Im Thankful for Thanksgiving

Let me begin by saying that Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday However, trying to celebrate thanksgiving here in Spain has become something thats half a challenge, somewhat like a scavenger hunt, and tends to be painful at times. But in the end, its always worth it.

The challenge begins for me about the monday before Thanksgiving. It is the day I go and attempt to order a turkey.  Whenever I enter a poultry shop (polleria) and request un pavo entero (whole turkey), it seems that an extra three heads grow out of my neck... because the person behind the counter looks at me in such awe and confusion, like why is this 4 headed blonde girl ordering an entire turkey???? After trying about 2-3 pollerias, someone finally agrees to hunt down a 4 kilo turkey for me and have it ready by thursday for me to pick up.

Then its time to ingredient shop. I must have gone into 5 supermarkets, and 8 frutarias looking for certain root vegetables or spices. You can never find everything you need at one place, its like a game looking for all your ingredients (parsnips where are you!?!?!)

Heres the fun part: Teaching Thanksgiving.

I started out my lesson two my 6 and 7 year olds by showing them a cute picture of a turkey in a pilgrim hat. As soon as the picture goes up everyone starts shouting "POLLO!!!!!" (chicken) no no no, children, this is NOT a chicken. By my last lesson I even started with "Who knows what this animal is? And heres a hint: its NOT a chicken!!!" Well that really stumped them.

I probably then will say the word TURKEY 17 more times at least throughout my thanksgiving presentation. and at the end when I ask "what do we eat on thanksgiving" everyone STILL shouts "CHICKEN!" or sometimes even "KITCHEN!!" (fair enough)

Then I have to explain the history of thanksgiving. This was difficult for me. Do I share the story I learned when I was in elementary school? Or do I share the true story I spent a month learning about in college, learning how to teach it to students?? Well, I did a little of both. And its ok, Im sure they wont remember it anyway....

Then I taught about why thanksgiving is important: its about giving thanks. I got the usual thankfulnesses: family, mom, dad, teacher, house, friends, brother, food.... I got somethings like "parrot, horse, banana, apple, money" and things a little more complex like "loving".

From Violeta, I got "eating in the dining room!" Whatever makes you happy!!!

But my biggest hurdle, besides cooking a turkey... was when a 7 year old asked me (rough translation) "But teacher, if you are thankful for your family and friends, and they are important to you... why are you here and so far away form them if they are so important?"

Good Question.... you got me there, kid.

Anyway... I enjoyed sharing thanksgiving in school, including clips from Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade, and of course, the "Can't Stuff this" music video

The next few hours/days were pretty messy. They included a turkey dilemma, crying over facetime while talking to my entire extended family, cooking all day and not eating, then eating a lot, then not being able to eat for about 16 hours... but then like all Thanksgivings... my thanksgiving also included Football.... just the Spanish kind!

Here's a brief list of things I'm thankful for:
1) The obvis like my family and friends
2) Technology to keep in touch with those important people
3) The families I have gained here in Spain
4) Fulbright, because without them I don't know if I ever would have made it here
5) The opportunities I have by being here (career wise and life wise)
6) The ability to travel
7) That I have someone special here who helps me immensely and makes me super happy =)
8) Chocolate
9) Wine
10) Good Health
11) Happiness

Weekend Escape

After 2 months of non-stop hustle and bustle, moving, unpacking, adjusting, partying, working and LIVING... it was time for a bit of descansa, or in other words, some R&R.

I packed my big bag, not really knowing what was in store for me, nor where I was going. But I packed a bag like a good ex girl scout, keeping the motto "always be prepared" in my head. (yes i know its really the boy scout motto but we borrowed it in desperate times of cookie sales.. and anyway my idea of being prepared consisted of carrying my cupcake tray, maple syrup, chocolate chips, bbq sauce, recipes in my ipad, a hair dryer, 3 pairs of shoes including my uggs, and most of my hair products) I put all of my faith into my newly appointed Spanish tour guide, and we trekked off to Albacete, which is really in the middle of nowhere. From there, we continued one hour into MORE nothingness of the province of Albacete to Esteban's families' getaway house.

We arrived late after sunset on friday evening. We hung out around space heaters, waiting for the heat to kick in. To make the time pass quicker, we opened a bottle of red, sliced up some cheese and spread some pate.  We enjoyed these simple delicacies in front of the fireplace.

The next morning I awoke to an amazing sight.... the view of the mountains! It was absolutely breathtaking. 

I treated my host to some traditional made-from-scratch-all-American-chocolate chip pancakes, which I thoroughly enjoyed while fixing my view upon the lovely paisaje.

