Enjoying and Adapting

I've been here for two weeks now and already feel like home. On my free time I'm still a bit at a loss. I love my peace and quiet and need my own time but doing stuff such as going to the movies, shopping or having lunch in a cafe alone just feels plain weird and lonely. But no worries! I'm sure I'll have friends soon. I've already made plans for next weekend with a girl my age that even lives on the same street! Can't wait :)

Me and Maya at Glenbrook park

Few of the things I've ENJOYED:

• Social and talkative people
• Playing with the kids
• Good food - Especially today! Felix's soccer team came over before their game and we had a pancake breakfast. There were so many toppings to choose from... yam yam!
• The nature and the animals - It's all so different here. I still haven't seen a kangaroo or a koala (*tears*) but even the birds have gotten me excited here. Oh, I did see an opossum right above my door one evening! And sometimes you can hear them screaming on the roof in the early hours..
• Speaking English - I've been pretty confident about my skills and I'm glad I've been able to keep up so well. Understandably understanding is a lot easier than talking yourself but I'm sure it will get easier soon too. It's nice to be able to talk a lot of Finnish as well though!
• Fridays with homemade pizza and a movie

Boys swinging in the back forest

Things that need(ed) a little ADAPTING:

• The wrong - sorry "left" - side traffic (slowly starting to feel right) - I'm always trying to go the wrong way in escalators. Oops! Driving the car doesn't scare me anymore. I got the hang of it pretty quickly. Going routes that I don't know yet on the other hand.. I'm known for my bad sense of direction.
• The changes in temperature during the day - It's freezing in the morning, hot during the day and then freezing again. How many times do I need to change my clothes?
• Freezing inside the house - The heating here is poor since it's only needed for a short period of time. But stillll, come ooon! It is NEEDED. It's uncomfortable for a Finn that's used to feeling warm inside the house. Electric blanket is my savior though so no worries. I'll manage :D
• Different currency - Not necessarily the prices but recognizing the bills and coins when trying to pay something...
• Being so far away from my family and friends - Especially when the time difference makes Skyping a bit challenging. I miss everyone but luckily I don't feel homesick :)

The families I'm working with are amazing! All of the kids have wonderful personalities and the parents are very considerate and encouraging. Couldn't have hoped for anything better!

xx.

Ems