Hello everyone!
So last time we talked, I told you we were headed to Warsaw on Saturday (Poland's capital). Mikolaj's flight didn't get in until 11pm, so we had some time to kill before we went to the airport. Kasia and Mariusz took me to the Warsaw Uprising Museum, then took me to dinner, the mall, and Harry Potter 7 (for the 2nd time for me)!!
The museum was the highlight of our trip (yes, even better than Harry Potter :) ). I cannot believe how much Warsaw had to go through during the WWII. It was completely destroyed by Hitler, as a warning to the rest of Europe. We saw a six minute video that was a digitally recreated scene of what Warsaw looked like after the war. It was devastating to see, but so powerful and eye opening for me. The museum itself was beautifully constructed, with interactive displays throughout, and thousands of artifacts from the Uprising. Look for pictures on facebook! They will do more justice to the museum's aesthethic than my words can.
Now that I was finally appreciating Poland's struggle for what it truly was, I could fully understand the pride I felt from every Polish person I've met on this trip about their country. (did that sentence make sense??!) It also made me love it here more. It's a wonderful country that gets overlooked far too often.
And of course, another week of teaching went by! I love teaching these little Polish kids; they're so much fun and they seem to really enjoy my lessons. In fact, Kasia told me a story about three of my students--two brothers and a sister (Kacper, Franek, and Zosia). They went on vacation early because of the nice weather, and so they had to miss a few of my lessons. Their mom told Kasia that they were being sulky on vacation becuase they were sad to miss my lessons! They made their mom give them English lessons, which they kind of liked, but told her "You're not Katie!" That was a great story to hear!! It made me feel so important and like I was really doing a good job here :)
Not too many students showed up this week, but I still had a great time with them. I really loosened up and I was able to play more games with them, laugh with them, and communicate in my broken Polish! And when I say communicate, I mean I said "Take to home" or "Come" or "This, here!"
And now the weekend is here, and I am in Lithuania!!! It's still pretty awesome to be able to say "Yeah, ya know, I'm just goin' to Lithuania for the weekend." It's me, my host family, and another family that's friends with my host family (includes husband, wife, 12 yr old daughter Magda, and 6 yr old Marcin), and THEIR friend, Mozena. They are all so great! I have loved hanging out with them the past two days so far. They love to laugh, drink beer, and eat. Perfect fit! Last night, we got in around 10pm. We decided to hit the town after we checked into our (AWESOME) hotel. We found this great restaurant and got some delicious Lithuanian food, then went to another restaurant to get some Lithuanian beer. Bartos (the beer) is really really really good. It's traditional to get it with a lemon slice in it...so good! It tastes like Juicy Fruit gum.
Today (Saturday), the men all went to play in the Bocce Ball tournament and us ladies (and Marcin) went to the Old Town. It's about a mile walk into the Old Town, but we got some great views walking down the main street. It was so much fun. We saw at least 5 or 6 weddings happening today. It was wonderful. We walked down by the big river, got some lody (ice-cream), then walked over to a church built in the 11th century...it was amazing. I love visiting old historical sites like that and imagining the people that used to walk around and live in the castles of that time period.
Tomorrow, the girls play Bocce Ball!!! Can't wait!
Love,
Katie
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
3rd and Final Host Family
Hello everyone!
I am now in my 3rd and Final host family! I got here Thursday afternoon and was welcomed with an obiad (lunch) of chicken and kurki (core-kee) (yellow mushrooms). It was wonderful! The mushrooms are from an area of Poland by the Baltic sea (in northern Poland), and are picked from the forest! Kasia and Mariusz (my new host parents) got them when they were on holiday last week.
Then, Thursday night, Kasia and Mariusz had invited some teachers over for a barbeque! We had grilled chicken, steak, cucumbers, salad, bread, and Ciechanow piwo (beer). It was great because the sun came out finally so we got to enjoy our food outside on the patio! After dinner, we talked and listened to some of my music, then got ready for some Bocce Ball!
My new host family has a rectangular "court" with gravel in it for Bocce Ball; Mariusz plays competitively and is very good. I am not so good...so I must practice this week! I must practice because they are taking me to Lithuania next weekend to play in a bocce ball tournament!!! I am really excited to go!
