Today...was a stressful, interesting, frustrating, good day :) Ha. No, really it was exactly that. I arrived at school today thinking that I was going to administer a test for one of the classes where I am assisting, but I quickly found out that I was going to conduct an English lesson in which I was completely unprepared.....omg. So, I just ran with it, and jumped in, and it turned out ok. It's been since the summer since I have taught, but I was surprised that it went as well as it did. I did forget how draining it is to teach just for the simple fact of maintaining the student's attention for 50 min. as well as managing their behavior and conveying a concept. I do love it though, and I am realizing that I really enjoy working with middle and high school students...so I am thinking about looking into that in the future.
So, after teaching I ended up being free so I decided to take care of a few things. I went to the study center and talked with my intern coordinator, and just took care of business. I looked into borrowing a book from the small library they have there, but realized that they really don't have many that are in Spanish...so I decided to look for the real library in Valencia and see if I could get a library card. So...I went to the library, and asked if I could get a card, but they said I needed two photos of myself. I thought...sure I have my license and my student I.D. card, but those would not suffice, they wanted basically passport pictures...so I had to leave and look for a place to either copy my license and then cut the picture out, or actually take a picture and make a print ( the library did not have a photocopy machine)...So, I left the library and went hunting for a place to make copies...but yeah it was Siesta time (literally they close SO many shops from the hours of 1:30-5:00!) Today, I realized how annoying that was, cuz I walked for like 45 min. looking for a place to simply make a copy, and everything was closed. It's hard for me to understand this...(I know, I know...culture shock...) So, needless to say I was frustrated, but finally I found a place to make the copies...so I stopped to have a bite to eat, and then returned to the library, but it was closed, why? Oh...because it's Siesta....argh. Anyway, so yes I think breaking in the afternoon is cool, but not when you are trying to get something done. I could def. see my (get something done) American attitude coming out today...So, the point is, I grabbed a coffee, studied some, and then returned to the library later, where I did get my library card and was able to rent a book and movie in Spanish...so, I left happy :)
I only share my experiences today with you all because I know that it is normal to be shocked by things in every culture, and I realized that things here will not be the same as in the US, and I just need to accept that :) :)
Alrighty, adios,
Vicki
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Eating, Walking, Working
So, life has become more routine now, which is a good thing I think. My only fear is that I won't travel enough throughout Spain because I am too comfortable here :) It's a daunting task (not bad though) to think about how to see it all in the 3 months that remain. Hmm, so I wanna see Madrid, Barcelona, Pamplona, the North of Spain, the Straight of Gibraltar, Seville, ect ect ect. Not to mention: Italy, Greece, Germany, the Czech Republic, and England...well and maybe some other places. :) So yeah...sadly I realize that I won't get to see it all, but that I am going to try to combine quality with quantity...I can't imagine coming home not having seen Madrid and Barcelona...so I think they are first on my list. This all just makes me think that I will HAVE TO come back, at some point.
So, GREAT NEWS!!!! Lee is coming to visit me! :) YAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!! I wasn't sure he would be able to, but he got the time off and will be coming very soon :) I am ecstatic. I love him so much, and so wish he could be here with me the whole rest of the time....but I think our time together will be awesome! :)
So, I am walking a decent amount everyday...it's 35 min. to work, and I am trying to avoid taking the bus, just because I really enjoy the walk and plus it's healthy. So, maybe you guys know that the Spanish eating schedule is a little different. They have virtually nothing for breakfast, but then eat a Bocadillo (a sandwich with a variety of things...either potatoes, cheese and ham, or tomatoes and cheese...something like that) for "lunch" at 10:30, then at 1 or 2 they have well "lunch" again...but this time it is a big meal. Like I have been having this predicament lately. I ask for the menu of the day at a restaurant, and I literally get a huge bowl of soup with bread, then the main course is like chicken and rice and veggies, and then a pastry and coffee...for about 8 Euros...so it's like too much food really. So I have been feeling like I am not going to loose weight if I keep eating like that. So on with the food schedule :) They then eat a "merienda" which is a light snack at like 5pm, and then dinner at 8 or 9...so yeah lots of eating :)
So, work. I am reallly enjoying my internship as I have mentioned in earlier blogs. My supervising teacher is a very good teacher and is really trying to use me in the classroom, and I really appreciate her. I am getting to observe, but also participate, which is what I enjoy most. So far, this experience has made me think about working with younger learners because previously I had just been focusing my energy on adult learners. The students who are like 12 and 13 are absolutely so cute, crazy yes, but so cute :) and so eager to participate. The 17 and 18 year olds are amazingly advanced (well some of them) at English, and I am really happy I get to interact with them. I am starting to think about where I would like to work after the internship is over.
