some experiences simply do not translate, you have to go to know ... kobi yamada

2010-08-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

Good bye Hong Kong, Good bye the view from my room.

Good bye phase one of the MacLehose trail and the pristine crystal-blue waters. One day I will visit the other 84 kilometers that stretch across the natural wondrous beauty encompassed in the New Territories from Sai Kung peninsula to the Tai Lam mountain range. I have been inspired, exhausted, and in love with the endless hiking trails and incredible landscapes as they weave through the Hong Kong Islands.

Good bye 7/11, bright lights and crowded streets.

Good bye Happy Valley and all the Jockey fanatics. Thank you for a fun lucky win; 30 to 1 odds, At Moment In Time, Sparkling Feeling, Ever Beauty !

Good bye Victoria Harbor and the never ending skyline. Good bye traditional Chinese junk boats.

Good bye 10,000 Buddhas and counting! And good bye to the biggest Buddha of all.

Good bye really tall buildings known as "the chop sticks".

And good bye IFC. Where are you batman? I am still waiting for another famous leap, like in the Dark Night...

Good bye Hot Kong Yoga - stretch, breathe, balance... and maybe the flying splits (as they do here in Hong Kong, yoga is taken to a complete new level here)!

Good bye street food; delicious siu baau, pineapple beer, alfresco seafood, and other flavorful delights!

Good bye QUADRAT! a sinergized staff and lots of laughs!

Good bye to another island, a different immigration system, where Europe meets Asia, taste the most delicious egg tarts found at Margarets Cafe, the home of the largest single structure hotel building in Asia - The Venetian... arrive by boat, plane or helicopter and enjoy the Vegas of the East; Macau

Double double toil and trouble, fires burn and hot pots bubble. Thinly sliced meats, fresh veggies and seafood - dunk, simmer and indulge! Good bye great food, flavors and friends.

Good bye giant leaves, incredible treas and mystic magical timberland.

Good bye population density overload, right-side-driving-double-decker buses, and swerving-werving taxi cabs.

Good bye arrows all over the MTR (underground), kindly placed to remind us of proper walking paths, however the "east meets west" induces quite the mix-up and mash-up of left-side, right-side, middle of the pack bustling foot traffic.

Good bye mystery midnight foot massages.

Good bye Fragrant Harbour!

Thank you Hong Kong! Thank you Dreamers! Thank you Marge-in-Charge for pulling me in to such sublime summer.

2010-06-19T03:07:00.000-07:00

Truly the best Thursday ever!

By 6am Marge and Clay were up and out of the non-air-conditioned bedroom (it broke in the middle of the night), running shoes on, and hitting the Hong Kong pavement. The coolest, or shall I say, the most bearable part of the day – before it reaches close to 90 degrees (“real feel, 104”) and 85% humidity. We like to compare stepping outside to entering a Bikrim Yoga class, or for especially thick days – calling out the soup of the day. Sometimes it is split pea, other days we get tomato bisque when the air feels a bit lighter. Nevertheless, motivated to not let the uncomfortable heat control our moods, we got our endorphins pumping and made a nice loop in our new neighborhood. We, including our friend, Mauricio, were the youngest taking in the morning peace among the tai chi partakers and others doing their daily stretches and reflex exercises.

Marge and I set out to do a bit of work and enjoy a treat at Café Lavande, in the Midlevels. We were surprised with an awesome fresh market and a – shout out to the Delaney / DiJulio (especially Anner!) affection for frozen yogurt, we found a delicious treat! Then onwards and upwards to the quaint French café was a perfect spot tucked away on one of the most charming streets in this bustling city!

Next stop – Joy Ocean Foot Reflexology

Wondering what was behind the doors, hoping for a pedicure, we were welcomed and hustled large comfy chairs, wrapped in towels and provided with water bottles. Trying to explain that we were interested in pedicures, a voice from the row behind also layered in towels and enjoying her treatment, translated that they don’t do pedicures. 60 minutes later, after a full leg and foot rub-down / beat-down, we were extremely content with our decision to forgo looking for a pedicure and enjoying a Hong Kong signature foot massage.

