Fun Fact

Here's something I learned today: Care Bears in Spanish are called Osos Amorosos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DcdedBO_lM

I'm baaack

Question: Does anyone actually read this? I'll admit, I haven't been so motivated to blog because, to be honest, there is not so much exciting going on in my life. Well, Alasdair and I went to the States to visit for 10 days, but that's not very Spanish, is it?

I do have two new classes since I've been back. That tallies up to an additional 32 euros a week, but hey, it's something. While I was home, I applied for a legit job through the Spanish government, but that won't start til the fall if I get it. My first choice of areas? Valencia. Yeah, so I've already been there, but it has a beach and not quite the same big-city chaotic feel of Madrid. My options two and three were the Canary Islands and Austurias, because of their beaches and excellent food and wine, in that order. I still have the option to stay in Madrid, but it is tricky being freelance. Also, being illegal, whether I like to admit it or not, does worry me. I have a friend here who's lived here illegally for almost 5 years and never had any problems, but that doesn't make any difference to my paranoia.

Our trip home was so nice...well, when you're only home a few weeks a year people love to cook for you and make trips to see you...that I had a hard time leaving. If I'd had to get on that plane alone, I'm not sure I would have been able to. We saw so many people, ate TONS of wonderful food, and Alasdair finally got to meet the family and lots of my close friends. We took mini road trips to Chattanooga, Savannah, and Athens. Leaving home again meant not knowing when I'd see everyone again. Returning to Spain alone was worse than leaving the states, because it meant I was completely alone.

Now don't get me wrong, I do actually enjoy my job. One of my most difficult students told me that he'd gotten a 9.5 (out of 10) on his latest English tests. I love my students and actually enjoy classes. It's mainly stress over money and things that makes it hard. I know 2 people in Madrid. Okay, maybe 3. Alasdair's moving out in the summer, but 4 months seems an awfully long time. Plus, coming back home after a lovely vacation is never fun.

My roommate told me yesterday she'd be leaving for 2 months to go work on a movie set...in NEPAL. In addition to being an amazing opportunity, my first thought was, "I GET TO LIVE ALONE AND DO WHATEVER I WANT FOR TWO MONTHS!" (Despite paying rent and half the utilities, it still feels like I'm living in someone else's house.) But then today she told me she wasn't sure because of her boss or something. My Spanish is rusty after only thinking in English for 2 weeks. So...sad that I'll have to continue mopping every other day and keeping the heat on despite the fact it's 60 out...but not so bad because, for all my frustration, she's been very helpful with things and I wouldn't have a clue how to pay utilities in Spain.

On the bright side, spring is almost here (it's not getting dark til 8:30 already!!), I have more work, and I have an XXL bag of M&Ms from Costco.

P.S. I tried to upload pictures but my internet hates me.

Madrilena

I've been in Madrid less than 2 months, but I already feel fairly accustomed to life here. I suppose it's not such the culture shock of living in South Korea, but I also feel like I can accomplish more on my own since I know a little more Spanish than Korean.

A few weeks ago I got a Spanish library card, which has been especially helpful in lesson planning. Funds are low (and I STILL haven't received my replacement credit cards) so I check out books and use them in class.

Today I succeeded in finally getting an Abono, which is an unlimited metro/bus pass renewable every month. It took me three Tobaco shops, or estankeras as my roommate says they're called, to finally find one that sold them. For less than 50 euros a month, I can ride all the subways and buses I won't, hooray! I realize I'm on the metro a lot because I'm starting to recognize people. Two in particular are quite noticeable, so I'm sure there are many more I've overlooked because of their ordinariness. One is a tiny Asian woman who always wears her sunglasses inside and plays some game on her cell phone that involves incessant clicking of buttons. I've learned not to sit next to her. The other is a Spanish man so pale he makes ME look tan...and it's winter. Seriously, I think he might be a ghost. Also, a notable trip on the subway last night led me to find the world's WORST haircut...which is saying a lot in Spain. The man had a buzzcut almost all over, but left the front long, giving the effect of greasy, stringy bangs hanging about halfway down his forehead. I say the effect of bangs, because I'm not sure buzzcut men are able to have bangs. Weird. At least it keeps me entertained during the hours I spend on the metro each day. On the bright side, I'm going through books like mad!

I'll be headed to London a week from tomorrow to fly out to the States! I'm excited because the trip seems a little last minute and the weather there has been gorgeous lately, or so I'm told by my mother and weather.com. I promise once I start being more interesting I'll have more pictures to put up!