Blogs

  • Benvenuto Italia! ~ by Founder & President Emlyn Lee

    11/28/20115:43:25 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Emlyn's Expressions, Italy, teach, Work

    I’m traveling in Italy combining some work and pleasure during the American Thanksgiving holiday week. One of my highlights in Rome was meeting Cultural Embrace’s ground partner that coordinates our Au Pair placements in Italy. Ines, a Parisian-born now residing in Italy, has been connecting international young adults to serve as Au Pairs and to teach English with local families. I asked her if there were any concerns with the recent political and economical tumble of the Italian government and while she rolled her eyes, she said Italian families were scratching at her door to host native English speakers--particularly Americans and Canadians.
    While the Italian government is in debt and unemployment is at an all time high, families prefer hiring and hosting Cultural Embrace participants. Ines informed me that it is more economical than sending their children to daycare, and it introduces and improves the family’s English language skills—which these days, is an asset for the global workforce.  These benefits are reciprocated with our foreign participants. A Cultural Embrace participant will have an affordable way to travel to an amazing foreign destination, learn and improve a new language, have a family home base abroad, embrace the local culture, and have ample travel opportunities before, during and after his/her placement.

    Being the youngest of five daughters, my sisters always babysat me and I had no one to take cre of. I hated playing with dolls, and for some reason loving on stuffed animals wasn’t the same sense of care and responsibility. Through the years, my sisters have had children of their own, and being Auntie Em is awesome. Unfortunately my sisters and I are spread across the States, but I get to travel to California, Maryland, South Carolina, and Ohio to visit, play with, and love on five nephews and six nieces. 

    Thus, being in Italy, I cannot think of a better way to take care of children while you travel abroad! Cultural Embrace's Au Pair work program guarantees a placement prior to departure, and our local partners, like Ines, carefully screen and select families and prepare them for the participants’ arrival. The families we select are typically middle and upper class, living in or the outskirts of major cities.  The homes are quaint and cute in that charming European way and each Au Pair or English tutor will have his/her own private room. Meals are included with the family, and can I tell you that I have yet to have a bad meal. However, one of the best meals I have had this week was at a friend’s home and he heated up leftovers from his mother’s cooking.  Yes, imagine homemade Italian cooking—delish! Another perk for Au Pairs, particularly working during the summer months, is that most families will travel on summer holiday and will take their Au Pair. We have had past Au Pairs that have written to us that they are vacationing with their family in the Swiss alps, French countryside, etc. 

    In addition to housing and meals, our Au Pairs in Italy will earn up to 100 Euros per week as pocket money. The main responsibilities of an Au Pair is to care for the well-being of the child(ren), play with the child(ren) and teach them English, and help the parents with minor household chores. Placements are available 1-12 months throughout the year, with more vacancies to start in June, July, August, September , January, and February.  Au Pairs are expected to work at least 30-40 hours, with at least one day per week off from duties.

    Our Living Language program matches a native English speaking participant to teach English to a carefully screened and selected host family throughout Italy for 15 hours per week. This allows you a lot of leisure time to sight-see, take language or cultural classes, volunteer, relax, etc. Housing and meals are included and is available from 1-3 months maximum.  We have more families available beyond Rome, Florence, and Milan, and can make short-term English placements throughout Southern and Northern Italy.

    Although I do not want to leave all this delicious foods, gelato, and wine that I’m savoring every day, or seeing the breathtaking historical sites and landscapes; I am excited to return back to Austin to get you and others abroad to embrace the Italian culture. The language, people, and culture are beautiful and certainly a destination that one can discover the similarities and share the differences.

  • Birthday Weekend: Buon Compleano A Me! - by Jade Th'ng

    7/19/20111:28:30 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, Italy, Work

    Apologies for taking so long to write a new post! By the way, I’m 25 views away from hitting my 1,000th view, so spread the word!

    ***
    Sunday, June 26 was my birthday, and I celebrated by meeting my friend, Annie, in Rome.

    Friday, I hopped on a bus and made the 3.5 hour trip from Siena to Rome. Annie met me at the bus station, and we began our adventure with the public transportation of Rome. We took the Metro to the Termini station, and eventually found the bus that would bring us near our hotel. The bus was crowded and when we tried to get off at our stop, the men by the door didn’t bother to move out of our way, so we got off at the next stop. We eventually found it after a brief scare that I’d booked a fake hotel.

    The family that ran the place was very friendly. We asked if there were any good restaurants nearby that weren’t Italian (I wanted to seize the opportunity while I was in Rome because Siena doesn’t have a lot of other cuisines). They didn’t quite understand our question and gave us directions to the same restaurant three times in a row. We thanked them and decided to go out and find our dinner.

    We were too hungry to look for a good Chinese restaurant, and we found a typical Italian restaurant that seemed appealing. We were correct. It was amazing. We split a bottle of red wine and a fried eggplant with mozzarella appetizer (which we forget to take a picture of before we devoured it).

    For our first course, I had linguine al pesto and Annie had tortellini with five cheeses.

    For our second courses, I had lamb with potatoes, and Annie had veal marsala

    After dinner, we decided to go search of an adventure. We made our way to the Spanish Steps, where we sat for a while. We wandered around town for a couple hours, got some fruity drinks, and eventually decided to get some pastries. We brought them back to our room, and like the classy ladies we are, jumped into bed, consumed the sweets, watched bizarre Italian TV, and passed out.

    ***
    Saturday, we woke up to have free breakfast. We were nervous because we had agreed to have it at 9:30 and didn’t know what it was going to be like. It turns out that we were worried about nothing because, at 9:30, our breakfast was delivered to our room.

    We wandered around town and took in the sights (and smells) of Rome.

    Naturally, finding lunch became a priority (have you noticed that everything we do revolves around food?). We found a Japanese restaurant, but it seemed overpriced. However, around the corner we found an American restaurant called “T-Bone Station.” I couldn’t pass up the picture of the cheeseburger. We ordered a Chinese sampler for our appetizer. It was DELICIOUS and so satisfying. For our meal, I ordered a cheeseburger and fries and Annie ordered chicken wings. Needless to say, the meal delivered. It was so good. Please don’t judge me for my insane nostalgia for cheeseburgers…

    After lunch, we had to go to the Apple store because I had an appointment to get my phone fixed. It turns out that the Apple store is at a mall that is basically in the middle of nowhere. We managed to get my phone replaced, but in order to get back to the train station to get back to the city center, we had to navigate ourselves through the mess of busses. It turns out, the further you get away from the city center, the more poorly marked public transportation becomes. For a while we actually thought we were stranded. Of course, everything worked out, but it is not a place that either of us will ever return.

    ***
    That night, I got home to Siena. I didn’t realize how much I missed it, even after 24 hours. The family had just left town for business for the week, so I came home to a quiet house. They had left me a birthday cake and my parents had send flowers.

    The next morning, I woke up. It was my birthday! I skyped with my family and my friend, Anna. Naturally, I got myself a bottle of wine (it being my 21st birthday and all), and consumed it while chowing down on my birthday cake. (I know, when you’re classy, you’re classy). As pitiful as this sounds, it was the perfect relaxing day. I had already celebrated in Rome and needed some much needed guilt-free down time.

