tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79008772223740892952024-03-04T20:48:27.196-08:00España de Nuevomy adventures teaching abroadSarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-47461927558440245822012-06-11T11:51:00.000-07:002012-06-11T11:51:15.868-07:00One week, plus someHello,
The last few days have been interesting. I celebrated my 24th birthday on a hot, sunny day. I walked much of the walk with a meteorologist from Barcelona who is walking part of the walk with his uncle. Our destination was a decent sized town, considering some of the pueblos I have stayed in on this trip! The hostel was large and clean. After cleaning up, I had a yummy sandwich and ran into some other pilgrims I had met earlier. I went to mass in the evening in a beautiful church, and then joined some new friends for dinner. It was a delightful evening, and a very simple birthday, but one I am sure I will remember!
Thursday and Friday I walked a bit further than my guidebook suggested for those days (30-35km, I think), mainly because I was feeling energetic and figured I might as well take advantage of the energy. Saturday ended up being a very long, exhausting day, and I hit a wall, so to speak. I tried to take a detour to visit an abbey that St. Francis visited when he walked this walk (which is a pretty neat fact in itself!), but after going 6km off of the track, I found it to be closed. Needless to say, I was disappointed. But I continued walking and when I reached my intended stopping point, I was less than impressed with the location and decided to go another 7km to Santo Domingo. All in all, I think I walked arounf 40km that day, which was quite a lot. I reached the hostel in a daze. But, after a much needed talk with a specialist tending to my blisters (poor guy, I don´t think he signed up for free therapy sessions), and a decent night of sleep (I was between two serious snorers!) I felt better. And the last two days have been significantly more positive. I think I needed to let the past week really catch up with me, which it did, in full force.
Thankfully, my feet are doing slightly better. My knees are still sore, but I figure if they get me to Santiago, I´ll be pleased.
I reflected yesterday with my friend Tim, from Arizona, about our first week on the trail. I don´t really know what I expected, but somehow it is different from my expectations. It is hard to believe it has been over a week, but even harder to believe I still have so far to go! My favorite part so far is meeting so many wonderful people. I have some anecdotes, but I´ll save those for another day.
Thank you for all the encouragement and prayers.
Un abrazo.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-17948106664838829842012-06-05T08:03:00.001-07:002012-06-05T08:15:41.757-07:00It´s a Simple Life(I apologize in advance for the strange formatting/layout. It is the best I can do on the hostel computers!)
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJvM135oO7BXDi9YYmLVYE1c6RFqNkiosxbjVcbOMDavLYx2MXhTdYwFBqEtjXHui56D93lZrYLu3wl_gxFSvVvqf4FVD-VMz8lfMY-eB5k9rpEBBuKAM3wlDWmdO0maF4OQra4kRIsc/s1600/DSC04542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJvM135oO7BXDi9YYmLVYE1c6RFqNkiosxbjVcbOMDavLYx2MXhTdYwFBqEtjXHui56D93lZrYLu3wl_gxFSvVvqf4FVD-VMz8lfMY-eB5k9rpEBBuKAM3wlDWmdO0maF4OQra4kRIsc/s320/DSC04542.JPG" /></a>
I have started to settle into a routine; it already feels like I have been on the trail a month rather than four short (actually, long) days.
Here is what a day in the life of a Camino-walker (at least this one) is like:
I wake up when I hear other people rustling, or when my alarm goes off at 6:00 (usually I don´t need the alarm). I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth and splash water on my face. There isn´t much need for primping on the trip, so after sun screen and deodorant (there is a great need for both of these, however) I consider myself ready. Then I focus on my feet. I do the best I can with the blisters that have formed, and then take all the preventative steps I can...and I put on my boots, which hurt. I fill up my water bottle and take a vitamin C tablet. If I have something for breakfast, I munch while I am getting ready, otherwise I stop at the nearest cafe for a quick croissant or toast and coffee.
Usually I am on the ¨road¨ by 7:00 or a bit before. I start my walk with a rosary. After I finish praying, I stop to stretch my musclese a bit. And then...I just keep walking, chatting here or there with people on the walk; at the very least wishing them all a ¨buen camino!¨
I snack when I feel hungry, and drink lots of water through the day. I have found that I walk best if I am well fed...though that is no surprise. Depending on the size of villages/towns I pass through, I might stop for a sandwich around mid-day.
I reach my destination about six hours after I leave, usually between 1:00-2:00pm, give or take. In the mornings I always tell myself I will walk a bit further, but by the time I see the name of the pueblo matches the ¨end point¨ in my guidebook, I am ready for a break.
I check into the hostel, and immediately dig out my (hopefully) clean clothes and shower items. I take a quick shower (sometimes longer if I am lucky and there is still hot water!) and put on the shorts and shirt that I will wear the next day. I wash clothes if I need to. After that I look into food. Some days I will just have a snack and wait for a big dinner later, but today I had a big lunch, so will find something lighter for dinner.
After I am fed I do some reading and journaling, and some prayers, if it is quiet. At this point I want a nap, but try to stay awake until bedtime, to ensure a good night of sleep (assuming there are no snorers in my room...which is unlikely). I find ways to kill time until dinner; in the smaller pueblos there isn´t much to do or see, so they are quiet afternoons.
After dinner I read for a bit more and then organize my bag so I can leave as easily and as quietly as possible in the morning. And then it starts again!
Here are a few pictures of my trip so far:
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQYHOJ227-WYjLnLGqDEyO-KlZ4QFolDZZlr9aSIbf0FrFG-NNcVaTQl3Lz7YICuAScuVeJqaPNIzlTDMTra-jPbR2EG0vvzcixTXZdEVDCv2u3N6EzieBOYTLIdHhKXcq8TesgnsWkk/s1600/DSC04394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQYHOJ227-WYjLnLGqDEyO-KlZ4QFolDZZlr9aSIbf0FrFG-NNcVaTQl3Lz7YICuAScuVeJqaPNIzlTDMTra-jPbR2EG0vvzcixTXZdEVDCv2u3N6EzieBOYTLIdHhKXcq8TesgnsWkk/s320/DSC04394.JPG" /></a>
My pilgrim credential, which I get stamped at each hostel, and my shell, which I wear tied to my backpack.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOK1VGKjeCIQ4MBmXM3urvAhlLtVqTplvggu0fm1hYgmnXKbB_xgUt82jg5xBtFBeSVwgswgICY0SkdXZyQuqzjQE-VOTv3I6Ye0WBCY8LNk7FUnVDm7HDuJ472KDRp3lQobKA8Hj2FAA/s1600/DSC04403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOK1VGKjeCIQ4MBmXM3urvAhlLtVqTplvggu0fm1hYgmnXKbB_xgUt82jg5xBtFBeSVwgswgICY0SkdXZyQuqzjQE-VOTv3I6Ye0WBCY8LNk7FUnVDm7HDuJ472KDRp3lQobKA8Hj2FAA/s320/DSC04403.JPG" /></a>
First day climb over the Pyrenees!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxSb-gSDkAdSn5OxfzsG3adJ3IFCHmh-BbT0LyapZ2BoXGWvNVIxUUOkw5q_bU6dmpowewE2pvKw0SOH03iTcu_R3rq5gY40AZv_K_Hcl_c97qlAV7X5HtQbSqQJLzFRfSFfWIpT8FT4/s1600/DSC04450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxSb-gSDkAdSn5OxfzsG3adJ3IFCHmh-BbT0LyapZ2BoXGWvNVIxUUOkw5q_bU6dmpowewE2pvKw0SOH03iTcu_R3rq5gY40AZv_K_Hcl_c97qlAV7X5HtQbSqQJLzFRfSFfWIpT8FT4/s320/DSC04450.JPG" /></a>
My motto.
Prayers are appreciated, especially for my sore feet and knees! And please know that I am praying for all of you!
Un abrazo fuerte.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-62526147076896090052012-06-04T07:09:00.002-07:002012-06-04T07:09:49.815-07:00Ready, Steady, Go!And...she is off! I started the Camino de Santiago!
On Friday I took a bus to Madrid, a train to Pamplona, and another bus over the mountains into France, to Saint Jean de Pied de Port. I registered with the Pilgrim office, picked out my shell and ¨passport¨ and nestled into a hostel for the evening.
Bright and early Saturday morning I set off for the first leg, which is also (hopefully) the most difficult of the journey. I literally climed the Pyrenees from France into Spain. I was off to a difficult start. I eventually found a good pace for me (I sent the marathoner I started with ahead-and he ended up finishing 2 hours ahead of me!), and settled into a rhythm. I tell you, it was rough, but the views were worth it 100%.
I started day two with some angry feet, and by the end of the day I had my first blister. Day two had less of an intense climb, but was more difficult because I had sore muscles. Each time I started to think (complain to myself) about the pain, I offered it up for someone. Needless to say, a lot of people were prayed for...I am quite a whiner, even when I am my own-and only-audience!
Here I am at the end of day three. Still achy as all get out, and with a sore knee to boot. I am hoping the knee pain will cease soon.
The scenery is just beautiful, but I pass through small villages, too. Sometimes the path winds through the woods (which always reminds me of home) and sometimes it follows a busy street. Today I went through Pamplona, Hemingway´s stomping grounds and home to the famous running of the bulls. I took a turn through the Cathedral before buying ibuprofen and blister pads at the pharmacy.
And now I am settled into a lovely little hostel just outside of Pamplona for the evening.
I have met people from all over the world (though a proportionally large number of Australians), both young and old. Yesterday I spent much of the day with two Australian friends, both 65. If they can walk (and pass me!) this trek, so can I!
I will update again as soon as I am able.
Un abrazo muy fuerte.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-69832477834737788662012-06-04T06:58:00.000-07:002012-06-04T06:58:00.849-07:00Up to SpeedI realize I haven´t written in over a month...life started to fly after Elizabeth´s trip! Jarrod came at the beginning of May, and after that, what little time I had left I filled with hikes, a wedding (not my own, a coworker´s!), cooking lessons (I learned gazpacho and tortilla espanñola from a friend), nights dancing with friends, and playing tour guide to a friend from Salamanca. It was a wonderful, busy end to the school year. (Jarrod and I had a blast in Madrid, Toledo, and Barcelona! Sorry I haven´t potsted any pictures...).
And now, on to the next adventure: El Camino de Santiago! In short (ha) it is a 500 mile hike across northern Spain, and should take me about a month! I hope to finish just in time to head to Toledo to get my luggage, and catch my flight in Madrid on July 6th! Actually, I would love to finish earlier, but my feet will make the final call. We shall see.
I have to pay for internet access most places, but I will try to update as often as I am able! However, in an effort to take on the ¨pilgrimage spirit¨ I am trying to disconnect, just a bit. Also, I hope to get pictures uploaded, but that is proving complicated.
