Thoughts Thus Far

So, I’ve been in Madrid for almost two months now and I’m starting to wonder if I’m on the right track to improving my fluency. I honestly don’t know, and it scares me. I met a girl at church a couple of weeks ago from California. She told me she had been living in Spain for the past two years and will be leaving in December of this year. I asked her if she was fluent in Spanish she responded, “No, but I’m really good.” I was shocked and a little frightened because I plan to be here for two years as well, but one of my main goals is to be “fluent” not just “Really good”. Her excuse for not being fluent was the fact that she continuously socializes with her American friends here in Spain. I knew before leaving the US that socializing continuously with Americans would hinder my progress in achieving my goal. That’s why I chose to be an Au Pair.

I don’t want to freak out, or put too much pressure on myself for the lack of noticing progress. I can’t help but to evaluate my current habits, to make sure I’m taking the necessary steps I need to achieve my goal. I teach English during the day and play with the kids (in English) for about three hours at night. I try to speak Spanish in between with the professors at my school and my host parents after the kids go to bed, but I don’t know if that’s enough. I try to limit weekends with my American friends, and opt to stay home and watch TV in Spanish or talk with my Host Family instead. The only problem with that is that I can only speak English to the kids when they’re around and if I talk with the parents around the kids, it will most likely be in English.

I have noticed that I’ve picked up on more “common” vocabulary and expressions that are used in informal conversations, so that’s a plus. But my main concern is being able to speak and communicate with native speakers on any subject without hesitation, insecurity or frustration. In the next couple of weeks I will be working to incorporate more ways to get absorbed in the language and I’ll keep you posted.  

Second BAD...No, HORRIBLE Experience

Before I came to Spain I had extensions put in my hair to buy myself a little time until I was able to find someone to care for my hair during my two years abroad. So I knew I was going to have to take take out the extensions eventually. My hair is natural, which means, NO chemicals / NO relaxer. When I was in the states I would wash and flat iron my hair myself most of the time, but previous travelers told me that my CHI flat iron would break even if I used a converter, so I didn’t bring it.

After a couple of weeks in Spain, finding a CHI or its so-called European equivalent, the GHD, was nearly impossible to find or cost at least 200 euros (280.00 USD). I made it up in mind to just find someone to do “two-strand twists” so that I wouldn’t have to worry about buying a flat iron, and it would also be healthier for my hair in general. I was able to find two hair salons (Peluquerías) that I’d hoped would suit my hair care needs.

This past Saturday I decided to go through with it, and take out the extensions. I had visited both salons nearly 3 and 4 times each just to get a feel for the place, and to look at products, prices and techniques. At the last visit with the shop I chose to try first, I brought pictures to clear up any last minute confusion on what I wanted. That obviously didn’t help.

Her first mistake was tugging on my hair to get the kinks out during the detangle/condition phase… big NO, NO. Then, she pulls out the blow dryer to “semi-dry” my hair before beginning the two-strand twists, second RED flag. Then, she proceeds to put small twists randomly throughout my “dry” hair. No moisturizer, no oil, no water! Just dry twisted hair. When she gets done, she takes “butterfly clips” to pin up all of the 6 or 7 (Yes, six or seven) twists, toward the center to give the illusion of a mini ponytail. I’m staring at this disaster the whole time trying to keep my eyes from swelling up with tears.

I ended up paying for the hair-do from hell anyway…thirty-seven euros (51.00 USD). I couldn’t hold back the tears when I left the shop. I didn’t even want to go home to my host family because I was so embarrassed. I called my ex-boyfriend at the time to calm me down and lift my spirits. I was just so hurt, because I was so excited to get my hair done. I decided to go to the second salon to tell the lady what happened. I had made friends with her and should have chosen her salon from the beginning. She was able to wash and “blow out” (straighten without using a flat iron) my hair into a perfect wrap look. I had spent my last 37 euros at the previous salon, but she was kind enough to do it and allow me to pay her back later. I will NOT be returning to the first hair salon. It was truly a “learning experience”.

Advice: Learn how to do your own hair, and if you just HAVE to get it done elsewhere…let someone else be the guinea pig.

Long Time, No See

Sorry for the lack of blogging! I’ve settled down with the excitement and I’m completely comfortable in Madrid. I really feel at home. Things have been flowing very smoothly, and this is our first “full” week of work without any fiestas.

I remember mentioning the box of toiletries I had mailed from the US in a previous post. Well…I received it today (almost a month later). But thanks to my host family, I was able to at least learn what was going on, where it could be, and how to retrieve it. Since I listed the value at $150 (a value more than 45 euros), they were holding it until someone came to pick up the package and pay 3% of the value for duties and taxes…even though it was only toiletries. Luckily, my host mom was able to pick it up for me without paying anything! (I know…they’re great!)

When I opened the box, I was able to release a huge sigh. Now, I have all my hair care products from home (which I can function without), my lotions, my soap, mouthwash, and my PUMPS! (Now I can really party…)  

Advice, if mailing items from the US to Spain (maybe any foreign country), don’t put a large value if you don’t have to. Make sure you request a delivery confirmation, and don’t expect to find a USPS location in Spain. Their local mail carriers is called “Correos”, but I have seen UPS trucks around, so that’s good to know.

A Home Away From Home

I just noticed! It’s the end of the week and I haven’t even talked about my Host Family! First, I want to thank God for allowing me to have this wonderful opportunity and to be placed with such a great family! Since this was my first time traveling (and living) outside the US, I thought it would be better to find a Host Family to live with during my first year here in Spain; instead of living in an apartment alone, or with people I don’t know. I chose to live with a family as an Au Pair.

