Playing "Mom"

While most of my high school and college friends are getting married and starting families, I can say I'm no where near that point in my life. Don't take offense married friends, but I can't get excited about buying dishes just yet. (Yes, that is my idea of a marriage... buying useful gifts and not fun ones.) 

Living away means I miss out on lots of fun things back home during the year... friend's weddings and babies mainly... but I wouldn't trade the rest of my year for anything. Just recently I was able to finally meet my friend Whitney's baby. I was happy to hold cute, little McKenna but when the food came... McKenna went back to mom. I also told McKenna that chewing on my fingers wasn't a good idea nor crying... as both of those would lead her right back to her momma! 

With that being said, I played mom this summer for three weeks. Don't get nervous, it wasn't for a baby!!  I brought home a12 yr old Spanish boy who wanted to come to the USA to practice his English and explore the American culture and way of life. 

Let's just say my "trial mom run" was enough for awhile.  

And It Began

At the end of my trip around Spain with Zach, we met Rodrigo and his family in Madrid.  Just as we were approaching security, I told Rodrigo to take off watches, jewelry, belts, anything that would set off the machines. I didn't want to draw anymore attention to us than necessary. (I wasn't really sure if the paperwork I had would all work for me to bring a minor back to the States, so I was trying to lay low.) Well, Rodrigo took everything off but something still set off the scanners. The guards immediately looked at Zach and asked if he was the father... well, Zach threw his arms up and said "no!"... then, they looked around asking for his parent. Well, I thought, "I'm his guardian..." so I said "YO" (ME!) and got some strange looks from the guards (probably thinking I would have to be a superrrr young mom) and then they asked if they could search him. Well, he's not my kid, so I just said "sure!" I would probably think twice if he were really my son and look at the guards closer and really watch as they searched him. Anyway, that was adventure one. I'm happy to say, we made it through. 

When we finally made it to the plane, Zach was a few rows behind us in a window seat. We were in the middle. Of course.  I took the aisle, which was probably a mistake as Rodrigo went to the bathroom about 7 times. But, I wasn't giving up my leg room! He immediately told me "I can't sleep on planes" and I thought "only 9.5 hours to go." We played tic-tac-toe and connect the dots... I feel asleep. He woke me up and we played some more. The last half hour Zach kindly gave up his seat to let Rodrigo have a window seat and a good view of Miami, our first stop.  

In Miami, I told Zach to go ahead of us in passport control, as the paperwork I had only had me as a guardian and I didn't need anything to mess it up. Well, when Rodrigo and I made our way to the desk, we handed over our passports and began answering all the guard's questions. "Are you related?" "Who is she?" "Do you speak English? "How old are you?" "Is she a good teacher?" (To which I nudged Rodrigo to say yes and he did!) And yeah, I thought we were in the clear. But, I thought too soon. I gave him all the paperwork that Rodrigo's family had sent with me and he looked it over, no problems. Then, he gave me my passport back, kept Rodrigo's and told us to go wait by the side, that we had to answer more questions. Alright, that's when I got nervous. Really nervous, as they led us behind a door that was being watched by a fully gunned guard. Behind the door? People who looked illegal/had probably committed a crime. And us. 

Miami from el cielo! :)

How do you tell a 12yr old the guards think you're kidnapping him? I said "Since I'm not your mom, they think I'm stealing you and forcing you to be here. Just relax, we will have to answer a few more questions and then we can go. Let's just watch TV until they call us." Well, about 45minutes later, they called our names and asked us a few more questions like what address we were going to be staying at, and we were good to go. I guess I overreacted, but I was stressing out because it was super legal what I was doing. We took extra precautions to make sure it was just right. I'm so glad they let us out of that room. 

After another connecting flight to Chicago and finally St. Louis, we were almost home after 23 hours of flights/traveling. My family picked us up and we were headed home to Jefferson City. Finally. It had been a long day, and this "mom" was just happy to see her mom and be home. 

Our first few days were relaxing, as we toured all of Jefferson City's most important sites. It is the capital city of Missouri, after all, so we had to make a visit to the capitol building! We had some nice treats afterward, too, with my grandparents at Central Dairy! Over the first weekend, Rodrigo played baseball and went down a slide on a boogie board. My parents were "babysitting" for me and just about freaking out. Later in the day, I don't think he liked riding in my dad's jeep with the top off... but that is another story. 

