Lunes, 8 Septiembre 2008
Friday was the girls’ first day of school. They looked oh so cute in their black shoes, red socks, plaid skirts, white polos, and red cardigan sweaters. I didn’t know if they had PE and needed their tennis shoes and PE uniforms; or if they had swimming and needed their suits, towels, and swim caps; so they took all. Then they took their essentials and there was way too much stuff, so Brent suggested that they take their carry-on suitcases as backpacks. So now I’m worried that they are going to get chastised because their suitcases are suitcases – a mother can only anticipate so much guilt. The suitcases were fine, although a little large, everyone else had something similar.
All 8 of us left for the bus at the same time. The students were going on a walking tour in Espanol of the Prado Museum, a wrap up of their week long intense Spanish Class. It was great to see all of the crazy Americans at the bus stop at the same time. The Alvars got off at the school stop and walked to school. We were early, as only an Alvar can be, but we had no idea the bus routine etc – don’t want them to be late in addition. We went to the office, which is where new students are to go. Then a lady came over and started talking to us – about what I don’t know – maybe unicorns, rainbows, and pots of gold (this is what I keep telling the girls someone said when I have no clue – great comic relief). That lady went and got a teacher – because she had a white shirt on, as all of the teacher people did. The teacher told Brent and I where to pick the girls up after school and then she grabbed existing students that were the same age to accompany our girls and then they were off after loves and kisses.
I then went and ran my errands and made it to the UEM without a problem, again looking like a dork walking through Spain with a suitcase – are you seeing a dork suitcase theme here? That is where I was able to post my blog, get frustrated because I couldn’t figure out the pictures, and try and get caught up on sending and going through emails. Brent stayed at home waiting unsuccessfully for the internet router guy (which is what I’m doing today as well). I stayed until 3, two hours before the girls get out of school. I then trekked back home to get Brent and the girls. The internet guy hadn’t come yet, so I went solo to get the girls.
It was an amazing experience watching all of the crazy, well to do Spanish people waiting to pick up their kids after the first day of school. I felt like the hired help in my jeans and tennis shoes. I watched and waited very anxiously. I knew that Bryce would have no problem – to Bryce, there are no strangers. Jocelyn on the other hand thinks sooo much and is shy at the beginning, so I was worried. Her only instruction was to meet a friend. Well I saw Bryce right away, and she gave me two thumbs up. Then we found Jocelyn, who was one of the last walking out of the building, but was walking with a group of about 5 or 6 girls. I asked her how her day was, she said fine. I asked her if she met any friends and what were their names, she started listing off those 5 or 6 girls’ names!!!! Success – I started to cry!!! She was a hit. They were taking roll and she raised her hand to say she was here, and then the professor started talking about unicorns and rainbows, so she said United States. This triggered the only 8 girls in her class to bombard her during recess with “Have you been to New York?” “Yes.”, “What was your favorite part?” “The musicals.”, “Do you know Wicked?” “Yes.”
The things that the youth observed about their first day of escuela en Espana:
- They had carrot soup and chicken for lunch which was really good
- They eat lunch on silver trays
- They have two 20 minute recesses
- They think that Jocelyn’s last name is Renae (her middle name)
- Bryce’s PE teacher’s name is Santi (the same as Alfonso’s son)
- Jocelyn gets to play piano 3 times a week, instead of regular music which is flute
- Jocelyn’s PE schedule is swimming Mon, Tues; Gym Wed, Thurs; dance on Friday.
- Bryce’s PE schedule is swimming Mon, Tues; Gym the rest of the week
- The girls were given really cool agenda calendars filled with English and unicorns/rainbows
- Jocelyn is getting private Spanish lessons instead of German or French
- I got a list of the books that they need, and had to cross off what they didn’t need (religious studies books) – probably another million Euros
- Jocelyn used her pocket dictionary often, so did the girls in her class
- Jocelyn didn’t get in trouble for having a pink flower on her polo
- They have to be very careful when playing on the playground, because their panties will show when the wind blows their skirts.
