained here. There were a few periods of a little drizzle and one morning it was raining. But other than that its been clear skies (except our beach day) and quite warm! Ive already sweat and it’s only been orientation thus far!
On Wednesday we got the opportunity to go to a school and kind of work with the kids. That for me was the highlight of my week!!! They were awesome! 95% of them just wanted to play and enjoy their time with us. They participated in the games and seemed to really enjoy themselves. My group worked with 11 year olds and 8 year olds. I liked the 11 year olds better because they understood more English and we could do more with them. I feel like the younger ones are going to be a challenge just because it will be difficult to teach them so they can comprehend and move forward with their English abilities.
This morning I had to say goodbye to Alyssa and Mario after 2 weeks. We all got separated and sent to different areas of Italy. I am going to Castenosa which is in the Bologna area. It’s a new camp so we basically have to set the standards and get it up and running. It’s a great opportunity because we are establishing this camp and can use all the materials we just learned. But at the same time scary because none of the kids have been to camp and I’m not sure how much English they’ll know or understand. However, any experience is a learning experience whether good or bad. So I am staying positive and just looking on the bright side!! I am finally starting what I came here to do so that’s really cool. I am going with 5 other people. 2 boys and 3 girls. All of which are from Canada or the US except for our leader or returning Tutor, he’s from Liverpool. He’s a huge Beatles fan so I’m sure we’ll get along just swimmingly!
We met two really cool guys that we’re not going to be teaching with this week. Mark – he’s from BC, 27 but he’s been travelling Europe since September! I Envy him for his ability to do so, but also the fact that he can live out of a suitcase and not really be bothered by it! I’ve only been doing it for 2 weeks and I already want to kill myself! Hahaha So he’s been really cool, reminds me of a modern say hippy in a way because he just goes with the flow and loves life wherever he is. We also met Vinny – he’s from New York and he’s 19. He’s been really fun to hang out with and imitate his New York accent! He went with us to the Old City so we made him pose in some artistic pictures we were trying to create.
I’m sitting here in the hotel right now alone, just writing and biding my time. It’s kind of chilly here today so I’m hoping I won’t get too cold! I’m not sure what to do yet. I’m supposed to be meeting the other girls in my group in about 30 mins but with this weather I’m not sure what will be on the agenda! I wish there was a museum or something we could go to for the day. There isn’t a mall or anything; it’s all outdoors so I’m praying for dry weather hehe We’ll see where the day takes us! There’s also a bunch of people who have the week off and are roaming the city as well. We may just find people along our way and hang out somewhere.
I’ve been really missing everyone this week. Even though I’ve been so busy, I still have time to think about everyone, especially at night when I’m laying in bed. I talked to my mom for the first time last night since Paris and she didn’t know it but I was kind of crying a little in the convo. It was just so nice to hear her voice and talk to her. I almost miss everyone LESS when I don’t talk to them! It’s like when I talk to them it brings up memories or sad feelings because I know I still have a long way to go before I make it home! Another 3 full months and about a week! That’s alright though, it’s all part of the process and it will be fun! I miss the depot ppl too! I’m sure BTS is starting to come in and they’re trying to find places to put it all! Hheheheh I’m sure everything will work out smooth there but it still would have been nice to go there and help them with it.
It’s weird how I’ve only been gone a few weeks and already, so many things have changed in my perception and thoughts on things. I’m still not sure exactly what I’m doing when I get home. Hopefully I’ll have a bit of money left so I won’t be broke from the get go ! hehehe I really want to go out to BC for school and to live, but then it makes me sad that I’ll just be leaving everyone again :s It’s such an odd feeling to want something and be terrified of it at the same time. That is how I am feeling with this job too! I’ll be fine with all the big group activities, but one on one in the mornings I’m a bit nervous for. Im just going to go in as prepared as I can be and hope it will all work out! I guess I feel the same way with life too!! Hehee Whatever will be, will be!
