Macerata -My New Home!

January 14, 2013

Macerata, Italy
BEAUTIFUL--- SO BEAUTIFUL!! We arrived in Macerata in the late afternoon on Monday.  The town is smaller then most, but big in its own ways. I don't know how many people have asked me, "why out of every town would you go to Macerata" kind of funny that everyone thinks it isn't anything special when I am so excited about it.  The view of the city is incredible, there are lower and higher parts of the city that I love to just take in the beautiful green scenery (buildings and the countryside). Surrounding the square there are so many cafes, shops, churches, restaurants, and schools. 

After we arrived at Convitto (the school we live at) we immediately received a tour and started meeting some of the kindest people I have ever been privileged to meet. The staff at Convitto and the staff at Liceo Scientifico (the high school down the road that I teach at) are so welcoming and wonderful. They always go out of their way to make sure everything is okay for me and they always have a warm smile on their face. Most of the staff speak very little English, which makes it challenging at times to understand each other, but it also can be very entertaining.

I had my first day of class on Wednesday, two days after arriving in Macerata. It is  so much fun to get to know the students and see their reactions to my stories. My students are usually pretty happy when they see me walk in. In some classes I've even gotten applause. Now I'm guessing its because they just love my lectures.. and that its not that they are just happy to get to talk to someone verse writing and reading their English books. They are typical teenagers, always playing pranks on each other and goofing around. For the most part they respect me and listen to what I have to say and we have a lot of fun together.  I've told them how I think Italian drivers are crazy! I tell them about the way we scream when we cross the street, because we think they will run us over. Also let them know daily that they should be so grateful for how amazing their food is. Whenever I bring up food they always agree theirs is better, not sure if I should be offended or not, but Italian food is amazing. Another thing I always explain to them that I have learned is how fruit is a desert in Italy and in America you eat it whenever you want. I also have learned that you shouldn't put parmigiana on everything you eat.. whoops! (I still put it on what I want, despite the looks). I have 15 different classes a week. I work Monday through Thursday. I have class from 8 am to 4 pm  at the latest, depending on the day. My typical day in Macerata is school, break, church, and dinner. In my free time I explore the town, go to cafes/shops, and hang out with friends we have made here. We have met so many wonderful people! 

You know your American when you walk into the Cafeteria and they immediately bring you you own pot of coffee, since your the only one that drinks it.  

I thought I was addicted to American coffee and that was good.. oh noo... Italian coffee, espressos, cappuccinos .... wow, can I just saw wow... you can see by all my pictures that I may have a slight problem and a bit of a bigger addiction...