    ***
    Oh, and as promised, here's a picture from the church that I attend

     

  • More Friendship and Living the Italian Life by Childcare in Italy Participant Jade Th'ng

    6/30/201110:58:50 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, Italy, Work

    On Friday, my super awesome friend, Annie, came to visit me in Siena. I am aware of how popular I sound on my blog, but the multiple visits in one week are a coincidence. However, I could not be more excited that I get to visit with friends from home right here in Siena. We only had about 4.5 hours to spend together, so naturally, it revolved around food.
    I had noticed, when I was walking by a certain part of town, that there was a great view that I needed to revisit. We decided to make this our destination, but to find food along the way. Annie is taking an Italian class with the LSU in Italy program, and she has taken double the amount of Italian that I have. Naturally, this made me self-conscious and, of course, I lost all ability to communicate or even use common sense. We went to a restaurant, and when I spoke to the waiter, I came across as a moron (however hilarious it was). Luckily, she was not judging me and we ate a wonderful meal. Her first course was a spinach, cheese, and mint stuffed rotini (I think that’s the correct description). I had a creamy spinach and cheese stuffed ravioli with pine nuts. For our second course, she had pork that was cooked in a typical Italian fashion. I had a steak (it was honestly one of the cheapest options). We spent a lot of time conversing and sharing our Italian experiences with each other (I shared to her what I learned about piselli). 
    After our meal, we went to go look at the beautiful sights  (in addition to gelato and coffee) that Siena has to offer:

    ***
    Friday night, we went to a family friend’s house for dinner. I cannot describe how magnificently beautiful their house was. We ate on the outdoor terrace, which overlooked Siena and the San Dominico Cathedral (where the head is). There were flowers everywhere, and it was an Italian paradise. Not to mention, eating in a setting like this only adds to the meal. I wish I could post pictures, but they would do no justice.
    ***
    On Sunday, I was asked if I wanted to attend church with Giovanni and Francesca. They attend the main cathedral in Siena that holds an immense amount of history,  the Battistero di San Giovanni (which Giovanni was named after). I do not have any pictures, but I will make it a goal to get some out to y’all.
    In case you readers don’t know: I’m not particularly religious, and especially not Catholic. However, I love attending worship services of all kinds. I figured that Italy was the perfect place to brush up on my Catholicism. I was correct. Despite that I could not understand, it was beautiful.
    I only had one problem: the hymnal. It was obviously a new edition, and the font that they used on the cover was comic sans. I know that my mom and dad might be the only ones who are equally as offended by this (they are graphic designers, and I was raised with some unusual morals). Comic sans is only appropriate for Kindergarden flyers, and in my opinion, it made me question the church. Besides that, the service was wonderful, but I might have to write to the Pope about this one.
    Ciao Y’all! 

  • The Real Work Begins and a Visit from Friends by Childcare in Italy Participant Jade Th'ng

    6/20/20114:07:16 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, Italy, Work

    Hey y’all! Sorry it’s been a few days since I’ve posted, but, this week, I’ve started working more since Francesca is now out of school. I teach her English every day. I have to be creative with how I approach this because I do lessons where we sit and I teach, which obviously can be boring (especially for a girl who just started her summer break). I also try and have fun with her. Today we played Uno and watched Disney sing along videos. We then watched Monsters, Inc in English. I am such a good teacher.

    ***
    On Sunday, I spoke to my friend, Colleen, who is visiting Europe. She told me that she was in Florence and wanted to visit me. So on Monday, she and another friend, Kate, hopped on a bus and came to Siena. I gave them general directions to my house, and I walked out the front door to find them looking for me in the street. It was good to see some familiar faces, and be able to talk without having to think about every word I say.

    Colleen and Kate had informed me that they heard that somewhere in Siena there was a head and thumb on display. Disappointed that I had never heard of this, I went online, and sure enough, I discovered that the head and thumb of Saint Catherine of Siena are on display at the San Dominico Cathedral. I see this cathedral every day, but have never actually been inside. Naturally, we made our way to the cathedral.

    On our way, while strolling through the streets, we stopped to get lunch. I managed to slightly impress them with my limited Italian, and we all enjoyed our meals thoroughly.

    Next, we arrived at the San Dominico Cathedral. With our main goal in mind, we set out to look for the head. After a few moments, we found it. I could not get a picture of it, but you can find a good picture on the link I posted below (I know you want to see it). The whole time we just kept saying, “You guys… thats ahead.” Next we wondered, “Where is the thumb?” We started looking at old relics, when suddenly Colleen announced, “Um. I found it.” Sure enough, there was a shriveled, old thumb right in front of our faces. I did manage to sneak a picture of it (you’re welcome, fans). There was absolutely no explanation of why the head and thumb of Saint Catherine were located in this church, and all we could manage to find was a questionably trustworthy website. Despite the fact the it is a .org website, we do challenge the historical accuracy of the content. For an entertaining read, check it out.

    After the cathedral we kept strolling through the streets, went to the University of Siena, the Piazza del Campo, and, naturally, got gelato. We just enjoyed each other’s company, while I showed them the city that I am so lucky to be living in.

     

    ***
    As I mentioned earlier, Lucia and Giovanni hosted a dinner party on Tuesday. I was asked to prepare jambalaya. I got chicken and fresh Italian sausage. Needless to say, it was a hit. I just thought y’all would be proud of me for that one.

    ***
    An interesting language fact that I have run in to:
    Quite often we eat peas. In Italian this is piselli. However, I have learned that pisello is used as a slang for penis, therefore, making piselli the plural form of the word, or, multiple penises. I’m pretty sure that the word also indicates a small size, however, I have yet to learn the full use of the word. It is now probably a word I will avoid to stay away from trouble. Thought you’d all be proud of how much I’m learning.

    ***
    I leave you with a picture that I took on a night stroll:

     

  • Home Alone by Childcare in Italy Participant Jade Th'ng

    6/20/20113:55:50 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, Italy, Work

    I’ve been getting some wonderful compliments on my blog, and I just wanted to thank everyone for reading! I honestly only expected my mom, dad, and friends that I forced to read this. Now the pressure is on for me to deliver!

    This weekend, the family is away, so tonight I got a piece of pizza and some mint gelato (the first gelato since my intense over-eating extravaganza). I am currently home alone sipping on a glass of Chianti. Interesting fact: when drinking wine with a meal, sometimes people put sparking water in their wine so they can drink it more easily with their meal. So, instead of sipping, they just gulp it down like water. That way you can drink your wine and quench your thirst: win-win!

    ***
    For Louisiana residents (you may find this interesting):
    As a gift for Lucia and Giovanni, I brought some Tony Chachere’s seasoning and some jambalaya mix. A few days ago, the family decided to try the Tony’s with their chicken. They joked, “If this is no good, it is your fault.” I was nervous, but luckily they really liked it. I was relieved, and, honestly, felt a some Louisiana pride.

    On Tuesday, the family is hosting a birthday party for their friend, Carlo (who cooked dinner the first night I was in town– refer to post #1, “Ciao Italia“). They informed me that, in addition to the food that they will prepare, they want me to prepare jambalaya. They said there would be about 15 people and they want their friends to try it. It shouldn’t be hard, but I’m praying that everything works out. I’ll make sure to let y’all know how it goes!

    ***
    The past few days, I’ve being doing very little. I make sure to take a few walks around the town per day, but I love sitting in Lucia and Giovanni’s beautiful home (which has exceptional views) reading and listening to music. Next week, I will start having more tasks and will be spending more time with Francesca, so I’ve been using this week for relaxation and rejuvenation.

