¡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!