Last days of school

Today I said my goodbyes to students in Badajoz.  I've worked in this elementary school for the past 8 months on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  My classes consisted of 5th and 6th graders and they've truly been amazing.  I've noticed their levels of English improving and the ones who just love participating are so cute.  I'll never forget them! They didn't even let me walk into the classroom before they bombarded me with cards, gifts, and kisses.  One boy even made a PowerPoint for me!

 

At first I was very confused "they fence you very well"?? What!? Then I found out that this was just a funny translation.  She meant to say "Que te vaya bien" which means something like I hope it's well for you/good luck with everything. Instead, she spelled "vaya" into her translator as "valla" which means FENCE! hahahaha so cute.  Kids often mistake the y for ll because they can sound the same, the same with the letters "b" and "v'" in Spanish.

 

I made sure they all knew from the start that I am American and nottttt British! I still would get questions regarding "Inglaterra" which is not my country :) You will notice that they like drawing the American flag

 

 

 

"Bye" Samy :)

 

 

The 5th grade science class- The one in the bottom left hand corner is Sergio (the one who made my powerpoint)

 

This card made me laugh. Our last unit in science was about the Neolithic and Paleolithic periods- I hope they forever remember me when they think about nomads ;)

 

 

Isn't this all too cute? I have a huge stack of cards put only took pictures of some of them.  I also said goodbye to my two girls who I give private lessons to every Monday and Wednesday.  (Elsa and Gadea) Even though they got a little rowdy at times, they really are sweet girls. 

I gave them lollipops and they gave me chocolate and earrings :)

Meanwhile, I've been cleaning and packing up my room.  Thursday and Friday are my last days at my other school and Tara and I leave our apartment for good on Sunday afternoon.  Our 3 week trip begins! I've never packed a backpack for three weeks of straight travel, this should be interesting.  First stops are Madrid, then Logrono, Bilbao, and San Sebastian.  For the first time ever, Tara and I are trying to relax and have the "go with it" attitude of traveling.  We will decide what we want to do depending on the people we meet along the way.  We will be using the rideshare website and also meet up with some couchsurfers throughout the three weeks.  It's not that we are broke and don't want to spend on hostels, it's just that a lot of people have great experiences using couch surfing and it's a great way to get to know this part of Spain. I won't be taking my computer with me while I travel but I will continue taking notes and pictures so I can write when I'm back home :)

Rollercoaster of emotions

Last night my friends and I all celebrated our time spent in Badajoz with a great dinner and after party. It was so nice to get together and look back on our time together. We've gotten to know each other very well and I will remember these people forever.  One of my friends, John, put together an amazing slide show of all of us.  Just when I thought I was so ready to come back home- something like this is pulling at me and making me soak up every last minute here.  Today, I'm going to a lunch with Loly (my tutor) and her family.  This family took me in when I first arrived to Spain, they supported me, helped me, and followed my entire journey while I was here.  I'm familiar with this whole goodbye process for I've done it too many times. I've realized that saying goodbye means that I've done something new and beautiful that has changed me for the better.  I'm addicted to Pinterest- so I've stumbled upon quotes and pictures that I feel really express how I'm feeling and how I think I will feel once I get back home.  I'll just let them speak for themselves :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

On to my last week! 4 days of school left, 100 goodbye besos will be had this week (saying goodbye to Spaniards = lots of kisses on the cheek), packing, planning my trip up north, and enjoying every last second of Spain!