Christmas Update :D

I've left it a month but what better day to re post than...... CHRISTMASSSS :D :D :D

I hope that you are all having / have had an amazing Christmas, both in the build up, during and after the holidays, and I wish you the greatest of New Year Celebrations, with a wonderful start to 2012!!!

ME :D

As for me, lots is new :D I had decided that I was going to move to Wales and study for my masters, but somehow I just wasn't feeling ready to go back to studying.  Even finding the motivation to study for my TEFL had been difficult at times following from my degree, so I couldn't see it being the best point in my life to continue my education.  Instead.... I decided to move to Poland!!!

Merry Christmas :-)

I had been talking to a couple for quite some time near Katowice in South Poland, who really wanted somebody to not only au pair but also to teach pre-school English using the Montessori method in a school they have developed themselves.  It sounded so amazing, so only a week and a half ago I accepted this great opportunity and booked my ticket.

I am going to London for the weekend on the 6th January and on the 9th January will be flying out, hopefully for at least a year long adventure.  Who knows, maybe I will also be able to learn Polish on top of French. Who knows... maybe I will feel so settled there I will stay! For now, I don't know what the future holds but regardless it is very exciting!

I have also just been skiing (yes 2 weeks after getting back from France I went back for a week's skiing).  It was an...interesting...experience hahaha. Firstly there was a massive delay on the motorway meaning we almost didn't make the flight, then the flight was delayed. When in the air, the pilot decided we couldn't land in Chambery so ended up landing in Lyon, to then be transferred back to Chambery by bus (as it was on the way to the resort).  When arriving in Chambery, we found out that there had been avalanches on our resort and the mountain was completely shut off... Inghams had to put us all up in a hotel and as no other food places were open, had to buy us all (maybe 60 people) McD's hehehe.  Finally the next day we got up to the resort, but the pistes weren't open due to avalanche risked.... We may have lost a day's skiing and never seen blue sky (as the snow was persistent) but we still had great fun, some awesome wipe outs, and met some amazing people!!

The beautiful mountains!

I'm now going to go and carry on my Christmas celebrations whilst watching the new Harry Potter with the family.  Hope you are all incredibly happy and fulfilled as you prepare to bring in a New Year :D :D :D

Coucou tout le monde !!!

Oh la la ... It's my last day in the Mission Locale de Lille today and buoyyy does this feel strange.  In many ways I don't feel like I could possibly be leaving tomorrow... I've become so attached to this city and project  in a weird way; even more so the the people I have met.  They have been incredible.  Going for a drink with my 2 closest friends last night, knowing it was the last time just the 3 of us whilst we would all be living in the same place was really quite emotional (yes a few tears may have already been shed).  I can't begin to describe how I'm feeling because I don't even know myself.

Tonight will be my leaving party and in styylllleeee .... Well let's face it, how else to leave with a bang than to leave with SALSA :-D I'm hoping there will be quite a few people there and a LOT of dancing.  Although I can't promise a sober night hehe ... Before we're going out I have to try Hungarian alcohol apparently and already promised a Mohito in the bar, ooooo weeee :-) There may be a slight bit of sleeping on the trains tomorrow ...

Over the last weekend I had 2 friends visiting from the UK and it was so great.  We went out with the other volunteers on Friday night (couple o' beers and a good dance), went sightseeing, for a meal and girly gossiping Saturday and chilling out and Chinese Restaurant Sunday.  It's been like this non stop for a while now, with having managed to fit in graduation last week (BSc Hons Psychology with 1st Class Honours) and my awards ceremony in London for the Your Story Poetry competition I came second in (at the British Council hehe).  Tomorrow afternoon when I get home will involve.... sleep, tv, sleep, tv, sleep and hey, more sleep !!!

Now I need to dash off ... I need to do a couple of videos, 1 in French and 1 in English, where I will answer a few questions for mini interviews about my experience.  Oh the joy .... I'm not great on camera anyhow but then the added stress of this silly cold grating in does not help :-P

WOW, I'm back to living in England TOMORROW.  That doesn't sound right !!! I can't wait to see and spend time with my loved ones, but next year, I'm determined that I will discover another continent.  My journey has just begun.  EVS has given me my wings to fly .....

