PON ASL ESTERO 2018 by Gabriele Oliveto https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r Chester Field Trip 3F Oliveto and Liberti en-us 2018-06-18 08:52:33 UTC 2024-01-15 04:52:11 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Send.png Day 1 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269092704 This is what I call a tiring day. I've been awake since 3:00 a.m. Our group and I met at Orio al Serio airport at 4:30 a.m and then reached the gate by 6:30.
We landed at London Stansted at 7:30 (local time) and then we took the coach from London to Chester: this was an ENDLESS journey.
Finally we got to Chester by 1:30 p.m and we met our host-family: Paul and Claire Martin
They live in a HUGE house in Marford (we discovered that we live in Wales lol) and it's pretty far from the school and the city centre.
I'm totally optimistic about this new adventure and I'm looking forward to having new experiences.]]> 2018-07-01 21:16:03 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269092704 Day one 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269093654 It took us a long time, but here we are! I woke up at half past three in the morning to reach Orio al Serio Airport at 4.30 am! We took off on time and we arrived at Stansted Airport (London) at 7 and there was the coach which took us to Chester. We arrived in Chester at 2 pm and we were welcomed by the Centre Manager of Conlan School who introduced us to our host families. Our host parents are Claire and Martin. They showed us the way to get to the city center from our new home... we are staying in Wales! 50 minutes by bus from Marford to Chester. We had lunch and decided to relax, but then we went for a walk to discover something more about our town. Then we met the other two students hosted by our family: they are from Asti! We quickly socialized and had dinner together. We watched a World Cup match with all the family and now we are planning to go to sleep and recover some energy for tomorrow, but not before a refreshing shower! 🏴🏴]]> 2018-07-01 21:37:44 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269093654 Day 2 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269195362 Today was a very chilly day: we woke up at 7:00 a.m and had breakfast, then the other two Italian boys (they are sharing the house with us) showed us the way to get to Conlan school, which is actually endless (50 minutes more or less).
First, we had a test, a bit difficult, but I managed to do it as well as I could, then we did a tour of the city centre and had lunch outside.
During the afternoon we should have had a meeting with our supervisors at our work placements, but unfortunately Andy was sick and we're probably going to have the meeting tomorrow. Instead of doing that, we went sightseeing and we got time to plan an open-air cinema experience and to do a boat trip on the river Dee, which was wonderful.
Then we went back home for dinner after spending some time at Starbuck's.
We had dinner at 7:30 p.m and we ate Pasta with Bolognese sauce.
Later we watched the world cup on TV.
I really love this adventure and this atmosphere.]]> 2018-07-02 21:25:33 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269195362 Day two 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269195683 This morning we woke up at 7 o'clock and had a typical American breakfast with the other two students hosted by our family: toasted bread and peanut butter! We reached school at ten to nine; the bus takes more or less 35 minutes to get to the school stop. We had lessons about safety inside the school and and outside the school, British rules and laws and behaviour with the host families. After lunch we did a tour through Chester with a teacher from Conlan School and then we had some free time to visit the city on our own. The boat trip on the river Dee was amazing! We discovered something new about the history of Chester. Then we had some free time to spend in the city centre. I went to Starbucks' for the first time!
At ten past six we took the bus to go back home and we also met one of the students who is staying with us. We had pasta with Bolognese sauce for dinner and then we watched the world cup match together. ⚽🏆]]> 2018-07-02 21:30:30 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269195683 Day 3 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269308136 What a great day it was today!
It was very sunny and hot and we had a lot of free time.
We had 2 hours of lessons about tourism, then we had lunch.
Later, we met Ed, an expert, who gave us some infos about the Roman origins of Chester: it was very interesting.
Finally we had a walk in Chester: we visited the Roman walls and the Rows.
