New Life in Maine y una cena española.

A couple things have happened since my last post (9 months ago...ooops). I got a new job, I moved to Portland, Maine and my obsession with all things Spanish has gotten worse.  At my new job I work with high school spanish exchange students scattered across on the US and constantly refer back to my experiences in Spain.  Added bonus: I get to speak Spanish quite a bit too. I am keeping the dream alive as my 5 year plan includes moving back to Spain.

In the mean time I am having a great time exploring Portland and the State of Maine.  Maine is obviously an outdoor mecca: skiing, hiking kayaking, fishing, hunting, SURFING, boating, sailing, rock climbing...you name it you can do it in Maine.  In that mecca, Portland feeds all those outdoor junkies and it is a foodie heaven: farm to table is super popular, amazing restaurants, bars and all kind of grocery stores (Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Hanafords, Rosemont all within 1 mile of each other).  It is awesome. Seafood is also amazing..more to come on that later...

Keeping on with the food scene, we had a Spanish potluck and as 2 of the diners were vegetarian/vegan, it was time to scour my sources for Spanish recipes.  The native spaniard was making a tortilla, salad had been called but luckily I stumbled across an amazing cookbook and later found another source, a blog called I Love Tortilla de Patatas where an Española who lives in the Netherlands writes and shares recipes for some typical Spanish foods.

I decided to make escalivada (catalonian roasted vegetables) and with guidance from this blog entry I made my own escalivada.  More or less,  you need a selection of onion, tomatoes, eggplant, garlic and red peppers, dress them in olive oil and salt in a roasting dish.  Roast in the over for as long as you need (eye ball it!).  Let them cool, peel, and marinate over night in more olive oil and some vinegar if you are so inclined.  The next day, arrange in your own fashion on a serving dish, adorn with some fresh dill and voila....Escalivada! Enjoy my pictures and if you feel like actually making it...check out the recipe at the link above...hasta luego!!                                             

Amuuurica is no Spain.

Having been home for a little bit over a month, the thrill and excitement of being back home is starting to wear off thus causing me to realize just how much I miss Spain.  Don't get me wrong, I am glad to be home for the various weddings, celebrations and summer time fun but...the thought of not going to Spain in the fall makes me want to grab a cruz campo and eat all the jamón I can. So yea, I know I am over reacting but oh well.

So a couple things that make me smile and show that Spain is still running in my sangre...

1. Since being home I have made 3 paellas...each one yummier than the last.  Thanks to Goya, they actaully have "Valencian" rice which is actually pretty spot-on.  I tried an italian style when I could find the Goya stuff at a smaller grocery store and the results were still decent but...Valencia Rice is the way to go.

2.  I still find myself wanting to say words in Spanish!! Most recent experience, taking drink orders from a table, I double check the order and say "Ok so thats dos - I mean... two Pinto Grigios?" The table thought it was funny, so fine by me, maybe I'll drop some spanish words more often

3. I had the chance to be on Canal Extremadura to talk about some summer music popular in the States.  So at 11:30 Spain time (5:30 am !!) I was chatting in Spanish- I did ok but realized i misunderstood some questions after the fact but whatever, waking up that early and speaking  a second language.... TOMA YA ( here is the link... around time 1:20 http://ondemand.extremaduratv.ondemand.flumotion.com/extremaduratv/ondemand/mp3/2011-07-21--elsolsale.mp3)

Bueno... os dejo...have a good week!! 

One Post for May...

As I am such a good blogger, I figure it would be good to blog once in May...From the last time I posted life has been full of trips, funny stories and some ups and downs.

Spring break was a great trip...as  was my trip to scotland.

Tomorrow is my last day of work and hopefully I'll find out too about next year.  Thursday we head to Ibiza for one last group trip, and I am sure it will be fun.

Weird to not know what's next in life, but I guess that's kind of exciting too....

Fallas!

So about a month ago, there was this festival in Valencia called FALLAS...its an incredible week long event that is similar to...well nothing in the USA.  Its just that cool... I should describe it for you here but I think wikipedia does a brilliant job so, here's the link Fallas. Anyway, it was a glorious week and I was OH SO exhausted at the end!

