A month and counting...

I can't believe I arrived here exactly a month ago today. I've definitely been able to adjust rather easily. It's when I put myself in experiences like this that I realize how flexible I can be. After the first two nights of sleeplessness, I began getting used to the routine and feel very comfortable now. School is moving along well and we're making lots of travel plans for the future. This weekend I'm heading to Florence, next weekend maybe to Tuscany to meet up with Betsy, and the weekend of my birthday and Blair's birthday (another ES teacher) we're going to Venice. That will be a big trip, since about 13 people are going. Then for Thanksgiving two other girls (Allie, from Philly and Carla, from Boston) and I are hopefully heading to Copenhagen and Stockholm. There is definitely never a dull moment. For spring break we've talked about possibly getting down south to Sicily and spending a week traveling and a week relaxing on a beach. I've heard great things about "the tip of the boot" and also about Portugal, so we're looking into that option too. It's hard to imagine staying here two years, but then the thought of leaving makes me feel very unsettled and the travel bug really kicks in. Being in this location provides great opportunities, but that doesn't mean I don't miss people and home every day. I'm sure it will be a difficult decision... Tonight I'm starting part of my "hours" for TASIS. We had a choice of different activities or ways to fulfill our hours, which included things like study hall for high school, after school activities for elementary, or working on planning curriculum (which is definitely needed). I decided I'd split my hours between afternoon and evening, so I am doing a homework club for Elementary and study hall for the boarding middle school students. In addition, another teacher and I are in charge of the TASIS ES yearbook. That will be a large project. We are supposed to attain 4-6 hours a week. I'll let you know how study hall goes tonight. I am supposed to be strict. I'll do my best! Today we have a half day and then a faculty meeting because Curriculum Night is tomorrow. We are already prepared though, so we'll have some time to get some other planning done. Fun fun! Then I am heading to a meeting to see when Italian classes through school will be held and to study hall. I am hoping to take the Italian class here, and also find one down in Lugano. I've also been sitting in on my students' italian classes. The kids are great teachers too! Thanks for the special care package Christa. You are so thoughtful!