Buena pinta : un año en España

Roll along; there's nothing to see here.

2008-07-05T13:50:00.002-06:00

I'm sure that by now, everyone knows that Spain won.

After an overnight train to Frankfurt, waiting around in Chicago all day, I've finally made it back home (with a sweet tax refund from the Spanish government to boot.) If you're heading to Madrid anytime soon, you might check out a few favorite places. And while you're at it, why don't you join the community as well?

If that's not your thing, then I have a few other choice links that may provide some sort of information and/or entertainment:

Vegan Foodism - Pretty self-explanatory, no?
No Good For Me - Witty fashion/pop culture blog.

Or maybe you want to read:

Or perhaps you'd much rather find the closest body of water and relax. In any case, thanks for reading, and wish me luck as I prepare for the next chapter. As a friend says, "Viva poor grad student life!"

Seeing stars

2008-06-18T06:13:00.006-06:00

Seeng as how I had little time before I left for good, I thought I'd go out with a bang: Granada. I had originally planned to visit in March until I lost my camera. Echoing Icaza, the trip down south might not have been worth it if I couldn't record its beauty.

Luckily, a friend gave me his, and so off I went to enjoy my last weekend in Spain. A relatively smooth five-hour bus ride later, I was deposited at the city of a certain palace-fortress and a reknowned poet. The hostel was located in the Albayzin, making for a lot of narrow, windy streets, and the usual rowdiness associated with twentysomething revelmakers. Despite this (and finding out that I'm allergic to peanuts--long story), I managed to relax and take advantage of the local offerings, including the famous Alhambra.

I'm going to assume that most of the few people who read this blog have either been to the Alhambra or at least have seen photos/read literature that sings its praises, so I won't even go there. Let me just say this: it's definitely one of the maddeningly, achingly beautiful places I've ever experienced in my short life thus far. In true Bill & Ted fashion, dudes, it totally blew my mind! Of course, I took a ton of pictures, though none will truly capture its glory.

After spending most of my allotted time at the Alhambra, I mostly just wandered, as I'm wont to do, especially as a lone traveler. I forgot how hot it can get in Andalucia in the summer, so I was melting and was ready to pass out even before I made it back down to the Plaza Nueva. Among the treats that remedied this constant problem was an ice cream from Los Italianos (overheard as the "most famous" heladeria in Granada city) and an "antioxidant" smoothie from a random juice bar near the cathedral. As friends will be able to tell you, finding a smoothie was no small feat, considering that I've searched high and low for that perfect fruity antidote to the summer heat. After properly quenching my thirst, I was mostly all smiles (at least on the inside!) and didn't care (too much) that no one ever bothered to say "Excuse me" as they brusquely brush past you, that I was overcharged at a terraza ("Disculpa, no pedi tres jarras!"), or even that my bus back to Madrid was overbooked, forcing me to get on the next one an hour later and pushing my return to one o'clock in the morning.

Maybe it's a stretch, but I give props to the smoothie anyway for endowing me with enough confidence to write an hoja de reclamacion, my first full-length composition in Spanish since my school days.

Now I find myself quite tired because I haven't given myself any rest para reponder las fuerzas. It's just been non-stop errand-running and farewell-bidding, which wouldn't be too bad, if I wasn't just now recuperating from the illness I developed over the weekend. Good thing that it wasn't too debilitating as to impede me from getting things done...or else I wouldn't have had a very random sighting of Gael Garcia Bernal (and a girl who looked like Michelle Williams) at FNAC.

I tell ya, it was quite a fortuitious event. I'd been stalling on buying First Aid Kit's Plaits (the Barcelona duo's sophomore effort) and the much-touted Russian Red's debut, I Love Your Glasses, but I figured that since they've been on oferta forever, that I could wait until the last minute. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing on Tuesday; I was down around Sol and I had no desire whatsoever to find myself there again before I left, so I figured why I just not pop in to FNAC and pick up the albums.

20 or so minutes later, I'm riding the elevator to the ground floor, gleeful about the CDs and also the copy of a French literature magazine (really, that's the title) with a feature on English novelists, when I happen to glance to my left and notice a very cute, sort of floppy-, raven-haired boy with thick black glasses. He looks A LOT like Gael Garcia, I thought to myself. Before I walk out of the west doors by the steps up to the digital camera section, I spin back around and realize that it is Gael Garcia, as I watch him absentmindedly sign a notebook a girl had given him. In a frantic rush, I call same smoothie-loving friend, walking in circles and stalking from the same position for another 15 minutes, babbling and repeating myself.

I wonder why no one else recognizes him and understand that perhaps some folks to do, but don't want to disturb his privacy. Like me, maybe they want to stalk in close vicinity. Y'know, like Michelangelo's "David," look, but don't touch. We debate on whether or not I should approach him and whether or not I ought to take a picture (my camera has a great zoom!), though we agree that it was best to gawk (however discreetly) from afar and rather, pledge our ultra-nerdiness online. As you can see, in no way does this prevent me from sharing the "news" with all who'll listen, even the ones who've never heard of the actor, or who don't care, through whatever means. More than being starstruck--which I obviously was/am--I'm reminded that "celebrity" is created, a process of which us "mortals" are part and parcel. By this, I mean to say that celebrities have power insofar as we accord it to them. With this philosophy, one would think that it would've been easy to approach Gael, but at this juncture you readers should know that I have communication deficiencies ESPECIALLY with utterly beautiful people, so I probably would've just done like Lars and run away, or worse, pull a Stan. Best to keep this one as a nice memory, I'd say.

Snapshot

2008-06-12T11:00:00.004-06:00

Just a quick note to let folks know (if you didn't already) that tomorrow is the Noche de la Fotografía. I'm sure lots of places have offerings to coincide with PHOTOEspaña, but it seems like the bulk of tomorrow night's festivities will be happening in the Barrio de las Letras/Huertas. Also, if you're in Alcalá de Henares, make sure to check out the Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibit at the Antiguo Hospital de Santa María la Rica, near the Cathedral.

Keep on' truckin'

2008-06-05T14:55:00.012-06:00

So I've had my fair share of convivencia troubles, including getting ripped off on gastos, a windowless room, and having to withhold certain bodily fluids as my roommate got it on in her room. You see, I must traverse it in order to reach the facilities.

I think of these things as a series of life lessons I just have to get over, deal with, and hopefully, never again encounter in the future. Unlike many of the auxiliares I've met, I came to Spain not because I've been in love with it. I came because I had no idea what I was doing with myself, besides "tolerating" two semi-tolerable, part-time customer service jobs that were admittedly not "stimulating" enough More importantly, I wasn't able to make ends meet.

Without going into specific details, it's safe to say that auxiliar wages alone wouldn't be able to sustain a family. I'm privileged in this sense. There are no dependents to take care of. Financially speaking, I'm the only one I have to worry about.

This is a big reason why I'm not renewing my contract. Granted, it's nowhere near a pauper's life, especially since I "treat" myself quite often. However, it's THE future gnawing at me, that other world where there are people whose needs must be considered--nay, met--before my own, and although I have "years ahead of me," I feel like time is ticking and I must get cracking.

Besides (I'm repeating myself, of course), I'm just not in love with Spain. I don't even love it, really. Like might even be a tad too strong. When the future plays out, I don't imagine it here. I tried to explain this sentiment to a friend, but I just ended up shuddering.

My opinion has obviously been colored by sour experiences. They're the ones that we long to forget but always remember. Had I taken up the assistantship in Paris or were thre one in Berlin, I would've probably felt much the same after a few misunderstandings/misgivings, and this is why those lieblingsstaedte will always be imagined. I "know" them insofar as I've kept memories of them. This is how San Sebastian, for example, appears to me, too.

The bubble soon burts, is there anything positive I can say about my stint? Of course, and the obvious would include the assistantship (I've been quite fortunate with the teacher and the children), the people I've met, the food that I've eaten, the amelioration of my Spanish, extensive public transport, etc. On a (somewhat? purely?) superficial level, though, I mean to present a not-so-random list of things I've enjoyed thus far (or lately). So, without further ado, they are>

1. Pasajes International Bookstore (C/Genova, M: Alonso Martinez)
Every time I consider NOT doing languages as a career, a quick browse changes my mind, and I race back home (or to the nearest locutorio and, say, find the difference between an umlaut and a diaeresis.

2. Beautiful plazas on beautiful sunny days.
Olavide is a general favorite, and I also like the nearby Plaza de Chamberi. You don't even have to get drinks. Just park yourself on a bench with a book.

3. Speaking of public places, I really like the Parque de Berlin in Chamartin, especially towards the eastern end. You try to figure out why.

4. Living in the city exposes you to a really vibrant cultural scene. I suppose New Yorkers and folks from other metropolises already knew this. I'm not just talking about the Big Three (Prado, Reina Sofia, Thyssen-Bornemisza), either. Mad is Mad (C/Pelayo, M: Chueca) is a funny little gallery, and of course, when it comes to exhibits, CaixaForum might give La Casa Encendida and Fundacion Caja Madrid a run for their money. Coming up: Noche de la Fotografia, next Friday.

5. Two really wonderful vegetarian-friendly (not too sure about vegans) eateries are Zoe (C/Santa Maria) and Viva La Vida (C/Huertas), both at M: Anton Martin. The first is, again, a Berlin-inspired cafe/gallery, which sounds intimidating to a neurotic like me, but the food is so good (with ingredients from the nearby market) that I've been my fair share of times. The desserts are always especially interesting, with tangerine sorbet or a really tasty strudel. Viva la Vida is a veggie buffet/shop that charges you by the gram. It's quite small, but the lady is always super friendly and for 7,-EUR you can easily fill up.

Those are only some of the things I can think of off the top of my head, as I'm sure I have more to share. As I'm leaving in two weeks, I wanted at least one of my last posts to be lighter and dhowcase what I've come to like in/about Madrid, instead of my usual "quarter-life crisis" musings. I'm well aware that I haven't spent "enough" time in Madrid to get to know it like the palm of my hand, nor have I really exerced the effort to befriend any locals. That I'm not much of a social butterfly isn't the issue nor was my goal to be integrated into the Spanish social fabric. Instead, I'd been looking for some answers, only to meet with more questions.

That time of the year

2008-05-28T11:00:00.005-06:00

After a trimester or so of preparation, most of my second-years at my school finally took their Trinity spoken English exams today. I say "most," because there were a few kids who weren't prepared to even sit in on a first-level interview, who have difficulties even in Spanish, and stare at you blankly when you ask their name or their age. At the extreme end of the pole, there were a handful of children who took the level three exams. The rest sat in on level two's.

Calling a five-minute interview an "exam," implies all sorts of things, but I continued to refer to it as such so that the children might take it more seriously and aim for their best. The truth of the matter, however, is that we (myself and the teacher) were probably more nervous than the kids put together. I understand that education is a multifaceted process, but you can't help but feel like somewhat of a failure when an eight-year-old can't tell you about the color of his eyes.

For the most part, I tried not to sweat it. I'm familiar with each student's strengths and weaknesses, and I think I've done a fair job of working around both, of encouraging them to aim as high as they can. Whether or not the kids pass the exam and receive a certificate is clearly not up to me. In the end, it is just a piece of paper. There are myriad ways to buld confidence, and I just hope that they develop a healthy sense of it. And maybe--just maybe--they'll find a use for English and other languages, too.

2008-05-16T09:15:00.004-06:00

Although I still have a month left in the program, I've been preparing for my impending departure. I neatly folded the winter clothes I'm planning to put in the Caja Verde box I got from the post office, the very same one I'll get around to mailing once I figure out where to get packing tape. Of course, this should be a painless, stress-free errand but if like me you were unsure of the correct term (Word Reference gives me both cinta and sello) and your confidence in your Spanish-speaking skills are virtually nil (even after years of study), then you can appreciate why this turns out to be quite the herculean task.

This afternoon I went into an organizing frenzy, in an attempt to sort out all of the things I've collected in the past eight months. Hmm, do I really need the card for this restaurant/bookshop/etc that I'll probably never visit again?, I asked myself. Do I need the brochure for an exhibit that was over in NOVEMBER? Un/fortunately, I'm the type that keeps such trinkets, only to discard them during the next move.

However, that won't happen for at least another few years. I'm going back to school in the fall, to join a two-year MA program in linguistics. This was one of the primary reasons why I "escaped" to Spain in the first place. After having applied to grad school a few times, I wasn't quite sure whether or not if the program--or even more academia--was right for me. I obviously love learning languages, but I could relate a linguistics degree solely to teaching.

Ironic, isn't it, that I went abroad to work in a school setting? There have been many days where I think that I could go ahead and get my licensure in elementary school teaching. Indeed, many of the best experiences I've had during this stint involve the two groups of second-years with whom I work. The children never fail to elicit a smile from me even when I'm feeling down, grumpy, or homesick. When I look back on Spain when I step off the airplane or a few years down the line, the kids are who I'll remember the most.

Now, does this mean I would make a "good" teacher? Not necessarily. Of course, I'd also have to want to be teacher, and at this point, my heart's still not in it. Apparently, I belong to the generation that's been taught to follow our dreams (or so says the NY Times) rather than have practical pursuits. It's true to some extent. My parents never push me to do anything (nor am I an exceptionally driven person). They accept me for who I am, and for the most part, support my projects. I'm very fortunate in that I'm also able to coynsult them, eslpecially at a stage where I'm beginning to make "crucial life choices."

This brings me back to teaching: sure, it's not my dream (I'm romantic), but it will put food on the table (so to speak). I've been literally losing sleep over this dilemma because I want to have my cake and it eat it, too. I want to live off of an artistic craft. However slowly it may seem though, I'm facing the facts. I need a job. That will allow me to be ially self-sufficient. The thing is that I'm just don't have artistic gifts, at least, not enough talent from which to eke out a life. My cohorts from my punk rock days (haha! you'd think I was born with a mohawk and leather jacket!) would think this sentiment bourgeois, but all I ask for is a position that would allow me to continue enjoying my hobbies and, someday, buy a house.

(Among others, the song "Handshakes" by Metric addresses this cycle of drudgery: Buy this car to drive to work, drive to work to pay for this car...)

In other words, I spent time abroad...just to figure this out? It's a shame that my head's more muddled now than when I left last September. In a land of endless lo haré mañanas, I still haven't learned to relax.

On strike!

2008-05-06T09:30:00.004-06:00

By chance, I browsed through a copy of 20 Minutos, one of the free dailies handed out at the metro, on the way to work. It's sad to say, but I'm usually not alert enough in the morning to glance at anything but headlines succinctly describing faits divers. A crime here, a scandal there. There will be partly cloudy weather and perhaps yet another celebrity will adorn their child yet another ultra unique name.

And here I thought I had it bad.

I guess I've been really out of the loop, because tomorrow will see a general strike calling Madrid-area teachers to protest against the privatization of education. You know the story, so let's cut to chase: less funding for public schools.

This translates to decreasing attraction, in more than one way. I'm not familiar with the kind of training a teacher would need to work in a concertado or a full private school, but obtaining a post at a public school is definitely a case of demand overrunning supply. If it's "easier" to work at the former (what would you need in terms of qualifications?), then it probably makes sense to forego the latter, unless it's really what you are keen on. (Like I said, I don't know much about the teaching professions, in Spain or even in the U.S., so if someone can enlighten me, please feel free.)