We waited for the students to get home and then a decent time to go out for dinner (still waiting for the internet guy, what is a customary time for a installer to come in Spain?). We went to Telepizza. These guys do deliver pizzas on vespas with locked cases on the back. I’m not brave enough to order pizza via the telephone, so we went in person. We found tables in the basement with a play place/bouncy thing like at McDonalds. The pizza was really good, very Americana. We then went to Hagen Daas (sp?) for ice cream. After that Brent and the ladies went to Open Cor for beverages (their equivalent of Circle K except that it had an escalator going down stairs and was very large). We then waited at the bus forever, but played awesome games, sang show tunes, and laughed. The 8 of us are getting along fabulously and everyone us of has issues and we are all capitalizing on them. We came back home and played cards until 12 – my birthday – I’m too old to stay up – got to go to bed.
Saturday, El Dia De Lara – because the numbers are getting rather high and a celebration of me is better than getting older.
I got my first wake up birthday song at 6:30 from Tia Jen, then another at 7:30 from Abuelitos Alvar. Bryce woke my up at 8, where it was time to start the day. We waited until 10 when Jocelyn woke up and went to a Churro place in Boadilla. I was expecting it to be like Alfonso’s churro place with the churros and hot chocolate, instead it was like a candy/convenient store. The lady was so sweet and we could understand her pretty well. She spoke clearly and slowly – probably because she was from Columbia. She had this huge array of pastries, so we pretty much wiped her out and headed home. While we were out, Kelly and Chelsea started playing in the kitchen with the doors closed and windows shut. They sounded like they were having a blast in there. Chelsea’s mom had emailed Brent the peanut butter cookie receipe. They were baking me birthday cookies with nutella designed on the top. They were excellent and I loved the effort!!!
At about 2, we headed out for Old Madrid. We had emailed all of the Spanish exchange students to have them meet us at the bear statue in La Puerta del Sol. We met Pedro, Alvaro, and Nagore. It was soooo good to see them all. (This is were I got the Bday call from Colorado. I also received one from Tia Fria and baby Aidyn, but Brent didn’t recognize the phone number). We then started on a walking tour of Puerta del Sol, then la Plaza Mayor. It was great, because all of the “cheap junk” vendors weren’t there and the place was picture perfect with all of the outside café umbrellas. Brent found a place for all 11 of us to eat tapas.
We then walked around New Madrid, looking for the double decker tour bus location. We got set up and toured Madrid. We learned some stuff and it was very nice to have the cool breeze, being away from the traffic and sidewalk congestion, and relaxing. Pedro took Kelly, Chelsea, Jocelyn, and I home. Nagore took Alvaro, Brent, Bryce, Steve, and Laurie home. Then Pedro and Nagore left us for 20 minutes to get ready to go out. The only souls that were brave enough to go out were Kelly and Chelsea, and of course the birthday/mujer viega. Nagore came back with her amigo mayor Javi – very cute (not novio – they aren’t that serious) and his friend Angel – a telemarketer by day, Spanish Teacher this night. Pedro came back with his novia Pabloma – adorable.
We went to this place that looked like a giant food court. Inside were all of these restaurants, but they were real sit down regular restaurants. They chose a Spanish tapas place. It was very nice, but expensive for not that much food. The conversation started with Chelsea saying “Estoy mucho caliente”, thinking that it meant “I am very hot.” Instead it meant something like “I need a man now!” Well, somehow this transitioned into Angel giving her Spanish lessons. The first step was to conjugate very “Un Emily Post” verbs. These lessons were transcribed on a napkin, with each side of the napkin being a lesson, lesson #1, #2, #3, #4! It was quite the education and I was laughing so hard it hurt.
We then went to have cocktails at the “Chill Out” place, in the same building. It reminded me of the bed bar in “Sex and the City”. We found a corner with a little table and padded benches that would fit us all around. We were joined by 2 of Nagore’s friends Christina y Rocio. Rocio studied two years in Cincinnati. She was adorable. Christina works at the UEM and volunteered to be a friend to anyone at anytime. We drank mojitos – even yo – who hasn’t had rum since Steve Behr’s birthday party my senior year in High School. After this, the young group wanted to go out dancing, the old group (Pedro, Pabloma, y Yo) wanted to go home. I pulled the “Mom abroad card” and decided my girlfriends should go home with me as well.