    Last night, Anna (Francesca’s nanny and the kind-of housekeeper) and I went to a concert that Lucia told us about at the Teatro dei Rinnovati, which is located at the Piazza del Campo. I was really looking forward to listening to some great music in a historical theater. When we got there, I realized that the orchestra consisted of high schoolers that were participating in a summer music program. While, I know it may sound harsh, and I have indeed taken place in similar concerts, it sucked. However, it sucked in the way that, to me, was hilarious. I won’t go in to detail, so as to not be a jerk, but it was a very strange and funny experience.

    Today, on my walk through the town, I heard some music coming from up the street. I recognized it as “Yeah!” by Usher (a middle-school classic). As I got closer, I noticed a crowd. When I went to see what it was, I saw something very interesting:
    I have no explanation for this picture.

    ***
    A small update on my last post:
    As I mentioned, I have been trying to think of ways to make friends to avoid loneliness while abroad. At dinner a couple nights ago, I announced, “Ho bisogno di amici,” (I need friends). The family laughed, but then immediately began to call their friends searching for new friends for me. It was such a sweet gesture, and I feel that I will be meeting some new people very soon! 

  • My New Italian Boyfriend by Childcare in Italy Participant Jade Th'ng

    6/20/20113:51:10 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, Italy, Work

    Since this is Francesca’s last week in school, I’ve had a lot of time to relax and walk around Siena. During this time, I’ve found myself getting very close to a Siena local. He was pretty shy when we first met, but he warmed up to me pretty quickly. We don’t communicate that well, however, it’s okay because we mostly just kiss each other and cuddle. We’ve been on a few walks through the city, and people love to comment on how cute we are (especially him).

    He recently discovered that he can sneak up to my room and we can cuddle in my bed. My host family yells at him, but he keeps coming back. I don’t want him to get in trouble, but I like having him near me. I think it’s love. His name is Bubino (Bubi for short).

    Yesterday morning I took Bubi (pronounced “Boobie”… I know, I think it’s funny too) for a walk. I have never felt more popular. We walked for about thirty minutes, and when I took him to the Piazza del Campo, I caught a girl taking a picture of me. Instead of stopping her, I just tried to walk extra cute because I knew she would show her friends back home a picture of “a Siena local walking her dog.”

    ***

    Anyway, I haven’t had too many exciting adventures in the last day or so. I’ve been able to relax and get comfortable in my home and the area surrounding my home, though. I’ve come to a realization, though: soon I am going to need to make friends. This is quite daunting, because in my few days of experience, I’ve noticed that Americans are quite annoying. Worried that Italians will have that opinion of me, I’ve stayed quiet and have only been speaking in public when I know how to say things in Italian. Maybe I’m a bit self-conscious, but I think it’s a reasonable concern. I’m sure I’ll come of out my shell in no time…

    If anyone has any advice on making friends in a foreign country (where you only speak a limited amount of their language), feel free to let me know. Also, if anyone knows anyone in the Siena/Florence area, that would also be greatly appreciated! 

  • My First Italian Stomachache by Childcare in Italy Participant Jade Th'ng

    6/20/20113:49:18 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, Italy, Work

    I am currently experiencing my first Italian stomachache. It could be because I ate two lunches, had gelato twice today, and just made myself eat dinner (I know that about every other problem in the world is worse than mine). Let me explain, though.

    The family I work for has another girl that works for them too. Her name is Anna, and she is twenty-eight (something we could talk about in the realm of my vocabulary). We get along very well, except, she doesn’t speak/understand any English. We’ve managed to communicate slightly through my broken Italian and a lot of hand gestures, but mostly we both just say, “Non capito…” (I don’t understand). We actually find it funny how difficult communicating is. However, we discovered something that helps: translation software. We sit with my laptop alternating between translating from Engligh-Italian and Italian-English. Francesca and I also use this to communicate, which obviously resulted in her calling me a, “Strange girl, very strange.”

    During the day it is just Anna, Francesca, and me. Anna cleans, takes care of Francesca, and runs errands. My job so far seems to be to play with Francesca, make sure she practices her guitar, and to teach her English, which is quite enjoyable.

    This morning, when I woke up (and after I struggled to wash my hair in a bathtub), I decided to go for a walk around Siena and maybe grab some lunch. I explained to Anna that I would be gone for about an hour, and it seemed like we understood each other.

    I had a lovely, short walk around the town. I saw the Piazza del Campo (the most famous attraction in Siena), and on my walk I figured that it was time to have my first gelato.I strolled through the hilly cobblestone streets, walked past shops, and somehow managed to trick people into thinking I wasn’t a tourist. It was so delightful and I felt so cool (probably all in my head). On the way back to the house, I decided that I also needed a piece of pizza (or two). I ate a little bit, and then returned home, where Anna was finishing up lunch. I felt so bad that she’d prepared lunch, set a place at the table for me, and obviously hadn’t understood me earlier, that I just sat down and she served me lunch.

    The thing about Italian meals is that they are served in courses. So I finished my pasta and knew that I was very full, but out of courtesy, I just kept eating. What followed were peas, bread, and chicken. I was near tears with fullness.

    Anna left to go study, and I passed out on the couch while Francesca did arts and crafts (luckily she’s a sweet girl, and I didn’t wake up with construction paper glued to my face). When I woke up, it was time for Francesca to practice guitar, and then it was time for me to have my first English lesson with her. It went surprisingly well: we practiced the alphabet, numbers, and some vocabulary. Naturally, we used the translation software to communicate when we didn’t know what the other was trying to say. It resulted in a lot of fun and giggling.

    Later, after Giovanni and Lucia got home, Giovanni, Francesca, and I went for a walk to retrieve her backpack from somewhere that she had left it. It turned into a delightful tour of Siena, and Giovanni was able to show and tell me a lot about the city. We walked past the San Giovanni Cathedral (that he was named after), and he showed me the house where he was born. He explained that his mother had passed away two months ago, but she had lived to be 100. We arrived at what I gathered was a recreational-church-community center that had a beautiful garden and places for people to play sports. Francesca grabbed her backpack, and while her dad spoke to someone, we walked in the garden. After this, we started our journey home (the long way). Giovanni continued to tell me interesting things about Siena, and it was a great experience.

     

    While walking home, Francesca asked for ice cream. Giovanni turned to me and asked, “Do you like ice cream?” Obviously, I said, “Yes.” He then preceded to buy me a giant gelato with three flavors topped with whipped cream. I didn’t want to tell him that I had already had gelato earlier today, so I forced myself to eat the gelato (the things I do..).

    Once we got home I went and read in my bed while wallowing in the guilt of how much food I’d consumed. When I went downstairs, the family was leaving to go to to Lucia’s mother’s home. I was informed that dinner was left on the table.

    After about an hour of debating whether I should really eat or not, I felt that it would be rude if they came home and I hadn’t touched it. I went to the kitchen where pasta with basil and tomatoes, salad, cured meats, and a half of a melon were waiting for me (I’d like to add that it was about enough to feed 3). I then continued to eat half the pasta, a small salad, a few pieces of meat, and three slices of melon.

    Needless to say, I regret eating all of this food. I don’t know why I’m complaining to you because this story deserves no sympathy. I just wanted to document my first Italian stomachache. 

  • Ciao Italia! by Childcare in Italy Participant Jade Th'ng

    6/20/20113:45:14 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, Italy, Work

    Hello everyone! I’m finally writing the much anticipated first entry to my blog, Twenty-One in Tuscany. And by much anticipated, I mean that my mom really wants me to do it. Gotta keep the fans happy!

