While students learned about communication, collaboration, and reflection, I had the opportunity to learn more about the school, kids, my colleagues, Wales {which is absolutely breathtaking}, and ultimately myself:
1. Aberdovey, Wales is a town of 3,000 but in the summer it could reach up to 8,000 because it's a hot tourist spot.
2. "Dd" in welsh sounds like a "th" and "ll" sounds like a throaty "ch." Their language, while interesting, is completely confusing and difficult to read + pronounce.
3. Over the course of a 7-hour bus ride with 12 + 13-year-olds, I learned that they are just the same as the students in the U.S. I was pleased to know they love the Nae Nae song and dance as much as I do. I now know they definitely have top-40 songs here despite the fact that I never hear any good music}.
4. My students come from all over the world. Literally. They speak so many different languages and my school encourages them to speak their mother tongue. In fact, last year, the school offered over 40 languages so students could keep up with their home language. How cool is that?
5. My colleagues also come from all over the world and very much appreciate everyone's differences. For the last 8 months of living in London I felt so out of place; however, in the school I currently teach in, being different is the norm and is acceptable, even encouraged. This has definitely made me feel at home.
6. I learned just how much I missed teaching. Despite all the planning and paperwork and politics {oh my!}, I am in my happy place while working with kids.
7. A 14-mile hike {pics below} reminded me that I am not an outdoors type of person {are you surprised?!}. However, I'm appreciative of the opportunity as I saw beautiful landscapes for the 10 hours {yes, 10 hours} we hiked.
8. And this may be the most shocking of all {are you ready for it...} I think I'm ready to eat meat again. You heard me. After 10 years of being a vegetarian {"veg" to the Brits!}, I am diving back into the carnivore life, starting with chicken. Stay tuned, folks, stay tuned.
Student: How much longer do we have?
Me: About 8 hours, buddy.
Student: 8 hours?!?!?
Me: I feel your pain.