Yummy Central Dairy, Jefferson City's finest helado.

Rodrigo headed off to camp for 10 days in Springfield, so I guess you could call me the "mom who shipped her kid off to boarding school." One of my friends in college told me that I would be "that mom" and I guess it proved true... this time. I had only agreed to bring a student home with me if he could go somewhere to be with other kids his age. When I'm home, I do nothing... I watch tv, relax, and just enjoy being home in my house. I didn't want to bore anyone with my "American lifestyle" for several weeks, so camp seemed like just the thing to help boost his English skills! 

Goodbye circle, the last event at camp.

While Rodrigo was away at camp, my dad asked me if I was bi-polar... as I didn't leave my pajamas for two days. He said, "In Spain, you're constantly on the go and here, we can't even get you to shower."  While that is a bit out of proportion, I can honestly say I was just happy to be home and not have to do anything or go anywhere. I was able to go to several wedding events for my friend, Lyndsay, have lunch with other friends and even hang out in St. Louis with a friend from Spain, Will. All the attention was back on me, and not having to entertain/babysit for my Spanish amigo. (Sorry, only child syndrome was in full effect.) 

After camp was over, my mom, dad and I headed to Springfield to pick Rodrigo up. He had had a fantastic time at camp and met so many new people. We nearly lost him due to him saying goodbyes, I'm sure he thought "Why don't these crazy Americans leave me alone!" We made stops at Lambert's Home of Thrown Rolls (where they throw bread at you!) and to Bass Pro. (My dad was along, what else would you expect?) 

Catch it anyway you can. Are you ready?

We went swimming at my house and played Nintento 64. (He wasn't used to such an old gaming system...ha) We made a trip to St. Louis to go up in the Arch and to the City Museum, which was awesome. Basically, I realized I'm getting old because all I wanted to do was put knee pads on to climb around on all the contraptions/planes/school busses/tunnels/10 story slides. Seriously, what a great time. "Amazing!"  was Rodrigo's word choice. I agree.

A good photo opp for my bracelet collection, summer 2012 edition.

The Arch is big. We are small.

City Museum... an adult playland high atop St. Louis!

Climbing through things and over things and inside things... I'm glad I didn't wear a dress.

St. Louis City Museum, a must see. Bring your knee-pads.

We basically lived in the car, which was something Rodrigo wasn't used to... however, in Jefferson City, it's difficult to get around without a car. 

Rodrigo: "Where are we going?" 
Me: "To Walmart."
(after Walmart)
Rodrigo: "Where are we going now?"
Me: "To Target. It's across the street, but we are going to drive." 

If you know how Europe works, the people use public transport and their legs much more than they do a car. Cars are used for farther distances outside of the city, but usually not within the city due to parking issues/difficulty to drive through the one way streets/pedestrian streets/narrow streets. Well, Rodrigo saw a whole new world here, where everyone in my family has their own car and my dad has two. 4 cars for 3 people. Insane. 

Rodrigo and my dad got to spend some quality time together, too. Some called him "the son Danny never had." They rode four wheelers, fed the fish in the pond, rode horses and even shot guns. SHOT GUNS. Seriously? So stereotypical of Americans: guns. Well, Rodrigo loved it and it's one of the first things he was telling people he did. Thanks, dad.

Camo and horses for the afternoon.

After exploring Missouri, Rodrigo and I boarded the train to go to Chicago, Illinois. That would be Rodrigo's third state in just a short 2.5 weeks! We were able to meet up with another friend of ours from Spain, Meagan. Meagan taught Rodrigo in Spain as well in 2010-2011. So it was just a perfect outing, Rodrigo and his older sisters. I'm sure he was again thinking "geeze, these girls are annoying me," but we really didn't care. We forced him to take photos and to try Dr. Pepper when we had Chicago-style pizza. He hated Dr. Pepper. He said it was his least favorite thing about America. (oops!) 

Bye St. Louis! Hello 5.5 hour train ride... zzz

Chicago Style: CHEEESEEE!

We went up the Sears/Willis Tower and stepped out on the Skydeck, a glass floor high above the streets of Chicago! We went to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, which was also a first for me! We had expensive ballpark food for dinner complete with Chicago dogs (no ketchup!), pretzels and nachos. We visited Navy Pier and had good burgers and Rodrigo had his first ever grilled cheese. How about that? I bet you've never thought of "grilled cheese" as a weird food, but he had never had one. He said he was going to tell his mom how to make them! 

