You can call me Willy

Last night an impromptu group from the hostel went to the Real Madrid-Espanyol soccer game, it was awesome! Real Madrid won 3-0 and we got to see some great soccer! (Including a PK goal from Ronaldo, 3 red cards, and numerous yellows.) Tickets were only 30 euros, and even though the seats were pretty high up behind the goal we could still see really well! We kept commenting on how different the stadium was from any US sports stadium. There were no big screens, no replays, not a ton of advertisements, no halftime show, etc. There was also no alcohol in the stadium, so beforehand all the little sandwich shops were selling liters of sangria for 4 euros, crazy?!! Inside the stadium there was a group of fans behind the goal (opposite of where we were sitting) who we deemed the cheerleaders. They were the ones chanting the entire game and even got to moving back and forth together in the stands; it was pretty neat to watch actually. One of the guys who went with us was from Germany, and he's the first person outside of the south, and definitely the first non-American I've met who loves country music! We were talking about music and he said America has all this great music, like Kenny Chesney. Haha I definitely wasn't expecting that!

Today's orientation was really long. For the most part it was just necessary stuff that you have to sit through, but we did have some entertaining sessions on mini-teaching lessons. One of them was from a teacher who was hilarious!! He started out by saying, "my friends call me Willy, you can call me Willy." He was very animated and had us laughing almost the entire time, so that was a nice break. For lunch we had bocadillos (traditional Spanish style sandwiches) consisting of bread (like a mini french loaf) and cheese, bread and ham, bread and turkey, or bread and lamb. It took me by surprise at first that it was simply bread and meat, nothing else. They also had fruit to go along with the bocadillo, so it was more of a meal. During orientation I also met a few others from North Carolina so that was cool. Still have half a day of orientation tomorrow, mainly working to get our NIE so that should be helpful!

hostel time

After sleeping in a bit I set out to get some things done. I printed off and copied all the forms, passport stuff, etc. that I'll need for my NIE. I still need to get photos done, but apparently you can do them at the metro stops in Madrid. I also went to the bank to try and open an account. (I had heard previously that you could get one with just a passport.) However, they told me I needed my NIE before actually opening an account. So I'll have to wait to get my NIE (which can take several weeks) before opening an account, all needed before I can receive a paycheck so hopefully the process goes quickly!! For today's run I followed the main road (the one the bus takes to get to Madrid), but unfortunately I couldn't get very far before both sides of the sidewalk were closed for construction. On my way back I went in & out of all the little business/side street shootoffs to get some extra distance, and then ran around Parque O'Donnell for awhile. I wish the park was bigger because it really doesn't take that long to run around, but oh well at least it's there I guess! I had some leftover pasta for lunch before skyping for awhile. I also looked into traveling. Spain is really far south and not convenient at all for traveling around the rest of Europe, not cool. I really thought it'd be easier & cheaper than it is. Unlike the rest of Europe you can't really just hop a train anywhere. You can get trains, but it takes 24hrs+ to get anywhere outside the Iberian peninsula & southern France. I'll have to keep searching though and see what I can find. I'm about to head into the city again because tonight and tomorrow night I'll be staying at Cat's hostel in the center of Madrid. I have work/teaching orientation tomorrow and Thursday, and it's easier to stay at a place close to orientation rather than commute and try to get there on time. I've heard the hostel is pretty good and there are a few other auxiliares (people in the program) staying there so I should get to meet up with them. Anyways, time to learn more about what I'm here for.

Dreary Monday

Today was cold and rainy. After sleepig in a bit I got up and went for a run along the path by the river. I went all the way to the end and realized I will definitely need to figure out how to extend this trail. It looked like there was a bike lane along the road where the gravel/sand/rock trail ended, so I'll have to look into that and see if I can run on that. The trail starts right near where the "old people park" is. I went and did some of the exercise things and actually felt it working. Needless to say I think I'll be stopping there often on the way back from my run! I returned to the apartment for a bit before heading out to carrefour for groceries and laundry detergent. Back at the apartment I had my first experience with the washing machine. Apparently a normal load here is 90min, so I did a "short" load for only 50min.- the clothes smell/look clean to me. I assembled the drying rack and hung everything up to dry. Less than a week and my clothes already fill the drying rack. I'm going to have to remember to do wash often and before I actually need to do it so things will have time to dry. Other than that not much happened today, just a lazy, rainy Monday.

