Faculty Dinner

Last night, another stormy night here in Montagnola, was the TASIS faculty dinner.  The apertif hour was supposed to be held at Casa Fleming, which is The Fleming's Home, if you aren't up to speed on your italian.  Since it was STILL raining it was held in the library, which is in a building called Monticello.  The food and drinks were great and then we headed to the assigned seating dinner back at Di Nobili.  If you've been reading my blog and you're confused by all the names I'm dropping, you have a little idea of what it feels like for me here.  The high school teachers know all of the building names because the majority of them live in the dorms, but for me I am much less familiar.  I sat at a table with the Dean of Students and his wife, who have been here for a few years, and then a few other high school teachers.  It was very nice compared to the usual fare at Di Nobili and the best part was the tartufo for dessert.  Michael, the high school headmaster, gave a wonderful welcome speech encouraging and inspiring all the teachers and faculty to do their best to change the lives of children this year.   After the dinner, we went over to one of the teacher's places to continue the fun.  Today most of the high school teachers, since they have dorm duty, have to help the high school students move in.  The campus has been pretty quiet without the kids here, and the high school classes actually don't start until Wednesday.  My classroom building, Hadsall, is actually also a dorm and everyone says it is very different once the students are here.  Luckily, being out in Giardino 1 keeps me at a distance from the main traffic area.  The ES is well into the swing of things.  I can't believe we've only been in school 3 days because it feels more like 3 weeks.  I am trying not to work all weekend, but feel a bit overwhelmed planning with very little resources for Science and Social Studies.  Going to try to work one day and play the other.  That way I'll be able to start my traveling next weekend.    There is a possibly we're going to a Refugio in Italy next weekend.  One of the other girls here is dating an Italian who is working in the Refugio, which is like a hostel in the mountains I guess.  We've heard it's absolutely beautiful!  We'll see.  At least the rain has decided to stop for one day and the sun is shining!  Hope you are all enjoying your weekend.  Happy Birthday Emers!