Friday was a nice day as well; I had a few students for each of my lessons so it was nice and relaxed. I hung out at the house for a while before obiad, which consisted of blueberry pierogi with blueberry cream sauce! As always, it was delicious. I had some time to take a nap and relax before I went on a two hour Nordic Walk with Kasia. It was awesome! Nordic walking consists of walking with sticks; and it's harder than it sounds! It's a great workout for your arms because you have to kind of push yourself forward as you walk. Kasia took me to the Ciechanow cemetery which was huge, and quite beautiful. I loved being able to just chat with Kasia as we walked and saw the town. Later Friday night, Kasia, Mariusz, and I watched the movie "Amadeus Mozart" and drank some Bulgarian wine (Sofia). Overall, it was a wonderful night.
And now we are at Saturday. This afternoon, we are going to Warsaw to pick up their son, Mikolaj, from the airport. But, his flight doesn't get in until 11pm...so they are going to take me around Warsaw! I am very excited because the most I've seen of Warsaw in the airport and train station...
I will update soon!
Love,
Katie
I am now in my 3rd and Final host family! I got here Thursday afternoon and was welcomed with an obiad (lunch) of chicken and kurki (core-kee) (yellow mushrooms). It was wonderful! The mushrooms are from an area of Poland by the Baltic sea (in northern Poland), and are picked from the forest! Kasia and Mariusz (my new host parents) got them when they were on holiday last week.
Then, Thursday night, Kasia and Mariusz had invited some teachers over for a barbeque! We had grilled chicken, steak, cucumbers, salad, bread, and Ciechanow piwo (beer). It was great because the sun came out finally so we got to enjoy our food outside on the patio! After dinner, we talked and listened to some of my music, then got ready for some Bocce Ball!
My new host family has a rectangular "court" with gravel in it for Bocce Ball; Mariusz plays competitively and is very good. I am not so good...so I must practice this week! I must practice because they are taking me to Lithuania next weekend to play in a bocce ball tournament!!! I am really excited to go!
Friday was a nice day as well; I had a few students for each of my lessons so it was nice and relaxed. I hung out at the house for a while before obiad, which consisted of blueberry pierogi with blueberry cream sauce! As always, it was delicious. I had some time to take a nap and relax before I went on a two hour Nordic Walk with Kasia. It was awesome! Nordic walking consists of walking with sticks; and it's harder than it sounds! It's a great workout for your arms because you have to kind of push yourself forward as you walk. Kasia took me to the Ciechanow cemetery which was huge, and quite beautiful. I loved being able to just chat with Kasia as we walked and saw the town. Later Friday night, Kasia, Mariusz, and I watched the movie "Amadeus Mozart" and drank some Bulgarian wine (Sofia). Overall, it was a wonderful night.
And now we are at Saturday. This afternoon, we are going to Warsaw to pick up their son, Mikolaj, from the airport. But, his flight doesn't get in until 11pm...so they are going to take me around Warsaw! I am very excited because the most I've seen of Warsaw in the airport and train station...
I will update soon!
Love,
Katie
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Saturday night
Today has been a busy but relaxing day! My new host family and I went shopping this morning around Ciechanow. I found a couple of nice things for my family back in America!
Then we came back home and relaxed for a while, and ate some obiad (lunch)...which was delicious. Then I decided to take a nice bath and watch Friends on my computer. I took a nap and when I came downstairs, the oldest two sons (and their girlfriends) were here! They are visiting for the weekend from Warsaw, where they are studying Economics at University.
At first I was overwhelmed and felt really awkward, but after we started talking more, I felt more at ease.
Then us "kids" decided to play some guitar hero with singing and drums too! It really made us all feel more comfortable around each other I think. It was a lot of fun!!! We had a BLAST. Then, we decided to eat some wonderful chocolate and apples, then set up a game of UNO. We all played for an hour or so, drank some beer, and had some good laughs. It was so wonderful to just feel like a part of this big family having fun with a simple card game.
Then we all dispersed throughout the living room, some playing computer games, some watching Friends (okay that was only me), others sitting at the table chatting, and yet others playing the piano and singing. And this is all in one room! What a great atmosphere, and an even better experience in Poland. I love it here.
I can feel the closeness and love of this family and it makes me feel hopeful and warm inside. It's nice to see such a close knit family, all enjoying each other's company while translating for the American girl (and accepting her as one of them).
