My first task was "Star of the Week," in which I presented a few things about myself to the students who then made their own project based on what they learned about me.  

On Saturday my family took me to a little village where The Grandparents live.  

My host mother's family was there, meaning nine people (well, eight fully-functionable people and one baby) all stayedin a tiny house for the night!  Though there was very little privacy, and no one else spoke English outside my host family, I had a lot of fun.  We played Macau with The Uncle, confused The Dog with a coat, and built houses of cards whilst a Polish game show played bizarrely in the background.  Snuggled under a blanket, reading, while everyone around me spoke a language I never understood was a lovely time spent well.

The next day we visited the ruins at Czersk, which were, I believe, the first ruins I have ever seen. They did not disappoint. I even climbed terrified to the top of a tower just to say I did it.  Roller coasters, no problem. Medieval tower? No thank you. 

Natalie:)

My first week in Warsaw was spent partially trying to take in as much knowledge as I could possibly absorb and entirely creating incredibly close friendships.  

As us seven Canadians--the only new volunteers this term--partook in the TEFL course at the British Council, we eagerly bonded through being completely foreign in Poland.  From learning how to manage a classroom to Mexican-English pub outings, it was hard to part on Saturday from Nathan's lovely little Villa.  But I met my host mother and was whisked out of the comfort zone we created together in our messy room.  

But I was more than excited to meet my new family for the next five months, despite sickness brewing in my sinuses.  For my first meal in my new home we ate traditional homemade tomato soup--it is so delicious!

On Sunday I explored Old Town with my host mother and her children; the little baby slept happily as his stroller bumped and rattled over cobblestones.  We had Italian ice cream whilst out on our adventure, and it is fair to say it was the best "swirly ice cream" I have ever tasted.  For dinner we went to a traditional Polish restaurant where we devoured pierogi and tea.  I am happy that I fit in with my host family so perfectly, so easily.

Natalie:)