Families are also opting out of public education due to lack of materials and space. From my own experience, the teacher with whom I work sometimes has to pay out of her own pocket for things that the children use on a daily basis such as pencils and erasers; other times, the expenses are for art projects. My school is slowly "modernizing," too; a small screen for the assembly hall and a new photocopier are some of the items on the agenda. In the last few months, they've been reconfiguring some rooms on the first floor to accommodate the incoming third classes of first- and second-years, respectively (usually, there are only two in each level).

Keeping this in mind, it then makes sense for some families to pay for more, better resources. If they can afford it, why not, right? On the other hand, it brings up the familiar problem of a kind of socioeconomic flight which Katie Profunda had brought up a while back. Spain has surely come a long way towards diversity, but it has many more miles to go.

In the end, you may wonder if I myself am going on strike tomorrow. The answer is an unequivocal no; since I'm a mere assistant, therefore not a teacher, therefore not a civil servant, it's my job to stay. Only two teachers from my school are protesting, and the rest, like the teacher with whom I work, because it's the children who matter.

(Image: Rini Templeton)

A broad abroad

2008-04-15T09:51:00.008-06:00

If I'm running out of a select item--something easily portable--I usually stop by the Mercadona on my walk home from the metro station. Today was a slight change, as I didn't limit myself to just the necessities. After months of eyeing them in stores, I finally caved and bought my first package of Filipinos, mainly due to curiosity, but also, um, because of that publicidad featuring Mom and Dinosaur Jr. (not the band).

My thinking went along the lines of, Heeyyyy, I'm Filipino(a), and even though this is (more than) kind of odd, I'm willing to try this novelty snack item that's (again, kind of) weird (backhand) evidence of the long relationship between my temporary adopted country and the one of birth.

I was also won over by the fact that the Filipinos were significantly cheaper than the Oreos on the next shelf.

When I got home, it occurred to me why the Filipinos were more affordable: I had inadvertently picked up the pack of minis! I felt stupid. How was I supposed to gallivant dinosaur-style, as it were, from the kitchen to the living room, without the regular, donut-shaped goods in my hands?

I had duped myself. More importantly, I proved to be the perfect consumer. While I'm not quite the cookie fanatic, I still went ahead and made the purchase because the brand spoke to me. A Filipino eating a Filipino. A chocolate-covered white biscuit. A variation on the past: a banana, a Twinkie. Coincidence and irony.

According to this Wikipedia article, the current Filipino cookies were inspired by rosquillos from the Visayas, hence the props. Rosquillo itself comes from the Spanish rosca, i.e. ring, as does the chocolate coating.

Homage or not, however, Filipino cookies still rub me the wrong way, so that was my first and last package. I know, it's just food! I'm nevertheless not the only one who had issues with it. A decade ago The Philippine government was wondering more or less the same. Obviously, nothing ever came of it, which makes me wonder about the popularity of the cookies.

On the other hand, I don't doubt the extensive Filipino presence here. As in, the people. It's not exactly as cohesive--ok, well-known--as the Chinese community, but I've definitely identified more Filipinos out and about than my home state (obviously neither California nor New York). Clearly, MetroMadrid a) agrees that there is a significant Filipino community here, b) suggest that Madrileños (of Filipino descent or not) are conscious of it, too. In recent months, they've circulated (a much shorter version of) the following commercial:

As with the cookies, I was mostly surprised when I first saw this ad, waiting for the movies at one of the Cines Renoir. For once, I didn't have to read the subtitles. I even giggled; nos ha queda'o igualito. In a few months, I will also be that balikbayan (twice removed) recounting my adventures in Spain. You can bet that one of the things I'll be championing will be the subway.

Upon further chance viewings, my frowns grew wider. Yes, the Philippines is a country in development. Yes, many Filipinos continue to lead the agrarian live. Yes, many Filipinos have the tendency to imitate, emulate "Western" ways.

And yes, I understand that overall, it is just a publicity campaign for MetroMadrid, like the Filipino cookies are just...cookies. MetroMadrid's commercial is a witty, even charming statement on the cleanliness and efficiency of Western Europe's third-largest system. What pueblo--Spanish, Filipino, or otherwise--wouldn't want one of their own? Maybe I am reading too much into things (thank you, cultural studies). I just hope that folks don't take it too much at face value because whether we like it or not, some of us still retain fragments of that colonial mentality.

(Image: Wikipedia)

Spring is in the air

2008-03-31T15:10:00.007-06:00

It's hard to be depressed when it's ridiculously beautiful outside. Since I've been kind of--natch, mostly--down on myself as well as my time thus far in Spain, I thought I'd do a complete 360 and attempt to cheer up a bit by presenting my scant readers a list of some of my personal Madrid favorites:

* Terrazas -- With the good weather about, all the gastronomic establishments are busting out the outdoor seating. Gaudeamus in Lavapies is a perennial favorite, but unfortunately, they only open up in the afternoon on weekdays, at 8 on Saturdays, and are--gasp!--closed on Sundays. On weekends, I like any of the places giving out to the Plaza de Olavide.

* Los Alpes -- Because this ice cream shop can make any flavor into a very delicious shake for 3,20EUR, and because I can walk to it, and because it's not yet packed with the summer crowd.

* Panta Rhei -- My preferred design bookshop in all of Madrid. The owners/employees are nice, help you when you need it, and otherwise leave you alone to peruse the excellent selection. Sure, it's all expensive, but it's a great place for inspiration.

* CD Drome -- Caters to (most of) my music needs. Again, browse for hours! And if I can't find it, there's that behemoth in Callao.

* Mingote -- I've personally never seen the illustrious illustrator's work on paper, but its city-wide presence never fails to elsmile. Find the drawings on the facade of a building on Duque de Osuna, behind the staircase near Plaza de España, on C/Sal in Las Austrias, and in the Retiro metro station platforms.

* Centros culturales - A great and cheap way to get your kicks in your own neighborhood. In April, for example, my local center will be offering a slew of conferences, concerts, a few exhibits, and even a weekend guided hike in Cuenca.

More to come when I think of it.

C'est la vie

2008-03-26T12:23:00.004-06:00

After work today, I headed to the airport to file a claim for a lost item through Air Europa. I went against my own will, let's say, and only because I had been given the telephone run around the previous night, passed on to one office from another. I must've asked for Lost and Found a million times, and was constantly referred to Luggage Services, who kept passing me to a different office.

Afterwards I tried to see if I couldn't send a message by email. Even if it took weeks for a reply, at least I would have proof of an attempt at reconciliation. And, of course, something was wrong with either both of my browsers (Firefox and IE) or something was wrong with the website, and of course, there was no other way to send an email besides filling out a form.

Exasperated, I once called the general customer service number and tried to explain my situation (calmly, because the loss is my fault.)

The very patient woman on the other line recommended that I call the various numbers that I'd already dialed, and to make my way to Barajas to file a reclamación in person. So, off I went, asked one of three representatives at the service desk. Of course, she had to direct me to the adjacent office...that was closed. I hightailed it to the metro and sulked all the way home.

Sure, there were a lot of unfortunate though overall insignificant occurrences during what was supposed to be a relaxing week and a half off. I became upset, but quickly got over it and "dealt."

Losing my camera is another matter.

All the little things kept piling up, and this was just the icing on the cake. I've not yet given up on retrieving the camera, although I keep trying to convince myself that it's "just" a camera, that I've done without one before, that it's one among many items that I can do without, but that's not the point. For the lone, introverted traveler like myself, the camera (much like my journal) is an important tool for documentation. For memory.

I don't necessarily want to boast about where I've been, or what I've seen; I just want to remember.

It may be foolish to hope for its reappearance, magically or not. The friend I visited during this trip jokingly referred to karma, and despite being the skeptic that I am, I wonder if she may not be right. If luck has anything to do it with it, then mine's definitely been skewed.

(Image: From a mousepad available here)

Collective nouns

2008-03-06T10:24:00.005-07:00

Semana Santa can't come any sooner. You can tell that everyone--from the staff to the children--are ready for a break. I don't doubt that there's some sort of sordid telenovela-ish tale going on at about every school, as there's definitely been a fair share of intrigue at mine. And everyone is painfully aware that, unfortunately, no drama is complete without preconceived notions, miscommunication, and outright exaggerations. An "us" against "them," and lately, "me" against "you" mentality that's slowly festering the halls.

P, one of the women who's doing her practicas at my school, asked me if some of the assistants had been making fun of one of the teachers during the morning break. Nervous, I chuckled lightly, and tried to explain that the laughter had a "background story," that it was all in "good fun," and that, actually, we were also laughing at one of our fellow assistants. Somehow, this led P to remark that for the most part, we assistants (at my school, anyway) keep to ourselves, occupying one corner of the humonguous staff table like a knight occupying a chessboard, speaking in our rapid English and not bothering to commiserate with the rest of the staff.

I nodded in agreement. Everything she outlined was spot on. I offered that some of us perhaps felt too awkward, too intimidated to speak in Spanish, or that there were maybe cultural or--more likely--generational differences, as only three teachers are under 30. I was aware that P didn't mean to be on the attack. She was just stating the obvious. The more I reasoned, however, the more it seemed like I was making excuses for our proclivity for comfort, for the familiar. So, I let "slip" that there also seemed to be, or at least, there had been, some unresolved "issues" between teachers, and between teachers and their assistants.

I left it at that because I've been pretty much oblivious to the hostilities. I work with the program coordinator, with two groups of second-years, and from what I can tell, we're getting along fine. There's no scandal, so to speak, no heinous crime committed. So, the only time I am brought back "in the loop," is when one assistant confides in another and I just happen to be in the same room. By dint of recording events, however vaguely, I am indeed involved. Because I'm in the same room half-listening to this would-be intimate conversation I'm involved. And because I'm also an assistant, also a foreigner in self-exile, I'm sometimes roped into agreeing, as an act of solidarity. "Us" against "them," "me" against "you."

Truth is, nobody knows the whole truth, just fragments. She said, he said, they said, but that's not what I heard!

Exhausting, but kind of unavoidable. I wanted to explain, not apologize. I wanted to share with P that the laughter was more complicated than a mere jab, that it wasn't about that specific teacher, or any of the staff, really. More about "us," than "them," whoever we may be.

(Image: Learning Page)

RV: Mensaje sobre renovaciones

2008-03-03T13:23:00.003-07:00

De: LLANEZA VILLANUEVA, JOSE AURELIO
Enviado el: lunes, 03 de marzo de 2008 11:08
Para: FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR
Asunto: Mensaje sobre renovaciones

Mensaje importante para todos los auxiliares que quieren quedarse un segundo año:

Para la renovación, hay ciertos documentos que tendréis que aportar. Os rogamos que, si es posible, los llevéis a la reunión del día 7. Si no los podéis conseguir todos antes del viernes, por favor llevad todos los que podáis. Si estáis interesados en quedaros otro año pero no podéis ir a la reunión, puede ir otra persona en vuestro nombre y llevar la documentación. A continuación tenéis una lista de los documentos que debéis llevar a la reunión:

* Curríclum Vitae e instancia con la solicitud de participación en el programa de auxiliares de conversación. Tenéis que ir a la página web:
https://segucert.mec.es/profex/jsp/login/login.do?identificadoEnLaAplicacion=no. Después de registraros en el sistema, tenéis que completar vuestro C.V. e imprimirlo. La copia impresa de este C.V. es el primer documento que tenéis que aportar para la renovación. También tenéis que completar e imprimir la instancia de solicitud de participación en el programa de auxiliares de conversación que también encontraréis en esta página web. En esta instancia debéis especificar que se trata de una renovación de la Comunidad de Madrid.

* Copia de la tarjeta de residencia en vigor

* Copia del pasaporte

* Carta de aproximadamente 300 palabras en las que expliquéis las razones por las que os gustaría quedaros un año mas.

Aceptaremos las solicitudes de todos los que quieran renovar siempre que el director o directora del colegio estén de acuerdo. Después de saber los nombres de los que queréis continuar, hablaremos con vuestros directores para preguntarles si apoyan la renovación.

Un cordial saludo,

J.Aurelio Llaneza
Asesor Técnico Docente
Consejería de Educación, COMUNIDAD DE MADRID

Thank you, global warming!

2008-03-02T11:19:00.009-07:00

Spring seems to have sprung prematurely, and as foul a mood as I have been in lately, it hasn't take long to desist. Indeed, I often feel guilty if I dare to do nothing, overcome with the concept of "wasting time." Why have I not yet been to Sevilla? Gijón? Cuenca? Or El Escorial, for that matter?! It seems as though half my decisions are predicated on the fact that my time here is limited, but let's face it: I'm a homebody, wherever I am. Especially now that I've found more habitable digs, I prefer to stay in within the confines of my temporary home.

On the other hand, I do believe that I've opened myself to a lot more in my short time here than I have stateside. For instance, I walk a lot, and often. This may not be much of a big deal, but after years of living in a car culture, walking a little under two miles "just" to get bagels is actually a welcome respite. Sometimes I'll check out exhibits or live shows or simply sit in a favorite coffeeshop and read. Such trivialities, perhaps, though for me requires a lot of effort.

As far as making friends goes, I admit that I'm still quite cautious, and don't like to "bond by default," due to shared nationality or cultural interests, for example. On most days, I would prefer to hang out with dogs. Folks here may say that no se relaciona bien con gente but I've definitely tried my hand at being more sociable, precisely because I don't have the "support network" that is my family and friends. In steps, of course.

Don't worry; I'm not so insular as to think that loneliness is a condition unique to me. I'm also aware that complaints are null if I don't try to reach out to others.

So, what solution(s) would I propose, then?

I'll take it in strides, I guess. I'll continue to do as I do, and if someone wants to join me for a shake at Los Alpes, all the better.

urgente cancelación reunión día 29

2008-02-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

Os comunicamos que la reunión que se iba a celebrar mañana en el Salón de Actos de la Dirección de Área Territorial de Madrid-Capital en la C/ Vitruvio, 2 ha sido cancelada. Todos los que queráis repetir un año más como Auxiliares debéis acudir a la otra reunión que estaba convocada el viernes 7 de marzo a las 11 en el mismo lugar.

Rogamos nos disculpéis por la urgencia de este aviso, pero ha surgido un imprevisto que nos impide celebrar la reunión de mañana.

Un cordial saludo.

University teaching opportunity

2008-02-21T05:46:00.000-07:00

De: LLANEZA VILLANUEVA, JOSE AURELIO
Enviado el: jueves, 21 de febrero de 2008 11:01
Para: FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR
Asunto: Mensaje urgente para auxiliares

SI estáis interesados en colaborar algunos sábados hasta el final del curso en Universidades de Madrid, por favor, enviadme un correo electrónico urgentemente. Todavía no sabemos los días concretos, pero sí sabemos que estaríais en la Universidad de 9:30 a 19:30 y que se os pagaría 100 euros por cada sábado. No tengo más información de momento, pero muy pronto me pondré en contacto con los interesados para daros más detalles.

