The End is Near

My 3 loves in Life: Soccer, sunsets and Jaén
Real Jaén vs. Barca 'B'

Last night as we had another ‘fiesta de despedida’ (farewell party) for 3 more of my Jiennense friends and this morning as tears fell once again from my eyes, as Lindsey and Irene’s bus pulled away from the station, again I am reminded that the end of this adventure is nearing.

After 5 hours of sleep, las chicas de Casa Bombona (Coche, Benjamin and Dinner…of course there are some awesome stories behind these nicknames, my roommates and I) helped walk Lindsey to the bus station. It wouldn’t be a proper ‘despedida’ if Lindsey and I did not walk past the place where our Jiennense lives began, Hotel Europa. Hotel Europa is located in our very own barrio and we reminisced about our first few days in Jaén as we walked past. Staying true to our characters, we all shared some laughs about how when Lindsey and I arrived in the Hotel, I tripped and literally fell on top of my suitcase as I tried carrying it up the stairs. We also laughed as we reminisced about the phone call Lindsey received from Megan because she heard through the small Jaén grapevine, that we were looking for a 3rd roommate. These girls have helped keep me sane throughout these 10 months and I am grateful to have such true friends in my life. The 3 of us have always had THE best times! Vroom-Vroom goes Casa Bombona!

In typical Spanish form, Monday was NOT my last day at work. (We may as well continue dragging out my own ‘despedida!’) As I walked into my first class of the day, my coordinator was waiting for me to ask if today was my last day. I of course said yes and she followed with, ‘Well can you come Friday so we can say goodbye properly.’ I am not leaving Jaén ‘til Saturday, therefore Friday WILL be my last day at work!

I wanted to do something special for the end of the year and tie this Spanish teaching experience together, so I requested that Mari Lola and I have an ‘Open House’ for the 4 and 5 year old parents. I thought it would be fun for them to come and see how much English their children have learned. Last Wednesday and Monday we held the open houses and they were a huge success. I began each session by asking the kiddos two questions, ‘What’s your name, and how are you,’ we reviewed the vocabulary from the year and of course sang and danced the songs learned throughout the year. I could not be more proud of my students. At the end of a couple of the performances parents came up to me and thanked me for all my work. One parent was so thrilled, she told me that I should be proud of myself because her child knows a lot more in English than just colors and the numbers. She couldn’t stop smiling and telling me how lucky the school has been to have had me this past year. A native, British father expressed how happy he was to finally meet me because one time when he heard his little 4 year old son, Ethan speak a few words in English, but in a non-British accent, he was stunned. ‘Where had Ethan learned this crazy accent? he thought! Haha. These open houses were a great way to bring my Jaén teaching experience full circle.

The final cleaning has begun in our piso and the packing is about to begin. Many clothes will be donated and some will be thrown away because I have worn some to pieces. I will not be bringing home more than the two suitcases I brought with me!

As I was reminded of this morning from my neighbor Jose Carlos, ‘you are always traveling,’ I will be completing this European adventure with yes, a little more traveling. Carrying nothing less than my backpack, towel and bathing suit, I am headed to the beach. Hostels, couches and the sand will play home for the next week and a half. I am going to Nerja this weekend, a small beach town along the Mediterranean Sea and then Portugal for a week. I thought it is only fitting to get out of the ‘big’ city known as Jaén and relax where I can dig my feet in the sand. I mean a little tan won’t hurt either before returning to California! After Portugal, I will be spending 2 nights in Madrid for 2 final nights of ‘despedidas’ with the roommates and Kimball, before boarding a Cali bound plane on the 17th. The end is indeed near, but Europe, I am not quite done with you!

June 5th- give up my keys to our gypsy landlords
June 5-8- Nerja
Night of June 8- LAST final night in Jaén...oh yeah, Iroquai bound!
June 9-15- Portugal- Faro, Lagos, Lisbon and Porto
June 15-17- Madrid
June 17- LAX

Despedida para Lindsey, Irene y Jonah.