Chicago from the Willis/Sears Tower.

I was praying the glass was extra strong...

We were suspended highhhh above Chicago on it's "Skydeck".

At the end of our time together, I have to say I hope Rodrigo learned half as much as I did during his time in the States. It's one thing to go to another country and compare it to your own, and it's another to have a foreigner come visit you and see how they react to yours. I've happily done both and can say they are both eye openers. While it was tiring and exhausting playing "mom", I am so happy I did. My family too, as we all grew from the experience. 

Last night together in STL for dinner, minus my dad who was with our horses.
(Photo credit to my "adopted" brother Will "Soy de Will" McClean.)

Lessons Learned: 

1. Make sure your kid doesn't have any red flags on him during airport security. 
2. Plan activities to keep children occupied on the plane.
3. Give up your aisle seat to let children have full access to the bathroom on airplanes. 
4. If you bring a foreign minor home with you, have your letters notarized.
5. After you are 20, you should wear knee pads at St. Louis City Museum. 
6. Nintendo 64 isn't popular anymore. 
7. When there are no free refills, tell young children to drink slow. Like at a ball game with spicy nachos, you don't want to hear "I'm thirsty" and have buy a second $7 soda. 
8. Not everybody likes Dr. Pepper.
9. Roadkill is not common knowledge. People who live in cities may have never seen a dead raccoon on the street. They will jump and possibly let out a small "ahh!" You just explain it's already dead and hope the shock goes away quickly.
10. Sleeping late when you should wake up early due to differences in time zones is easier for some people. (Like me - not for young children.)
11. Cultural manners are different. Like passing food at the table vs. eating straight from the serving plate. Check before you travel!
12. Americans are always in their cars. Even to cross the street.
13. It's always cold... air-condition is on 24/7. (In the car, in the house, in the store...) I welcome the cold vs. no ac... but it can be quite an adjustment for someone who has never had central air!
14. Americans eat food with their hands. Like chicken and ribs. Rodrigo had a hard time with that! A 12yr old was cutting the meat off the bones... how about that, America!? 
15. Walmart: one stop shop. No having to walk to the shoe store, then to the grocery store, then to the makeup store. 
16. "American houses are big!" -- Rodrigo 

I'm sure I learned many other things, but it's just amazing how much you learn on a daily basis from hosting a student (even if he was away at camp for 10 days of it.) I have to say I worried more than I thought I would. I think I surprised my family, too! I'm glad that we all had this opportunity to host Rodrigo, get to know him and to show him our American lives. 

I also want to thank my family for being such great supporters of my current "job". Thanks to this experience, I now know how much trouble I must have been growing up... involved in everything, running around town with my friends and them having to take me places or be places to watch me do something. But, I also hope they were proud of me, just as I was proud of Rodrigo to get awards at camp and to watch him grow as an individual during his time in America. I'm sure they are, as they are still behind me today! So, thanks mom and dad (and the rest of my family) for your continued support and love. Only one more year in Spain, I promise! :)

10 Cities in 10 Days.

After getting moved to Extremadura, the next adventure was set to begin. 10 Cities in 10 Days. While we hadn't planned anything in advance, we had a plan in mind and we set off! 

Zach (a friend from Missouri) and I had decided to travel together... visiting his old friends/roommate in Madrid, finally visiting Asturias for me (and him) to make me happy, returning to Running of the Bulls (for him) and my first time seeing the toros, going to Barcelona (for him) to make him happy and my third visit to the wonderful city & to visit two friends of mine who live/are from there, and ending in Madrid with his friends again to do some day trips and catching up time!

In the end...

Madrid. Oviedo. Gijon (beach day!). San Sebastian (changing buses), Pamplona. Zaragoza (changing buses). Barcelona. Madrid. Avila. El Escorial. Ten cities in ten days. Wow, we were busy! 

Madrid's Barajas Airport, where I spent 5 hours waiting for Zach... delayed flights stink! I ended up buying a book to pass the time. I wrote some blogs. I took a siesta. This was my "view"...