Un abrazo muy fuerte.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-5663055797706118852012-04-19T14:37:00.010-07:002012-04-19T15:59:57.626-07:00Semana Santa RecapIt was such, SUCH a joy to have Elizabeth here with me in Spain for two weeks. The time was special and my only complaint is that it went too quickly!<br /><br />Easter Sunday (in front of the Cathedral, in Toledo):<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn32zdyYQCJ2GiU99Q2dxeoDD2ihM1p8EBUtYn7yKhhbF-MoBWGRF2hMaSLIFvjc-H56aWDSjCbwx5H9gRjAMPLRyxe1hIyNUH8yswTcMMm6lbtddCQFYr0gpK01hBLNZExuxCWCcg98/s1600/DSCN4279+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn32zdyYQCJ2GiU99Q2dxeoDD2ihM1p8EBUtYn7yKhhbF-MoBWGRF2hMaSLIFvjc-H56aWDSjCbwx5H9gRjAMPLRyxe1hIyNUH8yswTcMMm6lbtddCQFYr0gpK01hBLNZExuxCWCcg98/s320/DSCN4279+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733240295841745794" /></a><br /><br />I had to work the first week after she arrived. She came with me to school for one day of teaching and for a field trip. The kids loved her! They thought it was so, so funny that we look so similar. And yes, Dad, many people asked if we were twins. And yes, many also asked if she is older...When I am 45 I will appreciate that, right?!<br /><br />We began our travels in Madrid. We stayed in a simple hotel in Plaza San Miguel. It was well situated (near the main sights) and is home to the Mercado San Miguel, which is well known for fresh foods and delicious tapas. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvID3_h3BzqE6n0JghDEh4eCUObeLz4D6UUWhoM83i7ILR0EahQaIh9bkYKYM53Wo5lnh2iKfy57yJeX_17EMkBe8U16BFKOSyKn3Tfr0-WDfTSlXm8F5g1GjsT7c8L4w4rnazKdpHI7Q/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvID3_h3BzqE6n0JghDEh4eCUObeLz4D6UUWhoM83i7ILR0EahQaIh9bkYKYM53Wo5lnh2iKfy57yJeX_17EMkBe8U16BFKOSyKn3Tfr0-WDfTSlXm8F5g1GjsT7c8L4w4rnazKdpHI7Q/s320/DSC_0348.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733230984994640578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlrgCgwd82SZlCHANeIXQ48kohi2S8eH-5tr703amDUkJ7wT6l0x6uB7PSa4kxPMMM9cm1iTKfjSFIEZvp6bQQS6Kpa97HSCU0RM0gcmhv6rUtcKbHmNzf9K3lpvulxSCyCR8Ad80gqI/s1600/DSC_0346.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlrgCgwd82SZlCHANeIXQ48kohi2S8eH-5tr703amDUkJ7wT6l0x6uB7PSa4kxPMMM9cm1iTKfjSFIEZvp6bQQS6Kpa97HSCU0RM0gcmhv6rUtcKbHmNzf9K3lpvulxSCyCR8Ad80gqI/s320/DSC_0346.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733230975814274834" /></a><br /><br />We toured the Royal Palace, the Prado Art Museum, the Cathedral, Sorolla's House and Art Museum, Parque del Buen Retiro, and only a few stores! We also took a day trip to nearby El Escorial to tour the impressive monastery (more like a palace!) there. It was a busy few days, but we had beautiful weather!<br /><br />Churros con chocolate: <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWHyNYFgKgB3fOW4qRBIMQ_ttpbqID3TJUaQxtWMJBYIWcOrupezm7sDrJtjRiluRLv5Ria4E4h2y6JmUtmKzkkUaBfHISixgJ6emPIxb-7GHoWuNmNETZ94RBKd4AUNwq8JFVDKmxS0/s1600/DSC_0432.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWHyNYFgKgB3fOW4qRBIMQ_ttpbqID3TJUaQxtWMJBYIWcOrupezm7sDrJtjRiluRLv5Ria4E4h2y6JmUtmKzkkUaBfHISixgJ6emPIxb-7GHoWuNmNETZ94RBKd4AUNwq8JFVDKmxS0/s320/DSC_0432.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733233062312060706" /></a><br />Parque del Buen Retiro:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeodZXHVDBC6A9Q1HSLvHsAijmspkVoH_PqHFJBq0KgRw7maZq6n5HcV3FEZ0aKnI96zwaJhnsiJVgXdMHs1240Rmn9pogLqPhSMewQ9DlliodoyKPq6GZL63D3Ani_IDrDSHll2XQ0M/s1600/DSC_0415.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeodZXHVDBC6A9Q1HSLvHsAijmspkVoH_PqHFJBq0KgRw7maZq6n5HcV3FEZ0aKnI96zwaJhnsiJVgXdMHs1240Rmn9pogLqPhSMewQ9DlliodoyKPq6GZL63D3Ani_IDrDSHll2XQ0M/s320/DSC_0415.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733233046932834034" /></a><br />Royal Palace:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VwH0xjAgstZVa4yCFwqnC7zDQjeLedecMC2UIGd9VHq8SA4EdJsMS5fueKd0UWgpRGnDj8IoBLl5wJJbxwWok-9IG-whOmgmmsNOVqwnhZSQsdxfRgtSuC55xHIUZ2oxuBvyaRbNmXc/s1600/DSC_0370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VwH0xjAgstZVa4yCFwqnC7zDQjeLedecMC2UIGd9VHq8SA4EdJsMS5fueKd0UWgpRGnDj8IoBLl5wJJbxwWok-9IG-whOmgmmsNOVqwnhZSQsdxfRgtSuC55xHIUZ2oxuBvyaRbNmXc/s320/DSC_0370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733233033930389522" /></a><br />Sorolla House/Museum:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6yXdn59jSELKmgXoCU339XoT6BbeqTSwGkVMw6l56-NYvjbCBN8Ws2U5p0elIeN3EmlnO4NtV14zeJvoeI7T6Zgw5kLF282lD_6_dxJyJGeP7rdLNdzRfxmctvaZACwS6kWDpIgLEYg/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6yXdn59jSELKmgXoCU339XoT6BbeqTSwGkVMw6l56-NYvjbCBN8Ws2U5p0elIeN3EmlnO4NtV14zeJvoeI7T6Zgw5kLF282lD_6_dxJyJGeP7rdLNdzRfxmctvaZACwS6kWDpIgLEYg/s320/DSC_0440.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733233077197885426" /></a><br />Monastery, El Escorial:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YX3Fgh8RqbHJ7Oq53XcKTWCybx8zC1cRTDt4IVAJt_w8zDRscqNHx6ztveQDagDVKVDGkAVP3jCqUQh1nvjoFxhXIQx-eoELOyw7Vc1ORCQ0d3240GKCwEy7btt5KnbjdKxRlSXcCXQ/s1600/DSC_0335.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YX3Fgh8RqbHJ7Oq53XcKTWCybx8zC1cRTDt4IVAJt_w8zDRscqNHx6ztveQDagDVKVDGkAVP3jCqUQh1nvjoFxhXIQx-eoELOyw7Vc1ORCQ0d3240GKCwEy7btt5KnbjdKxRlSXcCXQ/s320/DSC_0335.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733236044318606626" /></a><br /><br />From Madrid we traveled by bus to Cordoba. There we encountered our first Semana Santa procession! We also toured the incredible Mosque (which was turned into a Cathedral during the Reconquista). Our stay was short but sweet!<br /><br />Processions (Cordoba):<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3nl36pGT-nyGae4Dphpy8e07lsj4pY3um96WygQdVzj3oxVd8jnrRwSeHFkfFS33k9vpuSojvCk3JWtQ8i_gDvF3okZmpWgxUwNpIh1eHoEdlCtJYTpCbIgQ3TT2VDALIXgf0GPsr7A/s1600/DSC_0585.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3nl36pGT-nyGae4Dphpy8e07lsj4pY3um96WygQdVzj3oxVd8jnrRwSeHFkfFS33k9vpuSojvCk3JWtQ8i_gDvF3okZmpWgxUwNpIh1eHoEdlCtJYTpCbIgQ3TT2VDALIXgf0GPsr7A/s320/DSC_0585.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733236074131302146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABkMbvFmtMpt7BWDnys1w9xg4KR1euWEW0PhUxKF8IDhSVQsW9fvCaMTw97wCFwcmUdJnbft01nKEDccAoMoYR6bKf1OgJJ7e5rVwHw-5GxbtEr-TC6Zkj-OAtEGBHUQT0krbSir3ULw/s1600/DSC_0579.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABkMbvFmtMpt7BWDnys1w9xg4KR1euWEW0PhUxKF8IDhSVQsW9fvCaMTw97wCFwcmUdJnbft01nKEDccAoMoYR6bKf1OgJJ7e5rVwHw-5GxbtEr-TC6Zkj-OAtEGBHUQT0krbSir3ULw/s320/DSC_0579.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733236063573202530" /></a><br />La Mezquita:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmYBYCnnqF-E07x357yB-yGitZVRaRb352jDLu_vwX00qH8WcP62uCEEVf6ig37rsUKK1LbfFR-iUcZH3N5iMqSL-4hByDDTmtc59dJmI9LpbMtHFibMUq_lPUvrJT-mLVhaIPR2kmOg/s1600/DSC_0600.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmYBYCnnqF-E07x357yB-yGitZVRaRb352jDLu_vwX00qH8WcP62uCEEVf6ig37rsUKK1LbfFR-iUcZH3N5iMqSL-4hByDDTmtc59dJmI9LpbMtHFibMUq_lPUvrJT-mLVhaIPR2kmOg/s320/DSC_0600.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733236051326764898" /></a><br /><br />From Cordoba we went to Sevilla. Sevilla is THE destination for Semana Santa processions. It was packed-absolutely packed; the crowds were exhausting and overwhelming. We did see some amazing floats, and I very grateful I experienced a Sevillana Semana Santa. We also toured the Cathedral (which holds a world record for size!). climbed the impressive bell tower, and took in the royal palace. And we saw a flamenco show!<br /><br />Cathedral in Sevilla:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7brObsxFpU-jxDhzDOp52pWHI-ezQXp-kA_XB7z7xe_61MLi-PiMOefWsP8vSyO7wit5jeCVcWtG0yAn-CJ9OIiqdT3gVnnYh4vzHdWbXtgAx8op_yOAVHo1FpPMVcdTgJUVxtFPQw0/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7brObsxFpU-jxDhzDOp52pWHI-ezQXp-kA_XB7z7xe_61MLi-PiMOefWsP8vSyO7wit5jeCVcWtG0yAn-CJ9OIiqdT3gVnnYh4vzHdWbXtgAx8op_yOAVHo1FpPMVcdTgJUVxtFPQw0/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733244722348692370" /></a><br />View from the top of the tower (which was how Muslims were called to prayer before the Reconquista; a horse carried the prayer leader all the way up!):<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIjN2GjEU6mgd8KW-qtbw_x_hvPEDAVmPD5kJ950eLIz8kdxrB1XkRgxUjn1LgQHWyQaRaxNKXQ9EAcN7NQpzCdROHyXiz0TFlVMacQOJ7N8saHStp0ymxqszf4xivoCaa-WZW4nAj6g/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIjN2GjEU6mgd8KW-qtbw_x_hvPEDAVmPD5kJ950eLIz8kdxrB1XkRgxUjn1LgQHWyQaRaxNKXQ9EAcN7NQpzCdROHyXiz0TFlVMacQOJ7N8saHStp0ymxqszf4xivoCaa-WZW4nAj6g/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733244692398071314" /></a><br />Alcazar:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimo8ALdKXWQgDMhguuVYLmO2kMbw6p-R9qYzP8ZSBj7p7PQN0ShmHnFgS9zbSiq6wW1n3HrgLQVKwKfa6aXDc1cHbM1YfDWh1trZyCUAlpghj0mQxXSZrFzBmFv_uxzQN5Yg_DDqHRfkU/s1600/DSC_0788.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimo8ALdKXWQgDMhguuVYLmO2kMbw6p-R9qYzP8ZSBj7p7PQN0ShmHnFgS9zbSiq6wW1n3HrgLQVKwKfa6aXDc1cHbM1YfDWh1trZyCUAlpghj0mQxXSZrFzBmFv_uxzQN5Yg_DDqHRfkU/s320/DSC_0788.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733244701815143762" /></a><br />The beautiful gardens:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpAQfnbvzUzsLuOTU0XSEBb3CNvrj5UTy2CtN3VO0tppAOXOay-UlN7yLWn-sm3wgUM9MT_-3WHjh9DusVLsMLb7SKoapK1wvaeZ6iKgFLy8CzgmMlW-f8X0VHs2OEnMkaRVCT6YU8CE/s1600/DSC_0872.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgpAQfnbvzUzsLuOTU0XSEBb3CNvrj5UTy2CtN3VO0tppAOXOay-UlN7yLWn-sm3wgUM9MT_-3WHjh9DusVLsMLb7SKoapK1wvaeZ6iKgFLy8CzgmMlW-f8X0VHs2OEnMkaRVCT6YU8CE/s320/DSC_0872.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733244712192355778" /></a><br />Plaza de España (my new favorite place!):<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7r5Z0p-zlLf95UaDPf4nvBromjEakYGQPWo4ebPcrb_HZxpMficqn-CXK39_jYCBK_prXZzIVX5F3FPzahdG-ARY7VGZn60rENO-GG5d4uFr-iDVccx49n0CyU-ua-4hP3gtOoU7bI_Y/s1600/DSC_0714.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7r5Z0p-zlLf95UaDPf4nvBromjEakYGQPWo4ebPcrb_HZxpMficqn-CXK39_jYCBK_prXZzIVX5F3FPzahdG-ARY7VGZn60rENO-GG5d4uFr-iDVccx49n0CyU-ua-4hP3gtOoU7bI_Y/s320/DSC_0714.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733244682545264210" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, as we left Cordoba the weather changed, and we had to deal with rain for the rest of our trip. We actually ended up taking a night bus home, because the most famous processions were canceled due to the rain (they take place from 11:00pm on Holy Thursday until the afternoon of Good Friday). <br /><br />We then had a quiet Easter weekend together in Toledo. I think we were both grateful for a more relaxed pace. And, we watched more processions from my balcony! The processions were very different between Andalucia (Cordoba and Sevilla) and Toledo; in Sevilla it is more like a noisy parade, a spectacle, a party. In Toledo the processions are much more solemn (at least on Good Friday, fittingly) and have a more religious feel. I appreciated that. <br /><br />Good Friday procession (Toledo):<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YsWpjRZ19oalxakQrRZk5h9z9ZF0qxuYvHOMaimhqmS8gTclDFitqHUMLVlWDwWEAHXrT0iipUyAQ_nUBQoI8_EmK9qBm8POdlHopxhNKI_ZaJcodkbqAezUCO3ICyIkD-37VvujXcg/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YsWpjRZ19oalxakQrRZk5h9z9ZF0qxuYvHOMaimhqmS8gTclDFitqHUMLVlWDwWEAHXrT0iipUyAQ_nUBQoI8_EmK9qBm8POdlHopxhNKI_ZaJcodkbqAezUCO3ICyIkD-37VvujXcg/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733239242585407154" /></a><br /><br />I forgot! We spent our afternoons in Toledo touring all the sights and eating at my favorite spots. <br /><br />Toledo Cathedral:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEcQ0Q5d8KstGdcJd6S-mj-aR-Y3xPsog1ChJ3DBzPod-fLyocPOV4w4zJJhvXr7ZFC5GX3MRxDL3_NFx5-AtCzhSqm5KL55AAqxx5LnqOIgMBToy1eGEHDLk_PgJkQQBRQmspuypuHU/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEcQ0Q5d8KstGdcJd6S-mj-aR-Y3xPsog1ChJ3DBzPod-fLyocPOV4w4zJJhvXr7ZFC5GX3MRxDL3_NFx5-AtCzhSqm5KL55AAqxx5LnqOIgMBToy1eGEHDLk_PgJkQQBRQmspuypuHU/s320/DSC_0395.