Halloween... Spanish Style

I have never really been the biggest fan of Halloween. I mean, of course I loved it as a child, when I undoubtedly put my mother through hours of sewing to make sure I had a good costume and went trick-or-treating on Skyline Drive until my pillowcase was full of candy! But as an adult, I haven't really celebrated it, despite its popularity on college campuses across the US! This year, however, surrounded by my Halloween loving American friends and a country that has begun to embrace this American holiday in a familiar, yet at the same time unfamiliar way... I was forced to partake!

It all began two weeks before Halloween when I started giving each of my classes a presentation about the holiday. "What do you know about Halloween?" I would ask, knowing that they have seen it portrayed in countless movies and TV shows... Yet usually my response was blank stares. I had even brought candy from the US to motivate them for this unit, yet since I didn't have enough for all of my classes, and also because these children are insane enough without adding even more sugar to their diet, I decided to keep it at home for now!

So I finally would drag out of them their preconceptions about dressing up, trick or treating and Halloween candy. Despite my efforts, they cannot and will not understand 3 key elements.

1. Costume does not mean Custom. In Spanish the word for Costume is Disfraz and for Custom is Costumbre. So despite saying multiple times that a COSTUME is not a COSTUMBRE… they didn’t get it.

2. Halloween costumes are not meant to be only scary! They think that all Halloween costumes should be bloody and gory and here they only dress as witches, vampires, goblins…etc.
3. We call it CANDY, not SWEETS! Every time I would show a picture of Halloween candy and ask what it was they would shout “sweets, sweets!” I would respond, “We call it candy, not sweets!” Yet this week they are still saying sweets! Grr…

Other than giving my presentation for two weeks I also went to a pumpkin carving party at my friend Kelly’s house that was really fun! The best was Meg’s Spanish boyfriend who couldn’t find a pumpkin, so carved a watermelon, and instead of the usual jack-o-lantern face he managed to carve an intricate bull!

Finally, on Halloween, despite being very sick (hence why this blog has hardly been updated) I went to Briana’s Halloween party. The party started at 11, and at about 6pm I dragged myself out of bed and across the street to the closest “Chino”.

Sidenote: Chino means Chinese in Spanish and is used to refer to any store owned by Asian people that sells inexpensive products that are usually made in China! Kind of like super dollar stores only things can cost way more than a dollar!

So, at the store I looked through possible costume options. Cowgirl? A purple wig? Finally, I saw in the clothing section some Kimonos. Hmm… I thought. This would be very easy, virtually no work to put together! So, I bought a pink Kimono, chopsticks for my hair, and white face paint and decided to be a Geisha. I must admit, I felt a little politically incorrect buying the costume from the Asian lady… but oh well, it worked!

The party was fun and at around 1:30 we all went nearby to dance. Although I was sick, I had a good time!

Next year I will probably bring a costume from the US to make it easier! But despite the fact that no Spaniard understood why we Americans were dressed “funny” or “cute” instead of scary… I will continue to dress up like that forever!

Efficient or Deadly...?

An Apology

Dear Spain,

I'm sorry that I used to insult your cuisine to anyone who would listen. I hope you will understand that my last experience in your country consisted of many Boca-Burger looking patties, the Spanish version of the Hot Pocket, and living off of Kebobs and free tapas...AKA never eating meat outside of the kebob varietal (which some may question as being meat in the first place...)

I had certainly never been to a Spanish steak house, where I could get a very large steak cooked perfectly for 10€...

Nor had I ever been out for tapas that you had to pay for, and thus had only eaten whatever came my way in the bars and taverns of Granada...

And I certainly had never tasted the deliciousness that are cold prawns... although eating the little guys with the shells and feelers etc. was a bit too much for me...

So, although I still think you are a bit strange with your obsession with eggs, cured ham, olives, and fried food in general, I am looking forward to continuing my culinary adventure here and finding more of the hidden treasures you have to offer.

Sincerely, Lauren

Pobrecitas!

What is wrong with this picture? Oh yeah, thats right, the pet store is selling the North American Chipmunk as if it were a mere domesticated hampster... Joder!

My First Day of "Work"

My job has officially started today, and with it the frustrations of working in a different country! I am supposed to work 12 hours a week... this is what the Spanish government pays me 700€/month to do. The girls I have met who have done this before have never had a problem with their schools sticking to this time table. Of course I had to be the exception! As it is, Carmona is 45 minutes from Seville, adding an hour and a half to each day's schedule. But today, my coordinator showed me this week's "provisional" schedule. It was Monday through Thursday usually 8:00-2:30 (with breaks), 12.5 hours of teaching in total but 21 hours spent there, and on Thursday my "break" was from 9:00-1:30... WTF!?

