Tag Archives: barbecue

September Barbecue

Our cluster meeting in September was a barbecue at my house.  Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and we had the meeting inside.  Still, we had a good time.  The turnout was great now that everybody is done traveling and the summer au pairs have arrived.  We welcomed Pim, Paula, Basia, Lara, Naemi and Fernanda to our cluster.  It was nice to see the new au pairs starting to make connections.

At this meeting we also discussed childcare issues such as how to approach difficult behaviors.  For more photos please visit September 2015

Au Pair Barbecue

This month, we met at my house for a barbecue.  Since it is summer, there were many good-byes and some hellos.  We said good-bye to Melissa, Tazmyn, Natalia, Audrey, Liz and Priscilla.   Good luck to you all with your future endeavors!  We said hello to Londeka and Miriam, who had just arrived to the area that week.   It was nice to see them start making connections with other au pairs.  They also benefited from advice and feedback from the more seasoned au pairs.

For more photos, go to July Barbecue.

Au Pair Barbecue

For our cluster meeting this month we congregated in my backyard for a barbecue.   We had a nice big group of au pairs, lots to eat and many good conversations.

Summer is a big change-over time in the au pair world, so for many of my au pairs it was their last meeting and for some their first.   It was so nice to see how the more seasoned au pairs gave advice to the newer au pairs.  It is not easy leaving your family and friends in your home country.  My cluster meetings are an excellent opportunity for au pairs to establish a new social network.

For more photos, please go to July Barbecue.

Backyard Barbecue

July Barbecue

July Barbecue

Our July meeting was nice and relaxed.   We had a small group, as many au pairs are either in transition, traveling or staying outside the Boston area with their host families.   Au pairs brought things to grill, while I provided side dishes and something to drink.

While sitting around the table, we said good-bye to Alexandra and Tracey who will be going home soon.   We also had a chance to welcome Jaqueline who just joined us from another au pair cluster.

Au Pairs enjoy summer barbecue

Last week we met at my house for a relaxing summer barbecue.    Summer is a busy time in the au pair world with many new arrivals, good-byes, and summer vacation.    We welcomed Laetitia from France and Sina from Germany to our cluster.   We said good-bye to Julia who will return to Germany the beginning of September.   It was nice for the new arrivals to mingle with the more seasoned au pairs and get helpful tips from them.  That is one of the advantages of being part of an au pair cluster that meets each month.

Our get-togethers always provide an opportunity for cultural exchange.  While au pairs enjoyed traditional American barbecue dishes, they also shared food from their own country: Chinese salami and grilled vegetables as well as Thai desserts and specialties.  Around the table, we had a vivid discussion about the university experience in different countries.   Taking courses is an integral part of the au pair cultural experience.  Au pairs are required to take 6 credits or 80 hours in the classroom.   The new au pairs had a chance to talk with the more seasoned au pairs about educational possibilities in the Boston area.

For more photos from our meeting please visit barbecue photos

Au Pair Barbecue

Barbeque Group

Barbeque Group

This month, my au pairs joined me for a traditional American barbecue at my house.   Despite a threat of rain and cooler temperatures, we had fun barbecuing sausages, chicken, pork and steak.  Side dishes included chips with guacomole and salsa, smoky pasta salad, sweet potato salad, corn and grilled vegetables.  For dessert we enjoyed strawberry mousse and fruit salad.

The summer is a big transition time in the au pair world.  Our meetings give new au pairs the opportunity to meet other au pairs in my group, and it gives us a chance to say farewell to au pairs who will be leaving.

For more barbecue pictures please check out June Barbecue