Munich

Here am I again sitting in Barajas Airport getting ready to go on another adventure!  By the time I go home for the summer I will have become very familiar with this airport…I am getting ready to go to Munich Germany for the weekend!  Eric has a friend from school who is studying abroad in Munich and I have met Vlad several times on my weekends in Raleigh visiting.  So naturally I had to take the opportunity to go to Germany!  I really don’t know what our plans are, but I know he will be an excellent tour guide and am looking forward to it immensely. 

On my way back from Munich now!  Had a very nice time seeing the city and enjoying what little bit of Germany I got to see.  Vlad picked me up at the airport and I met some of his friends at *, starting the evening with huge beers, pretzels and drunken singing by some overly happy British fellows.  We walked around the streets all bundled up, watching the snow and enjoyed another European city.  The next day we woke up and went to “BMW World.”  Vlad is here in Germany as an intern working at the BMW plant which is pretty cool, Munich is the headquarters.  Breakfast was at a café inside where we had *.  I was skeptical when I saw a steaming bowel of water with white sausages inside served with a pretzel and, my favorite, mustard.  (Side note: For those who don’t know I am not a fan or sausage or mustard and was a little horrified when this dish came out for breakfast).  Vlad assured me that this was quite German and that it was tastier than it looked.  I tried it.  It isn’t my dish of choice but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I feared.  A cultural eating experience for sure…

                We went to the famous Munich Christmas Markets and walked around the streets trying a crepe and hot chocolate along the way.  A side note about hot chocolate; it’s not created equally everywhere!  In the US we have heated milk with a packet of chocolate thrown in, it’s generally very sugary and not think (unless you decide to use whole milk, in which case I applaud you).  In Spain and France, hot chocolate is like drinking a melted chocolate bar.  It’s rich, thick and delicious!  I asked how they make it and it’s the same way, powder in milk, but this powder must be magically melted chocolate.  When I make it I will let you know the amazing way this hot chocolate is made!  In Germany, it is similar to that of the US, but less sweet.  Still perfect for when you’re walking around on a cold day!  Except they give it to you in an actual mug that you have to return.  Like the Gluhwein we drank as well, which is really warm, cheap wine that you pay about 4 euros for.  If you return the mug, they give you 2 euros back, otherwise you get to keep the cup!  Naturally I decided to keep it…

I bought a couple of Christmas presents and some chocolate and had an enjoyable experience despite the fact that I ended up getting sick -_-  poor Vlad.  He immediately gave me some tea and medicine but it was something I ate.  Hopefully that is the only terrible plane trip I have and wish I had my Mom with me.  I’m not too proud to admit that!  It was my Mom’s birthday so I extra missed her……..

18 days, 19 hours and 58 minutes until I see them!! 

Dia de Accion de Gracia

Yesterday was Thanksgiving!!!  Don’t worry my fellow Americans, I did indeed get to have turkey.  The day started off at school, where my students enthusiastically told me “Happy Thanksgiving!”  During English class, I answered questions they had about our day of Thanks and how it came to be.  I started off the class by asking, “What can some of you tell me about Thanksgiving that you’ve seen from T.V?”  They all pretty much immediately responded with, “You eat turkey!”  I had to laugh as they used their hands to show how big they think the turkey is that we eat.  The gestures would make you think that we eat a small cow, which was quite exaggerated.    

I explained the Pilgrims coming over to the United States and the students all had a fun time talking with me about it.  They asked why Spain didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving and were pretty amused by my elated description of my favorite Thanksgiving food, Stuffing.  I make my grandmother’s recipe and this year it turned out pretty well!  I found all the spices I needed and enjoyed making it very much. 

Many American’s who I had been talking too were worried about finding the proper ingredients to make the delicious food we’ve grown accustom too.  Those who had been living in Madrid for a couple of years, shared insight on how to have a proper thanksgiving and also a store called “Taste of America.”  This store is full of imported items from America and had canned pumpkin, bread crumbs, Duncan Hines baked goods and PEANUT BUTTER!!!  Everything was completely overpriced and I won’t be able to make it a regular part of my grocery shopping, but for the holidays it was nice to know. 

Speaking of which, Christmas is coming up around the corner!  How did this happen so fast?  I’m looking forward to it and seeing my family……as of right now, there are 22 days, 18 hours and 39 minutes until they are in Spain with me….no I don’t have a countdown on my phone that I check regularly………

Barcelona, Arquitectura

I got to travel to Barcelona this past weekend to see Corinne again and her friend Jenna. Jenna is an Architecture major at Virginia Tech and specifically wanted to see some buildings in Barca, so I decided to tag along!  We went to the Opera Friday night to see "Agrippina," it was beautiful and very cool!  But word of advice?  Don't drink a glass of wine before going...warm cozy seats and long singing in a foreign language are not conducive to staying awake.  However it was cool to follow the English translation and enjoy the ornate decorations around me.  We felt pretty classy dressing up to go to see the opera...  