I think I just made myself a little sick hahahahaha ..... I don't think I could get any cheesier :-) But I mean everything I say ! It has been a truly amazing experience.

"In the First Class, Rebekah Louise Warburton" ... That's what they said :-D

Me and Vaila with our Your Story prizes

Raphael, Ash and Vaila in Trafalgar square

Biljana (Serbian volunteer), Me and " friends from UK :-D

We know how to partyyy

Me and Eszter last night in the Grand Place...Lille is beautiful at Xmas!!!

Some Thoughts and Reflections

As my project is coming to an end (into the final 2 weeks and 4 of those days will be spent in England) I have been doing some reflecting on what this project has meant to me.  It has affected me in many ways and it's impossible to summarise it just into a short paragraph, but below are some points I thought I could make (although it is by no means extensive hehe):

Funny things in France

• The French love to write everythinnnnggggg down ! I'm not joking, they ALWAYS have a notebook with them hehe
• The French are very proud of their food ! (And to be fair, they have every right)
•  I have never kissed so much in my life ! You have to give everyone in the room "bisous"... a kiss on each cheek, when you see them for the first time in the day (unless professional people or people you don't know).  Even us volunteers have began doing among each other !! Culturally immersed n all that ;-)
•  Facial expressions - watch a French person speaking French ;-)

Memorable moments

To name a few ...

• The English workshops ... It's always great to see somebody enjoying speaking English and learning with me !
• Laughing with colleagues .... Naturally I don't always understand the jokes but I have began to; Anyhow it's always funny when they take the mick out of me.
•  Dancing ... Oh how I love to dance ... It's my new passion in my life and it's not that often that something becomes that important to me that I can call it a passion :D
•  Meeting the AMAZING volunteers from other countries and from France... They are all fantastic and I hope to keep in touch with each and every one.

Expectations when I arrived in France

It seems I didn't have too many ... Just can't think at the moment !

• That my project would have a large language focus.
• That activities outside of project hours would be organised.

Actual reality

• Wow that makes it sound like reality sucks ... But it really doesn't !
• I had a language focus in the first couple of weeks to help me get settled.
• I was responsible for English workshops.
•  I developed materials for the volunteers.
•  I was responsible for my own free time and for meeting people.  As it happens, this didn't turn out to be a bad thing as it meant I had to really make an effort.

What I have learned throughout this process

• Time management
• Organisational skills
• Gained in confidence and maturity
• Many cultural differences between the UK and France, as well as the UK and other countries

Words / Phrases I have learned that have realllly stuck

• Zut / Flut / MERDE !!!
• J'ai la dall
• Kay
• Je suis excitée .... I thought it just meant "I'm excited" i.e. to go somewhere ... So now I realise for 6 months I've said "I'm horny" ... hehehe oops !

And others I just shouldn't say !

What I need to do for the future

• Maintain motivation when things are difficult
• Follow my dreams (cheesy I know)

Difficult points throughout project

• Definitely the communication in the language.  I was extremely scared when I arrived and French people were scared of talking to me in case they couldn't speak English when I was stuck.  Also, I've been mocked several times due to my accent, which has now and again dinted my confidence to talk.
• Sometimes I have struggled to be creative within my project, which I think is due to using my creative juices to the maximum in final year at uni (so generally just being tired).
• Sometimes money management ... trains are incredibly expensive in France and seeing as I'm scared of being in a car with somebody driving who I don't know, carpooling (covoiturage, famous in France) doesn't work out too great for me.

Overall, I hope that this been interesting to read.  I shall write one of my more regular chattering blogs soon when I grab a moment.  For now, I am preparing my Youth Pass; a document designed for any European Voluntary Service participants to write about their experiences and have it signed by their coordinator in the Welcoming Organisation. 

J'ai aussi commencé ma demande pour un Masters, mais je te tiens au courant ;-) J'espère que ce sera un succès !!!

Me with volunteers, rather ... erm ... tipsy :-)

A très bientôt mes amis ! BISOUS :D :D :D

My Poem in French ! :D

ÉLARGISSEMENT DES HORIZONS

Mon Expérience "Jeunesse en Action"

Il y a des expériences dans la vie qui sont si rares

Soudain là, vous surprennent, vous invitent

"Jeunesse en action" a eu cet effet exact

Sur ma vie, il me semble que mes choix au plus profond ont été agités

Une histoire de passion, d'enthousiasme et d'audace

Grandir comme une personne avec l'occasion une fois sur un million

Ne se sentant plus le besoin de se cacher comme un caméléon.

