First real day

Today was really tiring. We've been on our feet all day, but its been brilliant. We got up really early and had a meeting with all the staff from the different departments. Afterwards, we had another meeting with Vincent and were expecting another long session but he just told us to go and spend time getting to know the place, the patients, staff and departments. We all kind of sat there for a while not sure exactly what we should do, but eventually we went off in little groups and went around the floors introducing ourselves.
There were some patients (and staff) who weren't all that responsive for various reasons, but the majority were at least polite and would speak to you. Some were great fun and had amazing banter. Thank goodness I'm from Manchester. When you say you're from England, they just say 'oh' when you say Manchester instantly they light up and say 'ah Manchester United!'. I had a good long chat to one of the patients about David and Victoria Beckham.
I met Edward today too, he's from Hull. Both of us agree that we found it comforting to hear a familiar accent! I feel like I can easily get on with him. But its very strange to be around so many unfamiliar languages and voices, but then there's Edward, almost as if we're back in the North West! I already feel like there are patients who I would be most sad to leave.
I think now that I've actually made some progress at meeting the patients and getting to know the place, all those anxieties and worries have faded. We all have a much better idea of how we can help, and what each day will be like, and now we've made that first step towards getting into the swing of things, it won't be long until we're nicely settled I think! 
Today was also our first Bingo night. It was a bit confusing at first because there was only one person who had seen what a bingo night was meant to look like. It didn't go all that smoothly and there was a lot of waiting around at first, but I think the patients were okay with it and had fun anyway. They seemed to like some of the prizes we'd gotten from the shopping centre earlier. It was also a great way to once again meet the patients you have made a connection with. One thing I'm really noticing is how difficult it is to pronounce everyone's names, and of course without being able to pronounce them, I can't remember any of them! I'm really going to have to work on that, because I can't remember anyone apart from Thandie and Edward! Still...first day and all that! One of the patients names involved a click. Its a very specific click though and there is no way I'm ever going to be able to say it properly. It gave most of the patients a good laugh when we tried to pronounce their names and failed miserably.
As a group, we all get on amazingly well. We spend a lot of time together chatting and cooking and writing in our travel journals. I don't think this would be a very nice experience without them and I'm really lucky to have arrived with such amazing people. We've just become one massive family already. So even though there may be tough times ahead, I think that as a group we'll cope no bother.
I can't believe its nearly our first weekend. I really don't know if a month is going to be enough! Movie night tomorrow, so hopefully that will be as successful as today!
Speak soon! XXX 

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