It was also cool to be the individual in the group who spoke spanish and helped get us around.  I was the expert (I'm using this term loosely here!) on the food and culture as we looked for places to eat and hang out.  In Barcelona they speak Catalan as well which was prominently displayed everywhere so I had to translate that as well.  

Overall another great experience had!  Excited to show my family around the city and get to enjoy some more of its beautiful sites...

Fins a la propera!

Paris, France.

       At first I didn’t have much of an opinion about Paris except that it was a city I needed to see in Europe. Now I see the appeal that it has for most people.  It’s beautiful!  It really is a beautiful city to walk around in and just soak up.  I took the train towards Corrine’s apartment and was ready for lunch when we met up.  We had lunch in the square where Notre Dame is, I didn’t get to hear the bells, but all I could think of was the Disney movie “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”  It was very impressive and beautiful.  I fully indulged myself with the French Cuisine and had an egg and potato crepe for lunch with a glass of wine while enjoying the view.  We walked around by the Seine River and decided to end the evening with more wine, a French baguette, brie, and watch Les Miserables.  We had a busy day the next day so getting to sleep at a reasonable hour was crucial. 

     We woke up and started off the day with a boat tour up and down the Seine.  I got to see the Eiffel tower from a distance, the Louvre, and gorgeous Parisian buildings of Parliament and such.  It was supposed to rain all day, but we got very lucky and it was actually a little sunny in the morning.  After the boat tower, I enjoyed a French Croque with chicken and goat cheese, along with another glass of wine and ended with a nutella crepe.  I had to cover both the savory and sweet crepe specialties and neither disappointed.

      Now being properly fed, we went to the Musee d'Orsay and saw classics like Monet, Manet, Mary Cassat, Degas and Van Gogh.  Having been to art school and learning about a lot of these famous painters, it was a great opportunity to see them up close and marvel at their work.  We spent a good couple of hours in the Museum and got to see everything it had to offer.  I also got to get in for free because I am under 26 and am living in Europe.  As much as I miss/love home, it was pretty cool to have the ticketeer ask, “Where are you living?” and get to reply, “Madrid.” 

     After the museum we went to the Eiffel Tower and got to go all the way to the top!  It took us about 2 hours to get tickets and finally ride an elevator upstairs, it was also rainy and quite chilly, but we did it!  It was worth the wait.  The scene was absolutely breathtaking and the tower twinkles on the hour!  We got to see it light up three times, while waiting underneath, while at the top, and finally as we left for the metro.  Pretty cool experience and it was really the one thing on my list that I wanted to do.  As tired as we were, Corrine managed to show me the Arc de Triomphe before we went back to her apartment.  We enjoyed bread, cheese and she graciously shared her mother’s homemade chicken soup with me.  A wonderful end to a busy and chilly day. 

      Before I got to the airport this morning, Corrine had the great idea of going to a famous café, Angelina’s, for the best hot chocolate in Paris.  She had never been there and thought breakfast before I left would be a good idea.  It was!  It happens to be the most expensive croissant and hot chocolate I’ve ever had, but it was a lovely experience and ended the trip wonderfully.  So considering what little amount of time I had in Paris?  We did pretty good.  Corrine showed me a great time and we got to cover a lot of ground (and food) that was necessary for the Parisian experience.  I get to see her in Barcelona next weekend and after Thanksgiving I get to go to Munich.  More adventures to follow 

Hope everyone’s having a great year and enjoying the cool fall weather!!!

Xoxoxo

Feliz Halloween y Bonfire Night!

      Yes they do indeed celebrate Halloween here, but they celebrate the more scary aspects of the tradition.  Little children still dress up and trick or treat, but as you get older the costumes become more of a spooky disguise and you don’t want to be recognized.  Very different from the American tradition of having a sexier costume as you get older…I spent my Halloween at my American friends house party dressed up with my friend Jessica.  She was the devil and I was hellfire, so we tried to mix the Spanish and American aspects of the holiday! 

     It was a fun weekend and the kids were excited to be out of school the next day.  I think that should be mandatory.  The day after Halloween (All saint’s Day) should be off.  I know it’s a religious holiday, but we can celebrate it for the good of all faiths right?!  At my school, we celebrated Bonfire Night, which I had never heard of before.   It’s a British Holiday on the 5^th of November that is about Guy Fawkes, a man who tried to blow up the King and Parliament.  Us English speaking teachers were required to create a play with the children to help teach them about the celebration.  Its quite gruesome!  The Brit’s who I have met explained to me that people make a dummy of Guy Fawkes and imitate him being burned at the stake!  They throw him in a huge bonfire, and set off fireworks as a reminder never to commit treason.  Nowadays it’s more of an excuse to drink and light off fireworks, however that’s the origin of the holiday.  Interesting all the things I’m learning.    