Un saludo,
Aurelio

My first Berlinale

2008-02-19T13:35:00.002-07:00

Being somewhat of a film fan, I thought that attending a festival would be one of the ultimate in cinephilic acts (besides making my own movie, of course). The ones in Cannes and Venice are both private, and though I lived in close proximity for many years, I had never made to Telluride or Sundance. Nor did I make to San Sebastian last year, having arrived in Spain only few a days after the festival closed. So when a chance to spend a long weekend at one of what the International Federation of Film Producers Associations calls an "A festival"--and one of the only "name" ones open to the public--I jumped right in.

And why not? I've been fortunate enough to have visited Berlin a few times, and I obviously wouldn't return if I didn't have any good experiences. I admit, it's precisely because I come as a tourist that I have a "good time," that the city retains its romance. I don't pretend to "know" Berlin, nor expect it to be representative of Germany, but I nevertheless enjoy wandering its streets, watching its people, soaking up its history and culture, its constant reinvention, and simply put, just being there. In other words, Berlin is a place where I don't mind being alone (though I like it quite a lot that it's a pity not to experience it with others).

Berlin is apparently also a fantastic place to see movies, and not just for Berlinale, although this was the primary reason for my recent visit. On my way to Loos Ornamental, a documentary about the Austrian architect Adolf Loos, I passed by a score of paparazzi.

"GAEELLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"NATTTTTTTTALLLLLIIEEEEEEEE!"
"SCCCCCCARRRRRRLLLLLLLLLLLETTTTT!"

Nothing registered until I saw Eric Bana signing a few autographs.

I settled into my incredibly plush chair at one of the CineStar rooms in Potsdamer Platz's Sony Center and felt my heart beat faster as the curtains rose and the familiar Berlinale bear appeared on the screen to introduce the documentary. I would spend most of the day in the same complex, with two more movies, and a break in between, to grab a bite across the way at the Arkaden.

On Saturday, I chose to see only one movie, in order not to strain my eyes for the whopper--five movies--on Sunday. The nerdy me checked out the weather prior to leaving Madrid, and as it forecasted sunny, I preferred to spend the rest of the day outside. Part of the new German cinema program, Die Dinge zwischen uns, was about a more-or-less straight-laced woman who goes to great lengths to preserve her "normalcy," and turned out to more enjoyable than I thought. Again, another very comfortable screening in a yet another plush chair--this time, mint green, with matching curtains for the screen.

It was still quite early when I left the theater, so I took a quick jaunt down Schoenhauser Allee and onto some side street trying to find this bag shop with the innovative concept of removable flaps. The square it looked on to was busy with children, the surrounding cafes and shops full of buzz and smells of late lunches wafting from windows, a moment where I wished a friend or two were with me.

I wished the same thing later that night, waiting at the Lido in Kreuzberg for a show to start. With no one to talk to, I killed time with my iPod, making a waiting room tracklist of sorts; luckily, there were only five before the masses were called into the main room. More dance songs and scores of people jammed into a very tight space, very good-looking, very tall people, many, many well-dressed women. We were all waiting for the main act, who proved to be quite charming, quite pleasant and entertained the crowd with not one, but THREE encore acts, the last two solo. After a fourth request, he graciously thanked the crowd once more, but apologized that he wouldn't unable to fulfill it, lest he passed out. We understood and slowly dispersed.

Sunday, my last day, was my big cinema day. The only available screening of Be Kind Rewind, the new Michel Gondry, was at 10:30, and since I was so excited to see it, I woke up two hours too early. I took the opportunity to once again wander up and down Mitte, peering into shop windows and taking a few photographs when I could. I wasn't too worried about getting to the Berlinale Palast, where the movie was being screened, as there were assigned seats. Mine was great, a center seat in one of the central rows, and as I would find out later, in the pit.

Unfortunately, Be Kind Rewind was the only movie for which I was awake throughout its duration. I nodded off here and there during the following three movies, and didn't even make it to the last one because I knew I'd be too sleepy and tired for the 20-minute U-bahn ride back to the hostel. Before I even realized that Zou You, about a divorced couple who need to procreate in order to help their sick child, had German--and not English--subtitles, I was already aching to crawl into bed.

Lessons learned, probably common sense, in random order:
- Try to buy tickets online for "priority" movies.
Online sales are limited. So, by the time I got to Berlin to get a ticket for any screening of the The Other Boleyn Girl, nothing was available. Scheiße.

- Discounts rule.
Sunday was designated Kinotag--spectator day--for any movie, at any theater. Therefore, reduced price. Also half-off for students and seniors for same-day shows. Although I'm technically no longer a student, I still could've purchased Friday's tickets for 3,-eur/each instead of paying full price, if only my estudiante NIE was on me, and not at the hostel!

- Try to space out shows.
For one of the screenings, I sat in the aisle seat, near the entrance. I timed the U-bahn ride from Potsdamer Platz to Alexanderplatz to take between 15-20 minutes, but I was sure cutting it close from the Wolfgang Tillmans documentary, ending at 2:30 and Sweet Food City starting at 3:00. Also: no more than three movies a day, if I can do it.

The main point: plan better. And had my schedule allowed it--that is, if I had no work obligations--I would've attended the festival during it's two-and-a-half week entirety. I would have a wider selection of movies, screenings, and probably wouldn't fall asleep. Oh well; there's always next year.

(Image: Cinema Without Borders)

Never sleep in a room with nine other people

2008-02-15T01:26:00.000-07:00

After giving myself a runaround in the S-Bahn, I finally made it to the hostel I'd booked for the night. A quarter to midnight is still early in Spanish for terms, but being on the plane for a few hours, schlepping my luggage up and down flights of stairs, I was quite eager to crawl into bed. I trudged sleepily to the hostel entrance a few doors down, only to be informed by the sign that if no one was at reception, I oughta backtrack and check with the folks at the corner cafe which had the same owners.

--Hi, I said slowly, I have a reservation. Two men in their thirties, one much more into their drinking than the other, looked me up and down.

--Ummm, yesss...just a second. There was no one there?, was the inquiry in a very Kiwi accent.

I shook my head.

--Just a second...(motions to some other guy)...so you're staying for a week, yeah?

I shook my head, not knowing it was supposed to be rhetorical. Another guy, slightly younger, came by to help me out, and the other two went back to their drinks. When it came time to pay, however, the tipsier dude chimed in, once again.

--You have to pay a key deposit, too.

Whatever, I thought to myself. Booking online, having paid a deposit that way, proved to be utterly useless, but I wasn't in any mood to argue. I forked over a 20-euro note and was led to the quarters.

Unfortunately, there were no available beds.

--Don't worry, one of my would-be roomies said, we'll figure something out.

He waved his flashlight around. Some people groaned softly, others turned in their bed. Only one other seemed to be sleeping soundly.

--Here, he said, motioning to one of the top bunks. I don't think anyone's sleeping here.

So wrong. At about three or four in the morning, a backpack was thrown at the foot of the bunk.

--Oh, was this your bed?
--It was, the male voice replied, with a Spanish accent.
--Lo siento, I apologized. I don't think anyone's below, though.
--Vale.

I wasn't aware of much of anything else afterwards, having collapsed into sleep out of pure fatigue. Nevertheless, I was the first to wake up, only a few hours later, itching to leave. Check-out wasn't until 10 or 11, but I gathered my things anyway and changed in the bathroom, so as not to wake anyone else up. And I soon high-tailed it out of there, into the fresh Berlin morning. As sleep-deprived as I was, I felt much better.

Training date change

2008-02-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

De: FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR
Enviado el: miercoles, 13 de febrero de 2008 12:44
Para: FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR
Asunto: MENSAJE IMPORTANTE. SESIÓN DE FORMACIÓN AUXILIARES DE CONVERSACIÓN

Hola a todos,

Esperamos que todo vaya bien en vuestros colegios en este duro trimestre. Pensad que la primavera pronto llegará. Ya sabéis que ante cualquier eventualidad estamos aquí para ayudaros en todo lo posible. Queríamos recordaros que la última sesión de formación para Auxiliares de Conversación en el CRIF “LAS ACACIAS” tendrá lugar el próximo viernes 22 de febrero. Todos los que estabais convocados para la sesión del pasado día 8 y no fuisteis podéis incorporaros a esta sesión del 22 de febrero. Si no estuvisteis el día 8 y todavía no os habéis puesto en contacto con nosotros explicándonos los motivos de vuestra ausencia, os recordamos que la asistencia a las Jornadas de Formación es obligatoria por lo que esperamos que a lo largo de estos días nos comuniquéis por qué no pudisteis asistir el día 8.

Un saludo a todos.

Aurelio Llaneza.
Programas Bilingües.

Concrete jungle, or: conquering shopping fears

2008-02-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

As much as I may appreciate "fashion" and "style," I'm actually quite afraid to go shopping. Afraid of entering the store, of clerks approaching me, of me approaching them, of the other shoppers, of trying on clothes. You get it; the whole experience makes me more nervous and paranoid that I usually am. And in the month since the rebajas (sales) have started, I've grown increasingly wary of jamming into high-street shops like Lefties, H&M, and Sfera, trying to stock up on last season's goods at sharply-reduced prices. Indeed, even when it's not rebajas time, the shops can be like almost as asphyxiating as going to the Rastro.

I nevertheless woke up this morning with the urge to check out some of the boutique shops, particularly those within walking distance of Plaza Santa Bárbara (Metro: Alonso Martinez), recommend as part of the stylists' trail. The first stop was Pez, one of the bigger, delightfully airy little spaces that channels a very bobo feel. Silly, but I call it the "looking and the cooking," for that simultaneously intellectual and stylish woman who favors quirky but feminine and sober prints. The Deschanel sisters, for example, or Annie Clark. I'd walked by the display more than a few times, and previously intimidated, had only entered this afternoon.

The new attendants were unobtrusive, and let me peruse as long as I want, feeling the fabrics and pretty much fondling an exquisite Les Prairies de Paris jacket that was much too much for the pocketbook, even though it was in the rebajas section. The plaid dress I'd also stared at from outside was much less appealing up close, feeling more like a potato sack, if anything else. The item that I coveted most, however, was the bag of my life (ok, the day), an Egyptian blue piece that doubled as a tote and a purse when you folded it over. This isn't much of a description, so I urge you to check it out, though I should've taken a picture.

In an effort to thank them for letting me spend a good chunk of time in the place without any purchases, I asked what music was playing in the background. I'd already known the answer.

He's Swedish, right?

I headed up to Oliphant next, a chance discovery from last December when I was at Biblioketa. Oliphant had a similar vibe to Pez, though on a much smaller scale and as it seemed, offering more French labels, like Tara Jarmon, Madame à Paris, Mellow Yellow. Many gorgeous pieces also on sale, but none of the ones I liked, like the hunter green Madame à Paris tunic, was no longer available in my size. Another stunning piece I tried on was (of course) a cobalt blue top by Bellerose. Since there was no price on the tags from the new collection, I had to ask, and almost choked.

Then 10 minutes later, at Mott, where I first turned the corner in order to not enter, but ended up spending about an hour. The storefront is deceiving; the shop actually extends to two more spaces behind, the last dedicated to--you guessed it--rebajas. Of the three shops I'd so far visited, Mott offered the most pieces I wanted to try on, from a leaf-print dress by a label whose name starts with M to delicate cotton shirts by Iro. I was close to purchasing a hazel tunic by Iro when the attendant informed me that they were, again, out of my size.

Un/fortunate.

What I was hoping to be my last stop was Zadig & Voltaire, one of two Madrid branches of the French label. The style here is also quite bobo with the rocker tinge. Skulls and crossbones everywhere. Or pirates, I guess. The last time I visited, I wasn't compelled by any particular item as much as I was by the color palette: muted (not pastel) pinks, blues, greens. Also some items for men, which I admit, weren't half bad, for the modern Baudelaire--oh, I meant Voltaire, haha.

I toted a sweater in my hand and when I turned around, there was an attendant smiling at me, waiting to cater to my needs. She recommended a few other pieces from the spring/summer collection, "super cute," she said under a cardigan and over a jean miniskirt and tights. Like she was wearing! I had to grin shyly and burst the thought bubble, invisibly rising from my head, screaming, "Yo! I just want to try this sweater on!"

The attendant was quite, well, attentive, as per the job title, I'd imagine. She was quick to give me different sizes, different colors, recommend this one to go with that one, etc, that I had to keep rushing to put my shirt back on before opening the dressing room curtain. At the counter, I was half-eavesdropping on another attendant speaking flawless French with another customer (who I assumed from her accent to be a native francophone), and asked the one with whom I was working if she spoke French. She smiled.

A little bit...but it's not mandatory.

I took advantage of the situation to ease up on my nerves. French was something I could do. Small talk in French, at this bastion of French rocker chic, was something I could do.

Do you guys spend a lot of time in France, then?
No, not all...but you must?
Just some friends.
So you must know the label very well, then? The brown eyes looked up, with a conspiratorial twinkle.

It's half-fiction: I knew the label, but once again, I'd never seen myself actually going into the shop, for fear of the hyper-cool...whatever. All my insecurities to the fore. The ladies at this branch, however, seemed real, but I played dumb again, asking if there was another branch.

On Claudio Coello.
Number 80..8.

I wished the attendants as I headed out into a pleasant afternoon. The actual last stop was Zara, that Galician fashion empire, as Time Out calls it, and rightly so. I don't doubt that generally speaking, every Spanish woman has at least one piece in her wardrobe labeled Zara. The company's schtick is a "downmarket" take on catway fashions without, supposedly, the "downmarket" quality. In other words, a kind of sartorial democracy, where the Zara woman's assumed schtick is to take the piece and make it her own, at a fraction of the price. In my opinion, Zara can be quite costly but from the looks of the register lines, its popularity isn't dwindling any time soon.

Still, I wonder if there isn't room in the Spanish economy, in the fashion system, in the culture for US-style thrift stores like Goodwill and ARC? There are places like Humana, but they aren't as wide-spread, with (I think) only five in Madrid. Perhaps this is a topic for later inquiry...

