Sant Jordi, Sangria, and Miro

Lately I've been in a whirl wind of lesson plans, Spanish classes, and the usual social plans.  My time here is going by so so quickly.

Here are some highlights as of late...

*We celebrated Sant Jordi on April 23rd, which is a holiday that is centered around a famous story about the patron saint of England (George), who slayed a dragon, saved the princess, and gave her a red rose before they got married.  On this day, girls give boys a book or a piece of poetry, and boys give girls a red rose.  Apparently this part of the tradition ONLY happens in Catalonia, so I am pretty lucky to have experienced it.  My host family very sweetly knocked on my door that morning with a red rose for me, which is one of many kind gestures they've offered to me.

*My friend, Kirsty, and I experienced the Joan Miro museum and had a TON of fun trying to figure out the meaning of his works of art. Turns out he was a pretty talented artist whose style evolved a lot over his lifetime.  I also enjoyed pieces by other contemporary artists, including an interactive piece that played a recording of people singing when you pressed a pedal AND a "mercury fountain."  After that we enjoyed some sangria and tapas.  Sangria is where it's at!

*A friend of mine in Atlanta passed away last week. It was a significant part of my week because even though she and I were not the best of friends, she was a kind and generous person who really inspired me.  I saw her every week at work.  And now she is gone.  I got a lot of support, though.... from people back home and here.  Even though the teachers and I don't talk a lot due to the language barrier, they were all hugging me, buying me hot chocolate, and asking me if I was okay. That really meant a lot.

*School is good.  Still learning how to be a teacher.... I am getting to know the kids and their personalities a lot better now so I am trying to cater to their specific needs.  Teaching is a big challenge but I really want to help the kids learn English so I am spending a lot of time outside of school and at lunch trying to think creatively and make lesson plans that will spark an interest in English. :)  It is hard work, but it is totally worth it is you are making a difference in even one person's education.