Las Chixas de Casa Bombona


Botellon antes del partido de futbol!

I'm gonna miss these lil guys.

Spanish Senoritas...sitting in the park, listening to Spanish bands, live!

Jaén, Show Me What You've Got

My days in Jaén are quickly dwindling away and the word ‘last’ or ‘la ultima’ has become a part of our daily verbiage. Last Wednesday we had our first farewell and said goodbye to two dear friends, Dustin and Ashley. As their bus pulled away and departed from the station, we stood waving panuelos (paper napkins) and my first tears began to fall. Not only was I saying goodbye to 2 close friends, the realization finally hit me that I would be leaving Spain in 3 short weeks. As to some, the time is flying by very slowly. However for me, the days are zooming on and I’m trying to take one ‘last’ look of the beautiful city and country I live in.

Last night was our last Saturday in Jaén and ironically was the last series of concerts in the park. Lindsey, Megan and I have a 100% attendance record at the concerts and always enjoyed, sitting in the park, talking with good friends and listening to a variety of Spanish bands, live. Tonight we will be attending the Real Jaén fútbol game for the surprisingly, first and last time. Tonight’s game is a big one and we will all be there rooting them on in our purple, fan (easy wear) apparel. Viva Real Jaén!

Speaking of lasts, tomorrow happens to be my ‘last day of work.’ I have always found myself to be the happiest while being at work amongst my co-workers and students and I know tomorrow will be a happy, yet sad day. Goodbyes are never fun. Usually, ‘see ya later,’ or ‘luego’ is a better choice of words, hoping to see the person again soon. But tomorrow will be different. I know I will most likely never see some of my Spanish friends, co-workers and students, ever again. I better put on the water-proof mascara!

June 5th will be the ‘last time’ I call my piso, my home and also the city that has captured my heart. Even though my days are now being filled with ‘lasts,’ I will forever have my memories of this past year to hold on to. All good things must come to an end and I am just thankful to have had this year be such a positive experience for me. Jaén, I challenge you to bring it, this final week!

Last night with Dustin

Never a dull moment with the roommates, and Kimball!

I love and am gonna miss Jaén

El Rio Nuevo

'The River'
By: Garth Brooks

You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores...and

I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry

Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide...

A year ago, I took the chance of the rapids and made the decision to teach and live abroad in Spain. Over the past 9 months, I have indeed dared and danced the tides, which has inspired a new feed into my river. Since I was in fourth grade, I have followed my dream and my passion to teach, and that is what dropped me off on the shores of Jaén. I have never been one to ‘stand aside and let the waters slip away,’ thus I will continue along my vessel, this time having it steer me back to the Pacific coast of California. I will be returning to the California shoreline and I look forward to utilizing my multicultural experiences and my Spanish language skills to challenge a new rapid. My river is truly ‘ever changing,’ and when I return in 5 weeks, I look forward to taking the necessary measures that will allow me to share my love for the Spanish language in the teaching field. Making this decision has been ‘a constant battle,’ but it is one I am happy with and I look forward to the next dance.

Jaén, will you save the last dance for me?

A Messy Excursion

I found myself Tuesday, as one of the chaperones on the 1st and 2nd grade field trip to Linares. Linares is a pueblo, 45 minutes by train outside of Jaén. I was super excited to attend because the 1st grade team, students and teachers are my favorite. I was given 11 of my 1st grade bilingual students to make sure they all had fun, and fun was what we had. The train departed from the station at 8:38am and the cars erupted in the students’ cheers. Linares, here we come!

When we arrived in Linares we took a tour of the train station and while the students enjoyed their snacks, in typical Spanish style, the teachers took shifts in ‘taking a coffee!’ I swear, only in Spain is this sort of thing allowed. We walked around Linares and my 6 year olds became my Spanish teachers for the day. They are used to only hearing me speak English, so today came as a shock. I spent the whole day talking in Spanish and when I told them to help me by correcting my Spanish, they got the biggest grins on their faces. Let me tell you, 6 year olds are the BEST teachers ever. They will correct you until you say the word absolutely perfect. After a 20 minute walk we ended up in a park, so the children could run free. As the children played, we teachers conversed.

