Tidings of Joy

I finally made it home! I was so happy to be home for Christmas. It was wonderful to see some friends and family. My mom made delicious food for Christmas dinner, as always. I was able to see and hang out with some friends, and Mom and I got a few things done for the wedding.

Grandma and Grandpa bought us a bottle of Spanish wine as an engagement present that we drank with Christmas dinner. There was a little confusion. Aunt Paula thought we were having dinner on the 26th. It was past the time they said they'd be there. Mom called her and she thought we were doing it the next day. Oh well, we had 2 Christmas dinners. Hanging around with my family felt like home. I realized that I miss being in Kansas more than I thought I would. It's going to be hard going back. There's 6 months left until the end of school. Can I make it? Right now I don't think so. It's leaving all over again and this time, I know what I'm walking in to. I'm going back to friends and being in Spain, but nothing it feels like, will compare to being home at the holidays.

The Graduate

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the newest graduate from Pittsburg State University, Corey J Base! After 6 years, he finally made it and everyone is very proud. Congratulations!

Portugal Part 3: Isla Cristina and Sevilla, then back to Spain

After Faro we were on our way back to Spain. Nolwenn (Jeannine's roommate and only non Americana) read about a small village in Spain that was supposed to be beautiful, so she wanted to stop there. It was a work week, but all of Spain was on holiday so there wasn't much going on. We looked around the port area and took cool pictures of boats. We wondered around until we found a restaurant. The people at the restaurant were friendly and funny. We got a large plate of homemade food for a small price, and we were happy. As we were eating lunch, one of the regulars (i suppose) gave us oranges for desserts. I like the friendliness of small-town Spain.

As we were driving back into Spain we felt relief. It still seems like Spain is not EXACTLY home, but after being in Portugal for a few days, we were appreciative to see signs in Spanish and understand what was going on around us a little more. We were back in the land of siestas!

After our short visit in Isla Cristina we started towards Sevilla. We were all very excited to see Sevilla. Sevilla is known throughout Spain. If you tell people you're going to the South of Spain they will always recommend seeing Sevilla. As we were leaving the restaurant though, it was starting to rain and get chillier.

We drove the few hours to Sevilla, but our GPS couldn't seem to get us to our hostel. Spain is notorious for it's narrow and confusing streets. The GPS was telling us we arrived at our destination, but all we saw was churches and nothing that looked like our hostel. We got out of the guitar with the GPS and our umbrellas and went in search of the hostel. We asked people on the streets. They didn't know. We asked a bartender. He didn't know, but he gave us a map. We walked in circles around the same 5 or 6 blocks until we finally decided that the un-named street we kept walking by was the street we needed to be on. Once we had checked in and went out to get our luggage, the car was half a block away. So close!


We settled in in Sevilla and dried off. After wondering around in the rain for an hour, lost, we stayed in and made dinner. Our hostel was cool. Since there was 5 of us, we basically had a room to ourselves. The hostel was 3 or 4 stories with bedrooms on every floor. The terrace area on the first floor was able to be looked down upon on every level.

The next day in Sevilla we went exploring. We were all feeling the crunch of the dollar. We went site seeing and taking pictures of the city. Nolwenn's friends were also staying in the same hostel at the same time, so we walked around with them.

Soon it started raining....and then raining harder, so we found a Starbucks and camped out and watched the rain. None of us (except Nolwenn) were prepared for this much rain. When we left for lunch, there was a river in front of the restaurant. I bought an umbrella from a guy on the street to help aid me, but I was already completely soaked up to my knees.

That night we went on a tour of Sevilla with a group from the hostel. We visited a few bars and met a lot of Americans. We broke off quickly and went back home. We were too tired from being wet and cold all day.

The next day we got up fairly early so we could head back to Spain. As girls seem to do, we had acquired quite a few extra things since the beginning of our journey. Our trunk was overflowing. On the street we were parked on, there were service vehicles behind us and blocking the one was street. Someone had parked really close to our car, so we had to wait to get in. Nolwenn had to climb in from the passengers side to get the car out. It was a tricky situation, and that was not helping her. There was an Italian man and his wife walking by and he was trying to give Nolwenn directions for backing out....in Italian. Eventually, she just got out and let him do it. It was a hilarious situation. I know that man walked away thinking "Silly girls and their cars."

Portugal Part 2: Évora and Faro

The next stop was Évora. Évora is another very small town, but was very charming. It took us a while to find our hostel. Our GPS told us we were close, but couldn't quite get us there. We parked and got out and walked around. We asked people if they knew where the street was. They kind of pointed us in the direction that we had already looked and didn't know where to go. We were in a small town, so English was scarce. Finally we heard someone yelling out the window. We looked up and saw a man. He was the owner of the hostel and heard us talking. He let us in and we checked in. This was by far our most favorite hostel. 1. It was warm. 2. We were practically the only ones there. 3. This man was the nicest man. He spoke several languages and loved meeting travellers. He just wanted us to sit and talk with him.

That night we looked around for a place to have coffee. We found a really cute place right near our hostel. Some had coffee. I had a glass of wine. There were chocolates and sweet pastries in the case. The signs in the restaurant told us, that this place served food so we decided to come back tomorrow.

The next day we walked around the town taking pictures. Évora, in my eyes, is a very typical Portugese town. It was small. There were people selling castañas on the street. It was a very typical Sunday, similar to that in Spain. The only thing there is to do on Sundays is eat.

We walked around until we were frozen to the bones and our cameras were full of pictures. We went back to the cafe from the night before and got lunch. This was seriously the best lunch I've ever had. I got a ton of food for 6 euros. It was a marinated fish (not sure what kind) with rice and potatoes. The marinade that was on the fish soaked into the rice and potatoes and I ate the whole thing. We then had dessert and coffee and sat there for the rest of the evening. It was still really cold, windy and rainy. As we were leaving I was standing outside and an old man walked by. He asked if I knew Spanish and I said yes. He told me the wind was like a Spainard. It never stops blowing. We chuckled and he chuckled to himself all the way down the street. How cute.

The next day we were sad to leave our cozy hostel. We went to Faro. Faro is another beach town. We went to the beach and took some pictures and had a coffee by the ocean then we headed to Isla de Cristina. Our Portugal journey was about to take us back to Spain.

Portugal Part 1: Lisboa and Belen

December is kind of a silly month in Spain. The Spanish take their holidays seriously. On December 6th there is Día Constitución Española (Day of the Constitution) and on December 8th there is Día de la Inmaculada (Day of Immaculate Conception). Since these days are so close together, they just throw in an extra day and give everyone the 7th off too. We don't want to mess up anyone's vacations. And, if you weren't counting, that's 6 days of no work in a row. That only leaves room for one thing....ROAD TRIP!