    First, I would like to address that I am actually twenty, and I turn twenty-one on June 26. Didn’t want anyone to accuse me of lying (I know that my hardcore fans know everything about me).

    A few months ago I found a program that allowed me to au pair in Italy. I applied for the program, and about a month and a half ago, I was paired with a family: a mom, dad, and 9-year-old daughter.

    So.. this past Saturday (June 4), I hopped on a plane in New Orleans headed for Rome. I had one stop in Atlanta, which was delayed 4 hours. The thing that was the worst part was that they had us board the plane, and then the delay continued. However, I made a new best friend (a 70-something year old Asian lady from California), and she thought I was awesome.

    The plane ride was uneventful. I landed in Rome (around 12:30 pm of June 5), and realized, due to the delay, I had missed my train by 20 minutes. I got a new ticket, hopped on the train, and was en route to Siena, where my host family lives. After running around train stations likea crazy person (and postponing my arrival because I missed one of my connections), I made it to Siena where my family was waiting for me. Their names are Lucia, Giovanni, and Francesca.

    The parents speak enough English where we can communicate through both languages (struggling but still communicating). Francesca, however, doesn’t speak any English. That didn’t stop us from playing a hilarious game of hide-and-seek, though.

    After the family picked me up from the train station, they brought me over to a friend’s house, where dinner was waiting (and by dinner… I mean 5 courses… so feast, in my opinion). I honestly don’t know what everything was, but let me try to explain it.

    When I arrived, they popped a bottle of champagne. There was very little English being spoken, so naturally, there was a lot of smiling and nodding on my part. We began with fresh tomatoes, with some intense, delicious paste and olive oil on top. Second, we had some vegetable (no idea what it was) that was stuffed with another delicious paste-like filling. The whole time bread is being served with the option of yet another delicious paste on top of it. Next, they open a bottle of red wine. The third course we had was a pasta. It was angle hair, mildly cheesy, and had a small amount of vegetables in it. Don’t know what it was, but it was molto delizioso! For our meat course, we had small tender beef medallions that had been cooking in a tomato sauce. Even though I wanted to cry from fullness, they brought out a chocolate mousse with cookies in it, so I was forced to eat it. Naturally, they opened a dessert wine from Sicily. They also insisted (they didn’t have to do much convincing) that I try another type of cookie that “is a Siena Tradition”!! It was light and airy, had a hint of lemon, and was topped with powdered sugar.

    It was fantastic!

    When we arrived to their home (in the very heart of Siena) they showed me to my room, which has a little staircase to reach it and provides a lot of privacy. The home is beautiful, and I can’t wait to get started!

      

  • Turkey, the "Land of Dreams and Wonders" by CE Coordinator Casady Monroe

    6/8/20111:15:32 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Turkey

    Cultural Embrace is launching a new Childcare Program in Turkey. I anticipate that several prospective Au Pairs might look at Turkey the same way my mother did when I invited her on a trip there in 2009. My mother had just come back from visiting Egypt, and she was expecting something similar: areas of great impoverishment, the need for armed guards to accompany us, men bartering camels in exchange for the women in our group. The great thing about travel is that is destroys our preconceived notions of what a place looks like and how its people act. Turkey is incredibly modern, hospitable, safe, and it offers everything that a young person could dream of. It’s one of the only countries that straddles two continents: Europe and Asia!
     
     

     
    My Mother & I with Turkish College Students on Bosphorus River
    One of the overwhelmingly wonderful things about Turkey is how friendly its people are. While on a tour of the Bosphorus River, a group of college girls approached me wanting to practice their English and teach me traditional Turkish folk dancing. My tour group visited a local school, and the students spontaneously serenaded us. The corner store cashier was patient as I tried to mime my need for shampoo (my Turkish vocabulary fell short). And several times I was invited into strangers’ homes to have dinner. Dinner in Turkey is no simple affair: it’s a several-hours-long ordeal with veggies (or ‘wedgies’ as the Turkish say), cheeses, soup, salads, breads, lamb, chicken, borek (phyllo dough with potatoes and other stuffings), fish, kebabs, dolmas, and at least two desserts. Everything comes with lemons on the side, and even if you refuse seconds, you’re bound to receive them anyways. (I later learned a technique for balancing my spoon on top of my bowl and cups to indicate, “No more!”) One night when I was just too full to consume my fair share, my tour guide knocked on my hotel door later with a platter of meats, “just in case” my appetite picked up later in the night. That is how much the Turkish wish to keep you well fed.

     

    This is just the salad course!!
    Cappadocia
     During our trip, we visited Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, and Ephesus. Istanbul had great shopping and wonderful night life in addition to the historical buildings one would expect (the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace). Antalya offered beautiful beaches and warm weather. In Cappadocia, the ground was covered in snow. Ephesus was full of ancient archaeology and religious sites. Turkey offered a bit of everything in terms of weather, climate, and things to see and do.

     

    Antalya
      
    I’m thrilled to introduce our participants to Turkey—a land known as the cradle of civilization and home to a huge number of ancient cultures, yet bustling with youthful activity. All of our families for childcare placements  are English-speaking, modern families who live in large cities. They offer a weekly stipend, plus a bonus at the end of your term, private room, all meals (Yum!), wi-fi in the home, and pay the cost of your visa and residence permit. Participants will also have the option of taking additional part-time employment as a daytime nanny, one-on-one English tutor, or ESL teacher in a school. Cultural Embrace's Childcare Program is a great way to earn money and live in Turkey, the “Land of Dreams and Wonders”. 

  • Great by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/8/201110:13:46 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France

    Sorry it's been so long, I have no excuses except that I'm just living. My computer was broken though for a little while, but I think even if it was fixed I would have been distracted. Distracted is the perfect word for how I feel. I can't concentrate on anything because I have so many thoughts swimming around my head right now.

    Unfortunately I'm still dealing with awkwardness in the house but I think I'm the only one who feels it. There are just some things I don't understand I guess. I feel uncomfortable sometimes but I think I'm just having trouble letting myself be seen in anyway other than as an employee which is not the point of the placement. I'm getting better every day at opening up to this wonderful family and I think that they are starting to see my efforts to connect with them.

    On another thought, I went on a vacation not too long ago at the end of October. I went to Berlin, Koln, to Brussels and back to Paris. It was AMAZING. In Berlin I got to see an amazing exhibit on Hitler at the National Museum there. In Koln I walked to the top of the Koln Dom. Why? I don't know but after a 97 m hike up the tiniest whirliest stair case my legs were shaking and I could barely walk. It was worth the hike though and it was an amazing view in a beautiful church. In Brussels I went to see a friend's band play, did I mention I was with my friend the whole time? No? Okay well I was with emmie; she's best friends with my best friends older sister. She lives in Berlin, and since I moved to Paris it made sense to meet up at least once. Anyway, so in Brussels I went to see a band on Halloween, dressed up as Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. I unfortunately have no pictures of me in my costume. But I did a photo project and tried to take a Polaroid of every gas station we stopped at. I got back to Paris November 1st, and now I've been working, floating around, going to school and day dreaming of my next excursion to London.