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733239183098233266" /></a><br />(At night, obviously)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIYZm51I9K3VB3lTZpYP2-QcNoFMPRYq6GJjLt8t7JEvfOwPQvlw4A5n0HN96rcBEZANxEqAEP1QIoRJFeBexM4yI1bg5_RAaUkwBNM9tnM6D05UkUi5yCXR4i-uyRPmRw-7m9L-t1GE/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIYZm51I9K3VB3lTZpYP2-QcNoFMPRYq6GJjLt8t7JEvfOwPQvlw4A5n0HN96rcBEZANxEqAEP1QIoRJFeBexM4yI1bg5_RAaUkwBNM9tnM6D05UkUi5yCXR4i-uyRPmRw-7m9L-t1GE/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733239198805350850" /></a><br />(interior, also obvious, I suppose)<br /><br />Isn't she a beauty?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioSLeSFVl9LsGTRgH78JU57l1a6kYqMkCYADfot-RbCaG6nQv91Q4mWfCtKCbJxSMio8fsUabQXHaF3FNbSHsJEwL7njs-1YW4x6mlnpTBL_tnxVsct-gPbzurQd9-8SgY2Z8Sc51FwA/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioSLeSFVl9LsGTRgH78JU57l1a6kYqMkCYADfot-RbCaG6nQv91Q4mWfCtKCbJxSMio8fsUabQXHaF3FNbSHsJEwL7njs-1YW4x6mlnpTBL_tnxVsct-gPbzurQd9-8SgY2Z8Sc51FwA/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733239234053432210" /></a><br /><br />As I said, it was a wonderful two weeks! I hope to soon have my pictures edited and uploaded to my Picasa page soon! In the morning I am heading to my beloved Salamanca in the morning! I am looking forward to showing my friends around my old stomping grounds!<br /><br />My time here is going so quickly! It is hard to believe...but, in two weeks Jarrod will be here-I can't wait!<br /><br />Un abrazo.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-61711527924648220072012-03-30T01:02:00.003-07:002012-03-30T01:05:58.061-07:00Gemelas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaHZJFRmiYJcrUikMImubnUImembDlSv5ZviPTxn6KrsHQp-BQvWOllm_BUDhXDj8suII8Exz2IquYkNo3H-8njb0h4yKx-CfUUxK7U6uJIjm2fh310DsKYJWfpK-iS38O0-dLifBDzE/s1600/104_1873.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaHZJFRmiYJcrUikMImubnUImembDlSv5ZviPTxn6KrsHQp-BQvWOllm_BUDhXDj8suII8Exz2IquYkNo3H-8njb0h4yKx-CfUUxK7U6uJIjm2fh310DsKYJWfpK-iS38O0-dLifBDzE/s320/104_1873.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725598024329433890" /></a><br /><br />My little sister, Elizabeth, is here in SPAIN! It is so fun having her with me. Today (as soon as I finish writing this) we start our travels!<br /><br />She joined me at school Tuesday and Wednesday (we went on a hiking excursion with 4th grade on Wednesday!). We were asked many times if we were twins! <br /><br />We are going to experience Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Andalucia next week! I have heard it is amazing.<br /><br />All our love!<br />-Sarah and Elizabeth, The TwinsSarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-42815626000954739432012-03-19T10:52:00.004-07:002012-03-19T11:34:56.476-07:00Beach EscapeMy friends and I ran off the the Canary Islands this weekend for some sun and fun! We went to Gran Canaria which is pretty touristy and not that pretty. Of course, the ocean can never be anything but beautiful, and there is a mountainous backdrop to enjoy. And I certainly cannot complain about the sunshine and relaxation-it was a nice weekend! The wind on the beach was intense, and I only pulled my camera out for a few quick pictures. And I "borrowed" a few from Megan's camera. Here is what I have to share!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM98QrXT6ycBse0GcwTqcRLBJ3XbfNo0dcKbLW0RpDa0Vli4Xjgjq4q89fJOkqL7Sg9UyLGyCr6u4S3_yn_MUmmd_urU8UMtEcxprCGj6d08niICGOp5eiKXV8vTTIcZdS90v5x0N6-wc/s1600/486476_637620796455_627601184_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM98QrXT6ycBse0GcwTqcRLBJ3XbfNo0dcKbLW0RpDa0Vli4Xjgjq4q89fJOkqL7Sg9UyLGyCr6u4S3_yn_MUmmd_urU8UMtEcxprCGj6d08niICGOp5eiKXV8vTTIcZdS90v5x0N6-wc/s320/486476_637620796455_627601184_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721672422548245890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yq0X_nY5dXMpqxTy1SfQyRV2-SeEK_n_T166MHKKOY-867MF0UeZl9YUSEF_htcNrW7EZUqr7wo4MqFnL12mpSzuCnAuuxmJUiEAzJ5C7N4nnHEwpF0n8KQvTxAMIPDIAwoO-56uIao/s1600/DSC_0324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yq0X_nY5dXMpqxTy1SfQyRV2-SeEK_n_T166MHKKOY-867MF0UeZl9YUSEF_htcNrW7EZUqr7wo4MqFnL12mpSzuCnAuuxmJUiEAzJ5C7N4nnHEwpF0n8KQvTxAMIPDIAwoO-56uIao/s320/DSC_0324.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721675443209496722" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24wZnX8fdqpP9NfVDSzPHBq81WLK1OreD1QvnAZqrvnws6i6TcvUFz7S_YpiA7riekcP5ikdI2WNr9W_UEmwxyIYvhFseND00qs-twmox0thuMqOOFioUV8gszUjr3AWZSqHAuX2k8lw/s1600/DSC_0323.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24wZnX8fdqpP9NfVDSzPHBq81WLK1OreD1QvnAZqrvnws6i6TcvUFz7S_YpiA7riekcP5ikdI2WNr9W_UEmwxyIYvhFseND00qs-twmox0thuMqOOFioUV8gszUjr3AWZSqHAuX2k8lw/s320/DSC_0323.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721675433241061298" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHF9ZS69E9SHxg0NytlGTcJ1bpk9a-xFpbpYZ_ZSSjz-cgpwzm5SsnzQe_EuTjF1OJRKHkpZSjXCPAIc-_LWAj9rGA8TMCrOPlIXuOU2br2gmopc0abN_j4fZLA6Yv4W8VVSmulqzyEk/s1600/485903_637621090865_80403362_32845103_1772425293_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHF9ZS69E9SHxg0NytlGTcJ1bpk9a-xFpbpYZ_ZSSjz-cgpwzm5SsnzQe_EuTjF1OJRKHkpZSjXCPAIc-_LWAj9rGA8TMCrOPlIXuOU2br2gmopc0abN_j4fZLA6Yv4W8VVSmulqzyEk/s320/485903_637621090865_80403362_32845103_1772425293_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721672405826372402" /></a><br /><br />Even more sunshine is heading my way: my baby sister Elizabeth will be here on Sunday! I can't wait!Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-66950223002308094052012-03-11T04:59:00.003-07:002012-03-11T05:15:55.951-07:00Haciendo la huelgaHace dos semanas había una huelga de colegios y institutos públicos en Castilla La Mancha. Los profesores de mi colegio no habían participado mucho en las manifestaciones y huelgas antes pero en el prinipio de febrero el gobierno ha dicho que el año que viene serán cuatro plazas menos. Ahora, se enojan. <br /><br />Decidí que puedo ayudar más estar en el colegio en vez de hacer la huelga y por eso fui al trabajar. Os digo que pasé TODO el día afuera con los niños. Casi un mitad de mis compañeros estaban de huelga y por eso fue difícil enseñar. Menos mal que hacía tiempo increíble. Pero aburrido, seguro. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY-FqrXpb8HZ7lJhhU6oU3bQAgkC7anSTyqoPg3tZlChxpi0vncKAwMFdRMkmwsf6YhwQvm3sov0USQEk3FFNtHbtVzD2JPa17Ge0MYWf5YdKyYeYW2BNjPQD5BmwXOUWFFEyQFYt12g/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY-FqrXpb8HZ7lJhhU6oU3bQAgkC7anSTyqoPg3tZlChxpi0vncKAwMFdRMkmwsf6YhwQvm3sov0USQEk3FFNtHbtVzD2JPa17Ge0MYWf5YdKyYeYW2BNjPQD5BmwXOUWFFEyQFYt12g/s320/IMG_0211.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718611895744864290" /></a><br /><br />Two weeks ago there was a strike among the teachers of the elementary and high schools in Castilla La Mancha. The faculty at my school had not participated much in the strikes and manifestations but in the beginning of February the government told us that next year there will be four less teachers than this year. And now they are angry. <br /><br />I decided that I would be more of a help at school than if I went on strike, and so I went to work. I literally spent the entire day outside. Almost half of the teachers participated, so it was difficult to teach anything. At least it was a beautiful day. But boring, still.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-54168241233821409562012-03-11T04:39:00.003-07:002012-03-11T04:59:36.520-07:00Mona Lisa, Smile<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANOfosyEXy0JATp0rh3MrkvbbNnb96GrQc3MYRnwDpDYTh1-DH0Nw19JGT4J5LMwL9tw5-QEPhxTb_gPGCOZ-U5D2RSPqyB9sDPxMiRIRYwXe9Kl7trRFW7CYpsbqT2aWe1dprWqPIVE/s1600/DSCN4264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANOfosyEXy0JATp0rh3MrkvbbNnb96GrQc3MYRnwDpDYTh1-DH0Nw19JGT4J5LMwL9tw5-QEPhxTb_gPGCOZ-U5D2RSPqyB9sDPxMiRIRYwXe9Kl7trRFW7CYpsbqT2aWe1dprWqPIVE/s320/DSCN4264.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718604196781804850" /></a><br />El Museo del Prado en Madrid ha encontrado una pintura muy parecida a Mona Lisa de Leonardo Da Vinci. Después de resturaciones se han decidido que es una obra de un estudiante de Da Vinci. La pintura está en el Prado hasta el 13 de marzo (luego se la envia a Paris) y ayer fui con amigas para verla. Fue muy genial! Me alegro que vivo tan cerca a Madrid y puedo ir en el último minuto por algunas horas. <br /><br />The Prado Museum in Madrid found a painting very similar to the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. After carefully restoring the painting, they decided that it is a copy done by one of Da Vinci's students. The most obvious differences are the colors (likely preserved by layers of paint, which were removed during the restoration process), and the shape of the head. The eyes still follow you around the room, which is a little creepy, but I learned it appears that way due to a shadowing technique. It is only in the Prado until the 13th of March (then it will be sent to Paris) and I went to see it last night with some friends. I am grateful that I live close enough to Madrid that I can go at the last minute for just a few hours. <br /><br />The picture is poor quality because pictures were prohibited, so I was careful and sneaky and captured this one while the guards weren't looking. Below is a picture of the Mona Lisa (original) that is in the Louvre in Paris. Can you see the differences?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwISGFuz23-U9jsYtjGONZUYgodRXQD5Lxc36hW6V2aWUsPidyT6duGcHdLg-1EiOzqP0LSpSC4OHyaFKmGebrOES4wfVK2Yk2eaSnIXHT5HpbEVtRHdnxdNfmXaG4NVn_RBjgfvwe6O0/s1600/DSC_0937.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwISGFuz23-U9jsYtjGONZUYgodRXQD5Lxc36hW6V2aWUsPidyT6duGcHdLg-1EiOzqP0LSpSC4OHyaFKmGebrOES4wfVK2Yk2eaSnIXHT5HpbEVtRHdnxdNfmXaG4NVn_RBjgfvwe6O0/s320/DSC_0937.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718607799200330450" /></a>Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-17226153639387173222012-03-04T03:10:00.002-08:002012-03-04T04:03:15.109-08:00Anecdotal EvidenceLife is going well here in Toledo. I am fully over the post-Christmas slump-so often I look around and smile at my life. I am so grateful for this opportunity and all I have learned and experienced thus far. <br /><br />The (almost!) spring-like weather is certainly helping my outlook. We had a tease of a spring weekend last weekend, but the temperatures have dropped (just a bit) and it has rained (though that is much needed, as winter was very dry). <br /><br />While I was studying in Salamanca in 2010, I feel I was a much "better" blogger. I think I just had more to tell that seemed important: spring break in Italy and France, weekend trips to Barcelona and Portugal...it was all new and exciting. <br /><br />I have been doing a fair share of traveling this year (Basque Country, Switzerland, day trips to Madrid and Cuenca) and certainly my life here is very different than my life in the United States. But I have settled into a routine and life is comfortable. <br /><br />Not only that, my semester abroad accustomed me a bit to living in Spain. I regret to admit it, but the history and architecture which make Toledo and Spain such an interesting country are less of a novelty to me. Granted, all I need to do is take a walk through the narrow streets and glimpse the magnificent cathedral or the river as it rushes through the valley and my sense of awe is renewed. <br /><br />I think what I mean to say is that it takes effort for me to find things to write about; and though my instincts tell me that is wrong (am I crazy?) I think the challenge is a good thing. I reflect more; I push myself to get out for a walk and find things to make me smile. I heard recently that it doesn't matter what we look at, but what matters is what we choose to see. I think that is a valuable lesson. <br /><br />All this rambling (my apologies) is to say, I have not been remiss in smiling, though my blogging efforts may say otherwise. And here is anecdotal evidence to prove it:<br /><br />-British English is more commonly taught in Spain, as opposed to American English. And there are more differences than you'd think. A common, every day difference I encounter is with telling time. To say 8:20, we would say "eight-twenty" but here they learn "twenty past eight". I know we use that phrasing as well, but that is all they know here. Sara, a bright fourth grade student, asked me the time. I looked at my watch and said: "It is one-fifteen." She looked confused and asked me to repeat. I did, but the confusion and repeating continued until 1:16, when I finally said: "It is a quarter past one." She smiled, shook her head, said "okay" and skipped away. <br /><br />-In Laura's fourth grade class there is a boy named Raul. There are actually two boys named Raul, and they are physical opposites: one is tall and chubby, the other is half the size and Laura refers to him as Raulito (little Raul). "Raulito" is always, always lost. Very rarely is his head in class. I am constantly calling to him, sometimes when he is on the other side of the field, while the rest of the class is gathered around listening to me explain the activity. Frustrating? Very. But he (sometimes) manages to make me smile. At the end of one class, the rest of his peers waiting in line at the door to go up stairs, Raul is wandering around the gym. I walk to him, kneel down (so he can see my face) and say: "Raul! What do you need to do?" He looks at me, with a half smile, and asks: "Game over?" I chuckled, handed him his wash bag, and led him to the line.