The Departure - Day 22

I don't know if there's a point to making this last entry but I thought I should.

I'm all packed and ready to go but we won't be leaving for another few hours. I'm looking forward to being home despite only having the one day before being back in college again, I'm sure having a schedule again will help though.

I've enjoyed my time here for the most part, as I mentioned before the teaching was the best. Madrid was so different to Dublin but I found humour in some of their similarities, mainly seeing how people are the same for the most part regardless of where you go. I'm proud of the work I got done here with the kids and of how even though I didn't learn the entire language, I managed to get by without any major issues.

I can see myself coming back in a few years maybe, I appreciate the opportunity I've been given and I think I made the best of it in my own way. I feel like I'm getting repetitive now.

I'm very happy with the feedback I received from the students and staff alike. I'll admit it's made me consider a path to teaching of some kind but I don't think it would be for me.

The town has been lovely and the people I have interacted with also. The staff at the local restaurant, the florist, all were very nice and helpful.

It's been an experience to say the least and one I won't forget. The time I spent in Alpedrete has helped me grow as a person in several ways. I'm not the same as I was when I arrived, which is good.

Thank you to everyone who helped me get here and during my stay. Its been an exciting chapter in my life.

I think a quote would sum this up nicely.
"A thing isn't beautiful because it lasts".

For the final time, thank you.

-Reece

The final picture I took Madrid. 

The Night Before - Day 21

Today was a recovery day for me, spent a lot of it just trying to relax after walking do much yesterday and just being pretty tired.

Done some laundry and called some of my family to talk. I'm pretty much packed and ready to go so that's good. After a few hours I went for one last walk around Alpedrete, for old times sake I suppose. Took some pictures and just took it all in one more time. 

I went to a local restaurant for dinner as I planned, they basically know me there I'd say in the case of some of the staff. Food was good enough, generally just enjoyed the moment of it. 

Came home and continued to try and just relax before tomorrow, while I can't wait to get home I am not looking forward to the airport. I have very few problems with flying, airports are a whole different thing. 

I think I made the best of the time here, while I didn't go out exploring every day I did do what I wanted to do for the most part. The teaching was the best part but seeing Madrid was an experience, particularly yesterday on my own. 

Ava (the homeowner) told me I'll always be welcome here and that if I'm ever coming back over to just reach out so I can stay here, even with friends. We agreed that if she comes back to Ireland and has time we'd try meet up which is nice, it's good to have global contacts and connections.

She loved the flowers thankfully and so did her cat. I popped back into the florist to tell her how much the flowers were appreciated and she was very happy about that. 

Well, tomorrow's the big day. 

Until the final installment. 

- Reece

Some flower appreciation. 

I don't know how it got like this but I wasn't missing the photo op. 

Gotta have a nice sky picture of course. 

Free Roam Unlocked - Day 20

Today I spent the majority of my time walking all over Madrid, went to a few different comic shops and even got some badges and a magnet as souvenirs.

The day was great for walking, lovely weather and very warm. I made my way all across the city and back. Took so many photos that my phone didn't want to let me open the camera for a while (not even joking).

Spending the day in Madrid by myself was very freeing, doing whatever I want without having to deal with other people. I hope the others had as good a day as I did.

I booked some flowers for Ava as a thank you for letting us stay here and for being so kind. I'll pick them up tomorrow.

Until the next installment.
-Reece

Some of the man

i love the james joyce bar - day 20

It’s weird being in Madrid and having it start to finally feel like a holiday after so long, since we’re finally done school. Today I met with Laura in Madrid and we did some shopping, and later met up with Eloah for dinner in the James Joyce bar near Retiro Park. The food there is soooo goooood!!

We had been trying to plan to go to an escape room today, something to make the most of our last couple days but all the slots were booked up. We’ll probably go back to Retiro Park tomorrow just to have something to do. I’ve got lots of assignments to do in the morning before we go anywhere though :/

This morning I packed my suitcase, cleaned up my room and the kitchen a little bit and threw out all my rubbish to get ready for leaving on Sunday. Still can’t wait to go home, and get into my own bed!!!! Proper cup of tea !!!! Dying for it. 

I had a really nice time today in Madrid with the girls. While we were walking to the pub for dinner we passed this huge building which is just so pretty. I think it’s a hotel, but most of the buildings in Madrid have this really old timey parliament-esque look about them. 