    I warned you I feel distracted, I'm changing subjects now. Paris has been wonderful to me and I'm looking forward to this Friday evening. I found some good clubs and bars that play actual music and not ONLY techno. Thank goodness. Tonight me and my friend Lindsey are going to do the twist and maybe shout. By shout I mean invite these French boys we meet that are new to Paris as well. Oh la la Paris has so much to do. I wish I was just a little closer to Paris. I have nothing to do until tonight. I'm tight on money so I can't go entertain myself by shopping and it is almost not worth it to go into Paris, come home to eat and get ready and go back. That is easily and hour and a half of just travel time. Le Vesinet is beautiful but come on the only young spot is closed right now to be re-modeled. Just my luck. So my options are to browse through expensive old lady stores, browse through the monoprix, go to a park and freeze, eat (but I shouldn't because I'm bored or spend the money) or sit at home. I chose sit at home.

    Well, look at these pictures now.

     

     
     
     
     

  • Bummer by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/8/20119:19:08 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

    It was a chilly night, a boring night, a night where nothing to exciting could possible happen. I thought, however I found myself walking down champs-elyeese with Lindsey that boring Tuesday night. We got ourselves a bottle of wine, found a nice bench just next to the arc de triumph and played some rummy. (That’s a card game if you didn't know, because I didn't know) It was a dull night saved once again by Lindsey’s push, which I’d have to say is one of her best personality traits. I love that she can turn anything, nothing, into something.
     
     Anyway so there we we're just a couple of California girls sitting on a park bench, playing cards sharing wine. A bum walks up to us and asks us for a cigarette, well we can't speak French very well, okay so I can't speak French at all really. So me and Lindsey just kept saying no, no no. Or I guess non, non, non since it was French. Eventually tipsy Lindsey was done with the bums badgering and she nicely said "arret" which means "stop!” This really angered the drunken man and after what I am assuming are some French curse words, leaned forward and continued to spit on Lindsey.
      
    Yes you read that right, a bum spit on Lindsey. Thankfully she had some ninja moves that night and managed to dodge it enough so that it didn't hit her face, but instead her sleeve. We looked at each other in awe and terror. He then quickly turned around, walked away and copped a feel of my derriere. Yes, once again you have not read wrong-- he touched my butt. This bum spit on Lindsey and touched my butt.
     
    Oh Paris, what colorful people you have.
     
     Besides this little stumble part of my night, it was amazing! I learned rummy and walked down Champs-Elyeese listening to the one French song about walking down Champs-Elyeese. Do you know what I’m talking about?
      
    Anyway, I started school today. It seems like I’ll like it, the teacher is nice but strict and I really like the teaching method. You can ONLY speak French, nothing else. I'm excited to start practicing my French and learning it. Would you like to hear what I’ve learned? Bare with me here...
     
    Bonjour, Je m'appelle Stephanie. Je suis Américaine, et je parle Anglais et un pue français. J’habite au Vésinet et je suis étudiante.
     
     
    Voila!
    A Benito!
    Stephanie Pratt
    Au Pair
    France
     
    ps here is mimi (my best friend)
     

     

  • Mimi by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/8/20119:15:57 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France

    You are my only friend. You are the only one who will always come when I call, how will sit with me while i'm sad, who listens to my worries and never interrupts. The only one who doesn't judge me for my confusion. I feel like my brain needs a vacation from worries, and stressed feelings of acception. I think i'm to focused on others and not focused enough on myself.

    Today so far has been lazy, until I remember that the family has gotten back from a weekend with out doing laundry. I started one load and will probably have at least 4 to do today, and thats not including mine. I did the dishes, picked up the house a little and watched some mulan. I hope i can go to Lindsey's house in a minute or two, she wants to teach me rummy. It's strange some of the things I miss, and some of the things i thought that I would miss and dont. I miss beign able to go anywhere at anytime with any of my good friends. I miss how easy it was to just do whatever. I know its because i'm just meeting new people making new friends. Its just hard.

    So far with the people i've meet i've had a lot of fun. Me and Lindsey hang out often since we live close. We can go out and have lunch and talk and do whatever and its still fun. This past weekend we went to a bar in paris, and chatted with some french guys. It was cool to try and speak french haha. At first they told us ohhh ugh sorry, je ne parle pas l'Anglais. and we were like ugghh oh no. after a couple of minutes of horrible french conversation the guy was like HAH just kidding i can speak english. It was really funny. after a while they dissapeared and lindsey and i parted, i went home she went to a friends house to say in Paris. The next night i went to a bar and to a party with an old friend from highscool. It was soooo fun, i ended up busting the seam in my already broken shirt and spilled wine on it, but it was just evidence of a fun night.

    Today i'm just sitting, and waiting for the next thing to happen. A lot of my time is spent waiting and i'm tired of waiting.

    Thank you mimi for being such good company, your meows bring a smile to my face. 

     

  • l'etoile by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/7/201112:10:26 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

    ??'m sitting in my dark room, gloomy from the gray clouds outside my window and listening to the humming of the vacuum the cleaning lady is using. Its only 2pm and I've already had a crazy day! I woke up around 9am, took a shower and got ready. I walked out the door put on my headphones that sang me the sweet music of Milk n Cookies. A great way to start a day of errands.

    My first stop was at the local post office to send out my OFII forms to finish my visa. I haven't even ever been inside the post office in California I don’t think... Anyway, it was crowded and I didn’t really know what envelope I needed to send it, so I just picked one, turns out the wrong one of course. I asked a woman for help but her English was no better than my French. I showed here that I need something called a RAR and she talked about me having to go on the internet and explained the rest in French. I stood there; I’m sure looking really really confused. So I turned to the page in my packet that said what I needed to do, and just handed it to here. Turns out it wasn't what she was talking about. So she handed me a slip I needed to fill out. When I was done I turned it in, incorrectly filled I guess, so I had to do it again. A nice man explained to me that all this means is that a slip will come in the mail telling me I have to go back to the post office and get my letter. Why can't the letter just come to my house? I don't know but I wasn't going to question. I said merci and went on my way to find the school where I going to take my French classes.

    I have to take A3 toward Boissy, get off and Challet Les Halles and take the 4 toward port de Orleans and get off at... I forgot the stop name, but I got off at the right place. Despite me having everything marked down to a T even little arrows on my map to show me where to turn when I went to walk to the school from my stop, I had a chaotic trip. The A3 was fine, kind of slow and I just hummed to my music. I got off and was completely confused as to where the 4 was. I had been at this stop before and I never remembered a 4. I guess it’s always been there and I was just blind to see it, because there it was in front of me. I got on the escalator to follow the arrows up, but somehow I managed to trip and fall on some girl, who I then pushed down to steps... I was humiliated!!!! People probably thought I was like some crazy drunk at 11 in the morning who couldn't even stand straight anymore. I just ran the second I got off the stairs, and managed to bump some more people. I went to put my ticket it and the ticket taker thingys to get to the line I needed and I stood there for a minute trying to figure out why it would even feed in my ticket. Turns out it was closes. Ups, as the French say instead of oops. I went to the next one and some scary guy followed me through my open doors using me as a free ride, JERK! Then I found the train and it was PACKED. I couldn't move and I stepped on some girls toes who gave me the look of death and I smashed into people because I had nothing to hold onto. I eventually arrived to what I thought was my stop and realized I had one more so I turned around and jumped back in only to smash some more people.

