Now that warmer spring weather has settled in Cieszyn, there is a new epidemic among the students. It has spread like wildfire through every class and I hear the symptoms of this epidemic in every corner of the school. The students are constantly saying, "Can we go to the park?" Sometimes it is just one student asking, but at other times it is a chorus of little voices saying not quite in unison, "Can we go?" Hearing this obnoxious chorus immediately puts me in a sour mood because I don't like whining. I have tried to be creative in my planning so that students are engaged and forget about the park.
On the other hand, I also have some students who are difficult to engage in class. Their English skills are not as strong as some of their counterparts, or they are very shy. Often these students are very gifted in another area of learning (art, math, computers), just not English. In my gimnasium classes most of my quieter girls are very artistic, so I wanted to plan a lesson that would give them a chance to express themselves in this way. I decided on doing an "April showers bring May flowers," lesson.
I started the lesson by teaching my girls what this phrase meant. Lucky for me, we had been having A LOT of rain making the phrase even more appropriate. Then I explained that I wanted the girls to make a flower that represented who they are as individuals. I did not want them to make boring daisies, roses, poppies, or lilies. But instead I wanted a Karolina flower, and a Dosia flower, and a Jane flower. I provided paper, scissors, glue, and lots of colored paper and let them get to work.
Now, I realize this was not the most English-focused lesson of the year. But it was fun! Most of the girls really took ownership of their flowers and made unique and beautiful creations. To tie some English in at the end, I made each of the girls explain their flower to me and tell me about how it connected to their personality. To up the pressure just a little bit more, I told the girls that I would be displaying their flowers in a garden for the whole school to see. I loved watching them piece together their flower and think about what things are important to them. They are such intense workers! The garden turned out beautifully, and I was happy to bring a little spring to the school.
Blessings,
Colleen
30 April 2010
26 April 2010
Lewo, Prawo. . .Arriba, Abajo
We should consider every day lost in which we have not danced at least once.
-Friedrich Nietzsche
For those of you who know me well, you know that I love to dance. It is by far one of all my time favorite activities. I started taking tap and ballet lessons when I was three years old, added pointe at age 11, and jazz at age 14. By my senior year of high school I was dancing 5-6 hours a week and practiced many more outside of class. Even during my normal school day I would tap out combinations with my feet during boring lessons. Going to dance class was my favorite way to relax and at the same time challenge myself in a new way. My parents were always so supportive of my hobby, even though it meant carting me around several days a week, sewing costumes and pointe shoes (no Richard did not sew my pointe shoes), or watching me practice. I breathe easier when I dance.
When I went to college I was hesitant to take formal lessons. I was nervous about dealing with studio drama and finding the right class. I also was unsure of how much time my college classes would take and wanted to make sure I was putting enough time into my education. The only dance class I took during college was a modern class that counted as my gym credit. I would let out the rest of my dancing in my dorm room or when I was out with friends.
I have struggled to find opportunities to dance here in Poland. Finding an eager companion has been a challenge, so I mostly just prance around my little flat or do the occasional work out video online. Prom has been my only major outlet of the year. This made me sad, but I was not sure if there was anything I could about this. However, a few weeks ago, Zosia's mother, Maria, told me that a new dance studio was opening and they were starting a beginners salsa course. She was going to take a class as well, but she is on a more advanced level, so we would not be in the same class. I thought it over for a few days, and then I decided I needed to be brave.
Two weeks ago was my first class. I was so nervous! I didn't have any Polish friend to go with me and help to introduce me and get me settled. I wrote some key phrases in Polish and took them with me just in case. I made it to the school (it is located above a bar and under a bowling alley) and took a deep breath. I walked in and went to the desk and introduced myself, and explaining how I don't understand Polish. Luckily the man said, "Okay, so we talk in English." I let out the biggest sigh of relief. I explained that I wanted to take the salsa class, but that I probably wouldn't be able to understand what the instructor was saying. I told him about my experience and that I hoped I would be able to just follow along. He said it would be fine, as long as I was comfortable with it.
I love this class! Of course I am super confused whenever Daniel, the instructor, speaks, but he is very good at showing the movements with his body as well, so I am able to follow. Conveniently, most of the names of steps and commands are in Spanish, so I am able to understand them. It was so funny the first time he said, "Abajo!" I thought, "Okay, backwards, no problem. Wait. How did I understand that? There is NO WAY I know that word in Polish. What language is he speaking? OH! Spanish. COOL!" This is also helping with my Polish skills as well. I'm getting really good at left (lewo) and right (prawo) and counting (ras, dwa, trzy, cztery). My favorite part of course is that it is just fun! It's so different from everything else that I do during my week. I get to just sit back and participate. It's wonderful. I'll post an update after I have some more lessons under my belt.