Until I catch u again tomorrow,

Ciara

brains left in the carlos sainz centre - day 19

Well, that’s a wrap folks. Our work here is done. Today we had our final two classes with the year 7s and 8s. They presented their stories to the class by having one kid from each group to stand at the top of the class and present the result of all their hard work the last 2 weeks. 

The quality of their stories was incredible and I’m super happy with the outcome of their work! It was an incredible experience to be a part of. I brought in sweets for the kids and their faces lit up more than they ever did during our lessons but either way, I know they enjoyed our company. At the end of both classes the kids had loads of questions for us about ourselves and what Ireland is like, and asking us to speak some Irish which of course I was only delighted to do, but it does have you on the spot trying to remember anything at all. 

After school, I dropped the rest of the kids worksheets back to Felicity and Andrew so they can continue the lessons if they want to. Laura and I went back to the gokart centre we went to last week and I crashed really hard into one of the barriers, never ever ever let me drive a car it was absolute carnage hahaha, but I’m fine... I think.... I also grabbed a t shirt from the centre too which is a nice little

memory :))

I’m just on the bus home now, and super tired. I can’t wait to get home into bed and conk out. We’ve no set plan for tomorrow but you’ll eventually see what we get up to !!

Talkche later,

Ciara

School's Out - Day 19

The day has come and gone, the final visit to the students here in Alpedrete.

We had them read out their group stories and the rest of the class reviewed it, giving comments and asking questions. Both teachers got involved but in different ways. The year 7 teacher was very good at complimenting each story and getting involved with the class. The darkest story was the most popular surprisingly. The year 8s teacher was more involved through constructive criticism and making sure that everyone was involved.

We gave the teachers and students sweets and chocolates as a thank you for having us, some key chains too. They were all very thankful for us being there and the kids wished for us to come back. Admittedly I was a bit sad to go, having gotten used to being in that environment.

We gave the groups time to ask us questions. Some were about writing (they asked me to go through the rest of the Arrival in summary, the stories I wrote and more), some were about Spain, others about Ireland and even a few were a too personal to answer (if ciara and I are related, since we're not then are we dating. Those were questions I was not expecting to say the least but I laughed it off and the teacher told them to stop).

The staff were very grateful to us and gave us tremendous feedback about how well we've done and how much the kids have opened up to the experience. I said my thank you's and goodbyes, dropped in my visitors ID and walked out.

The rest of the day was uneventful but how can you follow that? The others went go karting and I was going to go but I had an issue come up that I had to deal with. I think tomorrow I'm gonna try go into Madrid by myself, visit a few places and maybe let myself buy something. Should be fun and as long as the trains and buses are working I'll know what I'm doing.

Almost at the end now...

Until the next installment.
- Reece

iiiiiiiiii forgot last night - day 18 (but it’s actually 19)

Ooooooooops I forgot to update this last night as I got home a little late. Wednesday we had the day off as the kids had finished their stories and we didn’t end up needing to take them for extra classes. I went into Madrid in the morning for a little while, just for a stroll around and came back home and worked on a bit of an assignment I have due when I’m back. 

When Laura finished school, we went to a nearby shopping centre in Villalba but it was quite underwhelming and didn’t have all that much in it, mostly food places and a big cinema. We ended up just going to the supermarket beside it and picking up some stuff for our last day in school - sweets for the teachers and kids. 

Apart from that, nothing else really happened. At least nothing that I can remember as I’m writing from memory soooo... :/ I was keeping up such a good streak with the blogs too:( 

Aaaaaanyways, as today is our last day in school I’ll have plenty to update on when I write tonight’s blog!! 

See you in about 10 hours or so!

Ciara

One of those in between days - Day 18

I spent today mostly trying to get anything done for college, I am still very confused but I attempted work and feel like I got some progress on a few things.

Asides from that I went for a walk and talked to my family about working here and how it's coming to an end tomorrow with my last sat in class.

They are looking forward to having me back home and I feel the same. I explained to them how it will be strange going back to the usual schedule and routine.

Anyway, I have the presentations tomorrow to look forward to.

Until the next installment.
- Reece

A picture from my walk today. 

The Story Ends - Day 17

All of the year 7s finished their stories and all except one group of the year 8s but that was just because one more paragraph had to be copied out.

Thursday is our last day with the students seeing as we don't need to take extra classes
They were trying to convince us to take them anyway.

I am very impressed with how this has all turned out and on Thursday we will have them read out their group stories in front of the class. Feedback will be given by the others and it should all be fun.

We talked to Felicity and the class about how they can continue their stories as an exercise or in their spare time after we are gone. The idea was well received.