Découvert par erreur, je pensais rêver

"Everything is Possible" à Leeds a assuré le contraire

Avec les documents signés et mentalement prête

J'ai laissé derrière moi au Royaume-Uni; toute ma vie connue et sûre

Voyager vite à Lille en France dans le sommet du moment

Un changement dans ma vie pour toujours se souvenir

Mais un projet qui se terminera au mois de Décembre.

Dès le premier de Juin j'ai vraiment été plongée

La vie française devient l'habitude, leurs coutumes enracinées

Pour la file d'attente dans les magasins et le besoin d'être patient ?

Je ne crois pas en France, pour être à l'avant tout le monde aspire

Ou à travailler dur toute la journée et faire la fête pendant la nuit

Je pense que oui dans ce pays vivant et bourdonnant

Où les soirées (veillées dans la maison d'un ami)

Faire chaque semaine accueillante et lumineuse.

Dans le projet, j'ai grandi et je me suis développée

Je travaille avec des jeunes du même âge

Comprendre des implications d'une ville avec beaucoup de chômage

Où tout ce que les personnes veulent, c'est un salaire simple

Entre les âges de 18 et 30, la vie difficile à vivre confortablement

Jusqu'à ce que le Service Volontaire Européen, comme il l'a fait pour moi

Leur donne une raison de sentir qu'ils peuvent voler.

Offrir des ateliers en anglais pour ceux qui partiront

En leur donnant la confiance nécessaire pour se lever et commencer

Ils vont, comme moi, se déplacer vers un autre pays

Ainsi, dans le plus court des temps, j'ai développé des compétences

Pour renforcer leur confiance et pour eux de vraiment avoir la volonté

Pour parler anglais en toute confiance avec un sourire sur leur visage

Et ne pas sentir que le processus d'apprentissage est une grande compétition.

Malgré cela, les papillons voletaient la première fois que j'étais

En face d'un groupe avec des visages vides, la vie incomprise

Pour les inciter à apprendre quand leurs études n'avaient pas trouvé des emplois

C'était un défi pour moi, pour évoquer une réponse

Adapter les techniques et le développement des ressources

Pour enseigner l'anglais de façon unique et individuelle, afin qu'ils puissent s’y rapporter

Ne se sentant pas, comme à l'école, où votre esprit est gouverné par l'état.

Le défi à partir de là était de continuer cette croissance

D'adapter aux besoins de chaque volontaire individuellement

D'établir des niveaux de compréhension et des capacités de parler

Pour leur permettre de s'épanouir en anglais et être autonome

Ne s'Inquiétant pas de faire des erreurs dans un monde où le perfectionnisme est stress

Où l'attente de soi peut vous forcer à se cacher derrière d'un masque

Au lieu de les aider à réaliser qu'ils étaient capables de cette tâche.

En plus des ateliers d’anglais, j'ai accompli de nombreuses tâches

Tels que des documents visant à préparer les volontaires dans tous les sens

Avec des exercices comme l'évaluation des compétences qu'ils possèdent déjà

Où je puisse montrer leurs aptitudes fortes

Alors que dans le même temps je développe ma capacité à organiser

Et d'évaluer ce qui est nécessaire avant qu'une expérience change la vie

Donc j'ai eu à concevoir des tâches créatives et stimulantes.

De plus, j'ai créé un document visant à promouvoir

Ce service merveilleux de comme il m'a aidé, il peut aider

Les futurs volontaires que "La Mission Locale de Lille" va envoyer à l'étranger

Grâce à des photos, vidéos et témoignages des volontaires sur des projets

Les jeunes au départ peuvent devenir des promoteurs d'un régime pleine de promesse

Avec les conseils sur la façon de faire cela que j'ai écrit

L'art de la communication pour répandre la parole et frapper.