<br /><br />-Julia is the daughter of a coworker whom I tutor in a small group lesson. She is fine and just learning to read. She excitedly showed me her new Hello Kitty folder. I said: "Oh, how pretty! I like Hello Kitty, too!" She gave me a funny face and responded: "No, it is 'Ello Kitty." Her dad shook his head and explained that learning to read and write in Spanish while learning English is a bit challenging. 'Ello, Kitty. <br /><br />-Enforcing consequences is a difficult part of teaching. In fact, I really hate it. I am glad I work with other teachers, so that they have to do the punishing (only after several stern words and my serious "Look" (Dad? Jarrod?) don't do the trick). Several classes have recently had to spend P.E. class in the classroom, copying "Castigados en E.F. por mal comportamiento" (Punished in P.E. for bad behavior) until the page is full. And if they didn't have this page signed before the next class, they sat out again. My private classes I don't have the luxury of letting someone else doing the punishment, and have had to develop my own methods. I tried a negative approach, with paper slips in envelopes, removing one after a warning. If all four are gone by the end of class, that student misses the next class. While that system worked more or less, I decided to try a positive approach. Now, they know they will receive either a sticker or candy at the end of class, but only as a reward for good behavior. (This is a group lesson of 3-5 year old students). <br /><br />-I finally bonded with the third grade class that liked me the least! Seriously, their faces would drop when I walked into the room with Fernando, the gym teacher. It hurt, but I was used to it. We had extended recess the other day, and I was invited to play their version of dodge ball. I was surprisingly great at dodging the ball (less precise at throwing, though...) and earned their approval. They even used the few English words and phrases they know-so cute. <br /><br />-In one of my first grade classes there is a boy named Mariano who has a serious learning disability. He usually works with a special teacher during my English class, but this particular day she was unable to have his lesson and he was in the classroom with us. I have noticed that he doesn't always participate in the lesson with the other students. We were doing an activity on the new SmartBoard and Tere, the classroom teacher, motioned for me to call on Mariano. He came to the board and with much guidance, correctly put a pig in the farmyard. The entire class clapped for Mariano, and I nearly cried. <br /><br />-I will certainly miss the little miniature hugs I get from the preschool students.<br /><br />-I find myself using my hands to talk much more than I ever did, even in conversation with my American friends. I am used to using exaggerated motions to help my students understand. So if I say "see" I point to my eye. I fan myself when saying the word "hot". I speak much more slowly. I have noticed that some words-English words-I have started saying with a Spanish accent. Especially "hello". I don't know why.<br /><br />-I had an old friend from high school visit last week with his girlfriend; they are on a tour of Europe and stopped in Toledo. While walking around the city, we randomly ended up exactly where I got lost when I visited in 2010. I laughed out loud. If you don't know that story, it involved myself and two others getting lost, nearly missing our tour bus to Salamanca, and stopping a car and asking them to drive us to the meeting place...We hitch-hiked, briefly, and I found the spot where it all took place!<br /><br />Well, I know this was quite a long winded post. In other news, I aced my Medical Terminology test! And I have a trip planned in two weeks with my friends to Gran Canaria! Vamos a la playa! And I may head to Salamanca next weekend to visit my old stomping grounds. And in three weeks I will be in Madrid, picking my baby sister up from the airport...YAY! Time is flying.<br /><br />Un abrazo muy fuerte.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-87187952834714184512012-02-25T10:24:00.004-08:002012-02-25T10:34:16.690-08:00Pictures, at least<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUw9sfl0cb1yTG4Nvy08MUPPFG6saw9f_3_ldeA5ITUPra8na0YKXg3ov3MUnjLZhNI9rJ06XZMwkAJJOt_nDPSCMsqHfaRrmxGF8K7M4aPzuGdBJmn-iM7PwtQqJiqRVaTtM5zDD-uE/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUw9sfl0cb1yTG4Nvy08MUPPFG6saw9f_3_ldeA5ITUPra8na0YKXg3ov3MUnjLZhNI9rJ06XZMwkAJJOt_nDPSCMsqHfaRrmxGF8K7M4aPzuGdBJmn-iM7PwtQqJiqRVaTtM5zDD-uE/s320/DSC_0155.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713142118086707506" /></a><br />Hi! I am sorry it has been almost three weeks...yikes! That is bad, even for me. Please forgive me?<br /><br />Here are links to my pictures from Switzerland:<br />https://picasaweb.google.com/hess.sarah.e/MontreuxLucerneAndZurichSwitzerland<br />https://picasaweb.google.com/hess.sarah.e/GenevaSwitzerland<br /><br />I went for four days last week with my friend Alex. A beautiful, expensive country! We saw four cities in three days! I really loved Lucerne (although we saw that amazing castle above in Montreux, and loved it), where we caught some of their carnival celebration-wow!<br /><br />I am studying for a midterm exam next week (I am taking another online class), and after that I promise some posts. I have a list of anecdotes and thoughts to share...so much to say, so little time!<br /><br />The weather in Toledo has been soooo beautiful this weekend: sunny and sixty-six degrees! So though I should have been locked away with my books, I allowed myself a few recesses to soak up some vitamin D. And every time I am out, I can't help but marvel at the beautiful city I call home. I am so grateful for this experience. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeJlNNOXhfoDT8_lfqrTTUFelWjOwTqbpda8k44Sn9QHOfn-OllHwqFVhYQniiq-w__5JpdFu5c1mSZ-i36BxPUWV2KTee-zF8HzxFKfubKNRNWgpPEqfZ0teJBCV63Q5hpjULNP6dvM/s1600/DSC_0896.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeJlNNOXhfoDT8_lfqrTTUFelWjOwTqbpda8k44Sn9QHOfn-OllHwqFVhYQniiq-w__5JpdFu5c1mSZ-i36BxPUWV2KTee-zF8HzxFKfubKNRNWgpPEqfZ0teJBCV63Q5hpjULNP6dvM/s320/DSC_0896.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713142760991959762" /></a><br /><br />Happy weekend!Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-62651302573759614072012-02-05T13:49:00.000-08:002012-02-05T14:06:37.898-08:00Sweet SundayI had a lovely Sunday afternoon. I toured Iglesia San Juan de los Reyes, which was built by Ferdinand and Isabel to declare Catholicism (and the monarchy) as the principle force in the country. It was a monastery, and has a beautiful cloister attached. Again, I wondered how these people managed to build such intricate, beautiful buildings with such few resources. Stunning. My friends and I then walked through some of the old town by the river before we ate lunch at a Syrian restaurant ( where the food is delicious and the service is just as wonderful). Below are a few pictures...more to follow this week on the Picasa account.<br /><br />I am off to bed to rest up before another week with the little ones. I have another cough to deal with...perhaps I am allergic to Spain? <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0p2JDu9L88WF8QnJW-13h0k0jEHbt0OCWQIFsO-nlFtFT6Pk5kXP2kDmIVEYOI-ho19Waep033YNc6Il0WCMLKa0SSMXUjAMFSIKt7D5Xa5muiUp8KzjxPuyt08ax7JS4se1Bw7Sc5M/s1600/DSC_0778.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0p2JDu9L88WF8QnJW-13h0k0jEHbt0OCWQIFsO-nlFtFT6Pk5kXP2kDmIVEYOI-ho19Waep033YNc6Il0WCMLKa0SSMXUjAMFSIKt7D5Xa5muiUp8KzjxPuyt08ax7JS4se1Bw7Sc5M/s320/DSC_0778.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705775163824048770" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd4UpI7IlbxwfJt0uuSC5SW0NXwrePkKcWK1PtW-_GIpcsPTqw8-m7RQz8rMS7bTYo3FT7V5ZFsy2VbaaBfvtvoRFb0TLbPPE-poXLXGRwXqpZRCyQnbbUCyps67IhF4iDdn7WgQeV-Y/s1600/DSC_0801.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd4UpI7IlbxwfJt0uuSC5SW0NXwrePkKcWK1PtW-_GIpcsPTqw8-m7RQz8rMS7bTYo3FT7V5ZFsy2VbaaBfvtvoRFb0TLbPPE-poXLXGRwXqpZRCyQnbbUCyps67IhF4iDdn7WgQeV-Y/s320/DSC_0801.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705775185436401154" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1jN5Ag6bbvJpvDZL6ckOCNHjVM13RcyZZYmR75swjodEat0AFaQCOk6RvNmyQy-HCRfdYbWQZ8meuyp3h2dl5vsdlJ3CZUz-_eKiVklabiilEtEB4XgEloC7mmFGJlvE79ZICAKCnow/s1600/DSC_0789.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1jN5Ag6bbvJpvDZL6ckOCNHjVM13RcyZZYmR75swjodEat0AFaQCOk6RvNmyQy-HCRfdYbWQZ8meuyp3h2dl5vsdlJ3CZUz-_eKiVklabiilEtEB4XgEloC7mmFGJlvE79ZICAKCnow/s320/DSC_0789.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705775170945592786" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPyezRx10PGTdCAlrQvSxF7y13phi3EJaQKJrdGhpf9HvL1iQxsY-CkQlk4MlFmmlsVoQQejSXIqPKV-ciuicp2OjO-T8W-Nvj7aIhxGFVBb0pk1zAyuV7dUaFbPtMm9N1McBvMAEP2U/s1600/DSC_0882.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPyezRx10PGTdCAlrQvSxF7y13phi3EJaQKJrdGhpf9HvL1iQxsY-CkQlk4MlFmmlsVoQQejSXIqPKV-ciuicp2OjO-T8W-Nvj7aIhxGFVBb0pk1zAyuV7dUaFbPtMm9N1McBvMAEP2U/s320/DSC_0882.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705775172712477698" /></a><br />I don't know...it seems highly unlikely for anyone to be allergic to sights like these. <br /><br />I wish you all happy, blessed weeks!<br /><br />Un abrazo.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-86859633916371147992012-01-29T08:07:00.001-08:002012-01-29T08:49:22.248-08:00Waiting for Javi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhkqCkHH5Wu1FVylrONr1o-N50kIqzVFWxxbswA-58l7EH-v8yacXGtkbOANxATp0Zym7xOVaBS8vkaUYOqfo-m09PH1PGsK1Di_uF4-jgwTtGZ0hdftQhA0A8Xbd_g3nnrmGb4nD7Wk/s1600/DSCN4251.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhkqCkHH5Wu1FVylrONr1o-N50kIqzVFWxxbswA-58l7EH-v8yacXGtkbOANxATp0Zym7xOVaBS8vkaUYOqfo-m09PH1PGsK1Di_uF4-jgwTtGZ0hdftQhA0A8Xbd_g3nnrmGb4nD7Wk/s200/DSCN4251.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703092820409494370" /></a><br /><br />I took a short trip to Madrid this weekend. Jessica, Greyson and I left Friday afternoon and returned to Toledo late Saturday evening. We didn't have a concrete plan, except to get out of Toledo for a bit. After setting into our hostel, we wandered in search of a snack. It was chilly and drizzly so we ducked into a warm looking bar and quickly improved our condition. We wandered the city for awhile, stopping in for a <span style="font-style:italic;">caña</span> (small house beer) whenever we needed a break from the wind. By chance, we ended up in front of a jazz bar that Jessica had heard about; the last time she tried to go it was too crowded. The live music (a very talented piano and harmonica duo) didn't start until 9:00, and it was 7:15, but we went inside to get a spot. We munched on chips and olives (and wine) until the show started and we ordered dinner. The music was great, and the atmosphere was cheerful and relaxed. It was a lovely evening. We went back to the hostel "early" by Spanish terms (in bed before 1:00am? Silly). <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr75lOy74IL3gKoP0HYaos3MFAoQVC3Wxcd1fkI3x29OMrATVBTAhXW2VjRcg8sBxvYnZZlH0GaXBGxfni-AkIbJg0tjRU-DmsWaeSRJ3tyGwpNFxapLDx2AVAvQL1GvpvpHK9VAYrSAs/s1600/DSCN4253.