Padua/Limena

Go ahead. Ask me what I did today. You are going to be jealous of my answer. Oh, are you sure you want to know? I took a train ride across beautiful country side that reminded me of Olive Garden commericals, landed in a medium sized town where I was greeted by my supervisors for the next 2 weeks with presents. Oh and I have a host family for the next 2 weeks, where I have 2 little brothers, ages 5 and 8 (adorable!) and together with my host parents went on a bike ride in the Italian countryside (While Padua is a larger city, I'm in the city next to it-Limena- where the houses are spread out and fields seperate one house from the other) along a river which will be my daily route to work for the next two weeks....oh...you thought you wouldn't be jealous? I know you all too well. Oh yeah, and I'm 20 minutes from Venice. Probably going next weekend. Oh......yeah I know, I'm awesome. But really, this is all great. I think there are only about 5,000 people in this town. My host mother works at a farm that manufactures fruits and vegetables to Europe and she had the best tomatoes I have ever had in my life! She asked me what else I liked, I gave her a list and am looking forward to my meals here. My host father is a refridgeator manufacturer/repair man. The two little boys are so adorable. I already got a hug from one and the other one who was super shy started talking to me. Although my host family, parents included, don't speak much English, we are doing well with my broken Italin, their English and a language dictionary. They are very sweet and encouage their sons to speak more English. The mom called it "English intensive."

I got really lucky with this camp. Its a small camp with about 40 students. There are 4 tutors and one of them a returner who I thank God he is here with us. He calmed us all down and told us how lucky we are for this to be our first camp. I am working with the oldest age group of about 9 and 10 year olds. Nervous? HELL YES! But I am looking forward to expanding my imagination and for a new challenge. The directors have been there for years and know what to expect and where straight forward, down to business but in a loving way of creating a balance of work and play right off the bat. Oh and no pressure for our first day but the mayor will be coming by to say a welcoming message. With that said, I am going to start brainstorming ideas!