After Zach arrived, we went for a relaxing day in the park; we had some refreshing drinks and enjoyed the Spanish sun. After, we headed to Augustin's flat (Zach's old roommate) where we were staying. After a tasty Mexican dinner and some Coronitas, we called it a night!

Day two was spent with Rocio, Zach's friend (and now mine!), visiting the Royal Palace and main historical buildings in the center of Madrid. Later in the day we visited the Residencia de Estudiantes, where many famous men came together and studied. This was Zach's fave.

Walking from the Residencia to Parque Retiro to meet up with Gonzalo, Rocio's boyfriend and another of Zach's friends, we stopped by the United States Embassy! Happy 4th of July!!!!

On Day 3, we made our way from Madrid to Oviedo, Asturias, in Northern Spain. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful Oviedo was! Wow! Many of my Westminster friends have studied abroad in Oviedo, and I was happy to finally see it for myself!

For lucnh, we had fabada, arroz con leche, and Asturian sidra! You have to pour it over your head into the glass. I was happy the waiter poured it for us, because I've tried to do it before, and more ended up on my feet than in the cup!

Day 4: Beach day in Gijon!!! Unfortunately, the tied was rising...and rising...
and we were kicked off the beach just after a few hours. But we enjoyed a nice bocadillo at the beach and enjoyed the Spanish sun for a little while before we were forced to leave!

Gijon, a coastal beach town in Asturias, is absolutely lovely! Check out that sky over the port! After the beach was a no-go, we spent time exploring other places of Gijon before heading back to Oviedo.

Day 5: Due to last minute plans and a lack of busses/trains/transportation in general to get to Pamplona, we had to pay extra to go on the express bus to San Sebastian, then a second bus to Pamplona. But, the express bus was the coolest bus EVER. Seats with fold out foot rests (real ones, none of those that flip out from the seat in front of you), individual TVs, free water, free sandwiches and sodas for our dinner snack, a bus attendant, and free gifts when you arrived to your stop: little magnetic people clips that stick together and form a piece of "art". It was the fastest, most comfortable 5 hour bus ride: EVER!

The Picos de Europa around us were so breathtaking! I think Northern Spain has some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. Due to window glares and constant tunnels, I couldn't get too great of photos in the really pretty places, so this will have to do! But, still, look at those mountains!

Later on Day 5, after a stop in San Sebastian, we finally made it to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls festival. Picture 500,000 people, dressed in red and white... partying in the streets for 10 days straight... drinking wine. Let's just say, Los Fermines is a fiesta you should experience once in your life. By the end of 10 hours, you're sick of seeing red and white clothing, drunk people, stepping on trash and people. Yes, people.

We couldn't leave Pamplona's bull festival without riding one... my favorite ride: El Toro Loco! Zach and I both had battle wounds on our hands and legs from falling off!!

Dressed in red and white, blending right in with the crowd. 

A little taste of the bulls! :)

After sleeping in the park, we got up early on day 6 to go see the bulls run! There are 10 bulls and some other cows running down the streets around 7:30am. The bulls were inside two rows of fencing, and all the people (who were smart not to run!) were packed behind them. While it was a bit uncomfortable and super hot, it was over rather quickly and we made our way to the bus station, which was an experience all on its own!

People slept wherever people could sleep. The tv monitors didn't work, so you had to walk around to find your bus... 6 buses left for Zaragoza at the same time... which was ours? What. A. Mess. Well, in order to get to the doors of the buses, you had to step over the people still sleeping/passed out from too much wine. My 50+ pound suitcase didn't help matters - good thing Zach was strong!

Day 6, in the afternoon/evening, was spent exploring La Rambla and its surrounding areas in Barcelona - like, the Plaza Mayor seen above. We were able to meet up with an Irish friend of mine, Seodhna, who I met in Salamanca. Together, we all went around the Gothic quarters, near Bacelona's port, before stopping for tapas.

Barcelona's port at sunset. Yet another amazing view!

On day 7, we explored Gaudi's Parque Guell, that has nice views of Barcelona below. Good thing they had esclators to climb the hills to get there, or I'm still not sure if I'd have made it to the top! What a fantastic place - the tile work, the design - it just let you in awe!