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr75lOy74IL3gKoP0HYaos3MFAoQVC3Wxcd1fkI3x29OMrATVBTAhXW2VjRcg8sBxvYnZZlH0GaXBGxfni-AkIbJg0tjRU-DmsWaeSRJ3tyGwpNFxapLDx2AVAvQL1GvpvpHK9VAYrSAs/s200/DSCN4253.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703095625770028402" /></a><br /><br />We were greeted with sunny skies Saturday morning as we left the hostel in search of <span style="font-style:italic;">churros con chocolate.</span> <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrydt3KZu6eruEfsOk-KpDHMG5mFE-cI0PAYHiMzoPxbEvuBFWWeL-6lQCWT_9LuYXkidqdkXxWJvU02XUTEG_HO0LrXh1X-_SkmjQZkdNRDemrsmkaYYY7UG8I4Rl19Xl-JopwjVjp0/s1600/DSCN4231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrydt3KZu6eruEfsOk-KpDHMG5mFE-cI0PAYHiMzoPxbEvuBFWWeL-6lQCWT_9LuYXkidqdkXxWJvU02XUTEG_HO0LrXh1X-_SkmjQZkdNRDemrsmkaYYY7UG8I4Rl19Xl-JopwjVjp0/s200/DSCN4231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703092781109152818" /></a><br /><br />After "breakfast" we wandered (we did a lot of that!) in the direction of the Cathedral and Royal Palace, taking our time and enjoying the life of the city. We toured the Cathedral and then walked to the Temple of Debod, which is an ancient (over 2,200 years old) Egyptian temple gifted to Spain in 1968 in thanksgiving for military help. I visited both sights in my trips last year, but I can't complain about simply being in Madrid. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB66gbPrNgX8IY9MhYGqPnwj7Ay0-sQZART0q6Cg9QoZNnfTZlGz3RUfwfkAReRjig2BUkYrpKbw-SylDh1qYOn7cuW-FwwsvPF5UcG9cQPn3DVKqVeYE_tS9V75m-iSH5Sv7CKRMxBsk/s1600/DSCN4241.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB66gbPrNgX8IY9MhYGqPnwj7Ay0-sQZART0q6Cg9QoZNnfTZlGz3RUfwfkAReRjig2BUkYrpKbw-SylDh1qYOn7cuW-FwwsvPF5UcG9cQPn3DVKqVeYE_tS9V75m-iSH5Sv7CKRMxBsk/s200/DSCN4241.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703092797529955138" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvcrYM4ErX9wRD7gde0k1MO6_tE7eXjk6kALrKvtf8UpEanBfz2eloQD4Vpop8cq18jghgi2wmAgIdhz8IOn9iUoIt062j3GOLMas_OJ29BUqXDZks9ylBNqoZtu94cHyQ5z3zWupuis/s1600/DSCN4246.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvcrYM4ErX9wRD7gde0k1MO6_tE7eXjk6kALrKvtf8UpEanBfz2eloQD4Vpop8cq18jghgi2wmAgIdhz8IOn9iUoIt062j3GOLMas_OJ29BUqXDZks9ylBNqoZtu94cHyQ5z3zWupuis/s200/DSCN4246.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703092806050776594" /></a><br /><br />After a hearty lunch in the Chueca district we were...sleepy. So we did some window shopping in an alternative mall and walked the streets, thankful that it was not rainy. We ended up in Puerta del Sol, and took in the different street performers (earlier, I was scared, <span style="font-style:italic;">really scared</span>, by two "heads" sitting on tables who loudly growled as I walked passed. I jumped in the air and shrieked...). We noticed a crowd drawing across from the Correos building and we thought we stumbled upon Los Goya awards-the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars. There were guard rails set up and we had a great view of the red carpet. Jessica and I immediately assumed that we would be graced by the presence of Javier Bardem himself, and we forced Greyson to wait with us. Ninety minutes and several guests later, we had frozen fingers (it was 7:40pm at this point), poor-quality pictures of people we didn't recognize, and no Javi. I did a little research today and I don't think that it was the actual awards, but some sort of reception for nominees, perhaps. It was still an experience!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI2lr-o1MbG6-vqdIjhZpCXSJGEGERaKkC_59qKnhOAdQTGQgzavWzbYfWNnw10sMSN8uQRH7njmUhtM8nM1R4iNm4iFvuctkGEttzNCa11Ga0f_lAwvfVEa9tUjJ0J4jkCppMPAa7dA/s1600/DSCN4234.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI2lr-o1MbG6-vqdIjhZpCXSJGEGERaKkC_59qKnhOAdQTGQgzavWzbYfWNnw10sMSN8uQRH7njmUhtM8nM1R4iNm4iFvuctkGEttzNCa11Ga0f_lAwvfVEa9tUjJ0J4jkCppMPAa7dA/s200/DSCN4234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703092788397921858" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMYEDMh347cZCkLhu6w3nJ8qfzT-YbF8h2rApQI1cqe4ge1m8OpWYaNkc-Rdfag5PNCbRraAS4jO1p3okarRhZc33ErqjMtKPU1-StPNqypTHlzrfy0-nm1AGAjOQv0A-xoXC0Lfjtvo/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMYEDMh347cZCkLhu6w3nJ8qfzT-YbF8h2rApQI1cqe4ge1m8OpWYaNkc-Rdfag5PNCbRraAS4jO1p3okarRhZc33ErqjMtKPU1-StPNqypTHlzrfy0-nm1AGAjOQv0A-xoXC0Lfjtvo/s200/IMG_0157.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703094944936026578" /></a><br /><br />We meet a fellow auxiliar and her husband for dinner at a small Thai restaurant and with full stomachs we made our way back to the bus station and caught the 11:00pm bus to Toledo. <br /><br />I really love Madrid. I don't think I would enjoy calling it home, but I do intend to make more trips like this. It is so close! Today I am catching up on lesson prep and homework for my online class. <br /><br />I hope you all are well: safe and warm. I will admit, I miss having snow!<br /><br />Un abrazo. <br />SarahSarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-31286953778490478212012-01-25T02:48:00.001-08:002012-01-25T03:06:30.572-08:00Huele Barca<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UtNRVOUf1elEeL2i5d9KSVNgKHccnLbgIuXMz37HCT8HFxouHCbTi-c4JVm_rgiKaeIzY7NNCoh0cbJ46N5VZAmMp78STflmx3j5xjgcxTymPL-HEnqRYWLeiIeNW8sxTgxypC7F0yk/s1600/real-madrid-barcelona-supercopa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UtNRVOUf1elEeL2i5d9KSVNgKHccnLbgIuXMz37HCT8HFxouHCbTi-c4JVm_rgiKaeIzY7NNCoh0cbJ46N5VZAmMp78STflmx3j5xjgcxTymPL-HEnqRYWLeiIeNW8sxTgxypC7F0yk/s200/real-madrid-barcelona-supercopa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701523139514298130" /></a><br /><br />"Soccer" as we know it doesn't exist here, but "futbol" es la vida. Recently, when I told my gym classes we were playing soccer, they looked at me blankly. When I said, "Fine, it's football", they erupted in cheers. I think I even received a hug for that. (That's the easiest way to feel loved as a teacher-give them what they want). <br /><br />The hottest rivalry is between the leading teams: Real Madrid and Barcelona FC. Today there is a big game as the teams vie for the Copa del Rey. <br /><br />In honor of the big game (and this is in no way an endorsement of a particular team) I have a little anecdote to share today. This is actually from awhile ago, but I don't think I have written about it yet...<br /><br />I was in a preschool class-three year old students, to be precise-and it was chaotic, as usual. Suddenly, we all noticed a horrible smell. The teacher laughed and said: "Someone pooped his pants!" (Side note: Yes, my decision to not teach preschool is connected to this day). In the middle of the commotion, a little boy piped up and said: "Huele caca...huele Barcelona!" <br /><br />Translation: "It smells like poop...It smells like Barcelona!"<br /><br />Out of the mouths of babes.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-89096035012195362812012-01-17T12:51:00.000-08:002012-01-17T12:53:33.241-08:00Interesting findJessica recently discovered that our building, an alleged palace back in the "day", is not only lives up to the reputation, but has two units which are used as vacation rentals. Visitors welcome! (But I'm in Number 6!)<br /><br />http://www.palaciodelapalmahurtado.com/<br /><br />Now, if only I could say our apartment is as nice as these look!Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-27806105705152557442012-01-17T09:48:00.000-08:002012-01-17T09:59:09.293-08:00¡Feliz año!¡Feliz año y un beso a todos! Lo siento que no he escrito desde deciembre. <br /><br />Bueno, estoy aquí, en Toledo, de nuevo. Pasé muy genial la navidad y las vacaciones, pero el tiempo fue demasiado rápido. <br /><br />Con el año nuevo intento de escribir (y hablar, y pensar, y vivir) más en español. <br /><br />No tengo mucho para decir hoy. Llegué en Toledo el día 9 por la noche y la semana me pasó rápido y sin mucho dormir. Ahora estoy intentando de preparar estos meses!<br /><br />Happy New Year to all! I am sorry I have not written since December! <br /><br />I am here, back in Toledo again. I enjoyed Christmas vacation very much. Time with my family (and boy!) was just what I needed. It was difficult to say goodbye, again. <br /><br />I don't have too much to say. I arrived late on January 8 and went right back to work the next morning. Last week passed in a blur with little sleep. Now I am just trying to prepare for the next few months!<br /><br />I will write more later. <br /><br />Un abrazo.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-32509938845825974252011-12-21T00:56:00.000-08:002011-12-21T01:21:17.839-08:00¡Feliz Navidad!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hD5kdfNHqOtrWE56f8cSIZ9x-bUhijDa5p6B4t5AzBu_r6jJe7yhBcA4cks8n28cifwQzfVIpoBAcZF5qfcjw-ttZ6A7S1KHCp9UJLHKcJTW-iyHOajpueDY4nR6W3oWlDxO0ZZK7t8/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hD5kdfNHqOtrWE56f8cSIZ9x-bUhijDa5p6B4t5AzBu_r6jJe7yhBcA4cks8n28cifwQzfVIpoBAcZF5qfcjw-ttZ6A7S1KHCp9UJLHKcJTW-iyHOajpueDY4nR6W3oWlDxO0ZZK7t8/s200/DSC_0559.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688503982123892306" /></a><br /><br />Toledo has adorned the Casco (the historic neighborhood, where I live) with beautiful lights. The main street from the Plaza to the Cathedral has a "roof" of draped lights complete with "chandeliers" and many other streets have unique presentations as well. I love walking around at night; if only there were a little snow, too! <br /><br />It is hard to believe Christmas is so close! I will be home in about 32 hours or so (not that I'm counting!). My flight leaves Madrid tomorrow at 6:40 AM, so I will head to the airport late tonight and camp out for a few hours before boarding. I am almost ready to go, too! (Almost).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeEwVYxho4Y73tkE4vMc1Pl2_z6lXwVcskawK1zOUu9EQqnFJw2NVcFNyuGZQ_14nxoHhIfDLlBpkQgeXnpx3YbHt8ldogQM0_oE30BtsRAzGfu_8lbdMs0cS9P7xMTXdxTCpVGJfWww/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeEwVYxho4Y73tkE4vMc1Pl2_z6lXwVcskawK1zOUu9EQqnFJw2NVcFNyuGZQ_14nxoHhIfDLlBpkQgeXnpx3YbHt8ldogQM0_oE30BtsRAzGfu_8lbdMs0cS9P7xMTXdxTCpVGJfWww/s200/IMG_0116.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688507419078506754" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here are a few tidbits from the last week that made me smile:<br /><br />A paper airplane, decorated and all, from Ángel in third grade:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp4bfi4rHWyDKUhABBHvIcq7WlDOsouxuuEhS0lp4-hgJvTuL8N-vEZGch4c-QGGBkNd240sHLDGBem6VZzU2Ve62frF01btchOhfLHuklkFodX_3C8DS63E5EndssOmVc3vLQrlSRNw/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp4bfi4rHWyDKUhABBHvIcq7WlDOsouxuuEhS0lp4-hgJvTuL8N-vEZGch4c-QGGBkNd240sHLDGBem6VZzU2Ve62frF01btchOhfLHuklkFodX_3C8DS63E5EndssOmVc3vLQrlSRNw/s200/IMG_0111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688506246477187138" /></a><br /><br />A bow made from a tissue and colored purple, from Sandra, in first grade:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxk69I-b-i3gt5mdX_OOmHeADbL0eskG9ECdQu9UKDgXnKHfxjWqMDCZESBH4S4cDtkCi2I4snlOTFWBE2UUkTWtfcmwUoEKQ9mpeLhuR9mc1Tem3fxEXNHyYYq-7tgN7Z6nh9aHr5wvs/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxk69I-b-i3gt5mdX_OOmHeADbL0eskG9ECdQu9UKDgXnKHfxjWqMDCZESBH4S4cDtkCi2I4snlOTFWBE2UUkTWtfcmwUoEKQ9mpeLhuR9mc1Tem3fxEXNHyYYq-7tgN7Z6nh9aHr5wvs/s200/IMG_0110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688506056662221298" /></a><br /><br />And a letter asking for forgiveness from Pablo, a five year old, for misbehaving in our private lesson:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXruTYw5_1uZE4fmIkOoJVEAYtulLzI9eVK2k7tGqQXH91OOqn9FqvZixhKOexlWB0pxNnXvRZrqEktp0P3ERdk_qZVMq4dAQqA2CgShLimL4O0eZsaBxEACfsbSK12awqNKdgE7c9rk/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXruTYw5_1uZE4fmIkOoJVEAYtulLzI9eVK2k7tGqQXH91OOqn9FqvZixhKOexlWB0pxNnXvRZrqEktp0P3ERdk_qZVMq4dAQqA2CgShLimL4O0eZsaBxEACfsbSK12awqNKdgE7c9rk/s200/IMG_0113.