CADIZ

Hello all
I hope life is treating you well, and for all you university people, I hope that reading week was a nice time off for you.

This weekend we (myself, Eric, Shane and Joyce) went to Cadiz, on the south-western coast, by Portugal, for the Carnival de Cadiz. (this is a rather large festival which draws people by the thousands and everyone is dressed up) What a riot! We arrived around 8 on Friday, settled in, and then headed in by train to see some of the festival. We missed most of the little spectacles (there were suppose to be singing and dancing competitions all Friday and Saturday). Unfortunately, we missed them all weekend. But we walked around most of the night from 10-1, had a bite to eat, and continued walking. Eventually, we decided to go home and as we were leaving, we ran into a girl that Shane knew from SFU. So we decided to stay a little longer and it was awesome. We went back to this plaza that we had visited before, when it was completely empty. Now it was completely full with people doing bodellon (which is essentially drinking in the streets. People huddle around in a circle, drink the beverages that they had purchased beforehand and socialize.) So we came back and it was packed (obviously, when we visited all the plazas around 12 or 1, it was too early...and 10 minutes later, a group of 15 people or so with instruments, starting entering into the plaza from the streets, and playing life music. Just percussion beats and stuff but it was awesome. Instantaneously, everyone started dancing around and it was fantastic. This lasted until around 3, when we decided to finally go home.

The next day (Saturday), we headed back into Cadiz, to see some of the sights. Nice little place, with a great view of the ocean. We headed back home, to get some rest before heading back into Cadiz on the 11 pm train. The weather had turned for the worse, really windy and pouring by the time we arrived in Cadiz. (sorry..we were staying in Puerta Santa Maria, about 10 km out of Cadiz...when we booked about a month ago, Cadiz was booked solid..only option left was to stay out of the city..but the trains were a good, cheap way to get into Cadiz. Plus we had a cozy little bungelow in Puerta Santa Maria)

So we arrived in Cadiz, just pouring outside, thousands of people dressed up (we made pour attempts to wear some different hats or something..severely underdressed for the party) so bodejon started in the train station. For about 30 minutes, we stayed there until the rain subsided and then headed off. Thousands and thousands of people all over the streets...awesome time. Just walked from plaza to plaza, seeing so many different costumes. And I tell you, this Carnival puts anything similar to Halloween back West to shame...they go all out here, dressed to the 9´s in their costume...so wicked. (horrible for us though since we were really underdressed..) But wicked time just chilling and doing bodellon and talking to the odd person here or there, meeting up with other people. Around 5 am, we decide to trek it back to the train station. (We had planned an all nighter since the last train to leave was around 1 am and then next one wouldn´t be until 5:30 on Sunday morning...)

Here is where probably my worst experience so far has been in Spain. The authorities had figured that instead of having thousands of people all packing into the train station and purchasing tickets, they would form a line, held in by barriers, before the train station entrance, and allow 20-30 people in at a time. Now, picture 100´s of people arriving every 10 minutes into this ¨bottleneck¨, and it gets pretty packed. So, it did get bad for about 20 minutes (we were in it for about 45 minutes, slowly moving a few feet every 5 minutes). Just an unfortunate situation of people at the back not realizing how packed it really is, pushing to get up to the front, every one packed like sardines...thankfully nobody fell..or worse. A few people had fainted, and they were helped out to the side, over the barriers to the ambulance on hand. Really, a necessary way to handle the huge masses heading the train stations, and a better way to do it instead of letting everyone into the train station like some people thought in the crowds, but just a little nerve racking thinking of the possibility of disaster..

Sunday was spent ¨recuperating¨, sleeping until 3-4, heading out for some great seafood at a local restaurant, and then heading back to Cadiz for a pretty good firework show. Quite impressive as I have seen some good ones at the Epcot center in DisneyWorld and out on Vancouver Island in Bouchard/Butchart Gardens...Also saw a cool little parade full of fantastic floats

All in all, a fantastic weekend, awesome experience to see some Spanish festivities. Next time, I would recommend renting a bigger car than a 2 door little hatch-back. Was crammed in the back for 4 hours since Shane had to sit in the front because he gets car sick otherwise. Said goodbye to a few people we had met over the 2 months last night...We are here for 3 months, most of the people we have met are leaving since their semester has just ended and a new group of international students are arriving for the semester beginning this week.