On our way back to the City University Residence, we stumbled into the longest elevator in the world! From bottom to top, it takes 25 minutes! We actually didn’t take a ride of it. Although it would have been an ease to our hike up the hills, we didn’t realize we were walking parallel to the famous escalator until our descent. Not only were we in awe by the never ending escalator, but the abundance of restaurants and cafes (all projecting world cup). So why not pop in for a two for one happy hour special and enjoy some football!? That’s exactly what we did!

Talk about a glorious day with no one better to share with than a sister!

2010-02-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

2010-02-18T13:27:00.001-08:00

ok, not my pictures... dont run with a camera, but, you get the idea - amazing!

2010-02-18T13:22:00.001-08:00

2010-02-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

i felt so accomplished, energized and proud . 10 miles ... of running! Not a preferred past time but something i want to like, a healthy activity that i always think of being a good habit, shouldn't be so difficult, so sometimes i pretend i like it... try to trick myself into it - ha, i am such a dork!
i should use margaret's excuse - "according to our family history - osteoporosis and all, maybe running just isn't good for us" - good one!

with the turn of the new year comes the famous new years resolutions! as the last year, instead of making general resolutions (lose weight, keep up on the news, be more involved in politics, read more, blah blah blah - always the same, so i've got to find a new approach instead of always thinking i am going to do something and then it always gets put off... and hey, we are at a new year again... roll over resolutions, no?) i find that starting with basic monthly goals is a good way to keep myself conscious and accountable for those personal objectives - that's my resolution solution!

so, apart from reading a spanish novel (got to make the most of language acquisition while living in spain) i made the commitment to myself that i would re-incorporate running into my exercise regime...
...about half way through the month, feeling pretty good and content with a 3mile run up and down diagonal, barbara - my boss and athletic maniac by the way - began convincing me to run the bcn 1/2 marathon! ok, i thought, pretty perfect way to not let this "resolution" slip slide away, so i said, alright, this weekend we go on a "long run" and if i don't die, fine - i'm in... oh gad, what am i getting myself into - i hate running!

bright and early the next morning training began...if i can do 3 miles, i can do 5 and if i can do 5, 7 shouldn't be too bad, right? and then, hey, that is more than half way to 13....

there is a catch, of course! - i have just about a month before race day, yikes!

none the less, a beautiful bright, sunshiny day, 2 weeks after the grand commitment (cold! but sunny) i tromped on new barcelona grounds, amazing afternoon escape... peaceful carretera de las aguas, just above the city and beneath the famous tibidabo - away from the hustle and bustle...mountainous trails proving a view of the glistening sea, and all the main attractions - segrada familia, monjuic, olympic stadium, torre agbar ... all within my undisturbed panoramic view from the hills :)
i didnt even feel like i was in barcelona, nor spain...not really sure where i thought i was - maybe that's the point - not even thinking about where you are, where you are going... just being and breathing! it is so liberating when you get the chance to free your mind, i've got to figure out a way to do that more! maybe that's why i have such a love-hate-relationship with running

two weeks to go - all good and jazzed until... gripe a? swine flu? who knows? whatever this maldido virus - immobile for over a week... no training - cant even breathe through my nose - crap!
we will see...

i just had to share the my carretera de las aguas experience - it made me glow for the following week, and realize how much ground can be covered jogging around - it makes the city seem so small!

2010-01-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

I just had to post this following story... thanks to madmd, I appreciate this wise message and it's raw truth. As we have just approached the new year, lets all be watchful of our words...

In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said:

"Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied.

"Before you tell me I'd like you to pass a little test.

It's called the Test of Three."

"Test of Three?"

"That's right," Socrates continued.

"Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say.

The first test is Truth.

Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

No," the man said, "actually I just heard about It."

"All right," said Socrates.

"So you don't really know if it's true or not.

Now let's try the second test, the test of Goodness.

Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you're not certain it's true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued. "You may still pass though, because there is a third test - the filter of Usefulness.

Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True, nor Good, nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"

TRUTH, GOODNESS, USEFULNESS... TAKE A MOMENT

back to bcn

2009-09-13T03:52:00.000-07:00

Back to Barcelona and back to (optimistically) maintaining an active blog … a personal ambition to produce a bit of writing and reflection, as well - it provides a slight dose of what is going on in my world abroad …. Dedicated to those who do have it starred as a “favorite”

Just short of a week upon arrival, roughly acclimated to the time-difference, in the midst of organizing my classes and already scheming European adventures. It was such a strange feeling waking up in Barcelona the first day and feeling like I had never left, however simultaneously having the sensation that I could easily open door leading me with one step back in to my world in Seattle. Soon enough winter wonderland in Seattle will be around the corner so I must not get too ahead of myself… moment by moment is how I like to function with a thoughtful awareness of the future – I just have to remind myself not to obsess over it. If you know me well, you know that as one of my battles, preoccupying my mind 5 steps ahead of the present moment and obsessing over making the right decision. “Who knows!?” Seriously! Who does know what is in store? I sure don’t, but a little bit of patience and contentment then something great always seems to appear – and that’s what we go with!

So the highlights of the moment I am in presently…. The Mediterranean
I am now living on Carrer Villarroel 259, 5-3, Barcelona 08036

I’ve painted my room – it is tiny so I thought yellow would be a good way to open it up! I will be making a trip to Ikea trip to see what kind of odd furniture I can configure in the little space that my bed does not occupy.
… photos to come

I also spent all day teaming up with Kimmie painting in our living room a deep red-rosy color and helping her paint her room.
Whew! Painting is work!
Between that and heavy lifting, I am sore!

Poc a poc as they say in Catalan, and there will be more to come…

2009-04-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

ok, get ready for some pics...
here are links to a few albums i have created!
you will see barcelona, paris, ireland and many friendly faces
enjoy!

(you should be able to just highlight, copy and paste the link in the address bar to see the pictures, if you cant click on it)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2166570&id=25902907&l=cdfb3a7383

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2166566&id=25902907&l=aaad8293b8

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2166563&id=25902907&l=1845b8a2a7

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2166494&id=25902907&l=76d611a6b5

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2166560&id=25902907&l=d256639c29

2009-04-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

And now it is now spring ... or is it?

2009-04-25T05:25:00.000-07:00

April 25, 2009 … My initial intentions were to keep an ongoing journal upon setting up my blog, but as we can see, my last entry was 2 months ago

… Since February, I have been graced with dear visitors - Danielle, Yossy, and Sarah (in may) Kerry, Tom and Kirstin (in April) ...I have been continuing to work my butt off, juggling my students – some very ambitious, and others completely lacking motivation, and many at various points in between… A weekend trip to Paris, a camping adventure in Ireland, experiencing the traditional Catalan calzotada (one of the most delicious BBQs ever!) ... continuing to explore the many barrios of Barcelona, taking classed twice a week - still trying to speak this foreign language and express myself as naturally as possible, but I find myself tangeled up in the the lack of vocabulary, and stumbling around correct grammar structures - oh how easy I find myself in a world of self impatience - but hey i have to remind myself that i am doing the best I can! …Day to day, week to week ... my inspirations change ... at one moment feeling 100% interested in continuing life here, continue my growth at an English teacher, Spanish language learner, and traveler - there are still so many places I am craving to explore... and then I am hit with a complete 180 switch where I find myself filled with desire to be home, get back into my Seattle life that awaits me. I know at this point I am young – although I have just completed a quarter century of life - and I need to go with my gut, but how do I follow my instinct when I cant quite keep up with it? well I guess I will just put the goal out there of being at peace with the moment ...