     I’m also learning the differences between British English and American English, which is more different than I assumed.  I’ll be reading a lecture to my Spanish pupils and come across a sentence that I’m sure is a typo.  For example, “What did you do at the weekend?”  At the weekend?  No no, that can’t be right, Silly Spaniard’s let me ‘splain it to ya!  It’s ON the weekend, what did you do ON the weekend.  Come to find out that’s how the British say it.  They also don’t use the word “gotten” its “I have got,” which took a little getting used to when I explained it to the students.  Good thing their grammar is better than mine.  Im generally used more for pronunciation and and translation.  Except in art class where I have practically been given free reign!!!  I come up with assignments with my co-teacher, Leli, and she lets me walk around the class and explain things as I want.  My co-teachers and I are becoming more cohesive and the students and I are creating more of a bond.  Whenever it comes to helping me out or working with me one on one, they are very eager to participate. 

     All in all I am very much enjoying my time here and, now that I’m settled, I can continue exploring.  Right now I am sitting in the airport on my way to Paris!!!  Corrine, a family friend, is studying abroad in Paris and I thought it would be a great opportunity to see her as well as explore a city I’m not familiar with.  Then we will go exploring to Barcelona the next weekend…

                

Proxima Parada

Its been a while since I have written I apologize!  I've been taking some time to get used to the "fiesta" aspect of Spain culture and have been thoroughly enjoying it.  Now I am listening to the rain and enjoying a cup of coffee having just woken up at 12 p.m.  How indulgent...

Siesta's are another indulgent thing that I used to feel guilty about taking.  I would ask myself, "Really?  a nap right now?  What have you done today to deserve a nap?!"  Now its more of, "You better get a 45 minute siesta in if you want to last as late as these crazy people do..."  I touched on this earlier, but in many ways I would like to morph the American and Spanish cultures together, because I now have a good idea about the positives and negatives to both.  

For example, Americans have the reputation of being hardworking and always in a hurry.  Spaniards have the reputation of being lazy and indulgent. Can I get both please?!  I'm also not calling all Spanish people lazy (side note:  Spaniards also don’t care much about politically correctedness either…notice my immediate reaction to say not all Spanish are lazy).  Aside from my American need to be politically correct, I have also faced a few stereotypes and had to justify American culture in my classroom and around me.  At school, one of my students looked at me and asked, “Does everyone in America eat McDonald’s?  Are they all fat?”  I started to laugh and then another student chimed in, “She’s not fat and she’s American, most Americans work out!”  I was cracking up listening to their ideas of American culture.  Some were completely far-fetched, others I had to shake my head sadly and say they were true. 

Most of the time when I say I’m American (which I do say proudly I can’t help it) people are generally pleasant, ask a couple of questions, and try to speak in English too me.  However, I recently ran into a situation where I was told, “You seem nice, but in general we don’t like Americans…”  He explained it was because of the fraternity culture and the students who come over here to study abroad and just drink and get rowdy.  I understand that stereotype, but naturally I was quite offended! 

Last night I hung out with my Spanish roommate and a few of his friends for the first time and they too asked me questions about American culture.  It had more to do with American television, Grand Theft Auto and the violence in our culture.  Of course they were joking occasionally but they definitely get a skewed vision in their heads of who we are. 

For a lot of Spanish, touching and close proximity don’t seem to be a problem for anyone.  I’m used to affectionate proximity from my family and have no problems with hugs, with strangers however?  That’s a different story.  I’m still getting used to the double cheek kiss which is how you greet someone you’ve been introduced too.  Doesn’t matter if you’re male, female, old young, if you’ve been introduced, you touch cheeks and make the kiss sound.  Several of my co-teachers will hold my arm while explaining something to me.  My Spanish roommate has pinched my cheek a couple of times even in front of his girlfriend!  But that’s just it, they’re signs of endearment and they don’t think twice about it and you see it everywhere.       

I’m ready for another weekend and am excited that I have been here for a month…missing home of course

    

     I had my second, first day of class at my OFFICIAL school today!  It was a big change, but I think it will be better for me in the long run.  I am with one group of kids and only 2 teachers as opposed to a whole jumble of different classes. I think with my desire to be a teacher in the future, this will allow me to work more on lesson plans and dealing with middle school children.  At my old school, we were used more as a “Foreigner prop.”  We answered questions and just kind of enforced that there are native English speakers out there.  At my new school, they were very excited to find out that I graduated with a teaching degree.  My English teacher immediately divided the class in half and sent me to an empty classroom with 15 kids saying, “Heres the book, we’re starting lesson 3.” The Spanish method of teaching is all about improvisation I’ve noticed.  No lesson plans to turn in, just straight from the book. The teachers don’t worry about being politically correct or humiliation of students.  Updates to continue…

        As I learn more about the curriculum I’ll let you know if my theory changes.  The teachers spoke specifically in Spanish to me, which was good because I need to improve.  All in all my observations have led me to believe we need a fusion of American culture and Spanish culture because they seem to be quite different extremes.  Spaniards think we’re workaholics, but complain that their people are lazy.  I have to justify every indulgent decision I make, they say, “Why not?”   