Frappé est le mot pour mes sentiments pour ce pays et ce projet

Après avoir été prise dans ce tourbillon de façon inimaginable

Maintenant l'intention de rester et de continuer mon développement personnel

J'ai commencé la recherche d'emplois dans l'aventure de la vie sans fin

Donc pour l'instant je vous dis merci pour cette opportunité "Jeunesse en action"

Qui a changé ma vie de tant de manières que les mots ne peuvent pas décrire

Vers de nouveaux horizons les envoyer positivement lutter pour le meilleur.

Passing in the Blink of an Eye

Wow I can't believe that it's nearly 2 weeks ago since I said my parents were about to arrive!!! That's seems completely crazy because I simply do not know where the time has gone.  It was absolutely amazing to have them here, to share the culture with them and introduce them to the great people I have met here.  It's just a shame they couldn't stay longer to be honest because there is so much more to see!

First night in my fave bar with the parents :D

Throughout the week I showed them so many things.  We started with dancing Salsa on the first night they were here.  I think that was an education in itself!!! And they certainly joined in (I've got videos and pictures to show it).  It is very cool to be able to take my parents out like that! We visited Lille, including the park, the zoo and the old town, as well as other things, such as the huge Wazemmes Sunday Market.  A lovely woman that works here and her husband took us all to Brugges on the Monday, we visited the awesome couple I stayed with when I was 17 years old, in a tiny village called Grivesnes near Amiens the Tuesday and spent the day in Paris the Wednesday.  As you can imagine, all very tiring but incredible, with plenty of gorgeous food eaten along the way (homemade by the 2 couples and in restaurants!).

Mum, me and Benedicte in Brugges !

Visiting the primary school I did an exchange in when 17 years old in Grivesnes

Parents very happy to be up the Eiffel Tower

Laughs all around as we visit different parts of Lille !

Since my parents left on Saturday I've already been busy !!! On Monday I had a one-to-one Advanced English workshop on the morning. It was so great because it was a young person who would normally be too shy to talk in groups, but when it was just us, she was really starting to join in the conversation well.  We did a lot of pronunciation practise by reading through the leaflets I brought from England.  They were rather complicated, so after reading through for pronunciation, we then read through again to look for sentence structures and vocabulary that were particularly hard.  When I couldn't explain it in English, rather than turning to French speaking I used drawings, which worked so well.

On the Monday afternoon, I went with Yves to Douai, a town not too far away, to visit Fabienne who works there in La Mission Locale de Douaisis.  I have had a lot of contact with Fabienne because young people come from la Mission Locale there to here for my English workshops.  Yves and I attended a meeting with around 10 young people who are possibly interested in doing a European Voluntary Service project.  I talked a little about what it's like doing a project and just generally about myself, as well as being asked questions.  Afterwards, we briefly visited the offices and met other people who work there, which was great, before dashing back on the train.

Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), I went to the Service Civique Internationale (SCI), where the 2 volunteers Biljana and Eszter are based.  We had all worked with four short-term French volunteers for their pre-departure training before the attended a 4 week environmental project in Turkey.  As they had just returned, we had an evaluation event with them.  It was very interesting to hear about their experiences (both good and bad!) and to see all the beautiful photos!

The best thing I want to talk about today has to be my latest 2nd place win ;-) In September I wrote a poem for a competition that the British Council ran for Youth In Action participants.  In the writing category I got 2nd place in the UK, followed by another girl in 3rd place also from Everything is Possible in Leeds. How great is that ?! On the 24th November we will both be attending an awards ceremony in London, accompanied by Ash and Raphaël from Everything is Possible :D :D I'm so pleased for us both and for our amazing sending organisation !!!   Also, with my poetry I've got so much I've written previously (in fact my own little book) but I've only ever had the nerve to publish a few through Facebook, so it is so gratifying to know that the first time I do dare, it really pays off :D Certainly a welcome addition to my CV anyhow!!!

If you would like to see the poem, please feel free to go to this website and follow the link to "Youth in Action".  There you will see my name ;-)

http://competition.lifelonglearningprogramme.org.uk/

For now I'm going to head off.  I can't believe I'm leaving 3 weeks today and that all the tickets are booked.  It's going to be the end of a very profound and life-changing experience, but at the same time the start of a new chapter in my life, which is incredibly exciting.  The life of a volunteer is not necessarily easy, but it is so interesting.  You meet so many amazing people whom you know sooner or later you will have to say bye to, but who will always be a part of your life and who you may once again see one day.  We had to say goodbye to a great volunteer from Azerbaidjan on Monday, Elshan, who left Tuesday morning after his 6 month project.  He is now a great friend and will always be in touch :-)

Just a final note, if you want a giggle, ask a French person with a strong English accent to say either "sheet" or "beach" ! I also find "rowing" is pronounced reallllly cute ;-) I'm cheeky I know !!!