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688506533523841730" /></a><br /><br />Though the cookies I made don't taste nearly as great as when Mom and I make them at home, the teachers loved them! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnLMBcQj4Cfpz3p4Q_bVKKA9xFsHNw4V44JbaNN15Gs7vuvwgTUbjoEkBjj_6uRUfNEiFc55iPAoLCieu5z8FgC1rS9Xct_1wt7enJd2r_UFhUeTPLpHNM9VXcQWR_Ig4fzGlaQwr3pI/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnLMBcQj4Cfpz3p4Q_bVKKA9xFsHNw4V44JbaNN15Gs7vuvwgTUbjoEkBjj_6uRUfNEiFc55iPAoLCieu5z8FgC1rS9Xct_1wt7enJd2r_UFhUeTPLpHNM9VXcQWR_Ig4fzGlaQwr3pI/s200/IMG_0114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688506890858722066" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHj2KQ0em1_zjpPxl6742oenELEKVARF99e0fPVio3ty-xGl1lQbubtH2j_PEWFSNiCTGsfuAPM7E2wLjf8w3s5K9M2C3itYyrmEJ8gs3DPmYjJR6TQ9Lxmt8t0B9VZzhE9iCeTADkeU/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHj2KQ0em1_zjpPxl6742oenELEKVARF99e0fPVio3ty-xGl1lQbubtH2j_PEWFSNiCTGsfuAPM7E2wLjf8w3s5K9M2C3itYyrmEJ8gs3DPmYjJR6TQ9Lxmt8t0B9VZzhE9iCeTADkeU/s200/IMG_0115.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688506891857838194" /></a><br /><br />I am so anxious to spend time with my family! I hope and pray that your holidays are filled with joy and peace. "Let your hearts be light!"<br /><br />Un abrazo y ¡feliz navidad!<br /><br />P.s. I posted pictures from my trip north! Click the link on the right to see them. Merry Christmas!Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-74216617642579735622011-12-14T01:41:00.000-08:002011-12-14T02:28:22.922-08:00Nahi Euskal Herriko I(I think that is how you say "I love País Vasco" in Vasco).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ia0a-OHqjKHL5yt7Fvl361KEziXQmFHeu72p30kEZ2-Ep6JGL52eAuMMc5L1GXXw4nNDFtJ1kF21FupSFfOxOtzwXGqrbivAadibRj2GGZax5Ztd7WaQ3LEUnRGEcvlAzL_LqE6h_4/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ia0a-OHqjKHL5yt7Fvl361KEziXQmFHeu72p30kEZ2-Ep6JGL52eAuMMc5L1GXXw4nNDFtJ1kF21FupSFfOxOtzwXGqrbivAadibRj2GGZax5Ztd7WaQ3LEUnRGEcvlAzL_LqE6h_4/s200/DSC_0117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685918045024997490" /></a><br /><br />This weekend in País Vasco (Basque Country) was absolutely lovely! The ocean views, the tapas, the weather (it didn't rain!), the people, the culture, the history...I loved it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5Pw2cxkV_jJbXQJ71qJFpfG4S48L7fioYYV6C03LPCt-8-Uj8lhfVf4EyJkrGxZl-6P4ip6x00q09zr3Eq-2miYfVKDr5msg6hRvQex-sfRcxffmjvW8YNJP6j_TLoAdr41PCbmGZN0/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5Pw2cxkV_jJbXQJ71qJFpfG4S48L7fioYYV6C03LPCt-8-Uj8lhfVf4EyJkrGxZl-6P4ip6x00q09zr3Eq-2miYfVKDr5msg6hRvQex-sfRcxffmjvW8YNJP6j_TLoAdr41PCbmGZN0/s200/DSC_0197.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685926526555060514" /></a><br /><br />We rented a car in Toledo and left Thursday morning for San Sebastian. We arrived mid-afternoon and after settling into our hostel we walked along the coast. It was a beautiful walk, and I took picture after picture of the water (and I now realize that they are all very similar...). There were some pretty big waves, and it I made a game of trying to capture a picture without getting drenched! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxdAkCXNegviw8X6oL2Olvw4c2t4wa1fujaVVHNVxPQwDU7zq848_YJM-wZZiI1UdJV1cvb5zy98PZTYpf9v7wkQlkTIsxllXP7DnmSQ6bjyBkoPtmWmtns483Q1UAW8pX8dmfv1JPbY/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxdAkCXNegviw8X6oL2Olvw4c2t4wa1fujaVVHNVxPQwDU7zq848_YJM-wZZiI1UdJV1cvb5zy98PZTYpf9v7wkQlkTIsxllXP7DnmSQ6bjyBkoPtmWmtns483Q1UAW8pX8dmfv1JPbY/s200/DSC_0108.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685925812476700882" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA_O54CI1RBLLKJC3AtMO7oCvYLHkdGbzR-YzBky5_82BL0c0Bbm3pT6pRT27mECMDJdd5MVplnMdi4BRIXnGv_4KIbpvuiOjW3TpoOxHyION2dT3Rcl_GQQe5g-TPm9N9F8WGdHdwbg/s1600/DSC_0221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA_O54CI1RBLLKJC3AtMO7oCvYLHkdGbzR-YzBky5_82BL0c0Bbm3pT6pRT27mECMDJdd5MVplnMdi4BRIXnGv_4KIbpvuiOjW3TpoOxHyION2dT3Rcl_GQQe5g-TPm9N9F8WGdHdwbg/s200/DSC_0221.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685926531337897522" /></a><br />(These pictures are all from San Sebastian on Thursday afternoon; I'm writing this at work and I don't have any other pictures uploaded!).<br /><br />Friday morning we wandered around town, stopped into a neat bookstore, picked up picnic materials from an underground supermarket (it was literally underneath the plaza outside our hostel), and went to the beach! We enjoyed our lunch and the incredible views for a few hours. Then, we went back to the hostel to clean up before venturing into France for the evening. We were only 30 minutes from the Spanish/French border, and decided to hop over for dinner. We ended up in the splashy (pun intended) resort town Biarritz just after the sun had set. We took another, this time chilly, walk along the beach and took what pictures we could in the dark. We walked through the town, which is full of shops and restaurants. We ate in a very small but lovely restaurant. There was one friendly waiter, and when we asked if he spoke Spanish or English (we forgot our French phrasebook!) he replied: "Habla little". Our attempts to communicate were quite entertaining and our dinner was delicious. We drove back to San Sebastian for the night and said goodbye to the city in the morning.<br /><br />Saturday we left around 12:00, after another stop by the beach, to drive to Bilbao. The main reason we rented a car was to travel the coast on our way. It was lovely! Breathtaking view after breathtaking view. We stopped for lunch in another resort town and ate at a table practically on the sand. It was chilly, but sunny. We tried the local cider (I didn't care for it) and with full bellies we were on the road again. After another stop in a small, colorful town, we turned south for Bilbao, with a brief drive through Guernica. Guernica is the subject of Picaso's famous painting; it was targeted and destroyed by bombing under Franco's direction in 1937. Franco used the city as an example, warning the Basque people to quell their hunger for independence. <br /><br />We arrived in Bilbao around 6:00pm and settled in our hotel. We went for tapas to a restaurant recommended in the guidebook. It was a beautiful building opened in 1903! It was very popular, and thus very crowded. I love the theory of tapas, but I still get overwhelmed in the busy bars. We did discover the pichos morunos. In the back corner of the bar was a father-son duo with a rectangle box of charcoal, cooking skewers of meat. The line was long, but well worth the wait. They were delicious!<br /><br />We caught the first half of the Barcelona-Real Madrid game, but left when it was tied 1-1. The drive wore us out, and we were wary of the early morning on Sunday...<br /><br />We left the hotel around 8:30 in search of the old neighborhood and it's bustling market. We arrived too early for any bustle, but were able to quietly peruse the few tables (mostly full of books and antiques, though I did see a live-bird display...) before the square filled. We had coffee and pastries, followed by chocolate con churros and tortilla...not exactly well balanced, but so delicious. <br /><br />We then went to the Guggenheim Museum, the must-see attraction in Bilbao. It was very interesting! Modern art isn't my favorite, but the building is fascinating. <br /><br />While we were walking to the car we spotted Subway, and picked up sandwiches for the road. Yum!<br /><br />And that was that, we were heading home to Toledo. We arrived without incident, except for some confusion around Madrid (read: we didn't know which highway to take). It was tiring, but a wonderful trip!<br /><br />Spain has four distinct and official languages, each in a separate region. Castellano (what we know as Spanish) is spoken in the central and southern parts of the country; Gallego is spoken in Galicia, in the northwest; Catalán is spoken in Cataluña in the east (where Barcelona is located); Vasco (Euskedi, in Vasco) is spoken in País Vasco to the north. Castellano is spoken in all parts, but the other languages are also very widely used. Luckily, communication is not a problem, because most people speak both. <br /><br />There is a strong push for independence from Spain among the Basque people. You may be familiar with the ETA, which is the Euskadi Ta Askatasuna. It translates to Basque Homeland and Freedom, and operates as a paramilitary group promoting independence. Previously, the group partook in terrorist activities against the Spanish government. I learned from a teacher that the violence has subsided and the group has promised to work more peacefully towards their goals.<br /><br />I didn't notice any anger or resentment. Just lovely people and lovely cities. And an interesting language. For example:<br />"I enjoyed my holiday in Basque Country." translates to: "Nire opor gozatu I Euskadi." <br /><br />The language is ancient, and it has not been reputably connected with any other language. It was likely spoken before Indo-European romance languages. <br /><br />On another note, guess what?! I will be home in just one week (from tomorrow)!! I was told by a teacher that my excitement makes me look very pretty. Haha. <br /><br />I hope all your Christmas preparations, both in your home and in your heart, are going well!<br /><br />Un abrazo.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-65528048636940200802011-12-07T15:39:00.000-08:002011-12-07T16:58:53.502-08:00Rapid FireIt is really late over here (late for this old lady, anyway) but I am determined to give you a recap of the last week(s) before I leave tomorrow for Pais Vasco!<br /><br />Bear with me, I am about to bombard you with potentially very boring anecdotes from my life. As the students say in gym class: Ready, steady, GO!<br /><br />I had two lovely Thanksgiving dinners. We celebrated on Thursday with a small group (we even included two Spaniards!) and a big meal. And on Sunday someone in my program hosted many of the auxiliares for another delicious meal and pleasant afternoon. Here are pictures of Thanksgiving Thursday:<br /><br />The food:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-hjxThows3m3FQ1cKXPNC7M-ENdZ3hNW7V101qg8qZesWc2hEojlqYPqBPj3RCXU8-9tUrxsuOC2PuXf1WRtJEyc-Uq8hSBbBX8BGtjSXwzAQi-kfbftRIr0-2ruLTizKfAP_WnBesA/s1600/DSC_0955.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-hjxThows3m3FQ1cKXPNC7M-ENdZ3hNW7V101qg8qZesWc2hEojlqYPqBPj3RCXU8-9tUrxsuOC2PuXf1WRtJEyc-Uq8hSBbBX8BGtjSXwzAQi-kfbftRIr0-2ruLTizKfAP_WnBesA/s200/DSC_0955.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683545196061437058" /></a><br /><br />The company (minus two):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIbDKXRfdkuvzk2Vqmilhq95DDS0eI7BCNR_4XSVkSJbGCrxETc6rdTOLFW5prGTEJ_w7usji1FPDVjDmXHMF7izkbX4BWVt-7cFQjZPH4WZaLVVEIHK8CM06BNs5qGtS1YhR5lZQN9U/s1600/Group.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIbDKXRfdkuvzk2Vqmilhq95DDS0eI7BCNR_4XSVkSJbGCrxETc6rdTOLFW5prGTEJ_w7usji1FPDVjDmXHMF7izkbX4BWVt-7cFQjZPH4WZaLVVEIHK8CM06BNs5qGtS1YhR5lZQN9U/s200/Group.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683545207755581186" /></a><br /><br />This has been a pretty easy week: Tuesday was Día de la Constitución and therefore a national holiday (day off work) and tomorrow is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is also a national holiday. And, we have what is known as a "puente" (bridge), so Friday is a day off work, as well (though I normally have those free)!