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