(no subject)
First of all, I have to thank Carmen, Mariló, and Emilio for all being so kind as to let me come over to their own homes to use internet on the weekends. Words cannot express how grateful I am, as I do not have any other way to access internet on the weekends (no internet at home, and the librarian shuts off the WiFi during closing hours as of February).
For those who do not know, Carmen, Mariló, and Emilio are what I call "The Trio", to whom I give English conversation classes twice a week. We have a lot of fun during our conversation classes, so it's hard for me to believe that they're paying me for this! But I imagine that if I am living in the US in 5 years, working a full time job and all and want to work on my conversational Spanish, I'd be willing to pay someone for conversation practice like that.
Anyway, they've all been very wonderful, and I just wanted to dedicate a part of this journal to thank all of them.
Now, for the news. I successfully sent in all of my application materials, even though I had to send it all to the US. I listed Madrid, Cataluña, and Extremadura, respectively, as my preferences of placement. I fell in love with Madrid when I was there with Julie and Max. As for Cataluña, well, I'm not a big fan of Barcelona the city, but I think the Cataluña region could be interesting to explore, and certainly a big difference from Andalucia. And they'd probably have centralized heat and internet, haha :) But seriously, if I'm in/near a big city like Madrid or Barcelona, this will be good for searching for opportunities for career advancement. Hinojosa del Duque has been nice, but there really isn't very much here. Working as an Auxiliar is really not a difficult job, and it's more like just a way to be in Spain legally and receive money for it. Besides improving my Spanish, I haven't improved any skills, really. Granted, improving my Spanish is certainly an important goal!
Oh, and you might be wondering about Extremadura as a third choice. It doesn't really make much sense, after Madrid and Cataluña, as the first two each has a large metropolis, whereas Extremadura is mostly off the beaten path, Spanish country side. Well, I figure that if I can't be in Madrid or Cataluña, at least the location of Extremadura is very good-- I'd be close to Madrid, Portugal, and, of course, Hinojosa del Duque, so I can at least visit old friend here!
I really hope I get in again next year (as an auxiliar), especially in Madrid overall. While my parents visited, and we were driving from Hinojosa to Cordoba (my favorite drive-- I have the best thoughts here!), I realized that I am content here in Spain. Sure, I complain about things time to time, and I guess we're all always somewhat unsatisfied with something. Yet I am confident in saying that this year I've felt the happiest I've felt ever.
In other news, I had a good trip with my parents during Semana Santa! More to come later....
For those who do not know, Carmen, Mariló, and Emilio are what I call "The Trio", to whom I give English conversation classes twice a week. We have a lot of fun during our conversation classes, so it's hard for me to believe that they're paying me for this! But I imagine that if I am living in the US in 5 years, working a full time job and all and want to work on my conversational Spanish, I'd be willing to pay someone for conversation practice like that.
Anyway, they've all been very wonderful, and I just wanted to dedicate a part of this journal to thank all of them.
Now, for the news. I successfully sent in all of my application materials, even though I had to send it all to the US. I listed Madrid, Cataluña, and Extremadura, respectively, as my preferences of placement. I fell in love with Madrid when I was there with Julie and Max. As for Cataluña, well, I'm not a big fan of Barcelona the city, but I think the Cataluña region could be interesting to explore, and certainly a big difference from Andalucia. And they'd probably have centralized heat and internet, haha :) But seriously, if I'm in/near a big city like Madrid or Barcelona, this will be good for searching for opportunities for career advancement. Hinojosa del Duque has been nice, but there really isn't very much here. Working as an Auxiliar is really not a difficult job, and it's more like just a way to be in Spain legally and receive money for it. Besides improving my Spanish, I haven't improved any skills, really. Granted, improving my Spanish is certainly an important goal!
Oh, and you might be wondering about Extremadura as a third choice. It doesn't really make much sense, after Madrid and Cataluña, as the first two each has a large metropolis, whereas Extremadura is mostly off the beaten path, Spanish country side. Well, I figure that if I can't be in Madrid or Cataluña, at least the location of Extremadura is very good-- I'd be close to Madrid, Portugal, and, of course, Hinojosa del Duque, so I can at least visit old friend here!
I really hope I get in again next year (as an auxiliar), especially in Madrid overall. While my parents visited, and we were driving from Hinojosa to Cordoba (my favorite drive-- I have the best thoughts here!), I realized that I am content here in Spain. Sure, I complain about things time to time, and I guess we're all always somewhat unsatisfied with something. Yet I am confident in saying that this year I've felt the happiest I've felt ever.
In other news, I had a good trip with my parents during Semana Santa! More to come later....