***
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.
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