I tried to post this maybe about 6 days ago, but I got so busy and sidetracked that when I came back to it, the draft had not saved, so sorry for the delay in updates. I want to start by letting everyone know that I made it through training (if you did not know already) and I am placed in the north of Italy in Bergamo. It is stunning. Truly, stunning. The specific place I am staying in is a world heritage site. Yep, the entire village. It’s truly remarkable. I feel very fortunate and lucky to have had such opportunities this last week. My camp, my group, my kids, my host and my location are absolutely amazing. I could not have asked to be in a better position.
Obviously working/living away has its downs along with the ups. I miss Sam very dearly (obviously). The language barrier between the children and us tutors can also be very very difficult. My Italian language understanding is rather good now, however I still am not allowed to speak a word of English in my job due to my work being a complete immersion camp experience. The language can sometimes cause the children to act up, not because they are bad but just because they do not understand, but it’s all apart of the job and it honestly makes the moments when they do understand and do as they are told first time, really really really special (like it actually feels like a miracle sometimes haha).
Last weekend I visited Garda Lake with my host family. The experience was breathtaking with the still, clear water and the mountains in the background. It has been extremely hot though (like 37 degrees quite a lot of the time). For those who know me well, you will already know how the heat and mosquito bites can affect me, however for all those who don’t know if will briefly summarise. My last experience with mosquitos was when I was in the States in 2015. My body does not repair well from the bites and the itching and lumps lasted for way over a year. Every doctor I saw said it wasn’t fatal, however the discomfort for some people who are allergic can last a very very long time and unfortunately I am one of those people. I have been covering myself in Italian bug remedies day and night though, hoping to aid my recovery and I think I am almost over the immediate worse (basically that means I’m getting used to it). As far as the heat is concerned, my factor 50 has ensured I am not red yet and has even allowed me to go from paper white to a cream/very pale beige – honestly it’s like a blessing from the tan gods or something.
This weekend my host family and I are going shopping in one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. We are also trekking in the mountains on the Sunday too. I really cannot wait to see more of Italy and spending time with such wonderful people makes the trip even more incredible. After next week is over, Sam is meeting me in Venice, where we will begin our exploring together again; stopping I’m Verona, Pisa and Milan before returning back to Leeds in time for university to start again.
Again, I’m sure you may know this already, but Sam asked me to marry him before I flew out to Italy, so this may be our last journey together as an unmarried couple (due to having to save for our wedding). With that in mind, we are going to make the most of it.
I know my Italian journey is far from over and I will update you all as more time goes on, but this is my first time away when I am not worried about being sad when I return home. My university modules this year are so interesting and exciting that I honestly cannot wait to start. I also have many societies/new hobbies lined up so the run up to that is also very exciting for me.
Thankyou all for staying with me and my blog this far (if in fact anybody has haha). If you have any questions, as usual, please do not hesitate to ask and I will reply ASAP either in a personal message or as apart of my next blog post.
Until next time, Ciao for now!