Do you want to dance?

All change on the accommodation front.

I had to leave the place I was temporarily staying in as the owner had to come back for a family emergency, so since last Thursday I've been staying with an Italian family who are friends of Cz. I've never stayed with a 'host family' before and the prospect terrified me. I hate the thought of offending anyone through inappropriate behaviour (see, mum, you did have a good effect on me) or making a fool of myself (even though I seem to do that regularly). However this family have taken me to their hearts. I'm learning how to cook Italian style (but I'm still waiting for you to return to Italy for proper lessons, Mr Jam), how to eat Italian style and I'm even picking up bits of the language.

I'll only be here for a week then I can move back to where I was before. I'll be glad to get my 'own' space back but I will miss the communal meals. Having said that, the effort I've put into losing weight (about 2lbs a week since I've been here) was completely voided by two days of meals. The mother M piles up my plate and I don't know how to say no - I'm not being greedy (and I do know the Italian for no) but I don't want to be rude.

In further accommodation news, today Cz and I went to meet a couple who are willing to let their house to me. It has a ground floor sitting room which I can use for teaching, a large kitchin/dining room, one bedroom plus a walk-through sleeping area and a bathroom. I may have to buy some odds and ends but the house is near the station, I like the people and they like me and the price is right. I will be able to leave my stuff there before flying back to the UK for Christmas and be able to move in when I return in the new year.

I am doing a happy dance as I type.