Its the running of the bulls! This week has been utter and complete madness for us trainees here in Granada. The course has increased substantially as we are thrown into the deep end, doing student teaching, ISP project, MAC project, and observation classes. In addition this week we begin intense courses of grammar and the infamous job search. Needless to say most of us are dealing with our new fouind tasks by
a. making friends at the local pub
b. eating large ammounts of chocolate
c. screaming on the terrace, like in the movie "Garden State"
d. slowly organizing but beginning to twitch.
Yet its not something that college, rowing, and previous experience can't get you through, that and 1.25 Euro wine. ( such a fabulous selection here).
Last night i had my first teaching 10 Spanish beginner students, which was a small challenge as i wanted to clarify everything in Spanish. The class i felt went very well and given my feedback today, it was good i just needed to smile more as i was very direct, concrete, and concise with my teaching, a thing they dont see in many young trainees. Instead of being bubbly and losing control of the class, i was somehwat stern and clear. Which i think its a good thing unless you are referencing figures from World War II. Needless to say i teach again tomorrow morning at 9 am to Elementary and will receive my materials shortly to lesson plan.
Sinc ehaving moved to Spain, i have been very happy to be back in Europe and have started to compile a list of all things Spanish, to which i have the beginning:
1. Spanish women do not work out.
2. You cant flush anything, no toilet paper, NADA
3. When shopping dont put things back on the rack simply throw it at the sad people who are employed to do that for you.
4. Cobblestone are managable for morning runs, and the men will not outwardly cat call you.
5. Canned tuna may be cheap but will send you to the lew often.
6. When ordering tapas, do not get the cheese it tastes like old shoes,.
7. Sleeping in your jacket ids the trend in spain as the furnace breaks regularly due to delicate piping.
8. Old ladies wear fur jackets, walk in groups of 3, and dont consider passing them.. apparently its rude.
Buen Dia a todos!
Song: La camisa negra
Artist: Juanes
Great job with your first lesson. I suggest you watch the movie Stripes where the actor is teaching non english speaking students a 50's song. Quite funny. I will send you the link for comic relief. Love you.
ReplyDeletePB and Jelly
Morning chickadee!!!
ReplyDeleteSOOO happy to hear your first class went well! I have to say, I have a hard time picturing you being so stoic! I truly believe that it will be your "quirky and comedic" personality that will make you a memorable and effective educator. Don't suppress those qualities- they are what attract people to you (that and your devilish good looks ;) ).
Just keep swimming RE: your work load! I know you can handle it :) How exciting RE: your job search! Are you looking for positions in Spain? Or is this a "mock" job search? I think I remember you saying that if you do well during your program, you may be offered a position.... is this what you are preparing for? Should I book my ticket to Spain? Are you leaving me forever? Maybe I'll just move to France and we can bounce back and forth between our respective cities. I'm currently reading A Year in Provence- certainly has me jonesing to go back across the pond! The author adeptly describes all of the eccentricities of French culture, cuisine, etc...
Which in speaking of- I love your description of the Spaniards you are "observing." Why do you think the old ladies find it rude for you to pass them? Perhaps they get jealous of your fabulous derriere!
Maybe it would be a good idea to avoid the tuna fish.... especially if you can't flush anything- could lead to a VERY embarrasing situation... haha!
I wonder how one becomes a "sad puppy dog in the car" looking sales associate? It sounds like a TERRIBLE job! Perhaps you should bring them a cookie next time. Everyone loves chocolate!!! :)
How about your nuns? Have you seen them yet? Did you try any of their pastries?? Did you give them a flower?? What an extremely interesting concept... Invisible nuns. I bet the big JC gives them that power.... must be pretty cool to be an invisible "SuperNun" (like SuperMan- get it? haha).
Anywho, Mama wanted me to tell you that Carl is painting the computer room, so none of our computers are plugged in (so she cant check your blogs / comment / write you emails). She didn't want you to feel like she forgot you! I told her that I would relay anything you tell me / hear from you.
Well, I love your face :) So proud of you. Look forward to reading your blog everyday.
XOXOXOXOXO
Nicole
http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/europe/spain/andalusia/granada/overview.html?WT.z_gsac=1
ReplyDeleteCheck it out- NY Times Guide to Granada! :)
Ajo Blanco at Calle Palacios, 17 (They said this was the best place to get tapas in center city Granada!! Maybe for your next dinner engagement!)
http://travel.nytimes.com/2005/09/11/travel/11granada.html?_r=1
This is an article about the "Moorish" influence in Granada- so cool! Makes me want to go... Spices, hammams, and moroccan jewlery / tea! How cool!
Just passing along the ka-nowledge.
XOXO
Nicole
Thank you! I will check all of these out! I will take some time this weekend to explore the city and recharge my batteries.
ReplyDelete