Zach wanted to see the 1992 Olympic park, so we went. This view is overlooking the magic fountain, Plaza Espana, and the Plaza de Toros (all seen on the left of the photo!) Later in the night, we returned to the magic fountain (thinking we would see the light show - but it only happens on certain nights in the summer - bummer!) where we bought beers from the guys walking around and enjoyed the nice summer weather, before we met up with my other friend, Edu, who lived in Valladolid this year! We spent the night going out on the town, which was way too much fun!

After visiting the Olympic stadium, we needed some refreshments. Healthy ones! We stopped by the San Josep Market just off la Rambla. These fresh fruit slushes were wonderfullllll. What kind do you want?

After trying to visit the Cathedral of Barcelona, (we visited La Sagrada Familia earlier in the morning) and were unsuccessful due to my sundress, we wandered through the Gothic area again and found this wonderful side street! How pretty is that walkway?!

After spending the 8th morning on the high speed train (thank you Zach!) we made it back to Madrid to spend the evening/nigh with Rocio and Gonzalo. We went to El Escorial, a town/monastary about half an hour from Madrid. Later in the night, we had a nice dinner with their friends!

Day 9 included churros for breakfast followed by a fun day trip to Avila, with Rocio, Gonzalo, and two of their friends. We hiked the city walls that surround Avila's old town. We had incredible views of the city below as we circled the town from high above. We had a wonderful home made dinner at Gonzalo's house, with some of the best tortilla espanola I've ever had prepared by Gonzalo's mom! 

Day 10 was a day full of traveling - from Spain back to Missouri. Rocio and Gonzalo took us to the airport where Zach and I met up with Rodrigo, the 12yr old Spanish student from Navalmoral de la Mata, who was coming to spend three weeks in the USA at a summer camp and then with my family and me. We said goodbyes to Rodrigo's family and headed for our plane! After stops in Miami and Chicago, we were happy to be home! 

I had an incredible time traveling during my last days in Spain for the 2011-2012 school year. I'm so glad Zach decided to come visit, as it's always nice to travel with friends and family from back home! We had great experiences in places that were new/old for both of us and wonderful friends to meet up with along the way! Thanks for a fun adventure, Zach!

Hasta Luego!

In Spain, it's never goodbye; it's just see you later.  "See you Later" can be taken literally as "see you later in the day" but, most likely it means, "see you in a few days" or " see you in a few weeks".  When you see someone on the street in passing and you have no intention to start a conversation, you say hasta luego. When you leave the house for an hour or three days, you say hasta luego. When you leave a store or a restaurant, you say hasta luego to those near you.  I guess it's just what you want it to be.

Well, the time has come in the school year to say "hasta luego" to all those who I have come to respect and love in Valladolid. It's bittersweet really... bitter because it's over, sweet because it happened ... bitter because I have to leave, sweet because it's summertime and that means I get to spend an extra long visit with my family.

I was skeptical about coming to a new school. What if it didn't feel right? What if I didn't like the teachers? What if I didn't get a day off? (and other super serious issues like lesson planning, etc.) Just, what if...???

Well, I'm happy to say, I couldn't have been blessed with a kinder school.  From day one, the teachers and students made me feel welcome; I felt like a new member of the family. Everyone was interested in meeting me and comparing me to the former language assistant (they say they like me better!) I got asked the usual "first time meeting questions" ...time and time again.

