Hello Everyone! [caption id="attachment_722" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Awesome Intern at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse - Nanaimo"][/caption] My name is Johanna, I am 19 years old and I'm from Germany.  Back in Germany I live with my parents and my younger sister in Bad Kreuznach, a town half the size of Nanaimo. Here, I am the new intern in the PTG, where I will be a member of the staff for the next six months (September - February). Why I came here? Well, in March I finished school and have always had the plan to go abroad to improve my English language skills and to get to know other cultures and countries. And as I love the contact with people and being out in the nature, The Painted Turtle Guesthouse in Nanaimo, seemed to be the perfect environment to realize my plans. Six months is a long time away from home and not being at home on Christmas, of course made me apprehensive about the decision. Now, even though I have been here just three weeks now, I am sure that it was the right decision. I love Vancouver Island! Vancouver Island has such amazing nature - I have not seen a lot, but what I have seen is breathtaking! And it is not only the nature that impresses me - it is also the people.  Everybody here is so friendly and helpful and especially in the Guesthouse... you get to know so many nice people from all over the world. And of course the PTG-staff is great - I like it to work with them! =) [caption id="attachment_724" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Johanna the Intern in Italy!"][/caption] I am really looking forward to all the experiences I will gain while working at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse and travelling around in Canada! I am so glad having the chance to stay here for the next six months!