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.