An update
Well, I've settled in a bit, although the language barrier is still a bit daunting, at times. I've picked up a little bit of German, but have been too busy to give it my full attention. Hopefully, I'll have a bit more time in future, as I do feel a bit like the village idiot! At least I'm not alone, as all the other new teachers and families new to the school are going through the same thing. I even have 7 non-English speaking children in my class, which I didn't expect, so communication is the issue of the hour, so to speak - at least it seems to be in my life!
It hasn't been an easy start to school, but I've survived the first 1/2 term. I have a child in my class who is newly adopted from Brazil. He and his little brother (who is in the pre-reception class across the hall)have obviously had it tough until now, and the first 1/2 term has been spent letting them adjust to their new institution (our school), being very patient of their bad behaviour, and trying to get the rest of the class in to the school routine. I have had very high stress levels b/c of this (as have all involved, including my principal who was run at with a pair of scissors during one tantrum episode! Another staff member told me he was in tears in his office that day after school, and she had never seen him so upset.), a hurt back (as the result of another tantrum episode), and was MORE than ready for a break, which we have this week. Needless to say, I did not expect to go through this sort of situation when I took the position - especially b/c it's a very nice, private school! I feel I have more than earned my stripes here, so far, and was told the other day by my principal that I am doing a wonderful job, but it's been a very long haul.
At least the weekends are nice (although too short!). Munich is lovely: very clean and the architecture is beautiful. There is tons to do and I have more of a social life than I have had in a while, which is nice although I'm trying to find the balance between social time and 'me time.' It's a bit frustrating that things are closed on Sunday (only the airport shops stay open, which I find strange. I'm often there on Sundays!), but I'm learning to get used to it.
One nice thing about being here is that things are a bit less expensive, and although the taxes are high the quality of living for the money is better than in London. I have money in the bank for the first time in years, which is nice. And, most of the debt is paid off! I just have a little bit to pay off on a UK credit card, but as I just got a refund on my UK taxes, that should be paid off very soon. WHOO HOO! Now if I could just get the financial aid paid off...
Tomorrow I'm off to London for a short visit, which is very exciting. I can't wait to hear English in public again! And, I have a shopping list a mile long. Today, the guy is here to replace the kitchen counter, which had been damaged by Joan's brother before I came. It's been a long morning, and I wish I'd had more to eat before the guy got here, but at least it will be done. I've had a few days of lazing around and of shopping in town, which I needed, and have cleaned and done some laundry and am nearly packed, so all is well.
So, sorry if I've been quiet, but now you know why. Hopefully, I will have more time to post in future.
Cheers, me dears!
:)