After we went for a walk to further enjoy the lovely landscape. Then we encountered something I've only read about in books... a spanish shepherd and his herd of sheep and goats!! How exciting!!!!!!

After all the excitement of domestic animals in the mountains, we headed inside for a lunch consisting of a goatcheese/apple/walnut salad, and partridge... and lots of wine and crema de orujo.

Before finishing the bottle of the ever-so-delectable creme de orujo, I rembered I needed some of it for my most anticipated recipe of the weekend: Irish Car bomb cupcakes!

Even though I was a little tipsy after our long spanish lunch, the cupcakes were a HUGE success. I thought I died and went to heaven for a moment, but then came back to earth for another bite!

Later that evening while getting into the Real Madrid-Valencia futbol match, we also made some BBQ chicken pizza. It sure did feel good to get back into the kitchen!

The next morning after sleeping until noon and being lazy until 130, it was time to get the show in the road: eating the remainder of all the food we bought, and cleaning and locking up the house.



I was a little despondent to leave such a good weekend behind; but reminding myself that I was headed back to my favorite city made it a little easier on the soul. Also, I have a feeling I'll get to go back again! =)

Post #100: Short and Sweet sobre Salamanca

A few weeks ago I took a wonderful trip to the enchanting, yet college party city, Salamanca


There we saw what is said to be the most beautiful Plaza Mayor throughout all of Spain.

We explored the Casa de la Concha

Had failed attempts at visiting the Cathedral (but finally caught a glimpse inside on our last day)

Crossed the Puente Romano

Dined in the famous Meson Cervantes

Searched for the Rana de Suerte (Lucky Frog) But again, fail...

Ended the weekend with Tapas in Chilly Avila

Salamanca is famous for their university since it is the oldest in spain. The city was bursting with international life. There were students from all over the world. (Americans were the easiest to spot with their Uggs and coffees in hand)

I highly recommend a trip to Salamanca. The city is gorgeous, uniform, and most importantly... classy (however the classiness level went down a few points at night)

Staying Optimistic with Encouragement and Patience

I really hate to complain. My life is excellent right now. I am loving Madrid so much that I can't find the time to Blog about it!
I have a great living situation, I take care of phenomenal little girls, I have wonderful friends, and an enjoyable job... for the most part.

But I need to express my concern for my role at school. This year I have the opportunity to be very active, which I LOVE!!! However, a couple years back, I earned my degree in childhood education. I spent 8-10 weeks teaching 4th grade, and 8-10 weeks teaching 1st grade. I was the teacher. I planned lessons, themes, assessments, and I followed a method of classroom management. I arrived to school 1-2 hours early to prepare and plan, and I worked through breaks and even lunch. Then I took my work home with me and continued there.

I spent 3 years studying methods and putting them into action. How to teach children how to read, how to run a classroom, how to make your lessons work, how to help your students get something out of your lessons.

Preparedness was also very important. My lessons were always planned one day-one week ahead of the date I was planning to teach them. I also planned extra activities in case there was extra time or in case the lesson was a flop! Lastly, I was also prepared to alter my lessons for students who were above or below the target level. For instance, less work for those who tended to fall behind, and more challenging activities for those students who excelled.

This my loyal readers... does not exist in Spain.

Many days it hurts my soul and breaks my heart to see the public education system here: especially in one class in particular.

I try my best to stay optimistic and to continue to put my educational philosophy into action.  I always remind myself that my students are only 6 years old, and I am teaching them things in a foreign language. I try to give the students who tend to drift up into the clouds extra attention and proximity to help them stay focused. I speak to them in my caring teacher voice, and I try to have a very high level of patience. I try to differentiate on a verbal level and a written level. I try not to be too picky and too judgemental of their work, especially of their coloring and creativity.
When teaching I also try to speak very slow, using simple words to understand, and to repeat myself a lot. I ask them questions to check for understanding, and I do not use the most intelligent students as a crutch to get through my lessons I encourage all children to participate, and I love using words of encouragement.

The one thing I still have trouble with... is hugs and letting kids touch me... sooo Americana! (dont want to get sued!)

Next post is post 100!! Im hoping to make it a good one!!!

My ABC's of Travel

A: Age you went on your first international trip:  Does Canada count? If so, I believe i went at age 9 or so. If Canada doesn't count, I went on a cruise and stopped in Belize and two Mexican cities at age 21 If that STILL doesnt count, then it was to Spain at age 22!!!

B: Best (foreign) beer you’ve had and where: Im pretty sure i have an allergy to some ingredient in beer. But I had some really good pear sidra in Fuerteventura (imported from a different country, dont ask where)

C: Cuisine (favorite): Although I gained at least 5 pounds traveling Italy for a week, Id have to say I really really really enjoyed the Moroccan cuisine!! It was so different and flavorful!  Italy and their gelato is a close 2nd though

my favorite moroccan dish!