Love,
Kasia
Then we came back home and relaxed for a while, and ate some obiad (lunch)...which was delicious. Then I decided to take a nice bath and watch Friends on my computer. I took a nap and when I came downstairs, the oldest two sons (and their girlfriends) were here! They are visiting for the weekend from Warsaw, where they are studying Economics at University.
At first I was overwhelmed and felt really awkward, but after we started talking more, I felt more at ease.
Then us "kids" decided to play some guitar hero with singing and drums too! It really made us all feel more comfortable around each other I think. It was a lot of fun!!! We had a BLAST. Then, we decided to eat some wonderful chocolate and apples, then set up a game of UNO. We all played for an hour or so, drank some beer, and had some good laughs. It was so wonderful to just feel like a part of this big family having fun with a simple card game.
Then we all dispersed throughout the living room, some playing computer games, some watching Friends (okay that was only me), others sitting at the table chatting, and yet others playing the piano and singing. And this is all in one room! What a great atmosphere, and an even better experience in Poland. I love it here.
I can feel the closeness and love of this family and it makes me feel hopeful and warm inside. It's nice to see such a close knit family, all enjoying each other's company while translating for the American girl (and accepting her as one of them).
Love,
Kasia
Friday, July 22, 2011
Mid Conference
Hello!
Wow, I have a lot to catch up on! Last week was Mid-Conference, which basically means that all of the other volunteers and I met in Warsaw to do some traveling. We took a three hour train ride to Krakow, in the very south of Poland.
Once we got there, we were all very tired and sweating profusely--it was about 91 degrees out. I was wearing long pants. Then, we had a three hour walking tour to go to of Krakow. It was pretty cool, but we didn't get to go inside any buildings which was a little bit of a let down. But we saw this great big mansion/church on top of a hill and it was beautiful. It had several domes shooting up into the sky. And there was this HUGE courtyard at the back with these dazzling white bricks, speckled with red bricks. I imagined walking there in earlier centuries--it was amazing to think about. On the way down the hill, of of the volunteers was proposed to over the phone!!! Very exciting. Krakow also has a beautiful main square with lots of shops and restaurants. A group of us girls found a nice little place to eat after the tour and were happy to sit down with some food and piwo (beer).
After a nice three hour dinner, we all went back to the hostel to change and go out on the town! We found a cute little pub on a side street near the hostel. I had some beer with raspberry syrup (DELICIOUS) and we all just kinda hung out. It was wonderful.
Next day, we were off to Zakopane! (in the mountains) It was another 2 hour bus ride. We stayed at a very nice hotel-- except that it had no hot water...! We relaxed for a little while before a delicious dinner of pierogie...we had about 12 each...I couldn't finish! Then a bunch of us decided to venture out to find the main street of Krupowski (Crew-pov-ski). We took a wrong turn somewhere and it took us about an hour to walk there--twice the time it takes from our hostel! It was okay though, we had a good time walking around, looking at the outstanding mountains surrounding us. I wanted to run out and start singing Sound of Music, but Robyn (an Aussie) stopped me ;) The main street was great! Bricked and cobble-stoned, and lined with shops and restaurants. We got some lody (ice cream) straight away of course, then headed down the street. A few of us girls got distracted by a Harry Potter poster and stopped to look at it; that led to our separation from the rest of the group...oops! But we decided to go see HARRY POTTER 7 later that night; while we waited we found a restaurant to get some of the famous goat cheese from Zakopane. To go with it, we got some piwo sokieum (beer with raspberry juice). And we all drew dark marks on our arms for our movie night!
The next day was Saturday and a 12 mile hike was planned in the Tetras Mountains. Yes, you read that correctly--TWELVE MILES. 6 up and 6 down. It was a very touristy place so there were hundreds of people. Before we went up, we went for a bathroom break where I was almost LEFT BEHIND. But I caught up just in time! And going up the mountain, there was a road leading up, probably about 15 feet wide. And it was very gradual, so it was an easy hike. Eventually you could skip some road and go up some rock steps, which were really fun, but difficult!