Today I was stitting at the beach, weathering the wind. Lately, the days have been filled with sunshine then the dark clouds roll in, although we have gotten some pretty impressive rainbows ... the weather hasnt quite made up its mind yet - so I find myself, saturday morning, doing my best to pull out that sunshine, and convince the clouds to pass, but the sun is a bit shy today, and the wind is taking over. To say the least, the waves are beautiful and I am taking advantage of the best natural therapy : ocean, fresh air, music - but most of all, some time to myself!

2009-03-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

FABULOUS FEBRUARY

yet again, another month has flown by...
a lot of activity - parties, serious decision making ("should I stay or should I go... da da da da da da?!"), teaching, Spanish classes, and lots of and lots of planning - the works!

I am planning an adventure to Ireland in April, i have officially rented a Volkswagen, fully equipped orange and white camper van to entertain a complete Irish tour - so that is a highlight I am anxioulsy awaiting!

As well, I have three special visitors this coming week and the week after - so that will be busy and fun of course!
I get to take a weekend in Paris with Yossy and Danielle, and then some time with my cousin in :)

so lets see - the favorites from February...

Kims cousin came for a weekend visit
and showed off his juggling skills on a beautifully sunny Sunday
We had a fun time exploring the city and taking it easy

Kim and i went to the "Obama world tour concert"
It was a fun reggae party! great music and good vibes!

Then it was crazy carnival celebrations!
we took off for Sitges for the evening / early morning festivities in pirate gear...

i am really enjoying the company of a wonderful
from bellingham - michelle reciently moved to the
city!

Then to wrap up the excitement I went off hit the French Pyrinese for a bit of skiing !

my friend gemma - she is acutally a student of mine...
we do private classes - she has been a wonderful
friend too!
we went to her house just across the french / spanish
border near the mountains for some spring skiing!

crazy rope tow i have never seen one like it...

Final decision: I am planning a summer quest to obtain a visa so I can continue to work here next year... get ready to see me boppin around seattle this summer!
so excited!!!

so now I am off to kick a sinus infection out of my system...off to dream land
sending love to all

2009-02-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

Oh the rain in Spain not only falls on the plains... I feel as if i am back in my lovely rainy city of Seattle... what a trick! my first week back here was so blissfully sunny with the impression that the days had begun warming up in preparation for springtime - but to my surprise the last week has brought chilled gusts of wind, gray and wet days - yuck!, i am ready for the sun to shine on down!
Along with the endless raindrops, i am battling some foreign virus, which all the kids have been oh so freely spreading around the mini town of Cabrils, needless to say my very intimate classroom - yuck ! once again. Those snotty kids - in more ways than one - have however are growing on me. All the hugs and smiles, and undeniable big brown eyes... they do melt my heart, so enough complaining.

I have enrolled in Spanish classes - yay! I have been meaning to do that ever since i moved over here, however it was impossible with my work schedule druing the fall. I had decided that when i cam back after the holidays I would rearrange some classes so I could sllow for a life outside of teaching English - goal accomplished! ... at least one checked off the endless list i behold
... so the Spanish classes? Indeed I did study in college - must I explain that languages are not simple, and I have to remind myself so I dont get bumbed out about not being "fluent" yet... it takes constant practice, and it can be discouraging... sometimes the words I want just dont come out - and with the majority of my days filled with the English language, Spanish classes are just what I have been craving... i have already met some wonderful people to say the least, Germans, English, French, Finish, Japanese... and it is such a nice change of pace! sitting facing the whiteboard instead of standing infront of it! Putting the grammar, vocabulary, and countless hours studing this language back into practice is very refreshing!
I have also added yet another highlight ot my weeks - samba reggae dance! instructed by my dear roommate kimmie! I love it, I love it! and that's all i need to say about that for now - it is just simply great.
Although my classes are still challenging and time consuming... I have found a steady rhythm, and it is so cool being a whitness to their great progress! Viva la vida
... once again, I am still missing everyone at home - you all fill my heart daily