My favorite interruption was from my student David, who picked a rose and wanted to give it to Marina. So I asked David if Marina was his girlfriend. His friend Javi, responded and said, ‘He has 8 girlfriends.’ And so matter of a factly, David says (in Spanish), “Yes Marina is my ‘school girlfriend.’(She was completely unaware that she was indeed his ‘girlfriend.’) I have another ‘girlfriend in Cazorla and other places like that." Let me remind you, this boy is 6. And if that doesn’t sum up Spanish men, then I don’t know what else could.

After lunch, we all took a walk along el rio Guadalquivir and got caught in a torrential downpour! As everyone was told to run to the nearest bridge to take cover, dirt became mud (or ‘barro’ a new word for the day) and blue jeans became brown jeans. (Oh great, parents are going think we let their children roll around in the mud.) Walking back was even more fun. The bottoms of our shoes became those wedge-like platforms; full of ‘barro’ and a once sturdy path became an ice skating rink. Needless to say all 23 of my bilingual 1st graders and the other 5 classes made it back to the train station in one piece and were all in dire need of a shower.

The train pulled back into Jaén at 1:40pm and I had a fantastic day with my students and fellow co-workers. I made sure to take in everything about that day because my time in Jaén is rapidly coming to a close. It’s days like this that I treasure and will miss. I have formed relationships and friendships with some of the kindest and most warm-hearted people I have ever met. What a great day to help wind down my 10 months of teaching and living in Spain.

David giving his 'girlfriend' the rose

My 11, 1st grade bilinguals

The Little Things

Teaching children has always held a special place in my heart. These past 8 months has been a constant reminder as to why, teaching is my passion. For us teachers, the littlest things have the biggest rewards.

Monday as I sat in the quad waiting to enter one of the 4 year old classrooms, a boy from the 5 year old class came sprinting out, on a mission to go ‘pee pee.’ As soon as he laid eyes on me, not skipping a beat in stride, smiled and said, ‘Hello Jenna.’ I said hello back and pushed a little further and asked, ‘How are you?’ ‘How are you?’ he immediately replied back, mimicking the same question I had just asked. He quickly turned around the corner and was out of my sight. (I was left thinking, ‘ok so he doesn’t quite understand the meaning of what I asked. No pasa nada (Don’t worry) I’m thinking. I mean I do only work with them 30 minutes, once a week. At least he did remember my name. He is 5 and did have to go ‘pee pee’ really bad.) As quickly as he was out of my sight, to my surprise I see the same sweet, little face re-appear around the corner. He smiled again and said, ‘I’m fine,’ turned around and continued onward to the toilets.

Immediately my face filled with joy. As the little boy sprinted past me on his way to the toilets, his little brain was processing the words exchanged. He recognized that I asked him a question, in which he indeed knew the response. It took him a second to realize what I had asked, but he did. My hard work and persistence is paying off. I continue to work with these little guys, poco a poco, and that moment proved I am here making a difference. One pat on the back for me.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I always work with the first grade bilingual class for an hour after recess. Yesterday as I followed behind the first graders into class, I caught David turned around in his chair. As soon as he laid eyes on me, he smiled and energetically yelled in English, ‘Yes, English.’ Enough said.

Today as I left the students in the first grade bilingual class to complete work from their workbooks, Adrian who sits in the front of the first row, for a reason (he never pays attention and is always talking to Jorge, his neighbor,) inquisitively asked in Spanish how to say ‘de nada’ in English. Normally one wouldn’t become so excited over such a question, but since sweet-faced, never pays attention Adrian suddenly became interested this afternoon, it made me happy.

It’s not very often my students are interested in wanting to learn a new word in English. English is required for all students and therefore many students feel the pressure to learn the language and it often times becomes forced upon them. So to have a young student like Adrian, inquire about learning a new word, you can’t help but smile. It helps reinforce one of the reasons as to why I am here, teaching English in Spain. I am making a difference and it sure feels good.