Sunday was very nice and relaxing. The girls and I did homework. Brent and I had the “Knights of the Square Table” discussion with the whole group, including Jocelyn. We heard that the stores are open on the first Sunday of the month. We know that Tuesday is a holiday, Monday we are giving Alfonso back his car, so we better get some major grocery shopping done, before it is shop for as much as you can carry home on the bus.
We drove through town and nothing was open – a typical Sunday. Alfonso had suggested a place that is like our Super Target. We went there. On the way we see Laurie and Steve at the bus stop, waiting for the bus to return them home from shopping. This grocery store was huge. I was ready to get the listed items and get out, but I was with Brent who wanted to tour every aisle – this place was our Super Walmart/Target size – not possible. We made it through with everything on our list and 3 meals. As we exited the building, we saw Laurie and Steve waiting for us. They waited unsuccessfully for over an hour for the bus, so decided to wait an hour for us instead.
We got home, unpacked, cooked, ate dinner, and got kids ready for bed. We then sat up sharing stories and laughing.
Monday is laundry, chores, and cleaning out that “suitcase” while waiting for the internet man – hopefully successfully.
I am at the UEM again today. I have to leave in a moment for the bus to get the girls. Brent said that our internet is working – so we shall see. I tried to find out how to post photos – unsuccessfully, I will try again with Brent’s help. The other thing is that all of our students and I are going to create Picasso accounts so you all can view all of our photos.
Hasta!!!
Friday was the girls’ first day of school. They looked oh so cute in their black shoes, red socks, plaid skirts, white polos, and red cardigan sweaters. I didn’t know if they had PE and needed their tennis shoes and PE uniforms; or if they had swimming and needed their suits, towels, and swim caps; so they took all. Then they took their essentials and there was way too much stuff, so Brent suggested that they take their carry-on suitcases as backpacks. So now I’m worried that they are going to get chastised because their suitcases are suitcases – a mother can only anticipate so much guilt. The suitcases were fine, although a little large, everyone else had something similar.
All 8 of us left for the bus at the same time. The students were going on a walking tour in Espanol of the Prado Museum, a wrap up of their week long intense Spanish Class. It was great to see all of the crazy Americans at the bus stop at the same time. The Alvars got off at the school stop and walked to school. We were early, as only an Alvar can be, but we had no idea the bus routine etc – don’t want them to be late in addition. We went to the office, which is where new students are to go. Then a lady came over and started talking to us – about what I don’t know – maybe unicorns, rainbows, and pots of gold (this is what I keep telling the girls someone said when I have no clue – great comic relief). That lady went and got a teacher – because she had a white shirt on, as all of the teacher people did. The teacher told Brent and I where to pick the girls up after school and then she grabbed existing students that were the same age to accompany our girls and then they were off after loves and kisses.
I then went and ran my errands and made it to the UEM without a problem, again looking like a dork walking through Spain with a suitcase – are you seeing a dork suitcase theme here? That is where I was able to post my blog, get frustrated because I couldn’t figure out the pictures, and try and get caught up on sending and going through emails. Brent stayed at home waiting unsuccessfully for the internet router guy (which is what I’m doing today as well). I stayed until 3, two hours before the girls get out of school. I then trekked back home to get Brent and the girls. The internet guy hadn’t come yet, so I went solo to get the girls.
It was an amazing experience watching all of the crazy, well to do Spanish people waiting to pick up their kids after the first day of school. I felt like the hired help in my jeans and tennis shoes. I watched and waited very anxiously. I knew that Bryce would have no problem – to Bryce, there are no strangers. Jocelyn on the other hand thinks sooo much and is shy at the beginning, so I was worried. Her only instruction was to meet a friend. Well I saw Bryce right away, and she gave me two thumbs up. Then we found Jocelyn, who was one of the last walking out of the building, but was walking with a group of about 5 or 6 girls. I asked her how her day was, she said fine. I asked her if she met any friends and what were their names, she started listing off those 5 or 6 girls’ names!!!! Success – I started to cry!!! She was a hit. They were taking roll and she raised her hand to say she was here, and then the professor started talking about unicorns and rainbows, so she said United States. This triggered the only 8 girls in her class to bombard her during recess with “Have you been to New York?” “Yes.”, “What was your favorite part?” “The musicals.”, “Do you know Wicked?” “Yes.”