<br /><br /><br /><br />Saturday I went with friends to have churros con chocolate. Translation: pure sugar heaven:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK-GRch8kbdnoWvP2q8eSl4mDTb-88adukccuaYNvhvGbjDn_8E2HMW48ALmTcGwdw-ihveLlXceJOlhFxhBfz1VfAY4V4qKF36fcPVMT7pruXcNjqq33lzc4uGzZrUwT45wwpLeeOVg/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK-GRch8kbdnoWvP2q8eSl4mDTb-88adukccuaYNvhvGbjDn_8E2HMW48ALmTcGwdw-ihveLlXceJOlhFxhBfz1VfAY4V4qKF36fcPVMT7pruXcNjqq33lzc4uGzZrUwT45wwpLeeOVg/s200/IMG_0098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683548874374203650" /></a><br /><br />After that we went to the public library to do some work, and we discovered a new, beautiful study room! I'm going to call it the West Wing, due to it's somewhat secretive location (Sorry, I am not referencing the television drama, but my favorite Disney movie instead...I am a child):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w_1HYTzOj_wK-_5ZwlF9vUsOrBNDQ_OOuzQKPHdwMv3BV369ObI4OP5_7OTBN3OCK_WuESBbM7iuSumZ4DyisdJiq6Fai7sF3vhD9pElrh9V2kz0huHiDm6_lNQTeEPq6Dg8Qt9Xwa4/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w_1HYTzOj_wK-_5ZwlF9vUsOrBNDQ_OOuzQKPHdwMv3BV369ObI4OP5_7OTBN3OCK_WuESBbM7iuSumZ4DyisdJiq6Fai7sF3vhD9pElrh9V2kz0huHiDm6_lNQTeEPq6Dg8Qt9Xwa4/s200/IMG_0099.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683548877497408898" /></a><br /><br />Sunday I went to Cuenca with Jessica, Alex, and a professor from Jessica's school. It was a beautiful, sunny day (though chilly). Cuenca is known for the "casas calgadas", which are hanging houses built into the chiseled cliffs. We went to The Museum of Abstract Art. I am not normally a huge fan of abstract art, but thoroughly enjoyed the museum, and found a few artists I really like. It helps that Raquel is an artist and was able to help interpret the art work. We found another art museum-modern art-but we just took a quick walk-through to see the building (quite impressive, I think it was once a monastery/church). Here are a few pictures, but more to come next week:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IC7JSkSheG6r7jFoTap5RYM4DSmYHkDkq5QMfxh7jE17iVjwGiEAr64l2JVnR7vZ-7ZKcLa5vamukdnsl0plHSP-gdTjZa0Ge87Nyf45z1O_R1ktlMLhEtkreEDOW64dLoZaWt0SuRM/s1600/DSC_0979.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IC7JSkSheG6r7jFoTap5RYM4DSmYHkDkq5QMfxh7jE17iVjwGiEAr64l2JVnR7vZ-7ZKcLa5vamukdnsl0plHSP-gdTjZa0Ge87Nyf45z1O_R1ktlMLhEtkreEDOW64dLoZaWt0SuRM/s200/DSC_0979.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683540749380873426" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqGQU-Pv9qOAD8gzmr2kVCLBlHpsn8yZU5tQIDD676viaRioyYevxopXAyPyyFyXSUK1MIWN2LS9V0Vi862vZQZLKDI_GlC3CcETjgFWOUtlz5ekn69_TgCmo3-q4p3ywTEG1Y9tus6Y/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqGQU-Pv9qOAD8gzmr2kVCLBlHpsn8yZU5tQIDD676viaRioyYevxopXAyPyyFyXSUK1MIWN2LS9V0Vi862vZQZLKDI_GlC3CcETjgFWOUtlz5ekn69_TgCmo3-q4p3ywTEG1Y9tus6Y/s200/DSC_0023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683543066967081650" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzM616PC-Kq6e0UgcsMOiobku2OqGkfNS3m2Z_LmtPs0kn8oLFnXJ9Avnshl7SY8df_-qB5sm8IPu1iDnOjaYCaiyKz-H5yOW43UVu-l3q_AT6TtJ_j5H6Ly0m3LHgdp-sdcipONBK_Q/s1600/DSC_1039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzM616PC-Kq6e0UgcsMOiobku2OqGkfNS3m2Z_LmtPs0kn8oLFnXJ9Avnshl7SY8df_-qB5sm8IPu1iDnOjaYCaiyKz-H5yOW43UVu-l3q_AT6TtJ_j5H6Ly0m3LHgdp-sdcipONBK_Q/s200/DSC_1039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683545187178126450" /></a><br /><br />This dish is typical of Cuenca. Part of me does not want to admit what it is, since I did indeed eat some. Intestines. Gross, I know. It didn't taste <span style="font-style:italic;">horrible</span>, though I probably won't eat it again. But, you know what they say: When in Cuenca, do as the Cuencans.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc2oRmDYU3qPNr-qUUmFlfUhWleGeSR21zKVOMFF3Txy-n8v0hcv8Xz-6XD33W4DIP4vExwQAXo_kevkiXJ5XIokvCSNHihZW5mud613JXpXA28QlwXlnyh9OokMKXSNe9RcBpRjqmM8/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc2oRmDYU3qPNr-qUUmFlfUhWleGeSR21zKVOMFF3Txy-n8v0hcv8Xz-6XD33W4DIP4vExwQAXo_kevkiXJ5XIokvCSNHihZW5mud613JXpXA28QlwXlnyh9OokMKXSNe9RcBpRjqmM8/s200/DSC_0026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683545186374750530" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday I spent most of the day in bed with another yucky cold (I feel much better today, so I am hoping the extra rest did the trick!) and writing a paper for my online class. When I couldn't stand being cooped up anymore, Jessica and I went searching for a quiet cafe to study and read. We couldn't find one that wasn't busting at the seems, but we did stumble upon a free art exhibit! <br /><br />It is a collection of Baroque art (one of my favorite periods in art history), and mostly Spanish painters. There is currently a photography exhibit featuring the nature in Spain's 13 National Heritage cities. A neat realization: both Toledo and Salamanca made the list; I have called two of the thirteen cities home! Another interesting fact is that the museum used to be a church. I saw my friend Patricia at the exhibit, and she said that the Church in Spain has had to sell a few properties to the government; there are too many big, beautiful buildings to maintain. I am at least glad that this is being used as something as worthy as an art museum! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IAG4XNUdLeJrMQy3FbtdzTj4ZNvwFBgOksUZaaR7pssjTek8pJ9Ion3-dDFPmxzsw6utv-KJJH2nasa3s96JcRcC1Fd8KsdkGhcfiWkrRepnRvQJosJf_htnOCGpvpZQuVGIWMcGFrk/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IAG4XNUdLeJrMQy3FbtdzTj4ZNvwFBgOksUZaaR7pssjTek8pJ9Ion3-dDFPmxzsw6utv-KJJH2nasa3s96JcRcC1Fd8KsdkGhcfiWkrRepnRvQJosJf_htnOCGpvpZQuVGIWMcGFrk/s200/IMG_0103.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683548890164339538" /></a><br /><br />As we were walking home, brainstorming dinner plans, we came across a new bakery that opened recently just down from our building. We went in "just for a look" and left with a spinach quiche, blueberry cheesecake, and a free sample of hot chocolate. It was all delicious-perhaps dangerously so. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37vEnCZ9WYz-wZANc7gWqLPJTfSM17mtLr0_C4FzOG05Djrb1gATzKmv6Nvs6648fEj3Z2ITFhkAwVV-mrWXJz2h4Kb4x9CM35ppV0gl3N3r3XZoEHUCPmCTUTgnKwJ0n5O7c3ZrSewQ/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37vEnCZ9WYz-wZANc7gWqLPJTfSM17mtLr0_C4FzOG05Djrb1gATzKmv6Nvs6648fEj3Z2ITFhkAwVV-mrWXJz2h4Kb4x9CM35ppV0gl3N3r3XZoEHUCPmCTUTgnKwJ0n5O7c3ZrSewQ/s200/IMG_0105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683548896902412690" /></a><br />Happy Constitution Day, Spain!<br /><br />The Christmas lights are up and on in Toledo! I didn't think the streets could get much prettier, but they certainly have. I love it; I finally feel like Christmas is approaching. Speaking of Christmas, I will be home in two weeks to celebrate the holidays! I cannot wait! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7vY33HZ_73eFZ2ib647fnmtcW3mjWhqtFVz1UCsUC70AWychKydq9opVPUrSQTbPrjUELqGqUnG2bbdeWK6QP623qFkLKoSkCu6TJygPECnmXxZB5-ufmBUULnvBhXyTjncJbTWvtJ4/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7vY33HZ_73eFZ2ib647fnmtcW3mjWhqtFVz1UCsUC70AWychKydq9opVPUrSQTbPrjUELqGqUnG2bbdeWK6QP623qFkLKoSkCu6TJygPECnmXxZB5-ufmBUULnvBhXyTjncJbTWvtJ4/s200/DSC_0033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683547570166414642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimLHD9-hF7EhzDopHHmNQwZKUF-VO02NMcQg083pfsZtXCEh4BRtHye0ZIsMU_3kSiwgoRgkUIAjNEfNQdcdyund3XOlHb9o4uW5k6aTYM-tSpEWXzMTgYNDuYzr39QruFeph65yBrWo/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimLHD9-hF7EhzDopHHmNQwZKUF-VO02NMcQg083pfsZtXCEh4BRtHye0ZIsMU_3kSiwgoRgkUIAjNEfNQdcdyund3XOlHb9o4uW5k6aTYM-tSpEWXzMTgYNDuYzr39QruFeph65yBrWo/s200/DSC_0028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683547560432389986" /></a><br /><br />This week's timing of holidays is especially sweet because Tuesday and Thursday are my days at the preschool; and I mean no offense to the little ones, but I relished the break. I must say, it is sweet to hear the excited "Hello, teacher!" while walking through the hallways. <br /><br />I am really enjoying teaching the science classes. I don't know if I have two great classes, or if I have a captive audience (unlike P.E. where they just want to run around and play soccer-ahem, "fútbol"), but I love these two hours. I think it is because I feel the most useful. <br /><br />Today after school there was a "tortilla y tapas" competition! It was pretty delicious-I can't say I minded eating with a purpose to determine the best tortilla (it is one of my favorite Spanish dishes: an egg and potato deal, similar to a fritata. But different; I am determined to learn how to make it one of these days!). I actually made bruschetta (way to represent America, I know) to "enter" in the competition, but I left in a hurry this morning and forgot to bring it!<br /><br />Phew! There you have it. You can't say I didn't warn you. <br /><br />As I said, tomorrow I am going to San Sebastian, and Bilbao on Saturday. We (Jessica, Alex, and Greyson-another from my program) rented a car (that was a learning experience...) so we are heading out on our first Spanish road trip! Saint Christopher-please protect us!<br /><br />Much love y un abrazo muy fuerte.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-21800013062423754502011-12-01T02:00:00.000-08:002011-12-01T02:12:12.750-08:00A joy of teaching preschool...Singing this song until my voice is gone (especially bad when I wake up with a sore throat):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YViTTwA2IK4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YViTTwA2IK4</a><br /><br />I apologize if you end up singing it to yourself all day! Join the club!<br /><br />I will write more later. I just wanted to share that song...haha.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-19891295592402268232011-11-26T02:30:00.000-08:002011-11-26T03:00:54.985-08:00Learning the LanguageThe English language, that is. Last week I had a few funny/interesting moments when asked about English. <br /><br />Cristina, a second grade teacher, called me into a debate with Miguel, a student teacher (with whom I have an English conversation class). Earlier that week, when Cristina asked Miguel "How are you?", he responded: "I'm good." She promptly corrected him, saying that "I am well" is the appropriate response. He challenged her. This is where I stepped in, and said that, though "well" is the correct usage, "good" is commonly (if not more commonly) used as a response. However, as a true student would, I just now looked up the difference, and found this interesting explanation:<br />http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/good-versus-well.aspx<br /><br />I am teaching a unit on Healthy Habits to 1st and 2nd graders. I explained the difference between <span style="font-style:italic;">one tooth</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">many teeth</span>, but then felt silly when I said: "We use <span style="font-style:italic;">a tooth brush and tooth paste</span> when we brush our <span style="font-style:italic;">teeth</span>." Luckily, no one called me out on the peculiarity of that sentence.<br /><br /><br />A friend in the university has a few qualms with the English language, including our penchant to "make up" words. He used "to google" as an example. I would argue that this occurs in every language, to some extent. <br /><br />During one of my private conversation classes, I had to explain "shopping spree" to someone. It was an interesting thought process, and there is not a direct translation into Spanish. (I started with: "It is every woman's dream..." Kidding; I ended with that line).<br /><br />Another idea difficult to translate? Thanksgiving. The name translates into "Día de Acción de Gracias" but the meaning is a challenge to convey well. The history isn't such a beautiful thing to explain, but the celebration into which it has evolved? I absolutely love. <br /><br />I had a lovely celebration on Thursday with Jessica, a friend Alex, another American and two Spaniards. We did our best at recreating our favorite dishes, and it turned out quite well! Nothing like home, but it certainly brought a sense of comfort. I have another dinner on Sunday with a group of people from my program. Pictures will follow!<br /><br />I hope you all enjoyed a lovely holiday with your families, and took time to give thanks for all the blessings, both big and small. <br /><br />Un abrazo.