My roommate's have told me that renting a car is inexpensive. We all wanted to go somewhere so I suggested renting a car. The closest place to go (since we're in the south) is Portugal. One of my roommates went to school in Portugal for awhile so she told of us a few places to go. We rented a car that would fit 5 girls and luggage and headed to Portugal. Our goal was to start the furthest away and work our way back to Malaga. People in Portugal drive fast. Jen was driving 154 km/hr (96 mi/h) and people were passing her, honking because she was going slow.

We started our journey on the way to Lisboa. Lisboa is about 6 1/2 hour drive if you don't get lost. We knew we would get lost and confused with European road signs so we budgeted for this. We arrived in Portugal late, found our hostel and went walking around. We arrived in Lisboa late on Friday night, but there was no one out. In Spain on Fridays, you can't walk 2 people wide because there's so many people. Here, no one. I think we saw 2 people. We wondered and looked at the Christmas lights and then sat and looked at the port. The next day we found the ocean. It was very cold and rainy, and the sky was grey, but it was pretty. We took some pictures, ate a pastry and moved on.

Near Lisboa was el Torre de Bélen. The Tower of Belen was an old lookout for the town. It was made of stone and looked like an old castle. It was even colder and rainier this day. The wind whipped through the tower. It kept going up and up, but there was only one narrow staircase for everyone going up and down to use. It was interesting.


We were hungry after this and found a restaurant nearby that would offer some sort of relief from the weather. We ordered a bottle of vino verde, Portugal's version of wine. It wasn't really green. It looked like white wine with a little tint. For lunch I had a fish dish (as was only appropriate overlooking the ocean) that was baked with cream and had golden cheese on top. It was delicious. The waiter told us about a certain type of pastry called a belen (ironically) that was sold in the nearby town so we went looking for it. We found it. It was the one with all the people outside eating belenes.
After our heavenly pastry experience we loaded up and headed to Evora, a town recommended by my roommate, Mela.

El Mes de la Theses

Two of my roommates are working on getting their Master's degree in translation. For this they have to write read and analyze a piece of work from their native language and translate it into Spanish, and explain how they did this and the problems associated with it. The theses are due the middle of December.

Since we all moved in, they've kind of been slacking (as all college kids to with a huge project). Now that it's November everyone is feeling the crunch. Their other friends (who are also working on their Master's) are here. They're focused (kind of). They have group work sessions. In our house we have camping out: Aseel (Jordan), Juampe (Spain), and Jed (North America.)

It is fun having everyone here. Watching them complete their theses makes me not want to go back to school. They are all very stressed. Along with the paper, they have to do a presentation in front of their teachers who will ask questions. This part is particulary worriesome to me. English, no problem, but I would be completely nervous in another language. For most of them, Spanish is their second language and they speak it fluently, but they are still nervous about their presenations. Who wouldn't be?

Sometimes I wake up in the morning to go to school, and they're still up from the night before. Then when I get home they're all asleep. Other times they go to bed at 9 in the evening and will wake up at 10 to work. They live on grilled cheese sandwiches and coffee. The table is filled with laptops and papers constantly. It's pretty much assumed that every space available, will be filled with sleeping bodies. On second life, I wonder if they keep odd schedules because they're rotating beds. Oh the life of a student!! I can't imagine how free they'll feel after they all do their presentations. I can't wait for them to have normal lives!

Thanksgiving's One and Two

For Thanksgiving number one we all met at Jeannine's house. Most of our schedules are Monday through Thursday, so a lot of us were able to have our Thanksgiving on the real Thanksgiving day. Someone found a turkey and had to special order it. I will say that for our first time making Thanksgiving without experienced Thanksgiving makers, we did a terrific job! We all brought our favorite Thanksgiving dish. I took mashed potatoes and made the gravy. I've seen my mom do this innumerable times, but replicating it was different than I thought. Everyone loved the gravy, except for me. It didn't taste like momma's. I think I put too much flour in and not enough turkey drippings.

As we are living in a different country, everyone has foreign friends. There were people from all over Europe who came to see a true American tradition. Italians, French, Spanish, I think a couple Germans were there and a couple British. It was a mixing pot of people and it turned out pretty well. The Italian boys made bruschetta and all kinds of delicious items that included bread topped with something. The would make the appetizers in batches and they wouldn't even make it out of the kitchen. Everyone was hovering around waiting for them. The French girls made a chocolate cake, an American girl brought a pumpkin pie, and those that didn't know what to bring bought a bottle (or 3) of wine.
This Thanksgiving felt like home. There were lots of people hanging out, eating for hours and having fun. Although I miss not going to Thanksgiving with my family, this was a very nice alternative.

Thanksgiving took place at Erin's house on the Friday after Thanksgiving. This was for those who had to work on Friday. Erin and her friends also special ordered a turkey. I brought mased potatoes again and was determined to make the gravy right this time. The food at Second Thanksgiving was more traditional than at First Thanksgiving. Someone made greenbean casserole, there was stuffing, and the gravy tasted amazing this time. There was none left over. This was a different variety of people and was very fun just like the one before. We all had a really great time! It's nice to create your own family to celebrate traditions.

During this week I gave a presentation at my schools about Thanksgiving. It was complete with a lot of pictures. You need to see the food to understand it. The kids just did not get the concept of a whole turkey. It was so funny. They made a weird disgusted look when I told them, traditionally, we eat turkey on Thanksgiving. "Oh, like sliced turkey?" (this is lunchmeat) "No." I would say. "It's a whole turkey that's baked in the oven all day." And then they would make their faces at me and call me weird. But I was the one chuckling on the inside, because they have NO idea what they're missing. I can't wait for next Thanksgiving when I can be with my real family and celebrate the way we always do.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

They are starting to put up the Christmas lights! First, it was only a few. The next weekend, there was more. Today they are putting up giant ones in the plaza de la constitucion! Rumor is they will light them up on November 26th. I'm very excited. Pictures to come.

Haircut

I've been working up my nerve since I got here to get my hair cut. I have a lot of fear of getting my hair cut anywhere, but especially here because of the language barrier. Everyone Spanish person (or those that have lived here for a few years) have told me ¡No lo haga! (Don't do it!) So I didn't. But my friend Phaedra cut my hair for me. She did a magnificent job!

Aren't we cute?