Well, overall things are excellent. My brain is so tired by the end of the day because of trying to understand the Spanish around me. I am hoping that one day soon, I will just be amazingly able to understand everything and communicate with ease :)
Well... Good Morning Florida and take care :)
-Vicki
ps. I have taken a few pics, but not as much as I should...but will post them soon :)
So, GREAT NEWS!!!! Lee is coming to visit me! :) YAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!! I wasn't sure he would be able to, but he got the time off and will be coming very soon :) I am ecstatic. I love him so much, and so wish he could be here with me the whole rest of the time....but I think our time together will be awesome! :)
So, I am walking a decent amount everyday...it's 35 min. to work, and I am trying to avoid taking the bus, just because I really enjoy the walk and plus it's healthy. So, maybe you guys know that the Spanish eating schedule is a little different. They have virtually nothing for breakfast, but then eat a Bocadillo (a sandwich with a variety of things...either potatoes, cheese and ham, or tomatoes and cheese...something like that) for "lunch" at 10:30, then at 1 or 2 they have well "lunch" again...but this time it is a big meal. Like I have been having this predicament lately. I ask for the menu of the day at a restaurant, and I literally get a huge bowl of soup with bread, then the main course is like chicken and rice and veggies, and then a pastry and coffee...for about 8 Euros...so it's like too much food really. So I have been feeling like I am not going to loose weight if I keep eating like that. So on with the food schedule :) They then eat a "merienda" which is a light snack at like 5pm, and then dinner at 8 or 9...so yeah lots of eating :)
So, work. I am reallly enjoying my internship as I have mentioned in earlier blogs. My supervising teacher is a very good teacher and is really trying to use me in the classroom, and I really appreciate her. I am getting to observe, but also participate, which is what I enjoy most. So far, this experience has made me think about working with younger learners because previously I had just been focusing my energy on adult learners. The students who are like 12 and 13 are absolutely so cute, crazy yes, but so cute :) and so eager to participate. The 17 and 18 year olds are amazingly advanced (well some of them) at English, and I am really happy I get to interact with them. I am starting to think about where I would like to work after the internship is over.
Well, overall things are excellent. My brain is so tired by the end of the day because of trying to understand the Spanish around me. I am hoping that one day soon, I will just be amazingly able to understand everything and communicate with ease :)
Well... Good Morning Florida and take care :)
-Vicki
ps. I have taken a few pics, but not as much as I should...but will post them soon :)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Cozy and Comfortable
So, yesterday I moved into my new place...you know loaded all of my bags up, and lugged all of my stuff out of the grand apartment of 9 people, and moved into this antique apartment with two other girls. One girl, the German, is moving out in a week to be replaced by a Spaniard, but Rebecca lives here and is from Spain. I have had SUCH a good time since I got her yesterday. I have felt ridiculously welcome, and I feel SO comfortable in my room and in the house in general. Rebecca has decorated in the cutest, warm way ever, and I am just happy. I am so happy that I have warm blankets, that I am in more of a home than just an apartment, and that I can become friends with Spanish people....well and that I am going to have to speak Spanish everyday. So far we went shopping with Rebecca's friends, and just chilled at the house...last night I slept amazingly well, and I am just relieved, and pretty much stoked for the next few months. I will yet again need to learn how to get to work from here, and will need to learn what shops ect. are around me, but that I can do. It's been a CRAZY two weeks for starting out in a new country, but I can tell something has changed, and definitely for the better :)
As far as my Spanish...I feel like an idiot...omg. I am having a hard time spitting out what I want to say, and I am realizing that I am really understanding more and more when people are speaking, but that I can't express myself very well. I wish I could go back and sit in a Spanish I class and soak up everything that is elementary and simple. For whatever reason some things that I learned like 8 years ago, did not stick...and now I am like how do I say, "how much is that?"...wait, "yesterday or tomorrow?"... how do I say, "she ate that yesterday..."