    I finally arrived and went out the exit, the wrong exit and I was a block further than I had anticipated. I looked at my map and was like psssh easy, and kept walking to soon realize I was walking the wrong way. I turned around and wandered around and around until I finally found the school. I went to take my placement test, and some girl had her chair waaaaaay sticking out so I could pass her to my seat so I said "excuse me". Then remembering I was in France said "pardon". She replied to neither so I just jammed myself through a really tight squeeze then she gave me an evil look too. Well honey you’re the one who wouldn't scoot in! Anyway, after only answer one question in French (oui, j'aim chocolate) I was declared a debutant. A beginner which I already knew haha. I thought I got to pick my time of classes but I guess they assign it for me. I think I’m going to get the 9am class which sucks because it takes almost an hour to get there! But as long as I get a class I don't care.

    So finally now that it was almost 1pm I was making my way back and it started to rain, I didn't even bring a jacket! Luckily the metro is super close so I got on and was on my way home. That ride was pretty boring, except when I got off at Le Veisinet, I accidently ran into the guy sitting across from me and continued to trip out the door. Oh well.

    Oh I forgot to tell you about the scariest man ever! On train A3 on the way to school there was a strange and like weird person on the metro. He sat across from me, then he moved, then he moved again he moved all across the train. He looked like he was going to have a mental break down! His eyes darting all across the train, and he kept picking up his bag then setting it down and picking it up and setting it down. Since there’s nothing better to do on trains but make up stories, I decided he was a bomber and really scared myself until I finally realizes, he's probably just a crazy bum.

    Sheeew, and now I'm home and it's time for lunch. Soon I have to get the girls from school. Well, Uhhbadee uh uh that's all folks!




     ?    ?I'm sitting in my dark room, gloomy from the gray clouds outside my window and listening to the humming of the vacuum the cleaning lady is using. Its only 2pm and I've already had a crazy day! I woke up around 9am, took a shower and got ready. I walked out the door put on my headphones that sang me the sweet music of Milk n Cookies. A great way to start a day of errands.

    My first stop was at the local post office to send out my OFII forms to finish my visa. I haven't even ever been inside the post office in California I don’t think... Anyway, it was crowded and I didn’t really know what envelope I needed to send it, so I just picked one, turns out the wrong one of course. I asked a woman for help but her English was no better than my French. I showed here that I need something called a RAR and she talked about me having to go on the internet and explained the rest in French. I stood there; I’m sure looking really really confused. So I turned to the page in my packet that said what I needed to do, and just handed it to here. Turns out it wasn't what she was talking about. So she handed me a slip I needed to fill out. When I was done I turned it in, incorrectly filled I guess, so I had to do it again. A nice man explained to me that all this means is that a slip will come in the mail telling me I have to go back to the post office and get my letter. Why can't the letter just come to my house? I don't know but I wasn't going to question. I said merci and went on my way to find the school where I going to take my French classes.

    I have to take A3 toward Boissy, get off and Challet Les Halles and take the 4 toward port de Orleans and get off at... I forgot the stop name, but I got off at the right place. Despite me having everything marked down to a T even little arrows on my map to show me where to turn when I went to walk to the school from my stop, I had a chaotic trip. The A3 was fine, kind of slow and I just hummed to my music. I got off and was completely confused as to where the 4 was. I had been at this stop before and I never remembered a 4. I guess it’s always been there and I was just blind to see it, because there it was in front of me. I got on the escalator to follow the arrows up, but somehow I managed to trip and fall on some girl, who I then pushed down to steps... I was humiliated!!!! People probably thought I was like some crazy drunk at 11 in the morning who couldn't even stand straight anymore. I just ran the second I got off the stairs, and managed to bump some more people. I went to put my ticket it and the ticket taker thingys to get to the line I needed and I stood there for a minute trying to figure out why it would even feed in my ticket. Turns out it was closes. Ups, as the French say instead of oops. I went to the next one and some scary guy followed me through my open doors using me as a free ride, JERK! Then I found the train and it was PACKED. I couldn't move and I stepped on some girls toes who gave me the look of death and I smashed into people because I had nothing to hold onto. I eventually arrived to what I thought was my stop and realized I had one more so I turned around and jumped back in only to smash some more people.

    I finally arrived and went out the exit, the wrong exit and I was a block further than I had anticipated. I looked at my map and was like psssh easy, and kept walking to soon realize I was walking the wrong way. I turned around and wandered around and around until I finally found the school. I went to take my placement test, and some girl had her chair waaaaaay sticking out so I could pass her to my seat so I said "excuse me". Then remembering I was in France said "pardon". She replied to neither so I just jammed myself through a really tight squeeze then she gave me an evil look too. Well honey you’re the one who wouldn't scoot in! Anyway, after only answer one question in French (oui, j'aim chocolate) I was declared a debutant. A beginner which I already knew haha. I thought I got to pick my time of classes but I guess they assign it for me. I think I’m going to get the 9am class which sucks because it takes almost an hour to get there! But as long as I get a class I don't care.

    So finally now that it was almost 1pm I was making my way back and it started to rain, I didn't even bring a jacket! Luckily the metro is super close so I got on and was on my way home. That ride was pretty boring, except when I got off at Le Veisinet, I accidently ran into the guy sitting across from me and continued to trip out the door. Oh well.

    Oh I forgot to tell you about the scariest man ever! On train A3 on the way to school there was a strange and like weird person on the metro. He sat across from me, then he moved, then he moved again he moved all across the train. He looked like he was going to have a mental break down! His eyes darting all across the train, and he kept picking up his bag then setting it down and picking it up and setting it down. Since there’s nothing better to do on trains but make up stories, I decided he was a bomber and really scared myself until I finally realizes, he's probably just a crazy bum.

    Sheeew, and now I'm home and it's time for lunch. Soon I have to get the girls from school. Well, Uhhbadee uh uh that's all folks!




          I'm sitting in my dark room, gloomy from the gray clouds outside my window and listening to the humming of the vacuum the cleaning lady is using. Its only 2pm and I've already had a crazy day! I woke up around 9am, took a shower and got ready. I walked out the door put on my headphones that sang me the sweet music of Milk n Cookies. A great way to start a day of errands.

    My first stop was at the local post office to send out my OFII forms to finish my visa. I haven't even ever been inside the post office in California I don’t think... Anyway, it was crowded and I didn’t really know what envelope I needed to send it, so I just picked one, turns out the wrong one of course. I asked a woman for help but her English was no better than my French. I showed here that I need something called a RAR and she talked about me having to go on the internet and explained the rest in French. I stood there; I’m sure looking really really confused. So I turned to the page in my packet that said what I needed to do, and just handed it to here. Turns out it wasn't what she was talking about. So she handed me a slip I needed to fill out. When I was done I turned it in, incorrectly filled I guess, so I had to do it again. A nice man explained to me that all this means is that a slip will come in the mail telling me I have to go back to the post office and get my letter. Why can't the letter just come to my house? I don't know but I wasn't going to question. I said merci and went on my way to find the school where I going to take my French classes.

    I have to take A3 toward Boissy, get off and Challet Les Halles and take the 4 toward port de Orleans and get off at... I forgot the stop name, but I got off at the right place. Despite me having everything marked down to a T even little arrows on my map to show me where to turn when I went to walk to the school from my stop, I had a chaotic trip. The A3 was fine, kind of slow and I just hummed to my music. I got off and was completely confused as to where the 4 was. I had been at this stop before and I never remembered a 4. I guess it’s always been there and I was just blind to see it, because there it was in front of me. I got on the escalator to follow the arrows up, but somehow I managed to trip and fall on some girl, who I then pushed down to steps... I was humiliated!!!! People probably thought I was like some crazy drunk at 11 in the morning who couldn't even stand straight anymore. I just ran the second I got off the stairs, and managed to bump some more people. I went to put my ticket it and the ticket taker thingys to get to the line I needed and I stood there for a minute trying to figure out why it would even feed in my ticket. Turns out it was closes. Ups, as the French say instead of oops. I went to the next one and some scary guy followed me through my open doors using me as a free ride, JERK! Then I found the train and it was PACKED. I couldn't move and I stepped on some girls toes who gave me the look of death and I smashed into people because I had nothing to hold onto. I eventually arrived to what I thought was my stop and realized I had one more so I turned around and jumped back in only to smash some more people.