La Vuelta Espana

Top: Mark Cavendish of HTC Coloumbia just being passed by Tyler Farrar of Garmin Transitions in a sprint to the finish! Bottom: Me waiting for the race to start. Yes I got a front row seat less than 25 meters from the finish!

The Vuelta Espana was absolutely incredible! I arrived early at la Plaza Cibeles (where the race finished) and the race crew was still setting up the stages, fences, advertisements, etc. so I walked around for a little while. I kept seeing people with red lanyards with Vuelta VIP written on them and ID cards hanging from the lanyards. Finally I decided to ask a couple about the lanyards and where the best spot is to watch the race, etc. I started talking with the couple, they were very nice, they told me they were from a town near Barcelona, and had been traveling around with the Vuelta the entire time. They said the only way to sit in the seats is to be VIP or have a wristband. They explained that for each stage they distribute wristbands for free on a first come first serve basis, you just have to know where to get them. They told me where to go/what to ask for to get a wristband. Before I left I thanked them and asked how they knew so much. Their son is Florencio Cabre, #5 on Cervelo Test Team!! How cool is that?! I managed to find where they were handing out the VIP passes, etc and when I asked they said they were still setting up and to come back. So I went to Retiro and walked around for a bit before returning. When I went back the security guard (like hard core secret service guy) almost didn't let me in, but since I knew what I was talking about I guess he decided to let me in even though I didn't have a badge or anything. When I went to get a wristband they told me that because it was the final stage, and in Madrid, all the wristbands had been given out to politicians, family, etc so there were non left to hand out to spectators like in the other stages. I was a little disappointed but decided that I might as well go stake out a spot to watch the race since everything was done being set up. I found a spot along the fence about 115 meters away from the finish, which I though was pretty darn good! Especially considering the fact that it was the closest fence space, everything to the left were chairs, and everything across the way was reserved for companies, and what not. While standing there with a few others we started talking to kill time- after all we had about 4hours before the cyclists would pass for the first time. The family beside me was nice but kept to themselves, but the older gentleman to my left was really nice. His name is Antonio, he lives in Madrid, loves to watch cycling even though he doesn't ride, and has seen the end of the Vuelta for numerous years. While we were talking another couple came up, speaking English, and I found out they were from Canada. Their names are Dan and Kathy, and they were really nice! I ended up talking with Antonio, Dan, and Kathy the entire time. As it got closer to race time they had people walk along handing out blow up clappers and hands, different hats, and even a tshirt. Antonio always put in a good word for me when they walked by and I managed to get everything they handed out! There were also clowns on like bouncy stilts that went by juggling bowling pins. Antonio said this was the first year he's ever seen that. About an hour before the race came by the guard opened up the area next to use where all the seats were?!! A few people went in, then Antonio ran over and went in, so I followed, and so did Dan and Kathy. We thought 115meters was close, now we were about 20, and in front row seats!! Antonio said he's never been this close in all the races he's seen and said that normally there are a lot more people. Kathy and I kept commenting on how few people there were in the seated areas, and even just along the rails. We were expecting it to be packed, but in the seated area where we were it was about 75 or 80% full, and across from us where the VIPS sat (in a raised & covered seating area where food was also being served) was only about 50% full?! So apparently a lot of people didn't show up and we even saw some leave before the race was over, weird. In the US the seats we were in would have sold for big bucks long before race day but we managed to sit there for free!

There was also a jumbo screen so that we could watch the race. It only gave us t.v. coverage though, so we ended up seeing the race pass us twice before anything come on the screen. It was weird, we kept thinking they would show us feed from the whole stage, or highlights from the race, or sponsor advertising or something besides a black screen that said " La Vuelta 75 anos" (since this is it's 75th anniversary), but I guess that's what the US has got me accustomed to- always having something on a screen otherwise why is it there.

The race passed us 12 times in total, so we got to see a lot of action about every 5ish minutes. The first time they passed us there were 2 solo breakaway men in front of the peleton, then it was a group of 4 or 5 men in the breakaway, and you could see the peleton getting closer every lap. It was crazy because the first time they were SO far in front, but the Peleton, as expected, closed them down. We could see the helicopter following them, and could hear (and see on the big screen) when they went down the road on the other side, right behind us so we had a really good idea of when they were coming. Plus the announcers were explaining what was going on the entire time. It was awesome to be so close to so many amazing cyclists! It was a bit hard to take pictures and watch the race at the same time- I opted for watching the race so my pictures aren't that great, but they're not bad. It was also cool to see the transition from Liquigas leading the peleton to HTC Columbia and Garmin Transitions as the race got closer to the end. As they sprinted towards the finish Tyler Farrar passed Mark Cavendish right in front of us!! Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the finish, but I did one just before (above) and just after (where you can see Tyler's hands in the air). It was really cool to be able to cheer for an American!! (Dan, Kathy, and I had talked earlier about who we would cheer for etc., since all the Spanish were there for Ezequial Mosquera who took second overall. After the race we stayed to watch the podium presentations which was neat. I somehow managed to see over the crowd and snap some pictures.

