September - Society, Searching, School, Siesta, Shadows, Soon

After a month in Madrid these are some things I've noticed, experienced, and lived through.

1. Society - No matter where you are, you can still survive and enjoy yourself.  A lot of people told me they were too scared to pick up and leave what they knew and felt comfortable with.  I had some of those reservations, not knowing what kind of people I would meet, keeping a roof over my head, the financial burden of moving, but anything is possible.  It's true I don't have all of my favorite people, things, or places right here with me, but I am trying to experience a new type of culture and living so I can spread my knowledge to others.

2. Searching

2.1 Toledo – This was a very cool city.  It used to be the capital of Spain so the historic significance was very prominent.  All of the streets were cobblestones and very skinny.  We enjoyed a day of walking around and exploring the city and I got to go one my first ever train ride!

2.2 El Pardo – One of the most notable buildings is the "Royal Palace of El Pardo", built in 1406 by the order of King Henry III of Castile. It was the first large edifice built in the area. The Palace of El Pardo was the residence of General Franco when he was head of the Spanish State.  It is located next to the Manzanares River and is home to the royal hunting grounds.  They stock the grounds with deer and boar so when we went hiking we saw a lot of wildlife.  Unfortunately, there was a fence around the hunting grounds so we couldn’t gain anymore elevation.

2.3 Madrid Race Day

The Vuelta a Espana is a very well known bike race that goes through Madrid on the last day.  We watched the race and then walked to a new friend’s house for homemade tapas.

3. School

3.1 Trent and I recently completed our Teaching English as a Foreign Language course (the reason I have not posted anything to my blog in a month.)  The class was one month from 10:00-15:30 every day with only a 30 minute lunch break.  We had to write 3 research papers and perform 5 practice classes, 3 for the class and 2 for a real student.  I learned some new tricks for foreign language students and it is a lot different than working with a whole group of first graders.  

3.2 Did you know that in Spain the percentage of passing is 50/100?  If someone could explain to me how that works, please let me know.  

3.3 Also, did you know that the standard photo copy paper size is 21 cm/31 cm...That’s the long size.  Try using a different size paper and tell me how you like it…

3.4 We are starting to do private classes now, but have to travel all over the city on the metro to get there.  This is very common among English teachers and it does allow us to see different parts of the city.

3.5 I am still working on my masters courses too!  Time management has been very hard because I have been torn in all directions.  I should graduate in December if all goes according to plan though! (As long as I stop procrastinating.  If you know me, I am very good at this skill, and I have a whole new city/country to explore!)

4. Siesta

4.1 Let me first start with the typical Spanish day. In the morning people go to work or school around 9am-10am.  Their biggest meal of the day is lunch around 2.  Most people take off and a lot of businesses close after lunch until around 6-7 for siesta.  Dinner is typically a lighter meal around 9pm-12pm. 

4.2 Tapas -They serve bread and potatoes everywhere!

4.3 I love siesta time J

5. Shadows

5.1 Some of you may think we are crazy, but did you know that it is common for people of all ages to stay out until 6 in the morning on the weekend nights? 

5.2 Exploring at night is very cool because all of the buildings are lit up.  Many young people like to hang out in plazas and buy beers for 1 euro on the street.

6. Soon  - Look for info about Amsterdam, finding some mountains, and whatever comes our way.