Well, it's clear that something has been on my mind/subconscious lately, because this has been the second time within the last four days I wasn't able to salvage any sleep because I've been too apprehensive and/or excited. I don't believe it's over anything specific, but rather I've been wired by the prospect of starting something new and meaningful in a foreign country. In total, that now equals four cases of legit insomnia since I've arrived.
So, last Friday or Saturday I put an ad of myself on tusclasparticulares.com to offer English classes, and I received 5 or 6 responses right away. The demand for English teachers is muy, muy high here. I currently have 5 classes set up a week right now - my students range from 3- to 4-year old sisters to 30-something year old computer programmers - , working out the details for another, and hoping for one or two more. Aside from the additional financial gains, it has thus far been a great way to meet Spaniards - Spaniards that want and need my help. Now, private lessons necessitate a lot more time and preparation than my government auxiliar position, but hell, this is basically what I've always wanted to do. I don't mind actually working while I'm here, and hopefully making some kind of difference in peoples' lives.
I also sought out a Spanish conversation coach on said website and met up with him yesterday. Also, I've got some responses for an anuncio I put up for intercambios, or conversation partners between different native language speakers, so looking forward to those meetings, too. If anyone knows anyone in Spain and wants to refer them to me, here are the links to my pages (lol):
http://www.tusclasesparticulares.com/domicilio/sevilla/clases-particulares-ingles-triana-centro-ciudad-los-barrios-vecinos-602178
http://www.tusclasesparticulares.com/intercambio-idiomas/native-english-speaker-looking-for-intercambio-hispanohablantes-606556.aspx
I haven't gone out much at all the last two weeks and seen my American Sevillano friends. Partly because as a natural introvert, I've been pretty antisocial and haven't made a ton of effort to see them - but, to be totally honest, call me boring but I'm ok with not going out every weekend. Also, the whole not sleeping issue hasn't really fueled my interest to party the night away. That being said, I really do like our group. I think we're a bunch of studs.
On a side note, my living situation right now is quickly deteriorating because the old lady who owns the flat totally blindsided me when a previous renter moved out mid-month and two girls came and took his place. Now there are three girls sharing one tiny bathroom, which I wouldn't really mind if they wouldn't soak the bathroom floor with puddles of water every time they got out of the shower with their hair strands swimming in them. Plus, they're always super LOUD at 2 or 3 in the morning. Ah well, only one week left here.
Here's to making new Spaniard friends!
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Phase 1: Newly Arrived
I want to say the first 10 days or so that I've been in Spain have been insanely busy, but in truth, I've just been tired. Like, all the time. Jet lag, obligatory bouts with insomnia, a couple sleepless nights, another couple of long culturally enriching nights, just about does the trick. I feel like I've been here for a month.
Anyhow, today I moved into my first place (bye bye NH Viapol and your delectable breakfasts)! The feeling that I'm actually living here, experiencing life in Sevilla, has begun to solidify. Small things today like a pleasant conversation with the cab driver, whose name I unfortunately don't remember (Jose Antonio or Juan Antonio ... not generic at all), sitting in the staff room during the break amongst five different conversations between the teachers, all happening at once in rapid Spanish, and ordinary stuff like this:
makes the experience feel authentic. I've intentionally avoided taking my camera everywhere to snap pictures of who knows what and branding myself as a tourist. All my touristy photos are already on Facebook from my previous trip.
I'm only staying at my current place for two weeks, then I'm moving to an apartment in a district called Triana in February, which was my first preference. I'm oober excited about that. I find that area irresistible. Will post photos once the move happens, but I'll be living with two other Spaniards. It's also really close to this river that I like to run alongside, and it's super scenic. Sweet deal, right?
There are a bunch of small stories and incidents that have happened, but I just can't wrap my brain around it all right now. But, in general, so far, so good. I really enjoy my school I'm "working" at and the teachers, albeit the Spanish bilingual program is a total joke (save for another post). I'm constantly practicing foreigner Spanish in shops, stores, bars, on the phone, etc and familiarizing myself with the Andalucian accent (also for another post). Basically life happening in Sevilla, and I've thus far enjoyed the ride.
Sorry, really vague post. I'll be sure to try to post pictures and share memorable stories as they come. Till next time. Hasta luego.
Anyhow, today I moved into my first place (bye bye NH Viapol and your delectable breakfasts)! The feeling that I'm actually living here, experiencing life in Sevilla, has begun to solidify. Small things today like a pleasant conversation with the cab driver, whose name I unfortunately don't remember (Jose Antonio or Juan Antonio ... not generic at all), sitting in the staff room during the break amongst five different conversations between the teachers, all happening at once in rapid Spanish, and ordinary stuff like this:
I'm only staying at my current place for two weeks, then I'm moving to an apartment in a district called Triana in February, which was my first preference. I'm oober excited about that. I find that area irresistible. Will post photos once the move happens, but I'll be living with two other Spaniards. It's also really close to this river that I like to run alongside, and it's super scenic. Sweet deal, right?
There are a bunch of small stories and incidents that have happened, but I just can't wrap my brain around it all right now. But, in general, so far, so good. I really enjoy my school I'm "working" at and the teachers, albeit the Spanish bilingual program is a total joke (save for another post). I'm constantly practicing foreigner Spanish in shops, stores, bars, on the phone, etc and familiarizing myself with the Andalucian accent (also for another post). Basically life happening in Sevilla, and I've thus far enjoyed the ride.
Sorry, really vague post. I'll be sure to try to post pictures and share memorable stories as they come. Till next time. Hasta luego.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)