First month update email

This is my first general update of my life in Poland! (written 20 March) As most of you would know, I arrived in Wroclaw, Poland a month ago and yes... it has taken me this long to finally write an update! :P

OMG the month has just FLEW by just like a blink of the eye! I still can't believe I've been here a month already! I am definitely in the 'honeymoon' stage - everything is still new and exciting. I even look forward to going grocery shopping in the supermarket for goodness sake!

Gosh it really is hard to summarise all my feelings in just one email. I just feel so lucky being here. Being in a beautiful city, living in a nice flat, get along well with my flatmates, made so many great friends here, so many other trainees here, in a local committee who really looks after their trainees and nice working environment.

A bit more about my job... I teach 2 to 3 classes a day and about an equal amount of classtime to prepare for the class. The working hours are pretty flexible apart from the actual class times. Hence most of the days, I can start at noon or later (pretty much whenever I feel like it) cos most of the classes start late in the afternoon. Works VERY well for me! I teach from elementary to upper intermediate, both children and adults, though mostly university aged students. There are only four other teachers and it is a really lovely working environment, they are really supportive in helping me develop my skills as a teacher as well.

The most challenging thing so far I guess is the language. Even ordering a simple meal at a restaurant is not that simple (I love the food here btw!). I'm lucky I eat almost anything cos there's been many times I've just been adventurous and ordered something totally random off the menu list or an item that looked easiest to pronounce! But going to be starting Polish lessons this week! can't wait!

Highlights

• Weekend trip to Polanica (town famous for its mineral water that smells like rotten egg but apparently VERY good for you...). Skiing at nearby ski field!
  
• Visited Ksiaz Castle about 80Km from Wroclaw, a beautiful castle built around 13th century - third biggest castle in Poland.
  
• Went to a Polish punk rock concert! The atmosphere was wicked, so glad I went. Who cares if you don't understand what they are singing.
• Went karaoke (Polish style!) with some students of mine. It was in a students pub and we all sang in groups. Our group won!! not cos of our singing ability though, we won free beer through a cheering (=screaming) contest.