1. What's your name?
     - I would say "Whitney" and they would say "Winnie the Pooh?" And laugh. Of course. I kindly
       told them, "No, like Whitney Houston." Then they understood, finallly!
2. Do you have any pets?
     - Me: "....blah blah...and I have two donkeys."
     - Every student: "Donkey? What is a donkey?"
3. What's your favorite alcoholic drink?
     - Seriously, this is one of their favorite ones... to which I respond "fanta limon/vodka negro" -
       then, I turn it into a cultural lesson: "In America, we don't have Fanta lemon nor black vodka,
       so when I'm in Spain, I like to drink them together." 
     - Their response: "No lemon?????" (like it's the end of the world.)
4. Do you like sports? Actually, it's more like "Which side are you on, Madrid or Barcelona?"
     - I tell them I played basketball and that I'm not a fan of football/soccer and again, they look at
       me like "are you an alien? you DON'T like football?" (again, the end of the world!)
5. What is your surname/last name? Do you have Tuenti (Spanish facebook)?
     - After telling them it was Griffin, I had to pause to let them discuss (in Spanish) that I have the
       same last name as the family from Family Guy. Then, I would get the next question....
6. Is your father's name Peter? 
     - To which I would respond, "No, and I don't have a brother named Stewie."
7. Do you have any brothers and sisters? 
     - To which I would say, "No..." and they would make clicky noises and make a hand gesture
        meaning "she has money" (As they do for every person who is an only child.)
6. What is your favorite sport? (clearly, it's not the same as number 4.)
7. Where do you live in Valladolid?
     - It was simple: "In the Plaza Circular with two roommates." Although most times they didn't
       understand my American accent on "Circular"...
8. How old are you?
     - Me: "I'm 24."
     - The boys: "I'm 18....(with a sense of 'date me, please!')" or "My brother is 24..."
9. Do you have a boyfriend? 
     - I said "Yes, one in every country." (I wish!)
10. Do you speak Spanish?
     - Simple answer: "No... I only speak a little "hola/adios/me llamo Whitney..." I couldn't have the
       students knowing I understood/spoke Spanish because I knew they wouldn't put any effort
       into speaking English in the classroom. I still remember one day when I said "hola" to a 7th
       grader and she about died. She ran to her friends and said "Whitney me ha dicho 'hola'..."
       ("Whitney just said "hola" to me!") I mean, it's not rocket science, even my mom knows how
       to say "hola". haha

I had quite the range of classes... from 7th graders to seniors. But they were all really good students, for the most part. I think the worst behaved class was actually one of my favorites, not because they were annoying, but because it was an annoying/funny/entertaining sort of thing. You know, the type of class that asked you "what does the word _______ (insert any bad word here) mean?" on the first day of school. I told them that I would teach them these words the last day of the year... well, today was the last day and what was the first thing they said to me when they came in the room? "Teacher, today we are going to talk about all the bad words, right?" And, keeping my promise, I did. Actually, I didn't teach them anything new, but we just reviewed their vocabulary, which was, not-surprisingly, pretty large. We also made a video where they told me their deepest, darkest secrets! My favorite lines are "Ivan loves you." "I adore you" and "Vamos a echarte mucho de menos." (We're going to miss you!)

During my last days of school, some students made me a cake... another class threw me a surprise party! And, the best part was that they were the high school seniors - it really made me feel special when the oldest students felt like they got close to me! We took an abundance of photos that I will take with me next year... and of course, upload to el Tuenti, Spanish Facebook.

The girls from 2A - I'll miss you all!

Surprise!!!!!! You all were so nice to throw me a party! :) Good luck at University!

Graduation
I experienced my first Spanish graduation (no cap toss here!) and reception. Boy, was it a night to remember. The reception was drinks and snacks in the school cafe/gardens. After, all the students went for dinner (at 9:30pm) with the teachers before going to an open bar for drinks (lots of drinks) and dancing into the late hours of the morning ...followed by breakfast. What a way to end an era. (Remember my students can legally drink at 18!)

Instead of tassels, they get stoles!

Enjoying the dinner with Dani, one of the seniors, who kept filling my wine glass to the top!

Doesn't sound much like a high school graduation does it? No. I didn't think so either. But, I was happy to join in the fun, until 4am when I called it a night. (I'm pretty sure they nicknamed me "abuela" but after going out until 7am the night before I couldn't handle it. Somehow I lasted until 8am the following day...but that's another story!) At dinner, I was given a "special seat" at a smaller, round table with four of the boys. I was informed that one of them only came to my English class "cada miercoles" ... because he thought it was fun, yet educational, and because he got to see me. I was taken back by it, as I never knew he only came to my classes! I was flattered a little, even. I love when the students enjoy my classes. It really makes my day when they are happy and class goes smoothly and without any guerras.

Later in the evening, I pulled the "teacher" card when all the boys were in front of the girls at the open bar. I told the bartender, "Excuse me... I'm the teacher and we are girls and girls should be served first." So, he did. It got shocked looks from the boys and cheers from the girls! After a while, the boys began to ask me to dance - as I was bombarded in twos - one boy would take my drink, the other would ask me to dance. Dancing was really fun actually; I even pulled an Ellen's Dance Dare on Antonio, one of the fellow teachers - which also got the students excited! I really had such a nice night, if only I could have lasted until breakfast. haha 

4am and still kicking it at Sotobanco!