Once at the top, the hike was completely worth it....the most beautiful lake with surrounding mountains waited for us. A small group of us got some lunch at the restaurant that was also at the top. It was pretty chilly, but we still decided to eat outside for the view! We a had delicious cabbage and meat dish. Then an even smaller group of us decided to walk around the lake! We made it about half way before we turned around to meet the rest of the group. Walking down the mountain was beautiful but painful for me and my legs! Dinner that night was the most delicious meal--half because of what it was, but the other half because I was so damn hungry! The soup was so hot and soothed my aching body. Then I went to my room to lay down for a little while! We had surprise waiting for us at 8pm in the dining room--a folk music band! It was fun to listen to their music--singing and all. They had a violin, cello, and accordion. After about an hour, I left to go to the deli two doors down for a snack, and met Deron, Robyn, and Stephen (the husband and wife from Australia). I decided to hang with them for a while and chat. They're great people to talk to.
People were trying to decided what to do that night--many of the girls decided to walk into the main street and go dancing, but my feet had had enough! So I stayed in with a few girls and watched Harry Potter 5 and painted my nails. :)
The next morning we headed out, back to Warsaw to meet our families. The train ride was the most miserable of my life--three hours squished into a 2 feet wide hallway of a train, in 80 degree weather, with 50 other people. I had to stand. I thought everyone was just taking their good old time to get into a compartment...there was no way they would make us travel three hours like this!! But then the train started moving, and it was all over. But it was an experience, and I may have snapped a few pictures...
Overall, mid-conference was amazing. I loved seeing the other volunteers and traveling to more points of Poland. Wonderful.
Love,
Katie
Wow, I have a lot to catch up on! Last week was Mid-Conference, which basically means that all of the other volunteers and I met in Warsaw to do some traveling. We took a three hour train ride to Krakow, in the very south of Poland.
Once we got there, we were all very tired and sweating profusely--it was about 91 degrees out. I was wearing long pants. Then, we had a three hour walking tour to go to of Krakow. It was pretty cool, but we didn't get to go inside any buildings which was a little bit of a let down. But we saw this great big mansion/church on top of a hill and it was beautiful. It had several domes shooting up into the sky. And there was this HUGE courtyard at the back with these dazzling white bricks, speckled with red bricks. I imagined walking there in earlier centuries--it was amazing to think about. On the way down the hill, of of the volunteers was proposed to over the phone!!! Very exciting. Krakow also has a beautiful main square with lots of shops and restaurants. A group of us girls found a nice little place to eat after the tour and were happy to sit down with some food and piwo (beer).
After a nice three hour dinner, we all went back to the hostel to change and go out on the town! We found a cute little pub on a side street near the hostel. I had some beer with raspberry syrup (DELICIOUS) and we all just kinda hung out. It was wonderful.
Next day, we were off to Zakopane! (in the mountains) It was another 2 hour bus ride. We stayed at a very nice hotel-- except that it had no hot water...! We relaxed for a little while before a delicious dinner of pierogie...we had about 12 each...I couldn't finish! Then a bunch of us decided to venture out to find the main street of Krupowski (Crew-pov-ski). We took a wrong turn somewhere and it took us about an hour to walk there--twice the time it takes from our hostel! It was okay though, we had a good time walking around, looking at the outstanding mountains surrounding us. I wanted to run out and start singing Sound of Music, but Robyn (an Aussie) stopped me ;) The main street was great! Bricked and cobble-stoned, and lined with shops and restaurants. We got some lody (ice cream) straight away of course, then headed down the street. A few of us girls got distracted by a Harry Potter poster and stopped to look at it; that led to our separation from the rest of the group...oops! But we decided to go see HARRY POTTER 7 later that night; while we waited we found a restaurant to get some of the famous goat cheese from Zakopane. To go with it, we got some piwo sokieum (beer with raspberry juice). And we all drew dark marks on our arms for our movie night!
The next day was Saturday and a 12 mile hike was planned in the Tetras Mountains. Yes, you read that correctly--TWELVE MILES. 6 up and 6 down. It was a very touristy place so there were hundreds of people. Before we went up, we went for a bathroom break where I was almost LEFT BEHIND. But I caught up just in time! And going up the mountain, there was a road leading up, probably about 15 feet wide. And it was very gradual, so it was an easy hike. Eventually you could skip some road and go up some rock steps, which were really fun, but difficult!