The things that the youth observed about their first day of escuela en Espana:
- They had carrot soup and chicken for lunch which was really good
- They eat lunch on silver trays
- They have two 20 minute recesses
- They think that Jocelyn’s last name is Renae (her middle name)
- Bryce’s PE teacher’s name is Santi (the same as Alfonso’s son)
- Jocelyn gets to play piano 3 times a week, instead of regular music which is flute
- Jocelyn’s PE schedule is swimming Mon, Tues; Gym Wed, Thurs; dance on Friday.
- Bryce’s PE schedule is swimming Mon, Tues; Gym the rest of the week
- The girls were given really cool agenda calendars filled with English and unicorns/rainbows
- Jocelyn is getting private Spanish lessons instead of German or French
- I got a list of the books that they need, and had to cross off what they didn’t need (religious studies books) – probably another million Euros
- Jocelyn used her pocket dictionary often, so did the girls in her class
- Jocelyn didn’t get in trouble for having a pink flower on her polo
- They have to be very careful when playing on the playground, because their panties will show when the wind blows their skirts.
We waited for the students to get home and then a decent time to go out for dinner (still waiting for the internet guy, what is a customary time for a installer to come in Spain?). We went to Telepizza. These guys do deliver pizzas on vespas with locked cases on the back. I’m not brave enough to order pizza via the telephone, so we went in person. We found tables in the basement with a play place/bouncy thing like at McDonalds. The pizza was really good, very Americana. We then went to Hagen Daas (sp?) for ice cream. After that Brent and the ladies went to Open Cor for beverages (their equivalent of Circle K except that it had an escalator going down stairs and was very large). We then waited at the bus forever, but played awesome games, sang show tunes, and laughed. The 8 of us are getting along fabulously and everyone us of has issues and we are all capitalizing on them. We came back home and played cards until 12 – my birthday – I’m too old to stay up – got to go to bed.
Saturday, El Dia De Lara – because the numbers are getting rather high and a celebration of me is better than getting older.
I got my first wake up birthday song at 6:30 from Tia Jen, then another at 7:30 from Abuelitos Alvar. Bryce woke my up at 8, where it was time to start the day. We waited until 10 when Jocelyn woke up and went to a Churro place in Boadilla. I was expecting it to be like Alfonso’s churro place with the churros and hot chocolate, instead it was like a candy/convenient store. The lady was so sweet and we could understand her pretty well. She spoke clearly and slowly – probably because she was from Columbia. She had this huge array of pastries, so we pretty much wiped her out and headed home. While we were out, Kelly and Chelsea started playing in the kitchen with the doors closed and windows shut. They sounded like they were having a blast in there. Chelsea’s mom had emailed Brent the peanut butter cookie receipe. They were baking me birthday cookies with nutella designed on the top. They were excellent and I loved the effort!!!
At about 2, we headed out for Old Madrid. We had emailed all of the Spanish exchange students to have them meet us at the bear statue in La Puerta del Sol. We met Pedro, Alvaro, and Nagore. It was soooo good to see them all. (This is were I got the Bday call from Colorado. I also received one from Tia Fria and baby Aidyn, but Brent didn’t recognize the phone number). We then started on a walking tour of Puerta del Sol, then la Plaza Mayor. It was great, because all of the “cheap junk” vendors weren’t there and the place was picture perfect with all of the outside café umbrellas. Brent found a place for all 11 of us to eat tapas.
We then walked around New Madrid, looking for the double decker tour bus location. We got set up and toured Madrid. We learned some stuff and it was very nice to have the cool breeze, being away from the traffic and sidewalk congestion, and relaxing. Pedro took Kelly, Chelsea, Jocelyn, and I home. Nagore took Alvaro, Brent, Bryce, Steve, and Laurie home. Then Pedro and Nagore left us for 20 minutes to get ready to go out. The only souls that were brave enough to go out were Kelly and Chelsea, and of course the birthday/mujer viega. Nagore came back with her amigo mayor Javi – very cute (not novio – they aren’t that serious) and his friend Angel – a telemarketer by day, Spanish Teacher this night. Pedro came back with his novia Pabloma – adorable.