Your Dancing Queen,
Colleen
-Friedrich Nietzsche
For those of you who know me well, you know that I love to dance. It is by far one of all my time favorite activities. I started taking tap and ballet lessons when I was three years old, added pointe at age 11, and jazz at age 14. By my senior year of high school I was dancing 5-6 hours a week and practiced many more outside of class. Even during my normal school day I would tap out combinations with my feet during boring lessons. Going to dance class was my favorite way to relax and at the same time challenge myself in a new way. My parents were always so supportive of my hobby, even though it meant carting me around several days a week, sewing costumes and pointe shoes (no Richard did not sew my pointe shoes), or watching me practice. I breathe easier when I dance.
When I went to college I was hesitant to take formal lessons. I was nervous about dealing with studio drama and finding the right class. I also was unsure of how much time my college classes would take and wanted to make sure I was putting enough time into my education. The only dance class I took during college was a modern class that counted as my gym credit. I would let out the rest of my dancing in my dorm room or when I was out with friends.
I have struggled to find opportunities to dance here in Poland. Finding an eager companion has been a challenge, so I mostly just prance around my little flat or do the occasional work out video online. Prom has been my only major outlet of the year. This made me sad, but I was not sure if there was anything I could about this. However, a few weeks ago, Zosia's mother, Maria, told me that a new dance studio was opening and they were starting a beginners salsa course. She was going to take a class as well, but she is on a more advanced level, so we would not be in the same class. I thought it over for a few days, and then I decided I needed to be brave.
Two weeks ago was my first class. I was so nervous! I didn't have any Polish friend to go with me and help to introduce me and get me settled. I wrote some key phrases in Polish and took them with me just in case. I made it to the school (it is located above a bar and under a bowling alley) and took a deep breath. I walked in and went to the desk and introduced myself, and explaining how I don't understand Polish. Luckily the man said, "Okay, so we talk in English." I let out the biggest sigh of relief. I explained that I wanted to take the salsa class, but that I probably wouldn't be able to understand what the instructor was saying. I told him about my experience and that I hoped I would be able to just follow along. He said it would be fine, as long as I was comfortable with it.
I love this class! Of course I am super confused whenever Daniel, the instructor, speaks, but he is very good at showing the movements with his body as well, so I am able to follow. Conveniently, most of the names of steps and commands are in Spanish, so I am able to understand them. It was so funny the first time he said, "Abajo!" I thought, "Okay, backwards, no problem. Wait. How did I understand that? There is NO WAY I know that word in Polish. What language is he speaking? OH! Spanish. COOL!" This is also helping with my Polish skills as well. I'm getting really good at left (lewo) and right (prawo) and counting (ras, dwa, trzy, cztery). My favorite part of course is that it is just fun! It's so different from everything else that I do during my week. I get to just sit back and participate. It's wonderful. I'll post an update after I have some more lessons under my belt.
Your Dancing Queen,
Colleen
25 April 2010
A Week of Mourning
Now that some more time has passed, I feel ready to write more about the plane accident and what it means for Poland now and in the future.
The week following the accident was very somber. The church services were not joyously celebrating Christ's resurrection, but instead featured funeral hymns. It was a difficult liturgical shift. On Monday morning at school we had memorial services, one for LOTE and one for GTE. They included prayers, music, words spoken by our director and the Catholic religion teacher, and a slide show of pictures of all those who had died. Some students were eager to talk about their feelings and their experiences connected with this day, but others were tired of talking about it. Some said it was all anyone was talking about and that they were getting sick of it. Many were also struggling with complicated feelings of hypocrisy because many of the younger generation in Poland were not found of their former president, and they had a hard time with his veneration after his death.
However, it seems like most Poles reacted with sadness and patience to wait out this period of darkness and relative uncertainty for the hope of a better future. They have hung their red and white flags to show their pride with a special black ribbon to show their sorrow. Yes, many important and influential have passed, and for this they mourn. But there are talented and intelligent men and women who will step into these empty places and do their best to work towards strengthening and improving their country. Elections are set for June 20th, and hopefully the most qualified and best leaders will be put into places of leadership.
