ANIMAL...

Friday started with Patrizia's class.  We had to start the NYC lesson without internet, which meant I had to save some pictures using a computer that DID have internet, and do my best.  It also meant that we could not set up their website.  However, we were able to get started with NYC, and they were somewhat enthusiastic, but again, it was difficult without internet.  I was able to show them from the computer that did work, and so they at least got the general idea.  I did give them assignment to research and start working on their places of interest. 

For my first break I bought two blood oranges, got a cappuccino, and went to the teacher's room to eat my orange and work on the computer for a bit. 

Linda's class was next.  Linda and other teachers were in a meeting, so it was just me and the students.  We tried to go to the lab, but there had been some confusion and so we went to the classroom.  This worked out just fine, better actually.  I started by going over some of the general grammar/content issues from their "South" homework assignments (e.g. South America does not equal the South IN America).  Then we started talking about NYC.  Linda did not want them all to research individual things, so I found a compromise.  I had them get into groups of 5, after we listed the 5 boroughs of NYC, and then had them choose a borough (from pieces of paper I had crumpled up in my hand).  So, this classes assignment was to do research together about their particular borough.  They had to tell me things like what is there, why is it famous, food, etc. Then, each individual could choose a neighborhood in ANY borough, and do research on that neighborhood.  A few of them were NOT happy with their borough, but that is why I gave them the neighborhood part of the assignment.  I will not lie, a few acted REALLY immature about it, and I was a bit disappointed.  However, I am hoping that they will see the value in all of it!  I hope that they all did the research, and did NOT just copy and paste information from Wikipedia...thus using words that they do not understand. 

My second break was spent on the computer writing blogs, and talking to Nick for a bit! 

Rosina's class was last.  I walked into the room and found this:

Silly M. and S.  I love that they are so goofy!  They said it was all for the "Harlem Shake", and that is a "New York Knicks" hat, so I think they did this for me and the fact that we are starting to talk about NYC.  I thought it was adorable.  They are so much fun, but can be a little too rowdy when class is going on.  Oh well, I love them all the same.  We talked about the things they know about New York City.  They did know a lot, but quite a few of them did not speak up!

 

I came home and had yogurt and pasta for lunch.  I talked to April on the phone, Kelly on the phone, and I tried to call Mrs. Malissa, but she was not at work.  Nick was on Skype and so of course I talked to him!  Then he had a lesson with some girl studying for a TOEFL certification, and I decided to work on blogs. 

Today I was feeling kind of bummed because I have been wanting to be around people!  I was wishing I could see the people I love in person.  However, I was also wishing just to be with people here in Cosenza.  Nick's teachers area always inviting him for dinner, etc.  Sometimes that makes me feel even lonelier when I think about it! 

Nick, being the sweetheart that he is, asked if we could spend the evening on Skype talking and being "together".   I went out for groceries first, and found SOOOO many things on sale, so I stocked up on some things that I was able to practically buy two for the price of one.  Nick and I tried to call each other during all of that time, but yay for Italian cell service, or lack thereof.  I stopped at a favorite bakery and bought one of the traditional Easter breads, which set me back 3 euros, so it better be good!  While I was out, I went in the macelleria to get some eggs.  This was a scarring experience.  The meat guy pulled out a whole animal (by whole I mean head, ears, neck, body, legs, tail, etc.).  Then he pulled out a knife and started cutting from the stomach down to the neck (it was hanging upside down on a thing).  He started pulling out organs (heart, stomach, etc).  THEN....he cut the head off, while holding it by the ear.  It was like a car wreck that you cannot look away from...I watched a lot longer than I should have.     

I made dinner AND tried my bread! It was a crumbly, semi-sweet bread, and it was good!

Nick and I talked all night and covered so many topics!  I had so much fun, and it made my heart happy to just spend time talking and laughing.