An introduction to our new Fort Lauderdale student blogger, Marianne

I am Swedish, but I have lived in Switzerland for 43 years. I moved to Switzerland because I met a Swiss man in Stockholm and then we got married and we had two children.

I have had different professions, mostly administration jobs but for the last six years, I've attended to a disabled boy in his home, and nowadays it is only about 20% of a job.
 
Although I am already 68 years old (Tina Turner is the same age) I have been wishing for the last few years to go abroad to improve my English. Last summer I happened to see in a magazine somebody was organizing English studies all over the world. I chose Florida because I have a friend living in Tampa Florida and I wanted to visit her.

So I came to Fort Lauderdale and started my English lessons at Embassy on January the 5th this year. One thing I've found out is that the school mainly caters to younger students and sometimes I feel a little uncomfortable to be an outsider. I would like to give this school the advice to attract older people as well, who are still interested in learning. As we all know learning is life and keeps the mind young.
 
When I came in the beginning of January 2009 I already had the wish to come here again every year at this time. In Europe it is winter and here it is summer and with the warm climate it is beneficial to the well-being of seniors.
 
My dear seniors I wish you were here!!!!
 
Soon I will give you some impressions I had after three weeks here in Fort Lauderdale: "Dear diary..."
 
 

Comments

[Myf (editor)]

Welcome Marianne. It's great to hear your thoughts. I wish I was somewhere as warm and balmy as Florida right now... and I look forward to reading your next post.

[Stephen]

Hi Marianne!
You made a great choice in Fort Lauderdale - the beach, the diners, the sea-canals... thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

[Paula]

Hi Marianne,

Good to hear your comments about Florida's winter sunshine. I have family not far from where you are staying and can vouch for the winter climate being good for seniors! Life certainly seems to begin at 60 for many people in the state and they find a new lease of life, swimming, playing tennis and golf, dancing, etc. Maybe we should consider offering "post-retirement" English classes!

Good luck to you!

[Lily]

I think it is great for you to have decided on this English course, you are very brave and I'm sure you'll have a great time there! I'm very jealous of the great weather you have :)

[Bernhard]

Hi Marianne,
nice to read from you in this blogg! It seems that you have a good time over there, your english turns to really professional!! I'm here at my desk, working as you know.. Francesca is watching TV and Anja an Nico are sleeping allready. Yesterday, Anja told us all of a sudden: "next month, Marianne will be back!!" Then Francesca had to tell her, that it takes an other month until you'll be back. She was a little dissapointed.... so you see, we look forward to see you here soon, take care, cheers Bernhard

[Silvana]

Hi Marianne,
Wow! Your escape from Winter is a great idea. My friends in Tucson call people like you "Snowbirds". I am looking forward to meet you again in Zurich in Summer. Big Hug!

[Gunilla Vikman]

Hi!
Glad to see you over here! Havent heard from you in ages so wish too. Have a great time.
Gunilla in Charles City

[Albrecht]

How very interesting to read about your feeings on being a senior citizen at the language school. I sometimes feel exactly the same. Ah, but that is life...and it rolls on. Best of luck to you here in Florida.

[KJ]

Hi Marriane,
look forward to hearing more of your "Dear Diary"!
best of luck
~KJ