I spoke to Felicity about how strange it will be to not come in and be a teacher soon. While I don't know if I would take it as a career, I have enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

The kids are the best part and luckily we're spared from any of the other responsibilities that come with teaching.

Well, I should get ready for our final day on Thursday.

Until the next installment.
- Reece

successful day of story completion - day 17

Today was our second last day with both groups, which was bittersweet for us both. I really can't wait to get home, but I'll definitely miss the little routine I've settled into. Both groups managed to finish their stories on time today which was great, as we thought we'd have to take them for an extra class on Wednesday. For Thursday, we'll have their stories corrected and ready to be presented in their class groups. I'm really excited to hear the kids reading out the stories they've come up with as there are some really interesting ideas.

As for the rest of the day, I got home and got a good bit of some assignments done which has taken some pressure off. As were not in school tomorrow I can take the day to focus on finishing some college work, and I'll probably head into Madrid at some stage too. The time has been flying by so quickly it's just blowing my mind. Before I know it I'll be on the plane home and this whole trip will feel like it was a fever dream of some sort -  but I'm so grateful to have gotten to have this experience, not many people do.

My plan for the rest of the night is just to go and make some dinner (chips and nothing else. maybe pasta. don't know yet. living on the edge) and maybe watch some movies, let my brain relax before the stress I'll be under tomorrow doing college work:((

Won't be an awful lot to update on until Thursday, and the remainder of the weekend, so I'll fill you in on my adventures as they unfold.

Catch u next time chicas y chicos

Ciara

The Adventures of a Tired College Student in Spain - Day 16

In school we continued the story writing with the year 7s. One group of boys even finished theirs, Ciara and I read through it and while it was very dark it was undoubtedly good. We just told them we'd have some corrections for them the next day.

One student had been out and we had to get his group to catch him up. Another group continues to be fascinated by us, asking us to speak Irish and similar things. I'd say its partially curiosity but not without the motive of getting out of work. I remember what it was like being their age after all so I can't blame them but they're definitely going enjoying the classes, we've been told by the teachers too which is a big reassurance for me and I'm sure Ciara.

After that I tried to attempt college work because I wanted to get more done but I honestly couldn't stay awake. I tried to sleep for a bit and by the time I felt somewhat rested it was late in the evening. I haven't been sleeping well due to the house feeling so cold at night but I've gotten extra blankets.

I went out and got dinner in a local restaurant. The waiter was very good, the food was great. Since the waiter was nice and spoke some English I told him to take a bit out as a tip for himself from what I paid.

Overall not a terribly exciting day but it could always be worse. I for one am happy with the student's progress and look forward to getting back in to classes tomorrow.

Until the next installment.
- Reece

yet another sleepy day - day 16

Well, the start of our last week here is already upon us. I’ve said it before and will continue to, but time just passes so insanely fast here. The last two weeks have came and went in the blink of an eye. Today in school with the year 7s we just furthered their story writing, and their groups are making good progress so far. We’re hoping to take them for an extra class again on Wednesday, just to make sure we get the most out of the rest of our time here, and to make sure their stories are ready to be presented on Thursday, our last day in school. 

Otherwise, today’s been really quiet. Eloah invited us into Madrid for dinner but I had lots of college work to do (which I didn’t even get around to doing:/ ). I came home from school, had some noodles and then took a nap. Contemplating dinner right now but I’m not really that hungry anyways. I promise I’ll get up to more and update you tomorrow !

Til then,

Ciara

Attempted Productivity - Day 15

I was not up to going into Madrid a third day in a row, so I stayed home and used my time to do laundry and attempting college work.

While I didn't get as much done as I'd like I did my best despite my confusion with assignments. I did some house work too but that's not that interesting, mainly just cleaning and then shopping when it was too late and the supermarket was closed.

The bulk of my day was with college work though. I'm excited to get back into the school tomorrow as it gives me something to focus on. I'm interested to see how the students and their stories progress from last time.

We've only got the one class tomorrow which is both a positive and a negative. I don't know what to expect really but I'm sure it'll be entertaining either way knowing these kids.

Until the next installment.
- Reece

what’s a gominola? - day 15

Well well well, the end of week two is already upon us! the time is going by SO quickly. I really can’t get my head around how differently time passes here in Spain, it’s nothing like at home. Days only feel about 10 hours long here, not 24. I really cannot wait to get back home into my own bed. 