El Parque de Attraciones de Madrid 
Thursday, April 21, we spent the day at a theme park in Madrid. Several students from 4th level (Sophomores) asked me to go with them for their end of the year trip... I didn't know that it was actually a total of 80 students from 7th graders to sophomores and was pleasantly surprised to spend the day with so many of them. We rode roller coasters and swings that overlooked Madrid and the park, I was coaxed onto the log ride (I hate water rides!), we went on another ride that drops like 10 stories in 3 seconds, and walked through a haunted house "La Casa de Terror" (which was actually really scary. I may or may not have held one of my student's hands the entire time and held onto the arm of another. I was literally screaming my head off around every corner and wouldn't have been surprised if Roberto's hand was broken and Fran's arm had bruises that looked like my hands!)

High above Madrid!

Sophomores/What a fun day we all had together! :)

Proof i was on the log ride. I barely got wet! YES!

That's me on the far right! Hands up, I had to look 'cool'!

To ride the last ride of the day, we had to wait in a line for 1.5 hours. Seriously, 1.5 hours!! I waited in so many lines throughout the day...that was the worst part about the Spanish theme park! But I didn't mind the wait though, as the students were quite entertaining. We shared stories about the school year, talked about the summer, they talked about their girlfriends/boyfriends/ex-relationships/cute boys in line/etc, we discussed their English marks - and how they wanted me to persuade the English teachers to change their marks, etc. (Sorry boys, I don't think I'll get the last one accomplished!)  

Two of my favorites, Ivan and Krasi, waiting in the longest line of the day!
You should have seen Ivan's ponytail I made him... super mono!

Final Private Lessons 
Saying goodbye to private lesson students is always a mixture of emotions. While I got closer to some and others were more of a "job", I will always hope they are doing well - studying hard - and having the time of their lives as they grow up! Some I have friended online, others aren't even in primary school. When you've spent a year playing with a 4 and 6 year old, you hope they've learned more than the word..... (big drum-roll here).... poop. But I can't say confidently that they could remember any other words on command. Well, at least it was fun!

In Mary and George's last class, we made jewelry from play-doh. Maria wanted to take photos and videos like models. So we did. The video started out with them talking about going to the bathroom in the toilet. "I'm Jorge and my sister Maria goes poop in the toilet... I'm Maria and I do too and he does too." When I asked them to "say something in English", I got the following responses... "No!" and "Poop!" - well, at least they understood me. Por lo menos! While I'll miss their cute personalities and high energy, I won't miss playing Twister every Monday and Wednesday. No more right-hand-red for a few months! 

"You're still here?"

After finishing up classes, and saying goodbyes, I wanted to spend as much time as possible in the school, around the people who made me feel so comfortable.  Basically, people kept saying “You’re still here?  You’re not in the USA?  When do you go?  Do I have to say my official goodbye, yet?”

One of the mornings back at the school, I was gifted the school magazine.  Last year, in the primary school, I got two pages full of info/photos/goodbyes/good luck wishes about me. This year, I got two and a half pages!  My “spread” consists of photos, an interview done by a class, and a writeup/memoria that I wrote titled: “How to be a language assistant and not to die in the attempt” (I didn’t name it, but it fits the cause).

The first paragraph is as follows: Whitney Griffin came from the United States in September to work in our center as a language assistant. He work and good character have helped not only better our linguistic competencies but also our knowledge of the culture and traditions of her home country. The students quickly grew close to her, for them she was "la Whitney", and all the teachers already consider her one of them. Here we offer you some of her reflections about her work in our country. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE WHOLE ARTICLE (pgs 30-32) 

After reading the article, I realized that my English has gotten… worse.  To the following question: “Who is your favorite singer?”  I of course answered: “Justin Timberlake”. But, I followed it up with: “Justin Bieber… no!”  (I’m officially “old” because most of them don’t know who Jt is.  JT!!!!!)  In Spanish, they put “no” at the end of a sentence and either it negates the anterior phrase or it turns it into a question.  I probably should have said “Not Justin Bieber.”  So, just remember if I’m speaking to you and I put “no” at the end of a sentence, I’m asking you a question.

For example:  (I’ll probably be using this phrase often… I haven’t been to a movie in MONTHS.)
Incorrect: We’re going to the movies tonight, no?
Correct: Are we going to the movies tonight?

