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!

At a Loss for Words

A poor, yet prideful country sits on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea from Spain and recently became my next subject to explore. I have never been one to do a ton of research before hitting the road, but was aware the Spaniards all have mixed emotions about Morocco. ‘Be careful, have fun, make sure to take a boy with you,’ were shared words of concern I received, upon leaving for the weekend from friends and co-workers. I however, was going to take this country like any other, with an open mind.

For once in my life I was speechless. Me, at a loss for words…never. But as I walked through the medina in Fes, I found myself silent. I was aware. I was suspicious. I had my game face on. New thoughts filled my head. New emotions engulfed my body. I placed myself in situations for the first time and thought things I never imagined thinking. I held onto my purse a little tighter and became suspicious of everyone. Can I trust this person? Are they genuinely being nice to me or are they being nice because they want my money? I stood strong, held my ground, walked and talked confidently. And after four hours inside the 9000+, maze-like streets of the medina, I left without having bought a thing and mentally exhausted.

It’s been hard to put this experience into words. But reflecting back, I am thankful for my time in Morocco because I was tested in more ways than one. Two differing cultures met and I walked away with a new appreciation of their culture and way of life. I was welcomed into their country and saw an in-depth, close-up depiction of their daily life.

Morocco caught me speechless…and I still am.

Differing cultures

The Tanneries

'THE' carpet/rug presentation

3 Americans and the Brit in front of the Royal Palace

Life

Inside the market in the Medina

La Vida Loca de los Jienneses

The 'bombona' truck

You know you have adapted to the Spanish lifestyle when:

• A beer is the replacement for water.
• You block 2-5pm off your schedule because, of course, that's nap time (the siesta).
• You look forward to the daily siesta.
• You start saying ‘Vale, vale, vale’ instead of ‘ok.’
• You limit what you buy at the supermarket because you know you're going to have to carry it all the way home, up the hill.
• Sardines are your new favorite food.
• You take a siesta from 9pm ‘til 11pm, prepping for the night’s events.
• Showers are no longer than 3 minutes.
• It takes a full conversation to explain how to pronounce your name. ‘Jenna, as if you are full…como estoy llena!’ ‘Megan, like the car…como el coche (Megane)!’ Ohhhh!
• Someone calls you ‘guapa’ (beautiful) and you don’t bat an eye.
• You don’t start pre-gaming before 1am.
• You dump a gallon of olive oil on your food.
• You respond to the name ‘Gwendolyn,’ when in actuality it’s Lindsey.
• An evening out for tapas, is your dinner.
• You have the eyes to stare right through someone.
• You don’t go to the discoteca until 4am.
• You plan to wash your clothes around the weather forecast.
• You start telling your American friends to ‘toque’ you. (Call, let the phone ring once, and then hang up.)
• You stay out ‘til 8am and then wonder why everyone is going home.
• You have to light the bombona before taking a shower.
• Your ‘hot’ shower suddenly becomes freezing cold because the bombona has run out of butane gas.
• You ‘invite’ people to coffee.
• You are given shots after dinner as a digestive.
• Taking shots of olive oil ain’t no thang.
• A castle becomes a part of your backyard.
• You text in Spanish shorthand…guapa=wapa, hola=ola, chicas=chixas, quieres=kieras
• You go on evening strolls through the streets, just for the hell of it.
• You say ‘oof’ (with the downward hand motion).
• You go to the China Bazaar store (dollar store) for EVERYTHING…toothpaste, hangers, foot insoles, hampers, shampoo, laundry detergent, soap.
• Paying more than 2 euro for any alcoholic beverage makes you reconsider your choice.
• It becomes a group effort to understand Spanish slang in text messages.
• You limit your texting and phone calls because you know you're phone is going to run out of ‘saldo’ (money) if you don’t.
• You start speaking in British English because that’s the type of English you teach. ‘I’ve got my trainers? Where’s my rucksack? Do you got a plaster?
• You play the ‘toque call back’ game.
• You lose your train of thought when you have to speak English slowly.
• Recess is supposed to be over at 12:15pm but none of the teachers gather their students until 12:45pm to go inside.
• You can’t think of a word in English.

Who couldn’t fall in love the Spanish lifestyle?

