Just moved into our humble abode. I actually feel really comfortable here and I think we're gonna like living here alot. ANDDDD our Korean roommate Krun moved out a few days ago (I guess we scared her away when we met her lol) and a new Polish girl, Adriana is now living with us. She's 21 and she's here studying abroad. She seems really nice and cool so yayyyy!
I have to get up for work in like 6 hours so I don't have time to write more now but I'll be able to tomorrow. Wish me luck on my first day of school.. hopefully I won't give all the children my pink eye, which by the way is the worst today it has been. I've seriously never seen it this bad... all around my eye is bruised and swollen, under my eye looks like I'm getting a blackeye. Fabulous! Can't wait to make a great first impression on everyone! Blahhhhhh Night! :)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Today's lesson: Universal Health Care is Amazing...
... and pink eye most definitely is NOT. Yeah, so no allergies, just an awesome case of traveler's pink eye. (I just added the word "traveler's" in there so it sounds more common and less disgusting haha).
I was so proud though, today I went to the doctor all by myself and spoke in Spanish the entire time, minus a couple of sentences. I'm already starting to come a long way on my speaking abilities!
Listen to me all you Americans (and even more if you're conservative, cough cough.. no names). Today I went to the doctor, walked-in, waited for a total of 10 minutes (and I know this may not usually be the case but it was today for me), saw the dr. under my crappy government-appointed health care, paid NOTHING, then went to the pharmacy, picked up my prescriptions (not 1, but 2 prescriptions) for a TOTAL of $9!!!! I'm not even a permanent resident, only a temporary one, and the government here is taking care of me, and making sure I can actually afford my medicine. This is amazing.
I'll leave you with that as your thought of the day. :)
I was so proud though, today I went to the doctor all by myself and spoke in Spanish the entire time, minus a couple of sentences. I'm already starting to come a long way on my speaking abilities!
Listen to me all you Americans (and even more if you're conservative, cough cough.. no names). Today I went to the doctor, walked-in, waited for a total of 10 minutes (and I know this may not usually be the case but it was today for me), saw the dr. under my crappy government-appointed health care, paid NOTHING, then went to the pharmacy, picked up my prescriptions (not 1, but 2 prescriptions) for a TOTAL of $9!!!! I'm not even a permanent resident, only a temporary one, and the government here is taking care of me, and making sure I can actually afford my medicine. This is amazing.
I'll leave you with that as your thought of the day. :)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Today's lesson: Spanish cats suck
So I'm armed with a new, stronger bottle of eyedrops but no pills/meds/benadryl because they are not sold in stores here without a prescription.. it's quite an awesome situation.
This morning, I saw 7 am for the first time in like 2 years. lol I had my orientation and it was about a 40 min metro ride away, and given my track record with being on time, I figured it would be better to be cautious. Good news: I made it there with 10 minutes to spare. Bad news: my eye was more swollen and red than ever this morning so I had to go to my orientation looking like I was either a domestic violence victim or I had pink eye. Either way, not a good first impression. lol
The orientation was pretty cool, really informative. I got most of my questions answered. It was soooo effing long tho. I had to sit in a classroom and listen to lectures and it reminded me how happy I am to be done with school. My attention span ran out as soon as my cafe con leche wore off and I was ready for a nap.
I'm really excited to start my job. I might like teaching more than I initially thought. I'm going to try to make posters for the kids in my class with pictures of my house and family in English for next week... we'll see if I actually get around to it.
This whole learning a new language thing is crazy. There are good days and bad days. And sometimes on the bad days, its BAD, like wanna give up and go home bad. But on the good days when I feel like I'm understanding so much and I have the confidence to speak more Spanish, I feel so hopeful and excited to improve my Spanish. Today was a good day. First, all of the other language assistants were here before, have lived in Spanish-Speaking countries, majored in Spanish etc. so everyone is so much better than me, which can be discouraging. Butttt, my orientation was partially in Spanish and I was able to keep up for the most part, which really surprised me. Then I came home and was speaking and understanding Raul (Natalia's bf who I'm staying with) so much better than before. It makes me sooo happy! I've only been here 2 weeks, I can't wait to see what my Spanish is like when I leave.
Okay gotta go to bed, I have orientation again at 9. I'll write more soon, hopefully when I can see out of both eyes instead of just one! xx
This morning, I saw 7 am for the first time in like 2 years. lol I had my orientation and it was about a 40 min metro ride away, and given my track record with being on time, I figured it would be better to be cautious. Good news: I made it there with 10 minutes to spare. Bad news: my eye was more swollen and red than ever this morning so I had to go to my orientation looking like I was either a domestic violence victim or I had pink eye. Either way, not a good first impression. lol
The orientation was pretty cool, really informative. I got most of my questions answered. It was soooo effing long tho. I had to sit in a classroom and listen to lectures and it reminded me how happy I am to be done with school. My attention span ran out as soon as my cafe con leche wore off and I was ready for a nap.
I'm really excited to start my job. I might like teaching more than I initially thought. I'm going to try to make posters for the kids in my class with pictures of my house and family in English for next week... we'll see if I actually get around to it.
