Orientation in Sevilla

I’m alive! Just thought you all should know that. Also, I’m in Sevilla!

Hesperia Hotel Room in Sevilla

So, just for a quick update- I arrived at the hotel Monday afternoon (exhausted) and this week has been orientation for the Teach in Spain program. I’m here with 100 other auxiliaries de conversación all assigned to different cities and pueblos throughout Andalucia. Every day we’ve had various activities (tapas, a tour of the Alcázar) and classes to attend (ranging from how to find an apartment to tips on teaching English and a Spanish language review).

Sevilla

The weather is amazing- a bit hot in the afternoons, but nothing unbearable. I’m pretty sure Granada will be cooler as it’s surrounded by mountains. Last night was a cocktail hour meet-and-greet where we had a chance to bond not only with those auxiliaries working/living in Granada but with teachers placed throughout the province… I’m looking forward to having someone to visit on the coast (Málaga or Motríl). The girls here (yes, there are mainly girls) seem really great- especially those living in my city. We’ve already planned a tapas outing to a bar called Bella y Bestia, my first ski trip in the Sierras, a possible Ibiza excursion, and Helene is going to try to teach me to cook. That will be very necessary. Also, we’re going to learn to tango… that should be interesting.

Next week will be crunch time in trying to find an apartment. Margaret (my contact in Granada) told me about a live-in nanny position that would be rent-free and an amazing opportunity. However, I’m still waiting to hear back about the job and can’t really sit around waiting.

In any case, we’re headed to a Flamenco show here in the city after a tour of Sevilla and tapas with some local CIEE guides. Over and out- I mean, ¡Hasta luego!

PS- to anyone looking to Skype, this hotel (while nice) has terrible internet. I’ll let you know when I’m connected either in the hotel in Granada or my hypothetical apartment.