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-20618912846540273452011-11-24T09:17:00.000-08:002011-11-24T16:40:11.329-08:00Thankful ThoughtsHappy, happy Thanksgiving!<br /><br />I will admit, it is strange, and quite sad, to be anywhere but home with my family this time of the year.<br /><br />However, in the true spirit of the day, I am focusing on all for which I am thankful. And it is quite a list!<br /><br />This family: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84B-FCZsK1x4MXqjbnxxJg3pLBbUENkPIvZoSMDicBM4S_3sB4q61WX7MfyKPYWuVlARYKJEJOonVJWB98U32TNufQF6NySkYAhfzTEAxOcBh29pQxz21WFMEfPpdCw-wQ9MymgMySGU/s1600/225844_10150600931080246_536495245_18638593_6281566_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84B-FCZsK1x4MXqjbnxxJg3pLBbUENkPIvZoSMDicBM4S_3sB4q61WX7MfyKPYWuVlARYKJEJOonVJWB98U32TNufQF6NySkYAhfzTEAxOcBh29pQxz21WFMEfPpdCw-wQ9MymgMySGU/s200/225844_10150600931080246_536495245_18638593_6281566_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678613905118360770" /></a><br /><br />This sweet, sweet boy:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dEV1tiJ57fd_yHlZFz671x1ePU_U0LrnbiNpmAf-TJNlZfZVf_REPDmgXNzekOz_BQOw1NaMkM6Ta5LX8npwPju2DI9XaFmg3NzmHFCYH0W_x1dsODlLWGtOC7tVPlPaxiSE6gMStQ8/s1600/317721_10150944848655246_536495245_21632623_1626302681_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dEV1tiJ57fd_yHlZFz671x1ePU_U0LrnbiNpmAf-TJNlZfZVf_REPDmgXNzekOz_BQOw1NaMkM6Ta5LX8npwPju2DI9XaFmg3NzmHFCYH0W_x1dsODlLWGtOC7tVPlPaxiSE6gMStQ8/s200/317721_10150944848655246_536495245_21632623_1626302681_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678613907157639858" /></a><br /><br />This boy (also very sweet!):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4H_PGS4_dfn-B43ikun3B_mlq2yxVGAyzNivW6w2LRPNpVEYo1704tQhkZYOnKbq4NROIm9qW45VNxu7Jh3TX3dRng_nY16TqR9dOzW0soyVKncn0v6KMOK0m7UJiZXdSdysMvygYQM/s1600/188514_10150185903428169_502018168_8313715_6388270_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4H_PGS4_dfn-B43ikun3B_mlq2yxVGAyzNivW6w2LRPNpVEYo1704tQhkZYOnKbq4NROIm9qW45VNxu7Jh3TX3dRng_nY16TqR9dOzW0soyVKncn0v6KMOK0m7UJiZXdSdysMvygYQM/s200/188514_10150185903428169_502018168_8313715_6388270_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678614309035086610" /></a><br /><br />These friends (there are many, many more!):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O_6NaOaDh2McBIQrHWlqNFJ1LDdgz8g5_ctlDtFfEcJOMF8ps2kxuwPIY6tl0L8uLgcuAI9T0opZqR338LdljYtN8WMbs8WzpKipgBfXdieXxRqkD5TzCr6t7H_McSbuInyHm3bO4FI/s1600/269603_120264294731758_100002445645545_171206_474766_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O_6NaOaDh2McBIQrHWlqNFJ1LDdgz8g5_ctlDtFfEcJOMF8ps2kxuwPIY6tl0L8uLgcuAI9T0opZqR338LdljYtN8WMbs8WzpKipgBfXdieXxRqkD5TzCr6t7H_McSbuInyHm3bO4FI/s200/269603_120264294731758_100002445645545_171206_474766_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678614943997631426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFsSCME2m5XfQDVzy7sszoYgMdgtH5Y3ZfdOlySeESWfgF0xJx-g0aLmeZJOnj4qz4pZlHOvk_j6iMsaGLWmfDY_98Z5LC7rUf7Wdsl3jfOnDWox5fx4JP-vhUljAAj_mQTt6f-avAhc/s1600/300444_10150365200381457_680341456_9501743_1479469_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFsSCME2m5XfQDVzy7sszoYgMdgtH5Y3ZfdOlySeESWfgF0xJx-g0aLmeZJOnj4qz4pZlHOvk_j6iMsaGLWmfDY_98Z5LC7rUf7Wdsl3jfOnDWox5fx4JP-vhUljAAj_mQTt6f-avAhc/s200/300444_10150365200381457_680341456_9501743_1479469_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678614939621921122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAXQh8EfToOa7n5SgWbxARFMR2S0Xr0tIAD4utjcmzMU2dl_0Qt3JKpuG76wMjnmndC-OtnaJmZtdi_yKIHycY4vv4_3xEaMayAbUgMk7_pfAWIYtAK3l5_6HbjXixCHl3IVhlSpYzjQ/s1600/DSCN4196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAXQh8EfToOa7n5SgWbxARFMR2S0Xr0tIAD4utjcmzMU2dl_0Qt3JKpuG76wMjnmndC-OtnaJmZtdi_yKIHycY4vv4_3xEaMayAbUgMk7_pfAWIYtAK3l5_6HbjXixCHl3IVhlSpYzjQ/s200/DSCN4196.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678616567666520802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQqPbdumatJ_wDsw5IORJ6_obW6JhK0Z1OHfEMNESYqrlixCGXbA04XGu7sKi4llojHlwfxu_kPSWXuA2Xl81WbI_Wv5aJwZcWYC6KkHIzOa7YQExW60Rp6wMu9RjieTlHI-O2RgL-3k/s1600/225556_18247423168_502018168_234741_5453_a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQqPbdumatJ_wDsw5IORJ6_obW6JhK0Z1OHfEMNESYqrlixCGXbA04XGu7sKi4llojHlwfxu_kPSWXuA2Xl81WbI_Wv5aJwZcWYC6KkHIzOa7YQExW60Rp6wMu9RjieTlHI-O2RgL-3k/s200/225556_18247423168_502018168_234741_5453_a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678617004431672082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIAsgeV1UWjwJ95JjLfQ3ZAS1LjctaAnnOGfp7l4jzW8pxqWFm2QZU51sPtKvB_D1-Bi5Cv7S4EC0BCsqivLwFJy0cvvD9A5k11jtrLJGbeI7NcYbxn55U4AvB_WrVi6Mn_2v2XEkFHw/s1600/253012_10150280649763169_502018168_8919082_304452_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIAsgeV1UWjwJ95JjLfQ3ZAS1LjctaAnnOGfp7l4jzW8pxqWFm2QZU51sPtKvB_D1-Bi5Cv7S4EC0BCsqivLwFJy0cvvD9A5k11jtrLJGbeI7NcYbxn55U4AvB_WrVi6Mn_2v2XEkFHw/s200/253012_10150280649763169_502018168_8919082_304452_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678618631364749458" /></a><br /><br />This beautiful city I am able to call "home":<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl44Y9sNpY2i-t41zWDVqD9MgTBzxFxlPBowfie49fSCCzcAA8ivY0NFdt7DGoi3gLSJW3YXKA3eUYoTaMtYFPStH9Mskj_HQuo4tK91efISnkUkkz9GSwohby9t7sAvqc91joA_JBU4/s1600/DSCN4170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl44Y9sNpY2i-t41zWDVqD9MgTBzxFxlPBowfie49fSCCzcAA8ivY0NFdt7DGoi3gLSJW3YXKA3eUYoTaMtYFPStH9Mskj_HQuo4tK91efISnkUkkz9GSwohby9t7sAvqc91joA_JBU4/s200/DSCN4170.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678616564876762146" /></a><br /><br />Among other things: <br />*My faith; I appreciate more than ever my relationship with God, and feel particularly blessed to be able to so openly practice my faith.<br />*My education, and the opportunities made available to me; especially my thesis work last spring.<br />*My health, and the health of my family members. I am grateful we do not have to struggle daily with life-threatening diseases. <br /><br />Though I am very homesick today, I appreciate the reminder of all my blessings. I hope you all enjoy the day, and find and appreciate all the wonderful blessings in your life!<br /><br />And remember: <br /><br /><blockquote>"It is not the happy who are thankful, it is the thankful who are happy."</blockquote><br /><br />Much love today, and always. <br /><br />SarahSarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-58423195300836222142011-11-18T07:42:00.000-08:002011-11-18T07:43:54.040-08:00FriendI am almost shaking in excitement because I am about to leave for the train station; I am going to Madrid to pick up Mary, a dear friend from Bellarmine. She is spending the semester in Sweden, and is flying in for the weekend! I can't wait to see a familiar face and catch up with her!<br /><br />Un abrazo.Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-14109891320119127662011-11-15T10:38:00.000-08:002011-11-15T14:05:29.920-08:00El colegioHello, I know my blog posts have been sparse lately, and I apologize. Life is busy, but going well, overall. I am still missing home like crazy. And the weather is turning cold! And rainy. The time has come to purchase a winter coat. And buy an umbrella (I lost the one I brought from home, at an inopportune time). <br /><br />It is tough being away from home at this time of year. My sweet nephew celebrated his first birthday yesterday. His beautiful mother, my wonderful older sister, has a birthday next week (but for my sake, I won't post her age!). And of course, there is Thanksgiving soon-it hurts to miss that day. <br /><br />On the bright side (I keep trying to focus on the bright side), I will be in the states on December 22! So soon! I need to keep that in mind. I am looking forward to the time with my family so very much. <br /><br />Anyway, I have been wanting to write this post for awhile. I am going to explain a little bit about the educational system in Spain, as there are a few differences. <br /><br />Infantíl (Preschool): three levels for ages three, four, and five years.<br /><br />Primaria (Elementary, primary school): there are six levels, starting with the 1st at age six, until age 11 in level six. <br /><br />Secundaria (Middle school): there are two cycles of compulsory secondary education, the 1st (ages 12-14) and the 2nd (ages 14-16). This is the end of the obligatory education. Students may now leave school to seek employment, continue to vocational training, or complete secondary education to prepare for university.<br /><br />Bachillerato (non-obligatory high school): at this level, students complete a core curriculum and choose certain concentrations based upon personal interests. At this point, students complete an exam in order to enter the university.<br /><br />My job:<br />I teach at a public preschool and primary school, CEIP (Colegio de educación infantil y primaria) San Juan Evangelista. This is one of two primary schools in Sonseca. There is one large secondary school in Sonseca as well. My campus is actually divided into two buildings, one with preschool and levels one and two. The other building houses levels three, four, five, and six. There are three-four classes for each group, each with at least 20-25 students. <br /><br />I work with students from age three to age nine. Per my program guidelines, I do not have my own classroom. Instead, I move from class to class and assist the teachers with their lessons. My purpose is to provide a native accent for the students to hear. <br /><br />Science and Physical Education are partially taught in English, and these are the classes I work with the most (except for the preschoolers), Science and PE. Essentially, I explain the lessons to the students. I speak slowly and use lots of gestures. Their English level is impressive, but not near perfect. There are certain classes that have better English comprehension skills than others. The students who understand less often get frustrated with me, and often give me sass. The teachers of the upper levels are very helpful, and I rarely have to do much disciplining. <br /><br />So, there is a little bit about my days! Below are a few pictures (I took them on my iPhone, while walking and trying to not look creepy. I apologize for the quality).<br /><br />Un abrazo. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhJOibPysdrsnsO7P67hFEDMX3xBg2zo2crLzOIZ1cr6052d6V3LLRRt5J5qZWXBBlOh3fzeosDKgIV1Vl6I7PLfzeXBfjsDBa1BM3wPS3oUxTFfAjb1FArkgg0VLEwCpthyZwwDNEWc/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhJOibPysdrsnsO7P67hFEDMX3xBg2zo2crLzOIZ1cr6052d6V3LLRRt5J5qZWXBBlOh3fzeosDKgIV1Vl6I7PLfzeXBfjsDBa1BM3wPS3oUxTFfAjb1FArkgg0VLEwCpthyZwwDNEWc/s200/IMG_0033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675342135076925762" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNnbkFJlLMGo5XWe11alI8fdS5F_KzYmf2iXHMgDetpTXQDOe5EmHfqVBYiZBztqbAtRlILIBlyqBT3I7ly5jiBiuZ0jdWxHPhvkq-_9mx9LYI3ulzc83frxCF-V-Eg-WVYFeu2gjqR4/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNnbkFJlLMGo5XWe11alI8fdS5F_KzYmf2iXHMgDetpTXQDOe5EmHfqVBYiZBztqbAtRlILIBlyqBT3I7ly5jiBiuZ0jdWxHPhvkq-_9mx9LYI3ulzc83frxCF-V-Eg-WVYFeu2gjqR4/s200/IMG_0032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675342132222267394" /></a><br /><br />P.s. My short getaway to Madrid was great! It was a beautiful, sunny day-maybe the last of the warmth we will have this year...I enjoyed just walking around the city (and some Thai food!). A blog post is coming, and hopefully before I'm home for Christmas, hah!Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7900877222374089295.post-47741615791057395722011-11-11T22:44:00.000-08:002011-11-11T22:49:31.303-08:00Sweet EscapeHolaaaa:<br /><br />Lo siento que no he escrito esta semana; fue muy ocupada y dificil. Y por eso, esta mañana voy a Madrid con dos amigas. Nos quedamos allí por la noche y regresaremos mañana. Un pequeño escape!<br /><br />Hasta mañana.<br /><br />Helloooo:<br /><br />I am sorry I haven't written this week; it was a very busy and tough week. And so, this morning I am going to Madrid with two friends. We will stay the night and come back tomorrow. A little escape!<br /><br />Until tomorrow!Sarah Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13785687638397401183noreply@blogger.com0