Team Jaèn: 3 points


First grade bilingual class <3

3 Bushways in Jaèn

In the middle of their recent European travels, my wonderful parents squeezed a trip to come see me here in Jaèn. The agenda: give me lots of hugs and kisses, see the city I call home, meet my Spanish and American friends, and make a visit to the school I work at.

Monday morning arrived and my parents picked me up in their swanky BMW rental car and drove me to school, just like old times. As soon as we stepped foot on to campus, they experienced the head turning effect and stares. Who are those ‘young’ people walking with Jenna?! They can’t be her parents…they look so young! (Mama and Papa Bushway have never felt so good!) The first grade bilingual class, was our first stop of the day. As I took the reigns and began teaching about water, leave it to my dad to take a seat in the back of the class and pretend to be a first grader. All my students laughed and giggled, wondering WHO, was this man in the back of their class. Thanks dad...they already think I’m crazy, so they now understand where I get it from!!

Next, we made our way into one of the 4 year old classes. Mari Lola cleared her lesson plans and let me introduce the kids to my parents. And boy did they meet Mom and Dad. Little did Mari Lola know, that singing and dancing, is what we Bushways live for. I had my students perform our whole repertoire of songs with my parents. The three of us stood in front of the class and we chanted, sang, and acted out, ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,’ ‘If you’re Happy and You Know it,’ ‘Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around,’ and a couple others. I don’t think Mari Lola and the students knew quite the level of talent we Bushways got! My co-workers and students all enjoyed meeting my parents. My dad left telling a couple of my co-workers ‘to continue to look and care after me.’ I think they felt the love I receive and have at Serrano de Haro.

It was such a nice feeling to share a little of the city and culture that has captivated my heart with my parents. It was even better to give them both long awaited hugs and kisses and to just sit face to face and talk over delicious tapas and wine. In an email my dad sent as they sat ready to board the plane to Paris he said, ‘I loved your city and best of all you. Nothing is more beautiful than you.’

I love you both dearly. <3



Can you find the new first grader?

Ciao Bella

Sunset over the Basilica

Gelato, canals, wine, cobblestone walkways, pizza, Ancient Italian history…yes please! I was fortunate enough to spend 10 spectacular days during my Semana Santa (spring break) in Italy.

Italy is undeniably one of the most gorgeous countries, rich with many historical stories to be shared. Due to the size, complexity and beauty of the coliseum, cathedrals, bridges, buildings, ceilings, and the Vatican, I am impressed with the Italians know-how to construct such beauty, 2,000 years ago. The sunsets at night, blew me away the Venetian skies wowed me and the delicious Italian food had me walking non-stop!

Highlights from the trip:

1. Sustine Chapel- sat and admired it for 30 minutes.
2. St. Peter’s Cathedral
3. The million and one bridges and canals in Venice.
4. Pizza slice sold by the weight and eaten on the street.
5. Pointe Vecchio in Florence.
6. Hiking up to the small Renaissance town in Greve in Chianti.
7. All the GELATO! (oh yes, we ate it everyday)
8. Sunset over the Basilica in Rome.
9. The thousands of miles walked.
10. The train rides we took between each city, enjoying the green, rolling hills of the countryside.
11. Venice’s cathedral- miniature, golden, hand placed mosaic tiles, cover the inside.

Greve in Chianti

Replica of David and the SKY

Duomo in Florence



Leaning Tower in Pisa

Venice

Arc de Constantine and the Coliseum

GELATO!



I am grateful for the opportunity I was given to travel throughout Italy and I have my travel buddy Katie, to thank. Thank you for making this so enjoyable and memorable. We will be back...next stop...gondola rides with our husbands?! haha!

Pure Joy

All Laughs and Smiles


When I signed up to teach English here in Spain, I requested to work in an elementary school. And here I am teaching in a primary school, but what I had not anticipated was spending most of my 12 hours working with the 4, 5 and 6 year olds. I never anticipated coming to Spain to ‘teach’ English, would require teaching the numbers 1-10, the names of colors and singing songs.