I am determined though. I really, really want to learn more and become more comfortable with the language. So...I am hoping that at the end of this adventure, I will feel more confident in teaching English...and in speaking, writing, listening, and reading in Spanish.
So...basically things are good, and I am so grateful :)
-Vicki
As far as my Spanish...I feel like an idiot...omg. I am having a hard time spitting out what I want to say, and I am realizing that I am really understanding more and more when people are speaking, but that I can't express myself very well. I wish I could go back and sit in a Spanish I class and soak up everything that is elementary and simple. For whatever reason some things that I learned like 8 years ago, did not stick...and now I am like how do I say, "how much is that?"...wait, "yesterday or tomorrow?"... how do I say, "she ate that yesterday..."
I am determined though. I really, really want to learn more and become more comfortable with the language. So...I am hoping that at the end of this adventure, I will feel more confident in teaching English...and in speaking, writing, listening, and reading in Spanish.
So...basically things are good, and I am so grateful :)
-Vicki
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Chocolate makes all things smile :)
So, have I mentioned their little pastry shops with loads of good stuff? I love them, and I love the fact that you can literally just pop in on any random one. As far as food in general, I like most of everything I have tried. The only thing I didn't like too much was some anchovie sandwich....eww, but besides that, food has been good.
So, today marks exactly two weeks here. Two weeks...it's been such a blur. I literally feel like it has been so long. I have realized though that the time here is going to go uber fast so I need to be learning, understanding, participating, traveling as much as I can because before you know it, I will be back, and will be looking for work.
Today, I am tired. I am not tired from staying up too late, or from strenuous activity, it's just that my brain is tired. I've tried to explain this to some people, but it's basically because I have been constantly trying to understand people and be understood in another language. The most challenging thing that I have done was my search for an apartment. Yet again, I am moving...lol. The process has been comical because here I am calling random people who only speak Spanish, and I have been negotiating a time to meet, prices, availabilities ect. I have seen a lot of places, and met A LOT of people, so in a way it's been kinda interesting. I guess when else would you have the opportunity to see the inside of so many different people homes? So, though the process has been exhausting, I am kinda glad I've had to do it because it's helped me understand the city better, and interact (in Spanish) with so many people. So, I am moving from a fun, big, crazy apartment of 9 people into an apartment with only 3 girls...so I am excited. I think I have realized a lot about myself through this whole "moving extravaganza"...I like pretty chilled out apartments with few people. I love to come home and just know that the atmosphere will be semi-quiet, and kinda predictable...maybe I am getting old? Ha... so, I move in on Saturday, so I will yet again get to know another area of town, and get to know two new people. I'm pretty stoked.
Life in general here is good, and I am LOVING my internship. I feel like it really is such a cool placement. My internship supervisor is very good, and I have the opportunity to observe and assist in so many different classes.
pues, quiero dormir ahora...
take care everyone.
Vicki
So, today marks exactly two weeks here. Two weeks...it's been such a blur. I literally feel like it has been so long. I have realized though that the time here is going to go uber fast so I need to be learning, understanding, participating, traveling as much as I can because before you know it, I will be back, and will be looking for work.
Today, I am tired. I am not tired from staying up too late, or from strenuous activity, it's just that my brain is tired. I've tried to explain this to some people, but it's basically because I have been constantly trying to understand people and be understood in another language. The most challenging thing that I have done was my search for an apartment. Yet again, I am moving...lol. The process has been comical because here I am calling random people who only speak Spanish, and I have been negotiating a time to meet, prices, availabilities ect. I have seen a lot of places, and met A LOT of people, so in a way it's been kinda interesting. I guess when else would you have the opportunity to see the inside of so many different people homes? So, though the process has been exhausting, I am kinda glad I've had to do it because it's helped me understand the city better, and interact (in Spanish) with so many people. So, I am moving from a fun, big, crazy apartment of 9 people into an apartment with only 3 girls...so I am excited. I think I have realized a lot about myself through this whole "moving extravaganza"...I like pretty chilled out apartments with few people. I love to come home and just know that the atmosphere will be semi-quiet, and kinda predictable...maybe I am getting old? Ha... so, I move in on Saturday, so I will yet again get to know another area of town, and get to know two new people. I'm pretty stoked.