So, I had to say something. If anything this experience will help me be more of an assertive person because I know that is the only way to not be trampled in this country! I told my coordinator that I am only contracted to work 12 hours a week, and that with a half hour break each day my schedule shouldn't exceed 14 hours at the school. She knew this already, but "it was soooo difficult because everyone wants you in their classroom" she told me. She made me a new schedule today that I will start using next week and its much better. Yet it will alternate every week which is annoying! Basically, she will be making me a "Schedule A" and "Schedule B" and I will keep alternating between the two. It also means that I see each class only once every 2 weeks! Personally, I don't see how this is very effective... wouldn't it be better if I saw only a few classes (not 20 different ones like it is now) and that I met with them more frequently?

But oh well. As long as my hours are reasonable, I don't care what they do!

Besides the schedule fiasco, my first day was fine. I introduced myself to the classes and had them "interview" me. Most classes were VERY shy and not very participative. Their level of English is very low. I met with a variety of age groups (from 12-18) and my favorite group was definitely the 12 year olds. I walked into their classroom and was overwhelmed by all the tiny people wearing pink! It must be this year's "color" or maybe it was just because the class was primarily girls... Anyway, these kids were too young to be shy! Although they probably had the lowest level of English they asked the most questions by far. My favorite had to be one little girl asking me:

"Do you like boys brown or clear?" Translation: "Do you prefer brunettes or blonds?"

I told her all like all boys! Haha. One of the hardest parts is having to pretend I don't speak any Spanish. The kids look at me like I'm crazy, and I almost slipped up and translated something many times. Oh well, I'm trying!

Other different things I've noticed so far:

• Like I mentioned previously, students don't switch classes-- teachers do.
• Students call teachers by their first names.
• Although students don't change classes, they must leave the classroom (which is then locked) and wait outside the door until the next teacher comes, then they reenter (pointless?)
• The classroom door is ALWAYS locked from the inside. Anyone who needs to get in knocks (maybe a good idea... Columbine etc.)
• The school itself is very secure. Its surrounded by tall, locked gates and the front (and only) entrance requires you to be buzzed in by security. (This is true of all Spanish Public Schools, not just mine!)
• The bell between classes is not a bell, but rather the most earsplitting siren noise I've ever heard.
• Students don't get a lunch break, but they do get a breakfast/snack break at 11:30-12:00. Lunch is served at home after they get out around 3:00.
• Teachers don't dress up AT ALL for school. They wear jeans and T-shirts, flip flops, converse sneakers, etc.
• Most teachers go to the teacher's lounge between classes or during free periods. Its a very social place since teachers don't have their own classrooms!

Well, that was my first day. We'll see how the next 120-something go...!

Why I'm Here

When first accepted to this program I didn't really know what the job entailed. Now, after an orientation and hearing firsthand from many girls who are here for a second or third year, I have a much better idea of my role in the Spanish public school system. In reality, the Spanish government is "using" me and all of the other "Auxiliares" to achieve a goal of plurilingualism here in Spain. They've finally realized that they are sadly lagging behind the rest of Europe in language abilities and have decided to try to make some schools bilingual centers, where a lot of instruction will be ideally in English.

My school is in year zero, which means I am starting with them from the very beginning. They were only just given the funding and approval of the government to become a bilingual school. This year is basically the planning year. One of my roles will be to help teachers who will have to start teaching portions of their classes in English starting next year. I'll help them improve their English and also with lesson planning. The two subjects that will go bilingual next year in my school are mathematics and science... my two least favorite subjects! As far as I understand it, these subjects were chosen over others because the teachers who teach them have the best English abilities at my school.

In addition to planning math and science classes for next year, I will also rotate around to different classrooms every week (which means kids of all ages, as high schools here range from ages 12-18). I'll try to introduce English language and content into their classes. Next year, my school will be in year one, their first year as a bilingual school. But the interesting thing is that the program will not apply to everyone. The bilingual program will start with only one class of 12 year olds, and the students will be chosen by the consent of their parents and then a lottery if there are too many kids who want to be in it. I should mention that here in Spain (and in most of Europe) students are in the same class of about 30 students from age 12-18. The teachers change classrooms here, not the students!

So beginning next year, this "chosen" class of 12 year olds will start having some content taught in English. The next year hopefully more will be taught etc. until they ideally graduate at 18 speaking both languages.

I think that Spain is taking a great first step towards bilingual education with this program. However, there are a couple of things that I'm not too crazy about. For example, is math class in English really a good idea/beneficial? Is it really that important to know the words isoceles triangle, square root, and matrix (for example) in English? Isn't math difficult enough in one's native language? (Or was it just me...!) Also, the students who are put into the bilingual class will probably be the smarter kids, giving them a hugely unfair advantage. The government technically says that every student should have an equal opportunity to be in the class, but, in reality, the kids struggling in school are strongly advised not to apply for this program, or usually don't want the extra work anyway!