Shops listed:
Pez - Regueros 15
Oliphant - Santa Teresa 7
Mott - Barquillo 31
Zadig & Voltaire - Almirante 27

(Image: Hola.com, an ad for Misako, a bag chain:
Careful!
Rebajas!
Don't lose sight of the desired bag
Don't insult, step on, or push anyone
Stay calm; there's something for everyone)

renovación de auxiliares

2008-02-05T06:48:00.000-07:00

De: LLANEZA VILLANUEVA, JOSE AURELIO
Enviado el: martes, 05 de febrero de 2008 13:05
Para: FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR
Asunto: renovación de auxiliares

Sabemos que muchos de vosotros estáis interesados en seguir siendo auxiliares el próximo año. Para que esto sea posible, es necesario que los directores de vuestros centros estén de acuerdo y que exista un compromiso por vuestra parte para quedaros. En cualquier caso, vamos a celebrar dos reuniones en las que se os informará a los que estéis interesados de los pasos a seguir. Las dos reuniones se celebrarán a las 11 de la mañana en el salón de actos de la Dirección de Área Territorial Madrid Capital, en la Calle del Vitruvio, 2 de Madrid. Si no estáis interesados en quedaros un segundo año, no tenéis que asistir a estas reuniones. Los asistentes se dividirán de la siguiente forma:

Viernes, 29 de febrero:
Auxiliares cuyo apellido comienza con letras de la A a la L

Viernes, 7 de marzo:
Auxiliares cuyo apellido comienza con letras de la M a la Z

Un saludo,
Aurelio

Agenda

2008-02-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

Since Julie has already provided an excellent write-up of the current flamenco exhibit at the Reina Sofía, I thought I'd provide a sampling of some exhibits I'm thinking of checking out:

Avant-nerdismo, when square becomes cool, until 14 February at Espacio García,

Generación 2008, contemporary art by young Spanish artists, until 23 March at La Casa Encendida,

No soy un monstruo, until Spring at Mad is Mad,

Picasso, from the Paris Picasso Museum, until 5 May at the Reina Sofía,

Modigliani until 18 May at the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Fundación Caja Madrid,

and (maybe) some shows:

Efterklang, Peter Broderick, 20 Feb at Neu! Club

Love of Lesbian, Russian Red, La Bien Querida, Los Guapos, 29 Feb at Joy Eslava

La Casa Azul, 8 March at Joy Eslava

Feist, 8 June at Sala Heineken

or (even) some movies:

My Blueberry Nights, Wong Kar-Wai -- I read a synopsis in an in-flight magazine, and the description made me cringe. The movie features Norah Jones, but it has the WKW stamp, so...

It's A Free World, Ken Loach -- A recently unemployed woman organizes her own home business, employing immigrants. The trailer looked interesting.

Juno, Jason Reitman -- Yes, I'm most definitely buying into the hype. Ellen Page is a versatile actress (see: Hard Candy) and I'm missing some teenage American wit.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Julian Schnabel -- Also the hype. Elle's Jean-Dominique Bauby tells his life story with only the help of one eye.

4 months, 3 weeks, 2 days, Cristian Mungiu -- Communism in decline and abortion still illegal.

If, however, you're in the market for a Spanish-language film, I highly recommend the most excellent XXY, by Lucía Puenzo. It deftly tackles the interrelationships of sex, sexuality, and gender identity without making any judgments, all the while demonstrating how such ideas are not so much fixed as learned.

That said, I'm also quite looking forward to the slew of films at this year's Berlinale, including The Other Boleyn Girl (featuring ravishing Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson as the sisters) and Be Kind, Rewind (the new Michel Gondry), both world premieres and screening out of competition. Just hope my eyes don't tire out.

Demise of the polyglot

2008-01-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

Whenever someone asks which languages I speak fluently, I hesitate to respond. What is meant by fluency? What kind of communication(s) does it involve? Solely oral communication or literacy as well?

From the looks of me (or my surname), many people assume I speak Mandarin Chinese; this is my physical linguistic mark, as it were. Filipino (Tagalog), however, is my native tongue, and although I'm lacking vocabulary here and there, I'm still able to speak it flawlessly, sans accent. Indeed, when I see other Filipinos, especially here in Spain, I'm almost eager to show how I've retained the language after "all this time" in the U.S., and not having grown up within "the community." I'm eager precisely because of this lack, because language is the only thing that has bound/is binding me me to a country I can hardly remember, I'm almost imagining.

I'm even more eager to show how deftly I switch between Filipino and English, my other tongue, the other tongue, the language in which I've lived most of my life.

So, I explain this (in a nutshell) to the mother of a potential student. A colleague forwarded her my contact information and within a day or so, she'd emailed me, asking me about by educational and linguistic background. Yes, I explain that Filipino is my mother tongue but that I grew up in the U.S., insinuating that I speak English as though it is the only language I have ever known. I know it like the palm of my hand. As an aside, I also shared that I spoke French and Spanish.

The mother sends an apology. Because Tagalog--and not English--is my first mother tongue, she isn't be able to hire me.*

Pero, ¡¿qué dices?!

I was incredulous. Too much information, I guess.

In a somewhat calm reply to her rejection, I suggested that perhaps the experience of learning and juggling multiple languages might help her child, too.

No response yet.

*I've also heard tell of preference of British--instead of American--tutors.

cambio de fecha Jornadas de Formación

2008-01-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

De: "FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR"
Enviado el: miércoles, 30 de enero de 2008 13:57

Un saludo a todos,

Esperamos que todo vaya bien en los Colegios e Institutos. Os escribimos para recordaros que se acercan las fechas de las Jornadas de Formación para Auxiliares de Conversación a las que sabéis que tenéis que asistir. El primer grupo tendrá su Jornada de Formación el próximo 8 de febrero a las 10 horas en el CRIF “Las Acacias”. Para el segundo grupo, cuya formación estaba prevista para el día 15 de febrero, hemos tenido que cambiar la fecha; la Jornada de Formación de este grupo será el 22 de Febrero a las 10 horas en el CRIF “Las Acacias”.

Si tenéis algún problema con las fechas, por favor, avisadnos con suficiente antelación a la celebración de las Jornadas.

Un saludo cordial,

Subdirección Gral. Programas de Innovación
Consejería de Educación

Eureka! (and other happenings)

2008-01-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

I spent the last weekend in Córdoba and when I came back, I had a room. I also had a last unpleasant (financial) surprise from my ex-roommates, but nothing could really hold me back from the thought of high-tailing it out of there. So, the apartment is at the opposite end of the city from work, and so, I have to walk through the roommate's apartment to get to the bathroom. The location is closer to places where I actually hang out, everything is new-ish, IKEA-ish, the walls are a cheery yellow, and the roommate herself seems clean-ish and responsible. Both she and the landlady agreed to let me move in a week earlier, so more points to them.

Nevertheless, my bubble was burst too soon. You may or may not remember my having tripped on a USB cord, then trying to jam it into the port anyway, and then crashing my motherboard. Or maybe not. In any case, I took it back to the U.S. with me to get it repaired. Now, all fixed up, it's in the hands of Spanish customs officials who want me to claim it with my internet receipt because they think it's a recent purchase and thus want me to pay duty on it. Issue one.

Issue two. I jaunt up to my nearest post office to retrieve a wire transfer. I grin, say I don't have a second name, which would technically be my mother's maiden name. I'm not handed the money over because none of the ID I brought with me states my full name, precisely the one with my mother's maiden name. I jog back to my new place, sure that all that grandeur is on my passport. No! Just the middle initial. I scurry through all the documents I have; an acceptance letter from grad school has saved me. Back at the post office, the very amiable clerk--who likes García Lorca and Machado, he admits during small talk--regrets that he still can't dole it out, due to some spelling mistake on either the sender's or the US post office's behalf. This is the reason I don't use her name.

Issue three, something I've been handling as best as I've been able to, is the illness of the teacher with whom I work, and the school's bilingual program coordinator. She's prepared me with as many activities and worksheets than you can shake a stick at. Last week, other teachers were rotating the disciplining and monitoring duties, and all I had to do was implement the very meticulous lesson plans. This week, the school's even hired a sub. However, it's quite clear to me that I'm so very not a professional and whatever dreams I entertained about teaching languages to primary school children is fast spiraling down the drain. Then again, I suppose that this itself is such a non-issue, and I ought to deal it with the way I do.

Even after these small trials, though, I no longer fear going home. There, I can blow off steam, relax a bit, and wonder how best to tackle the next day. For once, I'm perfectly content in my own very tiny corner of the world. Worry-free, if only for a short while.

Looking for a few good (wo)men

2008-01-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

De: LLANEZA VILLANUEVA, JOSE AURELIO
Enviado el: jueves, 10 de enero de 2008 12:40
Para: FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR
Asunto: Mensaje para auxiliares

Mensaje para todos los auxiliares de conversación:

Espero que hayáis tenido unas buenas vacaciones y que todos estéis ya de vuelta en vuestros centros llenos de energía para el resto del curso. Desde la Consejería de Educación queremos desearos un feliz año y aprovechamos para haceros una petición: Tenemos tres puestos vacantes para el resto del curso académico. Si conocéis a alguien que pudiera estar interesado/a, por favor, pedidles que se pongan en contacto conmigo urgentemente para concertar una entrevista. Os recuerdo que los requisitos legales serían ser de nacionalidad de algún país de la Unión Europea o residente legal en España (con visado de trabajo o estudiante) y tener estudios universitarios.

Un saludo a todos,

Aurelio

Comunidad de Madrid

J.Aurelio Llaneza
Asesor Técnico Docente
Consejería de Educación, COMUNIDAD DE MADRID
Gran Vía,10; 5ª Planta
28013, Madrid
91 xxx xxxx
-------.-------@madrid.org

Third time's the charm

2008-01-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

I've never pegged myself as a romantic--or as unbearably bourgeois, for that matter. At least, not until I found myself wandering around Plaza Santa Barbara and C/Lagasca, for example. There, looking at beautiful wrought-iron doors and up at soft glows from behind willowing textiles, I felt a tinge of envy for the imagined cosiness. There, my ideal place, my home away from home, a respite from the hustle and bustle in the city, still within the city.

Ok, I take some of that back. A person who works 20 hours at the very most doesn't really need a "respite."

I am, however, looking for a place where I can at least have a hot shower.

Here's the story: I found both of the apartments in which I've lived through easypiso, an internet site which allows you to browse for free. The trick is that you must pay a fee in order to actually get a hold of anyone. I caved before leaving the states, in a mission to NOT spend my first few weeks in a hostel. My first roommate, A, sends an email informing me of an availability in his apartment, with the other two roommates being "girls" of around 50 years. Sure, it didn't have internet, but who was I to complain? There was no contract to be signed and I figured I could just hop on down to the nearest internet cafe.

The two roommates turned out to be A's mother and aunt. So, I was living with a family. Were this my first time in Spain or in Europe or traveling/living by myself, I would've stuck it out. I also realized that I missed the internet more than I thought I would have, and it took about an hour and a half by metro to go to work at the other side of the city, and took about 35-40 minutes to get to where I actually wanted to hang out. (Hey, I'm in my twenties.)

So, I high-tailed it out of there when another opportunity came up. This was from P, a guy I'd contacted in the summer. He and the other roommate had no luck finding a roommate for September. The rent was only a bit more expensive than A's, there was no window and I'd have to sign a lease until the next September, but there was internet AND it took only 15 minutes to get to school. I would "probably" get my deposit back even if I left in June, when my contract was up. Sweet.

A few months later, I find myself on the prowl yet again. Mostly due to passive-aggressive roommate issues (on all three parts), but also to (me) feeling like a houseguest. I've been confined to my windowless shoebox because when the roommates are home, they really do occupy ALL of the rooms, and I don't just mean their respective bedrooms. To top it all off, I think I paid a little too much for my share of the utilities for the month previous. This, considering that I'd only had about three or four six-second hot showers (I swear!) since I'd moved in. Being passive-aggressive, however, I merely paid what was charged of me and sulked about it in private (read: complained about it to whomever would listen, including reader(s) of this blog).

And, coming back from my break in the States, I came home to the news of broken appliances and a new roommate.

I suppose that I'm very slowly learning my lesson. For sure, this month will be frenzied, harried, and that I must be very careful when choosing the next "right" place. I'm no longer asking for anything even close to pretty, only somewhere that feels somewhat akin to a home away from home 'cos, as I've found out, there's no place really like it.

Felices fiestas

2007-12-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

Come Christmas day, I still find it hard to extricate myself from the computer. I've been going through internet withdrawal since I broke my laptop a few weeks ago, having tripped on my headphone cables and subsequently destroying one of the USB ports in the process. Thankfully, I have a three-year warranty, although I won't be able to get the laptop back until Februrary, at the earliest.

My, I'm always fretting/complaining--more so during the holidays! Three flights later, I'm back with my family and friends for a short while, and even got a white Christmas in the process. I suppose, then, that I should set (most of) my worries aside, at least until I get closer to my departure date. Vacation should be about relaxing, and for me, hot chocolate and delicious burritos.

Qué?*

2007-12-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

My station, towards the eastern part of the city, is not an especially clean one. On a regular day, there is grime caked along the floor tiling, graffiti on the ads, stray beer bottles, cigarette butts, and pages from 20 Minutos*. Yes, sometimes you can't ignore it, but you just follow along and deal.

Recently the voyage has been less pleasant. Since the cleaners' strike began on Monday, the station's orderlinesss--relatively speaking, of course--has been shot. There's "intermittent service" (MetroMadrid's words) but the trash bins are overflowing and passengers are trailing newsprint to the platform. On the way back from work, for example, I passed by a woman who was haphazardly tearing up sections from a daily and littering all over the floor. An elderly lady stop to either ask--or admonish--her, but I walked on by before I heard the answer.

Now, I understand the right to strike for better working conditions (and pay!). This is crucial to a functional labor force. I also understand that, lacking these specific workers, the cleanliness of the metro system will deteriorate. What confuses me is why someone would contribute to this problem, because I highly doubt that it's a question of class solidarity.

And again, some stations--and to a general extent, neighborhoods--have always been much cleaner than others, strike or not.

*Qué? is another free daily given out at many subway stations.

24 hours in Paris

2007-12-13T02:44:00.000-07:00

8pm - Still 20 minutes from the Gare du Nord. I get three different texts from S, asking me where I was, if she should meet me at the station, and then telling me that she was going to wait for me at Point Ephémère.

8:45 - Bumbling up the quai du Valmy and see S, a blurry figure in the distance. It's cold, and she's wearing what she calls a babushka hat. We walk halfway around the block and onto the actual bank of the canal, walk by a café/restaurant, and spot two guys fawning over Annie Clark, before we head into the show. Bouncer stamps Fs on our wrists. Clare & The Reasons have barely begun their set, but I have to hightail it to the restroom.

9:30 - I look at S, my friend that I always want to impress, my friend who reminds me of the word melena. She's wearing a khaki trench coat and gray Converse, and is the only person in the room singing along to the opening band's encore, a cover of Tears for Fears.

10:15 - We are kind of aghast by the second band, and don't know whether to take it seriously. I scan the room, half-obscure at fellow quirkly-dressed indie music lovers, and hear mostly English (the U.S. kind) in between songs. S and I slump against the wall and catch up, then find courtesy again to appreciate the last few offerings of Windmill.

10:55 - Fog and lights for effects. Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, has reason to enjoy Paris very much. Very fair, with somewhat untidy black hair. Sleeveless green dress and shiny black shoes, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, a guitar, that she totally slays.

11:25 - She plays most of the songs from her album, and I'm duly impressed, wishing that I could also be a multi-instrumentalist virtuoso.

midnight - S and I are walking steadfast to the Gare de l'Est, trying to decide if we should take the 4 all the way down to her stop, or to transfer to the RER one stop over at the Gare du Nord. 10 stops versus 4? You do the math.

*

around 2pm, the next afternoon - We took our time getting out of the house. Walking past the Montparnasse Cemetery, S comments on how much she appreciates her neighborhood. I joke around and say that it's very quiet. S had heretofore been a fan of the 11th, bastion of bobo chic. According to S, it also now includes the 20th. We stop by the Grande Epicerie for macarons, maple syrup, and baking powder. Upstairs, we also peruse many lovely clothes neither of us can afford. S points out that we could at least "get ideas." My perennial favorites: Tsumori Chisato, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Etoile by Isabel Marant, and Sandro.