Once at the top, the hike was completely worth it....the most beautiful lake with surrounding mountains waited for us. A small group of us got some lunch at the restaurant that was also at the top. It was pretty chilly, but we still decided to eat outside for the view! We a had delicious cabbage and meat dish. Then an even smaller group of us decided to walk around the lake! We made it about half way before we turned around to meet the rest of the group. Walking down the mountain was beautiful but painful for me and my legs! Dinner that night was the most delicious meal--half because of what it was, but the other half because I was so damn hungry! The soup was so hot and soothed my aching body. Then I went to my room to lay down for a little while! We had surprise waiting for us at 8pm in the dining room--a folk music band! It was fun to listen to their music--singing and all. They had a violin, cello, and accordion. After about an hour, I left to go to the deli two doors down for a snack, and met Deron, Robyn, and Stephen (the husband and wife from Australia). I decided to hang with them for a while and chat. They're great people to talk to.
People were trying to decided what to do that night--many of the girls decided to walk into the main street and go dancing, but my feet had had enough! So I stayed in with a few girls and watched Harry Potter 5 and painted my nails. :)
The next morning we headed out, back to Warsaw to meet our families. The train ride was the most miserable of my life--three hours squished into a 2 feet wide hallway of a train, in 80 degree weather, with 50 other people. I had to stand. I thought everyone was just taking their good old time to get into a compartment...there was no way they would make us travel three hours like this!! But then the train started moving, and it was all over. But it was an experience, and I may have snapped a few pictures...
Overall, mid-conference was amazing. I loved seeing the other volunteers and traveling to more points of Poland. Wonderful.
Love,
Katie
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
At Last! My first two weeks teaching...
Hello everyone!
Sorry about the delay for my update! I've been procrastinating...
So, I survived my first week and a half of teaching Polish kids!!!! Yay me! I was so nervous the first day, my students must have been as terrified of me as I was of them. Once the days went on, however, I grew more and more comfortable in front of them. I've gotten really good at talking slowly, simply, and in gestures.
The youngest kids (8-9 yrs old) are the toughest group and of course, they are also the BIGGEST group...I had 16 today. Whew! It's difficult because they can't understand me and visa versa. But I've had some help :) The 10 year olds are a pretty good group, but they loooove to talk! They're a nice bunch though, and they understand most of what I say. The 12 year olds are awesome! They are willing to work and have fun at the same time, and they can understand me for the most part; they are little more calm than the 10 year olds.
And of course I have 13-15 year olds which are the easiest because they are the most advanced in English. I can go into detail with my lesson plans, and they can give me great feedback during the lesson. We can have discussions which is really fun because I get to learn about Poland at the same time!
There were a few more dinners at some other teachers' houses during the past week and a half. They have been so great! There was a barbeque at Agnysieka's (Ag-nish-ka) house where I got to play with their pet turtle!!! And I got to jump on the trampoline with Agata (also an adult) and the kids too of course!!! We had delicious food and I had my first taste of Polish beer--awesome!
Then last night was another dinner at Iwona's (I-von-a) house. There were several other younger teachers there which was nice because we all got to just talk and hang out. Iwona's daughter, Marta, was very kind and translated some conversation for me! Dinner included green beans, salad, chicken/mushrooms, pork, potatoes, and cake! SO DELICIOUS. The salad was my favorite part! I haven't been able to eat very many green vegetables, so it was very refreshing! :)
I'm learning so much about teaching. It's a very relaxed setting, but I also have to think on my feet in case an activity isn't working or we finish early. It's really fun planning the lessons, and even better working with the kids. Now that I've gained confidence, I am able to have more FUN with the kids, which is wonderful. I'm finally able to connect with them, even though we don't always understand each other.
Everyone here is SO welcoming to me, and asks me questions, and are genuinely interested in what I have to say. It's a very good feeling and makes me feel included in Polish culture, instead of just someone looking in from the outside.
It's hard at times, but I'm getting by just fine and trying to enjoy my time here as much as possible before I go home. Mid-Conference is coming up tomorrow, and we'll be in Krakow!!!!! I am REALLY excited to see all the other volunteers again, and to be in Krakow! I hear it's a beautiful city. But I also have to be careful of the legendary dragon that lives there...!!
Loooooove,
Katie
Sorry about the delay for my update! I've been procrastinating...
So, I survived my first week and a half of teaching Polish kids!!!! Yay me! I was so nervous the first day, my students must have been as terrified of me as I was of them. Once the days went on, however, I grew more and more comfortable in front of them. I've gotten really good at talking slowly, simply, and in gestures.