We went back home for dinner (which was a bit earlier because of the football match) and then we went to Chester again because we hung out a bit with the 2 boys who are staying with us and their friends
We went back home before curfew and I really enjoyed myself tonight
I love this experience!]]> 2018-07-03 21:47:19 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269308136 Day three 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269309137 This morning I tried strawberry jam for breakfast and I must say it was good! Today we reached school on our own thanks to the other students staying with us who had told us the way to get to school. At school we did some oral and written activities like dialogues in a travel agency. Then we had lunch from half past twelve to half past one. In the afternoon we met Ed, a fantastic guide, who told us about the economic situation concerning tourism in Chester and the UK and the history of the city. Later we did a tour on the Roman walls and in the centre. Then we had some free time but Gabriele and I went back home to have a shower because we went out with our new friends in the evening and we could eat earlier because of England's world cup match. We came back home together just in time to watch the penalties and to see England win against Columbia, for the joy of our host parents. 🏴󐁧󐁢󐁥󐁮]]> 2018-07-03 22:05:39 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269309137 Day 4 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269408284 Today it was the funniest day so far I think.
We had a two-hour lesson on economics and it was really interesting.
Our teacher, Ruth, explained to us how to prepare a pitch: we played a sort of role play game:  my group had to explain a project through a pitch and the other classmates were business men and had to decide whether to give us money or not: it was really interesting.
Then, in the afternoon, we went to Llangollen, in north Wales, a lovely village completely surrounded by nature: I really enjoyed the walk we had in nature because it allowed me to think and sometimes I need to stay alone for a while.
After a tour in the city centre, we went back home and I had a walk outside with my friends Simone, Salim and Manuel.
I loved this Day!]]> 2018-07-04 20:50:49 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269408284 Day four 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269408567 Today we had two lessons about economy with a new teacher and I found them absolutely fantastic! I have never learnt this subject and in English it is even more interesting and intriguing. The teacher talked about "pitches" and how to present a product or an idea to persuade someone to finance your project. After lunch we went to Llangollen, a lovely town in Wales. We visited the Horseshoe Falls and had a walk along the canal. Then we had some free time to spend in the town centre. After that, we went back to Chester and went home. We had a refreshing shower and  had dinner all together. After the meal we decided to have a walk with our housemates and so we went to the nearest park to chat a bit and now we are just relaxing in our rooms and getting ready for tomorrow because we are going to visit our work placement. 💥]]> 2018-07-04 20:56:39 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269408567 Day five 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269505942 This morning we caught the bus with our housemates and we had a lesson about sports at school. We learnt new vocabulary and discussed our experience with sports. After lunch we went to the University of Chester and we had a lesson about economy and the tourism industry in Chester. A professor told us the meaning of sustainable tourism and how it is applied in the area. Then we visited our work placements with the Conlan school teachers. After dinner we went to a park near our house to play football with our housemates. Now we are finally getting ready to start our work experience with a restful sleep!]]> 2018-07-05 21:08:54 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269505942 Day 5 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269508454 What a fantastic day!
After breakfast we went to school and had a lesson on sport, but unfortunately Simone and I had to go back home because we had a problem to solve. After that, we had lunch and then went to the University of Chester.
A professor explained to us the definition of Sustainable Tourism and it was really interesting: I love these university-style lectures because they are so useful for our future.
After the lecture, we visited our work placements because we are going to start working tomorrow.
I'm actually really nervous and I have a lot of anxiety lol.
We went back home for dinner and then went out and played football in a football pitch near our house.
Salim and I won!!
I'm looking forward to tomorrow! ]]> 2018-07-05 21:52:31 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269508454 Day six 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269585580 This was the day! I started work at 9.45, I prepared the café for the opening. I learnt to make coffees, espressos, lattes and cappuccinos. I served and did the washing-up! They offered me a free drink before the break and after it they taught me how to make ice-cream. I had to remember all the different prices of the cold and cool drinks and the different kinds of ice-cream. Finally, they gave me half of the tips and gave me a coke as a present! They told me I speak a brilliant English and I have done very well. We had supper earlier and we went to one of our friends' home to meet our housemates' friends! What a busy day...]]> 2018-07-06 20:57:55 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269585580 Day 6 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269586653 This day was probably the hardest  one because we started our work experience: I was very anxious but in the end everything was fine.