Life in general here is good, and I am LOVING my internship. I feel like it really is such a cool placement. My internship supervisor is very good, and I have the opportunity to observe and assist in so many different classes.
pues, quiero dormir ahora...
take care everyone.
Vicki
Saturday, January 15, 2011
I gave in....
I had been trying to avoid Starbucks because there are so many local places that have amazing coffee, and sell it for pretty cheap....but today, I gave in....I just wanted to feel the comfort of home, and get free internet :) So, I am currently sipping on a Vanilla Latte, and it's pretty satisfying.
As for life in Valencia, most things are going pretty well. I started my internship at a Catholic school here, and have really loved meeting the students, and just being involved in the classes. My supervising teacher is great, and I am really thinking that the time spent in the school will be wonderful.
As far as the other areas of my life? Well, as mentioned in my last blog, I have been a little lonely (which is to be expected), and I am not completely comfortable at the apartment that I have just paid a lot of money to live at.... so what does that mean? Not sure quite yet...
I talked to my mom today, and I don't know what moms have, but they just have this incredible ability to make you feel that all things will work out, and that I can just trust God in all things :). I love my mom and I so appreciate her :) So, I am sure, absolutely confident, that in a short time, I will feel comfortable here, and find my niche. I am trying out a church tomorrow, and am excited to see how that goes.
Other thoughts:
-I love trying to use Spanish, and am stoked about how much I will be able to learn while here.
-Did I mention that there is another language spoken here? It's called Valenciano, and literally it is a completely different language. It's I guess a mix of Spanish, Italian, and French or something like that. One of the teachers at my school teaches Valenciano, and I am hoping that one day, I can sit in his class just to learn a little about it. I am so curious how languages come about... In Spain there are a few other non-standard languages spoken. Spanish is the national language, but these others are strong as well and have many speakers who use them daily.
-Around every corner here there is another cute cafe or restaurant, and it just makes me feel like I am in one of those European movies where the cool people are eating in a trendy restaurant :) lol...but true.
So, yeah...I think that is all for now. Love you all.
-Victoria (or pronounced Bictoria here :)
As for life in Valencia, most things are going pretty well. I started my internship at a Catholic school here, and have really loved meeting the students, and just being involved in the classes. My supervising teacher is great, and I am really thinking that the time spent in the school will be wonderful.
As far as the other areas of my life? Well, as mentioned in my last blog, I have been a little lonely (which is to be expected), and I am not completely comfortable at the apartment that I have just paid a lot of money to live at.... so what does that mean? Not sure quite yet...
I talked to my mom today, and I don't know what moms have, but they just have this incredible ability to make you feel that all things will work out, and that I can just trust God in all things :). I love my mom and I so appreciate her :) So, I am sure, absolutely confident, that in a short time, I will feel comfortable here, and find my niche. I am trying out a church tomorrow, and am excited to see how that goes.
Other thoughts:
-I love trying to use Spanish, and am stoked about how much I will be able to learn while here.
-Did I mention that there is another language spoken here? It's called Valenciano, and literally it is a completely different language. It's I guess a mix of Spanish, Italian, and French or something like that. One of the teachers at my school teaches Valenciano, and I am hoping that one day, I can sit in his class just to learn a little about it. I am so curious how languages come about... In Spain there are a few other non-standard languages spoken. Spanish is the national language, but these others are strong as well and have many speakers who use them daily.
-Around every corner here there is another cute cafe or restaurant, and it just makes me feel like I am in one of those European movies where the cool people are eating in a trendy restaurant :) lol...but true.
So, yeah...I think that is all for now. Love you all.
-Victoria (or pronounced Bictoria here :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Intercambio
En un momentito mi vida cambia.