D: Destinations, favorite, least favorite and why: Youre going to make me choose just one location??? Of course i choose Madrid, it is my favorite city hands down. And I love traveling throughout Spain, but if I have to choose a different European country I'd have to choose Amsterdam. I could ride bikes past windmills all day while eating gouda cheese and never complain (except when its cold). Least favorite was probably brussels. The girls and I always joked when thinking of an adjective to describe each city... Brussels: Its belgian. But I cant kick Brussels when its down, I do love their waffles and chocolate!

E: Event you experienced abroad that made you say “wow”: Flamenco always awes me and I get so entranced by the performance. But as I was typing that response, I realized wait a tic... LAS FALLAS. Nothing compares to all those big structures being lit on fire with fireworks in the background. The noise, the smells, the heat against your face, everyones excitement... nothing beats it.

F: Favorite mode of transportation: VALEN-BISI! Takes you anywhere, with securty bike lanes, for 18 euros a year. I would just appreciate it more if there were more places to park at the beach!

G: Greatest feeling while traveling: I love when I can communicate with people who I don't share a common language with. I love learning and successfully speaking new languages (at least phrases). Example: speaking to an italian cab driver in Firenze... I was so proud and I hope Francesco is proud of me!

H: Hottest place you’ve traveled to: It would be Morocco, if i hadn't gone in January. That being said, I think it is Madrid... love that heat!

I: Incredible service you’ve experienced and where: Amber and I were treated like princesses in our Riad in Fez Morocco. We ate wonderful breakfasts, had an unbelievably fantastic bathroom, and even recieved wonderful souvenirs from our host Abdul!

J: Journey that took the longest: Valencia to New York. Woke up at an ungodly hour for a 4 hour bus to Madrid, then waited in the airport for about 6 hours, following a 2 hour delay, arrived in Heathrow London with 30 minutes before my plane was to depart, ran through the airport to catch my plane, safely made it, but my suitcase did not. It arrived 2 nights later, christmas eve!

K: Keepsake from your travels: At every city I visit, I always buy myself a postcard. Thats it. Pretty simple gal

L: Let-down sight, why and where: I honestly cant think of one let down. I never really talked anything up to myself.  Maybe the Alhambra only because tickets sold out and i didnt get to go!

M: Moment where you fell in love with travel: my first views of Madrid when FORSPRO picked us up and we drove through the Salamanca area

N: Nicest hotel you’ve stayed in: Its a tie between Spot Hostel in Oporto, Portugal, and our Riad in Fez, Morocco! both were so nice and really set high standards for any future alojamientos

O: Obsession—what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling?: Someone asked me this a few months ago and I was convinced I didnt have an obsession... but then looking at my italy pictures I realized I do... its BRIDGES! weird

P: Passport stamps, how many and from where?  I have a lot mainly from traveling between spain and america round trip  3 times... also I have some Paris stamps, some London Stamps, and my pride and joy is my Morocco stamp!!

Q: Quirkiest attraction you’ve visited and where: i just love cheese exhibits. there were so many in amsterdam!

R: Recommended sight, event or experience:  I agree with Casey! Hiking the five towns of the Cinque Terre in Italy. You must hike it, no trains allowed.

S: Splurge; something you have no problem forking over money for while traveling: I really am anti souvenir and more pro-experience or pro-food. I love splurging on one delicious meal from every country I go to

T: Touristy thing you’ve done: In Valencias Parque del Turia, my parents and I rode that little train that gives you a tour of the City of Arts and Sciences.... que verguenza

U: Unforgettable travel memory: I seriously cant choose one! Do I choose hiking cinque terre? Swimming off the island of Capri? Eating grapes at midnight in puerta del Sol? Biking the Netherlands Countryside? Sunset over Firenze? Traditional Moroccan family feast? Riding home in a big yellow van of a stranger? or how about LIVNG IN SPAIN???

V: Visas, how many and for where? One. My student visa to come to Spain as en English Teachers Assistant

W: Wine, best glass of wine while traveling and where?  My favorite glass of wine will always be from Long Island, my peach wine from Vineyard 48

X: eXcellent view and from where?: Cinque terre is the most beautiful place I have ever laid my eyes upon.  Close second best view is the view from Piazza Michaelangelo in Firenze

Y: Years spent traveling?: About 1.5! And oh the places I've been!!

Z: Zealous sports fans and where?: When Spain won the world cup, the atmosphere was intoxicating in Astoria Queens where I watched it with my favorite Madrileña and other Spanish blooded citizens of New York!