Much time has passed since my last blog entry… I’m not really sure
why that is. I guess because life is starting to feel almost normal
here, and I don’t have the same need to vent as I used to. But it’s
nice to put things down (on screen?) and reflect a bit. Last week was
pretty hectic for Andreas… studying, studying, studying. Fortunately
he was successful on his big physics exam, which was a big relief for
him (and for me too of course).
In other news, I have become a soccer (’football’) fan. Who knew? I
guess there’s just something fun about being caught up in everyone
else’s excitement. Last night we watched most of the Germany-Italy
game, where most were cheering for Italy (no one seems to like Germany
for some reason). The pubs are getting more packed, and it’s getting
harder and harder to get a seat, which really only contributes to the
overall excitement. It’s all over this week though, and this house has
placed its bets on France.
Work is starting to dry up a little, as apparently no one wants to
learn English on their summer holidays. The is exception Andreas’
dedicated aunt Uli, who is a teacher in a vocational school and will be
taking an exam in November in order to be able to teach in English. So
she and I have lessons for 9 hours a week at the apartment- it’s not a
lot of work, as I’m pretty sure she is one of the most motivated and
interested students I’ve had so far.
I continue to teach at some companies though, which Iike very much.
All my students are business men trying to improve their English- and
they’re really a lot of fun. One of my student has been listening to
the Berlitz audio CD in his car during his commute, so to spare him the
boredom I have downloaded and burned some CBC Podcasts for him to
listen to (AIH and The Current). I think he’ll enjoy them.
And as for the summer, I will continue to work at Berlitz, as well as
tutor Uli, until the dreaded kid’s camp. I say dreaded because I think
I’m a little afraid of children, and definitely afraid of summer camp
in general (there was a reason I never went). I continue to be
reassured by colleagues that it will be fun, so I’m just going to cross
my fingers and pray. I leave on the 23rd for one week, then the next
two weeks are at the end of August. Andreas and I are hoping to take a
little holiday in September- perhaps France or Greece (but again, I’m
rooting for France). Andreas started his new job at AVL
yesterday- I think he’s excited about it, but as he has his final exam
today, he will need a bit of time to get into it and figure out what
he’s supposed to do there exactly. But it does seem like a really good
job.
I am happy being here in the summer- I’ve been meeting people, and
generally feeling relaxed in Graz. I have, however, been missing home-
especially McGreggor and Haliburton, and the family time that comes
with them. I’m very much looking forward to August where I can come
home for 2 weeks. Anyway- more news soon. <3