2009-01-25T13:31:00.000-08:00

2009-01-12T02:36:00.000-08:00

From bright white snow to rainy grey weather to sunshine! - What a wonderful welcome back to the beautiful Mediterranean coast of Cataluña. About 17 hours of travel, and manning heavy luggage from the airport, two trains, and a measly 4 block walk, which is usually a brisk 3 minute walk - this time it took
f o r e v e r. Needless to say, I made it safely and with a smile stretched across my face.
Although awaking at 4:45am with out the ability to drift back to dream land is not much fun, it is calming that I have a routine to settle back into and a job that is an enjoyable challenge. Soon I will be readjusted to the 9 hour time difference. And soon I will have all my electronics sorted out… for some reason this time, I am having such a struggle with outlet adaptors and converters not working… I think I am cursed when it comes to technology…. First it was my I pod, then the computer (have a new one now - keeping fingers crosses!) and now this silly alarm clock with speakers for my music… and anyone who knows me can testify that a solid alarm clock is a necessity! Poc a poc as the say here in Cataluña… little by little, one step at a time I suppose ...
A fresh start to the new year fallows the special vacation I had back at home. Adventures in the white winter wonderland, skiing, romping around, all my favorite meals with wonderful company, continuous parties, celebrations, dancing, laughter…
So then why the heck would I venture so far away from so many people I adore and the comfort of home! Of course my mind is working overtime to sort out what the next step is what “should“ I be doing … what comes after Spain…entertaining, at points, far too many ideas … I struggle with arriving at a balance of being mindful of the present moment, and not getting to far ahead of myself … I am here, and happy to be here! And I am beginning to feel settled once again.
It is funny how that happens though … I think the wheels of my brain tend to move at a higher speed than I can keep up with. So I breathe, remind myself of my countless blessings, and find peace to proceed with my present being.

2008-12-15T06:40:00.000-08:00

So now we are in December and I am just a few days away from being home for the holidays!!! Yay I am just so excited! And yet again it is difficult for me to grasp how quickly the time has passed. In no time at all I will be anxiously waiting to be released from the stuffy plane that I will have spent over 10 hours on … and breathe in some fresh Seattle air. I am so grateful that I get to come home to a family that is so amazingly wonderful and dear friends whom I adore. I am ready for some familiarity, my melt-away bed, any kind of food I crave, not having to decode a language or balance and prepare 15 different classes for the week…

For now I will enjoy the lights and decorations that line every single street here, and the Christmas music that they have begun playing over public loudspeakers.

Here are some recent pictures….

.... and what is this lil guy doing?

JEAN LEON WINERY

MUNICH… A BIT CHILLIER THAN IN SPAIN…. BUT THOSE LITER BEER WILL SURE WARM YA UP!

Typical “white” sausage of Bavaria… had to try it just because – but first we had to figure out how to get the casing off… ummmm, actually not so much

YAY FOR SNOW!!!!

DELICIOUS HOT WINE TO KEEP US WARM WHILE SHOPPING AND HERE WE GO WITH ½ METER SAUSAGES!!!!

OH THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC IN SALSBURG!!!

MERRY CHIRISTMAS …HAPPY HOLIDAYS…MERRY CHRISTMAS…HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!!!

november photos

2008-11-28T08:00:00.001-08:00

dig in kimmie!
mashed potatoes, stufffing, cranberries
turkey with stuffing, figs, apple pies (2)
and of course wine! i would say we did a
darn good feast! ummmm....

gobble gobble - making "turkeys"
sharing what we are thankful for...
the colored feathers were a highlight!

i love the old boats that are haning out on the beach

market to market!

so many thanks!!!

2008-11-27T10:34:00.000-08:00

On this day of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of how blessed I am by so many of my wonderful friends and my unique family whom I absolutely adore! i am anxiously waiting to be home for Christmas and new years with all of my precious Seattle people!!!

Although the majority of Spaniards have not even heard of thanksgiving, Barbara decided to host a last minute dinner in honor of thanksgiving and the her teachers! She even managed to find a turkey (it had to be specially ordered )

so after all, I will get to have a thanksgiving meal, which, originally I didn’t think was a possibility, since I work till 8pm - no time for cooking ... how wonderful!?!