       As I am continuing my life in Madrid, I have noticed and become aware of so many different things.  Whether they are different or similar, I have to address a couple of things that I am already sick of seeing…Number one being dog poop.  Trying to avoid this on the sidewalks is not pleasant and I can actually smell it.  So gross.  Another gross thing?  People making out everywhere.  Call me bitter, but I walk around a lot and every 20 feet there’s a couple kissing passionately.  Doesn’t matter if its 2 p.m. or 2 a.m. its all the same.  First couple of times I thought, “Aw that’s nice,” now it’s, “Don’t you have somewhere to be?!”  

My weekend starts Friday :) hope everyone else is doing well 

Primer Dia de Classes

Today was my first day of school!!!  I woke up at 6 a.m. to catch my first train, to my connecting train to get to the school which is quite far away.  Needless to say, catching the train going in the wrong direction didnt help....I got to the school about 20 minutes late.  But its Spain!  And they don't seem to care, especially since the head director and I have been in constant contact most of the summer.  

            Anyways, I finally arrived to the school and all the of the little kids were so excited!  I have 4 classes and work with students mainly in 4th and 5th grade.  I switch around to different classes and get to work with different teachers.  Some dedicated the whole class time to getting to know me, others went straight to the lesson and didnt know what to do with an assistant in the class.  

           Either way this week is an adjustment period and we'll have to see what they expect from me!  Im not supposed to take over any teacher roles, but I'm sure ill have to come up with some lesson ideas or help with the topic being covered.  

          My commute is long but so far it has been a welcoming atmosphere and the teachers were pretty nice!  A chance to speak some more spanish I hope?  The few times Ive been out and able to try, people just want to practice their english with me...we'll get there :)

A dia en mi Vida

This whole week has been a wave of emotions as you might imagine.  Part of my day I am on a mission to open bank accounts, change phone numbers, and acquire transportation.  The other part I am walking blissfully around the streets of Madrid, wondering where to eat next.  Then of course I hit by intensities of joy, sadness, ojida (I just had to look up how to spell that, definition: mental angst).  It was particularly frustrating trying to open a bank account because I only have my passport.  I could not get my point across that I could still open an account with it.  Some people are rude and just roll their eyes when I start talking, others kindly let me spill out what I’m saying before they pat me on the back and point me to the door.  I found one finally….now hopefully to get money into it!! 

              Once I got somewhere with all items on my check list today, I took some time to be a tourist.  I walked to the palace and cathedral today, which are about a 30 minute walk from my apartment. Yup, I live near a palace, and the royal gardens are right next to me.  The ROYAL gardens.  I went to the most touristy plaza in Madrid and ate, what will be, the most expensive meal ill have in Spain.  It was delicious though, and I ate every bit of it J I had manchego cheese, Spanish tortilla, and a glass of sangria.  After that I just meandered through the gardens and found my way back to my apartment.  Whose life am I living?!  

Here I am again in my wonderful apartment!  This time with pictures included...I woke up this morning and met Janine (another auxilliare who is switching places with me) and we turned in the paper work.  She is from England, looks like Kat Deely from "So you think you can Dance," and was pushing her baby stroller around.  We turned in the paperwork and we started talking about our lives.  She ended up coming with me to several banks and tried to help communicate with me and we got lunch together.  It was a calamari sandwich...its amazing just how "go with the flow" you have to be.    

I think part of her felt sorry for me, part of her was glad to not immediately have to get on the train for an hour to go back home.  She was very sweet and I offered to babysit for her.  She goes "Its a shame we cant both work at Aranjuez, I like you!"  So out of the 3 people I know here?  2 are mothers.  

Banks close at 2 here, so after 2, I meandered around learning the area near my apartment.  Its very residential and "Posh" as it is right near the center of Madrid.  The Lion King (El Rey Leon) is playing at their version of Broadway, and I just might go!  Its amazing walking around and absorbing the culture.  Sometimes I get a chance to talk in Spanish, sometimes I can immediately be like "No hablo espanol!"  and go on my merry way.  Is it lonely?  Not yet.  Its nice being able to do my own thing and not be focused on trying to make best friends with all the American's in Madrid.  I will be meeting a few a week from today at my school.