In the morning, after breakfast I went to my work placement and a woman told me a bit about how things worked and gave me some hints; she also introduced me to the boss, then I had to sell raffle tickets all morning: it was boring, but fortunately in the afternoon, after the break, a guy, Phil, explained to me how to use the till and I simply loved it: I could interact with everyone and almost all the customers were nice to me since it was my first day and I was a bit nervous and slow.
Later, after dinner, Simone, Salim and I went out with our friends and had a really good time: We socialized a lot with the other guys from Asti.
Everything is ok and tomorrow we're going to Manchester so I'm really happy about that!]]> 2018-07-06 21:27:33 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269586653 Day 7 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269629580 Today was a fantastic day: I finally visited Manchester.
We woke up later this morning, maybe too late because we nearly missed the bus, but we managed to get there in the end.
We took our coach at 9:30 and got to Manchester by 10:45
First, we visited the Manchester United Stadium: Old Trafford. Even though I'm not keen on football I loved it!
Then we visited the Museum of Science and Industry: it was a very interesting experience because I love the Industrial Revolution and also the world of Technology in general. Before lunch we visited the Air and Space section of the museum and that was my favourite part!
After lunch we visited the Main Library which contains lots of old manuscripts: that was a very charming place and I loved it.
In the afternoon we had a lot of free time: I visited the Hard Rock Café, which was full because of the Match, but I managed to buy a T-shirt.
Later, Simone and I visited the International football Museum and then the Cathedral.
After a while, the coach came and we went back to Chester.
I loved the city of Manchester and I'm looking forward to returning there.
]]> 2018-07-07 20:58:42 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269629580 Day seven 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269630239 Today we lay in bed a bit more! We woke up at a quarter past eight so we quickly had breakfast and got ready to go to the bus stop because we didn't want to be late. We went to Manchester by coach and it took us one hour and a half to get there. Our first stop was Old Trafford, Manchester United stadium. We saw it from the outside but we got into the store too. Obviously I searched and checked the entire shop! I finally bought a sweatshirt with the official crest and the sponsor. Then we visited the Science & Industry Museum where we experienced personally science laws and saw the first aircraft, the first railway station and trains and some military vehicles. After lunch we went to the city centre and visited the main library of the city where old books and handbooks are preserved. We took lots of funny photos in the recommended spots and then we had some free time to spend in the centre. Gabriele and I visited the National football museum and as soon as we got in, England scored a goal so we heard the shouts of the whole city! We also visited the cathedral and then we went back to Chester. We were so tired that we immediately went to the bus stop to go home... after dinner we watched the quarter finals of the world cup together and now we are ready for bed 😴]]> 2018-07-07 21:18:58 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269630239 Day 8 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269673739 Today was very relaxing, we had a free day and I loved it!
Simone and I slept more than usual, then we woke up and had breakfast, I read some comics and then we took the bus, got to the Cathedral Gardens and had lunch with Alessia and Megan.
After lunch we visited three of the tourist attractions we hadn't visited yet.
First of all, we visited the Cathedral, which was fantastic: I loved its architecture!
After the Cathedral, we visited the City Walls: they're so charming! You can simply see all the city and the River Dee from the top and it's fantastic.
Before going home, we went to the Grosvenor Museum and learnt something about the Roman origins of Chester: it was really interesting because there were also some interactive games about Romans lifestyle and architecture.
The last room of the museum contained different modern sculptures that criticized modern society and I really enjoyed that part because they made me think a lot.
I'm enjoying Chester also from a touristic point of view. It has so many things to see and do and that's simply amazing.