Last Sunday marked the end of the formal period of mourning, with the funeral for the president and his wife. They were buried in Wawel Castle in Krakow with many of the past kings and important religious leaders of the past. Though many stores and restaurants are usually closed on Sunday, even more than usual were closed to mark this occasion. The funeral was broadcast on television here so that citizens from all of the country could watch, not just those in Krakow.
I believe that Poland will move forward from this tragedy with their heads held high. Their country will remain faithful and strong as they work together to build a better future. Though the loss and grief is great, it is not insurmountable. It would mean a great deal to me if you could pray for the people here, for continued stability and peace. Hopefully the deepest sorrow has passed, but it will still be a challenge to return to a complete feeling of normalcy.
Peace,
Colleen
The week following the accident was very somber. The church services were not joyously celebrating Christ's resurrection, but instead featured funeral hymns. It was a difficult liturgical shift. On Monday morning at school we had memorial services, one for LOTE and one for GTE. They included prayers, music, words spoken by our director and the Catholic religion teacher, and a slide show of pictures of all those who had died. Some students were eager to talk about their feelings and their experiences connected with this day, but others were tired of talking about it. Some said it was all anyone was talking about and that they were getting sick of it. Many were also struggling with complicated feelings of hypocrisy because many of the younger generation in Poland were not found of their former president, and they had a hard time with his veneration after his death.
However, it seems like most Poles reacted with sadness and patience to wait out this period of darkness and relative uncertainty for the hope of a better future. They have hung their red and white flags to show their pride with a special black ribbon to show their sorrow. Yes, many important and influential have passed, and for this they mourn. But there are talented and intelligent men and women who will step into these empty places and do their best to work towards strengthening and improving their country. Elections are set for June 20th, and hopefully the most qualified and best leaders will be put into places of leadership.
Last Sunday marked the end of the formal period of mourning, with the funeral for the president and his wife. They were buried in Wawel Castle in Krakow with many of the past kings and important religious leaders of the past. Though many stores and restaurants are usually closed on Sunday, even more than usual were closed to mark this occasion. The funeral was broadcast on television here so that citizens from all of the country could watch, not just those in Krakow.
I believe that Poland will move forward from this tragedy with their heads held high. Their country will remain faithful and strong as they work together to build a better future. Though the loss and grief is great, it is not insurmountable. It would mean a great deal to me if you could pray for the people here, for continued stability and peace. Hopefully the deepest sorrow has passed, but it will still be a challenge to return to a complete feeling of normalcy.
Peace,
Colleen
15 April 2010
Miss Hetrick's Quotebook: Chapter 3
So it has been a long time since I have shared quotes. Some of them are from my students, some are from my friends, and a few of them are mine.
-Two students were acting out a scenario between a doctor and a patient.
Agata: I am going to stethascope you.
(a minute later)
Agata: You have lupus.
Slywia: But it's never lupus!
-Agata: I have a carpenter in my bedroom.
Miss Colleen: You are lucky!
Natalia: Do you mean carpet?
-In a skit where the animals start talking. . .
Aga as a goldfish in a gangsta accent: Yo man! Why did you forget to me feed? Can't you see I'm hungry? Why did you get me if you aren't going to feed me? And why am I alone? I am a sexy goldfish. I need a woman.
-Yesterday I was in a hurry to get out the door. I put my shoes on in the dark and didn't think twice about it. The first thing I did when I got to school was go to visit the director because I had a question. In her office I tripped on a cord and looked down at my feet. I saw two ballet flats. One brown. . .and one black.
Colleen: Oh my! Look what I did!
Director: You have two different shoes on! You are in love! And you are!
(In Poland there is a saying that when a person wears two different shoes that he/she is in love. My director knows about my boyfriend, so she thought this was really funny, which is was.)
-I shared my mismatched shoes with the other teachers.
Gabi: I had a friend who wore two different shoes for three days. You are doing okay so far.
-Then in class I read Oh, the Places You'll Go with 3a. I asked them what they thought, and one of the best students in the class says:
A: I don't mean to be rude, but we have a question.
Miss Colleen: Yes, of course. Ask.
A: In the story it says to be careful of knowing your left from your right. Did you wear two different shoes to show this?
-When talking about if any of the students want to be rock or pop stars. . .
Juliusz: He is the next Troy Bolton.
-Miss Colleen: What is the most dangerous thing or place in your house?
Kamila: The walls.
-Miss Colleen: Where is the safest place in your house?
Pawel: The kitchen.
Miss Colleen: Really? What about the knives?