Passé une bonne semaine tout le monde !!

Photo Insight !

As promised, here are some photos :

Below are several photos of the Forum I talked about yesterday:

A game to play with young people to learn more about Europe

Other volunteers having fun whilst practicing for the "Flash Mob"

Sat down for food n quiz :-)

Yves giving a speech about the answer to one of the questions

Eszter (long-term volunteer from Hungary) also doing the same thing

The formation of the CRIJ logo at the end of the Flash Mob

My 3 words for Europe, what Franco-Belge means to me and my representation of Europe in a picture !!!

Presenting my board on camera (in French)

Learning the moves for the Flash Mob

 Some more photos of my English workshops :

The advanced English group walking around town learning new vocabulary :-)

Playing "Who Am I?" ... Can you believe they gave me Mickey Mouse hahaha, I lost !!!

And finally some photos of Elshan's Azerbaijan evening and some social nights with volunteers:

 

Having fun one evening !!!

Une soirée avec des volontaires qui vont partir en Irlande le 5 Novembre :-)

Preparing Azerbaijani food

Elshan demonstrating the traditional dancing

Discussing traditions in Azerbaijan... You can see the flag on the left :-)

I hope you enjoyed this little selection selection of photos !!! My parents are now in Lille (woooo) So I shall be back online in a week or so. Bye bye for now !

Full Steam Ahead

Time is flying by so quick I just can’t believe it !!! I just can’t believe that there is now only 35 days left of my project ooooo …. It feels weird that it now seems there are few enough days to count down in days, not just weeks (5 weeks today I’m leaving however, if you’re interested hehehe).  When I leave, I’m going to miss people here in Lille so much, because I’ve met some amazing people who will always be special to me (bring out the violins!).  At the same time I’m really looking forward to catching up with friends and family who I haven’t seen in a while, and I guess the prospect of starting a new chapter of my life.

In terms of my project, on the 12th of October there was a forum event all day for professionals from organisations that support young people (18 to 30 years old) with any problems they may have and generally.  The forum was focused on information about Europe for the organisations and there were over 100 people who attended.  To start the day, there were speeches to give thanks to those that had helped organise the day (you know the type of speech ;-) ) and afterwards there were stands to attend speeches at.  Everyone had been divided into groups so that not everyone would go to the same speech at the same time (very cleverly done!).

The speeches were about varying projects and materials that could be used by the professionals or with the young people regarding discovering more about Europe or mobility within Europe.  For example, there were games and books that were available to buy.  As we rotated around the stands, there were two that involved learning a dance and then practising the formation outside …. I’ve got you wondering right ??? Hehe.  Well this is the thing … The organisers decided we would do a “Flash Mob” enactment !!! With half hour preparation and over 100 people!!!  I’ll explain more in a bit …

After the stands and before the "Flash Mob", we had the “Diner Quiz” … All the attendees were divided into tables of around 7 people and we had a quiz … But not just any normal quiz … Whilst taking part we were treated to “Carbonade Flamande”, a Flemish French traditional dish including beef marinated in a type of sauce including beer (!) which is apparently traditionally very Flemish, accompanied with chips (fries, not crisps, to those french people reading).  Yummy!  Furthermore, through the quiz we had dessert (in fact more choice than you could imagine).  The organisers had basically told everyone to bring along traditional desserts that would be shared after and OH MY GOSH .. It was amazing… Desserts ranging from all over ! I have a SLIGHT obsession with good food …. In fact I’m constantly eating in the office.  I think the only reason I stay this size is because I constantly eat little bits but never big meals … It’s the only reason I can think of ! (And the dancing and scooter maybe).