4:30pm - Still on a high from last night's musical endeavour, St. Vincent streams from the living room. Then, it's Jawbreaker. I find out that my friend makes cookies. And really good ones. She implores me not to eat any more so I don't spoil my dinner. I tell her she'll make a good mom.

5:20pm - G, S's husband arrives. For the first time since we have known each other, on fait la bise. He, also like a little kid, steals a couple of cookies. My friends are very sweet to each other, very couple-y, and I busy myself with their stellar mug collection. S comments on how his Eeeng-leesh has vastly improved, and I have agree that it's awesome, too.

6:40pm - S is ready to go drop me off at the station, and I've yet to put my shoes on. I don't want to leave, but I'm also somewhat responsible. After saying goodbye to G, saying that we'll see each other next year, S and I retrace our steps. A quick hug and I jump on the train, then she fetches me 15 seconds later and tells me it's the wrong one. We chat for a few minutes more until my actual train arrives. Another hug, and I'm off, watching the city fly by.

The thing that I loved the most was that I did practically nothing and still had a great time. Now I'm counting the days until I return.

All by myself

2007-12-11T00:41:00.001-07:00

I've never been alone with the children for more than half an hour, but today I'll have them for all four sessions. This is because the teacher will be working with folks from our twin school in Sheffield, UK, and will thus be occupied for the majority of the day.

Luckily, I'll be more than the glorified childminder. The teacher--who's the school's bilingual program coordinator--has left lesson plans. More importantly, she's secured a sub, mainly to monitor. In a nutshell, to get things to calm down if it gets too out of hand. This is a particular problem with the bunch today, referred to by the teacher as "the naughty group." The children and I get along fine, but a) I suppose that I've been a tad too friendly with them this term, and b) I'm not the "real" profe.

I took down copious notes of how the teacher wanted the lessons to be presented and--as a last resort--I can send kids to the sub for disciplinary action. In any case, I won't let this bring me down.

After all, I'm going to Paris tonight.

'Tis the season

2007-12-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

The end of term--and of the year--is
nigh. Holiday merch is on sale, the lights are turned on, and people are hoping to win El Gordo. In class, we've learned prepositions and body parts; now we're preparing reindeer and los crismas for our penpals in Sheffield, UK. My parents even sent candy canes to dispense to the children.

Long before the real vacation begins, however, a mini-exodus starts this weekend. Many are fleeing the city to spend the very long puente elsewhere. As for me, I'm staying in town, drinking massive amounts of tea and hot chocolate (not at the same time) and perhaps squeeze in a day trip (or two) to, say, Toledo or Segovia. Who knows? I would've liked to go up north again, but I still have quite a way to go here. With that in mind, I'll attempt exploring other parts of the country when the weather (and homesickness) isn't so exhausting.

Maybe I'll actually, literally take a break--or learn how to. I could go to the Reina Sofía (it's free tomorrow) or to the movies (I recommend Persepolis) or to the park and draw (something which I haven't done in a long time) or, like always, wander around like the perpetual (yet presumably more "conscious") flâneuse and take pictures. So many possibilities, indeed.

(One of my worst vices is indecision, exemplified by my reluctance to single out ONE foible).

For those keen on holiday-themed activities, your choices vary, which include a Christmas bus, an ice sculpture exhibit, and (most interesting to me) pyrotechnics at Plaza de Oriente on the 14th. I've never been too big a fan of seasonal festivities myself, although curiosity might get the better of me and implore me to find out how Madrid does it up.

On homesickness, and other things -- a Thanksgiving post

2007-11-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

If I'm not at work, I spend an absurd amount of time in my windowless shoebox of a room. Sometimes I'm on the internet checking my email for the umpteenth time, or stupidly staring at my Skype box waiting for a call, but mostly staring at the beige walls wondering what to do with myself. Oh, no, it's not that I haven't been enjoying myself and "doing things". As keep telling folks, I've done much more in a month here than I ever have back stateside. I force myself to check out exhibits, coffeeshops, hang out with friends I've made, and just plain wander around in order to NOT succumb to craziness.

However, I've only been here about two months and I'm already feeling the crunch of loneliness/homesickness. To appear tough, my explanations revolve around food; burritos and bagels, to be precise. I rarely admit to missing people's company. Although a common sentiment, I loathe the empathy and--perhaps I'm reading into this--the pity, to be looked upon (thought of) as though I can't hack a year "alone," without the familiarity, without the support. Indeed, it was a huge step for me to cross the ocean and try to lead a life anew, if only temporarily. (If you look at it another way, I put off dealing with stateside issues for a year, but that's neither here nor there.) I told myself this would a be a good way to "rethink things," "find myself," "grow up a little," and brush up on Spanish in the process. To have fun, even.

The thing is, I'm not the kind of person who has fun. Rather, I don't even know what fun is. Superficial concerns take up my time, and contemplating their superficial quality drives me even more mad. This post is proof thereof.

I suppose this time is as good as any other to divert you reader(s) from the self-pitying tone of this entry and try something positive. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a very U.S. holiday, one which I've stopped celebrating many moons ago (nothing political, although this might be recommended reading). This year that I'm abroad, I'm disappointed to be missing the ceremony (to watch the parade, really) and chatting with my folks over pizza (I'm vegetarian).

To celebrate (and of course, stay posi), I give you a list of a few things for which I'm grateful:

1. FINALLY getting my fianza back from the first apartment
I stayed at this place for two weeks in October. Then I found my current place and promptly told my ex-roommate. He said he'd give back the deposit by November. I said to take his time. He sure did, but at least, I have it.

2. Spending time in this wonderful city.
Alright, contrary to what I've just written, I'm very glad to take advantage of what Madrid has to offer. Maybe I'll never be a night owl, but like any great city, there's something here for everyone.

3. Visiting friends and family over the holidays.
Nuff said!

Thanks to you as well, dear blog reader(s) for making it this far. Stay tuned...

(Photo: American Bounty Catering)

Problèmes de bourgeois?*

2007-11-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

A university asks applicants to write a supplementary essay addressing how they might be eligible for "diversity scholarships." Unfortunately, I got tangential and did nothing of the sort, so I figured this might be a more appropriate space for these words. Although I'm not the most eloquent person, I do think about such "issues," and lately, in light of all the weird tags and political posters I've been seeing in my neighborhood (umm, "anti-Spanish racism?"), conversations with co-workers, an event that happened at school, conversations with A, and thinking about the concept of the EU, of the new Spaniard.

The laptop on which I’m drafting essays—because hardly anyone in my generation really writes by hand anymore—is light. A graduation gift, the machine is a portable 12.1” that can sandwiched in my right hand, just like a pocket book. Most every (non-Mac) aficionado I encounter is pleased with it. They comment on the design, the weight, the relative cleanliness. After nearly two years’ worth of use. It might already be out of date, but no matter. I beam like a proud parent.

This is an anecdote to mark my privilege, presumed to be the land of white-collar workers, or perhaps, more appropriately, the non-workers. This is an anecdote to state that privilege comes in all forms—and that I’m conscious of mine.

Highly conscious of having a computer, of being computer literate, of being literate. My mom beams. A proud parent.

She didn’t grow up with computers. I have vague notions of her past. She describes it as filled with lack—an oxymoron, if I ever heard one. There are no photographs from her childhood or her adolescence, only something from the 1970s. She was taking my three cousins on some sort of outing. I can hardly imagine the Philippines then, even now. I have vague memories of my last trip: smoke, dust, noise, like any contemporary metropolis.

I use my laptop to search for images. I recognize and don’t at the same time. “Otherness” and “hybridity” are terms I’ve learned through schooling in the U.S., but are concepts I’ve been negotiating. Often I ask myself whether or not my mom and I share similar spaces, and most of the time, I think the answer is a resounding no. I’m self-absorbed in a very “American” fashion, although it’s through her travails that I’m able to assume a slightly more elevated socioeconomic status, to sometimes pass. Proof: speech, dress, property—the accoutrements of privilege. Yet, like my mom, I’m still visibly tagged.

It’s for easier reference.

She says not to worry. She reminds me that many opportunities lie ahead. Education is the key.

Now we’ll see what door(s) will open.

*so titled after a scene in Julie Delpy's 2 Days in Paris, in which she and her sister (in the movie) laugh about the superficial quality of their complaints

(Photo: Jeff Vergara)

NIE

2007-11-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

De: LLANEZA VILLANUEVA, JOSE AURELIO
Enviado el: jueves, 08 de noviembre de 2007 13:35

Important message for all non-European language assistants:

We have already contacted all language assistants and given them their appointment dates to go to the police station in Calle General Pardiñas, 90. Some of you received the information during the training on October 16th and some of you have been contacted by e-mail during the past few days. If you have not received any communication and still need to get your NIE, please let us know as soon as possible. Remember that, after you come with the group to get your temporary card, you will need to wait one month before you can go and collect your “tarjeta de extranjero”.

Un saludo cordial,

Aurelio

Canjear

2007-11-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

v. Intercambiar, trocar o hacer una sustitución.
(Diccionaro de Español para Extranjeros, 2002)

After my three-person intercambio this evening, I trekked on over to La Palma to see First Aid Kit, a band I heard by chance while perusing--ahem--thatspace.

I knew I liked the music, but was still doubting whether or not I'd stay. It's been ages since I've been to an intimate show, and even more time has passed since I've hung out at a club/bar/disco. In other words, the last time I "went out" at night was many, MANY moons ago, so I was already nervous and paranoid, Woody Allen-in-his-movies-style, before I'd even opened the door. Luckily, it was quite casual; I waited around with a few other folks in the space between the entrance and the seating areas, as the show hadn't yet started. Paid the 7,-EUR to get in, stuffed my ticket in my pocket, and ordered a caña at the bar, slapping some coins on the counter.

Now here's where my stupidity lies. First of all, I don't drink; mostly because I shouldn't, but also because I just don't like the taste. I suppose I'm in the wrong city to have such an attitude, but that's a whole 'nother story. I also suppose that I could've ordered a Coke or a Fanta (my standby), though something in the advert about the consumición mínima made me think that this only applied to alcoholic beverages.

No points for me here.

Cleaning my pockets out when I arrived home, I read the--by now--crumpled ticket, to discover that podía canjearlo, that I just spent 2,50,-EUR on a drink that I didn't even want. In the end, I guess that it's not such a big deal (will my wallet really miss 2,50?) and that, at the very least, I'll never forget this word.

Citaciones para la policía

2007-11-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

De: LLANEZA VILLANUEVA, JOSE AURELIO
Enviado el: lunes, 29 de octubre de 2007 14:18

Buenos días a todos,

Os escribo para comunicaros el día y la hora de las citaciones con la policía para los días 12, 20 y 22 y 26 de noviembre. Tenéis que llevar 3 fotos con fondo blanco (ID size, un poco más pequeñas que las de pasaporte) y el pasaporte. El lugar es la Comisará de la Calle General Pardiñas, 90. La hora es las 5 de la tarde excepto el día 12, que es a las 4. Nos encontraremos todos a la puerta antes de entrar. Es muy importante que todos contestéis a este mensaje para confirmar que lo habéis recibido.

Note: Names can be found on the Facebook group for Madrid assistants.)

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T11:12:00.000-06:00

Everyone--well, most everyone--at school today was hyped for two major reasons: one, the holiday (and the accompanying coloring, games, and CANDY), and two, the firefighters' visit.

O, the director of studies, passed around a notice during lunch yesterday. The team would be coming by around 11:30AM to do a presentation with the 3rd graders, but all were welcome to see their "exhibit" afterwards. You only had to be aware that there were going to be men in uniform and you could be assured that the female staff we're going to be on hand...to bring the kids 'round of course.

They got started a bit late, but no one minded. My three fellow female assistants (the other is male) on the opposite side of the fire engine, watching the men get everything ready, and motioning for me to come over. I grinned and shook my head, opting to stay with the masses of children that had gathered, and everyone glinting at the bright sky as the ladder zoomed up and up, past the roof. The kids went especially crazy as one firefighter, then another, hoisted himself down using the rope, doing flips on the way.

Afterwards there were many photo ops to be had, and again, I was invited to join, but again, I declined. From the sidelines, I took a photograph of my three fellow assistants posing with one of the cuter (or so one mentioned) firefighters, who would apparently later text one of my coworkers commenting on her bonita sonrisa. Needless to say, it was a pretty exciting event, albeit too cortito, as a student would later comment.

For the rest of the afternoon, my class worked on Halloween riddles and their masks. I had traced out two faces: a pumpkin and a black cat, the former of which was more popular, but the latter turning out to be much cuter. We ended the day by me doling out candy--some gummi, some creamy stuff, some gum, and M&Ms--wearing a witch hat I bought only yesterday at a 1-EUR-store (dreadfully called a chino, because they majority of its proprietors are presumably of Chinese descent). I tried to get them to say "trick or treat," but to no avail. Oh well.

Let me just say that I never knew exactly how lethal the "kids with candy" combination can get. Well, perhaps I'm exaggerating, but they kept wanting to switch, or asking for more, like ravenous baby chicks. "Let's save some for the other class!" I told my first. Seeing as how my ghost bucket is still 1/4 full, I could've easily given them more chuches, but I really worried about sugaring them up too much. I did, however, encounter a few students outside of the main entrance, waiting for their parents, so I took liberties and gave them some more. An adult called out one of them, and I was at first scared, but then she thanked me. What a relief.

Now I'm just killing time before I take tonight's overnight train to San Sebastián, where A and I barely booked a room. Our plans for Granada had fallen through, so we thought this would be a good alternative. Too bad we hadn't planned much earlier (better), because ALL of the places we looked at within our budget--from

the branch of the national youth hostel association to the 2* pension--were booked. Luckily, one place from among the many that I frantically emailed last night responded that they still had a double room available, so I sent them our info straight away. We'll see how that goes in the next post. Until then, have a great weekend, eat lots of huesos de santo and buñuelos de viento!

Fan girl

2007-10-26T16:12:00.000-06:00

There were no more cheap tickets for Don Quixote, so A and I decided to take in a movie. 2 Days in Paris was (is) playing at Golem, and though I'd already seen it, I agreed on a second time because I respect Julie Delpy as an artist and this, her first feature-length, was funny enough.

Even with the two buses from Barrio del Pilar to Plaza de España, A and I still had time to kill at 8½, where I thumbed through photographs of Berlin, and spotted Isabel Coixet's La vida es un guión, an autobiography of sorts. A future purchase, I told myself.

I checked the time on my cellphone. The movie would be starting in 15 minutes. Stepping out across Martin de los Heros in the brisk evening air, we noticed stylish fellow movie-lovers queuing to enter their respective salas. I glanced around, a bit nervous, and what should catch my eye but a familiar nose belonging to very familiar--and beautiful, I might add--face. A black cap and very light makeup, a bomber jacket, and jeans tucked in boots, like so many a Madrileña on a casual night out with friends. A didn't understand why I was tapping her so frantically on the arm, attempting to direct her attention to the woman a mere foot away from us.

La Penélope +.

Accompanied by El Pedro.