Benalmádena y Torremolinos

This week Jen and I decided we needed to get out of town. We're in Málaga and we're settled in so we decided it's time to explore. We planned on going to Benalmádena because we heard it was pretty. My roommates said the beach was chulisimo. While we were at breakfast we saw a sign for a festival del vino (wine festival) in Torremolinos! ¡Qué suerte! We went to Benalmádena first. From what I can tell it is a British tourist town. There were restaurants by the ocean advertising things like English breakfast and tea and there were lots of English speakers. But the roommates were right. The beach was awesome!

I love being able to see the mountains and the sea in the same city. Basically, anywhere along the Southern coast of Spain you can see mountains and ocean. The best of both worlds in my opinion.

Next we hopped back on the metro to go to Torremolinos. Stopped and had a beer to enjoy the sunshine and reward ourselves for all our hard work. We got directions from the waiter. He told us it was 20 minutes walking, so we went on our way. As we had been walking for 20 minutes, we were hungry so we stopped for lunch. We ordered langostinos a pil pil (prawns) and almejas (clams) with garlic and butter. We hadn't had langostinos and didn't really know what they were so we tried them. They were DELICIOUS. Tip of the day: anything a pil pil is a go.

Langostinos

We were happy girls.

After we got more serious about directions and had people laugh at us when we told them where we were goin by walking. It was possible. We walked down a highway with a guardrail to get to the Plaza de Congresos. There we met some friends and drank some wine. They were all good. I can't tell you names of them, because there were waaay too many. I can tell you I like vino tinto (red wine) and don't like sweet or white wines as much.

Here: Los Amantes del Vino

(The lovers of wine)

We had a good day, knocked out 2 towns, and tasted some of Spain's and Argentina's favorite wines. A good Saturday I say.

Halloween

For Halloween, a friend of my roommates had a Halloween party. It was a real party complete with creepy food, un calabaza (pumpkin) as a punch bowl, a real scary costumes. This is me, my friend Jen in the back, Philip (a guy from America) and Marta. Marta is always adorable and very congenial. She was a fairy for Halloween. As you may be able to tell, I was a vampira but not a very good one. I don't think I look very scary, especially in my cheesy costume.

Scary black spaghetti with tomatoes and tuna. Tuna? you ask. Yes, Spain puts tuna in everything. Another kind had mejillones which as far as I can tell are clams.

Tarta de espinace and mini pizzas. Yum is all I have to say.

Here we are, the three roommates: Me as a vampire, Cami as a devil, and Marcela as a pumpkin. Who wins? I think Cami.

Afterwards we to el botellón in Plaza de la Merced. Normally it is mostly empty with a few scattered people in it. This night it was packed. I supposed that Halloween there is a city wide party in la Plaza where everyone goes here to drink. The police had blocked off the streets and it was impossible to walk through, but it was soo fun!

A picture of the plaza after el botellón and everyone had moved on to the warmer and more exciting places like discotecas. I think a lot of people didn't make it anywhere but home...like me. I was tired as I had worked all day and didn't get my Spanish siesta.

El fin de semana

The weekends have been kind of boring it seems like. With little money to do things with, it's been a challenge to find something to do that is free. Jen and I have kind of wondered the streets looking at stuff. We talked about visiting a town for a day, but we didn't decide on that until Saturday. Since this weekend is a holiday (Spain has off Nov 1st for Dia de los Santos) we decided not to go anywhere because everything will probably be closed. We will be getting paid soon and will start travelling.

Marta, a friend of my roommates, is having a Halloween party tonite. I am pretty excited about it. Today her and her roommate Biance were here making food. I think the food will be a reason to go. They made little mini pizzas, a spinach tart, and dogs in a blanket. I believe there is more I don't know about. I have a costume. I'm going to be a vampire. My costume is very ugly and tacky, but it's for one night. I bought fangs and blood to go along. Marcella is going to be a pumpkin and Camilla is going to be a devil.

Mella, the last roommate arrived this week. She's very cool. I like here. She is Maria's best friend. It was cool to see Maria come to life now that her bestie is here. They have had friends over almost every night. The other day it was Maria's birthday and there were people here to celebrate that. There was a delicious looking cake that I really wanted to eat. Marcella and Camilla made her a cake too. She turned 26. Their friend Juanpa (short for Juan Pablo) comes over on the weekends. I believe he is here to use the internet. They are all working on some type of homework for school. Juanpa is a Spanish teacher and today he asked me if I wanted to do intercambio because he needs to improve his English. How great I think. We're going to do that today after I take a shower.

Tonite I will try and take pictures. I believe there will be Americans, Germans, Italians and Spanish people at the party tonite so I'm very excited. International party here I come!

Neewollah

On Thursday at one of my schools, I did a presentation on Neewollah. I use presentation loosely. I took in a brochure from Neewollah, a button and a program. I tried to explain that Neewollah was Halloween spelled backwards. I told them about the parades and the play. I showed them pictures in the booklet about the Grand parade. They were all interested in the pictures, but I'm pretty sure they didn't understand most of what I said. The pictures were the fun part. At the end I handed out some candy corn. That was their favorite part. Of course, what 11 or 12 year old doesn't like eating candy in class. I think next year I will send Isabel some candy corn to talk about at Halloween time.
At my other school, the teacher didn't really ask me to prepare anything about Halloween. We dressed up in costumes for the little kids and I helped explain some Halloween words in English. It wasn't a big deal to them. The 4 and 5 year olds just kind of looked at us like we were weird and they didn't really understand the process of dressing up or different costumes.

As I am here I would like everyone to eat the following foods for me at Neewollah.
1. Fried pickles
2. Gyro with lamb
3. Cheese on a stick
4. Cinnamon rolls with pecans
5. Roasted ear of corn
6.Mudslide

Thanks and Happy Neewollah!!

Pizzaaaa!!

Tonite Marcella and Camilla made pizza!! It was as wonderful as I had hoped Camilla made the dough, and it rose and then we made pizza. I think more people were supposed to come and it, but I don't care because we ate until we couldn't eat anymore. Then we had one more piece. And then we got ice cream. Also, from conversations tonite I need to learn more words about TV shows and Halloween. Pronto. Here are a few photos.


Above: Camilla making the pizza dough


Right: Rolling the dough out with a cup (improvision) and decorating the pizza. Mozzarella, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, salt, oregano, and black olives

And it was gone like that!

I seem to meet people at the bus stops, while waiting for the bus or leaving. One day i met a man living in Alhaurin while I was waiting for the bus. He was from Cordoba. He was going to the town near by. He said he had a car and a motorcycle but they were both broken so he was taking the bus. He also rides 50-70 kilometres every morning and then goes home and sleep. He told me about his life. When he got off the bus he gave me his phone number in case I needed help. I think he thought it was cool that I was from America. He said if i call him to just say that I was the American and he would know who I was.