The youngest kids (8-9 yrs old) are the toughest group and of course, they are also the BIGGEST group...I had 16 today. Whew! It's difficult because they can't understand me and visa versa. But I've had some help :) The 10 year olds are a pretty good group, but they loooove to talk! They're a nice bunch though, and they understand most of what I say. The 12 year olds are awesome! They are willing to work and have fun at the same time, and they can understand me for the most part; they are little more calm than the 10 year olds.
And of course I have 13-15 year olds which are the easiest because they are the most advanced in English. I can go into detail with my lesson plans, and they can give me great feedback during the lesson. We can have discussions which is really fun because I get to learn about Poland at the same time!
There were a few more dinners at some other teachers' houses during the past week and a half. They have been so great! There was a barbeque at Agnysieka's (Ag-nish-ka) house where I got to play with their pet turtle!!! And I got to jump on the trampoline with Agata (also an adult) and the kids too of course!!! We had delicious food and I had my first taste of Polish beer--awesome!
Then last night was another dinner at Iwona's (I-von-a) house. There were several other younger teachers there which was nice because we all got to just talk and hang out. Iwona's daughter, Marta, was very kind and translated some conversation for me! Dinner included green beans, salad, chicken/mushrooms, pork, potatoes, and cake! SO DELICIOUS. The salad was my favorite part! I haven't been able to eat very many green vegetables, so it was very refreshing! :)
I'm learning so much about teaching. It's a very relaxed setting, but I also have to think on my feet in case an activity isn't working or we finish early. It's really fun planning the lessons, and even better working with the kids. Now that I've gained confidence, I am able to have more FUN with the kids, which is wonderful. I'm finally able to connect with them, even though we don't always understand each other.
Everyone here is SO welcoming to me, and asks me questions, and are genuinely interested in what I have to say. It's a very good feeling and makes me feel included in Polish culture, instead of just someone looking in from the outside.
It's hard at times, but I'm getting by just fine and trying to enjoy my time here as much as possible before I go home. Mid-Conference is coming up tomorrow, and we'll be in Krakow!!!!! I am REALLY excited to see all the other volunteers again, and to be in Krakow! I hear it's a beautiful city. But I also have to be careful of the legendary dragon that lives there...!!
Loooooove,
Katie
Monday, July 4, 2011
świetnie! (perfect!)
I am so happy right now. I am on cloud nine! I just got home from kolacja (dinner) at Katarzyna's! She is the principal of my school and my third host mother. She had a special 4th of July dinner for me with red/white/blue ice-cream and all!!!
The science teacher, religion teacher (and future host dad), secretary, Muni (current host father), Kasia (principal), and her husband (Mariusz) were all there! We spoke English and Polish. They taught me a lot of Polish words. It was wonderful. Everyone was so willing to help me spell out the Polish words and pronounce them too. They'd be so happy when I tried to speak. So warm and welcoming. We laughed, ate, drank (vodka), and played bocce ball.
I think speaking English and learning some Polish is what really made me feel good. I felt very included in what was going on and I felt like I could have a good time with everyone.
Also for today--my first English lessons!!!! I taught about the 4th of July. For the younger kids, we learned the colors red/white/blue, which they actually already knew! Impressive. Then we made our own Polish flags and American flags, then labeled the colors on each. Next, we talked about the food eaten during 4th of July; then they drew which foods they liked to eat and labeled them in Angielsku (English). The older kids were a little different. We played a classic ice-breaker-name and adjective describing you. Then I played the Star-Spangled Banner while they filled in missing lyrics on a paper. Next, I had them put the lyrics into their own English words...which was pretty difficult for them, but I think they enjoyed it! We had some extra time, so then I made a KWL chart with them about America. They gave me some pretty funny stereotypes of Americans (fast-food eaters, rich, save the world everyday), but they also knew some factual stuff about us too!
Anyway, overall, it was a wonderful day. Stressful at times when teaching for the first time....nerve-wracking and scary...but I got through it. And it turned out to be a wonderful evening that truly showed me the hospitality, lovingness, and culture of the Polish people.
Do branoc (doe-bran-nots) (Good night),
Katie
The science teacher, religion teacher (and future host dad), secretary, Muni (current host father), Kasia (principal), and her husband (Mariusz) were all there! We spoke English and Polish. They taught me a lot of Polish words. It was wonderful. Everyone was so willing to help me spell out the Polish words and pronounce them too. They'd be so happy when I tried to speak. So warm and welcoming. We laughed, ate, drank (vodka), and played bocce ball.