Pawel: It's where the food is.
-Zosia, the four year-old I meet with weekly, is finally starting to grasp that I speak English. She now asks me how to say countless words in Polish.
Zosia: Jak to powiedzieć "ouwa" po angielsku?
Colleen: Ouch.
Zosia: Ja mam ouch.
(In Poland, they say "ouwa" when they are hurt. She was asking how to say "ouwa" in English, and then told me that she had an ouch.)
-I tend to forget that there are a decent number of people who speak functional English in Poland. Many young sales associates at the mall speak enough English to communicate. Last weekend I went shopping with a friend. . . .
Colleen: Look at this purse. It's huge. You could fit a child in it. (As I unzip the purse to look in) Hi, mom!
The sales clerk busts out laughing. Whoops! Forgot she could understand me.
I hope you enjoyed reading some of the ridiculous dialogue that happens in my life.
Blessings,
Colleen
-Two students were acting out a scenario between a doctor and a patient.
Agata: I am going to stethascope you.
(a minute later)
Agata: You have lupus.
Slywia: But it's never lupus!
-Agata: I have a carpenter in my bedroom.
Miss Colleen: You are lucky!
Natalia: Do you mean carpet?
-In a skit where the animals start talking. . .
Aga as a goldfish in a gangsta accent: Yo man! Why did you forget to me feed? Can't you see I'm hungry? Why did you get me if you aren't going to feed me? And why am I alone? I am a sexy goldfish. I need a woman.
-Yesterday I was in a hurry to get out the door. I put my shoes on in the dark and didn't think twice about it. The first thing I did when I got to school was go to visit the director because I had a question. In her office I tripped on a cord and looked down at my feet. I saw two ballet flats. One brown. . .and one black.
Colleen: Oh my! Look what I did!
Director: You have two different shoes on! You are in love! And you are!
(In Poland there is a saying that when a person wears two different shoes that he/she is in love. My director knows about my boyfriend, so she thought this was really funny, which is was.)
-I shared my mismatched shoes with the other teachers.
Gabi: I had a friend who wore two different shoes for three days. You are doing okay so far.
-Then in class I read Oh, the Places You'll Go with 3a. I asked them what they thought, and one of the best students in the class says:
A: I don't mean to be rude, but we have a question.
Miss Colleen: Yes, of course. Ask.
A: In the story it says to be careful of knowing your left from your right. Did you wear two different shoes to show this?
-When talking about if any of the students want to be rock or pop stars. . .
Juliusz: He is the next Troy Bolton.
-Miss Colleen: What is the most dangerous thing or place in your house?
Kamila: The walls.
-Miss Colleen: Where is the safest place in your house?
Pawel: The kitchen.
Miss Colleen: Really? What about the knives?
Pawel: It's where the food is.
-Zosia, the four year-old I meet with weekly, is finally starting to grasp that I speak English. She now asks me how to say countless words in Polish.
Zosia: Jak to powiedzieć "ouwa" po angielsku?
Colleen: Ouch.
Zosia: Ja mam ouch.
(In Poland, they say "ouwa" when they are hurt. She was asking how to say "ouwa" in English, and then told me that she had an ouch.)
-I tend to forget that there are a decent number of people who speak functional English in Poland. Many young sales associates at the mall speak enough English to communicate. Last weekend I went shopping with a friend. . . .
Colleen: Look at this purse. It's huge. You could fit a child in it. (As I unzip the purse to look in) Hi, mom!
The sales clerk busts out laughing. Whoops! Forgot she could understand me.
I hope you enjoyed reading some of the ridiculous dialogue that happens in my life.
Blessings,
Colleen
10 April 2010
Where were you when. . . .
John F. Kennedy was assasinated.
Pearl Harbor was attacked.
Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.
the first, and then second, plane hit the World Trade Center.
These are the moments in American history that are a huge part of our collective memory. Everyone who was alive for one of these events knows where he or she was on these days.
Today is one such day for Poland. Today their president, along with his, and many other government and military officials died in a plane accident in Russia where they were going to a WWII commemorative ceremony to honor the 20,000 Polish officers that were murdered in Katyn.
I think life is going to change here.
The country has already gone into mourning, with flowers and candles being laid out in the capital city, Warsaw, and in various other locations. Monday has been pronounced an official day of mourning, though I am not sure what this means quite yet.