We went to this place that looked like a giant food court. Inside were all of these restaurants, but they were real sit down regular restaurants. They chose a Spanish tapas place. It was very nice, but expensive for not that much food. The conversation started with Chelsea saying “Estoy mucho caliente”, thinking that it meant “I am very hot.” Instead it meant something like “I need a man now!” Well, somehow this transitioned into Angel giving her Spanish lessons. The first step was to conjugate very “Un Emily Post” verbs. These lessons were transcribed on a napkin, with each side of the napkin being a lesson, lesson #1, #2, #3, #4! It was quite the education and I was laughing so hard it hurt.
We then went to have cocktails at the “Chill Out” place, in the same building. It reminded me of the bed bar in “Sex and the City”. We found a corner with a little table and padded benches that would fit us all around. We were joined by 2 of Nagore’s friends Christina y Rocio. Rocio studied two years in Cincinnati. She was adorable. Christina works at the UEM and volunteered to be a friend to anyone at anytime. We drank mojitos – even yo – who hasn’t had rum since Steve Behr’s birthday party my senior year in High School. After this, the young group wanted to go out dancing, the old group (Pedro, Pabloma, y Yo) wanted to go home. I pulled the “Mom abroad card” and decided my girlfriends should go home with me as well.
Sunday was very nice and relaxing. The girls and I did homework. Brent and I had the “Knights of the Square Table” discussion with the whole group, including Jocelyn. We heard that the stores are open on the first Sunday of the month. We know that Tuesday is a holiday, Monday we are giving Alfonso back his car, so we better get some major grocery shopping done, before it is shop for as much as you can carry home on the bus.
We drove through town and nothing was open – a typical Sunday. Alfonso had suggested a place that is like our Super Target. We went there. On the way we see Laurie and Steve at the bus stop, waiting for the bus to return them home from shopping. This grocery store was huge. I was ready to get the listed items and get out, but I was with Brent who wanted to tour every aisle – this place was our Super Walmart/Target size – not possible. We made it through with everything on our list and 3 meals. As we exited the building, we saw Laurie and Steve waiting for us. They waited unsuccessfully for over an hour for the bus, so decided to wait an hour for us instead.
We got home, unpacked, cooked, ate dinner, and got kids ready for bed. We then sat up sharing stories and laughing.
Monday is laundry, chores, and cleaning out that “suitcase” while waiting for the internet man – hopefully successfully.
I am at the UEM again today. I have to leave in a moment for the bus to get the girls. Brent said that our internet is working – so we shall see. I tried to find out how to post photos – unsuccessfully, I will try again with Brent’s help. The other thing is that all of our students and I are going to create Picasso accounts so you all can view all of our photos.
Hasta!!!
3 comments:
Hello Alvar Family...It is so exciting to read of your experiences in Spain! Just thought I would say hello to all.
Jamie
Somewhere training!
Hola! Love reading along. I have shared your address with my mom - Lara I am waiting for your book to come out - I am picturing a children's book, or maybe a young reader series - adventures of Lara and friends :) Miss you all bunches! Go Jocelyn for being the hit of the school. I am sure Brycie already has boys chasing her too. xoxoxo be safe - no bats!
Hey Lara,
It sounds like your adventures have begun!! I don't understand half of what you're saying or who you're talking about, but that's okay! By the way, A very late Happy Birthday, I didn't forget, sorry, our internet has been having issues, maybe it's the serious amount of rain we've had!! Anyway, it's technology, and it's annoying! but, I am writing to you now, and so far so good!
Can you send me an address or some other form of connection to you??
I'm glad to hear you're settling in, just think, by the time you truly understand everyone and know where everything is, it'll be time to come back! :D
Well, I love ya and miss you and think lots about you!
Have a smashing moment, if not an entire day!!! Tell the girls and hub hola for me! smooches and hugs!
Love ya,
Heather/Nik
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