What a Difference a Day Makes

Yesterday, I responded to an email that Jenny had forwarded me. It was from an English school that was looking for teachers. I spoke with Alistair and we made arrangements to meet today. This is how it went.

***

I got home from taking the kids to the bus stop at 9am. I hurriedly took a cold shower because Jorge had used all the hot water. I got dressed in the outfit that I had already laid out, fixed my hair and makeup and loaded up my backpack.

The entire time I watched the clock. I had chosen a bus/train combination that wouldn't be detrimental if missed... I could just catch the next one. But I didn't need to. In fact, I got to the bus stop nearly 15min early. Do you think I was excited? The bus and train rides were uneventful and I arrived at the Recoletos train station at 10:50a. A full 10 minutes early (my dad would be so proud).

I found a bathroom, took care of business and freshened up as much as one can in a gross train station bathroom. Then I waited. And waiting. And waited. When Alistair and I had made the plan to meet he said if he wasn't there at 11a he was on his way. Well 11a came and went and no Alistair. I'm not a very patient person. When Alistair arrived at 11:15a I felt like I had been waiting an hour. I was nervous/excited about the interview too, so that only added to my impatience. When Alistair arrived he introduced himself and shook my hand.

A hand shake feels so foreign to me now. Everyone kisses cheeks here. I suppose since Alistair didn't know how long I have been here he didn't want to assume I was familiar with the customs. Either that or he himself wasn't a big fan of the cheek kissing.

Also, might I add that Alistair had no problems picking me out in the train station? Sure there was no one else waiting around impatiently, but I stick out like a sore thumb. Sometimes I really feel out of place in Spain. Waiting at that train station is one of those times. I just look so... American. I'm ok with it; I just felt it more today than I had in a while.

Alistair made our way out of the train station and to a sidewalk cafe across the street. We talked briefly about how long I had been in Spain, why I was here, and how I liked it so far. When we got to our tables we both ordered zumo de naranja (my cafe drink of choice) before getting down to business.

Alistair told me about the classes: there were three pre-intermediate level classes and one beginner class. I would have two classes on Monday and the same two classes on Wednesday. Then I would have two more classes on Tuesday and the same two classes on Thursday. The classes were fairly basic and I could get all the materials I needed at the school. The classes, in theory, would have 6-7 people in each of them. In reality generally only 3 or 4 were likely to show up on a given day.

He said the key to the success of the class, for both me as the teacher and them as students, would be my level of energy and ability to get them involved. He explained to me that if I'm timid and shy the students would be to, but if I asked questions and was excited to be there so would my students. That is a pretty basic teaching idea, but it made sense for Alistair to emphasize it. Then he asked me directly, "Do you want these classes?" We had been sitting there for maybe 10 or 15 minutes at that point. Obviously they were desperate for a teacher. I said, "Yes." He shook my hand and said, "Welcome to Simon Says."

So there I was, hired on the spot. For the next 35 minutes or so we went over some basics of the program and the school. Classes start on Monday (yes in three days!). I get paid the second wed and thur of the following month in cash. There will be a teachers meeting Monday morning before my first class and Alistair will take me around the school to introduce me and help me get some content together. Then he will go with me to the first class and help me get comfortable and going for the first 20 minutes or so.

After I couldn't think of anymore questions we finished our OJ while chatting about things to do while I'm here in Spain. He strongly suggested the Camino de Santiago, which has been rolling around in the back of my brain for a while. I think I'm going to look further into it and see if I can fit it into my stay some how.

Then I took the train back to Tres Cantos and walked the 30 minutes through the park home. It was a beautiful day out today. During my walk I thought about what I had just gotten myself into. I've decided this will be an extremely good thing for me. Additional income, teaching experience, exposure to more Spaniards, and a healthy way to spend my days.

After yesterday's walk and today's excitement I'm tired. I'm supposed to meet Jenny in Sol at 10:30p to go salsa dancing. I just took a nap. I hope it's enough of a power boost to get me through the night. I think this is going to be a great start to a fun weekend.

A Ton of Bricks.

It comes fast and it comes hard and it comes out of no where...

There I was just minding my own business, not bothering anyone, when WHAM! I get this overwhelming urge to be home.

