Exhibition

I went to Casa Encendida today to see a photography exhibition. It was amazing. Please check it out online... you can see all the photos featured here:

http://www.medicosdelmundo.org/luisvaltuena/



Not only touching and sad but simply an amazing photo, great composition, detail... This was by far my favorite photo.

"Nai" by Lyle Owerko

Random comments on Spain...

• I can tell who is American and who is not at my gym simply by looking at their shoes. Exhibit A:

<--- Americans wear shoes we typically think of as made for running or working out. Typical brands: Nike, Adidas, Asics, New Balance, etc.




<--- Non-Americans (most commonly Spaniards) seem to be confused by the idea that some shoes might be better for working out due to the support built into the shoe. So instead, they wear anything they seem to have around. Typical brands: Converse, Unknown Brand, Used to have brand but are so old I can't tell, etc.

• I am having a difficult time finding a lot of men with mullets, but they're definitely still around. Because of my difficulties finding them, the following photos were not taken by me, but are simply meant to demonstrate what I consider to be a "Spanish mullet". I was able to get a few good pictures during my last stay in Spain so I will work on it!

• I haven't been able to find my favorite snack food in Spain ANYWHERE....bugles with bacon & cheddar flavor. I've also come to realize that Fanta Limón is still good but not as amazing as I once thought it was. I should probably see this as a positive thing as I will be saving myself from some serious calories by skipping both!

• <---Jamón is awesome.
  

uhhhhh

For all my faithful followers... sorry I haven't written about anything in forever! Class has kept me busy busy busyyyy! Almost done though... only a week more to go! I'll actually write something more interesting within the next few days but I just wanted to say... for all my people hanging out in the freezing cold of Chicago... it was over 50 here yesterday and today I'm goin to the PARK! ;) Be jealous.

1/4

I am officially done with 1/4 of my certification class...not that 1/4 is really significant at all. To update those who I haven't talked to or emailed, it's all going well so far! My class has about 15 students in it, and everyone seems pretty cool. There are several from the States, and several from the UK as well. There are also a few students that aren't from an English-speaking country but learned it living elsewhere. The class is intense and fast-paced but we get certified in 4 weeks so what else could be expected? Yesterday was our first "practice class"...practice in the sense that it's part of the certification class... we still have "real" students who are learning English. They participate because they receive the classes for free. I taught a beginner class on "A Day at the Park" yesterday and today I had intermediate and taught "Leisure Activities". The students who attend these classes are all very nice and eager to learn. They come because they want to learn so that of course makes it much easier to teach!
My apartment is great and my roommates are all awesome. If you haven't read any of my other posts, here's a refresher. I have 4 roommates, all from Spain. There are two Laura's, and the two guys are Dubra and Borja. They are all really nice & helpful and fun to live with! We have dinner basically every night together which is nice because as much as I love the food here, I go to the grocery store and realize I have no idea what to actually COOK for myself!
I've done a lot of "errands" after class which usually turns into me going to one place for something I need, and then wondering around to see yet another area of Madrid. Yesterday (Saturday) I went walking for several hours...maybe 5 or so!...and explored more of the old area of Madrid. I better be dropping a few pounds with all this walking I'm doing!
Anyway...I know this isn't a really interesting post and there aren't any funny stories to share, but people have been telling me to write something so I at least wanted to give everyone an update!
Below are two pictures of me with my roommates from last night.

Burnt Toast

First a few random comments...

-My first day, my hair dryer got way too hot & started smoking, which then made my room smell like burnt toast. Needless to say, I stopped using it and bought one from here so I don't have to use my converter.
-I told my roommate "You are going to bed", instead of "I am going to bed." Clearly I majored in Spanish.
-Saw a hard core mullet the first day, and a few more "Spanish" ones the 2nd day...today. Sweeeet.

Today was beauuuutiful. It was about 55* and sunny...not a cloud in sight. Last night I planned a bunch of things to go see today, and I was able to get to all of them! I brought the love of my life along with me for the adventure...my Nikon D80. I went to Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Cibeles, Plaza de Castilla/Torres Kio, and checked out the area where my class will be (starting tomorrow). There really isn't much to tell about my day other than it was great and I hung out and lounged around in Retiro and remembered one of the reasons I love Madrid so much. :)

Since there aren't any great or exciting stories to share, just take a look at my pictures instead! I have posted some to my flickr account (the link is on my block). The majority of them, however, are on facebook, so I will include the link for those of you who do not have it.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2157915&l=470a9&id=22000288

Enjoy!

FYI...

Just so everyone who is wondering knows... I made it to Madrid safe and sound. I also already have my cell & abono (metro pass). Trying to get on top of things so I don't have to worry about it later!

Notes from my flight:
Layover in London.... they have potato chips in the following flavors: "Lamb & Mint" and "Prawn Cocktail". WHAT ARE THOSE?!?!?!?! If someone can please explain either to me, I will be your best friend.