]]> 2018-07-08 21:13:50 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269673739 Day eight 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269674291 This morning we finally had the opportunity of staying in bed a bit more... we had breakfast and went back to our bedroom to tidy up and put everything in order. We had planned to have a walk in Chester but when we reached the bus stop I realized I had forgotten my weekly pass at home... I had never run so fast until today but it was worth it, because we managed to catch the bus in the end. We hung out in the Cathedral garden with our friends and we had lunch together. Then we visited the cathedral and its cloister. Later we followed the Roman walls and discovered new amazing spots around the city. Lastly we checked out the Grosvenor museum. We saw the old Roman version of Chester and the remains. Then we also visited the art gallery where I was touched by different sculptures about war in the middle east and ISIS. Finally, we went home to have a shower and then immediately back to Chester because we had booked dinner in a typical Italian restaurant called «Sergio's» with our friends from Asti and after a walk through the city centre we are finally home 😴]]> 2018-07-08 21:28:58 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269674291 Day 9 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269773350 This day was simply fantastic!
I just got home after dinner and I'm really excited!
Today was the real beginning of our work experience: it's weird, because the other Italian guys are leaving these days so I'll be alone, but this shouldn't be a problem because I love my team and I've already socialized with almost all of them. My duties include tidying-up, working at the till (I love that) and helping to carry all the boxes with donations and to put them in order. I'm always busy because the shop is always full of customers: everyone here's soooo lovely.
After selling raffle tickets and tidying-up in the morning I also used the till and signed the safety documents.
In the afternoon I mostly used the till and carried lots of boxes full of bags containing donated clothes upstairs.
This day was awesome and ended even better.
After dinner (we talked a lot to our family about work and I love them) we went out and played football in the park: there we met 2 Welsh boys (they were 15 and 11), who were playing football too. We asked them if they wanted to play with us and played a 3v3 match: they were awesome and we talked a lot with them: it's simply amazing how football creates links among people.
Now I'm sleepy and I think I'm going to bed.]]> 2018-07-09 20:30:59 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269773350 Day nine 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269774445 Today I accompanied Gabriele to his charity shop because he starts working before my café opens. Then I reached the café and I met a new employee: Julie. It was a very boring shift because the café wasn't absolutely busy and I just prepared some coffees, teas and did the washing-up. My employer was getting nervous because nobody came in! At one o'clock I had lunch at the Cross with my class and then I went back to the café hoping there would be some more customers... in the afternoon I sold lots of ice cream and helped to clean up the café for tomorrow. After work I caught the bus with Gabriele and Salim (one of our housemates) and we had dinner all together. Then we went out to play football in a park near our house in Marford and met two Welsh brothers who were playing, so we joined them. That was amazing because we talked about our countries and also because they had just been to Italy on holiday. After we had come back home, we had a shower to freshen up and get ready for another working day! 💥]]> 2018-07-09 20:47:23 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269774445 Day ten 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269881911 This morning we went to Chester with our housemates. After I had kept some company to Gabriele, I went to the café and helped Claire (my employer) to open. Today I worked only with her because the other colleague was sick! So I had to look after the café on my own! Taking orders, preparing coffees, teas, ice creams, changing the money and so on... we had quite a busy morning but after my break I was able to handle the situation very well and I learnt how to use the credit card reader (even though I ripped the first receipt I had done 😂). I made plenty of ice cream but I like it because for me it's relaxing 🤔. After work we went back home together. There was more traffic than usual so we arrived a bit later but we found dinner almost ready and it was good, so 😛. Then, after watching the world cup semi-final, I had a shower to get ready for tomorrow because I will switch job for a day ☺]]> 2018-07-10 21:17:26 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269881911 Day 10 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269882821 toOof! I'm really tired today! Today the shop was always busy: we had plenty of things to do and (fortunately) time passed quickly.
As soon as I got into the shop at 9 a.m. I helped one of my colleagues, Melinda, to tidy up and then with the stocktaking organisation.
It may sound crazy, but I think that Charity Shops (even though they're small shops) have to do more stuff than any other shop in general: they not only have to receive brand-new clothes and material, they also have to pick up and organise all the donations (which are an enormous amount of them).
