Now What?!

I have finished my TEFL Course!  I am officially a foreign language teacher, how strange.  It is a very weird feeling that I no longer have to go to class anymore and my schedule that I was feeling comfortable in is finished.  In the beginning of the class I couldn’t wait to the class to end, now I feel a bit lost without it.

Overall, the course was FAR less intensive that I was expecting.  There were a few essays here and there, and a few lesson plans, but nothing impossible.  I really liked everyone in my class and we all grew to be great friends.  One girl in our class left to go home to Detroit today.  It is sad to say bye, but at the same time it is weird to think I have only known her a month and such a strong friendship was built.  It has really felt like college, bonds are just made.  But don’t worry college friends you will never be replaced!

For the last day of class we went over ‘what to expect when teaching’ and then out for lunch.  It was nice to go out with our instructors and have everyone just chill, talk and drink.  It was a nice end to the class and was sad even saying bye to my instructors.  I am sure I will be in contact with them in the future.

(our favorite student, Dario)

So now that I have accomplished my goal of staying a month and completing the course I have a bigger goal.  Getting a job, Spain is far worse than what people believe.  I actually would have got elsewhere if I knew the terrible situation they are in.  But that is here nor there, I am applying like crazy to jobs and I hope to land a nice one teaching in the school with children.  I will keep you posted when that happens.  I am also open to moving somewhere else that has better opportunities, but for the month of September I will be in Barcelona.  Got to take 1 month at a time!

This weekend is Labor Day back home and since everyone in my class is American/Canadian we decided why not have a BBQ and celebrate?!  So it was our mission to get American food and throw a party.  It was like a going away party for Kelly as well.  We went over to her place and sat out on the terrace all night eating, drinking and playing games.  Thanks Les for the Hawkeye cards, they were well used! It was a great way to celebrate and it felt a bit like home

(a very bright office building and nothing more than that)

So it is said that fashion starts in Europe and move to the US, well here are some examples that I really hope never make it to the US.  Everyone here seems to have a mullet; guy, girl or kids! It’s not cute. 

At night there are men selling food and beer on the street for bar goers.  While most times it is very tempting, I now will never buy anything from one of these street venders.  One night we saw a man open the sewer and pull a bag of beer out of it.  His plan was then to go and sell the beer.  I now understand why Spain is trying to make street vending illegal, because they have to hide their extra supplies, which is disgusting! While 1euro is a great deal for a beer, I do not want sewer juice on it.

(the guy just swung open the sewer and vola! BEER)

Up next, ROME!