Today I met a family. I was waiting at the crosswalk and a girl asked me if I knew how to get to their hotel. Her map wasn't very good, but on second look I knew exactly where the hotel was because I just happened to notice it one day while walking down the street. It was complicated to explain where it was so I told her they could walk with me because it was on my way home. Her and her family are from Iran and were in Spain on vaction. Three days in Malaga, and then off to Barcelona. She was the only one who spoke English. We chatted a little on the way. I dropped them off at their hotel and wished them good luck.

Also, I noticed I'm still tan. I like it. It comes from living near the beach. Jen and I go when it's warm enough. Last year I think people were going to the beach until December 20th. I like living where the weather is warmer, but I miss fall. My mommy sent me some fall pictures and will put them up to see. Fall is my favorite. Que suerte tengo.

Tonite the Italian girls are making pizza. I'm so excited!!! There will be pictures.

Language Learning

I've been in Spain for a little over a month. My Spanish is improving, but not at the speed I had hoped. Learning a language is hard. Some people say one thing, and others say another, but that's not what we were taught in school. I'm still nervous when I go places and ask for something. It seems I always have to say something twice. I don't know if I'm pronouncing things wrong or if they weren't listening. Even when we speak in English we have to repeat things. Maybe I just notice it more because Spanish takes more effort than English.

Generally I understand what people are saying, it depends on the accents. The way the Malagueños speak is by chopping off the last syllable of the words. This proposes problems because then the words don't sound like words, the sound like sounds. I am adopting to this. But some of the old people are hard to understand. The tend to cut off more than half of the word and slur their speech. I've just given up a few times. I smile and nod and walk away with no clue as to what they were saying. Part of my problem is understanding what they're saying and forming a response quickly. This will get better as I practice.

I have a made a few Spanish friends, but none that I see during the days. I talk with my roommates in Spanish and when we go out and do something. It is easier learning here than in the States. Grocery shopping is a learning experience because I'm learning the new words of the food I eat. Also, weights are in kilos. My friends and I are going to an intercambio that is at a bar. My roommate told me it was more about drinking than intercambio, but I'm going to look at the list and see if I can recruit an intercambio partner. I hope it will help me learn Spanish faster and I hope that I can find one.

My roommate Maria is from Greece. When she was in kindergarten she was learning 2 alphabets. She didn't start learning English until she was 6 or 7, but she still retains a lot of it. She only studied English for 5 years and then French for 12, I think. She can't speak French because of the age she learned it at. She hasn't studied English since she stopped learning when she was 12, but Enlgish music and movies have kept her somewhat up to date. She says her English insn't good, but I think with a little correction she could be fluent pretty quickly. The little girl I'm tutoring is 5 and the parents want me to work on pronounciation. She can't even pronounce the Spanish words correctly, but I will try anyway. I think different people have different opinions on when children should start another language. I have read a couple articles, but not enough to form an opinion.

Learning a language is an interesting experience. Sometimes after long hours of Spanish I could not construct a correct sentence if my life depended on it. Other times it flows out without trying. I don't understand. I wish I would have taken a language earlier in life. I see 10 year olds who are speaking 2 or 3 languages and I'm jealous. I definitely see a need for children to be bilingual and would like to allow that opportunity to my children. With different languages comes different customs, foods, opportunities and friends. It seems silly not to take advantage of the international world when it is at our fingertips.

I think I'm at the brink. If I continue the way I'm learning I will fluent when I come back. I am impatient. I wish that I was improving faster. I am making effort though and I think that's what counts. I don't speak English all day and I would like to eventually evolve to the point where I don't speak any, except in my classes. This is a time intense process, one that I was prepared to make. It's only been a month so I have 8 more to learn.

Mis Clases

This week starts my first full week of normal classes. The two school I teach at have determined my schedule. I will be at Emilia Olivares on Mondays and Thursdays and at Felix Plaza Ramos on Tuesday and Wednesday. I have different jobs at each school but both are fine. At Felix Plaza Ramos I feel like I do less. The teachers are in charge of lesson planning and exchange the directions. Normally, I lead the activites and ask the questions and play the games in English. The kids are excited to meet an American because most of the English speakers they meet are from England. I feel like I repeat myself a lot. At Emilia Olivares, the teacher also explains the directions but I go around and correct mistakes and check workbooks. I have begun a little to explain the directions in English. I think that eventually I will end up teaching the classes. I think I would prefer this anyway because sometimes the English of the teachers is painful and a lot of time is spent just sitting. But the kids are excited to ask for help from me and I am excited to give it. It is fun to see them learning.

Right now at both schools we're learning animals, how to describe people, family members, foods, and hobbies. The curriculum we have is from Oxford so the CD's are in British English. Some kids have trouble understanding my English because I have an American accent. This is understandable. I have trouble understanding them in Spanish because they have a Malaqueno accent.

Soon I will do a presentation on Halloween. This is exciting because Independence has the one and only Neewollah. I am excited to show the kids how the states does Halloween because here they don't celebrate it. One of the teachers is going to dress up and asked if I want to too. Of course I do! I'm going to buy a costume from the China shop! Hopeully, I will have a chance to do lots of presentations on the US. Our cultures are very different and now that I am here, the differences are very prevalent.

I'm sorry I haven't been updating very frequently. I will try to do better in the future.

¡El primer día!

Today was my first day at school. I was supposed to be there at 9. I planned on taking the 6:50 bus because I didn't want to be late to my first day of class. I asked my roommate about how long it would take to walk to the bus station. She said about 20 minutes, so I added 10...still missed it. Then next one was at 8, I guess I'll be Spanish today and arrive fashionably late. I had a coffee at the bus station while I waited and dreaded the ride there anxiously anticipating the day and what I would be doing.

The ride to Alhaurín makes me sick. It curves around hills, sharp curves, several roundabouts...you get the idea. I found my school pretty easily after being shown the week before. Today was the first day of school for the kids. I am teaching 6 hours at 2 schools. Both are primary schools and have grades pre-school to 3rd grade. I talked with several people before I found someone who understood that I was saying auxiliar and was expecting me.

I met all the teachers, most of whose names I won't remember on Monday. They understand. I even met the janitor. They all told me that I spoke Spanish better than they spoke English and tried out their English skills on me. I told them I would help them with English and they were very pleased.

The pre-schoolers were pretty complacent and didn't really care that I was there. The 2nd and 3rd graders were very happy to meet someone from America. I stood in several classes telling about myself in English. Then the teacher asked them questions about what I said. They had no idea. Whew. I have my work cut out for me. I was under the impression that they were fairly fluent. They all guess that I was from England or Germany as the American English speaker is rare here. Some gasped, others clapped their hands. Looks like I'll be pretty well accepted.