When most people think of an Au Pair, they often worry about what kind of “work” they would be required to do, or whether or not they’ll have “freedom” to do what they want during their time abroad. I can’t speak for others and their experiences, but I can say thus far my Host Family has been / is amazing! I have my own room, with a TV and I share the bathroom with the kids. Speaking of which (the kids), are adorable! Well, I guess I should say “handsome” because they’re two boys ages 5 & 7. They’re very active and sometimes they even fight. Nothing I’m not already accustomed to. The parents are both professionals and they treat me as part of the family, not as an employee. And for this, I’m very appreciative. I can go to the fridge and grab a bite to eat just as I would if I were at home in Alabama. I can ask them for advice. And most of all, I can practice my Spanish! I can genuinely say I’m living as a Spaniard, because I participate in their daily activities and I see how daily life is in Spain. I can only imagine what it would be like living “alone” as a first-timer outside the States. Sure you’d meet people your age, and they may even speak English, but you just can’t “trust” anyone.

Advice: Apply through an agency. That way, if there are any problems or things you are uncomfortable with (schedule, responsibilities, etc.) you can talk to the agency representative that coordinated the match. It will also prevent you from feeling uncomfortable “confronting” the parents regarding any issues because you won’t have to.
Family Time Fun Beginner Dinner Games 

First Bad Experience

Earlier this week, I went venturing around my immediate area and decided to go ahead and purchase an Abono Card (Abono Card- a card purchased to acquire unlimited access to city transportation for a monthly fee). The day before, my Host Mom was kind enough to show me where to access the metro. She also informed me of the types of tickets I could purchase in order to access the metro without spending too much money hence, the Abono Card.

We went to the local tobacco shop (un estanco) where the Abonos are purchased and my host Mom inquired on my behalf in reference to the Abono. The two older women, working at the time, explained the different zones and we left the shop.

When I went to go purchase the card the next morning, there was a young girl working alone. I inquired about the Abono card, and she told me it would be 33 euros to purchase. I gave her a 50 and I received 25+ back in change. I didn’t know it only cost 1, 40 euros to “request” an Abono so I gave her a 50. I don’t know if it was an honest mistake on her behalf or not but either way I’m still out of a 20.

Advice: Make sure you know how much something costs, ask for a receipt and if you’re unsure about the purchase wait and return with someone who’s familiar with the area as well as the process; not just with the Abono, but any and everything else as well.
Franklin 12 Language European Translator FR-TJS12

Finally Here!

When I arrived at the Madrid airport, it was just a relief. I couldn’t get comfortable on the plane, so I didn’t sleep. The food was horrible, so I didn’t eat. I was just happy I made it safely. When I got off the plane, I remember walking through the terminal and looking through the glass and thinking to myself…”I’m finally here, I’m finally in Spain.” To my surprise, going through the Police checkpoint (customs) was a breeze. We were only required to show our passport and hand in a form explaining our nationality, arrival and departure (which we completed on the flight). It took forever for my luggage to come out on the conveyer belt, and during the wait, I had my first chance to communicate with a Spaniard. I stood waiting at the luggage conveyer belt with my buggy cart, when a woman came and politely leaned her luggage against my buggy … without asking! She walked over to get her own, and then retrieved her luggage from my buggy without a simple “Oh, I’m sorry”, “Excuse me” or even a “Thank you”. For some reason, I wasn’t the least bit offended, just amused. It was odd seeing how their mannerisms were. Some of the women stared; the men (mostly the police) had a stern look, but eventually would smile as I passed by them.

The Dad from my host family was finishing up a business call and recognized me as soon as I came through the exit entrance. He greeted me with “Dos Besos” or two kisses (cheek to cheek). As we left, I did look up at the sky (Mrs. Merkel J) but it was overcast and a chance of rain which somewhat related to my mood. I was excited but extremely tired.

The houses here (flats) would be considered more like an apartment in America only with the layout of a single story house. It was nice and neat with shiny hardwood floors and long hallways. The light switches were more of a push/click type gadget, and the light for the bathroom was on the outside of the door. Another feature I will have to get used to will be the showers/bathtubs! Normally it would take me around 15-20 minutes to shower, but seeing as how the shower head is used manually, it took more than double the time! There has to be a more efficient way of taking a shower In Spain, if anyone has any suggestions, feel free to post!
TravelRest - The Ultimate Inflatable Travel Pillow

Days Before Departure

It’s starting to seem unreal. I’ve always wanted to visit Spain, but it just seemed like it would never happen. There would always be obstacles (timing, money, etc) that prevented me from achieving this goal, but now I finally have the opportunity! I’ve already cried one bridge when I said my goodbyes to “the fam” this past weekend, and to prevent me from crying another river, since by boyfriend is taking me to the airport, I told him to drop me off and keep driving…no long goodbyes lol. We’re a close-knit family and I’m the “emotional one”, so I cry about everything!

My mom helped me pack my things and I planned to bring two suitcases (one filled with clothes and the other with toiletries) in addition to two carry-on bags. I’ve heard from other language assistants that toiletries in Europe are expensive, and sometimes hard to find. I’ve stocked up on shampoo, soap, lotion, and even DENTAL FLOSS! Luckily, I was able to go and have my luggage weighed at the local UPS store to make sure they weren’t over the weight limit. Both pieces resulted in being over 50 lbs. I’ve taken most of the liquids (shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, etc) and I plan to mail them via USPS.

I don’t know why, but even after packing and having everything ready to go, it still hasn’t hit me yet. As the 19^th approaches I feel more excitement and even more anxiety. I should feel comfortable and at ease with my transition after years of studying Spain’s history, language, and culture. But there’s always the last step right before you get to the top of a mountain that’s the most exciting, because you know you’re about to reach the top but the journey took you so long, sometimes you have to pinch yourself when you finally get there to make sure its real.
Air Weigh LS-300 Portable Digital Luggage Scale