Ok, so today was a rather frustrating day. A. I found out the room that I am staying in used to have bed bugs (yay!...not so much right?) and B. I felt pretty lonely and crappy today. I miss everyone. I thought today...why the heck did I leave everyone I love so much to come to Spain. Although the city is fascinating, and the restaurants are cute, and the coffee is amazing...I am missing my friends in Tallahassee. I am missing Lee, so so so so so so much. :( I am missing hanging out with friends and just chillen...but such is life when you are adjusting to a new city, a new group, a new language ect. ect. I kept telling myself today, "it has only been less than a week...it will get better." It is not that it is bad here, or that I want to turn and run back to home, but I just miss my wonderful, comfortable, good life in Tallahassee. There is something that is draining about having to speak in a foreign language a lot. Like you want to talk about something deeper, or you just want to explain yourself, pero no se la palabra, or no se la phrase... anyway...those who have lived abroad or have encountered this situation, will understand. I love Spanish, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it is so nice to speak in English and just be in a comfortable situation.
So, as mentioned above, my day was NOT that great...but such is life, not just while living abroad, but this is life right...good days and bad days. Anyway, so I had gone for walk earlier and ended up at the study center where I thought I might run into some people that wanted to hang out, but nothing came of that so I started to walk back to my apartment...but then ended up right where I started, so I decided to take a bus, and while I was on the bus, I saw a store that I thought might sells towels (did I mention I so need a towel, but they are expensive and hard to find)...so I got off the bus only to realize that the store does not sell towels...so then I had to wait...again....for the next bus. Finally, I got back to the neighborhood where I live, and I decided to grab something to eat, and ended up meeting this American couple and their friends who invited me to sit with them. So, I ended up going with this thing called, “Intercambio” and it is where people who want to practice English and those who want to practice Spanish can kinda help each other. I ended up having so much fun, and was able to meet so many people. I loved it because I met both locals and people from other countries who are living in Valencia. It was so much fun for me to talk with them, and just have a chilled out night. I know that I have to remember that it takes time to meet people, and just because one day is not fabulous, it really can turn around in a moment.
Pues, voy a escribir mas manana o otra dia.
-Vicki
Ps. I know I need accents on my Spanish words, but I haven’t figured out how to put them on through the computer.
Ok, so today was a rather frustrating day. A. I found out the room that I am staying in used to have bed bugs (yay!...not so much right?) and B. I felt pretty lonely and crappy today. I miss everyone. I thought today...why the heck did I leave everyone I love so much to come to Spain. Although the city is fascinating, and the restaurants are cute, and the coffee is amazing...I am missing my friends in Tallahassee. I am missing Lee, so so so so so so much. :( I am missing hanging out with friends and just chillen...but such is life when you are adjusting to a new city, a new group, a new language ect. ect. I kept telling myself today, "it has only been less than a week...it will get better." It is not that it is bad here, or that I want to turn and run back to home, but I just miss my wonderful, comfortable, good life in Tallahassee. There is something that is draining about having to speak in a foreign language a lot. Like you want to talk about something deeper, or you just want to explain yourself, pero no se la palabra, or no se la phrase... anyway...those who have lived abroad or have encountered this situation, will understand. I love Spanish, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it is so nice to speak in English and just be in a comfortable situation.
So, as mentioned above, my day was NOT that great...but such is life, not just while living abroad, but this is life right...good days and bad days. Anyway, so I had gone for walk earlier and ended up at the study center where I thought I might run into some people that wanted to hang out, but nothing came of that so I started to walk back to my apartment...but then ended up right where I started, so I decided to take a bus, and while I was on the bus, I saw a store that I thought might sells towels (did I mention I so need a towel, but they are expensive and hard to find)...so I got off the bus only to realize that the store does not sell towels...so then I had to wait...again....for the next bus. Finally, I got back to the neighborhood where I live, and I decided to grab something to eat, and ended up meeting this American couple and their friends who invited me to sit with them. So, I ended up going with this thing called, “Intercambio” and it is where people who want to practice English and those who want to practice Spanish can kinda help each other. I ended up having so much fun, and was able to meet so many people. I loved it because I met both locals and people from other countries who are living in Valencia. It was so much fun for me to talk with them, and just have a chilled out night. I know that I have to remember that it takes time to meet people, and just because one day is not fabulous, it really can turn around in a moment.
Pues, voy a escribir mas manana o otra dia.