Life is still going well...and I have applied for another year in Spain...different program which would be more hours of work (which I actually want!!!) and more dinero, of course.  

As for the next months or so of plan "living the dream," I have some trips planned...

1) For Spring Break, going to Pais Vasco (Basque Country) and Cantabria with the girls. We're renting a car and road tripping it for a Week and a half! No camping this time, just luxurious hostel life...it's going to be fantastic.

2)Beginning of May, going to meet up with my friend Ryan in Barcelona and we're coming back to VLC so he can enjoy paelllllla and the playa!!

3)In May, going to go to Glasgow and (hopefully Edinburgh!!) to visit Antoniiiio 

4) Going to IBIZA for my birthday in June and an end of the year celebration!!! Really excited for this one! 

Needless to say, life is good...

hasta la próxima!

La gente está muy loooooka

So since the last time I've blogged I've been up to some pretty fun things

Firefighter Airplane in La Maestranza de Albacete

• Took a field trip to an Airplane base/museum/factory in Albacete
• Went rock climbing with the family of one a private classes
• Pulled a "Ferris Bueller" to go skiing in Teruel (I made up the day and went in on a Friday!)
• Went to Germany to play  lacrosse...hollllla MADRID lax...you were the BOMB!
•  Went to England to visit  friends at Leeds University (thanks Kris and Lorna!)
•  Celebrated this thing called FALLAS (a post to come shortly devoted alllll to Fallas-PROMISE!)
• (but a sampling of fallas....lots of firecrackers, lots of fireworks, lots of beer, lots of paella, bull fights and lots of fun!!!!)                       

Rock Climbing in the Campo

Valdelinares Ski Resort near Teruel

Guiris at the Leeds Town Hall

MAD LAX OSOS in Munich, Germany

Also in the mean time, I've been enjoying life aka going out with friends, eating out more than anyone with my salary should and I've joined a gym in hopes to not pack on the kilos!!

Anyway, enjoy the assortment of photos that sum up the last couple months that I have been MIA and look for a post about FALLAS asap. BESOS

Tapas: Fried parts of piggies and bread.

über.

"I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring." ~ David Bowie


Stole this from someone's facebook status, but it is a very appropriate quote.  I really have no idea where I am going in the grand scheme of things but one this for sure, it won't be boring. 


side note I wish my closet was filled with this type of clothing...

poco a poco.

"I graduated summa cum..." wait....Spain doesn't care!

Today I completed my resume, in Spanish.  Well, much to my dismay, there are some things that just don't translate thus making many college accolades, just not that important.

Allow me to share a few...frustrations.

• In Spain, putting your grades on your Resume or CV (Curriculum Vitae) is not the "done thing."
• Wait.., so you mean my GPA/honors don't...even... MATTER?!  First of all, if you call you resume by the latin name CV(Curriculum Vitae) Shouldn't my LATIN HONORS that I graduated with count for something....anything? Bad logic, I know.
• The anglo-saxen idea of a Bachelor's degree, until very recently, didn't have a Spanish equivalent.  
• This basically means that kids my age (23/24) graduate from University with what we in the US might consider a masters degree.  That may explain why is takes most kids 5 years to finish 1 degree. Consider it similar to a 4 + 1 program here in the US where you end with a Masters. So most kids have a masters and I feel a bit chummy with my "low level" US degree.(BUT, thankfully, a new european education plan is essentially copying the 4 year idea of a bachelor's degree, and has been implemented across the EU.  Thus I can give my degrees a name in spanish:  "Título de Grado."  Yay, I guess I have 2 títulos....ha)
• All those college athletic achievements or extracurricular activities don't realllllllllllllly have a place on the CV.  Sorry, no where to show on your CV that not only did you study, but you also were playing on a sport's team and oh ya, maybe  you had some time to volunteer or organize some activities... sorrrry doesn't really fit. 