Another day in the school, when I was walking home, Antonio, a fellow teacher, stopped and offered to give me a ride home.  We had an African heat wave come through Valladolid/Spain for a few days, over 100 degrees every day… so I JUMPED when I heard the horn – jumped right into his car. I probably would have jumped into a stranger’s car, it was THAT hot.  In Missouri, it’s hot – normally 90/100 (37-40 for my Celsius amigos!) but I'm not walking around in the heat! Instead of taking me home, he invited me to come for lunch with his parents since they lived just near my place.  Of course, I don’t turn down a good, home cooked meal and good company, so I went and we had a really nice time!  Later, he took me around some pueblos in the Valladolid province. I hadn’t had the chance to visit many pueblos, so again, I was super excited for the adventure.  We made a nice circle and were able to visit Nava del Rey (The town where Antonio lived when he was younger.), Medina del Campo, Tordesillas, and finally *Simancas, where we had dinner… croquetas, ensalada mixta, revuelto, roasted baby lamb/lechazo! YUM!

Nava del Rey on the horizon.

Castillo de La Mota is a reconstructed medieval fortress from the 11th century in Medina del Campo.

The great view of Simancas overlooking the Pisuerga River.

*Interesting fact about Simancas.  Now, I’m no history buff, so I only remember the general idea of the story… basically, there was this king who wanted 100 pure girls to come live with him.  He requested a certain number from each town.  From Simancas (then, not named Simancas) he wanted seven.  However, their families/town didn’t want to send the girls away, so they cut off one of each of their hands.  <<“Si” = “siete” and “Mancas” = “one arm/hand”>>  In the end, the king decided he didn’t want girls who weren’t perfect, so he let them stay with their families.  So, that is how “Simancas” became “Simancas”.

Another day, I met with Maribal to go to her house for the afternoon.  I’ve been going every Tuesday for lunch for as long as I can remember. It’s Tuesday as I’m writing this… and it’s going to be strange come lunch time and I’m not headed to her house with her family.  Well, the last lunch was extra special. We went swimming (ok, I sunbathed) and then had lunch out on the back patio.  After, we took naps in the garden…  and later went to Palencia, another town near Valladolid.

Calle Mayor in Palencia.

Palencia had old charm, like this building, the Colegio de Villandrando. 

Palencia, a town of about 50,000 people, was actually quite surprising! It has preserved many older buildings and offices (pharmacies) and they are seen sporadically throughout the city.  I hadn’t ever really heard anything nice about Palencia, but I decided for myself that it’s a nice place.  I think it could bave been a nice experience to live there vs. Valladolid city because the people seemed friendly.  There was so much life in the streets and in the plazas; it had a small town feel to it, a safe non-city feel. I like that feeling!

I feel like I know Castilla Leon really well now, sad to say I waited to long to venture outside of Valladolid to get to know its pueblos, but I'm happy I finally did! 

End of the Year Dinners
So, goodbyes weren't getting any easier. I had a final dinner with Concha and Maribal at Maribal's house with both of their families and it was a fantastic way to say goodbye... I've gotten so close to both of them that it's strange to think that I won't be there next year with them! 

Wonderful food... but even better company!

The last day of the school year, June 29, the teachers and staff at the high school had a really nice farewell dinner where they honored two teachers who were retiring. Everyone said goodbye to me and other teachers whose jobs have been changed due to cutbacks in Spain, too. After our 2 hour lunch, a large group of us went to a nice terrace for drinks. Our best amigos, vodka, gin, and rum were all there. We fought for the salty-sweet gummy-bears in the cocktail nut mixture... and we had a good afternoon! I love co-workers who know how to turn an afternoon lunch into an early evening party! I finally went home around 1am, after I had tapas and drinks with David, one of my fellow English teachers and his girlfriend, Mila. What a nice day and night we all had together! I was so sad to say goodbye, so I turned it into a "see you later" because I KNOW I will be back. They aren't getting rid of me that easily! ;)

Hey, hey the gang's all here!

The retirees and their co-workers, giving a toast! Arriba, abajo, al centro....

My right and left sides, Jose Angel and Concha, my tutor!

I could not have asked for a better second year in Spain. I like to say that I've gotten really lucky these last few years. Maybe it's just me and what I make of it. Here's to round three! But first, I have to enjoy my summer at home!!!!! :)