    I finally arrived and went out the exit, the wrong exit and I was a block further than I had anticipated. I looked at my map and was like psssh easy, and kept walking to soon realize I was walking the wrong way. I turned around and wandered around and around until I finally found the school. I went to take my placement test, and some girl had her chair waaaaaay sticking out so I could pass her to my seat so I said "excuse me". Then remembering I was in France said "pardon". She replied to neither so I just jammed myself through a really tight squeeze then she gave me an evil look too. Well honey you’re the one who wouldn't scoot in! Anyway, after only answer one question in French (oui, j'aim chocolate) I was declared a debutant. A beginner which I already knew haha. I thought I got to pick my time of classes but I guess they assign it for me. I think I’m going to get the 9am class which sucks because it takes almost an hour to get there! But as long as I get a class I don't care.

    So finally now that it was almost 1pm I was making my way back and it started to rain, I didn't even bring a jacket! Luckily the metro is super close so I got on and was on my way home. That ride was pretty boring, except when I got off at Le Veisinet, I accidently ran into the guy sitting across from me and continued to trip out the door. Oh well.

    Oh I forgot to tell you about the scariest man ever! On train A3 on the way to school there was a strange and like weird person on the metro. He sat across from me, then he moved, then he moved again he moved all across the train. He looked like he was going to have a mental break down! His eyes darting all across the train, and he kept picking up his bag then setting it down and picking it up and setting it down. Since there’s nothing better to do on trains but make up stories, I decided he was a bomber and really scared myself until I finally realizes, he's probably just a crazy bum.

    Sheeew, and now I'm home and it's time for lunch. Soon I have to get the girls from school. Well, Uhhbadee uh uh that's all folks!




     

  • Ratatouille by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/7/201111:56:23 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

    Bonjour!
    I met up with lindsey a couple of times and we have a blast together! I'm so glad i have a friend here. The first day we got completley lost and ended up somehow in a forest. Then we headed to Batille and bought some new shoes (lindseys feet were hurting) that were really expensive but completley worth it. Then we had a beer at a random pub and chatted. Later the waiter informed us it was happy hour and asked if we'd like a cocktail. Lindsey asked what the most periasan drink was because we wanted what everyone else drinks... MOJITOS! not very french i thought, but i guess very hip right now in Paris. I had a strawbery one and lindsey had a kiwi one. After that we got a bagette from a bakery and it was soooooooo good. Later we found our way to the effile tower where we shared some wine right underneath it! It was amazing and it was all glowing, it was so beautiful! We evuentually made our way home and somehow the metro was easier since we had the wine haha. I go home and have a nice sleep. The next morning is my first day with the kids and its tough but fun. They are pretty well behaved and play with each other. Sometimes i stuggle thinking of things to do, i feel like i should be spending every second with them but i know thats a little extreme. As long as i know where they are and they are okay, i'm okay. I mean we can barley speak. I helped Margaux make a house out of legos and showed Chloe my favorite show when I was young, Sailor moon duh!!

    Soon Claire and David came home and I was on my way to meet lindsey again. This time we just got completly as lost as we could get and roamed in circles around the effile tower and the bridges on the Seine. It was really fun but very tiring and after walking so much we worked up and apetit and had a late dinner at a little cafe that you could see the effile tower from. It was really nice. I went home again, after for the past days its just been me and the kids. Except last night, to the advice of my friends bobby i went by myself to the downtown part of Le Vesinet to have a coffee.

    Claire and David are everything I could hope to have as a host family, they are nice and respectful and also very helpful and accommodating. I got lucky to have such a great family to live with here. But despite all the fun I've had so far, and the fun i know thats coming I still have trouble with homesick, which is part of the experience. This is and email i sent my mom last night.

    "I know they are very nice too. Im really insecure about what i do so when i do something wrong i feel really really bad and like they'll be mad or something but they never do. I guess they understand this is new for me. Like today when they got home from work i asked if they minded if i went to the downtown of le vesinet to get a coffee and claire said to make sure im home early so im not tired which is totally understandable and i think it was because on sunday i came home like at 1130esh and idk if that made them mad.. I cam home early tonight like at 930 i want even gone for an hour because i was scared. Its stupid things like this that make me feel bad and i know they arent mad. i feel like an intruder or something. UGH i wish i felt more comfortable and they do everything that should make me feel welcome. Claire got me two books about paris one about all these free places i can go and one that explains all the distrects of paris with detailed maps. It was really nice but i dont fell like i deserve it. I wish i was at home sometimes with you and dad and courtney. will you tell the boys i love them and miss them too!!! I know they dont really care but i miss every little thing about home. Our dirty floors, logan, the cats, our wrapping paper window. I miss you guys so much and i cant wait for you to visit. Idk what im going to do for christmas im pretty sure they are going to a family thing which of course they should and its totally resonable that i would go i wouldnt even want to go. but i'll just be here alone... maybe lindsey will be here and i will feel okay on christmas. I love you so much!!!"

    These feelings i know are part of my experience, but i hope they pass soon. On a brighter note, here are some more pictures!!!!! :)



     

  • Le Vesinet-Centre by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/3/20114:22:49 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

    Today I'm going to meet another au pair who lives in Le Vesinet. Her name is Linsdey and she's from California too! We're meeting in half an hour at the market in downtown. I think we are going to take the metro to Paris too! David took me on his bike today to show me how to use the tickets and where the metro is. The only other time i've been on a motorcycle was with my friend matt, who told me I had a death grip. I was terrified! but it was amazing to drive throught the city on a motorcycle!!! Now I'm off to meet lindsey. 

  • il pleut by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/3/20114:22:06 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

    Bonjour!

    I arrived in Les Vesinet this morning! It's beautiful here, the house looks like something out of an old book. The flight was long and hard, I didn't sleep much so I'm really really tired. Its 1030pm here and my bed is calling me and inticing me to go to sleep. Je suis fatigue, Marguax taught me that today. Let me start from the begining. I woke up at my house CA time 6am. I got ready, some of my good friends came over to see me off and soon i was on my way to the airport. The car ride there was filled with anxiety ridden chat. My friend amanda was luckily there to help calm me down. My dad drove and my mother sat in the front, and she radiated sadness and worry. She would glance back reach for my hand and give me a couple tight squeezes every now and again. All i could think was how much i was going to miss her. But despite the sadness of leaving the excitment of starting a new journey was bubbling inside me. I arrived at the airport, and a million hours later (really only like 16 hours) I was in Paris! I grabbed my luggage and as soon as i stepped out of the terminal there was my host family waiting.

    I had thought of this moment time and time again. How am I suppose to great them? Are they going to think I'm a dumb american girl? But these horrible thoughts slide out of my head as soon as Chloe ran up and hugged me. After a traditional french introduction kisses and all, we we're off to the house. The kids seemed very excited and really wanted to speak with me as much as they could. Margaux showed off her counting with Chole counting all the way to 13 in english. Romain asked me simple question, and most importantly about Harry Potter. He loves Harry Potter, and so do I! We pulled up to their beautiful house and i was greeted by mimi! The cutest cat I've ever seen. She literailly looks french. Soon I was being shown around the house and soon I was in my room getting ready to shower.