In a nut shell, only 1 of my 3 "I'm a great applicant" things can clearly be translated...hopefully I am mistaken and I can put some more life back into my Spanish CV..but for now, it just doesn't look as pretty as my American Resume. ¡qué lastimaaaaa!

2011..already?

Happy New Year.  One more year gone (and what a year it was) and 1 more ahead of me where I am still grappling with what I will do when I "grow up."  Again, being home for christmas break (for a 6th year in a row, no I am not getting a Masters, i just live in Spain where the 2.5 week holiday vacation is the norm for teachers).  and being home is glooooorious, I can spend ample amount of time at the gym (i spent very little) and enjoy home made food  ( I ate a lot, i blame the holidays.)

So as another year goes by, and I realize that I am in no way closer to knowing what I want to do it life, think that it might be time to get a littttttle serious.  Not a lot serious, just ya know, DECIDE on what my first real job may be.

Yes, I am living in Spain and that is a great achievement (almost fluent in another language, able to enjoy beer and wine like spaniards do, and brag about the fact that I've gotten to see some pretttty cool things in Europe).  But let's be honest, that is what study abroad is for, I am just taking it to the next level.

In my defense,  I kind of run my own business of sorts aka Private English Lessons By Maggie, and dit is very profitable!  However, I can't seem myself living life to the fullest  if I continue to Teach English for another few years, alas I want to stay in Spain so I am left with a few options.
1) Get a job in spain that doesn't involve teaching english
2) apply for some kind of masters program(that also has nothing to do with teaching english)
3) Get a boyfriend (that will turn into a husband and obligate me to stay in spain!)

Personally, I find choice number 3 the most appealing, yet choice number 1 is clearly the best option (economically and realistically speaking).
So here begins my 6 month count-down to try and figure out a way to stay in Spain...

Navidad

"Christmas is a time when you get homesick, even when you're home"''


Once again I am lucky enough to be home for the holidays.  I have to say thank you to Santa and the Reyes Magos (Three Kings...spaniards celebrate/receive most gifts from them)...aka My Parents, for being generous enough to fly me home.  It was a long trip...24 hours! I left  my apartment in Valencia at 12:30am on monday morning Spanish time, and arrived in Rochester, almost exactly at the same time the on tuesday (6:30 pm here in the states!). I literally used every form of transportation, minus a boat... taxi, bus, metro, plane! 


Before I start rambling about how good it is to be home, I have to fill ya'll in on what I 've been up to.  I went back to Mérida again, and every time I go back I just love it more and more.  VLC is fun, it's a city and Mérida doesn't compare in terms of shopping, things to do, food and going out but... I still choose Mérida and Extremadura.  I guess that's where the above quote comes into play, "Christmas is a time when you get homesick, even when you're home,"' while I am home in Rochester, I am missing Spain a little bit and even sometimes feel homesick for Mérida when I am in VLC.  Anyway, Mérida was fun as usual... a birthday party with my favorite extremaduran food, MIGAS! And of course, lots of Jamón...Def started the holiday weight gain a few weeks early. 


The last week of classes was low key as usual, I showed kids holiday films or just had conversation classes, as they really just need to improve their spoken Spanish.  Like last year, the school had a Christmas Comida (lunch) and enjoyed delicious spanish food and some wine.  I also had the chance to have dinner with one of my college professors who's family lives in Valencia, it was great to meet her family and see her again. 


I also went on a mini field trip with one of my private classes's family to the Monastery of Puig, it is whee Rey Jamie 1 first conquered the Muslims to regain Valencia to the crown. Anyway, it was great to be with a family and actually do something on a saturday morning other than sleep in or go shopping! 


Well, time to enjoy being home....

Madrid: Lacrosse and El Rastro

Yesterday morning I got up bright and early to head to Madrid for a day filled with lacrosse.  I was up at 5:15 am ( and no, I was not coming home from a night out).  Had my back pack packed and Lacrosse sticks ready to go.  It turned out only 3 of us were making the trip from Valencia...Jose, who was driving, a new kid from Sweden and myself.  We left VLC at about 6 am for what should be a 3.5 hour ride. Well, about an hour into the trip, it sounded like we had a flat tire.  So, we pull over look at the tire, using cell phone light because it's still only 7 am and dark...and one of the bolts had come loose.  We remove the bolt, and attempt to keep on trekking.  The rattling tire sound continues and to make a long story short, Jose has to tighten all the bolts on the tires and we make it safely to Madrid (in the end, the van had to be brought to a shop and was towed back to VLC...thank goodness for spain's version of triple a!)