Homesickness... It's not a new sensation by any stretch but it never fails to surprise me by how silently it will creep up. I could be having a very quiet week after a pretty rowdy weekend such as now and suddenly my eyes are puffy and my body is tired and I don't know what has just happened.

I want to be home. I want to finish my stay. I want to find an apartment in Seattle. I want to see as much of Spain as I can. I want to have dates with Flynn and hang out with Allison. I want to take day trips with Jenny and random Spaniards. I want to have lunch with my parents from time to time. I want the supportive phone call from home from time to time. Sigh.

I am half way through my stay here in Spain. Half way. Sometimes it doesn't feel like I've been here for very long at all. Today, it feels like I've been here forever.

I know what happened... I went too long without getting out and about. That's what it was. I've been laying low and hanging out at home. I have got to remember to stop letting myself do that! Everytime I do, the same thing happens. Why do I do that? Why do I constantly force myself to re-learn the same lesson over and over. It seems ridiculously unproductive.

Tomorrow is another day. I've decided I'm going to take the train to Colmenar Viejo and then walk home to Tres Cantos. It's about 9 miles I think, perhaps a little more or less. I think it will be good practice for the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk. It's in 143 days. I need to spend more time working towards that, both in physically preparing for it and fundraising. I think 9 mile walk is just what the doctor ordered. It will get me out of the house. It will get me into the fresh air. It will give me lots and lots of time to think. Yeah... a nice long, no choice but to keep going, walk.

The homesickness will fade... I just wish it wasn't so sneaky.

Foto Fun For Everyone

The following is a random collection of Photos taken over the last several weeks. They are presented in no particular order and certainly not chronologically. Fun Times!

For Easter my darling Mum sent me a big box of goodies! Sadly it hasn't lasted very long and I wish I could blame the children more. The M&Ms and Jelly Bellys were usefull study motivators though.

Allison and Flyn had similar plans. They started scheming this care package shortly after I left. Again the M&Ms were helpful for studying. They also sent me a very welcomed bottle of maple syrup. I make the kids French toast, pancakes, and crepes regularly but I haven't been able to enjoy them because they don't have maple syrup here. The kids use chocolate syrup. Now I too can enjoy breakfasts' finest delicacies. And yes that is a ring! It's a Claddagh ring. =)

I also got love letters. Yay!! Flynn, Allison, and Allison's five year old Macieo all found ways to share their love on paper.

This was a difficult photo to take and a very entertaining picture to watch Jorge try to take. The bus drove nearly all the way around this square and as we went around Jorge turned too waiting for the exact momment to take the perfect picture.

Here is Jorge looking very relaxed on the train in Cordoba.

The Atocha train station is massive. There are ten tracks here taking people all over the city constantly. I like to watch the plateforms from above while I wait for my train. It makes me feel as though I'm a very small part of a much larger world. There are just so many people buzzing about.

Alex and Jorge obviously aren't too tired from the trip to Cordoba.

Raquel and Silvia on the other hand are pretty whipped out. Silvia may not look like it from that grin on her face but she was napping pretty uncomfortable a little bit before this picture was taken.

I gave Jorge my camera for the bus ride from the train station in Cordoba to our hotel. He did a pretty good job, I think. Here is the muddy river.

Here am I.

Hashers heart food... Here is Sister Belinda showing us the proper way to devour a harmless falafel.

Hashers typically get the glazed look in their eyes after a good run, jog, walk, or crawl and a good meal.

It's funny to watch everyone at the table at these lunches. Everyone is always doing something random.

Thomas was leaning against her and I thought this would have made a good double food coma picture but he moved and the lady in black (I'm no good with names) looks too awake.

Here I am on the train heading to Madrid. Jenny and I ended up meeting up with Chris and Ish. The train was unusually quiet that day. It could have been the hour, the direction, the rain... who knows.

Random sightseeing shot while walking with Jenny on Saturday.

Hashing buddies: Sophie, Carl, and Karen at Larry's Bar.

Carl and I at Larry's. Carl looks a little scary there doesn't he?

Chris, Ish, and Jenny after taking several minutes to check the map to find the Flamanco spot.

Jenny was trying to hear whoever she was talking to... I was helping.

