Friday, October 3, 2008

Quite Content

As of today, Friday October 3rd, I have officially been in Ubrique for one week. I am entirely unpacked and all settled in, and Ubrique already feels like home. I love my "piso" (flat) and my room (especially since it has a balcony overlooking the plaza).

While I have not had the opportunity to teach a class yet, I have been able to attend various classes and assist the teachers each day. I found out today that I will be teaching all grades, which includes kids from 3 to 12 years old. Undoubtedly, I have a challenge ahead of me...but I think it will be quite fun and rewarding. I think all the kids are wonderful, and so far, really seem to like me - especially the 10 year old boys who remind me daily "you very beautiful (pronounced boootiful) woman." One of my classes already gave me a welcome poster. Talk about adorable! :-) Bottom line: The kids are great and this is going to be a fun year.

And one of the best things about Ubrique (and its population of 18,000) is that the teachers and kids alike all know me, and we frequently run into each other. It is such a great feeling when the kids say "Hello Ashley" or "Bye Bye" when I see them in the streets or the Plaza. They quite often come running to me, yelling at their parents to come meet the "maestra nueva de ingles" (new English teacher). I am already quite attached to the town, the people, and the kids. If I love it this much after only one week, I'm a little concerned that after 9 months, I wont be coming home... I might just have to buy a flat, become an English teacher, and bribe my parents and friends to come live in Spain with me.

To bring this to a close, I would like to add just one, very interesting, little tid-bit. A bird flew into me today. Yes, you read that correctly. I got hit by a bird. What can I say? It all happened quite quickly. I was simply minding my own business, walking across the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, looked at the birds playing in the fountain about 30 feet from me. Then, all of sudden, something spooked them. No big deal, 5 out of 6 of the birds flew in a hustle right in front of me. However, one apparently miscalculated my position, and ended up flying right into the side of my face, hit my nose, then left my "bubble" with a couple pieces of my hair. I didnt quite know what to think. Nor did the witnesses (a few old gentlemen sitting in the plaza) know what to say. Anyway, I am quite honored to add that to my list of interesting events in my life. And I would be curious to know how many people can honestly say they have been hit by a bird while walking... Anyone? I must be very special...

5 comments:

Aunt Lyndi said...

Hello, Ashley! You are, indeed, very special! However, you are not the only person in our family who has had a "less than casual" encounter with a bird! When I was in South Carolina on vacation one very early spring day, a large sea bird flew immediately over my head and - uh hum - while he did not "hit" me, he did "hit" me, if you know what I mean. :) As you may know, I'm not that fond of swimming, but I dashed headlong into the deep end of a very cold swimming pool without a second thought!

Your new flat looks so cozy and serene! I love the sunlight, and wish I could see the plaza that you overlook. Sounds like you are a perfect fit with your little village and the local children. I'm reminded of the wonderful phrase that what matters most in this life is not how many people you love, but rather the number of people who love you. You are truly loved, Honey! Stay safe.

Noflunk said...

Haha sounds a lot more fun then getting yelled at over the phone for the financial decline of the country. Im glad I missed those calls and that you did too ^_^. Anyway sounds like youre already have a great adventure cant wait to read more.

PS 28 more days till the wedding! (I'll send you pics as soon as I can)

Debakamom said...

Hey Ash, I brought Grandma to the library and she loves your blog and the story of your "fly through" bird.

Debakamom said...

Hey Ash, I brought Grandma to the library so she could view your blog. She thinks it is realy cool, and she especially enjoyed the story of your "fly through" bird. TTUL

Jenny said...

Ola Prima!
I've heard of "flipping the bird" but you've taken it to a new level! Glad to hear you're enjoying your time in Spain. Your flat and the town sound fabulous. Enjoy the adventure! Love, Jen