Marsa

Yesterday was my first day teaching english to African immigrants at the Marsa Open Center. It was one of the best three hours I have ever spent. The men there want to learn so badly, and they all are really good students so far. They have focus and drive and really try so hard. I worked with three men. One just wanted the alphabet, one wanted to read and one, Stephan, with whom I spent the majority of the time with, wanted to learn grammar. He specifically wanted to learn vowels and the sounds they make, and how to know what vowel is which. He stumped me. I tried my best, but teaching is a lot harder than it seems. Especially grammar to someone who only knows conversational english. It was so much fun though.

We went on a tour of Mdina. One of the coolest towns I have ever been to. It is all enclosed behind walls, because of the many wars from long ago. A very european town, with some really good food. We also went to the catacombs, which was one of the creepiest experiences of my life. I wasnt a fan. The first two minutes or so were fun, then when you were deep underground with mass graves all around you, and people in front of you and behind you, and its dark, and cold...you get a little clausterphobic and then realize that you are surrounded by graves. By actual energy of the dead people. Creepy. I bought some cool things from the craft stores around there though. We went to a glass blowing studio, and a jewelry studio. They have some really wonderful crafts and art here.

Tonight our local pub owner, Simon, is throwing us sangria night. He does this every year evidently, and I am pumped for it. Simons is one block down the street, so we frequent there a lot. I have made a couple of friends from malta at the pub, and I have met many, many English people, who are quick to buy you lots and lots of pints. I counted about 6 last night. I kept saying no, but apparently, no isnt an acceptable answer in a pub. I have met so wicked cool people in the sauna too! From all over the world. Its rather entertaining.

Its chillier here now. Or maybe we have just adapted to the weather, but this means to sun tanning. Brr. So i'll just have to be pale for a little while longer. I will continue to watch these year round tan people stare at me because of it. haha, oh the joys of being American. I think its better to be Canadian. Also, EVERYBODY has an opinion on our election. I have heard it all over and over. Clinton is the favorite here.

Thats all for now.