-Vicki
Ps. I know I need accents on my Spanish words, but I haven’t figured out how to put them on through the computer.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Get lost :)
That's been my philosophy so far in Valencia. I just sorta start walking in one direction or another, but generally towards the city center. I've found the city relatively easy to navigate...it's more of a circle...I guess it was surrounded by walls a long, long time ago, so if you know a couple landmarks it tends to be ok. Today though, I took the line 5 bus that circles the city with hopes of getting closer to where I am staying, but I ended up circling the whole city...lol. I did feel like I got a better grasp of the city as a whole though, and I found out that to circle the city only takes about 25 min. I really am loving walking the streets, and just watching people. Since I have arrived, almost all of my interaction with locals has been good. They really seem to be kind people that are willing to stop and help when needed. The Spanish spoken here is of course different, and I have been told I sound like I am from Latin America....lol.
Here are a few of the things I have noticed so far:
-Lots of people have dogs, which I find to be really interesting because most of the people live in apartments. These dogs are not small, and are allowed to "go" anywhere...which is not the most pleasant thing ever...
-Have I mentioned the coffee? I am IN LOVE with the coffee. I order a "cafe con leche" and it's just about heaven every time. It's basically espresso with steamed milk...like a latte from Starbucks, but better (GASP!), I know...I can barely admit it, but yes it is better than Starbucks. It's just fresh and good, and smaller so it stays hot, so that's awesome:) Oh, and as a side-note, they do have Starbucks here, and although I am a fan, I am going to try to avoid it for a while just so I can experience more of the local stuff.
-Food...so far I have eaten Paella which is a very Spanish thing...it's rice with pork, seafood, and veggies and it's pretty dang good. I have also eaten at a Japanese place, and for some reason it made me feel at home...go figure. They have tons of Panaderia's here... which are basically pastry shops, and they are yummy and cheap...but I fear for my flab if I eat too much! Oh, and today I ate at a Turkish place, random I know...but it really just shows me that so many places in the world have international food, things, and people.
-I have seen a McDonalds, a United Colors of Ben., Diesel, and other stores I recognize.
-I am still having trouble converting the money, so when it says 3.20 Euros I think yippie! When really I should be like, "dang" that's more than I am thinking... (I did just look it up and it was only $4.12, so that makes me feel a little better :)
In general, I like the city, and am excited to get settled and live life here for a bit. I am missing home some, especially my sweet, wonderful, awesome boyfriend, but other than that I am good :) So far I haven't taken a single picture yet, so that has gotta be a crime or something, so as soon as I do...I will upload at least one soon :)
-love you all :)
-Vicki
Here are a few of the things I have noticed so far:
-Lots of people have dogs, which I find to be really interesting because most of the people live in apartments. These dogs are not small, and are allowed to "go" anywhere...which is not the most pleasant thing ever...
-Have I mentioned the coffee? I am IN LOVE with the coffee. I order a "cafe con leche" and it's just about heaven every time. It's basically espresso with steamed milk...like a latte from Starbucks, but better (GASP!), I know...I can barely admit it, but yes it is better than Starbucks. It's just fresh and good, and smaller so it stays hot, so that's awesome:) Oh, and as a side-note, they do have Starbucks here, and although I am a fan, I am going to try to avoid it for a while just so I can experience more of the local stuff.
-Food...so far I have eaten Paella which is a very Spanish thing...it's rice with pork, seafood, and veggies and it's pretty dang good. I have also eaten at a Japanese place, and for some reason it made me feel at home...go figure. They have tons of Panaderia's here... which are basically pastry shops, and they are yummy and cheap...but I fear for my flab if I eat too much! Oh, and today I ate at a Turkish place, random I know...but it really just shows me that so many places in the world have international food, things, and people.
-I have seen a McDonalds, a United Colors of Ben., Diesel, and other stores I recognize.
-I am still having trouble converting the money, so when it says 3.20 Euros I think yippie! When really I should be like, "dang" that's more than I am thinking... (I did just look it up and it was only $4.12, so that makes me feel a little better :)
In general, I like the city, and am excited to get settled and live life here for a bit. I am missing home some, especially my sweet, wonderful, awesome boyfriend, but other than that I am good :) So far I haven't taken a single picture yet, so that has gotta be a crime or something, so as soon as I do...I will upload at least one soon :)
-love you all :)
-Vicki
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Mis primeras dias en Valencia.
Hola!
Ahora vivo en Espana por 4 meses...y voy a escribir sobre mi vida aqui. My Spanish is NOT that good, and that has been ridiculously obvious as I stand blank faced in front of soooo many shopkeepers here. I keep telling myself that I won't always sound like such an idiot...