We played with a team from the European University of Madrid and ended up winning all three games.  The team consisted of 3 or 4 spanish guys who are solid players and play for the Spain National team, a boy from the States who plays goalie at Amherst, 2 kids from germany (one had a SICK shot and the other a Long Stick D) and the Swedish kid (who had played for the national team in Sweden).   I played alright, but it's still pretty awkward with helmets and just not being prepared for the quick check or push..but overall, a lot of fun..scored 1 goal and some ground balls so I was happy.  Also, met the girls that play in Madrid  and they are sooooo nice, made me wish I could live in Madrid and train with them.  They are going to play in Munich in February, so I may make the trip with them!

After a full day of lax, we were lucky to find a hostel during the holiday weekend thanks to Spain's airspace being closed and people missing there flights.  We had a low key night..pizza and beer... followed by deeeeep sleeeep.  Sunday morning there was lacrosse practice for any of the teams that stuck around and wanted to train...so the boys went to that, while I passed as I was going to head out later in the afternoon.

 So, I couldn't leave Madrid without doing something cultural or touristy, so I hit up the "Rastro" with a girl who I had met last year in Extremadura (she was randomly staying at the same hostel and also had some time to kill the next morning).  The Rastro is between street market/flee market/cheap stuff.  It was cool to walk around and see the different stands, from "designer purses" to a stand of rubber bands to antique shops.  We also had some vermouth as is the custom for Madridians before after or during their trip to the Rastro (read the guide book!)

After the market, I couldn't help but do a little shopping and hit up Zara before returning to my hostel, grabbing my b-pack and lacrosse sticks and heading to the bus station.  A bus ride and 4 hours later, I was back in VLC, still tired and ready to just plop down on the couch.... A very fun day/night trip but always good to be home.

So, off to Mérida on tuesday for a week, one more week in VLC and home for christmas...JODER time flies!

Perdón el retraso! A quick update on life...

So, I am fairly lazy, once again, in my posting's.  I wish it was because I was SO busy and didn't have time to waste on the web but.... I just never seem to remember to write anything and spend all that free time reading up on whats going on in the world (aka facebook).
So since my last entry I have played in a lacrosse tournament (1goal, 1 assist, some ground balls and 1 face off control on my first try the guys way.... wooo!).  I am going this weekend to Madrid to play in another tourney, so hopefully that will be fun again too.

Classes have continued to go well, especially teaching about Thanksgiving.  It was great again this year as we celebrated with our friends, this year though the girls were in charge of mostly everything and if I can be so humble, our Turkey Day ROCKED.  Caitlin cooked an amazing turkey, we pulled together an awesome gravy...Sara's mashed potatoes were a hit and Lucy's Apple Pie was fabulous too.  I made mini pumpkin pies that were popular with both my teachers at school and the Turkey Dinner Invitees and I also made the Sweet Potatoes, equally as yummy.  We of course had lots of wine flowing to make the mood very merry.  All is all about 20 people came.. maybe 11 from spain, 6 from the US, 1 from each Australia and Canada and even a Croatian guest!  

Other than that I've kept busy by checking out a Ski Expo (hopefully taking a ski trip in Jan or Feb). Enjoying various visitors (MEG HALL AND NORA!!!!) as well as Enjoying a local bar's themed Gin Tonic Night (Best tasting ones:Rose Petal and Gummy Flavored). And I made rabbit again, using the recipe from last year, this time for my roomates for a lunch one day, and it was yummmmmm.

Last weekend we went to a concert of the group "Fito y Fitipaldis." One of the best concerts I have ever been to in regards to the show, the group I went with and the atmosphere created by the people around us....would go see them play again for sure! 