But here I am working 9 hours with los niños and loving it! Every Monday when I arrive to work with Marilola, it never ceases to amaze me what she will ask me to do. She will say (in Spanish), ‘Ok, today I want you to teach them ‘sad,’ ‘mad,’ and 'happy'. Do you know any songs or games?’ So I’m usually given 2.3 seconds to ponder of what I’m going to do and then it’s go time.

I work with three 4 year old classes, three 5 year old classes and three 1st grade classes. I have been asked to sing ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,' 'Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around,' 'If You’re Happy and You Know It,' 'The Itzy Bitsy Spider,' 'Simon Says' and a slue of others, until I become blue in the face! When I get home, my roommates are always so stoked to hear the new song I had to repeat like a broken record. Haha NOT. The song usually gets sung and then it’s followed with, ‘OMG, I could never do what you do.’ (Basically I make fun of myself all day long.)

I however would not change any of this for the world. The children are learning the proper 'American' pronunciation of sounds and words at a young age, which helps build a solid foundation of the language. English is being taught and learned in a very fun and playful environment. The students are so precious and have the kindest of hearts. They are always filled with so much energy and have the want and drive to learn. They say everything how they see it and laugh at my silly gestures. (I swear I should become an actress sometimes.) They always greet me with the biggest smiles and hugs and will yell from across the playground just to wave at me.

Last week the 5 year olds were learning about the Native Americans and after remembering that I am from America, a little boy asked (in Spanish) ‘Do you live in a teepe?’ Who could not love such innocence?

Typical

Singing '10 Little Pumpkins' with the 1st grade bilingual class

Teaching 'ghosts' to the 4 year olds (BOO)

Marilola (Infantile Teacher) and I

Can you guess what I'm teaching? (Mad)

Coloring with Infants 4B

My Golden Day

I was quite the lucky girl this past week. I was lucky enough to spend my ‘golden,’ 25th birthday, Spanish style, and to have my best friend Julia, from California with me. Not only was it special for me to share my life in Spain with her, but she provided me with a piece of home.

As my alarm sounded the morning of Thursday, February 25 at 10:30am, Julia and I both awoke, ready to take on the day. I awoke with a little more enthusiasm than Julia was hoping, considering we had gone out the night before and did not return home ‘til 4:00am (Welcome to España Jules.) I however was excited because I knew today was going to be a great day.

As I rolled out of my bed, I found a note that Lindsey had slipped under my door. ‘Happy 25th Dinner! It’s your birthday…eat dessert for breakfast! Look in the bottom drawer in the freezer…Love, Benjamin’ I ran into the kitchen to find Kit Kat drumsticks with my name written all over them. Never ever had I enjoyed such a delicious breakfast of champions! Thanks Benj 

Jules and I got dressed and headed to my school for a special birthday party that the first grade teachers had arranged. Knowing a little about Spanish traditions, I made a point to stop at the BEST pastelería, (bakery) to buy some goodies for all the teachers since it was my birthday. We arrived at Serrano de Haro during recess, and I felt like a celebrity as I was instantly bombarded with ‘Felicidades’ from the students and for the risk-taker 4, 5, and 6 year olds, ‘Happy Birthday!’ Maria Jose, Marilola and Anabel had a cake and treats all set up waiting for me. I was serenaded in English and Spanish and I felt very special knowing that my gracious co-workers took the time to recognize my birthday.

With my birthday already off to a great start, it was just about to get even better. Jules and I decided to have a ‘romantic’ lunch together at Jaén’s castle, Castillo de Santa Catalina. As we climbed the mountain, I conversed with the taxi driver and Jules admired the breathtaking, bird’s eye views of Jaén. We shared a lunch filled with excellent ambiance, food and conversation. As I sipped on my glass of wine, I again felt very special and royal-esque. Jules and I had taken the time, and reached a little further into our pockets, to enjoy a quality, ‘romantic’ experience together.