After this meal and quiz, we headed outside for the “Flash Mob” … We had colour coded t-shirts and we knew what we had to do and when … It started with us pretending to be listening to a speech about European Mobility, which was interesting the first time round but not after 4 or 5 takes haha.  Near the end of the speech, the music suddenly boomed on the speakers and we started dancing ! Very fun ! At the end of the dance, we had all made our way into position to form the symbol for the “Centre Régional d’Information Jeunesse” (Regional Centre of Information for Young People).  There was a camera on the roof looking down on us and then cameras walking among us on different takes to get different angles (very show-biz)… J’ai hâte de voir le vidéo (I can’t wait to see the video) !!!

At the end of the week after the forum, I had a couple of English workshops which went really well.  I also had some last week with a few EVS volunteers who may have projects in February and all the Leonardo volunteers who are due to leave on the 5^th and 12^th November.  I have built up really good relationships with them and it’s a shame some are leaving so soon (although to be fair, I will be leaving shortly afterwards).  It’s great fun running English workshops with people who are genuinely motivated to learn.  I’ve found more and more I deviate from my lesson plans and am able to adapt easily to situations… For example, due to the workshops being based mainly on speaking practice to prepare for projects, when I say we will have a debate I try and let them chose the topic.  The best debate to date was with the advanced group who chose to debate “Men are better than Women” … It got rather heated and very funny !! Of course it wasn’t true opinions but there were some outrageous reasons given, such as Jesus and other religious figures are all men, therefore men are obviously better hahaha.  In fact here are a few photos of that particular situation : (notice guys one side, girls the other :P)

Me with 5 Leonardo and 2 EVS Volunteers

Guys team arguing that "Men are better than Women"

Heated debate ;-)

Girls Team ... obviously "Women are better than Men" LOL

Apart from the project, I have also been very active in the past couple of weeks.  As well as dancing salsaaaa I have also visited the UK for 3 days ! I went to Nottingham to visit family for the day the Saturday, which was so great.  Then the Saturday night I was back to London, partied Saturday night, and then Sunday went for a full English breakfast (had to be done!) and then went to the World Bboy (Breakdancing) Championships at Brixton O2 Arena and finally visited a couple of close friends on the Sunday.  Booyyyyy that was worth the money !!! Incredible performances throughout the Sunday night and amazing time spent with great people … WOW !

This Tuesday night (25/10/11), Elshan, the long term volunteer from Azerbaijan, had a party at 2 other volunteers' apartment.  He wanted to cook for us all as he is due to leave the first week in November.  It was a great night, with traditional food, meeting new people and then we all went together to a bar and danced Salsa, Bachata and Merengué … It was the first time most of the people had danced latino style dances and they really seemed to enjoy it :-)

At this moment in time, I’m really thinking about job applications, because when I arrive in the UK the 30th November, I do not want to be unemployed.  I have always been either in employment or studying and now on this project … Although I do have my TEFL course that I need to finish by the 1^st January… That will keep me busy for a while when I get back (as well as skiing… Oh yes I will be straight back into France 2 weeks after I get home, but the Alps this time!).  But oh my gosh … sooner or later I will actually have to be an adult with a full-time job … scary !! So hey, may as well start a 2 year masters next September (avoid the inevitable a little longer)! 

I’m heading off now … I will upload some more photos here tomorrow as I don’t have them all here now in the office, so hope you look forward to that ;-)  My parents are due to arrive in Lille in 1 hour from now ! Exciting stuff; Dad’s first time in France and Mum’s first time driving on the right hand side hehehe.  Gonna be a good week !!! Bye for nowwww.

7 Weeks To Go – HOW ?!?!

Me and Biljana, a Serbian long-term volunteer

So once again I managed to leave it 3 weeks in between posts … apparently I’m not the greatest at keeping on top of this blog malarkey !!! Hahaha… But yeah … It feels like lots has happened in those 3 weeks and I’ve had a lot on my mind.  It’s quite strange really… I’ve changed my mind about my next steps after this project around a million times and I seem to keep changing it.  I’m slowly building longer term ideas in my head, but in the short term … Pick a country !? As my mum said yesterday; “Rebekah, it feels like you want to travel and Au Pair to avoid full-time working life and settling down” … Heck yes !!! Abso-blooming-lutely! After further reflection, she then went on to say “But then again, if you don’t do it now whilst you’re young, then you may never” … My point exactly :-D Now is the time to discover new countries and cultures, meet new people, broaden my horizons … I can’t say enough positive things about how “Youth in Action” has really helped me start in this process!  But regardless of this, I have finally decided to go back to England at the end of November to decide what I truly want to do.  No harm in giving myself that little bit of time !!!