I get to end a lengthy day of teaching with a thanksgiving meal!!!

As I reflect on these last three months, I can see how amazingly everything has fallen into place. I realize that flexibility and acceptance of changes, opportunities and an unknown future, are necessary in order to maintain happiness as well as a positive outcome. It is pretty crazy how it all works out… and in a way I am not sure that I would have been able to plan.

It is a refreshing feeling for me to see how things have a way of naturally working themselves out, I wont disregard the patience it requires, but it is all worth it!

So to all those who have been such great support to an unknown plan – I am very grateful!!!

2008-11-08T10:50:00.001-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2136837&l=88324&id=25902907

it's not so warm anymore, but i can still get away with flip flops on occasion

2008-11-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

Two months have now passed…
I can say I am living the life of café con leche, Spanish tortilla, late nights out and about, siesta, battling cigarette smoke, bottles of wine for under 3 euro (good wine too), narrow sidewalks, motor bikes everywhere, and catalan, a language unfortunately unlike Spanish.

I am living in an apartment along the Maresme, coastal towns and villages north of Barcelona. My apartments is just a few blocks from the sea, and a short walk to the bus, which takes me up to Cabrils where I spend most hours of the weekdays. It is a pretty quiet town, however Barcelona is just a simple train ride away, where I can find plenty of action!

Many of you know that I wasn’t exactly sure of what I was going to be getting into over here in Spain. I had only had a few unofficial hours set up to teach English per week, however it has turned into a full time job. I have counted that I have 15 different classes in a week! I have small classes, however it is amazing how challenging even such small groups can be. These kids are pretty ruthless. Quoting an owner of another English school “ Spanish students are like sharks”! I thought it was pretty funny, bu they are! It is the truth. Especially in a town like Cabrils, a fairly well off area, these kids take being teens to a different level, and many of the youngins even have a fiery attitude. I do have many cuties though, and am beginning to form nice relationships with the other students as well… it all takes time and patience!

funny story - i teach a 5th grader, edgar. he goes to a bilingual school and comes for help

It is wonderful having Kim here!
She finally arrived just a couple of weeks ago, after changing her flight multiple times because she was waiting on her visa. Nonetheless, she made it. We are enjoying each other’s company and the challenge of transforming an old lady’s apartment into a home for ourselves.

to my wonderful god-father...

2008-10-16T03:19:00.000-07:00

jim, what is your email?
i dont have it... only an old one that doesnt work...
can you email me with it please?!
thanks... give the fam lots of squeezes for me!

some more pics!!!

2008-10-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2136837&l=88324&id=25902907

here is a link to view some recent pictures.... a friend tony from seattle, a visit from kristin and andrea - while they had a break from soccer in germany, and my aunt and uncle at the last leg of their european cruise... and soon to come pics of my new apartment - i have a home! just need to make it feel like ¨home¨

2008-10-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

hey guys... many people have been asking for an address... i will give you the school address since someone is always here - just more reliable that way
so here is is...

Larchmont
c/ Domènec Carles
8 bxs. dta.
08348 Cabrils
Spain

... looking forward to hearing from you

2008-10-01T04:18:00.000-07:00

beatuiful barcelona!!!

tapas tapas tapas...

Casa Mila (Passeig de Gracia, La Pedrera, 1906-1912)

this was one of my lessons i
made for the ¨little elephant¨ group
to learn body parts... they did
pin the parts on the elephant
(blind folded) :)

here are some of my darling
four-year-olds!!!

i can´t believe it has almost been 3 weeks...

