Remember I wished you a good Easter in my previous Erasmus blogpost?
Well, that's almost one month ago! Time is flying when you're having fun!
In all those weeks that have passed, I experienced a lot.
Specially for you, a short summary of my last weeks in Glasgow:
~ Finally started my teaching placement in a primary school:
Imagine being in a classroom with 29 children of 9-10 years old two days a week from 9am until 3pm. Well, that's exactly what my teaching practice was!
For 4 weeks I observed and did a lot of assistant teaching in that class. Two days a week of energetic children, eye openers, receiving inner warmth of friendly people, supporting children in need and being dead tired afterwards. It wasn't easy since I never was or will be a primary teacher and I didn't know anything about primary teaching, but I had the time of my life. #respectforprimaryteachers
Really, R.E.S.P.E.C.T. for all those teachers out there who support those children every day with the biggest smile on their face. I never can do what they do. They deserve a statue. And of course, thank you, cutiepies for this goodbye card and present which melted my heart:
~ Feeling stressed for writing thousands of papers:
One thing I learned these last weeks of my Erasmus, is I have to flexible and patient. Like VERY flexible.
Only last week my flat mate and I received the instructions for a paper about a course we did in April with the deadline on 23rd of May. Following with the instructions for a whole placement file (including more papers) with a deadline on 19th of May and again followed by the instructions for a final presentation on 19th of May as well. Do I feel stressed, you ask? Well no, not a bit, just relaxed, just chill. TOTALLY NOT!
Such a great thing knowing we just need to write all the papers for our grades in the final, very very last week of our Erasmus period after having no school work for 3,5 months. Just a great ending, isn't it?
~ Sisters reunited!
My 'big' (she is the same height as me though) sister visited me for a weekend of sister catching up stories! It was so great to see her again and to spend some quality time together.
~ Dinner times:
We had one week of a lot of dinner parties with other Erasmus students. Like in one week we ate so much, I can't even describe it. But eating is fun, so great week!
~ Day trip to Inverness and Loch Ness:
I spent some time with Nessie. Well not only with Nessie. My fellow student from Belgium and I reunited with two other students from our university college in Ghent since they are here in Scotland for a short period of teaching practice. It was so much fun and the greatest weather I have experienced in those 4 months. Seeing the Highlands in sunshine took my breath away.
~ Three day trip to Aberdeen:
Last weekend Marie (my fellow student from Belgium) and I travelled to Aberdeen with our friend and ex-flat mate Mahsa to get away from all the stress. It was really the ideal break to refill myself with some new energy. Unfortunately I got a cold and was a bit sick. But that horrible feeling was immediately gone when I saw the sea! Ow, how happy the sea can make me!
So, that's about it. This week is already my final week in Glasgow, I can't believe it to be honest. Next Tuesday, the 23rd, this wee bonnie lass is going home. Like Belgium way of home. Damn, I don't know if I'm ready.
I'm so grateful for this journey that changed me for life. I will never forget this adventure and will always be in love with the beauty of this country and of course the most friendly people in the world.
I will miss you, Scotland. Not just a wee bit, but immensely!
Thanks to everyone who made it possible for me to explore these 4 months and to make me a better person.
As a new reborn woman I'll return.
Lots of love,
MJ