SUMMER VISIT 2006

The first experience and thoughts of visit to Aberystwyth  2006 (a first time host parent).

For the first time, Aberystwyth was host to a group of ten 18 year old Belarusians and their translator.  In previous years, younger teenage children had been here and the idea of all 18 year olds did cause some consternation.  It was, therefore, with some trepidation that a group of host families-to-be met the bus from Birmingham airport late at night on July 23rd.   The youngsters had chosen their partners for the next month and were bundled off in their pairs with their host parents.  Some of the group were tired and went straight to bed whereas others showed no such signs and stayed up åtalkingπ to their new families until weary parents sent them to bed.  I say åtalkingπ; in our case with two non-English speakers and a dearth of Russian in our house, it was a matter of many pictures, gesticulations and thumbing through phrase books and dictionaries.  However, it was obvious that communicating was not going to be a problem, even if it was going to be unconventional.  

The first day was a family day although we all met up on the beach in Aberystwyth as the weather was fantastic.  A ride up to the top of Constitution Hill in the funicular railway for lunch in the cafÈ and a look at the fantastic views over Cardigan Bay was followed by more beach and swimming activities. 

This particular group were notable for their independence and zest for new experiences.  These were evident the next day with the unusual combination of a trip to the dentist and the theatre.  They knew their way to one of the host parents houses in town and were both willing and able to walk back from the dentist and explore  Aberystwyth on the way.   The summer show (which just happened to be åFiddler on the Roofπ ) was enjoyed and mostly understood.  We were told by the group that the Russian spoken in the show had been correct!

The next day the group left for Glan Llyn, an activity centre where they spent five days getting to know one another and enjoying a range of activities, many on Lake Tegid.  When they returned it was obvious that their confidence had grown and that they were very happy together as a group.  The following weeks were full of varying activities, too numerous to describe each and everyone in detail.  Horse riding, visits to the police and Fire stations, the coastguards, many trips to town, walking the coastal path, go-carting, canoeing, a horse show, a small local village agricultural show, the Red Kite centre, sailing in Cardigan bay and trips on the lifeboat and numerous barbeques, including one to celebrate the 19th birthday of one of the Belarusians, were enjoyed enormously.   They also visited Oakwood theme park where the adrenaline junkies and speed fanatics got their fix!  It was a very happy day ending in fish and chips on the journey home.  Other outings, particularly to pubs to listen to live music were also popular.  Everything that this group of young Belarusians participated in was met with enthusiasm and their zeal for life was infectious, resulting in a lot of fun and laughter for all concerned. 

All of these activities were made possible by the huge generosity and hard work of local people.  Everyone deserves credit for helping to make this an enjoyable month, whether they were involved in organising, fund raising, donating goods or money, or while the youngsters were here in Aberystwyth.   The other very positive part of this group was their translator who travelled with them, Irina.  Not only did she know the individuals extremely well but she was also prepared to get to know us and showed great sensitivity towards us all.  She was present at all activities and in her calm and quiet way enabled us to get to know these young people well, which added an extra dimension to their visit.  In fact, she was a perfect interpreter in that during a serious or personal conversation, she would drop the åhe saysäπ and åshe saysäπ and literally just translate, allowing a årealπ a conversation to ensue.   Understanding one another, organising and explaining was made so much easier as the Aberystwyth group is fortunate in having native Russian speakers as members.  Their help was invaluable. 

When things have been good the question åWhat went wrong?π is always posed.  Yes, there was a downside to it all.   August 20th came far too quickly and we all had to say goodbye which resulted in many tears on both sides.  However, was it successful? Yes.  Would we have 18 year olds again? Yes.  Was it all worthwhile?  Definitely, yes, as not only have friendships been made across borders, but also here, in Aberystwyth.   Are we going to do it again? Oh yes.