Well, This is quite a long blog! But I figure I haven’t written in a while hehehehe Hopefully my home will have either internet or wifi so I can stay more in touch
xoxo
san remo 1
We safely made it to San Remo without any wrong turns or platforms! The train ride was nice, only an hour long which was perfect. We sat with 2 other Americans like us travelling and this sketchy guy who didn’t say a word to any of us the whole trip. We didn’t want to miss our stop so we got ready before the train stopped and were ready to go. Alyssa couldn’t open the door so we told her to push the button. Upon doing so, an alarm went off and when the door opened, the train tracks were there !!! So we kinda panicked but Mario opened the other side and we safely made it onto the platform. There was someone else from ACLE who got off the train so he asked us right away if we were also teaching and we made a new friend! His name is Mark, really nice down to earth guy. He’s been travelling Europe since September so he’s got quite a few stories! Anyway, he ended up being one of Mario’s roommates! So it worked out well.
My two roommates seem very nice as well. Laura is from England and Ashligne is from Boston. Initially they messed up Alyssa’s room so she asked if she could just room with me and it seemed alright but at dinner she was asked to go to her original assigned room. It was kind of sad to part but I guess we’ll have to do it eventually.
We had the afternoon to explore San Remo which is a really area. Its small and not very touristy which is nice to see what an authentic Italian city is like. Its right on the Rivera so the beach is really nice! On Tuesday we only have half a day so we’re probably going to hit the beach and do some laundry J We walked along the water and down the main street. Had an amazing lunch at a place along the water but on the street. Bononcini and tomato lettuce salad and Panini with warm prosciutto and mozzarella melted. It was absolutely to die for! I am kind of glad we’re with ACLE now and our meals are provided because I am running low on funds! Ahahaha We seem to be spending most of our money on food and water !!! It def isn’t like at home where I can drink all the water I want. I’ve cut down but have noticed a difference in the dryness of my skin and I’m always thirsty. I guess I’m just going to have to get used to it though.
We also stopped at an internet café to send out a few emails since we couldn’t get through to our families! Let everyone know we’re alive and well. It was also a regular café so Mario and I had a nice espresso! My first one in the homeland! My was it strong and delicious!!
Tonight we all went to a meet and greet with the tutors. People are coming from all over and everyone has a story to tell. It was nice to kind of meet everyone and say hello. I look forward to orientation tomorrow and all that it has to bring. Im sure it will be a great time! It’s been a while since I’ve got to play drama games with people over the age of 12 so Im looking forward to being silly and having a great time with all the fellow tutors!
Bacio,Amanda
My two roommates seem very nice as well. Laura is from England and Ashligne is from Boston. Initially they messed up Alyssa’s room so she asked if she could just room with me and it seemed alright but at dinner she was asked to go to her original assigned room. It was kind of sad to part but I guess we’ll have to do it eventually.
We had the afternoon to explore San Remo which is a really area. Its small and not very touristy which is nice to see what an authentic Italian city is like. Its right on the Rivera so the beach is really nice! On Tuesday we only have half a day so we’re probably going to hit the beach and do some laundry J We walked along the water and down the main street. Had an amazing lunch at a place along the water but on the street. Bononcini and tomato lettuce salad and Panini with warm prosciutto and mozzarella melted. It was absolutely to die for! I am kind of glad we’re with ACLE now and our meals are provided because I am running low on funds! Ahahaha We seem to be spending most of our money on food and water !!! It def isn’t like at home where I can drink all the water I want. I’ve cut down but have noticed a difference in the dryness of my skin and I’m always thirsty. I guess I’m just going to have to get used to it though.
We also stopped at an internet café to send out a few emails since we couldn’t get through to our families! Let everyone know we’re alive and well. It was also a regular café so Mario and I had a nice espresso! My first one in the homeland! My was it strong and delicious!!
Tonight we all went to a meet and greet with the tutors. People are coming from all over and everyone has a story to tell. It was nice to kind of meet everyone and say hello. I look forward to orientation tomorrow and all that it has to bring. Im sure it will be a great time! It’s been a while since I’ve got to play drama games with people over the age of 12 so Im looking forward to being silly and having a great time with all the fellow tutors!
Bacio,Amanda
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