After indulging in some delicious food, we headed back to my piso for a much needed siesta. We took advantage of España’s custom and slept for two hours, prepping for the night’s events.

Time to fiesta! We began the evening at our local barrio favorite, Casa de Cordoba for some delicious tapas in a family-esque setting. Antonio spoiled us again by giving us ‘patatas a la pobre,’ (poor mans potatoes) and other tapas that are my favorite. The lights turned down, the music sung loud and I was again serenaded by a traditional Spanish tune. Awesome! With our bellies full, we went to another favorite, Iroquai for some killer music and we don’t mind the free drinks. (Thanks Quique!) As my friends and I were sharing laughs, what do I hear? Oh just my favorite tune, David Guetta featuring Akon! Oh yaaaa! I immediately headed straight to bust some moves on the dance floor. 4:00am rolled around and it was now time to head to the discotecas. We landed at 20th Century Rock and danced amongst the masses. After many songs were danced and sung to, we finally decided to call it a night around 7:30am.

February 25, 2010 will be a day I will never forget. I was surrounded by lots of love and felt very special. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and wishes that were sent via, facebook, tuenti, skype phone messages, emails, hugs, pieces of paper, texts and the lucky ones who I was able to reach by phone. Even though some of you are farther away than I would have liked you to be on my birthday, just remember you are even closer in my heart. I love you all and thank you for making me feel so ‘Golden.’

Felicidades a Mi: 25

12:00am Birthday Chupitos. Gracias Dean.

Gracias Quique para todas las bebidas!

Mini Fiesta with my School

Note left in the Staff Room, letting everyone know where to find the fiesta

Some of my co-workers

Birthday Lunch at the Castle

Casa de Cordoba Love

Chicas en Iroquai

Kinda in Love with her

Where's Waldo?

Try and mix a Mardi Gras style street party (no boobs) with Halloween, in Cadiz, Spain. Let me proudly introduce you to the third largest fiesta in the world, CARNAVAL! People come from all over the world and convene in Cadiz for this week long celebration. Music, floats, large stages, food, and costumed people flood the streets all in great spirits. Lindsey and I were excited to see what the whole hoop-la over Carnaval was all about and decided to make the trek from Jaen to Jerez de la Frontera for the weekend.

Saturday night was upon us and decked out in costumes, we headed for the train station in Jerez. Let the madness begin… As we approached the station, smiles laid on our faces because the costumes that everyone was wearing were so creatively, thought out, and put together. It was 9:34pm, our train entered the station, Cadiz…uh yes please! Lindsey and I took the last two, available seats and who are we sitting across from? Oh they just happen to be two other auxillares from Orange County, California. I swear, this world only gets smaller! We leave the station and the train becomes party central. Cows, pirates, ‘Where’s Waldos’ and birds filled our car and flamenco music was sung loud and proud. After a 50 minute train ride, we arrived in Cadiz! We quickly took the streets and joined the masses of people all having the time of their lives. We cruised the historic streets of Cadiz, hung out near the cathedral and stood in famous plazas. I was at Carnaval!

As the night progressed, our group of about 10 all became separated and the best line of the weekend comes from my Benjamin, (Miss Lindsey Ashjian). ‘Never did I imagine playing a live version as I searched a massive crowd of 100,000+ and asked myself, "Where's Waldo?!"’ hahaha! Just imagine standing at the front of a huge plaza, smothered with costumed folk, looking for someone who happens to be dressed as Waldo! While laughing to herself and thinking back to her childhood days, it sounded impossible but needless to say she found her Waldo. By 4:00am we all reconvened, and took the train back to Jerez.

Carnaval lived up to its standards and exceeded expectations. I was thoroughly impressed with the Spaniards' costumes and devotion to their festival. It proved to be a massive party filled with energetic people and a damn good time!

Train ride to Cadiz!

Retired Fort Lauderdale Grannys

Crowds of People

The Girls

Where's Lindsey?

Crazyness!

I found WALDO!