As I said this weekend to MADRID for some more Iberian Lacrosse and next week headed to Extremadura for a Birthday Party and of course, a lil reunion..can't wait...


Hopefully I'll be better in the month of december....no promises though!!

I want...

Halloween y La vida

Once again, I had the chance to celebrate Halloween in Spain.  This year decided to dress up as Where's Waldo, but in Europe, Waldo is known as Wally...so we found a red and white striped shirt, some glasses, a cane and a hat and went out like Wally.  We also carved pumpkins and enjoy some mulled cider...over all a good weekend!

The previous weekend I had the chance to go home with my roommate Alex for her birthday, which was also fun as I got to meet her family and see her town.  Her town, Aspe, is located in Alicante and was quaint but fun nonetheless. Her parents were great hosts and fed all of us very well!  Can't wait to go back and visit again.

I'm still getting adjusted to "City life" but it's going well.  On a very positive note, I am giving private classes and earning enough to get buy until we get paid by the government (which might not be until december !!) Thus, I am keeping busy giving classes, going for runs and hanging out with the roomies.  Next weekend there is a lacrosse play-day, so hopefully that will be fun...haven't practiced in a couple weeks but I have a feeling it will be ok.


more to come after this weekend...BESOS

The Spanish Way.

Needless to say, things in Spain always take a little bit longer and you just have to adapt a laid back attitude and take things as they come, otherwise you'll die of stress and freak outs.  So my latest "Spanish" experience, well sort of an on going situation, is my lack of a fixed schedule.

I have beeb "working" for about a month and still do not have a fixed schedule due to changing opinions, needs and wants of the teaching staff. I don't really mind that it's taking some time to figure out, I just feel like I am treading water.  Yes, I like this position because its not a lot of work and a lot of time to enjoy Europe, but I am not the type of person who can do nothing, all the time, and feel good about it.  I am bored and giving private classes is not my favorite thing to do but for now, its the only thing I am really doing.  This week hopefully I am going to try and be proactive about my situation, be my own self advocate.

Who knows, 2 months from now maybe I'll be complaining about working too much (not very likely) but we'll see.  However, this is a good thing at the same time because it makes me realize that I want a real job, a real salary and a "real" life...one that doesn't involve only siestas and fiestas.  So, for now, I think I'll be looking for something else..this gig is a good 2 year plan but I think I'll be ready for something new come next summer.

Running in Spain...take 2

"cambio mis piernas por tuyas"(i'll trade my legs for your's)- Old man on the bench as I run by.

Last year I wrote a lil diddy about running in Mérida, and how it was quite the obstacle course yet amusing none the less.  Here in Valencia, Running is much more ... fun, I guess would be the word...let me digress...

The Turia River once ran through the center of the city, essential cutting it in half.  It flooded in 1957 and was converted into parks, soccer fields, ponds, fountains and now is home to the City of Arts and Sciences .  Thus there are an abundance of paths with people biking, roller blading, walking and of course, running.  The first time I was in Valencia (fall 2007) I was in great shape, running nearly everyday and going to the gym as I was still playing lacrosse.  Fast forward 3 years later, I'm running 3 to 4 days a week, the occasional ab workout and playing lax maybe once a week.  SO for me, getting the energy to run, and do a good work out is sometimes hard.  But, in the River, there are sooo many people running that it creates an environment  where you want to run and for me, pushes me to run a little bit farther and a little bit harder.  There is a half marathon in a month that I am considering doing just because its something to challenge me..but we'll see.

As for a normal run, I clip on my iPod and just go until it feels right to turn back.  This week's play list features Shakira's new song "Loca" and  "Alors on danse," def a tune!

Bellota de Oro.

As most of you know, I spent last year in a little city called Mérida ("mary-duh") in the province of Badajoz ( "baaadahjjjo") in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura.  It was amazing and will without of doubt be one of the places in the world that I will call home, no matter where I end up. (Valencia is a wonderful city with lots going on but fails in comparison to the home-y and welcoming feel that Mérida has, and Merida has the best Jamón Iberico EVER)

Campo! 