Quick note about the bodejon thing, partying outside by the thousands. Interesting that over here, have yet to see anything remotely close to fighting, except for the small shoving match in Murcia. But, considering the elements this weekend - huge party, outside, lots of drinking...and witnessing not one act of violence or even serious vandalism (I say serious because I have photo of a police van sprayed with that candy like stuff out of the spray can)...says something about Spanish culture I believe. I commented to a few other Canadians, Eric and another dude Dorian who is here in Jaen, and has been for 6 months, that scuffles, brawls, fights, just does not happen here. (And Dorian goes out lots here and I asked him last night, and hasn´t seen anything..) Very interesting...and I´m sure if something similar to the Carnival happened in Canada, or North America, for that matter, there would be huge amounts of police, a large amounts of brawls and scuffles...just from my experience of going out to smaller events like hockey games, going out in Lethbridge and Calgary, and even the Calgary Stampede...as I´m sure all North Americans that read this have experienced.

Take care...hopefully I get pictures up soon...might have to nap today...good thing it is Andalucia´s Day and there is no school

Cordoba...and pictures

Hola
Hope everyone is doing well with life. Things are still going awesome over here...ventured to Cordoba this weekend for the day. It is the home of the Mezquita, a Muslim monument, built back in the 900´s when Muslims had conquered the Iberian peninsula. It was absolutely breathtaking the grandeur of it and detailing again. Similar to the details found in the Alhambra from Granada, yet slightly different when you look at closely. Also, amazing because there is a huge Cathedral built in the middle, for when the Catholics reconquered Spain during the Reconquista....a sort of symbol to show that they were back in power...incredibly huge. So fascinating to see the blend of Muslim and Catholicism within one monument. And to top it off, a very unique Jewish quarter with one of 3 synagogues found in Spain...ancient, ancient, ancient. The synagogue was only one building but amazing how old it was and again, the idea of it surrounded by Muslim and Catholic monuments shows the history of this unique country. As well, went out to Medina Azahara, where the Muslim emirates created a home for them, away from the city. All ruins now but really great to see.

http://photos.yahoo.com/abenturner

So the pictures in Cordoba are divided into the first part being about the ruins of Medina Azahara (from 34-66). Then there are Mezquita pictures (67-92) showing the details. I know some of them are really dark but there was scarce light in some of the pictures...amazing all the pillars...over 1200. The rest of the pictures are of Cordoba, and there are a few (93-96), that were of the main plaza (a huge open area) that was filled with a sort of medievil bazaar. Awesome area that we stumbled upon (Eric, Joyce and I) during our travels and really glad we did. All the bazaar venders, with their own little stands, were dressed in medievil times, selling all sorts of little things. Really cool to see..

Also, there are new albums of Linares (where we went a few weekends ago), there are more Jaen pictures (all those that have an "adam" file extension) of nightlife and such. Good times...still doing the Spain thing of staying out really late and am kind of getting use to it. I find that as long as I have one early night out of the bunch, it is not too bad. And siestas always help..

Also, some Murcia pictures are in there (see last blog entry for that story..). As well, I have my Sierra Nevada pictures up..hopefully I can steal some of Eric´s pictures and post more up there as he took far more. Amazing the little valley that divides snowy peaks from those without. (see 28-29)

And for Adam Roe, there is a picture of the Alhambra water stair case in the Granada album now. Took a picture the second time back. (It is a staircase that has water going down the rails..those royalty always trying to flaunt their prestige by having intricate free flowing draining systems in a land incredibly dry) (adam-09)

Anyways, I said I´d comment on the issue about students and behaviour and I know this is long already but oh well, you can stop reading now if you don´t want to read about it. I really do believe kids here are more well-behaved here. Yes they do talk tons but as far as physical behaviour problems such as bullying or fights amongst students, I think they are far less frequent than in North America. There have been some instances amongst some of the Canadian teachers here (3 that I have heard of), but they were minimal (2 pushes, a hair pull). I don´t know what it is, lack of violence in their society, different upbringings, etc. I think Spaniards are incredibly sociable and that contributes to their non-stop talking. And as a teacher, a young one albeit, I would rather deal with talking and class management as oppose to physical violence, bullying, harsh verbal abuse, temper losses into physical outbursts. Yes, Spanish students do speak out when they disagree with something but I find that is the extent to it.

In Murcia, I saw the first physical scuffle here in Spain between two guys outside a bar. It was late (4 am) and two guys started shouting, and a few pushes and then they were seperated. IT stopped everyone in their tracks and I believe because it is just so rare. And Kristin even pointed out that that is the first physical scuffle she has seen in her 5 months here. I just think things rarely excalate to physical outbursts.

One more thing about the Sierra Nevada trip....it was awesome in the bus because some students broke out in Flamenco singing, clapping and beats. Someone was playing on a box the beat, other kids were clapping according to the singing done by one gal. So neat to drive home to that from the mountains...

Sorry for the huge post....a lot of things to mention.
Take care all and hope this finds you well

Sierra Nevada

Our trip to the mountains yesterday was great. A really early start (7 am) but it was well worth the drive. A little dodgy up the mountain said as our big bus was just swerving around some blind corners, hoping that their wasn't people coming.

