(Amusing graffiti in Trastevere, Rome) Total spend of somewhere around 300 euros, seriously aching, blistered feet, nearly 20 hours on long distance coaches, and some really dreadful photographs. So was my trip to Rome worth it? Hell, yeah! My weekend … Continue reading
(image by EagleXDV on Flickr) Our oven is a fearsome beast, heating either at blisteringly hot or HOTTER THAN THE SURFACE OF THE SUN. The simmering ring doesn’t even work. I assume it’s not considered worthwhile using such a small … Continue reading
On Tuesdays and Thursdays I teach a group of five 15- to 18-year-olds. They may know the language of grammar (auxiliary/modal/state verbs, adjectives, subject/object/pronoun etc), but putting the rules into practice is an entirely different matter. They’re a really entertaining … Continue reading
Yesterday, as I chatted to my students, I discovered that they have read Beowulf and the Canterbury Tales in their usual school. Flabbergasted doesn’t really cover it. I asked if they had read them in English and they said yes. … Continue reading
When I told people that I was moving to southern Italy, usually the response was something along the lines of, ‘oh, the food’s WONDERFUL there!’ This would closely be followed by something about endless sunshine. The sunshine bit is holding … Continue reading
(image by Whisperwolf on Flickr) Learning Italian is a bit of a hit and miss affair with me. I have neither the time nor the inclination to sit down with books and learn by rote, so I tend to pick … Continue reading
It is a little over a month after my arrival in Italy. I am in my classroom, planning three lessons for later in the day. I’m not getting all that far, as I keep being interrupted by my special needs … Continue reading
(Image by freto78 on Flickr) The first week of November has been beautifully sunny and warm, so it’s a disappointment to wake up on Friday morning, my day off, to find that it’s grey and threatening rain. By Saturday this … Continue reading
(image from Old School Paul on Flickr) One of the things that I really miss about the UK is Germolene. It is usually the answer to all my minor skin complaints, including (but not limited to) the many stupid injuries … Continue reading
(image by Paolo Margari on Flickr) It is an Italian tradition to take an evening stroll, known as the passeggiata. It is far less about getting fresh air than seeing and being seen. This country is all about the outward appearance. … Continue reading