So, yes I am in Valencia for 4 months to intern as an English Teacher. I'm pretty stoked about the whole thing, and after today I feel a bit more relaxed about my "housing situation" (lol). Before arriving, I tried to find a homestay or something like that...and basically found nothing that worked, until I found a family on a homestay website (www.bedycasa.com) which worked well for me. The family actually existed, and they don't appear to be robbers or anything. :) Although the home is fine, and the family is nice, I don't feel super comfortable, so I actually went searching for apartments today....lol (lol because try looking for apartments when your Spanish is barely “fair”.
The Search: Randomly this girl at a hostel told me the website called www.valencia.loquo.com, and basically it is the Craig's list of Valencia. So, literally I emailed random people, and tried to call them from my skype number to arrange a time to see the different apartments. Today, I went to see one where I would be living with una chica colombiana y otras chicas...their apartment is located in the "foreign area" of Valencia. I found this area to be fascinating. Chinese, Arab, Colombians ect. live there and it seems cool...it ended up being a little far from the school I will be working at, and I wasn't sure about the safety of the area...so, I ended up finding another apartment. I called this guy up, and pieced together my words so I could ask him about the place, he ended up texting me (on my new phone!!! #622437592, but you have to dial (011) + 34 first.) Call anytime, cuz incoming calls are free :)Anyway, so I ended up really liking this place and I will be moving in next week when the time with the family is finished. I will be living with MILLIONS of people (not millions, but literally 10!), but it seems like loads of fun, and the people are from all over PLUS the rent is only 370 a month-everything included...for those of you who know how much I have been worrying about housing, you will know, this is a great find! (hopefully anyway :)
So, the last few days since my arrival on Thursday have been filled with orientations, amazing coffee and apartment hunting...I am glad to relax a little now, and maybe spend some time with the family that I am staying with.
I hope you all are doing well, and I will try to update this thing as much as I can :) Keep in touch as much as you can. Love you all.
-Vicki
Ahora vivo en Espana por 4 meses...y voy a escribir sobre mi vida aqui. My Spanish is NOT that good, and that has been ridiculously obvious as I stand blank faced in front of soooo many shopkeepers here. I keep telling myself that I won't always sound like such an idiot...
So, yes I am in Valencia for 4 months to intern as an English Teacher. I'm pretty stoked about the whole thing, and after today I feel a bit more relaxed about my "housing situation" (lol). Before arriving, I tried to find a homestay or something like that...and basically found nothing that worked, until I found a family on a homestay website (www.bedycasa.com) which worked well for me. The family actually existed, and they don't appear to be robbers or anything. :) Although the home is fine, and the family is nice, I don't feel super comfortable, so I actually went searching for apartments today....lol (lol because try looking for apartments when your Spanish is barely “fair”.
The Search: Randomly this girl at a hostel told me the website called www.valencia.loquo.com, and basically it is the Craig's list of Valencia. So, literally I emailed random people, and tried to call them from my skype number to arrange a time to see the different apartments. Today, I went to see one where I would be living with una chica colombiana y otras chicas...their apartment is located in the "foreign area" of Valencia. I found this area to be fascinating. Chinese, Arab, Colombians ect. live there and it seems cool...it ended up being a little far from the school I will be working at, and I wasn't sure about the safety of the area...so, I ended up finding another apartment. I called this guy up, and pieced together my words so I could ask him about the place, he ended up texting me (on my new phone!!! #622437592, but you have to dial (011) + 34 first.) Call anytime, cuz incoming calls are free :)Anyway, so I ended up really liking this place and I will be moving in next week when the time with the family is finished. I will be living with MILLIONS of people (not millions, but literally 10!), but it seems like loads of fun, and the people are from all over PLUS the rent is only 370 a month-everything included...for those of you who know how much I have been worrying about housing, you will know, this is a great find! (hopefully anyway :)
So, the last few days since my arrival on Thursday have been filled with orientations, amazing coffee and apartment hunting...I am glad to relax a little now, and maybe spend some time with the family that I am staying with.
I hope you all are doing well, and I will try to update this thing as much as I can :) Keep in touch as much as you can. Love you all.
-Vicki
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