So, I spent my morning helping with the shop organisation and I also had time to work at the till (I always have fun because I can socialize with everyone); I also loved doing the inventory because I co-operated with my colleagues and we spoke a lot of English.
After lunch the shop was less busy, but sometimes still hard to manage with all these customers at the till: I met a German, a French and two Italian women: basically I spoke all the languages I'm studying lol.
I also met my first (hope the last) annoying customer: well, I expected to meet one somehow, better now than later :); In the end I simply handled the situation and tried to keep calm and not to shout in front of that customer: but I did it in the end :)).
After dinner we watched the World Cup with our family and I love the atmosphere when we're all on the sofa joking and chatting: I really appreciate it.
This work experience is amazing so far!
The host family is lovely too.
Can't wait for tomorrow:)]]> 2018-07-10 21:37:40 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269882821 Day 11 gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269979387 Today was not what I call a good day.
I'm a bit sad today and work didn't help me so much because literally nobody entered the shop: there were no customers and something like five volunteers so there was pretty nothing to do. I hope tomorrow will be better :).
While I was waiting for something to do I searched in the book-section and found two books I love: the first one is a book about the rivalry between French and English people and this is really, really funny; the second one is about psychology: it is called "Beginning Psychology" and I love it since I love Psychology and I'd like to deepen my knowledge of it on my own in these years or maybe at University.
The afternoon was as boring as the morning, so our boss let me leave a little earlier: I spent this extra free-time buying a video-game and popping in one of my friends' shop.
Later, after dinner everything was ready for the match, except for Paul, who is really excited.
We ate pizza, hot dogs, baked potatoes and salad with coleslaw.
I love my host family: they're all very funny and I always enjoy talking to them :)]]> 2018-07-11 19:14:28 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/269979387 Day eleven 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270022420 Today I went to Conlan School instead of going to my café because it is closed on Wednesdays. Sean entrusted me with a special task: I had to visit the work places of all my schoolmates and prepare a presentation about our work experience. I started from the farthest so Valentina. I planned my route and the questions I would ask. I interviewed my schoolmates and also some of supervisors and obviously took some photos or filmed them while they were doing their job. It was interesting to learn what the supervisors thought about my friends! At the end of the tour I checked my phone: I had walked for 20 kilometres ! Ready for next Wednesday to edit the videos and the photos together at school... then we met at the Cross and went to the bus stop. We had dinner earlier because of the world cup football match, England v. Croatia. The atmosphere in the streets and at home was amazing. 
Now all I need is a refreshing shower to get ready for work tomorrow!]]> 2018-07-12 06:24:17 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270022420 Day 12 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270090702 What a strange day today!
Today I continued my work experience, which was REALLY HARD.
In the morning I was alone in the shop with my boss, Lisa, so we had to manage the shop which was full: it was a complete success.
I can't say the same thing for the afternoon: everything was perfect until the last part of my shift: the shop was so crowded and I was so under pressure that I made two mistakes at the till: I was really worried and apologised to my bosses and everything should be ok now.
Later, after work we went to the restaurant "The Church": a wonderful place which used to be a church a few years ago.
After dinner, which was super tasty and I loved it, we hung out with some of the guys from the other group: we visited the Roman Walls and then got on the Bus to go home.]]> 2018-07-12 21:23:13 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270090702 Day twelve 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270092504 This morning I had to look after the hall on my own because there was only my employer, but Jane was still sick. I am getting used to taking orders, preparing them and serving customers. Today the most difficult situation was with a Scottish family: they have an impossible accent also for English people. In the afternoon the café was not busy at all, so I only made some ice cream and relaxed. After work we went to 'the Church' an English pub built in a Church. Then we met our friends from Asti because they are leaving this Saturday. On the bus home I enjoyed music because I was in a bad mood...]]> 2018-07-12 22:09:15 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270092504 Day thirteen 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270170500 This working week has ended at last! Today I discussed with my colleagues about our languages and cultures... I learnt some Welsh and they learnt some Italian words. We had a new Scottish family... impossible to understand also for English people. I designed the cover of the new visitors' book and the first good reviews have come ☺. They prepared some toast with marmite and black pudding from Chester: delicious. Tonight we went out with our friends from Asti because they are leaving on Sunday. Now I must get ready for Liverpool tomorrow 🔥]]> 2018-07-13 20:58:30 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270170500 Day 13 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270170964 Today was a disaster!