Jenny loves James Dean. Hopefully, Humphrey Bogart doesn't get jealous.

I love this city at night. All the buildings are all lit up.

Puerto del Sol. This was taken during a small gap in the passing crowds. Sol is usually so bright and crowded you can never tell how late it actually is. This picture was taken at about 10p... aka very very early in the evening.

Jorge was testing out his photography skills. Here I am with Javier, Raquel on my lap, and Silvia. This was taken on our trip to Cordoba, in the hotel lobby.

Weekend In Review

On Friday I had lessons with Javier after he got home from school. We studied geography and history for an hour. Then it was time for Raquel to have her lesson, but she didn’t want to. And since Consuelo was already home she protested (knowing that I wouldn’t let her get away with not having her lesson). Consuelo relented. When Jorge said he didn’t want his lesson either she asked Javier if he wanted another lesson. He yelled YES! And headed back up stairs. I was a bit shocked, I’m not going to lie. I knew he had shifted his homework mentality over the last several weeks, but this was extreme. We ended up working on irregular verbs for another hour, then playing on the computer for another 30 or 40 minutes. It went really well.

When lessons were done with Javier, I changed my clothes and got ready to meet with Jenny in Puerto del Sol at 10p. Consuelo gave me a ride to the train station and I was in Sol in no time. Jenny and I hadn’t really made any firm plans. We just knew we were meeting at 10p and others may or may not be joining us. Chris and Ish showed up before Jenny. Chris is an American I had met with earlier in the week and done some sightseeing with. He had randomly met Jenny in Rome the previous weekend and the two had hit it off. Ish is Chris’ friend from home and the two are a pair of fun guys. We chatted until Jenny arrived. Then we headed of to find tapas and Flamenco dancing. The tapas were easy to find and tasty. The Flamenco was less easy to find and ended up costing too much to see. So we went to a karaoke bar. We all danced and sang along for a couple hours, but at 1:30a I sent Consuelo a text to let her know that if she was in the area I would like a ride whenever they were heading home. It turns out they were leaving right then, so I had to high tale it out of there to the meeting spot. I quickly said my good byes, got directions from the door man, and headed to the meeting spot. Carlos and Consuelo showed up in no time and before I knew it I was home. I chatted with Flynn until he got off work then went to sleep at 3am.

Saturday morning came too soon. I woke up at 9:30a because I had made plans to have brunch with a couple girls from the Hash and their friends. I got ready for the day, had a quick crepe, and then got a ride from Carlos to the train station. I got to the meeting place right on time. I found Alicia without any problem. We chatted for a while then decided that Julie (the one who had organized the get together and whose friends were having the brunch) must have had a bit too much fun the night before and was not going to show. Alicia and I went and had a small breakfast. It was nice to talk with her. We hadn’t really hung out away from the hash before, but it was good. After breakfast we parted ways. It was cold and rainy outside and I had not brought a jacket (don’t ask my why) so I was walking briskly in my fleece pullover to try to keep warm. I wandered the streets for a little while. I enjoyed watching all the people bustling about with their umbrellas. Finally I decided I should probably head home. So I took the metro to the train station and was waiting for my train when I got the call from Julie.

Julie called and apologized profusely. She said that a series of unfortunate events led to her showing up at the meeting spot shortly after Alicia and I had already left. She asked where I was and if I wasn’t too mad did I still want to meet up. Of course I wasn’t mad, so we made plans to meet. I got back on the Metro and met Julie. We walked and chatted about our evenings as we made our way to lunch. We had kebab. I love kebab. I am going to have to find a kebab place in Seattle when I get back. After lunch we walked around a bit more, but the rain and cold didn’t make window shopping much fun so we headed to the La Latina neighborhood (via metro) to check it out. Unfortunately the rain their was even worse. We stopped at a little bar for a quick drink. We decided an indoor activity was in order so we headed to the mall in the Principe Pio area, again via metro. I hadn’t been to a mall in months so all the window shopping was fun. I’ve gotten bitten by a shopping bug lately and I’m starting to detest all my clothes. I’m trying to fight the urge to spend so that I can continue to save the vast majority of all my earnings. We’ll see how long I can hold out for.