Back to the point of this entry, a recap of my fabulous weekend in Mérida.  The journey from VLC to Mérida is about 8 hours in a car, 9 in train and in a bus (my mode of transport) 10+ hours.  I had to stop in Madrid and change buses, which at 7 am in the morning is just plain annoying.  But, the journey is well worth it.

I woke up on the bus somewhere between MAdrid and Merida and could tell just by looking at the terrain that I was back in Extremadura.  I was anxious to get out of the bus  but also was feeling a bit like that scene from Love Actually where you see everyone walking through the gates to hug their children, family and friend? I was happy, yet nervous and excited all at once.  As soon as I saw Fernando and Gonzalo waiting for me at the Bus Station I couldn't stop smiling and it just felt right to be back in town. Not surprisingly, it was surreal to see them again without the rest of the gang hanging out (Shout out to brits, americans and sara!) We went to my favorite place for afternoon beers and breakfast: Chamorro! and waisted no time in getting down to business:  Cañas (little beers) and tapas, yum! Shout out to ANA CRUZ who came and joined us before she had to head in to work. A couple more friends and some new British girls living in Merida also showed up.

Pablo, Fernando, Joaquin

After a couple hours we took a trip to a house out in the country side (casa del campo, from here on I will say "campo" and you will say "oh that means a house in the spanish country side").  We chilled out all afternoon, it was awesome.  Later that night we went to my favorite late night spot in Mérida, GAROA!!!!  I consider it a Spanish twist on a college/townie bar, you know or at least recognize everyone but it's got a cool hip design and great music (spanish and english). Overall a great first day night back in Extremadura.

Must add a side note that  I stayed at my friend Fernando's house and he was a great host, dealing with me wanting to do and see as much as possible in a limited amount of time thanks Tiiioooo!

Botellón

Saturday was filled with more cañas and tapas, lunch in Campo and Botellón (think tailgating but there is no athletic event, just the bar) later that night followed by another night in Garoa.  Sunday was a relax day...chinese food, tv and much needed naps.

On my last day in the Capital (Merida was once the Roman Capital of the Iberian Peninsula, hence the nickname "Capital") I headed into town to  meet up with a few more people and do some shopping.  I had breakfast with my friend Pedro and even stopped by the Foreigner's office to say hello to all the people from last year had helped us.

New Kicks

After I set out on a shopping trip. Yes, I know I now live in a much bigger city, with much better shopping, but there's something to be said about walking down a Main Street rather than taking an escalator in the mall.    Anyway, my shopping list was short: a pair of Kawasaki sneakers (a brand from Denmark, not the motorcycle) and a Bellota de Oro....A gold acorn (the pigs for the Jamón Iberico only eat acorns, which are plentiful in Extremadura) Thus by having a "bellota de oro" necklace, I'll always have a little piece of Extremadura with me. Yes, I am mildly obsessed.

Rufo, Monica, Blanca y Oscar in Garoa

Monday afternoon I spent with a teacher from last year and the British girls, coffee for me and Tea for the Brits.  Later that night I finally got to spend time with the couples pictured on the right, again it was surreal not to have the others from last year with us but it was really nice regardless.

That night we went to Garoa and once again danced up a storm, chatted with everyone and anyone (including someone with the nick name "glass breaker" ) and went home much later than one should ever admit to.  In the morning  Fernando brought me to the bus station, I enjoyed one last Tostada con Jamón, got on the bus and fell asleep after yet another unforgettable weekend in Extremadura.

Lacrosse....in Spain!

Lacrosse is not the most well known sport in Spain, yet each time I've come I have to bring my stick.  I can always find a wall, or convince my friend Sara  to play catch but anything more than that has been wishful thinking....until now.