At El Abuelo and enjoyng our 'free' tapa.

My hamper from the China Bazaar

I think we can call it a night...(notice the clock)

Walking home and watching the sun rise!

'Invited' for a coffee

It's All in Your Attitude

Within the past 3 weeks I have traveled by just about every mode of public transportation known to man and have learned a positive attitude and a flash of my smile will get me where I need to be. You never can know what to fully expect when traveling. When you have no phone and are left with travel delays, strangers can become helpful friends. Why not start up a conversation with the person sitting next to you. They could be the next person who lets you keep your suitcase in their house, while you catch another flight elsewhere. They could also be the person who invites you to Munich to go snowboarding in the Alps. How could one be so trusting in this day of age? Maybe it’s me being too trusting of others or maybe I’m a good judge of character. It could be me always looking for the good in people. Could be a little of both, but I have learned this world is full of good people.

Traveling has taught me how to make the most of my time. I have learned how to self entertain. But when I’ve listened to every song in my ipod twice or started to read the same book I began 4 months ago, why not make small talk with those around me. I’ve also learned how to react in a time of crisis. Stay calm, everything will work out the way it is supposed to. Whether traveling by metros, buses or walking in a new country, remain aware. One needs to be aware of your bags/purses, posted signs, and even taking note of the direction the masses of people getting off the metro are walking, is helpful. The direction people are walking is a huge indication of where maybe you should be walking. I have learned to take the initiative and to be proactive. It never hurts to ask a question to help clarify an uncertainty. No matter what country you may be in, someone speaks English. Or what I find myself doing, resorting to Spanish because French is foreign! Naps or sleeping in cars has never been my thing but I now take advantage of any chair, in a bus or plane and catch some z’s wherever I can.

Traveling and especially travel delays can be one of the most frustrating times. Just remember to keep a positive attitude. Remain patient and if you need a little help, follow the signs to the local bar and enjoy the taste of a local beer, or two. There’s nothing like a cold one that will provide the best ‘attitude adjustment.’

The best form of an 'attitude adjustment.'

Donde estamos?

Dustin and I flying to Brussels

Catchin' some sleep on the bus.

Double woot, another bus ride!

Nightmare, Turned Detour, Before Christmas

The 9 hour cue that seemed to never end...


Living abroad has opened the door to travel and lots of exploration. When traveling by ‘planes, trains, automobiles (metros and even buses,)’ you never can fully know what to expect. As I recently traveled cross-Atlantic and country-hopped here in Europe, optimism is a key component to making it in one piece.

I was extremely excited to come home for the holiday season but after weather delays and missing my connection flight from London to California, all I wanted to do was cry. Thankfully I stayed strong and kept myself together and took my ‘Nightmare before Christmas’ in full stride. I was encaged in a 9 hour cue,(I swear you only see in movies,) ‘sitting, waiting, wishing,’ in hopes I would make it out of London Heathrow airport the same day. When the hours continued to pass and the cue was hardly moving, I wasn’t left with much to do. I began chatting with those around, all trying to get to loved ones. Traveling is stressful, there’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Why not make that time more enjoyable. It is a lot more fun having a travel buddy and someone to help pass the time. Little did I know that some of these once strangers are people I can now call friends.

I was a slue of emotions once I found out my re-scheduled flight to California wouldn’t be leaving London for another 48 hours. I was happy to finally be leaving the airport knowing I had another flight and finally heading to my hotel to sleep. I was sad knowing I would now be missing my trip to Vegas with my girlfriends and I was simply frustrated with the whole situation. There was nothing I could have done to change it. After making collect calls to the states and finally getting in touch with my family and another encouraging phone call, the only thing left was to make the most of my time in London.

After a much needed sleep in my hotel room, my new friends and I went out to see what London had to offer. As the 5 of us wandered through the streets, in the same travel clothes, we laughed, played tourist and it felt as though we all had known each other for years. It may have helped that we all are from California!

I awoke Sunday morning to a sun-filled sky, and I knew I would be finally making it home that day. As the Virgin Atlantic jumbo jet raced down the runway and lifted off into the air, I cheered! After my 48 hour ‘detour’ in London, I was finally California bound.






St. James Park