Once the race was over Dan, Kathy, and I went for tapas at a neat little hole in the wall place. We had boquerones (anchovies with olives and potato chips). I never would have thought of it, but anchovies and salty potato chips are a pretty good combination. Not that I'm going to start eating anchovies all the time, but I'd definitely order that tapa again. Afterwards we went to eat and a neat place, VIPS. It was more north-american style food, but it was a good atmosphere, almost everyone there was Spanish, and the food was delicious! The Sangria was also very excellent! For dessert Kathy and I both had a brownie with chocolate sauce & ice cream, but what was strange to us is that there were ice cubes in the ice cream! I only had one but Kathy had 3; it was definitely a strange addition. After dinner we walked around to Plaza del Sol before parting ways. It was great meeting them! From there I took the metro/bus combination back to Alcala. Ines (my roommate) and I talked for a bit, then I followed some of the Skins game for a bit before passing out (although I guess I should have followed it longer because we were killing the Texans when I was following it and we ended up loosing...). All in all it was a fantastic day!!

First Visit to Madrid

Today was packed! I took the 30min bus into Madrid and then the metro to where the Vuelta Espana finishes tomorrow. I walked most of the route they'll be riding in Madrid and spent several hours in Parque Retiro. The streets had the blue guard rails ready to be put up, and they had started to set up some seating and stuff at the finish. The finish is similar to the finish of the Tour de France where they ride up & down one strip for awhile & cross the finish line a few times before the end, so hopefully I'll get to see a lot of cycling tomorrow!!

Parque Retiro is amazing! It's really pretty and there were tons of people there but it didn't feel crowed at all b/c it's massive. I walked around and saw a lot of the statues, fountains, the big lake in the center where you can rent rowboats (which I did when I studied here 3 years ago & hope to do again at some point this year), gymnasiums, soccer fields, tennis courts, and lots of people running, biking, roller blading and roller skating all over. Ideally I would live within a short walk to Parque Retiro, however housing around the park is uber expensive. It would be so nice to be able to run here (and have motivation because there are lots of people of all levels running) and to just come and people watch, etc. It's so peaceful! The park also had one of the "retired people" exercise areas, so I sat on the bike and pedaled for a good 30minutes which was neat. There were people statues, like where people dress up & paint themselves as statues. There was a guy dressed & painted like a native american/indian which looked really well done & he would give out his hunting call (he had a bow & arrow) when someone gave him a tip. There was also a fair type thing going on in the middle with games. One of the games was live fooseball. There was a blowup arena/game area & then poles width wise. Kids were placed on the poles like in fooseball and could only move sideways. Just goes to show how popular soccer really is! While walking around I was spotted and approached by 2 other girls from the US. At first it was cool, then they told me they were missionaries from the Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) and spent several minutes trying to convert me. I was nice enough, but I guess they got the picture. They did give me their card with a picture of their temple in Madrid as well as the address of the temple and their phone numbers. The temple looks really pretty, so maybe I'll go by it to snap a picture sometime.

After spending several hours in Madrid I came back to watch today's stage of the Vuelta Espana. It was a tough mountain finish and exciting to watch! I can't wait to see these guys live tomorrow!! After the Vuelta, it was time to watch some football! I watched Georgia Tech beat UNC in a really close offensive game. I did have to keep myself from clapping, screaming, yelling, etc since the walls in my apartment are pretty thin and with windows open you can hear almost everything in the courtyard area. Didn't really want to draw attention to myself while watching an American football game. After the game I dinner and now I'm going to get ready to go see the Vuelta tomorrow!