2008-09-28T03:07:00.000-07:00

so, i guess it is time for a little update...
i have already had 2 full weeks of teaching, and let me tell you, its crazy, each day seems really long, and then all of a sudden, i am at the end of the week. time has already started to fly by.... i guess that is a good thing, usually that means that you are having a good time... which, certainly i am!

the weather has cooled down a bit, it changes each day ... but for the most part it is clear skys, beautiful, warm and sunny!

i have caught that damn ¨back to school¨ cold... of course. a couple of people here at the school have it - and they seem to blame it on the ¨cold¨ weather... but hello, a bunch of little kids in small classrooms with their germey little bodies... it is definately not the weather - it isnt even cold here!

anyways... i have been meeting a lot of friends of friends... it is great!
i went to a concert on friday, met up with someone last night for dinner and drinks in the city, then missed my train back... thankfully there was one more - the last one of the evening... and these 2 argentinian guys were planning on catching that one too... so we ended up chatting and had some time to kill so we went up to grab a drink and continued to visit - they are italians too and were trying to explain how i could get dual citizenship ...

Oh, i have a place to live!!!
unfortunately i have some cleaning to do... a woman with dementia lived there before, but it seems that it will be a great place for kim and i... i bought some paint, and it is already furnished... so i dont have to spend too much on the place, but i will definately want to make it more ¨homey¨

i think that is it for now... i havent taken any pic really, but when i do i will get some more up there...

oh yeah... the atm machine sucked up my debit card yesterday... so that is awesome, expecially since it is the weekend, and the banks are closed!

ciao ciao
and thank you all for the emails.... i love, love, love hearing from you!

2008-09-19T06:24:00.001-07:00

That quote is just amazingly perfect for me... I have already been lost 3 times!!! haha I have the worst sense of direction, but ya know what? it always seems to work out just fine...

So it is now Friday, and let me tell you... whew, what a week !?! Monday was the first day of school, and I taught ELEVEN different classes - children, teens and adults. On top of the jet leg and juggling the variety of classes, it was quite a job! Most classes are an hour and a half, however the little ones have a break at their school for three hours, so we pick them up and spend that time with them. We walk back to our school, give them lunch and do what you do with four and five - year - olds, to keep them entertained, while teaching them English. ¨Head, shoulders, knees and toes... If your´re happy and you know it clap your hands... The hokeey pokeey... Those niños are quite a challenge, especially with their rapid fire Catalan (not Spanish) bebe voices, not to mention the intense humidity!

Aside from all the classes, I have managed to go on a run in the mountains and one on the beach... pretty rad! Barbara is pretty active, so that works out well for me.

I also spent an evening in the city. I met up with a friend after classes. We rode bikes through the arc de triumph to a champagneria, then went for delicious tapas and sangria, and finished the night off at a unique hole in the wall bar...

Now check out my new favorite siesta spot!!!

siesta fotos

2008-09-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

2008-09-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

this is the street where my school
¨Larchmont¨ is .

beautful playa - Vialassar de mar

me using my keys to the school for the first time
... such responsibility

... and the chalk board i painted...

2008-09-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

CABRILS

2008-09-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

oh what a darling little village tucked away in the mountains, just north of barcelona. the church bell rings every hour, everyone buzzes around on their little motos on the narrow streets lined with palm trees, and so far the rich coffee is curing my jet leg.

it will only take you about a day to get here from seattle... just hop on a flight at 8:30 in the morning... and you will be here the next day around 10am!!! two flights, two train rides and last, a short little bus ride...

currently i am shacking up at barbara´s house - the owner of the english school here. i have been enjoying her company. except she already went out of town for the weekend - so i had the place to myself!

i am looking for an apartment... and i think i have found a winner!
it is in vilassar de mar, just down the mountain from cabrils. it is just a few blocks from the beach and train station - score!

i have been spending the past few days orientating myself with this new and exciting place... helping barbara out with her 2 kids (when they were in town), cooking a lot, walking around and getting lost... this always happens to me... but i spent some time at the beach and floated around in the balearic sea - it was heaven!

i start teaching on monday... it looks like i will have 6 different classes, so i have been preparing for that
i also did some painting at the school... i painted and entire wall with chalk board paint and working on another ... we will see how that works

ciao for now
besos

2008-09-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

so i thought i would start this blog thang... this way i can let ya all know how wonderful spain is... since i am now living here... so far away from my precious family and all my friends who i adore... i miss you already, so come visit !!!