Thursday, September 15, 2011

Now Let's Get Started

It amazes me that I live in a foreign land. Sometimes it’s so surreal that I have to find a mirror and stare at my face for a few minutes to make sure that I’m me and not some other person.  And then there’s that magical feeling that comes to me upon waking where for a few abnormal seconds I have no idea where I’m at. But then—eureka--a soft smile settles on my body. And the smile lasts until I get up to brush my teeth with some strange Spanish brand of toothpaste. Oh, why can’t they have Crest? Namely the blue kind with sparkles in it?  I think about Crest toothpaste so much everyday that at this rate it will one day become the name of my dog or child.

But yes. I have been back in the land of olives and grapes for almost a month now. The Pope and I had a simultaneous arrival to Spain.  Now that was crazy. Everyone was either running around in the streets singing and dancing in celebration or wearing their best angry faces while shouting red hot protests. In my jet lagged stupor I remember simply raising my eyebrows at the whole commotion and wishing I could borrow the Pope’s big robe to make a pillow to rest on while I waited for my train. Obviously that didn’t happen, but once in the train a nice old lady helped me pick up and store my 50 pound luggage. To do so she had to have someone hold her cane.


In a nutshell, this first month back has been busy and adventurous. I traveled around for the first two weeks sunbathing at beaches, eating lots of seafood, and throwing lots of tomatoes at laughing strangers. After that I settled myself into the new apartment which gives the words 'petite' and 'compact' whole new meanings. But I am very happy. My new city is beautiful. It too is petite and compact and my apartment is pleasantly nestled between the fancy cathedral and the sing-song river that proudly and snuggly wraps itself around the city. If anyone wants to visit, I will be the best tour guide and I will make sure your tummy is full of good food. I don't have an oven (much to my dismay) but I have become a creative wizard chef in spite of that challenge. Today's lunch menu is Peach and Brie Quesadillas with Lime-Honey dipping Sauce.

 

Oh yes, I went to my school yesterday for the first time and everyone is simply darling. I will be teaching grades K-6 with most of my time spent within the subjects of Science and P.E. And to my delight I was informed that I will spend most of my time with the Kindergarten Kids. This, if you know me at all, is right up my alley.

With Love, 
Stephanie


3 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey Steph!

I think it is so great what you are doing! I was wondering how you decided what to pack? I am going through that myself right now since I am moving to the Netherlands.

Anyways, I think you will be a superb kindergarten teacher. Hope you have been doing well!

JoAnn SweetPepperRose said...

Hey sweetie, love the profile picture! Now this makes me want to THINK about getting on a plane to visit you ;)

Love you!
Mama

Missy Poole said...

I love this Steph! Send your new address out and you might get a flood of Crest with sparkles :)

Ciao!