This whole learning a new language thing is crazy. There are good days and bad days. And sometimes on the bad days, its BAD, like wanna give up and go home bad. But on the good days when I feel like I'm understanding so much and I have the confidence to speak more Spanish, I feel so hopeful and excited to improve my Spanish. Today was a good day. First, all of the other language assistants were here before, have lived in Spanish-Speaking countries, majored in Spanish etc. so everyone is so much better than me, which can be discouraging. Butttt, my orientation was partially in Spanish and I was able to keep up for the most part, which really surprised me. Then I came home and was speaking and understanding Raul (Natalia's bf who I'm staying with) so much better than before. It makes me sooo happy! I've only been here 2 weeks, I can't wait to see what my Spanish is like when I leave.
Okay gotta go to bed, I have orientation again at 9. I'll write more soon, hopefully when I can see out of both eyes instead of just one! xx
Sunday, September 27, 2009
ELECTRONICSSSSS
Last night was definitely a prime example of why I love Europe so much!
We went with a couple of other American language teachers to an Electronic Music Festival. Talk about crazy. It was in an arena and the entire floor was turned into a dance party and stage. There were several bands and DJs that were all really awesome and there were neon laser lights everywhere. Insannneeeeee. I love Europe because EVERYONE dances, even the guys. (They don't stand there waiting for you to rub your ass all over them which is awesome because I have no ass not to mention I find this to be a very unenjoyable experience).
Lasers.Sweet music.Dancing= Happiness :)
We went with a couple of other American language teachers to an Electronic Music Festival. Talk about crazy. It was in an arena and the entire floor was turned into a dance party and stage. There were several bands and DJs that were all really awesome and there were neon laser lights everywhere. Insannneeeeee. I love Europe because EVERYONE dances, even the guys. (They don't stand there waiting for you to rub your ass all over them which is awesome because I have no ass not to mention I find this to be a very unenjoyable experience).
Lasers.Sweet music.Dancing= Happiness :)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Discovering new things about myself everyday.....
... like today I learned I'm apparently allergic to cats. Natalia's cat is staying at her boyfriend's house with us because she moved to the UK yesterday. I woke up this morning with one eye swollen shut.. Awesome!!
So I've been in Madrid 2 weeks today and I absolutely love it here. The people, the way of life, and the city itself are all awesome. I've never adjusted to a place as quickly as I have here, (granted, I had Natalia, her boyfriend, and all of their friends here to help me).
I went to my school last Monday to meet all the teachers, kids, and to see the school. Everyone was sooo nice and the kids were adorable. I'm only allowed to speak English in the classroom so I don't have to worry about how bad my Spanish is which is nice.
Last Sunday I went with Natalia to her grandparent's house because they were having a birthday dinner for her because she was leaving for the UK. It was my first real authentic Spanish experience and I loved it, I felt like I was part of their family. Her abuela made tons of amazing, homemade food... we had cream of pumpkin soup (which I had never seen before and it was so good!), salad, lamb, potatoes, roasted jalepeños, and cake for dessert. yummmmmm!
I also had a wonderful time last week getting lost while trying to go pay my landlord money to hold our spot in the apartment. She gave me the number of her house and the street name and she told me it was close to the metro stop so it shouldn't be that hard to find it. Okay lady, really?? Your street is the smallest street in the world, and newsflash no one knows where it is, and I can't speak Spanish so when I ask for directions, I can't understand what people are telling me! Needless to say, I was 1 hr and 45 min late, and was able to find her house only after I got Natalia on the phone using google maps to navigate me to this effing house. lol... quite the journey but I finally made it and gave her the money.
Speaking of living, by the way.. I found Danielle and I a nice little apartment in the middle of the city (more or less). 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, kitchen, living/dining room, a porch, etc. We're living with a Korean girl named Krun... should be interesting, I'm sure there will be many stories to come.
Last night I went out with Danielle to meet up with a couple other teachers in our program, all from the US/UK. It was a lot of fun. We just sat around talking and drinking wine. It's so easy to want to hang out with only Englih-speaking people because you can actually have a normal conversation, but I know this isn't the way to learn Spanish.
Being abroad is weird. Dan and I were talking about it a couple of days ago. The way you feel goes back and forth. There are some times I think "I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS I'M SO HAPPY I DID IT" and there are sometimes when I think "Holy shit, what am I doing??" and there are other times I don't know what I feel. It's weird. Not to mention, I miss the crap outta my boyfriend which makes this whole process a little more emotional. :(
Anyways.. I'll try to be better about updating this thing because I'll be mad if I don't keep up with it. For now, I think I'll go eat some lunch then take a walk to the park to get some fresh air. Hasta Luego! :)
So I've been in Madrid 2 weeks today and I absolutely love it here. The people, the way of life, and the city itself are all awesome. I've never adjusted to a place as quickly as I have here, (granted, I had Natalia, her boyfriend, and all of their friends here to help me).
