Hola,
Yes, I know it has been a long time.
From my perspective, either I have changed how I am living my life here and/or the dynamics of the American/British/Irish Teachers Family has changed...
This is not a bad thing, this is not sad and not for any reason; other than to mean that we have all been here a year. We each had experiences alone and as a group - we all have moved on to the next year of teaching with our different pieces of the experience.
For me, I went to the US for 6 weeks - a long time to be away from a place one is trying to make Home. But I think it was needed for something beyond visiting friends & family alone. At 53 I closed everything up and moved to a foreign country - living out my dream. Everyone in the US who I am close to expressed pleasure in my abilty to complete the decision and to do what I have wanted to for 15 years. My being in the US for all that time gave me time to connect with everyone and discuss first hand the adventure.
Now I am back and I am not living in the city centre - just outside 3 metro stops and next to Casa de Campo - huge out-door area. I have secured 19 hours per week, for the moment - still looking for at least 3 more - all crammed into Monday through Thursday. I have a 3 day weekend every week!! NOTE this weekend coming I have 5 days due to the holiday on Tuesday and no one is working Monday either.
I am focused on my personal goals this time: Spanish!! Gym, Biking, Eating better, less partying; Spanish!! Joining groups, clubs, activities, etc.
I still have work to do to structure my time so that I can practice Spanish every day; but I must lesson plan too.
Activities during my 1st four weeks included: Biking with Robbie, went to the gym once; went to Valencia this past weekend (stayed with Javi); long walks after work in el campo; Silviano was here on a lay-over; Patrick has been here several times; celebrated yet another B'day in Spain; worked on a secrete project; Sold my Jeep - with John's help!!! Thanks; one-to-one time with friends here.
I am settled into a more normal life for a guy my age teaching English in Madrid - surviving and enjoying my time.
Going forward: I have mentioned many of the elements of my plan while here this coming year - but I have a 5 day weekend ahead. What should I do?????
more to follow
Beto
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