Yet despite the kinks, at least Spain is recognizing the need to be multilingual in today's world. I wish the US would do the same. People from other countries already have a huge advantage over me when they speak multiple languages. Here in Europe many jobs require candidates to be fluent in 2-4 different languages. But until the US finally realizes this, people like me will be here in Spain and other countries helping people become multilingual, and thus more competitive and capable on the world stage. Don't blame me when Spain takes over the world!

*For a full explanation of the bilingual program here in Andalucía go here: http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/averroes/html/portal/com/bin/contenidos/B/InnovacionEInvestigacion/ProyectosInnovadores/Plurilinguismo/Portada/1182945265640_wysiwyg_planing.pdf

A Vacation from Vacation... Lagos, Portugal!

With an apartment found and no commitments so far, I decided to spend a few days at the beach before the Fall chill starts to permeate the air. After some brief research I decided to venture down the coast all the way to Lagos, Portugal. Lagos is only actually a three hour drive from Seville, however, with the many stops the bus makes in between the trip actually takes about six hours! Yet I would say that it is definitely worth your while to check out this fun and beautiful beach town.

I knew that I was in for an interesting experience when I decided to stay at a hostel called "The Rising Cock." Yet despite its off-putting name, the hostel had rave reviews and helped make my stay in Lagos fun and relaxing.

After arriving in Lagos I made my way up the windy cobblestone roads toward my hostel. I was greeted at the door by "Mama," a 55ish Portuguese woman who takes care of the hostel and its guests. Ironically, Mama had lived 35 years in Chicopee, Massachusetts before her two sons (both Northeastern graduates) decided to revisit their roots and build this hostel. After chatting about what a small world it is (I'm from Massachusetts and went to school right near Chicopee) Mama showed me to my all girls dorm room "The Princess Room" which was immaculately clean and had a private bathroom. She then told me that each morning her famous homemade lemon tea and crepes are served between 9:00-11:00 and then proceeded to send me off to the beach with some of her staff. What a welcome! Definitely not your typical hostel!

The beaches in Lagos are gorgeous, although the water was a bit cold (it is the Atlantic after all...) Lagos has multiple beaches along its coast and is famous for the small grottos and caves that separate them. Taking the "cliff walk" through the first few beaches was absolutely stunning!

Doors To Paradise

Being a huge "foodie" I was eager to try some of the delicious Portuguese food that I'd seen advertised all over town. On my first night I decided, haphazardly, on the restaurant O Cantinho do Mar. For about €14 ($21) I received lamb chops, two prawns, vegetables, fries, and a half bottle of Portuguese wine. It was delicious! Why can't Spanish food be like this!?

The next night I opted for a less expensive option and went to a recommended "Churrasqueira" (BBQ Restaurant) that served take-out only. For €5 you receive half a roasted chicken with "spicy" (not really) piri-piri sauce, a montrous portion of fries, and either a beer or a soda. Simple--but delicious!

On my last night in Lagos it was difficult to decide where to go. The town is literally filled with restaurants, both Portuguese and International. Yet as amazing as one of the Italian restaurants looked, I decided to stick with traditional Portuguese food. Following a recommendation from the website http://www.simplylagos.com/ I triedthe restaurant Casa de Pasto do Zé. Perplexed by some of the menu's translations (what are cockles or purple half-wedge shells!) I figured I couldn't go wrong with fried shrimp and a salad. The "fried," however, seemed to have gotten lost in translation (I said "frito"!) and I received a plate of sauteed prawns, eyes, feet, brain, and all! Yet besides being very messy to eat, they were delicious. I ate them with the spicy piri-piri sauce (my new favorite thing ever) and loved every bite. The only part of the meal I didn't like was waiting about 45 minutes for my check after asking for it... somewhat understandable when a chef is also the only waitress for about 15 tables... but overall a Spanish/Portuguese norm that I can NOT get used to!

Although I'd prefer not to admit it, I did eat one other "meal" before leaving Portugal. Later that night (or should I say early the next morning...) I hit up the "Cachorro Quente" (Hotdog) Stand with the Canadian girls I'd gone out with. Initially, I was not going to get one-- as I absolutely despise hotdogs! But, I was starving, it was the only thing open, and it had a lot of cool toppings-- onions, mushrooms, shredded carrots, corn, potato sticks, ketchup, mayo... very Brazilian style I thought! So, against my better instincts, I gave it a try. Bad idea. I'm pretty sure that was the last hotdog of my life!

Overall, Lagos is a really fun place, worth checking out. It is very very touristy, (and I wasn't even there during the high season), but the beaches are lovely and there is plenty of excellent food to be found (but do your research to avoid tourist traps!)

I left Lagos with some new friends, a bottle of great Portuguese wine for $5.00, and I glowing tan... what more could I ask for from my vacation from vacation?

The Beach I Went to Each Day

Lagos Town

The Marina

Boats in a Row!

Cutest Dog Ever... Fetched a Water Bottle From the Marina (Coco's Size)!

Shellfish anyone?

Or Crabs?

Seagulls Attack a Fishing Boat

Portuguese Architecture

Bye Lagos!