Apparently, this very confused phase is normal for volunteers.  I have found that I’ve become very attached to Lille and have been fighting between my head or heart about whether I want to stay here after my project or go home.  It has meant that I have had to do a lot of thinking, but it has made me realise that I have a lot more opportunities in my life than I did 4 and a half months ago.

Yves had a good dance at the Turkish night !

There has been plenty to do here in Lille in the past 3 weeks.  For example, 2 weeks ago 2 Turkish short term volunteers with “Service Civique Internationale” (another local organisation that hosts and sends volunteers with EVS) hosted a Turkish evening (fr: une soirée).  Me and the Boss Yves went along and it was great fun.  We all talked, watched presentations about Turkey, ate a feast (!) of Turkish food, drank Turkish spirits and finally did Turkish line dancing.  I certainly slept well that night ! It’s making me hungry thinking about it.

 

Some Turkish Line Dancing !!!

Everyone at the Turkish evening chatting and eating

Presentations about Turkey

Turkish volunteers giving speeches (basically saying thank you)

As well as parties like this one, I also went to a small soul concert last Friday where there was a live bands with musicians and a singer … It was such a nice evening with a good bit of dancing too (and a few beers…).  And of course you can’t forget the dancing Salsa that I do fairly regularly … I may even try a new type of dancing this week hehe … Gotta love dancing !

One of the soul bands

Last week I also started my French evening classes to try and brush up a bit more.  I was so surprised in the advanced class that the teacher said I use a lot of familiar slang language, which is fine for communicating but not so much for exams … Oh well eh, I don’t plan on doing exams too soon ;-) I found that the intermediate class wasn’t a challenge at all but I will give it another go this week and see whether or not I can benefit from it.

With Eszter, a Hungarian Long Term volunteer

I have also recently started English workshops in my project with a whole new group of young people (I don’t know if I mentioned that in my last blog).  I now have in action 3 different workshops, for beginner, intermediate and advanced, which is great.  All the activities I am doing are mainly based on conversation practise and some listening (usually in the form of gap fills in song lyrics or watching scenes from programmes or movies).  I had a great class with the entire group of Leonardo volunteers last week who are due to leave the 5^th November for projects in Italy and Ireland. 

During the class we were discussing stereotypes and there were definitely certain stereotypes that arose regarding differences between England and France.  One of the true or false statements was “The British are not very passionate lovers”. LOL.  Well that started an interesting conversation.  I was asked questions about this statement and I explained from my experience that British are not so demonstrative of intimacy in public as the French (who I have seen on top of each other embracing .. fully clothed… in the park on many an occasion).  I explained that British are probably less likely to full-on snog (!) in public, to which one of the guys in the group replied “Ohhh so they are just hotter in their own homes” repeated a few times… It went from bad to worse, with a lot of laughs and my BRIGHT RED face hahaha.  They were then very interested to have my take on this statement hehe. Can I just reiterate, everyone in my workshops is around my age so we relate well to each other !

I actually just had a workshop for the intermediates yesterday afternoon, but unfortunately only one person turned up.  She is due to leave for a long term EVS project in February and it was great to have a one on one session actually.  At the first workshop she was very quiet with little confidence to speak up.  After an hour and a half today, she was really starting to make an effort to express herself in English and had shown great progress so I’m very happy!

Fun in the park last weekend (I didn't know these guys haha)

Me in the zoo ... I'd planned on doing exercise ;-)

Now I’m gonna head off … It's Tuesday morning and we have preparation today for a forum tomorrow.  I also have 3 more 2 hour workshops this week, which I need to ensure I'm fully prepared for.  I’ve got a lot to look forward to during my final few weeks on my project.  As well as within the project where I will be helping prepare the new group of volunteers as well as possibly helping on the project to open a Facebook page, I will go to London next weekend to see friends and family.  After that I have my only remaining free weekend when I may go to Belgium.  My weekends are then accupied by my parents coming to Lille, Noel visiting, going to Paris, Amie visiting and voilà … C’est fini !!! How time flies when you’re having fun !!!