The couple behind had noticed, too, as the woman coyly smiled to the man and referred to them as los famosos. I had an impulse to ask them if they wanted to get closer, but as A would later affirm, we were in a privileged position. Starstruck, we were as silent as lambs as the host tore our tickets and directed us to the screening room for 2 Days...downstairs. We watched the Ps head into Padre Nuestro, though A jokingly wondered whether or not we should join them, whether or not to ask where Javi and Mónica were.

Later, Pedro came down with an employee to get a drink from the vending machine--on the house, claro. I fidgeted with the copy of the movie guide I'd picked up in the lobby, A and I pretending to be as nonchalant as possible. Yes, of course, we were quite tempted to get autographs or "say 'hello'." In the end, we didn't, partially because we were too shy and partially because they were just there to chill out.

(So that's why I'm writing a blog entry.)

I recounted the sighting of my roommates upon arriving home. Apparently, it's no big deal to see Pedro, at least, on the town. My roommate went on to give me a short bio of the director, about how they are both from Ciudad Real, and how he used to see Pedro, also out and about before he was "super famous." He found it impressive that a boy from a small Spanish pueblo could rise to such great heights (i.e. Hollywood) and also remarked on Pedro's intelligence, marked by such diverse experiences. "He's seen the best...and the worst," my roommate remarked with a wistful air.

Well, no matter. However uncommon such a celebrity sighting is, suffice it to say that it was a very pleasurable moment, making for a soon-to-be oft-repeated anecdote. Or maybe, just maybe, I'll forget it almost as fast as I experienced it, just another memory.

EDIT, October 28, 8:39AM
I'm that much of a fan girl that I am actually considering buying this shirt:

Customer service

2007-10-22T11:38:00.000-06:00

Proof of NIE appointment in hand, I was determined to open a bank account today. First, I tried the Caja Madrid around the corner from my place. After waiting for five minutes in the pago de recibos line, I followed another customer to the basement for what seemed to be personal banking. I soon got nervous and left, promising myself I would stop at the next closest branch. Eventually I ended up at one near Goya, having passed by quite a few on the way.

Only two folks were waiting, and I sat in between on an empty chair, not knowing whether or not I was in the right place, but relieved to be resting. "Están esperando?", a young woman with shoulder-length blonde hair inquired. A bit tired to respond verbally, I simply nodded my head.

It must've been 30 minutes or so before my turn came up. I hastily shuffled to the desk belonging to a distinguished-looking older man who reminded me of a slightly older and bespectacled Caetano Veloso. Noticing the sparkling wedding band on his left hand, I deduced that he might also have children in my age range, and began to be hopeful about opening an account. The tuteo began.

My appointment is not until late next month, but I suggested that it might be possible to open up an account since the actual NIE number is already on the paper. I further explained--though unnecessary--that I really needed an account in order to cash my checks from school. He agreed, on the condition that I bring/send back, within a month, that blasted autorización de no residencia, since I don't belong to the EU. Veloso look-alike also signed me up for internet banking, and more importantly,, the Carné Jóven, saving me a trip to the Youth Office. "Así puedes tirar esos documentos," indicating the application forms in my see-through folder. I beamed, partially due to the success of opening an account, but mostly for the banker's attention--kind, thoughtful, and patient.

The card, he said, will take about a week, and of course, there's still that issue of getting myself to the police station for the autorización. Tomorrow, perhaps. Now I have more contracts signed, and it's all in Spanish legalese. Another collection of papers to add to the rest, but at least I'm one step closer to settling in. I'm getting there, little by little.

Nobel Clan Destino

2007-10-18T13:51:00.001-06:00

Being a sucker for independent designers, I decided to check out a traveling showcase of independent designers that was showing somewhere in Chueca, thanks to a tip from Le Cool. Nobel Clan Destino aims to foster the talent of little-known designers and the distribution of unique and exclusive handmade goods. Herein lies the allure; I always relish it when people ask me where I obtained such and such an item. How consumption (momentarily) boosts the ego!, I thought to myself as I walked up Fuencarral. I nevertheless justified it as supporting the local design community.

I was, as is always the case when I walk into any kind of public establishment, hesitant and timid, not knowing what to expect in terms of reception and service. Three women were embroiled in conversation, though I managed to throw in a quick Hola, as I tried to move stealthily to peruse the clothes on a nearby rack. Especially taken by Julieta Alvarez's simple yet playful pieces, I ended up fondling a few before I ended up getting one for a friend.

In the end, I'm quite satisfied with my purchase, and I think said friend will be as well. I know where my money went, and at least it was well spent.

Nobel Clan Destino will be in the Espacio Travesia (Travesia de San Mateo, 8; M: Tribunal) until Saturday, 20.October.

Imagined geographies

2007-10-15T04:57:00.001-06:00

On our way to the Teleférico, a friend, A, and I stopped off at a café on Pintor Rosales. We had just hiked all the way from Zoe (C/Santa María 28, Huertas) and needed a little break, deciding on some batidos, or juice, at least. At a small table off to the side, my friend and I spent about a half an hour watching the other clients being waited upon.

Yes, I'm aware that the pace here is--shall we say--more leisurely. Usually, I don't mind. On the way back from the restroom, A politely inquired at bar if we could order, and was told that we had to wait for our server. After much eye contact-making, subtle hand-beckoning and -waving, and Oigas and Por favors--this, when the server was collecting payment from the table next to us--we became a bit aggravated and left.

It's an annoyance that one must get over, but even a day later, I'm still trying to conjure reasons why we were never served. Part of me always thinks it's because we didn't look like we belonged, more specifically, "foreigners"/"strangers" (to whatever that means nowadays. Sitting there under the eggshell-colored umbrella, I happened to think of the ads I've seen in the metro stations, part of the state's campaign about the benefits of immigration, the video of which is available here.

I can't say that I know too much about contemporary Spanish immigration, but having spent most of my life in the U.S. (where I take the politics of multiculturalism for granted), it's rather curious to see such ads. It's just "common sense" to embrace a common humanity while celebrating differences and individuality at the same time, though that's not to say that folks in the U.S. aren't grappling with such concepts, either. And I suppose also that the campaign is aimed more at respecting the immigrant laborers--the child-/elderly-minders, the cooks and servers, the construction workers, and the like--rather than those of higher socio-economic aspirations/standing, though I would hate to sound like I'm supporting a monolithic vision of exactly what an "immigrant laborer" is supposed to be.

Where do A and I fit into this scheme? We are very visibly, to use a U.S.-specific term, women "of color." So visibly un-Spanish, and constantly performing our foreign-ness. We're educated, upwardly-mobile, first-generation, hyphenated-American multilingual girls working as English assistants to ward off another year of adult life. Our privilege is encapsulated the previous sentence, but no one would know lest we spelled it out. Otherwise, a lot of people might just glance at a brown and yellow girl, waiting for chocolate shakes, on a lazy Sunday afternoon at the park.

Yo, la aguafiestas

2007-10-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

Sitting at a table in La Mordida (C/Las Fuentes, 3 - M: Ópera) with some other assistants, I'm asked if I go "clubbing." At the tender age of 24, this should be a simple and obvious answer, but having been asked this question so many times, and never knowing how to respond properly, I get a little taxed. Looking at the brightly decorated walls, I explain that I used to be "really involved" in the local music community back in the States, doing zines and organizing shows, but that, too, became a hassle when my personal experience with the community was just, after Benedict Anderson's notion, imagined and imaginary, more a scene where the politics may be "progressive," but where what counts is who you know and how many obscure records you have.

I could've just said no. Instead, I sarcastically half-apologized for "being lame and boring," but pointed out that ir de juerga (go out on the town) can be a pain for an assistants's budget. My ranting was met with silence. None, even my friend, were expecting me to say this, especially in a rather aggressive manner. I could've just given a simple answer.

Let's just put it this way: I don't do very well in groups, preferring the company of one or two people who I assume reciprocate interest, or, if all else fails wandering about, "discovering" places that are new to me, and slowly fitting streets in my mind like the pieces of a puzzle.

RV: mensaje urgente para auxiliares

2007-10-10T11:42:00.001-06:00

from: "FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR" <--------.------@madrid.org>
to: auxiliares
date: Oct 9, 2007 12:04 PM

Mensaje importante para todos los auxiliares de conversación:

Espero que el comienzo del curso haya transcurrido sin grandes problemas. Para los auxiliares no europeos ya hemos entregado todos vuestros papeles en la policía y os avisaremos de la fecha de vuestra cita. Durante las sesiones de formación os entregaremos los resguardos para que tengáis alguna documentación que prueba que estáis en el proceso de recibir vuestra tarjeta. Si vais a viajar al extranjero en las próximas semanas, es mejor si venís a recoger el resguardo a mi oficina antes de viajar para que no tengáis problemas.

Hemos tenido algunas bajas de última hora que necesitamos cubrir. Si conocéis alguna persona, hablante nativo de inglés, que cumpla los requisitos de la convocatoria (estudios universitarios, etc.) y que sea europeo o con residencia legal en España y pueda incorporarse inmediatamente, por favor decidles que se pongan en contacto conmigo urgentemente por teléfono o correo electrónico.

Os recuerdo que las jornadas de formación comienzan el 19 de octubre para los primeros grupos de auxiliares. Podéis comprobar en la documentación que se os entregó en la jornada de orientación si os corresponde ir ese día.

Un saludo,

Aurelio

Back to school and intercambios

2007-10-07T02:21:00.000-06:00

For first term, I´m assisting the school´s program coordinator with two different groups of 6-7 years old. I´ve mostly been observing so far, and helping out with the odd pronunciation here and there, as well as working with small groups of 4-5 kids in the afternoon, reviewing prepositions and the like.

The staff and the kids with whom I work are, for the most part friendly. Some (of the kids) have had difficulties pronouncing my name, calling me anything from Carmen to Carpeta (!), I tell them that I´m also trying to learn their names. The kids also take the time to say hi and chat with me a little bit before class. On my second day there, I was confused about where I was supposed to enter and wound up in the recreational area. One of my students spotted me, ran up and gave me a hug. Another went so far as to inform me that her santo was coming up, which made me wonder if it was a hint of sorts to bring her some candy.

Half of the time I´m not really sure about what I´m doing, but the teacher is very communicative, not only guiding me in the different projects, but also asking for input on how to best implement such and such a lesson plan, or looking for suggestions for activities. Next week, I believe that we´ll get some Halloween stuff in motion, as well as (hopefully), some crafts related to Día de los Muertos.

Other than school, I´ve been too pooped to really do much of anything, although I posted an ad on Loquo for intercambios, and I´ve had one every day since Friday, until next. I thought I´d give private lessons, but to meet different sorts of people, perhaps those with whom I can go to the movies or the museum, this is really great way to do it. And of course, I´m ameliorating my Spanish-language skills as well. I´ll write more about my impressions later, whenever I get on the internet again.

Thanks for reading.

Insert real post here

2007-10-01T05:04:00.001-06:00

Qué tal? After about 10 hours of transit, I´ve made it to Madrid. Yes, I have a room...the size of a U.S. walk-in closet, but I´m trying to stress the positive aspects of my apartment situation, being:

1. Compis majísimos
Well, we´ll see in a few weeks, right? I found the ad through easypiso.com to which I subscribed for 30 days. It was the guy, R, who responded to my ad. I checked out the place and chatted with him shortly after I arrived in town (only a few days before work started), I said yes. He also picked me from my hostal and helped me move in my humongous luggage cart. The ¨two girls¨ to whom he referred are actually his mom and his mom´s cousin, who were quite kind to take me on another tour of the house, and suggested that perhaps, I, too, could be an honorary member of the family for the duration of my stay.

2. Neighborhood
Yes, a little ¨rough on the edges,¨ but mostly super tranquilo nonetheless.
The metro station is right in front of the building and takes me directly to the stop for my school. I am also 10-15 minutes away from one of my favorite neighborhoods.

3. Rent
Let´s just say that I´m paying much less than what I´d visualized, with utilities included. Not that I´m no longer considering private classes, but the monthly payment sure does help.

After having spent the night out since I´ve arrived, I thought today would be a good day to take a breather (from that) and run errands instead. I wanted to get a bank account today, at Caja Madrid, but the teller informed me that I´d have to get an
certificado de no residencia from the Comisaría. She also added that since I have U.S. citizenship, I shouldn´t have any problems, but now I´m feeling too lazy to accomplish this task. Anyway, a trámite is a trámite is a trámite, so I figured I should wait to see if the folks at the orientation tomorrow have any tips, and then plan for another day, a la madrileña.

RV: Mensaje Importante para Auxiliares Comunidad de Madrid

2007-09-25T18:23:00.000-06:00

from: FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR <--------.------@madrid.org>
date: Tue, Sep 25, 2007 at 4:32 AM

Mensaje importante para todos los auxiliares de conversación de la Comunidad de Madrid procedentes de países no pertenecientes a la Unión Europea. USA, Canadá, Australia, Nueva Zelanda:

Es necesario que a la reunión del 2 de octubre traigáis fotocopias de las siguientes páginas del pasaporte:

     Datos personales

     Visado

     Página donde os han puesto el sello de entrada a la Unión Europea en el aeropuerto si no es la misma página del visado (si no os han puesto un sello, debéis indicarlo en la parte posterior de la fotocopia del visado)

El día 2 recogeremos las fotocopias y así podremos entregar toda vuestra documentación para ayudaros con los trámites en la policía.

Muchas gracias por vuestra ayuda. ¡Nos vemos el día 2!

Un saludo,

Aurelio

Tips from the accommodation assistants

2007-09-24T13:40:00.000-06:00

De: Elyse Tishkoff
Enviado el: martes, 25 de septiembre de 2007 20:14
Para: LLANEZA VILLANUEVA, JOSE AURELIO

Hello auxiliares!

It's Elyse, Andrea, Samira, and Aliz again. Many of you are already in Madrid and the rest will be here soon. We wanted to send you a second edition of our tips to help you in your arrival in Madrid and search for housing. This is a long e-mail, but we hope you have time to read it!

Meet Up Sept. 29th
First and foremost we want to invite you to come meet us and each other on Saturday, September 29th at 12:00 noon at Templo de Debod (metro Plaza España or Ventura Rodríguez). It's an Egyptian Temple located in Parque del Oeste, a very short walk from Plaza España. This meeting is not an official part of the Auxiliares program and is not at all obligatory. We just want to facilitate auxiliares getting together and give you an opportunity to ask us questions in person.
Here is a picture of the Templo de Debod:

Let's meet in front of the entrance.

Orientation
Some of you seem to have misplaced the information on the Orientation. This IS obligatory and it is on Tuesday October 2nd at 10:00 am at
Ramiro de Maeztu, c/ Serrano 127,
metro: República Argentina. Check out this map:

Ver mapa más grande

Cell Phones
It is a good idea to get a cell phone the day you arrive to make the housing search easier. You can go to any store (the most popular are Movistar and Vodafone) and choose a phone (commonly Nokia, Siemens, or Samsung). You will most likely not want a contract becuase they are for a minimum of 12 months, often for 18 months. Most people have prepaid phones, when you run out of saldo you go to an estanco (smoke shop, they have a Tabacos sign that looks like this:

and ask for "20 Euros de saldo de Movistar" (for example), and give them your phone number. This can also be done in your company's stores or in many banks. The rates tend to be expensive here, a common plan is very expensive during the day (40-50 cents a minute) and "cheap" after 4 or 5 pm (10-15 cents a minute). The best way to call home is with pre-paid calling cards from a land line telephone (fijo) or on the internet with Skype and similar services.