I think speaking English and learning some Polish is what really made me feel good. I felt very included in what was going on and I felt like I could have a good time with everyone.
Also for today--my first English lessons!!!! I taught about the 4th of July. For the younger kids, we learned the colors red/white/blue, which they actually already knew! Impressive. Then we made our own Polish flags and American flags, then labeled the colors on each. Next, we talked about the food eaten during 4th of July; then they drew which foods they liked to eat and labeled them in Angielsku (English). The older kids were a little different. We played a classic ice-breaker-name and adjective describing you. Then I played the Star-Spangled Banner while they filled in missing lyrics on a paper. Next, I had them put the lyrics into their own English words...which was pretty difficult for them, but I think they enjoyed it! We had some extra time, so then I made a KWL chart with them about America. They gave me some pretty funny stereotypes of Americans (fast-food eaters, rich, save the world everyday), but they also knew some factual stuff about us too!
Anyway, overall, it was a wonderful day. Stressful at times when teaching for the first time....nerve-wracking and scary...but I got through it. And it turned out to be a wonderful evening that truly showed me the hospitality, lovingness, and culture of the Polish people.
Do branoc (doe-bran-nots) (Good night),
Katie
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Relaxing Day
Hello!
Today can definitely be defined as a "lazy Sunday." I woke up at 10am and hung out for a little while. Breakfast was at 11am; we had lunch meat, bread, pancakes with cream inside (like crepes), and cheese. It was delicious!
Then, Izabela and I went to mass at 1pm. There were two babies getting baptized today. It was pretty interesting. I had no idea what was going on, even though the mass was Catholic. I knew when some parts were, but pretty much was confused the whole time. Izabela and I looked at my Polish phrase book after church while we waited for Muni to pick us up. I learned how to say "We were in church." Except I forget it now. hahahaha.
Then we had obiad (lunch) around 4pm--chicken (kurczak), broccoli, and potatoes. Again, it was DEEEE--licious!!! They feed me SO much food, then keep giving me more food. They think I eat very little...I don't understand it! I eat so much! Culture shock much? And that's just the food aspect.
I've been watching Glee so much this weekend....and honestly I feel kinda guilty about it. I feel like I should be out experiencing Europe...and Poland...and culture! And adventure! But I'm so tired, and feel homesick, and overwhelmed and isolated by language. I love it here in Poland, but it's also very different. I'm still getting used to being here. I can't believe I start teaching tomorrow! I'm excited but terrified at the same time. I feel like I have no information to go from...how will I communicate with 8-9 year olds that don't speak English? How can I possibly teach them anything if they don't understand me?!
I'll figure something out, but until tomorrow, I'll just plan my lesson the best I can and go for it.
Love,
Katie
Today can definitely be defined as a "lazy Sunday." I woke up at 10am and hung out for a little while. Breakfast was at 11am; we had lunch meat, bread, pancakes with cream inside (like crepes), and cheese. It was delicious!
Then, Izabela and I went to mass at 1pm. There were two babies getting baptized today. It was pretty interesting. I had no idea what was going on, even though the mass was Catholic. I knew when some parts were, but pretty much was confused the whole time. Izabela and I looked at my Polish phrase book after church while we waited for Muni to pick us up. I learned how to say "We were in church." Except I forget it now. hahahaha.
Then we had obiad (lunch) around 4pm--chicken (kurczak), broccoli, and potatoes. Again, it was DEEEE--licious!!! They feed me SO much food, then keep giving me more food. They think I eat very little...I don't understand it! I eat so much! Culture shock much? And that's just the food aspect.
I've been watching Glee so much this weekend....and honestly I feel kinda guilty about it. I feel like I should be out experiencing Europe...and Poland...and culture! And adventure! But I'm so tired, and feel homesick, and overwhelmed and isolated by language. I love it here in Poland, but it's also very different. I'm still getting used to being here. I can't believe I start teaching tomorrow! I'm excited but terrified at the same time. I feel like I have no information to go from...how will I communicate with 8-9 year olds that don't speak English? How can I possibly teach them anything if they don't understand me?!
I'll figure something out, but until tomorrow, I'll just plan my lesson the best I can and go for it.
Love,
Katie
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