Today Laura and I went into Madrid to do some shopping, and it was a nice and peaceful day. We didn’t get up to much. In one shop we went into, Ale-Hop, we found little animal keychains that light up and make noise when you press them. All the animals made normals skins except for one - the giraffe. It makes such a horrible screeching sound that Laura and I found hilarious. We were crying laughing in the shop pressing these little giraffes. Probably really annoyed all of the staff there too, sorry guys :(( I bought one of the giraffes and it became a running joke between us to press it in large groups of people. 

On the metro back we were in tears again making the giraffe scream down the carriage and getting weird stares from people. In Moncloa station, we went to a sweet shop before grabbing the bus. One of the signs under a box of sweets said ‘gominola’ and I asked out loud, “what the hell is a gominola?” which started another laughing fit as Laura pointed out that all the boxes said that, not just one. We had a right giggle today :)

Tomorrow we’re back in school with the 7s, and hopefully we can make some good progress on their stories!! 

Til then,

Ciara

Retiro Park is pretty crowded - Day 14

Today was my first time at Retiro Park, I wasn't able to go last time unfortunately. It was massive and the weather was very good for it, a bit too warm for my liking but nonetheless we endured.

We rented bikes and rode them around the park for an hour, I hadn't been on a bike in several years but it all came back just like riding... Oh wait. The amount of people who kept getting in the way was a bit frustrating but what can you expect when in a public park on a Saturday, at least I didn't fall off the bike.

We had been in Madrid for some time after we returned the bikes. We made our way back to an Irish pub where we had food that was too familiar not to be good. I think we all enjoyed that meal to say the least.

Following that we walked and talked, got ice cream and after wandering for hours and seeing more of Madrid we eventually decided to head home. The bus to Alpedrete was a wait, so we walked around Moncloa for the first time. Its a nice enough place but not very exciting.

After such a tiring day it is good to be back in the house. I don't know if I'll go to Madrid again tomorrow with them because I'm very drained and I also have things I need to do myself but I'll see how I feel tomorrow.

My legs and back are so gonna hurt tomorrow after the cycle and walking so much.

Some moments captured from the day, a statue in the park, a street we walked down and a crowd dancing to music.

Until the next installment.
-Reece

the return to retiro park - day 14

Hola chicos! Today we spent the day in Madrid centre, and went back to Retiro park to rent bikes. We cycled down ya big hill inside the park and didn’t realise our mistake until ölt was too late: we still have to come back up to get out. My legs will NOT be thanking me in the morning, I can already feel the pain kicking in. Oops. 

After our cycle session the three of us went for food in The James Joyce, an (obviously) Irish bar around the corner from the park. Maybe it’s the Paddy in me, but it was definitely the nicest food I’ve had since I got here. You can take the girl out of Ireland, but you can’t take Ireland out of the girl. 

After we had food, we just spent the rest of the day walking around the city and got some ice cream. There’s not much more to update on, we had a pretty quiet day, but I think tomorrow we’re going ziplining so stay tuned for the recount of that!!

bis morgen,

Ciara

formula one babyyy - day 13

In school today, we got both groups to begin writing their stories - and both groups made some really good progress. Comparing to their plans from the last few days, some groups have made some tweaks and changes to their stories already. One group from year 8 even manages to finish their entire story in the 50 minute class which was really impressive. We‘ve only got 3/4 more days with the kids left, and even though I‘m excited to home, I‘ll definitely miss it here. 

After school, Laura, Reece and I went bowling in a nearby bowling alley. To put it shortly: I suck at bowling. Or at least I did today, the lane we had was wonky at the end so the balls kept skewing to the right which was kinda annoying but I saw some humour in it and didn’t really mind. 

After, we went into Madrid and grabbed a taxi to the Carlos Sainz Centre, a gokarting course just outside the centre. It was sooo much fun and I couldn’t recommend it more, I had a blast. Here we are in our racing suits. Gokarters or astronauts? Not telling. 

broom broom baby!! We plan to go back into Madrid tomorrow and maybe do an escape room, or go back to Retiro Park and rent scooters again. You‘ll find out what we do tomorrow, tomorrow. As will we :))
Till then racers,
Ciaraaaa

Go-Karts and Good Starts- Day 13

Both year groups started their short stories today. Each table wrote out the same thing but a different person was in charge of each paragraph.

While one wrote out the section, the others copied it so they would all have the same.
The year 7s were talkative but worked well enough. They were getting caught up on a few small parts but by the end of the class every group was making their story.