I will be helping the students mostly with pronunciation and helping the teachers with theirs and the development of curriculum. I think sometimes I will give cultural talks about customs and holidays in America too. I'm very nervous. Do they know I'm not really a teacher?

My last class of the day may be my favorite, mostly because I love the teacher named Pili. We are friends now. She gave me her phone number and told me to call her if I ever need anything. Since it's the last class of the day, there is mayhem at 2 o'clock. She told me as we were lining up that she takes the kids out front and then she slips out the back because parents and grandparents will ask her questions and she wants to go eat. They're not supposed to leave the back way but the supervisor doesn't care so they do it anyway.

Pili lives in a smaller town between Alhaurín and Málaga but goes to the city on the weekends to see her parents. She invited me to lunch with her and her friend. YES! Spanish friends. She gave me a ride back to Málaga and we talked a lot in Spanish. She said she studies abroad and she knows I don't have many friends and that I need friends who speak Spanish. So now, somos amigas. AND her friend Lila wants a conversation partner bu bu buuuumm...enter me!

My school schedule is good I think. I will work Monday through Thursday. I start at 9 everyday except Wednesday when I start at 11. I have a break from 12-12:20 (not lunch, snack) and I will be done at or before 2 every day. My school knows I take the bus so they are working on finding someone to give me a ride from Málaga. How sweet! I didn't even ask. They know the bus sucks. They told me when I would be paid, gave me the letter I thought they didn't have for me, and dragged me along as the two schools debated who would have me when. I think a native English speaker is needed there. EVERY teacher has said they need to work on their pronunciation. Todo está bien. Todo.

Today is Friday, Spain's favorite day because you can only work half a day if you want followed by 2 days off. Seriously, Spain takes their days off as serious as a heart attack. Tonite is fiesta with the Spanish girls and Jen...and I'm off!

¡Huelga general!

The strike started at midnight. We went to a café con wifi to use the internet. The girls are working on getting problems worked out with their school. When we got back, the strike had started. People were yelling on the streets, putting strike stickers everywhere, piketting (?), blowing whistles...it was a loud sight. They stopped in the street, so we watched them from our balcony. Eventually they left but I was anxious for wednesday.

When we awoke, I thought just a few places would be closed. No, almost everything was closed. The only shops not closed were the chain stores and a handful of restaurants. So we chalked it up as a worthless day and decided to go to the beach.

On the way to the beach we passed many people on strike. This is the first national strike Spain has had in 8 years. There have been others in different towns, but this one was nation wide. The strike is against the new labor reform to reduce the national debt and against the capitalist system. I am not able to explain many of these details because I am not familiar with Spanish politics, but I will tell you what I know from the flier.

The new labor reform says:

• Companies can fire employees without reason or punishment for whatever cause they see fit
• Employees may be laid off and given only 20 days noticed with 8 days paid
• Employers can change salaries, functions, geography, and schedule if they want without consulting the employee
• In an effort to reduce the deficit, the pension of 6 million people will be reduced, when 68% of them already aren't paid a minimum profesional salary
• Social security benfits are not guaranteed and are changing the retirement age to 67 and reducing the amount of benefits while raising those of companies, multi-millionaires, and executives

If I were a Spanish citizen I would probably protest too. But I am not, so I prefer to just watch. While we were on our way to the beach the main street was closed off and people were marching through the streets. Signs, whistles, bull horns, fliers, chanting, policía...the whole 9 yards. It was a very interesting day.

The beach was amazing. I'll probably try to go almost everyday. I read a book, had a coke, and cooled myself off in the freezing Mediterranean waters. I went to the beach with English speakers while reading my book in English. I feel guilty, and my Spanish suffers when I spend that much time doing English stuff. So I bought a Spanish book of small stories by famour authors. Let the learning commence!

Again, no internet. Everything was closed so María couldn't go to the stores. Maybe tomorrow. We're dying sin wifi!

¡Piso Nuevo!

Today I moved into my new apartment. It was like a fairytale really. I met with Isabel from my school on Friday. She had an appointment for us to look at an apartment. We went and looked at it. It was very nice, but they were not renting only one room. I had to rent the whole place. I didn't want the whole place because it's too expensive and too big for one person. Also I didn't want to go to the trouble of finding rooommates and such. We looked at others and determined that no one rents only rooms in Alhaurín el Grande.

Isabel said it was probably better to live in the city since I'm not working very much and because there's more to do here, like bars, shops, la playa. I agree. I'll probably have to get up at the crack of dawn, but I'll live near people my age and have things to do. So I went in search. I should have been looking before. I'd been here almost a week before I started looking for a place to live.

The hostel that I originally stayed at didn't have room for me on Saturday. So I moved to another, then another because the other one was kind of shady. So tired of living in a shared room and bathroom and having people everywhere. On Monday I began my search. I was looking on the internet at pisos, when a girl in the hostel asked me if I understood spanish and was looking for a place to live. I said yes. She told me her and her friend were going to meet with the owner of a flat today and if it went well she would call me. The price was right, and it was with foreigners, forcing me to learn spanish.

That afternoon she called me. I went to look at it and said YES! It is a 5 bedroom piso, 3 bathrooms. It hasn't been lived in for 5 years so it was really dirty. We cleaned our own bedrooms and hired someone to clean the common areas such as the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. It was well worth it because they were filthy to say the least. It is furnished and 5 minutes walk from the center of town which is perfect!

My roommates are students. The first 2 girls, Camilla and Marcella are from Italy live there now. They are 21 years old. Camilla is an industrial design student and Marcella is a transalation major between Italian and Spanish. The other girl, María, is from Greece. She is getting her masters in translation between Greek and Spanish. She is the older of all of us, but I think my favorite. She's a free spirit. She talks really fast, but I catch most of it, and speak with a Greek accent. I never thought I would be able to detect accents in Spanish. The 4 girl is from Italy too, but we haven't met her yet. She's arriving this weekend sometime. She is also a translation major between Italian and Spanish. Their school starts Monday.

After we got our rooms cleaned and furniture organized I went and bought sheets, pillows, towels, etc for the casa. I unpacked my things, and I'm sleeping in a room by myself in my own bed tonite. It feels good. This place was God-sent. I don't think I could've picked out a better place myself! Now I can relax and enjoy Spain. Right now we don't have internet. María is working on it. She thinks tomorrow she can go, but we'll see. When I have internet, I promise I will upload pics of the new flat and the new town.