Everything was awful! (Friday the 13th).
At work I got bored because there were no customers and I did literally nothing.
The only interesting thing I did was talking to my colleagues and to a customer.
After lunch the sky became grey and it was really cold: I hated it!
The only thing I liked was that after work we ate out with the guys from Asti: it was our last chance to see them before their departure: I will miss them so much!]]> 2018-07-13 21:15:02 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270170964 Day 14 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270205973 Today we went to Liverpool: we met at 9:45 in front of Conlan school and took our coach: Liverpool is amazing and James was fantastic and told us some stories about the Anfield Stadium. After the visit to the Stadium, the group split and I visited the Beatles' Museum: it was really interesting and we had really a good time, then we got out and had lunch, we met the other group and went to the city centre and had some free time: it was great.
After that we came back home and had dinner.
After dinner we played football with our mates: that's our last day together and tomorrow they are going to leave: I will miss them so much, but there's a positive side about that because some new Italian guys are coming tomorrow morning so I'm looking forward to meeting them!]]> 2018-07-14 21:03:55 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270205973 Day fourteen 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270206076 Today we got ready to go to Liverpool! Our first stop was the Anfield Stadium, unfortunately we didn't go to the official store but we did a tour around the stadium. Then we got to the centre and visited the Beatles' museum. I discovered new facts about the most important rock band of the UK. After the visit, I bought some souvenirs for my parents. Then we had lunch together and James took us to see the most important buildings of Liverpool and the Beatles' statues. Then we had some free time and so I went shopping with Gabriele and I found a nice under armour t-shirt 👕. After some shopping we got on the coach and went back to Chester and then home by bus. After dinner we went to the park near our house to play football... unfortunately this is our friends' last night.]]> 2018-07-14 21:09:38 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270206076 Day 15 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270240409 Today was a good day: we visited Llandudno and Conwy Castle and our group included our mates from Asti: it was their last day and it was really sad.
After breakfast Paul drove us to Conlan school, there we took the coach and reached Conwy castle: it was a wonderful experience and I loved getting to the top of the towers and exploring the Castle on my own.
Later we went to Llandudno: there we visited the Promenade, the Pier and the town centre: this is what I call a wonderful place, I loved it!
After that we came back to Chester and said goodbye to our friends: I'll miss them so much and it is incredible how we created such strong links between us. Anyway we have already organised a meeting in Milan: I'm looking forward to meeting them again.
Now we're waiting for the other Italian guys to come: I'm looking forward to it!]]> 2018-07-15 19:23:32 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270240409 Day fifteen 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270246349 Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to our friends from Asti today... this morning we went to Conwy and Llandudno together, and we visited Conwy castle. We learnt something about the history of the castle and the medieval walls around the town. After lunch we went to Llandudno, and spent some free time in the gardens of Alice in Wonderland. Then we had some time to visit the Pier, one of the longest in the UK (700m !!!). Finally, we spent some time in the town centre. On the way back to Chester we watched the world cup final all together on the coach. We hugged all our housemates and "new" friends 😢😢😢 so sad about that. We waited for the new two students from Italy to have dinner together. They are from Florence, we chatted a lot and showed them the main places in Marford. 😴😴😴]]> 2018-07-15 22:30:04 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270246349 Day 16 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270342255 Today is the first day of our last week. I don't wanna leave!
So, today we taught the other two guys from Florence how to get to Chester from Marford (where we are staying) they're really nice to us and we socialized a lot.
