So, since my last blog my life has been a whirlwind, but in a good way. Tuesday we went to the airport to pick up the other intern (Denica, from Bowling Green). We spent the night getting to know each other and settling into our apartments, and thus far we are getting along great (we actually act like we have known each other forever). Last week was more meetings and getting familiar with the campus. However, this past weekend was what Denica and I are calling our "Cultural experience of San Jose".
Thursday a bunch of pro staff in the office went to "Nightlife" at the San Francisco Academy of the Arts. Every Thursday they close the Academy to a 21 and older crowd and have cocktails all through the place. It included an aquarium, a large mammal exhibit, planetarium, rainforest and others. The speciality drink was "The Nightlife" which was champagne, vodka and cranberry juice (delicious)! Friday night we went to the Art Walk downtown. This is where six blocks of streets are shut down and art galleries are free for the evening. It also includes live music, performers such as break dancers, belly dancers, martial arts performers and other "live art" exhibits. This mixed with a live band, coffee shops and little boutiques made for a fun evening, the quilts and textiles gallery was my favorite. They had all different dresses from the 1950's. Saturday was spent sleeping, suntanning and sleeping some more. Relaxation that we definitely need. Sunday we headed to Santana Row (think Rodeo Drive of San Jose) and did some shopping, some browsing and ate outside at El Jardin, which had beautiful gardens, seating and sangria. Oh, and we tried Pinkberry, a frozen yogurt place (per Pete's recommendation) and it was really good.
Today was the first day of orientation training, the 28 orientation leaders arrived along with the 5 team leaders, and final 8am to 8pm training commenced. We'll go 8 to 8 all week, which while exhausting, the first day was a success. The students are great, and have such energy and passion it's easy to enjoy being at work! Hopefully the week will continue going as well as it went today.
Only downside currently is that the internet is not working in our building. Small detail, but hence the delay in blog posts. Hopefully I'll write again post final training. Have a good week everyone!
