Tag Archives: eastside

Together, We are Stronger – June 2016

Well, we thankfully saw no cougars, but we also saw little water on our hike to Coal Creek Falls (too late for much more ice to melt, so falls were a nice, dry picnic spot).  Our crew took the many different paths leading up to the Falls and discussed the American culture – the surprises and the challenges.  Newly arrived au pairs also received some good advice from au pairs headed home after almost a year.  The discussion reminded everyone what an individual journey cross-cultural exchange can be at times, but that if we stand together, we are stronger!

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Falling for Snoqualmie – April 2016

The world went to Snoqualmie this month to see the power of the falls, breathe the fresh air of the state and hike as a community of international friends.  South Africa, Poland, Brazil, Croatia, Portugal, Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand and Costa Rica all representing!  We capped our luxurious hike with a summer safety quiz – clearly all passed with flying colors.  Summer, we are ready.FullSizeRender(3) IMG_0558

Christmas “logs”, cookies and elephants – December 2015

A very wonderful APIA holiday party this year happened on Sunday with 9 countries represented!  We shared stories and holiday traditions (cakes baked with special treats for future tamale purchasers, summertime Santas, mean Krampus, posadas, reyes magos, pinatas, caga tios and to look out when walking the streets of Thailand in summer if it’s a water throwing day…).  Deliciously buttery cookies, spicy mango pops, triple chocolate cakes, marzipan, shortbread and so much more.  Wishing all you ladies a magical season here in the US, sharing and learning all that you can!

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Enjoying Here While We are Here – September 2015

“We should enjoy here while we’re here, ’cause there’s no here, there.”

Nearly 80 au pairs representing over 20 countries and their counselors ascended the Paradise trails of Mt Rainier this past weekend.  It was a glorious day of color and laughter and a wonderful time was had by all!

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Giving Back – May 2015

A group of au pairs gathered at the NW Harvest warehouse yesterday to give back to their host community.  1 out of every  7 person in Washington is hungry.  We are ranked 15th in the entire U.S.  NW Harvest and APIA have partnered for a few years now lending a hand to help these statistics.  We worked hard packing 5,368 pounds of edamame which would mean 4,129 meals for families around the state.  The weather outside was gorgeous and au pairs had worked hard all week, so it was very special that these strong, caring young women took time from their cherished weekend to work so hard.  Thank you, ladies!

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Making Whale Sounds On Earth Day – April 2015

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Happy Earth Day!  Reps gathered from various parts of our shared globe – Italy, The Ukraine, Brazil, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand and Poland…and a raccoon and fish for good measure.  We lounged in the sun, signed cougar petitions, took selfies, made whale sounds with PNW Native American flutists, and in between the songs of the big band, did a summer safety quiz!

Rollerskating the Rain Away – March 2015

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A fantastic group of au pairs – seasoned and new – braved the rain and joined me at the rollerskating rink in Bellevue for a quick lesson for some of us less equipped on 8 wheels.  We informally discussed safety elements of being an au pair outside of work hours.  Online dating, buddy systems, and the recent issues at the UW fraternity parties.  Safety is number one with our the kids in our trust, and also number one with those who take care of those kids!

 

Sharing Traditions – December 2014

Over 10 countries shared their unique holiday traditions this past Sunday in a host family home in Kirkland.  We heard about beach Santa’s shorts in Mexico and South Africa, St Lucia’s red (blood) belt from Sweden, St Nikolas’s shoes from Germany, and many more stories of holiday spirit around the world.  Then we stole gifts from one another in good fun and shared homemade sweets to take home and devour.

I’m the luckiest counselor around to have this crew of au pairs!

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Scavenger Hunting – November 2014

A nameless group of au pairs set out on a quest to answer clues and find stores in Bellevue Square Mall.   It was a spirited game with two groups vying for first place, but when there is leftover Halloween candy, everyone is a winner!

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Salmon Spawning – October 2014

Another gorgeous day with our au pair community.  A big group of APIA au pairs milled around the Issaquah Salmon Days festival this past Sunday, shopping, eating and connecting.  Some of us watched the salmon swim, while others just ate them, loving the PNW all the while.

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