I have not yet spoken with any of my Polish connections, though I have spent some time on facebook looking at the profiles of my students. Many of them have changed their statuses to messages of mourning and there is already at least one facebook group dedicated to today's happenings. This group already has pictures from Warsaw and the various events and memorials that are happening there already. It's astonishing how technology enables these teenagers to express themselves and unite themselves.
Please keep this country in your prayers. The next few weeks are going to be a challenge.
Peace,
Colleen
Pearl Harbor was attacked.
Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.
the first, and then second, plane hit the World Trade Center.
These are the moments in American history that are a huge part of our collective memory. Everyone who was alive for one of these events knows where he or she was on these days.
Today is one such day for Poland. Today their president, along with his, and many other government and military officials died in a plane accident in Russia where they were going to a WWII commemorative ceremony to honor the 20,000 Polish officers that were murdered in Katyn.
I think life is going to change here.
The country has already gone into mourning, with flowers and candles being laid out in the capital city, Warsaw, and in various other locations. Monday has been pronounced an official day of mourning, though I am not sure what this means quite yet.
I have not yet spoken with any of my Polish connections, though I have spent some time on facebook looking at the profiles of my students. Many of them have changed their statuses to messages of mourning and there is already at least one facebook group dedicated to today's happenings. This group already has pictures from Warsaw and the various events and memorials that are happening there already. It's astonishing how technology enables these teenagers to express themselves and unite themselves.
Please keep this country in your prayers. The next few weeks are going to be a challenge.
Peace,
Colleen
06 April 2010
Easter Anecdotes
As I mentioned I spent Holy Week and Easter in Bratislava visiting other American teachers and getting a healthy dose of English. Here are some stories and reflections from my holiday.
English Liturgy
Over the six days I was in Bratislava I attended worship four different times. The first time was in Slovak and was a service held by the Lutheran school there to celebrate Easter. The final three times were to celebrate and mark the death and glorious resurrection of Christ. I didn't cry as much as I thought I would. Okay let me rephrase that, I saved ALL of my crying for Easter Sunday when I lost it. On Easter Sunday I was asked to help with some of the ushering duties. It was beyond cool to be needed in that way. One of the challenges of this year has been being so disconnected from the church. Yes I am a missionary, but my main purpose here is to teach. The church here has not intentionally welcomed me and although I attend church every week, I am not able to participate in any formal way. (However, the church service is very different and not many people other than the pastor do anything during the service.) So to pass out hymnals and say, "Good morning! Happy Easter!" gave me a real purpose in the church and reminded how important serving in this outlet is. I am called to serve the church in a formal, ordained way. I know this in my heart, in my soul, in my gut, in my liver, in all that I am I know this. And for these fifteen minutes when I was passing out hymnals, I remembered in a shocking and powerful way. And I was singing in English. And I missed my family and boyfriend. So I cried. A lot. It was glorious.
A Two-Buffet Day
Eating on Easter was amazing. The church had organized an Easter brunch, so the members (and guests who knew about it) all brought something to share to have this potluck. Now I eat well in Poland. I really do. However, cooking for two people is a simpler undertaking and usually does not include the variety of food that was available to me. There were quiches, and egg strata, and muffins and breads, noodle dishes, and salads, and desserts. It was amazing. I think went back for thirds. AND THEN, for dinner, Taryn and Christoph (Taryn is the pastoral intern at the church, Christoph is her husband, they are students at PHILLY. . .like me!) invited all of the teachers up for a Easter BBQ. Again, we all brought something to share, and I was blessed with another buffet. We laughed and ate, shared family traditions and laughed some more. Though I shouldn't have two-buffets every day, it was the perfect way to eat on Easter. After all, calories don't count on Easter.
Walking to Austria
I learned through one of my conversations that it is possible to walk to Austria and Hungary from Blava. I love walking across international borders. I do this regularly between Poland and Czech, and it still has not gotten old. From Blava the walk to Austria is about 7ish miles round trip, and the walk to Hungary is 17 miles one way. I cannot walk 17 miles in one day. So I announced on Saturday that I wanted to walk to Austria. So we did. I went with three of the teachers from Tisovec. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time talking, enjoying "the nature" and taking some random pictures. Unfortunately I didn't bring my sneakers, and the zipper on my boots broke, so I had to wear my ballet flats. I have some blisters, but it was totally worth it because I WALKED to Austria. The coolest part of the whole thing was when someone called my phone (which doesn't happen that often anyhow, so even getting a phone call was exciting), and I got to say that I wouldn't be able to help because I was walking to Austria. It was beyond cool.