Today was also the hardest day at work, I served like 150 customers and my feet hurt so much! I had to stay at the till, but also manage the shop: tidying up and carrying things upstairs: I also asked my boss a British Heart Foundation T-shirt so that I'll look more professional in the video I'm shooting.
After work and the visit to the Town Hall, we met the other guys and it started raining cats and dogs: I hated it.
Then, suddenly, we got a message from our host dad, Paul.
He told us that three more Chinese girls will be hosted by them because of organisational problems with a college in Wrexham.
They prepared a big dinner for everyone and they're really nice: two of them do not speak so much, but the third one (Ela) is really talkative and we talked a lot.
After dinner we talked to our host family and planned some activities for this week and everything should be great!]]> 2018-07-16 21:39:00 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270342255 Day sixteen 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270343730 Today I was about to get to work but my teacher called me to tell me that unfortunately my café would be closed all day. Consequently I went to Conlan School to finish my presentation. I had some problems with the importation of the files from my phone to the laptop but then I solved them and started working. After lunch I helped one of the teachers to correct the placement tests of the class from Florence. Then we visited the town hall and the court where we played a fantastic trial between Gabriele and Giada. We also saw the signature of queen Elizabeth. On the way back home our host dad texted us to tell us that we would have three new guests. Three Chinese girls arrived today after a 12-hour flight! We had dinner together and we had a long conversation with them and then with our host parents! Our English has of course improved! Then we talked with our new housemates from Florence and had a refreshing shower... hope I will work at the café tomorrow.]]> 2018-07-16 22:17:13 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270343730 Day seventeen 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270447325 Today I met a new colleague at work: Isabella (or Issy). She is my age and she is doing a project similar to our work experience for PON. There were four of us at work so we shared our duties for the maximum efficiency! I spoke a lot with Issy... finally I found an English teenager to speak to! It must have been very useful for my English. After work we signed the documents and went back home. We had dinner with the new Chinese students and talked a lot about school, politics and culture in China! Very interesting. After dinner we had a shower to get ready for tomorrow and waited for the students from Florence to arrive...]]> 2018-07-17 20:38:43 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270447325 Day 17 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270448212 My job is hard! Everyday it's full and sometimes I have to manage all the ground floor (because some of my colleagues and my bosses are upstairs) on my own: really hard.
Today I've served like 150 customers and I spoke a lot of English: I also talked a lot about the project PON ASL ESTERO because many customers noticed that I wasn't English (not because of my accent fortunately).
I talked to a Spanish girl and an English customer and I also suggested some customers nice places to visit in Italy; everything was great (complicated, but great) till two policemen undercover came into the shop and showed me their badge: I was so scared, but fortunately they didn't arrest me (not today); they only wanted to know if the CCTVs were recording.
After work we went back home and had dinner with the Chinese girls.
Simone and I talked a lot to Ela about the differences between China and Europe (politics, culture and school).
I love our host family and I don't want to leave :(]]> 2018-07-17 20:55:22 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270448212 Day 18 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270552264 Today at work I did nothing! Ok, not using the till is not a problem for me, but I can always help in other ways: not just standing in the shop doing nothing.
Fortunately my colleagues noticed it and they let me help them.
I am a bit disappointed about today, but no problem, because after work we had dinner and talked to the Chinese girl: Ela (the only one who speaks) is lovely.
After dinner Paul drove us to a village near Marford and then we followed a path which led us to a Natural Park and we walked a lot around the villages of Marford, Wrexham and Gresford: we visited the Quarry, Gresford's city centre and the Church and it was brilliant.