Sierra Nevada is the highest point in mainland Spain...I say mainland because the Canary Islands have the tallest mountain. It was gorgeous as we rounded a bend and saw the snow covered mountain. Crazy also because just across the valley, there was absolutely no snow. Really a sight to see. A little disappointing in the sense that we were approaching the resort and both Eric and I are thinking how great this is going to be with all the chair lifts going up the mountains, different runs, etc. Then, we take a turn to the left and ascend the to other side. Essentially, we went to the bunny hill if you will. It was still super fun as we went tobagganing with 25 14-15 year olds who had never gone before. So funny and crazy. That was in the morning and then after lunch, the students and I (Eric is more experienced) learned how to ski. This was the first time I have tried skiing since grade 7 and I did not bad. Sure it was a bunny hill but still. So, we did look over to the mountain every once in a while and wished we were on it (I would have been doing snowboarding for sure...not an expert by any means but my snowboarding is better than the snow plowing that I was mastering yesterday..)

I was a little worried headed out since I did not have any winter gear but I borrowed a pair of wind/waterproof pants and then wore some shorts over top (the layer system is so efficient). Then I thought of buying gloves but decided against and opted to use my soccer goalie gloves for protection (10€ for a one day use of gloves didn't sit well for my frugal self). But they worked wonders. But it turned out that I was more prepared than most students. Most of them dressed as if it was a regular day. Maybe 2 pair of pants but for most, a small pair of gloves, a few sweaters and they were off. It was absolutely gorgeous out (sun shining the whole day) but I was soaked after the first hour of always sitting in the snow and on the tobaggan. All in all, a good time.

Interesting talking to another teacher here about their system here. Most students are streamed after 4 ESO (which is about grade 10 of compulsary subjects). After, they choose more academica routes (to eventually go to University..this is the baccalaureate route) or other routes such as commercial business, arts, computer technology, other occupations such as hairdressing, airline work, etc. Essentially a streaming system for the last two years of school and for the baccalaureate route, a very important 3 day exam period that determines their acceptance into universities after their high school education is completed in June. Similar to SAT's in my view. And their acceptance is based upon 60% high school mark and 40% 3-day exam period. So there you go, some educational information on Spain...

Some people have asked me how I find students behave here in Spain and I reply more or less the same. Sure you have the students here and there who disrupt classtime and such with too much talking but all in all, same type of problems. However, I do think that behaviour problems here in Spain are much different. I was discussing this yesterday with Eric because on the way up to Sierra Nevada with the students, we stopped for 30 minutes to have coffee or snacks. There were only 3 other teachers (or supervisors) and Eric and I...for 55 students. I have noticed that students here do talk alot but when it comes down to it, I would rather animated and jovial talking instead of behavioural issues such as fights, bullying, etc. Students here are pretty kind towards eachother I think, in comparison to students back home. Very few putdowns and bullying is almost non-existent (at least I haven't seen it). Always friendly, jovial banter between students. But just an ovbservation and I will comment more later but the bell just rang for me to go teach.

Until the next time,
Adam

Maki in Murcia

This weekend was a treat. I went to Murcia to see a fellow Airdrian, Kristin Yaehne. Was really fun. She had a going away party for a roommate of hers and met some other ERASMUS students (an international exchange program all throughout European universities). There were a lot of students from Belgium and France so my french received much practice. Always a challenge to change from French with them, to English with Kristin, to Spanish with the other students...good times. Then on Sunday I had brought some Maki stuff (sushi rolls for those people that don´t know) WAs great to finally make my own meal. Love the food here but there is something to be said for meals made by your own hands. Was a great treat. Quite a different ring to making Maki in Spain, with a gal from Airdrie and her Italian and American roommates trying it for the first time..

Things have been great the last few week or so..Last Thursday saw a Flamenco lesson with a Spanish girl, Carmen, that I met. Wasn´t the real thing, just a lesson for about 10 other ladies wanting to learn, but it gave a good idea of how awesome it would be. Will definitely try to catch a show when I´m touring Spain with the bro and Dalia, and May and her friend Pam. But good fun to go out after for tapas for wine and snacks with some Spanish people. Hang out too much with other Canadians and always speaking English. And then on Friday, went to a University function and spent the time talking to other profs about stuff all in Spanish. So, getting better at communicating as those two days showed and nice to see improvements. Interesting chats with them about what languages are easier to learn..Spanish, English or French.

So between finally communicating in spanish at a relatively fluent level and not just nodding and saying yes all the time, things are good. As well, going to the Sierra Nevadas in 2 days..just got the invite today with my school. Going to try skiing finally..have always been scared to since Grade 7 so what better place than Spain!! And then have a trip to Gibraltar in 3 weeks planned with another school. Going to be great to go for a day with lots of Spanish students and give it some more practice. Will be a challenge going skiing with no equipment (we can rent stuff but not clothing...hopefully something comes up in the next day..)

