Spain Day 8:

Weekend Jaunt down to Lloret 

October 4-6

I decided that I may as well start exploring the surrounding area since most of the other coastal towns are so close and its only two euro for a train ticket. The first week of work was pretty draining and shaking off the jetlag plus the added frustrations of a language barrier called for an early vacation. I heard from a coworker that Lloret was like a little Las Vegas so I figured I couldn't go wrong there. Though I did find that really you can go wrong anywhere, it's up to you to make the most of it. Come last Friday I packed a bag and set off. After a quick stop in Blanes I was on my way to Lloret. I'm also glad I made the trip because it gave me time to start figuring out how the bus system works and how to look for street signs.

Cool statue near the beach

Another good thing that I learned is that you should always, always...always research the hotel you are going to be staying at. Google maps, apple maps, yahoo maps, plain maps and all the other maps out there. I say this not because my hotel was unpleasant but it was at the top of a fairly large hill. I didn't plan on going for a hike every time I wanted to leave and return to the room. Luckily it wasn't a big deal but next time I'll pay the extra money for a hotel near the beach.

Early in the nigh on Friday there was perhaps the loudest thunder storm I've ever been around and I though the sky would fall before I could go out. Luckily the downpour let up around 10 so four long hours before I was even thinking of leaving. I went to Club Tropics because I had heard such a big fuss about how cool it is but like I said before you can go wrong anywhere, especially in October at the end of the party season. First of all I dunno how or why people in Europe think staying up until six or seven partying is practical in the least. I was only out till 4ish but I think I keep a cap on the number of 6am treks to the hotel. Still adapting to life here. The club was cool enough but the crowd was either really young or strange or creepily old. I saw some things that I wish I could unsee. And one final point about partying, I hope that one day cover charge equality will come to pass in the world. It's a silly point but I spent 30 euro getting into this place and that's not cool. I guess I can't complain because Vegas is worse but alas us guys will pay it. 

The Beachscape in Lloret

The next day, after the big storm, was beautiful. The clouds parted and I woke to a dream like vision of rays of light entering the room. Now I know why people can so easily up and move to places like this. I'll take that wake up call any day. The whole day Saturday I spent relaxing on the beach and walking around exploring the town. There are shops for days and the surrounding area is really cool. The second night I was there I said nay to the prospect of another high cover club letdown so I chilled out and watched the Man U game them went to bed. I got up early and decided to see the crazily late sunrise, 7:50 AM, then catch a bus back home. The sunrise was well worth getting up early and plus it was FREE! In a battle of a 30 euro cover and a gorgeous free sunrise, I'll take the sunrise every time. It was a successful morning and it was cool being awake when the city was sleeping. I got to use my DSLR for the first time extensively as well and I couldn't have asked for a better sight.

After a successful weekend it was back to work but for my first travel weekend of the journey no complaints. Till the next time

Spain Day 9:

Wow so I guess five days did just go by between posts, that wasn't planned. The first week here in Catalonia has been fairly hectic while I adapt to the new schedule and get the lay of the land. The weekend trip I took to Lloret also didn't aid in my blogging so now I must catch up. I'm going to get everything up to speed today with some videos and picture posts from the weekend trip. I think I'll post three days a week with a recap video on Saturdays or Sundays. I think that's more manageable than trying to post errr day. So at least more stuff is on the way, lots to cover indeed. I even made a list.
Until the next time.

Spain Day 4:

Mi pueblo

Decided to go exploring again today, still haven't seen the whole town even though it's pretty small, and I found a great vantage point toward the back of town. Figured I'd snap a few pictures since I haven't used the DSLR much and haven't even touched the GoPro. No worries that will all change very soon.

Not much action on the front lines today just more introductions to the students. I went around from class to class at the secondary school and introduced myself to the students. Then I asked them to present questions if they had any. I think the kids are still in shock and awe mode because this is the first time there has ever been a language assistant at the school. Especially a larger individual with a nice cinnamon complexion lol. The most common questions were as follows:

1. Do you go to the gym?

2. What is your favorite soccer team in Spain? (Barcelona = cheers and applause)

3. Why did you come here? (sounds accusatory but it's just their english level)

4. How tall are you?

5. Do you have a GF?

6. Which is better Spain or America?

So as lively as that was I was hoping to get higher level questions to both make them think and force them to construct sentences that weren't five words long. Later in the day we got to topics like their fight for independence and the economy in Spain. So all in all it was a good introduction to the school and now they know me a little better. Tomorrow I start actually teaching at the primary school. Environmental science!

The highlight of my day was definitely buying a plan for my phone. I went into the Movistar phone store and had at it. I spoke only in English and managed to get a plan for only 20 euro a month. I think anywhere from 15-20 is winning. Me and my blackberry can finally whatsapp without hinderance. 

The not so successful part of the day was me searching for indoor soccer shoes in size 15 or 48 in Euro terms. I came close, found a size 47, but I need to get a pair quick because the requests to play soccer are coming in. I'm playing tomorrow night with one of the teacher's husbands and if I don't get some shoes I might as well go out there in my socks.

I think I'll do a summary video on Friday instead of writing each day the rest of this week. I'm debating blogging every day or every other day but I think this week I'll just post pictures here and then sum up on Friday. My goal is to blog every day though so we'll see what happens. 

First hiking destination: Set

"If adventure has a final and all-embracing motive, it is surely this: we go out because it is our nature to go out, to climb mountains, and to paddle rivers, to fly to the planets and plunge into the depths of the oceans... When man ceases to do these things, he is no longer man."
-- Wilfrid Noyce