While Julie and I walked around I got a text from Jenny. She was needing to get out of the house and wondering what I was up to. I told her that Julie and I were at P.P. and planning to see a movie if she wanted to come. She said she didn’t want to see the movie that would like to meet up later. Julie and I had some time to kill until the movie so we took the metro (where we ran in to Jenny on her way to return a shirt) to her neighborhood for a spot of coffee. We got back to the mall about ten minutes before the movie was supposed to start. We had not anticipated a huge crowd of people also waiting to buy their tickets. I decided I would go hang out with Jenny and Julie decided she would go home and relax. I found Jenny doing some shopping and we wandered around the shops together.

Eventually we had had enough of the mall and decided to see if the rain had stopped long enough for us to go to the Egyptian temple that was nearby. I had been meaning to see this temple for quite sometime. The rain had slowed so off we went. The temple was pretty unimpressive, I must say. Apparently it is best seen at sunset or at night when it is all lit up. From there Jenny and I walked to Chueca and found a tea house. We dried off and talked for a long time. Both of us are the same age and sort of in the same boat as far as our futures go. We are both thinking a lot about our next steps… grad school, work, relocating plague both of our thoughts. We have a lot to talk about.

After we had chatted for a long time, then we parted ways. I went to Larry’s Bar for a drink. It was a little after 10p by this time. Melf and Carl were there, both Hashers. We chatted and more hashers came in. It was a nice relaxed evening. Eventually it came time for me to think about heading home to bed. Sunday I was going to have to be back at Larry’s at noon for the Hash. Sophia suggested that I stay the night at Melf’s and then she would drive me home to get my running gear in the morning since it was near the Hash site. Melf had no problem with that so I stayed at Larry’s a while longer.

The next morning the clouds looked like they were going to down pour any minute. Luckily the rain stayed away long enough for us to complete our run. The circle at the end proved to be pretty entertaining as usual. The biggest highlight for me was my naming. I won’t go into the details of the ceremony but let’s just say beer+flour+hair=glue. I was named “Bin Linna” (Though I’m not sure how to spell it) in honor of the fact that I detained and kicked out of London… you know because I’m a terrorist or something like that.

Next we went to a great little Turkish restaurant nearby. It was tasty. I was quite stuffed and ready for a nap when I was finished. I took the train to Tres Cantos and then caught a bus home. Oh I forgot to mention that I sprained my ankle while I was running. I was able to finish the run by walking most of the way, but I was pretty sore and swollen by the time I got home. I took a shower and relaxed for the rest of the evening.

It was a long busy weekend. I had a good time. I know I have slacked on the updates lately. There hasn't been very much going on. I may go back and fill some things in later, but I doubt it. I need to keep moving forward.

The Breast Cancer 3 Day

I recieved my very first donation today! I'm 9% of the way towards my goal. Obviously I have a lot of fundraising to do still. Please take a minute to consider clicking on the donate button above. Every little bit helps. Thanks so much.

Photo Opp

Here are some pictures I've taken over the last couple weeks but haven't gotten around to putting up. Enjoy!

Pick ups at Larry's Bar are at noon every Sunday. The hashers without vehicles can carpool with those who have vehicles to the hash site. Here everyone is catching up with each other and getting ready for a fun afternoon.

Sir Sir James had his 69th birthday this past Sunday. In honor of this momentous occassion they attempted to have him drink a beer upside down. It didn't work very well, but it was pretty funny to watch.

After the Hash a lare group of us went out for lunch after. This Sunday we went to a Mongonlian restaurant. It was pretty tasty.

After lunch a group of us headed back to Larry's Bar, the same spot the day started at, for some drinks. Merth and merriment was had by all.

At karaoke a couple weekends ago Jenny couldn't keep her hands off this statue of Humphrey Bogart. I think we need to find her a date.

Carlos, Jenny, and I had a good time dancing and singing at karaoke.

Raffa felt left out, so Jenny and I posed for a picture with him too.

After last Sunday's Hash the drive to the lunch was a scenic one. The Madrid skyline goes on forever, even though there ar only a few sky scrapers.

Here are Silvia and Carlos sharing a nice father-daughter moment.