After a 2-hour walk we came back home because we were too tired :) ]]> 2018-07-18 21:21:11 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270552264 Day eighteen 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270553465 On Wednesdays my café is closed so I went to Conlan School to end my project. I imported the last photos and videos and set the font etc. After lunch I sent the first letter in my whole life for Sean. In the afternoon I completed my presentation in all its aspects. Then I went back home with Gabriele and we had dinner together with the Chinese students. We tried rice pudding, strange but interesting. After dinner we had a looong walk with Paul (our host dad) through the wood in the next town. We found amazing spots! Then we came back to have a shower... finally]]> 2018-07-18 21:47:43 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270553465 Day nineteen 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270659010 Unfortunately today was the last full working day. It wasn't very busy anyway... after lunch I wrote down a kind of letter as a goodbye on the visitors' book. I also prepared such good ice cream that the customers wanted to take a photo of it 😎 then after work I went to HMV with Gabriele and bought two CDs of my favourite American rappers. After that we went to the cinema with the class and watched "Mary Shelley", the story of the writer of Frankenstein and so the birth of the myth. It was interesting and will surely help me with my homework about her book. After the film some of us went to 'Burger Shed 41'; I was starving!! Then we went back home by bus: the first time I've ever got on an overcrowded bus like that in the UK 😥]]> 2018-07-19 21:37:41 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270659010 Day 19 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270659178 Today was really hard.
I worked a lot and did almost everything: I tidied up, rotated the clothes, put the bric-a-bracs in order, served at the till and my boss, Lisa, told me how to put the books in order and how to fill the shelves.
We worked really hard today and I don't wanna stop working even though I'm really tired.
After work I bought a teddy bear for my little sister and I bought my favourite EMINEM album: Relapse, I love it.
After that we went to the cinema and watched the story of Mary Shelley and it was really interesting!
After that we went to Burger Shed's for dinner.
Tomorrow is our last day here and I'm so sad about it :(]]> 2018-07-19 21:42:53 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270659178 Day 20 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270725996 Today was the saddest day.
We did almost nothing :(
After a half day of work we said goodbye to everyone and had a graduation ceremony at Conlan school: it was so sad!
After that we visited the Cathedral, then got home and packed our luggage.
After that the Chinese girls and we prepared dinner: we prepared Pasta alla Carbonara and the Chinese girls prepared a typical Chinese dessert: delicious.
I'm not ready to leave uff :(]]> 2018-07-20 22:02:31 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270725996 Day twenty 15f_liberti_simone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270726158 😢😢 it was so hard to leave work today... they left me letters and gave me postcards as a gift 😍 they wrote some letters for my parents as well. They said very kind words about me. I hugged my colleagues and then I had lunch with my friends. After lunch we had the graduation ceremony at school and I showed my presentation about our work experience to the class. Then we visited the cathedral all together but later we went back home. For dinner Gabriele and I cooked spaghetti carbonara for all the family and the housemates. They were extremely happy about eating actual Italian food. What can I say..? that's our last night here 😭😖]]> 2018-07-20 22:07:28 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270726158 Day 21 Oliveto gabrieleoliveto26 https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270846038 So hard to say, but our adventure is nearly over :(
Today we woke up earlier because we had to get the coach.
Paul drove us to Conlan School; we said goodbye to our host family: they have been so nice to us and I will miss them so much.
After saying goodbye to Paul, we got on the coach and started our journey to London.
We arrived in London on time but, unfortunately we took off with a 2-hour delay: I was so angry!!
But, in the end, we came back home, I was so happy to meet my parents and my sister again, but I'm sure that I would have spent more time there, if only it had been possible.
Despite everything, this has been an amazing experience that will always be part of my life: I will never forget every single moment of this trip and hope to meet my host family again and visit the city of Chester again.]]> 2018-07-23 06:41:54 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/270846038 Day twentyone https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/275868863 What a sad day! today we had to leave!
It's has been such a pleasure staying here with our host family and I'm going to miss them so much.
So, today we had to get up earlier and take the coach to London: Paul drove us to Conlan school and then we started our journey back home.
Then journey was endless and very sad because we all missed our host-families.
When we finally got to London Stansted airport we had to wait for 4 hours because there was a problem with the land-staff.
Finally we took off and landed with a 3 hours delay and I was so happy to meet my family again]]> 2018-08-28 13:53:40 UTC https://padlet.com/gabrieleoliveto26/wck7u8kjcs0r/wish/275868863