Thanks to Facebook, I found a Valencia Lacrosse "team" that consists of a few guys who are part of a following in Spain that play Lacrosse.  Last night they had a practice/meet up, so I convinced Sara to come check it out with me.  As it was all guys, I switched to using a guy's stick halfway through and eventually even threw some gloves on.  We actually did a couple drills and had a decent work out. In a word it was awesome.  I couldn't stop smiling just because at last the two things I love in life, Lax and Spain, had come to a co-existance.  Sara, a relative newbie to the sport, did a great job and held her own again the Spanish dudes for sure.   In November there is "play-day" here in Valencia with teams from Madrid, Sevilla and a couple other places coming into town.  It is going to be mostly guys, but they said I could play if I wanted to, and who am I to say no?!  Helmets, gloves, pads...and of course full on checking...this could be awesome. 

As for the work side of things here in Spain, I have been to school a couple times, met some students and teachers but still haven't started to work work. The teachers seem really relaxed and want me to observe a bit before jumping right in and  are willing to take it slow in the beginning.  I have my first "private class" this afternoon, wouldn't say I am jumping with joy to start those, but it will be nice to start earning some Euros instead of spending my precious US dollars.  As for Spanish social life later tonight I am hopping on a bus and will arrive in Mérida, EXTREMADURA around 2 pm...I gotta feeling its gonna be a good WEEKEND! 

Update

Oh life in Spain...So far, so good over here on the Iberian Peninsula.  As from previous postings info...found an apartment and am pretty happy with the living situation.

Now, looking at the map to your left, I clearly live at the green arrow.  I live close to the soccer stadium and the university area, and close to a metro stop..Love the metro.
Oh and... Mail and packages should be sent here:

Maggie Mullin 

Ciudad de Mula, 12 No 22

46021 Valencia, Spain

Just kidding...maybe

I haven't really started working yet, but visited my school to get to know the teachers.  I am working at a mini-university called Complejo Educativo de Cheste .  It has a couple of different schools on campus and I will be working with the Vocational School helping out in classes with English for Tourism/Hospitality, Electricity, Airplane Engineering and Mechanics.  Needless to say, I will be learning some new technical terms in Spanish as well.  It's quite different from last year, dear I say, like comparing apples to oranges....but that's what it is.  Instead of walking to school... I take a bus...to another Bus....and walk about another 5/10 mins to the building where I'll be working.  (Also, missed the bus on the way home by waiting at the wrong spot...ooops!) Tomorrow I get to meet the students...should be interesting.... more to come tomorrow for sure...

This coming weekend is a Puente ( literal translation..bridge, in this instance...long weekend!) SO I am heading back to Extremdura to enjoy Buena Gente and the Jamón! Taking an 8 hour train to get there...but certainly worth it. 

Besos..fotos to come soon...maybe ! 

Now happpppppy!

Found an apartment with 3 suuuuuper nice spanish girls... 19, 20 and 21 (almost 22)  they seem so nice SO can't complain.  The two older ones study Art History and the younger one studies Chemical Engineering.  I couldn't be happier....they're spanish and friendly.


Well, now for a week and a half of vacation....BEAAAACH!

NOT enjoying Spain at the moment

Forewarning: This is a pity-post :)

So, searching for apartments is fairly awful wherever you are and in Spain it is just as bad.  I've seen about 8 or 9 apartments, 3 of which I would be willing to live in but really only 1 I reallllly WANT to live in.

That 1, would be with 3 other roommates  (2 spanish and probably the 3rd as well).... So I have to wait and see what they say about me living there.  So that would be 4 girls, 2 bathrooms (1 full one) and I would probably end up with a small room (but it has a window.....keep reading to understand importance of a window).  Also near a metro stop, overall a nice neighborhood.

The other apartment I am considering is with 5 girls (1 french, 1 spanish, 2 german) and has only 1 bathroom. Yes, 1 full bathroom for 5 girls....my thoughts exactly.  And, the bedroom... a bunk bed with desk underneath, decent closet space but NO WINDOW.  Right, no window? How do you live like that without a window?! It would encourage staying out of my room and not being a hermit.  Has a nice common room and a big window out there.  Also all the furnishings are Ikea...woooo woooo.

So it now comes down to waiting to hear from the spanish chiiiicas.... hope it works out...otherwise....windowless life here I coooome!

Until the next post....