It’s hard to believe that I have already been back in Spain a week! In some ways, it seems like I was just in Indianapolis yesterday. In others, it seems as though I never really left Spain. Although this past week has been packed with Spanish classes and all sorts of social activities arranged by the school, I’ve also had a lot of time on my own. After six weeks of travel and vacation, I realized that I had kind of forgotten what “real life” is actually like! It’s been quite a (nice) adjustment to have time to wander around the city on my own, take siestas, begin to develop a few routines, and have some evenings with very little to do (especially without internet or tv!).

This extra time, in addition to living on my own, has provided lots of time for thought as well. More than anything, this past week has really reaffirmed just how much I love Spain. Although Barcelona is a completely different city than Seville – in size, diversity, language, landscape, number of tourists, etc. – it is equally fantastic. I already feel myself falling in love with this place!

And why? There are a million and one reasons, but so much of it comes down to the people and the lifestyle. Wonderful men at the post office helped me yesterday to get boxes to my place – they were incredible! Another man at a store thanked me for speaking in Spanish (no matter how broken it was!) and told me how much he appreciated me making the effort. The waiters and shop owners on my block already recognize and welcome me in, even after just a week. And all of these interactions are so passionate and expressive! The language, the hand gestures, the intonation – I just can’t get enough of it! As my own Spanish is starting to increase, I feel myself trying out more expressions and phrases and actually saying them correctly - and it’s so fun! I feel more determined than ever to leave Spain, whenever that may be, speaking at a level as close to fluency as possible.

So, as I type this in my apartment with my windows open, I am listening to the buzz of conversations and the clinking of glasses on terraces, in plazas, and on the street – the vibrancy of life in Spain becoming clearer with every “Hola, guapa! Que tal?” I hear . . .

Year 2!

Well, it's hard to believe that I will be leaving tomorrow to start my second year in Spain! How quickly time has passed! I had a wonderful time in Denver and an equally great time in Indy with friends and family. It's been so relaxing to be taken care of by Mom and Dad. :)

However, although it's been so great to be back in the states, I am SO excited to get back to Spain! I think the combination of emails from my school and apartment agency, hearing Spanish while at the consulate, and buying all sorts of things for my classroom and apartment (both of which I am really struggling to visualize) have made me so anxious to get to Barcelona.

It's amazing just how different going to Spain is this year. Already having a job, an apartment, a cell phone, a bank account, and a small grasp on the city and language are making this such an easier transition - whew!

Although I will miss friends and family just as much as I did last year, I am ready to return to the country I whole-heartedly fell in love with just a year ago!

Uff!

(uff! = the Spanish equivalent of ugh!)

Wow - although I knew that "officially" moving abroad would be different than just moving to Spain in hopes of finding a job, I had no idea just how expensive it would prove to be!! Although I am getting money for relocation, it doesn't even put a dent in the expenses. For example:

$1,400 plane ticket
$100 for checking bags
$200 for shipping boxes
$200 on random things I can't buy in Spain
$3,600 for apartment deposits, fees, and rent

Whew! And the worst part is that I literally have no money now and will not get my first paycheck until the end of September! (And I am fully aware that it is my fault that I don't have more money saved.) I keep going through highs and lows with all of it as well. One day I think that it's not that big of deal - at least I have a job and I know I'll be making money soon. Other days I feel sick with the amount of debt I have accrued and how long it will take to pay it down.

All of this, compounded by the realization that I have to say goodbye to Indy and best friends in the next 48 hours AGAIN is making for a bit of an emotional roller coaster! It's amazing how bittersweet this living in Spain situation is. I am SO excited to return to Spain and my life there, yet so sad to leave everyone and everything again. Hopefully a few beers, good food, and laughs with friends at happy hour will help the day make a turn for the better!

Welcome to International Teaching!

If you get a moment, take a look at the website for my new school! Emily has warned me that international teaching will be nothing like what I have been used to and after my few visits to ASB, I believe it! Just having a maximum class size of 17 students, representing at least 5 countries, who are all proficient, AND speak at least 3 languages - wow! It's going to be eye-opening! So, I'm attempting to go in with an open mind and am really excited to bring my experience from APS, as well as learn so much from my new colleagues. Let the adventure begin!

http://www.a-s-b.com/