But, keeping this short. Hope everyone is doing well with whatever life is throwing at them
Adam

Future plans

Hello all

Thanks to everyone who leaeves comments. I love hearing what you think and keep them coming. (and I´m glad my older father and godmother have mastered the techinical aspect!) I encourage others, especially those interested in education and such, to visit some of the other blogs from students abroad. There are different issues that they are facing as well.

Things continue to go well here. Went to Granada for the weekend again to meet up with a friend from Airdrie and her parents. It was nice to see some other Canadians and to see Kristin. Granada is a must of anyone makes it to Spain...so much to do. Had a dinner with other internatonal students on Saturday night in a quaint little place, under a tapas bar. The roof was extremely low (needless to say, I didn´t get up much) but it was good company, some beer, wine and lots of good food. Really good time and started off the night well. Hopefully I can get some pictures uploaded soon for you to view.

Our time is filled with teaching and meeting new people, as well as planning future weekend events. We have a weekend planned to go see the Carnival of Cadiz (West of Jaén, near Portugal and right on the ocean). It is suppose to be a great time and we´re spending our 4 day weekend there. Should be exciting! As well, we are trying to plan a weekend in Valencia for Las Fallas, another festival in the middle of March. Suppose to be a great time so hopefully we get our lodging booked soon...still waiting to hear back from them. Those are the two big things that we´re trying to do together, all 7 of us Canadians. I´m also going to Barcelona to see a concert with my friend Kristin from Murcia...travel all day and night on the way back just to see Jack Johnson..cannot wait. Just another American artist for those of you who don´t know him...but I like him a lot. Also have plans to see Cordoba (and the mosque there), Ubeda and Baeza (both world heritage sights apparently...must sees according to many Jaén people. So, most of my weekends from now on are booked up....I don´t know when I´ll have the opportunity to plan!!

Teaching is still going well. I wish to find relevant things to talk about in the classes to get them to participate and today went well. (they expressed interest in music, sports, lifestyles....so my homework for the future is to find french and english texts about those things to get them to talk..) We didn´t even talk about the text I prepared because they wanted to discuss certain issues like politics and lifestyles in Canada. I guess whatever works for the students .. I´m not going to shove my idea of interesting at them and force them to talk. Have to roll with the punches.. There is some truth to what Eric said in his blog..sometimes, there are just blank faces staring back at you and it becomes a good challenge to get some words out of them. But if anyone can remember back to their language classes, it always was a trial to get out there and talk. So I commend those students that do talk..But it is all a great experience and am extremely fortunate to be here.

So lots going on...I´m going to see some Flamenco classes this Thursday .. cannot wait!! It will be fantastic and the gal I´m going with said there might be a chance of even trying to dance!! Cannot wait to shake this booty.. Off to Murcia for the weekend to hang with Kristin and see her town. Should be fun. Am also planning for future plans with people traveling over and my plans for the 3 months after...am even close to buying a ticket home eventually!!

Take care all and I hope this finds you well,
Sorry for the long winded post again..just get rambling I guess. So thank you to those who read the whole thing!
Adam

quick update

Well,
not much is new here. Teaching is going very well. I had my first horrible horrible class where I was left almost helpless because I couldn´t "reprimand" the students for constantly talking all the time. At the end, I did manage a if this happens again next class, then another class will be working with me in English, not them. (No, I am not high on myself as a teacher...) This seemed to get the message accross since they did react like they were concerned. We´ll find out next class I guess.

If you´ve been reading Eric´s blog, yes it snowed in Jaén last weekend. Over the last 2 years, the only times it has snowed has been when Canadians were here. A little chilly and I think I was about to come down with something, but as the last blog said, I did take the night off and I am thankful for it. Eric is sick still (3 days running), Conrad is out of commission, 2 of the other girls have missed teaching this week...Guess in my older age, I am getting wiser and don´t feel I have to go out all the time!

Going to Granada this weekend to see a my friend Kristen from Airdrie, where I grew up. Her parents are over visiting her for 2 weeks so I thought I would join them for Saturday. Then I will see her again next weekend in Murcia, where she teaches English. Will be a good weekend I think.

Other than that, nothing exciting. Interesting talking to some of the other Canadians about what they have noticed about Spanish culture. It is quite the culture difference here in many respects and since I have been told that my blogs are often "long-winded", I won´t bore you with the details. There are many differences from the openness of Spanish culture to the somewhat patriarchal system that still exists, hidden and openly. At least, these are my opinions. Great to talk to some teachers here too about the education system and what not. Again, somewhat different. But, part of the reason I´m here is to learn about new things and question our own systems - socially, educationally, religiously, politically, etc.

But, should sign off before I ramble. Take care and we´ll be in touch.
Adam