Abono de Transportes
We recommend that you purchase the monthly tranportation pass starting in October. This covers all buses, metro, and trains in the zone of your pass and any lesser Zones. For example, if you buy a B2 pass, you can use any public tranport in Zones A, B1, and B2. You should buy the pass for the Zone that your school is located in. This can be found here.
Under the last category zonas, click on each Zone and scroll down the list to see if the city where your school is located is in that Zone. To get the abono you will need to have a foto tamaño carnet , which you can get here at any photo store. You obtain the Abono de Tranportes mainly at those same estancos where you can put credit on your phone. You can get it up to a week before the month changes, don't wait until the 1st! Once you have the Abono, you can buy a new monthly pass either at an estanco or in a machine in any metro station.

Getting Around
Remember to check out the maps and information at www.ctm-madrid.es. Madrid's metro system is very easy to navigate and we're confident you'll know it like the back of your hand after your first week.

Hostels
If you don't already have a place to stay when you arrive, we´ve heard of auxiliares staying in the following hostels: Cat's Hostel, Mad Hostel, Los Amigos Sol, Olé International Hostel and Residencia La Luna. All of these hostels still have rooms available in these next weeks and can be booked at www.hostelworld.com.

The Housing Search: 5 Steps to Glory

Step 1: Searching the Ads
The more places you look for ads, the better off you'll be. This includes looking at the many sites online, buying the classifieds newspaper SegundaMano (there are more places there than on segundamano.es) and checking bulletin boards at Universities and in public places.
While it's true that finding a place with a convenient commute to your school is important, don't limit yourself to specific neighborhoods in your search. The more open you are to living in different
neighborhoods, the quicker you'll find a place.

Check online at:

madrid.loquo.com - Under the category "vivienda" click on "compartir piso/ alq habitación"

www.segundamano.es - First click "Madrid", then in the box "Todas las categorías" select "Pisos".

www.idealista.com - On the first page select "alquilar", "habitación", and "Madrid". Then use the interactive map to zero in on the barrios you'd like to live in.

www.easypiso.com - Set up an account to see ads for rooms offered in shared apartments.

You might consider going to some of the big Universities to look for ads, espeically if you want to live with young people. You could go to the Universidad Compulense de Madrid at the Ciudad Universitaria metro stop on Line 6, and to the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid on Cercanias Lines C1, C7, and C10, getting off at "Cantoblanco-Universidad".

Step 2: Calling
It's best to call between 11am and 2pm, and between 5 and 8:30 pm. Expect most of the people you call to want you to see the place in the evening (sometime between 5 and 10pm). Here are some things you could ask on the phone (or in person):

Estoy llamando acerca del piso.     ¿Cuánto es el alquiler?
I'm calling about the apartment.     How much is the rent?

¿Los gastos están incluidos?     ¿Cuánto suelen ser los gastos?
Are the bills included?     How much do the bills tend to be?

¿Hay fianza?                 ¿Hay contrato?
Is there a deposit?     Is there a contract?

¿Está amueblado?     ¿La habitación tiene ventana exterior?
Is it furnished?     Does the room have an exterior window?

¿Está bien comunicado con . . .?     ¿Cuál es la dirección?
Is it easy to get to . . . ?                   What's the address?

¿Cuándo podría ver el piso?
When could I come see the place?

¿Cuando le viene bien que venga?
When would it be convenient for you that I come?

When talking about meeting they'll often use the verb "quedar" meaning to meet up. They might ask, "¿Quedamos mañana a las 8?"

Step 3: Visiting pisos
Make sure to give yourself time to arrive, especially if you're not familiar with the city and the metro system. It's good to always act interested even if you're not, later on you'll have no problem saying "no gracias". Expect to see many pisos and expect some of them to be not nice at all. In fact, those not nice pisos could be in the same price range as very nice pisos, so don't get discouraged. People are having very different kinds of experiences, some have found a place on their third try and others have seen nearly twenty and no luck yet. It's common to really like a place and have them tell you that they'll call you back next week, so you have to continue your search while hoping for that one room. It's a good idea to keep calling that place you like, reminding them that you're still interested.

Step 4: Keeping up your spirits (¡Ánimo!)
To be honest, this process can be frustrating and exhausting. All we can say is, you'll find a place, it just takes time, patience, and sometimes, a little suffering. But you'll come out stronger for it. : ) Find support with other auxiliares on the Yahoo Group ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MadridAuxiliares/) and by e-mailing us four housing coordinators with your questions. Sometimes having too many expectations can make finding a place impossible. You might need to loosen up on one of your objectives (location, roomates, price, the place itself, etc.) to make it happen.

Step 5: Success, finding your room
Make sure you are clear on key issues like if there is a contract, if so, for how long, how much the deposit (fianza) is, etc. The most common deposit is one month's rent. Some places will ask for two months rent, but that would only be worth it if this was really your dream piso. If they ask for any more than that, just say no! It's good to talk to your new roomates about things like having visitors, cleaning duties, cooking (together or separate?), shopping (together or separate?) from the beginning to avoid misunderstandings. Enjoy moving in and starting to feel at home and relaxed in Madrid!

Meeting up with us
We are happy to meet up with people who need extra help, especially people who have never lived in Spain before and need some orientation. E-mail Elyse and Andrea to meet up on weekdays and Samira and Aliz to meet on weekends. Here are our e-mails once again. Good luck to everyone! ¡Bienvenidos!

Elyse - elysetish@-----.com

Andrea - nate2@----.edu

Samira - samiam83@-----.com

Aliz - agondocs@-----.com

(Images: FotoMadrid, 1de3.com)

News from my school

2007-09-19T08:33:00.000-06:00

from: My School Madrid
to: assistants assigned to the school
date: Sep 19, 2007 6:03 AM

Hello to our new language assistants,
My name is María Jesús and you are going to work and teach in our school.
Our school is very nice and very well located, the underground is very close
to the school, the station is called -------.

You will work with children from 5 to 10, and you also help our English
teachers in their tasks, maybe you will teach samll groups of children or
you can prepare special materials for our English or Science lessons for
this reason, I beg your collaboration in order to facilitate your tasks for
instance you can bring some:
-pictures about you and your family. You can use them in order to introduce
your family to our children.
-pictures about your city, country, main monuments, etc.
-brochures of museums, places to visit in yopur country, some maps,..
-tickets from bus, train,..
-money (just show notes and coins, don´t worry!)
-Menu from restaurants or fast food, take away, etc.
-newspapers and comics or tales that the children read in your countries.
Something about special celebrations: Halloween, X-mas, Pancake day,
Mother´s day, father´s day,...

All the Spanish teachers and their pupils are waiting for you.

See you in October. Bye

María Jesús

Unofficial auxiliar meetings in Madrid

2007-09-13T17:58:00.000-06:00

Burning with questions about settling in? Want to hear about past experiences? Keen to make some new friends? Then come on down to either (or both!) of the two pre-orientation auxiliar meetups in Madrid:

Tuesday, September 25
center of Plaza Mayor, Philip III equestrian statue)
15h00-17h00
Metro: Sol

and

Sunday, September 30
Templo de Debod (south of the Rosaleda)
12h00
Metro: Plaza de España, Ventura Rodriguez

I myself would prefer to chill out at Ruíz (Ruíz 11, Chueca) or even Delic (Plaza de la Paja, La Latina), but hey, you can't beat a FREE meet-and-greet.

RV: Escuela Oficial de Idiomas

2007-09-05T17:39:00.000-06:00

from: "FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR" <--------.------@madrid.org>
to: incoming assistants
date: Sep 5, 2007 6:49 AM

Mensaje para los auxiliares interesados en las clases de la Escuela Oficial de Idiomas:

En relación a los muchos mensajes interesándose por la posibilidad de realizar la prueba de nivel para los cursos de español para extranjeros en la escuela oficial de idiomas, os comunico que los que estáis ya en Madrid o vais a llegar en los próximos días podéis inscribiros desde este momento para realizar la prueba que tendrá lugar en la Escuela de Idiomas Goya, el día 25 de septiembre a las 4 de la tarde. A continuación tenéis la dirección, y los horarios de atención al público. Recordad mencionar que sois auxiliares de conversación de la Comunidad de Madrid. Si vais a llegar después del 25, os podemos hacer la prueba el 2 de octubre después de la sesión de orientación y no hace falta que os inscribáis previamente.

Dirección
C/ Santa Brígida, 10
28004 - Madrid
Tfno.: 91.521.xx.xx
Fax: 91.521.xx.xx

Cómo llegar a la EOI Madrid - Goya
Se pueden utilizar los siguientes medios de transporte público:

     * Estaciones de metro
          o Alonso Martínez: líneas 4, 5 y 10
          o Tribunal: líneas 1 y 10
    * Autobuses
          o Líneas 3, 40 y 149

Ver mapa más grande

Un saludo,

Aurelio

J.Aurelio Llaneza
Asesor Técnico Docente
Consejería de Educación, COMUNIDAD DE MADRID
C/ Alcalá 32, 2ª Planta
28014, Madrid
91 720 xxxx
-------.-------@madrid.org

All I got was this visa.

2007-09-03T20:36:00.000-06:00

So colorful and pretty:

Yet another reminder about legalizing ourselves while in the country:

Good thing I'm posted to Madrid, as the Comunidad will help incoming assistants with the dreaded process of procuring a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero).

Good news: keep em' comin

2007-08-30T07:53:00.000-06:00

Since sending my application off to the LA Consulate, I've been maniacally tracking my visa on the USPS site, always to be told that "no information was available."

Today, a different story: a package was processed this morning at a local facility and is ENROUTE. This means that I'll have my visa by the weekend. Although I'm not leaving until late next month, it'll be nice to know that I can LEGALLY do so.

RV: Mensaje para nuevos auxiliares Comunidad de Madrid

2007-08-29T11:26:00.000-06:00

from: "FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR" <--------.------@madrid.org>
to: incoming assistants
date: Aug 29, 2007 4:02 AM

Mensaje importante para los nuevos auxiliares de conversación de la Comunidad de Madrid:

¡Un saludo a todos!

Suponemos que ya estáis muy avanzados con los preparativos de vuestro viaje a Madrid. Desde la Consejería de Educación estamos muy ilusionados con vuestra llegada y ya estamos haciendo todos los preparativos para recibiros y facilitar en todo lo posible vuestra adaptación a nuestra Comunidad. Sabemos que son muchas las dudas que pueden surgir en este momento y, por esta razón, nos gustaría compartir con vosotros algunas informaciones que pueden resultaros útiles:

La orientación para los auxiliares de la Comunidad de Madrid tendrá lugar el día 2 de octubre. Ese día se os entregará la documentación de vuestro seguro médico y vuestra tarjeta de asegurados. Es muy importante que lleguéis puntualmente (empezaremos a las 10) a esta reunión, porque nuestra intención es acabar a la 1 de la tarde. Si alguien cree que no va a poder llegar a la reunión es necesario que se ponga en contacto con nosotros cuanto antes. También me gustaría que contactaseis con nosotros si estáis teniendo algún problema con vuestros visados o, por alguna razón, creéis que no podréis incorporaros en octubre. Al final del documento tenéis un plano de la zona donde se encuentra el Instituto.

A partir de finales de octubre empezaremos las sesiones de formación para auxiliares con el propósito de ayudaros en la labor que lleváis a cabo en los colegios. La asistencia a estas sesiones es obligatoria (serán entre 3 y 5 para todo el curso).

Aunque todavía no tengáis la tarjeta, vuestro seguro médico entra en vigor el 15 de septiembre. Si estáis en España a partir de esa fecha y tenéis que ir al doctor, por favor, poneos en contacto con nosotros y os diremos cual es el procedimiento a seguir. No es necesario que contratéis ningún otro tipo de seguro para vuestra estancia en España.

Si no sois ciudadanos de la Unión Europea y vuestro visado no está listo, no viajéis a España bajo ninguna circunstancia. El visado sólo se puede arreglar en el país en que se solicita y, si venís sin el visado, tendréis que volver a vuestro país a arreglar la documentación. Es mejor para todos esperar a que todo esté listo antes de que vengáis, aunque eso suponga que tengáis que empezar el curso un poco más tarde.

En la reunión del 2 de octubre os diremos cuál es el proceso para conseguir solicitar vuestra tarjeta de identidad en España. No es necesario que vayáis a la policía antes de esa fecha, porque nosotros vamos a llevar toda vuestra documentación para ahorraros ese trámite e intentar que todo vaya un poco más rápido.

En la Comunidad de Madrid, los auxiliares tienen que ir a sus centros cuatro días a la semana y tienen que estar en la clase un total de 16 horas, con los alumnos o en las clases de inglés para profesores. Normalmente, los auxiliares permanecen en el centro bastante más tiempo por razones de horario. Los directores y coordinadores son los encargados de elaborar los horarios específicos de cada auxiliar. En la mayoría de los centros las clases comienzan alrededor de las 9:30 de la mañana y terminan alrededor de las 4:30, pero este horario puede variar ligeramente en cada caso. Si hay alguna cosa que no os guste de vuestro horario, podéis decírselo a vuestro director o coordinador, pero en general los horarios son muy difíciles de cambiar ya que tienen que tener en cuenta las necesidades de todos los alumnos del centro y las posibilidades de todos los profesores y auxiliares.

Sabéis que tenemos a cuatro auxiliares que os pueden ayudar con la búsqueda de alojamiento en Madrid. También los coordinadores de vuestros colegios pueden ayudar con este tema. Los directores y coordinadores estarán de vuelta en las escuelas a partir del próximo lunes, 3 de septiembre.

Los coordinadores también os pueden ayudar con vuestras dudas sobre niveles con los que vais a trabajar, materiales que podéis traer de vuestro país, etc.

La Comunidad de Madrid ofrece a sus auxiliares la posibilidad de incorporarse a las clases de español para extranjeros de alguna de las Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas de Madrid. La ventaja de estas clases es que son cursos intensivos, sólo hay que pagar una pequeña matrícula por todo el semestre (unos 80 euros) y se consigue un certificado oficial. Para poder participar en estas clases en necesario realizar una prueba de nivel. Si estáis interesados, el mismo día 2 los responsables de la Escuela Oficial de Idiomas realizarán la prueba, pero si vais a estar en Madrid a partir del 25 de septiembre y queréis hacer la prueba antes, poneos en contacto con nosotros y os daremos más información. Hay más posibilidades de poder ir a la escuela de Idiomas que queráis si realizáis la prueba a finales de septiembre.

A continuación tenéis el plano de la zona del Instituto Ramiro de Maeztu. La parada de metro más cercana es República Argentina:

Ver mapa más grande

¡Os esperamos el 2 de octubre!

J.Aurelio Llaneza
Asesor Técnico Docente
Consejería de Educación, COMUNIDAD DE MADRID
C/ Alcalá 32, 2ª Planta
28014, Madrid
91 720 xxxx
-------.-------@madrid.org

Short thoughts on the coming school year

2007-08-27T18:38:00.000-06:00

How could I've missed it? On my school's website it clearly states that "Los contenidos trabajados en inglés pertenecen a las áreas de Lengua Inglesa, Conocimiento del Medio y Plástica."

