End of week 1

I made it. Well, almost. I´ve ALMOST survived an entire week here in Spain, and here are some things that have come of it:

- I´ve mastered the subway while managing to go on some unplanned side trips
- I´ve learned enough Spanish to shop at the market, order a coffe, a water and a grilled cheese sandwich (to go)
- I´ve learned far more British than I have Spanish
- I´ve fallen down the stairs only once
- found that one can survive in Europe for 5 € a day!!!! (although I now have my PIN, so I have $$$!!!!!)
- Discovered that Spaniards are in love with music by Shania Twain
- found my way to several plazas
- made 3 really good friends, am working on more.
- have taught grown adults for a total of 45 minutes (they actually got bummed when I told them I was done for the day! YAY!)
- learned some Catalan (the language spoken here in Barcelona)
- found that I have much to improve in my teaching
- will find later tonight how much I like to boogie on the streets of Barcelona!!!!!

Here are some things that I miss-
- my family, immensely.
- Joey, the way he smells in the morning when he steps out of the shower, the way he yells at me for not rinsing the dishes, even stupid things, like hearing him put his glasses on the dresser before he goes to bed.
- driving!!!! I HATE THE SUBWAY!!! Too crowded. If only I had a Vespa . . .
- Lake Michigan
- pine trees, I love the smell of pine trees.
- yoga
- my friends! although I´ve made new ones, they don´t replace the ones I have back home.
- my BIG BED, they are tiny here! and the pillows suck. I hit the wall every time I roll over.
- my blow dryer. I brought it with me, but dont´have a converter. on my list of things to get.

Things I love -
- the respect for what´s old
- the really neat buildings
- the pride in their own culture
- the people
- the FOOD (I´m sure, once I get to really get into it, instead of just sandwiches)
- the wine, yummm!!!!
- the weather, it´s warm. Raining right now, but that´s okay, I´m at school!
- the staff here at school
- my students! Even the one that´s a problem causing 74 year old :)

Things I´ve learned -
- I have much to learn!!!
- the world is tiny.
- no matter where you are in the world, people are people, and generally good
- you can communicate quite clearly without knowing the language
- a smile speaks volumes!
- happiness doesn´t come in bottles you by at the market, you have to make it happen.

Right now I have to run off and grab a bite to eat, then slip in a quick nap because today is Jenny´s birthday, so we´re going out (as a group, mom, as a group) dancing!!!! (no, I won´t bring any valuables with me, or go off with any strange men, and I´ll take my list of emergency numbers with me!) So, I need to change and find a way to do my hair without the blow dryer. I´ll be back tomorrow- I have a project due on Monday. Thanks for checking up everyone. Don´t be afraid to email me!!!!