¡Hola amigos!
I cannot believe that my time here is more than half way through! Time is flying by!
I’ve now spent three full weekends stationary in Alicante! And for those days I am incredibly thankful. The first I spent recuperating from El Camino de Santiago, the second, a bit more rest for my aching foot and some quality time in the city, and the third more rest from a cold that has been going around my house! I’d secretly hoped that I wouldn’t get sick while being here in Spain, but I’m only human and things spread quickly! Either way, I’m glad to have spent some quality time here with my host family, and truly just relax. These weekends could not have come at a better time.
Despite all of this “down time”, I’ve managed to do some pretty awesome things! This past week I began volunteering alongside three other classmates. Together we are teaching English to a group of 16 adults! We are responsible for the lesson plans, class preparation and management, teaching and all. We are even responsible for opening and closing down the city center building when class is done. Talk about trust!
Admittedly, I was a bit nervous about this and after our first lesson, I still was. I am not an education major, nor do I think I am capable of teaching English grammar, but after our second lesson, those nerves were at ease. This bunch of adults is so eager to learn and it’s so cool to watch them soak up the material. I’m excited to see how their abilities grow over the next 6 weeks, or so.
I’ve also really been enjoying time with friends in my program. Myself and eight others took an exciting day (more like evening) trip to a nearby town called Calpe. It took a whopping 2 hours including 2 different trams and a bus ride to get there, but the hike up “Ifach” was 100% worth the wait. The gorgeous views and sunset over the mountains was absolutely breathtaking! Spain is beautiful!
I’ve come to appreciate the time I have here in my “home town,” and for that I am very thankful.
Coming up next: Midterms, then a weekend trip to Granada and Ronda!
¡Hasta pronto!