I went to my school last Monday to meet all the teachers, kids, and to see the school. Everyone was sooo nice and the kids were adorable. I'm only allowed to speak English in the classroom so I don't have to worry about how bad my Spanish is which is nice.
Last Sunday I went with Natalia to her grandparent's house because they were having a birthday dinner for her because she was leaving for the UK. It was my first real authentic Spanish experience and I loved it, I felt like I was part of their family. Her abuela made tons of amazing, homemade food... we had cream of pumpkin soup (which I had never seen before and it was so good!), salad, lamb, potatoes, roasted jalepeños, and cake for dessert. yummmmmm!
I also had a wonderful time last week getting lost while trying to go pay my landlord money to hold our spot in the apartment. She gave me the number of her house and the street name and she told me it was close to the metro stop so it shouldn't be that hard to find it. Okay lady, really?? Your street is the smallest street in the world, and newsflash no one knows where it is, and I can't speak Spanish so when I ask for directions, I can't understand what people are telling me! Needless to say, I was 1 hr and 45 min late, and was able to find her house only after I got Natalia on the phone using google maps to navigate me to this effing house. lol... quite the journey but I finally made it and gave her the money.
Speaking of living, by the way.. I found Danielle and I a nice little apartment in the middle of the city (more or less). 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, kitchen, living/dining room, a porch, etc. We're living with a Korean girl named Krun... should be interesting, I'm sure there will be many stories to come.
Last night I went out with Danielle to meet up with a couple other teachers in our program, all from the US/UK. It was a lot of fun. We just sat around talking and drinking wine. It's so easy to want to hang out with only Englih-speaking people because you can actually have a normal conversation, but I know this isn't the way to learn Spanish.
Being abroad is weird. Dan and I were talking about it a couple of days ago. The way you feel goes back and forth. There are some times I think "I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS I'M SO HAPPY I DID IT" and there are sometimes when I think "Holy shit, what am I doing??" and there are other times I don't know what I feel. It's weird. Not to mention, I miss the crap outta my boyfriend which makes this whole process a little more emotional. :(
Anyways.. I'll try to be better about updating this thing because I'll be mad if I don't keep up with it. For now, I think I'll go eat some lunch then take a walk to the park to get some fresh air. Hasta Luego! :)
Friday, September 11, 2009
Ay dios mio
6 hour layover in Philly airport.. aka really good cheesesteaks and $8 WiFi b/c at least if I'm stuck here for that long, I can facebook stalk to pass the time.
I can't believe I'm actually en route to Madrid as I type this. It seems like I just started filling out that damn application and talking about going, and back then I didn't really think it would happen. B/c let's face it, my Spanish isn't the best (especially right now) and I've never imagined teaching as a possible career path.
I knew the second I returned to the US from Sweden last year, I was going back abroad, I just wasn't sure how I could go about doing it. Lo and behold, I figured it out, and even better-- I figured out how to do it AND get paid. Even though I'll be living out of a box and eating rice and chicken for the next 10 months.. whatever.
I look like absolute roadkill right now b/c I cried all night/this morning saying bye to Bry and then I never had time for a shower/makeup so my hair is a heep of nappyness held back by my headbead. There are so many things going through my head right now.. this morning was such a crazy whirlwind of a morning that my brain is still catching up.
I can't wait to be in Spain and to see Nat, Eme, and of course Myriam next weekend!!! :) It doesn't seem like 1 1/2 years ago that I saw them last, although at the same time it seems like it was forever! Tomorrow Eme and Marcos are having a fiesta at their flat and I can't wait to see everyone. This is so surreal. I love adventures.
By the way... I feel like it should be said "Happy 9/11" but that's not appropriate sooo I guess I'll just say May we never forget 9/11, and everyone that died that day. Can't believe it was 8 years ago... <3
I can't believe I'm actually en route to Madrid as I type this. It seems like I just started filling out that damn application and talking about going, and back then I didn't really think it would happen. B/c let's face it, my Spanish isn't the best (especially right now) and I've never imagined teaching as a possible career path.
I knew the second I returned to the US from Sweden last year, I was going back abroad, I just wasn't sure how I could go about doing it. Lo and behold, I figured it out, and even better-- I figured out how to do it AND get paid. Even though I'll be living out of a box and eating rice and chicken for the next 10 months.. whatever.
I look like absolute roadkill right now b/c I cried all night/this morning saying bye to Bry and then I never had time for a shower/makeup so my hair is a heep of nappyness held back by my headbead. There are so many things going through my head right now.. this morning was such a crazy whirlwind of a morning that my brain is still catching up.
I can't wait to be in Spain and to see Nat, Eme, and of course Myriam next weekend!!! :) It doesn't seem like 1 1/2 years ago that I saw them last, although at the same time it seems like it was forever! Tomorrow Eme and Marcos are having a fiesta at their flat and I can't wait to see everyone. This is so surreal. I love adventures.
By the way... I feel like it should be said "Happy 9/11" but that's not appropriate sooo I guess I'll just say May we never forget 9/11, and everyone that died that day. Can't believe it was 8 years ago... <3
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