Tomorrow there is supposed to be a national strike. I was wanting to work on some paperwork and get things done, but it is Spain. I know this will not happen. Qué será, será. I charged my camera battery in preparation for tomorrow because I don't know what will happen. It is sure to be a show!

Trouble with Hosteles

Tomorrow I am meeting Isabel in Alhaurin. I called her today to set up the appointment. She told me my Spanish was very good!! When I came I only booked 3 nights at the hostel because that's all I thought I'd need. I don't know why. Tonite is my 5th and my last. I had to change rooms. The smelly guy below me left today. The hostel has no available beds for tomorrow night, so I have to change. I spent all afternoon looking for a new hostel online. One that wasn't too far away, but nearer to the train station. Less expensive, but still with lockers and internet. I found one.

I went to dinner and was talking with the German girls and told them about my hostel. Come to find out they tried to check into the same hostel on Monday and ended up staying somewhere else. They said the lockers were really small, doors were falling off, weird people walking around, crappy beds, etc. Gross. I have too many things to live in a place like that with all these things.

They told me about another hostel around the corner that they stayed at instead. The thing is if I cancel I still have to pay for the first night. It's better than getting my stuff stolen, but probably I will cancel the second night. I may just pay the first night and move anyway before I even get there because I don't want any of my stuff taken. eek. I'm nervous.

After moving I'm getting on the bus to go to Alhaurin el Grande to meet Isabel (my contact at my school). We are going to talk and have coffee, and she said she'd help me look for places to live tomorrow!!! I'm excited. She knows of a place that rents rooms, but she doesn't know how much they are. But I have someone to help me, and a friend. Hopefully, I can have a place by monday. I'm tired of living in a hostel!!!

Tomorrow is uncertain and scary. I am really praying for a place to live. I'm so nervous with all this stuff and people around. Having my stuff taken before has put a very real, strong feel in my stomach of helplessness and fear. I just want to be in a safe environment where I can spread out.

Alhaurin el Grande

Yesterday I went to my town. It wasn't the best first impression. When I woke up, it looked like rain. But it always looks like rain and turns sunny so I thought nothing of it. It started to rain on the way to the bus stop. I knew it was going to. Everyone was carrying their umbrellas. I bought an umbrella before I got on the bus just in case. Good thing I did.

Shortly after I arrived it started sprinkling, and then raining. I had no map and no idea where I was. I walked all over this place, mostly in circles because I thought I was in the right area. I eventually saw signs for a government building so I went in and asked for a map. On it was marked the cultural center and turism office. Ok good, the tourism office will have a better map.

The tourist office is at the north of town. I thought I was at the top of town because I kept running into construction and no more houses. Important lesson of the day: the incline of a slope does not indicate the direction of the slope. I was walking up and down hills thinking I was at the north of town. It was raining. My umbrella was turning inside out. The construction workers and old men standing outside were staring at me. People in their cars stared at me as they drove by. I saw several people several times as I walked in circles before I realized that I read the town was situated on the North side of the mountain...which means the South side of the town is on the mountain.

After that things went better. I found where I was on the map. Found the tourism office. They didn't have a map. Silly me. I checked with the cultural center. She gave me a map, slightly less detailed than the other one I had. I asked where the bus was because I was done. I was hungry, wet, and cold and had been wondering around like this for 3-4 hours. I had what I came for. The brochure of Alhaurin el Grande says they're dedicated to getting visitors to come there, but you don't have maps?? weird.

I sat at the bus stop for over an hour waiting for the bus. It was covered. I ate my lunch. My legs and calves hurt from the hills. I asked the guy beside me about my bus ticket. The bus arrived. When I got back, I easily found the electronics store to buy a converter. Cha-ching. They had one. And there was a bus stop that takes me where I need to go right outside the mall, because I saw it on the way to the bus station this morning!

When I got back I was planning on going to the beach. The sun was shining, but I was mad at it for not being here earlier so I stayed in the hostel and did stuff. I'm tired of walking. I have 2-3 blisters on each foot, but I chalked the day up as a success because I accomplished everything I set out to do!

I took some pictures, but like I said. It was raining most of the day so the sky is foggy. But it will still be a gorgeous place to live!

Problems...

Yesterday when I got off the plane, my bags were not there. I wasn't surprised, just disappointed. I told customer service. The lady was very nice and told me my bags were in London. My flight was late they didn't make it on the flight to Madrid. Ok, fine. Right side of the ocean. She told me it would be a day or two and no more than 3. Three would be hard, but i'll figure it out.

When I got to my hostel I had to pay the balance of my stay. Dinner, groceries, and I was broke.Tried to get money, but my card was not allowed for use in Europe. I know I called them. They guy on the phone asked why I was going to be there so long and told me his mom was an ESL teacher. I tried to email my mom, but i was locked out of my account because I was using a Spanish IP address. You need to verify with a code from a text of phone call. I don't have a phone or money to get one. The rest of the money I brought is in the lost bag.

I emailed my mom from the other account. She got that taken care of. Meanwhile, I met some girls in the hostel who were visiting a castle so I went with them. This place was straight up the side of a mountain. We were walking straight up sometimes, but we made it to the top and it was worth it for view!!

There was also an Alcazaba that was near by. Let me back up. The castle was a defense for the city because it was at the top of a hill and the Alcazaba is where the soldiers lived...i think. Anyway, I saw La Alhambra in Granada and it puts this place to shame, but it was something to do and I got to see the city from a different view.

The girls I met are studying in Salamanca where I studied before and one is interested in the program I am doing so we had a lot to talk about. It was good to meet them. We ate dinner from the fridge from stuff we had and drank sangria out of the carton. Oh Sangria how i miss you!!

Day 2: Planes, no trains, and automobiles

The plane ride was looong. We're on a the plane, strapped in. The flight attendants have done their double checking and we're waiting for a lane to take flight. Then the pilot comes on and says a light is on that shouldn't be and we have to get it checked out. We're flying over an OCEAN! Let's get it fixed. All of the gates are full so we have to wait for a gate. We're holding up other flights because we're in the taxi lane.

We find a gate; the mechanics come on board and go below. Paper, re-fueling, re-strapping of seatbelts, recross-checking and an hour and a half later, we're on our way! The food was good. I slept a little. There was some serious Ambien going on on the plane because no one can sleep through a trans-Atlantic flight like the people beside me. I gave up on trying to sleep at 4:15 and chalked it up as a success because I could open my eyes and not have a headache. A nap is sure to follow. 2 hours until landing and 30 minutes to breakfast!!!!