    It was the most confusing yet refreshign shower ever! After unpacking and sharing some of my things with the children it was time for lunch. It was delicious, tomatoes in olive oil for starting, chicken for the meal and apple sauce for dessert. After a wonderful lunch outside on the patio, me and the children settled down to watch Harry Potter. Harry is even more magical when he speaks french! Soon after that a little nap and then it was time for dinner. I was still super full from lunch but ate a little anyway. I had a salad and a little pasta. And now I'm here reflecting on my exciting day and wonderful day. And now I'm off to get some much needed sleep. 

  • Au Revoir! by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/3/20114:21:24 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

    Its 12:33 am. I guess I should be asleep, but at least I'll be tired for my flight. Tonight is my last night in California for a year. Its very surreal and it still hasn't quit sunk in that in 24 hours I will be in Paris. I'm so exited to meet the family and the kids and start my experiences there. My body is very weak and emotionally drained. The anxiety has made me physically sick these past couple days but as the hours tick by, i find that those feelings are replaced with excitement. I'm really going to miss a lot of things: family, friends, California in general. But I know that just around the bend is something amazing waiting for me and I can't wait to start my journey tomorrow. Well... See you in Paris! 

  • je suis de pomme frites by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/3/20111:02:56 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work



     

    Bonjour!
    It's officially summer! Schools out, no more finals!! I just have to survive summer then its off to France. Finally, I feel like I've been waiting so long to go. I started my ultimate summer checklist, and number one was disneyland. I can check that off, I went on Saturday... did I mention for free to! My friend, Amanda, works at disneyland so she got me and my other friend, Chelsea, in for free. We had no money so I packed us lunches... they weren't so good. My PB&J got really smooshed and it was hot and gross. I also brought fruit snacks those we're okay, but i really wanted a Dole Whip mmmmm. If you never had one your missing out on the best pineapple ice cream ever. We went on a lot of rides, and somehow I was convinced to go on the swinging gondola ride in CA adventure... It was horrifying! Its a huge Ferris wheel but the cabins swing and like shift, ugh never again. But I had a great time :)
    Next on my Ultimate Summer 2010 list, BBQ! Any ideas for the whats next?? 

  • Fraise by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/3/201112:40:27 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France

    Hello,
    Its time to really start thinking about how to spend my most American/Californian summer ever! Today the Ninot family offered me an official placement!!!! I can't wait to start getting everything together, getting my visa and signing up for the Au Pair classes. I'm so excited! My start date is a lot later than I had anticipated, August 26th, but I'm still making it back home by July 2011 to make the school year. I'll be living in     Le Vesinet, just a 20 min train ride to Paris. I have my own bedroom in their beautiful 9 bedroom 3 story house! I'll be caring for 3 children, Romain (11), Chloe (8) and Margaux (4). My typical day will be to walk the children to school, then free time until around 4 when the children are out of school. I'll probably be doing my online school work, I'm taking a couple classes online through my college, or maybe this will be when my Au Pair classes are. Then I will walk them home, make a snack, play, help with homework, help them with bath time and make dinner for me and the children. Their parents Claire and David will be coming home around dinner time and then I'm free again. I have all weekends off and get a train pass. The Ninot family are very welcoming and friendly. I'm really looking forward to working with them and living in France.

    First on my list of best last summer before France: Disneyland :D
    Any suggestions for next week? 

  • Orchids in the Moonlight by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/3/201112:26:32 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

    Hi everyone! :)

    So I talked to the Ninot family, and they're wonderful! Very nice and accommodating. They seem like a great family. We had a phone interview and I even talked to their past au pair and she had nothing but nice things to say about them. However, they emailed me on thursday and told me that they'd email me tomorrow (friday) with an answer-- either a formal offer or a pass. I'm still waiting for this email days later. The agency that the Nino tfamily is working with however emailed me the same day and said its a French holiday weekend and that the agency would contact me on monday. So, I don't know what to do!!! I have another family viewing my profile that I'm interested in as well, so if for a sad reason the Ninot family does not offer me a placement I hopefully have another family I can go with. This week has been crazy and its hard not to get lost and caught up in the confusing of placements. I just got to remember that when the right family is there it will work out.

    At least there's only one more week of school and its summer time! Before I go to France for a year, I've decided I need to experience the most American, most Californian summer ever!!!!! Beach, hot dogs, BBQ's, slip'n'slide.... any suggestions? 

  • meeting the inner explorer by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/3/201112:08:45 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

    très magnifique!

    I have a possible family placement!!! I might pee my pants!

    Today has been such a contrast of yesterday. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong. My photo final got waaaay messed up and in my rush to put together a last minute shoot I got a ticket for running a stop sign that I don't remember running. whoops!

    This morning I woke up feeling really sad about yesterday, I slugged my way over to check my email and BAM there was an offer. :D Let me tell you little about them: They are the Ninot family and live in Vesinet which is a 30 min train ride to Paris. They have 3 kids, 11, 9 and 5. Did I mention they have a cat, I love cats!

    I hope they offer me the placement, wish me luck and check back soon to hear more! 

  • Learning to Sail by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/3/201111:59:46 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

    Goooooood morning!

    I know it's already 1pm, but I just woke up about an hour ago. It felt so good to sleep in! I started my day with some toast and some blueberries. After ready some trashy magazines and catching up on the latest star gossip, I moseyed down to the computer to check my email. Kristen from Cultural Embrace gave me some hopefully exciting news! Two families are reviewing my profile!!! I hope so much one of them offers me a placement! What a great start to a great morning/afternoon!

    Now I have to make my contact sheet for my photo assignment. Hopefully photo goes smoothly today too! :) 

  • bonjour!!! by Childcare in France Participant Stephanie Pratt

    6/3/201111:25:36 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Childcare, Featured Participants, France, Work

    Hi everyone! Let me begin by introducing myself, my name is Stephanie. I'm 20 years old and I'm a current student at Fullerton College, which is in Fullerton, California. (Orange County) I've lived here for basically my whole life and I love it here! I have a great journey ahead of me. I'm going to Au Pair in France for a year and I've been accepted as the Au Pair in Europe Advisor Abroad. I'm here to share my experiences with you!

    I really enjoy traveling!!! So far I've been to some other states, like Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, and Washington D.C. I've been to Mexico for a day. But the best travel experience I've had hands down was when I went to England and France April 2007. My history teacher set up a trip through EF tours, and some of my friends, classmates and my teacher went on a 10 day tour. That trip inspired me to travel, to see and to experience new places. After France, when I come back from Au Pairing, I want to road trip across America-- from the west coast to the east coast.

    My history teacher, Mr. Muhovich definitely inspired me to travel. He stressed how traveling rounds out a person. He taught me that there is more to see and more to experience than whats in your own backyard. My desire to explore is closely connected to the Cultural Embrace mission: discoverdifferences and share similarities. I want to do just that, I want to see how different and wonderful the world is. Traveling decays the animosity in the world by shedding light on different people and different cultures. I believe with experience comes wisdom, as Mark Twain said it, "travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and the narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's life time."

    This is just the beginning of a great adventure ahead! 

Categories

Archives