Uy. I obviously was reading too fast or not close enough.

I've been really focused on gathering ideas for arts and crafts projects as of late, as well as dipping into civics (immigration and citizenship, especially). There are so many things I'm eager to discuss, but I have to keep reminding myself that I'm there mostly to assist the teachers, who probably (well, should) already have lesson plans. I guess part of me is expecting the same kind of deal doled out to some of the assistants in France--that is, left on their own to implement the curriculum and manage the class(es). In a nutshell, paid to do the certified teacher's work at a fraction of the cost.

Hopefully none (or very few) of us find ourselves in this situation, but if we do, we hopefully have resources to correct it. I say hopefully because each case may vary, and if no one comes or is plain unable to help, well then, as trying as it might become, we'll just have to make the best of things.

App 'cap

2007-08-09T17:44:00.000-06:00

Visa processing will take approximately 6-8 weeks.

I sent my materials on the 30th of June.

In the wait, I went ahead and purchased a few teaching materials, mostly from Target's (roughly) $1 section:

There were four "sheets" of dominoes in the domino pack, so I just scanned the rest for printing at the school later. I'm probably to end up doing the same with the workbooks. However, I'm probably just going take both of the books below with me (purchased through work):

Although I have NO CLUE as to what grades I'll be assisting, I'm sure I can work with these materials in some way.

Student Visa Application to Language Assistance Program

2007-06-22T20:49:00.000-06:00

For those applying to the LA or SF consulates, the information emailed by Javier de Higes is now available online.

RE: RV: Auxiliares Comunidad de Madrid

2007-05-31T10:32:00.000-06:00

in response to the my acceptance of the position:

from: "FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR" <-------.------@madrid.org>
to: me
date: May 31, 2007 4:58 AM

Hemos recibido su aceptación perfectamente. Todo está correcto.

Pronto recibirá más documentos en su domicilio.

Muchas gracias por aceptar el puesto que se le ha ofrecido.

Un cordial saludo,

Comunidad de Madrid
Salvador Ferrer Álvarez.
Viceconsejería de Educación. Centros Bilingües.
C/ Alcalá, nº 32; 2ª Planta.
28014 - MADRID
Tfno: 91-720-xx-xx
Fax: 91-720-xx-xx
e-mail: --------.------@madrid.org

Madrid language assistants

2007-05-30T22:57:00.000-06:00

De: LLANEZA VILLANUEVA, JOSE AURELIO
Enviado el: miércoles, 30 de mayo de 2007 10:57
Para: FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR

Important message for new language assistants:

Thank you very much to all candidates who have already sent their confirmation faxes. We really look forward to seeing you in Madrid very soon! For those of you that have requested a change of schools, we would like to let you know that it will not be possible to make any changes in school assignments. As you probably know, our region is not too big and we have a good transportation network that makes it possible to get to the city centre in less that an hour from almost any point. In any case, we will completely understand if some of you decide not to take your post because it is not in the centre, but I hope you understand our position. Some of you have mentioned that there are openings in other schools in the list, but that is because those positions are taken by British candidates and therefore are not available.

¡Un saludo cordial y esperamos veros en Madrid muy pronto!

Aurelio Llaneza

J.Aurelio Llaneza
Asesor Técnico Docente
Consejería de Educación, COMUNIDAD DE MADRID
C/ Alcalá 32, 2ª Planta
28014, Madrid
91 720 xxxx
-------.-------@madrid.org

Confirmation

2007-05-29T17:16:00.000-06:00

(originally attached as a Word Document)

Consejería de Educación
COMUNIDAD DE MADRID

I (Print Name)_______________________________have been informed about my school assignment in Madrid for 2007/08 school year. I understand that, in case I accept, I know what the duties and responsibilities of Language Assistants are and that I will do my job as efficiently as possible. I have been informed that I will receive 888.25 € (after taxes) per month from October to June (for 16 hours per week with students including 2 hours of conversation seminars with school staff).

I understand that attending the different in-services and training sessions programmed by Spanish Educational Authorities is part of my assignment.

I also understand that, after I accept, I will receive a contract and I will not be able to renounce to this position unless it is for an extremely important reason that can be legally justified.

I accept my assignment (Please, tick the right box):

YES [ ]

NO [ ]

Signed:_______________________ Date:______/____/______

Please, complete and fax to:
011 34 91 720 xxxx

RV: Auxiliares Comunidad de Madrid

2007-05-29T17:01:00.001-06:00

De: LLANEZA VILLANUEVA, JOSE AURELIO
Enviado el: lunes, 28 de mayo de 2007 11:55
Para: FERRER ALVAREZ, SALVADOR

Estimado/a amigo/a,

Nos complace comunicarle que ha sido usted seleccionado/a para formar parte del programa de Auxiliares de Conversación en Lengua Inglesa para los centros bilingües de la Comunidad de Madrid para el curso 2007/08 y queremos felicitarle por esta designación En el documento adjunto podrá usted comprobar el centro al que ha sido asignado/a.

Rogamos confirme la aceptación o no de este puesto por fax antes del día 4 de junio. En caso de no recibir respuesta, consideraremos que ha renunciado usted al puesto y éste le será asignado a otra persona. Después de su contestación le enviaremos información más detallada sobre las condiciones de su trabajo, calendario escolar, etc. Por favor, complete el documento adjunto, fírmelo y envíelo por fax al número:

00 34 91 xxx xxxx

Attached to this message you will find two documents. One of them is the list of schools and Language Assistants assigned to each one of them. Your name should be on that list. The other one is a confirmation message that you will have to print, complete and fax (or scan and e-mail) to us before June, 4th .

Para cualquier aclaración, puede usted ponerse en contacto con nosotros en cualquiera de las siguientes direcciones de correo electrónico:

J. Aurelio Llaneza: 91 720 xx xx -------.-------@madrid.org

Daniel Sáez 91 720 xx xx ------.----@madrid.org

Salvador Ferrer 91 720 xx xx --------.------@madrid.org

J.Aurelio Llaneza
Asesor Técnico Docente
Consejería de Educación, COMUNIDAD DE MADRID
C/ Alcalá 32, 2ª Planta
28014, Madrid
91 720 xxxx
-------.-------@madrid.org

Language and Culture Assistants: instructions 2007

2007-05-25T14:41:00.000-06:00

from: "norteamericanos@mec.es"
date: May 25, 2007 10:47 AM

Dear Award Recipients,

The Education Office of the Embassy of Spain would like to congratulate you on your selection to the North American Language and Culture Assistants in Spain Program. We thank you for having accepted this position for the 2007-2008 school year.
Below you will find information about the steps you need to take before your departure for Spain:

You will be in Spain under a Student visa. REMEMBER you cannot leave for Spain before obtaining a visa. You will need to apply for this visa within the next few weeks.
Please read the following instructions carefully:

1. To locate the specific Consulate General of Spain where you will have to apply for your visa, please, consult the attached document which lists the consulates throughout the U.S. You will need to apply for the visa IN PERSON at the consulate that has jurisdiction over your residence. That means if you reside in Tennessee you will apply to the consulate in New Orleans. If you reside in South Dakota, you will apply for your visa in Chicago.

2. Please consult the web page of the Consulate General to get information about the documents you will need and start preparing them as soon as possible. The process may take up to 8 weeks.

3. Before applying for the visa you need to receive an original acceptance letter from the Autonomous Community (no faxed letters are accepted). You will need to present this original to the consulate

4. You will need to call the Consulate to schedule an appointment to apply for your visa. When you schedule the appointment, please mention the following:

o You will participate in the “Auxiliares norteamericanos” program.
o You will be starting your assistantship during the last week of September or the first week of October (see point 7 for exact starting dates).

5. PLEASE: Do not purchase any flight tickets before you have your visa.

6. Any questions regarding visa applications should be addressed to the Consulate. Questions about other aspects of the process, including failure to get an appointment at the Consulate, should be addressed to the Spanish Office of Education nearest you place of residence:

CONSEJERÍA DE EDUCACIÓN Y CIENCIA
2375 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20037
Tel.: 202-728-2335
Fax: 202-728-2313
norteamericanos@mec.es

AGREGADURÍA DE EDUCACIÓN – LOS ÁNGELES
6300 Wilshire Blvd, Suite #830
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tel.: 323-852-6997
Fax: 323-852-0759
losangeles.usa@mec.es

AGREGADURÍA DE EDUCACIÓN- MIAMI
2655 Lejeune Road, Suite 1000
Coral Gables, MIAMI, FL 33134
Tel.: 305-448-2146
Fax: 305-445-0508
infocenter.usa@mec.es

AGREGADURÍA DE EDUCACIÓN – NEW YORK
358 Fifth Avenue, Suite # 1404
New York, NY 10001
Tel : 212-629-4435
Fax: 212-629-4438
carmengarciaa@mec.es

7. Before starting your assistantship, you will need to attend the orientation scheduled for your particular community. The dates are listed below:
Andalucía - (specific city to be announced) - October 1 and 2
Madrid - Madrid - October 2
Other Communities - Madrid - September 26, 27, 28

8. After your arrival in Spain:
The visa you will get is only valid for three months. Immediately after your arrival you need to take this visa, your health certificate and the police record to the closets police station or immigration office (oficina de extranjería) and request your student card (NIE).

This will cover the full stay in the country. DO IT AS SOON AS YOU GET THERE. It may take a few weeks to get an appointment. Do not let your visa expire or you will have to return to the USA or Canada and apply for a new one.

Chill out!

2007-05-02T19:32:00.000-06:00

Here is the latest email from the NALCA rep (sent to applicants as a Word document):

from "Education Advisor @ the Spanish Embassy"
to applicants
date May 2, 2007 1:18 PM
subject Preguntas Auxilares Norteamericanos 2007

PLEASE, READ CAREFULLY THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT AND DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE

Dear friends:

I would like to clarify a few points regarding the Auxilares de Conversación Norteamericanos en España, 2007-2008 program. We understand that you have many questions but we do not have the possibility of getting back to hundreds of e-mails before May 11th.

1. For those assigned to the Community of Madrid, the Correction message you received is the right one, please disregard the first message received.

2. In our correspondence we might have informed you that you were placed on a "provisional" list. PROVISONAL in this case affects only those applications that are still incomplete (missing recommendation letter, personal statement, photographs, etc), or those that may have problems getting a visa. If you are not contacted regarding this issue that means you are OK. Please, DO NOT ASK FOR CONFIRMATION of the status of your application.

If you have any specific requests such as placement within a desired province in your Autonomous Community, joint placement with a friend or relative, etc, please, indicate this in the "Special Request" box located at the bottom of the acceptance form.

3. This Embassy cannot provide information regarding your final destination within your Autonomous Community. This is decided by the Regional Authorities after they receive the list of confirmed applications. We will send confirmation to the Communities after May 11th (the deadline for you to send us the acceptance form).

4. Once the Regional Education Authorities receive this list, they will send you a letter: YOU WILL NEED THIS LETTER to apply for your Visa. YOU CANNOT START the Visa application process until you receive this letter. REMEMBER YOU CANNOT TRAVEL TO SPAIN WITH THE PROGRAM UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR VISA. If you are planning to travel abroad this summer please note that you have to apply for your visa in your home country (the USA or Canada) and that the visa application process will take four weeks or longer.

5. You will receive detailed instructions as to how to apply for the Visa after the lists are sent to the Regional Authorities.

6. We cannot provide e-mail addresses or telephone number of Auxiliares who are now in Spain. If you need to know about their experience, please read the testimonials on our web-page: http://www.mec.es/sgci/usa/es/programas/auxiliares_us/testimonios.shtml

7. PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR CONFIRMATION ABOUT THE RECEIPT OF YOUR ACCEPTANCE FORM. We will contact you if we do not receive it on time.

If you have concerns about housing and the cost of living in Spain we can only say that so far the former Auxiliares (more than 1000 in the two years of the program) have not encountered problems related to this issue. Most Autonomous Communities and schools offer assistance in helping you find accommodations. You will also have the opportunity to gather with other Auxiliares during the training course offered before you start teaching. PLEASE consult the FAQ section on our web page, under "while in Spain": http://www.mec.es/sgci/usa/en/programs/us_assistants/faq.shtml
Please note that you should set some money aside to cover your living costs for the first month as your first payment will not be disbursed until the end of October (You will be paid on a monthly basis).

We would like to congratulate you and thank you very much again for your application. We will contact you again with further instructions.

What I've been waiting for

2007-04-30T14:43:00.000-06:00

from "Education Advisor @ the Spanish Embassy"
to me
date Apr 30, 2007 2:37 PM
subject Correction: List - Auxiliares Norteamericanos

Dear applicant,

You are in the provisional list of applicants who have been awarded the grant requested for the North American Language and Culture Assistant Program in Spain 2007-2008.

You have been assigned to the Community of Madrid.

Please, fill in, sign and return the enclosed form (no forms will be accepted without signature), by May 11th. You can do it in two ways:

1. By fax to: Programa de Auxiliares de Lengua y Cultura Norteamericanos;
FAX: 202-728-2313

2. By E-mail, as a response to this E-mail:

A - You can fill in the form manually, scan it and transform it into a PDF document.

B - You can fill in the word document, insert your signature electronically and send it.

C - PLEASE, rename the document to be sent in as in this example:

Smith_John_Acceptance_07

We would like to thank you for your participation in the program and hope to hear from you as soon as possible.

Best regards.
Education Advisor

The original notification had me posted in Andalucía (my third choice), while the form to be sent back stated Madrid. This was of course followed by a phone call (no luck) and and then an email trying to figure out my actual placement.

Smiles (and relief) all around as I reread this second email. As is stated, I have until May 11th to decide, so I have a little under two weeks to really think about it before I spread the news.

What a relief

2007-04-18T20:53:00.000-06:00

From the NALCA website:

Las solicitudes recibidas en el plazo del 16 de abril, recibirán notificación a finales de abril. Las recibidas en el plazo del 11 de mayo, recibirán notificación durante los quince días posteriores a esa fecha.

Applications received by April 16th will receive notification by the end of April. Applications received by May 11th will receive notification within two weeks following the deadline.

New thread started for 2007/08 applicants

2007-04-18T16:58:00.000-06:00

http://www.expatriatecafe.com/forums/index.php?s=8e164c0b0c8031bfbb034b590dc9fd2b&act=ST&f=3&t=1841&st=0&#entry7236

Timeline (so far)

2007-04-11T21:51:00.000-06:00

* February: Discover program, thanks to ielanguages.com

* mid-March until rest of the month: Decide to apply; submit online version of application. Pick (in order of preference): Madrid, Basque Country, Andalusia. Work on essay. Hustle to get recommendations, transcripts, diploma, certificate of health, background check. Mass photocopying. Forget to get background check notarized; goes back to CBI to get it accomplished, then to the Secretary of State for the apostille.

* April 02: Send application, leave out delivery confirmation. Pretty confident it will get to Spanish Embassy by proposed deadline of April 16.

* April 10: Find out, through the potential applicants forum on Expatriate Cafe that the deadline has been extended to May 11.

Hm.