The delay in the flight only gives my bags an hour to make it to the plane, but assuming they were on board with me, at least they're on the right continent. I talked with a lady from London a little and shared my worries. She and her kids travel a lot and she assured me they would get things taken care of properly and also made me realize i need to learn my geography. This is sure to be a side effect of travel.

Since my flight to London was delayed I was late to Madrid. I had to go through customs AGAIN. I was the next person in line and the guy in front of me got stopped and asked a lot of questions. I was impatient and late. Got through that, then security AGAIN. made it to the gate in time. I went to the counter to get my boarding pass because they wouldn't give it to me in America after they changed all my flights. I was flying on Iberia which is Spanish. The lady yelled at me and told me I should've got it when I checked my bags. I tried to tell her that I didn't come from a counter and she didn't care and continued to chastise me and tell me my bags wouldn't make it on the flight. i know i know.

Day 1: The Luggage Mystery

My flight schedule didn't go quite as planned. When we arrived at the airport my flight from Kansas City to Dallas was delayed....and continued to be pushed back as the minutes ticked by. The lady at the counter told me i wouldn't know until I got to my destination wether or not my baggage made it. So devastating. All I could think about when I was packing was 'I hope they don't lose my bags.' My flight is set up for my bags to be delayed. Good thing I booked a hostel so I have an address.

My flight was supposed to leaved at 2:45 and didn't leave until after 4. I wasn't scheduled to arrive in Dallas until 20 minutes before my flight for Madrid left. I checked with the airline again. There was nothing they could do. I called a number. The lady re-booked flights for me re-routing me through London, then to Madrid, then to Malaga. Thank goodness. She tried to stop my luggage so that it would be on the flight with me...status still unknown on that. Right now I'm sitting in Dallas waiting for the flight. However, my flight to Dallas didn't get to airport until my original one was scheduled to leave, so I know my luggage isn't on that flight.

Crisis averted for now. My gut tells me it will be ok (and everyone else), but my head thinks that logically that isn't possible. How many people have a blue rollie suitcase and a red backpack? Tons. I think I forgot to put a tag on my red bag too. Ooops.

I'm already tired. I hate being on airplanes without someone to talk to. I hate airports. They are lonely, desolate, boring places. I'm tired of reading. I have a long journey ahead of me filled with lots of people in a small place. Nature of the beast I guess.

I'm hoping maybe I can talk to some Brits on the flight from London to Madrid. Someone in Kansas City told Corey he should live in London because he likes the cold weather.

¿Cuantos días faltan?

I leave for Spain on Sunday. I have been trying to pack my life into 2 suitcases...which proves to be more difficult than one might expect. I've said my goodbyes to most of my friends and tied up loose accounts. I am so excited, but so so scared. In 2 days everything around me will be completely different.

The packing process has been littered with hard and practical decisions and tears. Occasionally when I take a look at my empty closet or pile of things not important enough to make it into the bulging suitcase, my eyes well up. The thought of leaving my tiny town is exciting with the thought of branching out on my own and setting up a life in a different country, but I think I might miss America a little. I'm a creature and fan of routine and i'm life is about to be shook up.

I am extremely nervous for my day of travel. Almost 24 hours of moving does not sound like a great time, but it is a necessary evil. Here's a summary.
Kansas City to Dallas-1.5 hours
Dallas to Madrid-about 10 hours
Madrid to Malaga- about 2 hours
Taxi to hostel-hopefully less than 20 minutes
Crash time-unknown
I should arrive at my hostel approx 23 hours after I leave Kansas City so wish me luck!

Then...i don't know. I have a few things I need to take care of when I get there (cell phone, maps, shower, figure out the buses, phone home)...then it's apartment hunting time. I'm really nervous about this, but it'll be ok...i hope. I've got plenty of time.

The Story!

For those of you who don't know, I've been dating a boy named Corey whom I met while working at Applebee's. Today he asked me to marry him and I said yes! He was so nervous; I don't know why. I love him. He knew I would say yes because we had already talked about getting married. Our whole relationship we have lived in different towns in preparation for this time of Spain-ness (not intentionally). Last time I came back from Spain I met Corey at work and I thought he might be a good guy. We became friends and were friends for about 2 years. I think I always liked him, althought I didn't want to date anyone I worked with.

After I graduated and moved away from Pittsburg, we started dating. He says he should've asked me out sooner, but I know I would have said no. He is the most wonderful boy I've ever met. He's considerate and polite, opening doors for me, letting me choose first, and making sure my well-being is taked care of. We have similar interest in some hobbies and music and lifestlye. My parents and my friends like him which I think is especially important, because no one knows you better than those closest to you and it's wonderful to have their support.

I am very happy to be his fiancee and maybe next year we will marry...although this is proving difficult because neither of us know where we'll be living or working. Corey is working to secure a job and graduate and wherever he finds a job is where we will live after we marry. Details of the wedding depend on how easy it is to travel to Independence from where he lives. So you should just block out October for us. It will definitely be in the fall. It's our favorite season.

You're Doing Whaaa???

I think it is time I write an official job description of what I'll be doing whilst in Spain. So without further ado...
I came upon this opportunity around graduation time. A couple of my professors sent me the link for the information about the program. I was looking for a way to be in Spain for an extended period of time to finish learning Spanish so that when I return, I can market myself as being fluent and find a job. I was also looking for a way to do this and get paid. It is a lot more difficult than it sounds. Spain doesn't want to hire expats when their own citizens don't have a job. Makes sense.

The Spanish government "recruits" native speakers of English (and German and French) to be "auxiliares" and aid in the deveopment of the bilingual programs in schools. My payment is funded by the government and comes with full health benefits. I am committed from Oct 1st to May 31st for 12-16 hours per week. The duties of the program are not specified because the duties are determined by each school. In other words, I won't know what EXACTLY I'll be doing until I get there. My supervisor that I've been in contact with tells me this is the first year they've had an auxiliar, but the kids are accustomed to having English speakers around. I don't know what this means. It seems like an oxymoron. I'm there to do whatever the school deems necessary for the improvement of the language program.

I will be working between 2 primary schools with 5 and 6 year olds. I speculate that we will sing songs and nursery rhymes, but I have no idea. I have heard some auxiliares that give presentations about certain American events, some that move from classroom to classroom, and others that stay put with one classroom. It depends on the school. I am extremely curious about what I'll be doing. All through school I said I didn't want to be a teacher and here I am about to teach 5 and 6 year olds. Kids don't like me, they never have. You know how kids just gravitate towards some people? I'm like that...only opposite. So i'm nervous about how things will work out. I'm really excited to hear the chatter of lots of 5 and 6 year olds in Spanish, because (I'll be honest) we probably have the same language level which means I may be able to relate to them better than I thought.