I really need to get less lazy about taking pictures! I bring my camera with me everywhere but I always forget to use it. This weekend in Cordoba I'm sure I'll get lots of pictures. I'll put them up ASAP.

Things are Heating Up

This week the weather has been beautiful. It's finally spring. I'm thrilled by this fact. It's been in the low/mid 70s all week. Right now it is sunny and 73. Ah. It's just wonderful!


Let's see, where did I leave off. Last week was very relaxed and very low key. I stayed pretty close to home the entire week. It was good, but this week I've been more active.

On Saturday I met with my friend Jenny at her house at about 9pm. We went to dinner and caught up with eachother. We hadn't seen each other in two weeks. She went down south to the beach for Semana Santa. She was floored by my London tale, but everyone is. After filling our bellies with delicious kebab we went to Sol and met up with Jenny's friends at 10pm. Carlos was there and three other spanish guys that I didn't know but who all seemed nice. We found a small bar to eat and drink at. Then we made our way to the Karaoke bar. The guys tried to weasle out of it, but if they hadn't wanted to karaoke, they shouldn't have come. We stopped off at our favorite free sangria bar then arrived at the karaoke bar. The place was oddly shaped, but not very full. As soon as we stepped inside we could hear the horrible sounds of someone butchering their favorite Spanish song.

We found a corner near the DJ booth, picked out some songs, and started dancing and singing a long. Everyone was in a particularly goofy mood, so we had fun. We waited forever for our songs. Eventually two of the Spanish guys left, but Rafa stayed behind because he had promised Jenny he would sing a song with her. I introduced myself to an english speaking couple who was near by. Sarah was from Arkansas and Chris was from Texas. They have both been living in Spain for about a year an a half and teach English in schools. They joined our group singing and dancing for a while and eventually left. It was getting late. It was about this time that I looked at my watch. It was already 2am!! I had not planned on styaing out that late at all! And we were not looking like we would be leaving any time soon. Jenny told me not to worry about it and to keep having fun. Finally our songs started coming up. We all sang "Sopa Fria" (cold soup, I don't get it either). Throughout the evening I heard a couple times that I could read Spanish pretty well. I think I can too, it's just the comprehension part I have a hard time with. I can pronounce most words, I just don't know what they mean! Then Jenny and I sang "Time of Our Lives" from Dirty Dancing. I don't think I ever realized before just how repetative that song is. It was fun though. then a song that my American friend Sarah had requested came up. But she had already left so Jenny claimed it. So Jenny and I sang "The Thong Song". After a few more songs by the group we were done and I was beat. I was ready for bed.

But bed would have to wait. Rafa led us through the streets of Madrid to a small, packed bar. We made our way through the crowd all the way to the back. I found a spot on a wall and did my best not to fall asleep on it. We only stayed there for about ten minutes before everyone decided they were ready to go home. The guys walked Jenny and I to her house and then said goodbye. I went up to Jenny's house and killed some time. I had about 30 minutes before the Metro (subway) would start running again.

I got to the Metro station at 6am. I rode the Metro to the bus station. I had to wait another 30 minutes for my bus to come. Madrid is crazy about its nightlife. I was not alone in the line for the bus at 6:30am. There were tons of 20 and 30 somethings who were all making their way home from a night out. I took a nice long nap on my bus ride home. I landed in my bed at 8am. I was exhausted.

I had planned on going running with the Hash Sunday at noon. But three hours of sleep for a ten mile run just wasn't going to cut it. I spent the afternoon taking naps and watching Spanish movies. It was nice.

This week I have begun training for the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk I'm participating in. Each week they are going to email me a program to help me prepare for the 60mile event. It has been a good tool to help me get motivated to get outside more. The goreous weather has helped to. It is supposed to rain on Sunday, but I don't mind. I'm ok sacrificing one day for the days we've been having.

Yesterday was a "Rest" day according to my training program. So rest I did. I took my lap top out to the patio and sat in the shade. The fresh air, the breeze... sigh. It was really nice.

This weekend should be a good one. I'm teaching an English lesson from 11:30-13:30 on Saturday and then going to an English speaking church that evening. Then on Sunday I'm going to the Hash. I'm sure I'll come up with something good to fill in the gaps.

I'm really happy, relaxed, and feeling blessed these days.