la vida loca

I have not had the chance to write anything for a while…2 weeks it seems! We really take Internet access and WiFi for granted in the US but it is a luxury that they do not have here in Spain. I was definitely spoiled at the hotel and while I do have WiFi at school…I am usually busy helping out in classes, lesson planning, and doing intercambio things (practice in English/Spanish with teachers) that I do not often get to utilize the Internet. Anyway…a lot has happened in Arcos and I have had my ups and downs, good days and bad days…but that is life. One hassle is that my school is in the complete opposite part of town from where I live. It is essentially impossible to walk there because there are no sidewalks at a certain point and it would take me a good 45 minutes to get there after braving hill after hill. The closest bus stop to get to my school is at least a 15 minute walk from my apartment. I do not mind the exercise however, I bring my computer to school with me each day along with books and materials so it can be a bit much to carry. On a rainy day it will not be fun. I have managed to sucker many of the teachers into driving me to and from school but some days I can not work my charm and have to take the bus. I guess if these are the only school related complaints I have, than I should consider myself lucky. I really enjoy being at the high school and it is usually the highlight of my day. Many of my students are so enthusiastic and the teachers are so welcoming and eager to speak English and to learn more about me and American culture. I am happiest when I am at school so I do not mind staying there all day although I am only required to be there for 12 hours. I soon will take on some private tutoring for extra money and I think that will be a great experience as well.
(I am trying to even out the complaints with the positives!)

Another thing that has been quite trying is that I moved into a new apartment with two firemen. (I’ve had to endure a lot of jokes from people at school and from my friends here about this! Apparently there are a lot of firemen jokes!) I knew from the get-go that I wanted to live with Spaniards so that I would be speaking Spanish at home and getting the extra practice. I know it is the right decision and both Raul and Sergio are extremely nice and easy to live with. Raul lives in Granada and is 27 with a wife and young daughter. He comes to Arcos on the days he has to work so I do not see him often but he is here sometimes. Firemen work 12 hour shifts and usually 3 days on, 3 days off. Sergio is from Extremadura and has been in Arcos for 3 months. It was recently his 25th birthday so his family was in town and I met them as well and they are all adorable blonde-haired Spaniards (I think Americans often envision Spaniards as dark hair, dark eyes…but you’d be surprised by how many blondes I see here). Sergio wants to practice his English too so I know we will be helping each other out a lot.

Tomorrow I took the day off from school because I have to go to the city of Cádiz to extend my Visa. I was there with Becca last week and we met up with 2 other girls from Richmond but unbeknownst to us…there was a holiday in Cádiz and EVERYTHING was closed. So we will make the journey again tomorrow. On Thursday evening I am taking the bus to Madrid to go to a tennis tournament there. I have tickets for the Friday matches and I am so excited. It is about a 7 hour bus ride and hopefully I will be able to sleep on the way. That is all that I have to report from Spain right now. I’m sorry I have been slow with email responses and forgetful with birthdays (Betsy I am so sorry!!!) but I as I am becoming more accustomed to my life here I’m hoping I will get better.

Saludos,
CeCe