I am excited for learning to take place, for the exchange of cultures, and for Spanish food!!! 11 days and counting....getting jittery.

BINGO and ESL

You may or may not know that on Monday nights I teach an adult ESL (English as a Second Language) class in Coffeyville. It has been quite a success because we keep having more and new people each week. My friend Rachel and I do it together. She's the brains behind the operation because she's been practicing her Spanish a lot and has an ESL/Teaching degree...which i don't have.

I started this with the intention of practicing my Spanish and practicing teaching. It wasn't at all like I expected but it is a good learning experience. We try to think of practical lessons for the adults because they work a lot and they all have children so they are busy. They don't want to be bogged down with proper this and proper that, so we try to make lessons about words and phrases they need to know on a day to day basis.

This week i was really nervous about class because I was going to have to teach by myself. But it actually went very well. My broken spanish/ spanglish was well received and it seemed everyone had a lot of fun. There is a particular student who loves to play BINGO and every time we play, she is not there. On Monday we finished the the previous week's lession by playing BINGO and she happened to be there! She hadn't been the last two weeks. Once the first person got a BINGO she wanted to play blackout. So we played BINGO with fruits and vegetables for an hour.

Next week we don't have class because of Labor Day and the week after that is the last week. The program is being sponsered by a government grant and i am only contracted until the 13th. There isn't a teacher lined up after me and the company will not start looking until after i'm done (This seems silly to me). The adults were without a class for a while and they wanted it back. Now it's back, but it's going away. so is life. If anyone knows someone who would like to teach Adult ESL, let me know!

Piso Hunting

I cannot find a place to live. This is fine, I'm great with the plan i have. I would like to have the details hammered out, but that's not how spain works. My one lead is from my "mentor." I asked her about housing and she said there is an apartment she'll visit me with that is normally rented to maestros. Good. A guide, and a possible apartment close to the school so in a somewhat central location. This is good, however...

I would really really like to live with some spaniards. Maybe 2 or 3. I want to have a group of spanish speaking close friends to hang out with. Last time i did not take full advantage of the time i was in spain. I don't want to rent an apartment by myself. I want to rent a room. This is very common in Spain. Un habitación is a room rented out in an apartment if someone needs a roommate. Or sometimes the landlord rents out all rooms individually. I'am a fan. Everything is furnished and all you have to do is hang your hat.

Two girls from finland during study abroad lived with 3 spanish guys. I visited their flat a few times and had the best time. The finnish girls knew english and were learning spanish as their 3rd language and were teaching the spanish boys english. It was a great mixing of cultures in that apartment. I would like to have an environment like that were everyone does things differently, but everyone is cool.

But these are only my plans. And normally what happens to me is when i get to an anticipated situation, nothing happens the way i thought it would. But that's how we learn and it's how you meet cool people.

Preparations

I am trying to wait patiently for my departure date. I am becoming more excited and less nervous, because all the hard stuff and long waiting is over is over.There are 3 weeks más o menos and i'm excited. I've been working on this for 8 months.

1. Application and very, VERY long wait to hear about whether I was accepted and what province i would be in.

2. Another wait, although not as long, but still long, to hear the town I would live.

3. Lots of Confusing paper work and 2 trips to Chicago to drop off and pick up my brand spankin' new visa.

4. Plane ticket. So many different schedules, so many different sites.

5. Money in the bank and bills paid off. 30-40 hours a week doing something i've been doing for 5 years and am tired of. blah. bored.

6. Backpack. I found the perfect one!

7. A place to live. not....really.


Here's my plan. I'm taking a plane from KC to Dallas to Madrid to Malaga. whew. staying in a hostel until I can find an apartment. I don't even know what town i want to live in. I need to scout it out. I haven't found a ton of information on the town i'm living in so i'm just going to have it figure it out for myself. I'll stay in a larger city and figure out the transportation system and what town i'll live in. I'm going to see if i can meet some fellow travelers in the hostel that may want to visit a random town that day. They could give me perspective and go to look at apartments (if they were cool and we became friends). They may also know other people...enchufe. Then i will have a home before school starts and maybe a friend or two. And maybe i'll have some free time for the beach.

5 weeks, 5 days

So here i am...5 weeks and 5 days until i pack my bags to move to Spain for 9 months. September 19th is d-day. I have a one way ticket to Malaga, Spain. From there I'll take a bus to Alhaurin el Grande at the foot of the Mijas Mountains to teach English to 5 and 6 year olds. I've never taught before. In school I always told myself I didn't want to be a teacher. Here I am teaching English. It's funny how things work out.

Feelings: anxious, excited, jittery strangely calm

I have been trying to ease my anxiety by preparing. I've bought the necessary items, worked on paperwork, saved money, and the week after next I'll go pick up my visa, then wait. I've wanted to live in Spain for as long as i remember, but with time ticking by i feel an unbearable helpless need to slow it down. There's not enough time left! Too many people to see and things to do.

I've been preparing for months for this trip and I'm finally on the countdown. People ask me daily: "When are you leaving?" "Are you ready yet?" The truth is, I won't be ready. I won't be ready until I get there...until I have no choice. The hard thing is that everything is so uncertain. Where will I live? What does my school look like? the weather? the town? nothing. I am one that likes to be overprepared for everything, so this uncertainty is killing me. I'm just taking it one step at a time. It will be here before I know it.

The Beginning

Alas, the day has come! I have been wanting/trying/looking for an excuse to write a blog. This is the perfect time and something (hopefully) that someone will want to read about.

Close to graduation, my parents were visiting me at school. My dad asked me what I was planning on doing when I graduated. When I replied that I wanted to go to Europe my dad just said "See ya!" It was my blessing.

My whole life I have been on the track to work. I've wanted to have a big kid job since I was in high school. During the Fall semester of 2008 I studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain for 4 months. I never thought I'd want to be in a place so badly. When I returned in December I wanted to, but I soon realized that life in another country was something that I wanted to experience.

Upon graduation I had several teachers email about a teaching position in Spain. With a lot of hope and some optimism I got the papers together that were needed to apply. I did research on how long it would take for me to hear and anxiously awaited a (VERY) long 4 months to find out that I would be teaching 5 and 6 year olds in Alhaurin el Grande in the province of Malaga.

After visiting with family and friends I feel as if it is necessary to create some sort of mass information system to allow them to access information about my life and what I'm doing. So here it is...a blog. A look into my life as I hop the pond (as my dad would say) to go on a European lifestyle adventure!