The year 8s were a bit more difficult, they needed help more than they should have in my opinion but we gave it to them nonetheless. The group with only two people in today actually finished the beginning of their story, we looked at it and while it was very impressive to be done so quickly, we agreed there was corrections necessary. We told them and they will make the changes needed next week.

I found myself quite tired today in class but it didn't get in the way of my job in the school. The students were very excited by me wearing the baby yoda shirt I told them about.

There are some students who seek to make the stories needlessly dark, involving murder and what not. I didn't know what else to say so when I was asked if anyone could be killed in the story I told them that a character can die but it has to serve the story and be a group decision.

Myself, Ciara and Laura went bowling and then into Madrid for go-karts. I won in bowling and it was my first time doing go-karts. I was admittedly anxious about a few things going in but decided to do it and take my mind off of everything. It was fun but had an extra layer of difficulty due to everything being in Spanish. Regardless it was a good time for all and we managed to catch the metro and bus home without incident. I was forced to try and make small talk with one of the taxi drivers and while I tried my best I was admittedly not able to understand most of what he was saying.

It's strange to think that today was the last classes we have with them this week. The final week will probably pass by like nothing, which has both positive and negative emotions tied to it for me but I am looking forward to going home, seeing my dog and my family.

These are the ground rules I wrote down and Ciara transferred to the board.

The three of us post go-kart racing.

Until the next installment.
- Reece

She can't have hobbies because she's depressed - Day 12

Development of characters was the focus of today's classes. The year 7s were very excited for the most part. The different groups worked together to craft who their protagonists were going to be, filling in different sections such as name, ages which were a given but there was also sections on personalities, hobbies and more.

The stories and characters were so different from each other and had their own feel to them. In particular one group made a story that was quite dark and the character was even more so. She was attempting to survive an epidemic and her family had already perished. An aspect of her character I found oddly amusing was for the hobbies section, it said she had none because "she's depressed".

The year 7s continue to show potential but I spoke to Ciara about how they are getting less receptive to direction and announcements.

The year 8s were surprisingly hard working for the most part today, even though they are not at the same level of enthusiasm as their younger counterparts.

They still struggle with concepts like hobbies but the two of us and their teacher explained and spelled what they needed us to.

Tomorrow they start writing their stories, each will be in charge of their own paragraph(s) which means spelling, punctuation and the like.

It is strange to think this is almost the end of the second week. I should enjoy it while it lasts I suppose. But I admit I am looking forward to going home.

I've spent most of the free time today trying to get college assignments done and I feel a bit better after having gotten some things completed or progressing them further. I ended up having a small conversation with some students about star wars and now they want me to wear my baby yoda shirt in tomorrow, I told them I'd think about it.

The descriptions of their characters from today's exercise.

Until the next installment.
- Reece

the whole house stinks of burned lasagna - day 12

In class today with both years groups, we got them to start thinking about their protagonist for their story, and had them complete this sheet:



We stressed to the kids that it's incredibly important to build a rapport with your characters before you implement them into a story, otherwise their role in the story itself can lose its strength. Using their completed sheets from yesterday, the kids filled out these worksheets really quickly and got onto drawing pictures of their protagonists. Some of the drawings were... Detailed, to say the least. I adore the imaginations of both year groups - they come up with ideas that I would never have. Kids here in Spain are so ineffably unlike Irish kids their age, and it shows in their writing. There is still a lot of childlike wonder and creativity in their ideas- but that it not to say these kids aren't smart. Not at all, they're extremely intelligent. Some of the things and ideas these eleven year olds hit us with leave us speechless for a few moments as we're discussing their ideas. From one boy in year 8 who knows far too much about the history of Yugoslavia, to a girl in year 7 comparing the city in The Arrival to how London looked after the Great Fire, these kids have us wracking our brains in search of replies to the absurd things they say. But it's truly a joy to get to experience this, and I'm having a great time teaching.

Here are the groups' characters biographies and story titles, based on today's worksheet:


Year 8 groups' ideas ^


Year 7 groups' ideas ^

The kids have some great vocabulary and I can't wait to see them exercise it more when they begin writing their stories tomorrow.

In other news, after school we went to the shop to pick up some bits we needed for the house, and I got a ready made lasagna for dinner. Can't go wrong, surely. No. Of course it can, because it's me, and now our whole house smells like crispy cheese because I burned it EVEN THOUGH I did exactly what the box said to do:( Dinner plans need to be adjusted.

Until tomorrow chicos,

a very hungry Ciara