Other Things of Note:
-I reconnected with a dear friend from college who is living in Blava now.
-I decorated Easter Eggs the American way.
-I ate street food with Meghan and went back to Italy in my mind.
-I browsed an English book store with Sarah.
-I went shopping at H&M.
-I felt out of place and I felt like I belonged.
It was an up-down, mish-mash wonderful, enlightening break.
From all of this excitement I got a little cold, so I decided to cut the trip short and came home on Monday night instead of Tuesday afternoon. I slept a lot in my own couch-bed and feel better for it. School starts again tomorrow, and I am not excited. But I am optimistic that it will be a good day despite my lack of enthusiasm. I trust that once I see my students I will fall in love again and it will be good. After all, it's April. Less than three months left. There's no quitting or letting up now. It will be good.
Blessings,
Colleen
English Liturgy
Over the six days I was in Bratislava I attended worship four different times. The first time was in Slovak and was a service held by the Lutheran school there to celebrate Easter. The final three times were to celebrate and mark the death and glorious resurrection of Christ. I didn't cry as much as I thought I would. Okay let me rephrase that, I saved ALL of my crying for Easter Sunday when I lost it. On Easter Sunday I was asked to help with some of the ushering duties. It was beyond cool to be needed in that way. One of the challenges of this year has been being so disconnected from the church. Yes I am a missionary, but my main purpose here is to teach. The church here has not intentionally welcomed me and although I attend church every week, I am not able to participate in any formal way. (However, the church service is very different and not many people other than the pastor do anything during the service.) So to pass out hymnals and say, "Good morning! Happy Easter!" gave me a real purpose in the church and reminded how important serving in this outlet is. I am called to serve the church in a formal, ordained way. I know this in my heart, in my soul, in my gut, in my liver, in all that I am I know this. And for these fifteen minutes when I was passing out hymnals, I remembered in a shocking and powerful way. And I was singing in English. And I missed my family and boyfriend. So I cried. A lot. It was glorious.
A Two-Buffet Day
Eating on Easter was amazing. The church had organized an Easter brunch, so the members (and guests who knew about it) all brought something to share to have this potluck. Now I eat well in Poland. I really do. However, cooking for two people is a simpler undertaking and usually does not include the variety of food that was available to me. There were quiches, and egg strata, and muffins and breads, noodle dishes, and salads, and desserts. It was amazing. I think went back for thirds. AND THEN, for dinner, Taryn and Christoph (Taryn is the pastoral intern at the church, Christoph is her husband, they are students at PHILLY. . .like me!) invited all of the teachers up for a Easter BBQ. Again, we all brought something to share, and I was blessed with another buffet. We laughed and ate, shared family traditions and laughed some more. Though I shouldn't have two-buffets every day, it was the perfect way to eat on Easter. After all, calories don't count on Easter.
Walking to Austria
I learned through one of my conversations that it is possible to walk to Austria and Hungary from Blava. I love walking across international borders. I do this regularly between Poland and Czech, and it still has not gotten old. From Blava the walk to Austria is about 7ish miles round trip, and the walk to Hungary is 17 miles one way. I cannot walk 17 miles in one day. So I announced on Saturday that I wanted to walk to Austria. So we did. I went with three of the teachers from Tisovec. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time talking, enjoying "the nature" and taking some random pictures. Unfortunately I didn't bring my sneakers, and the zipper on my boots broke, so I had to wear my ballet flats. I have some blisters, but it was totally worth it because I WALKED to Austria. The coolest part of the whole thing was when someone called my phone (which doesn't happen that often anyhow, so even getting a phone call was exciting), and I got to say that I wouldn't be able to help because I was walking to Austria. It was beyond cool.
Other Things of Note:
-I reconnected with a dear friend from college who is living in Blava now.
-I decorated Easter Eggs the American way.
-I ate street food with Meghan and went back to Italy in my mind.
-I browsed an English book store with Sarah.
-I went shopping at H&M.
-I felt out of place and I felt like I belonged.
It was an up-down, mish-mash wonderful, enlightening break.
From all of this excitement I got a little cold, so I decided to cut the trip short and came home on Monday night instead of Tuesday afternoon. I slept a lot in my own couch-bed and feel better for it. School starts again tomorrow, and I am not excited. But I am optimistic that it will be a good day despite my lack of enthusiasm. I trust that once I see my students I will fall in love again and it will be good. After all, it's April. Less than three months left. There's no quitting or letting up now. It will be good.
Blessings,
Colleen
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