Visit to the School

whew today seemed long! In the morning I went to the school where I'll be teaching to see where it was, how long it takes to walk there (10-15min tops), meet the coordinator who's been emailing me, etc, etc. All of the schools here are gated in. There's one entry/exit gate, but you have to have a key or buzz in/out & the office will open it. It's for safety, but I found it odd & really annoying when trying to enter & exit. I followed someone in (luckily I got there when all the 3year olds were getting dropped off) & had to buzz about 6 times before someone let me out. This could also be because they have a break during the day where all the kids run around crazy free with no one watching them (the teachers are having coffee & snacks in the teacher's lounge), so it's gated shut so they can't get out. Quien sabe? I met a lot of people, whos names I can't remember of course, and the coordinator. She's really nice & I got to sit in on her science class. The school is a bilingual school, ages 3 through 6th grade. All classes are taught in Spanish, except for English class (starting at age 3) and science class (at 1st grade). Pilar (the coordinator) told me most of the parents don't know English (and therefore can't help them with any science homework) and that sadly most of the kids don't become bilingual. She did say that they understand it very well however, even when Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, etc talk with accents, they have no problem understanding, so at least that's good.

After returning from the school visit I was able to 3-way skype my parents & brother. Since my brother is studying in Australia it was his dinner time, my lunch time, and my parents' breakfast time. Family meals has a whole new meaning! It was really good to talk with them and hear what everyone's up to.

During the afternoon I walked around Parque O'Donnell. This park is basically across the street from where my apartment is, and is supposed to be the largest park in Alcala (although I have my doubts about that as I walked completely around it in no more than 10min). I also walked west on the main street heading towards Madrid. A little ways up there's an archeological site (too bad you can't go into it), an round-about entering the city with a fountain in it, and a nice parkish type walkway between the 2 main roads heading towards Madrid. Now if only that walkway went all the way to Madrid... alas it doesn't as I reached the end a few blocks later. Per tradition, I also watched today's stage of the Vuelta Espana.

In the evening I decided to go for a run. I was a bit afraid of walking around in Alcala de Henares in running shirts & top, sneakers, & a visor as I would surely stand out as nonhispanic, but it's amazing how much confidence I have when I'm in running attire. Crazy how clothes can change your attitude! I went down to the park near the river I found yesterday & then followed a gravel/stone path along the river. The path was semi-flooded from all the rain (there were a few classrooms flooded in the school as well as pathways in Parque O'Donnell), and it took a bit of getting used to as I'm not accustomed to trail running with pebbles, sticks, & stones. It was a neat trail though & it was alongside the river which is a plus. There were a few other people walking on it, and I saw 4 or 5 guys running. They were the first Spaniards I've seen to actually run. Everyone else I saw yesterday was just kind of jogging faster than a walk, but 2 of these guys were really booking it! So I guess I found the good running spot :D I was going to walk back for a cool down, but thunderstorms were threatening so I ran home instead. As soon as I got up to my apartment the downpour started; good timing!

So it took me 1 day to find a place to run and 2 days to find THE spot to run, not to shabby!

First Full Day in Spain

Today was a pretty good day! I got up, took a hot shower (I was previously skeptical as to whether or not the water would be hot), and set out. I bought a phone and explored the southern part of the main city area. I went to the tourism office & they were SSOOOOO helpful! They gave me maps, bus schedules, told me where things were, etc. I walked around Plaza Cervantes, all the shops around there, and I found 2 really cool parks. The first one I found is like a fairground area near the river which has lots of gravel areas. There were a ton of people walking around, a decent amount jogging, and kids riding bikes. I'll definitely have to go back & run there! The second park I found is dedicated to old people (or mature people who have retired). There's a kiddie playground area & in addition to the fountain, flowers, benches, walkways, etc. there is a mini-exercise area for the retired. It's not much, just you against your own weight type stuff, but better than nothing! I tried a few of them out, pretty cool actually. I think I'll be using them from time to time because they are entertaining!

In addition to watching today's stage of the Vuelta I saw a bike shop. Unfortunately they don't rent bikes, just sell them (and wouldn't buy them back at the end of a year). They were excited to hear that I was planning on going to Madrid to watch the end of the Vuelta on Sunday- I better actually get there & see it!!

I also signed the contract for my apartment today, so I legally have a home now! There are 3 rooms; one roommate is here already and another moves in October 1st.

When I was out walking today I got caught in a thunderstorm. Everyone ran for cover & then stood there, waiting for the rain to stop. It was strange at first, but I could get used to just watching the rain fall in the park. Also while walking around I found this cool little store that has trinkets, school stuff, kitchenware, shoes, clothes, purses, etc, etc in about 4 aisles. An Asian family runs it (although it was clear they'd been raised in Spain) and it has random stuff. I think I'll be going back if I need anything.

Well that's it for now. It's been a long-ish day and I think I'm still jet-lagged a bit. Hasta pronto!