You Got This, Right?

OKAY! Here’s the scoop: I went to Portugal, started tutoring, got kinda sick and then got better.

Lisbon, Portugal is cool, they’ve got hella pastries available from literally every window on the street, and it rains is there more than it does here in Coruña. Super cool, yo. A few of us pals took this trip with SharinGalicia (cute name, right?) which guides a bunch of tours to nearby places. Upside: so cheap and you’ve no choice but to make hella friends. Downside: 900 million people are constantly with you, following the same dudes who know where you’re going. But, learning opportunity! I now know that I’d prefer a trip with a few homies rather than a huge amount of kids. Nice!

Here are some pics from the adventure. We had a blast 🙂

Per the advice of my wise auxiliar friends, I began the search for private lessons with youngins. After asking a few profesors to put the word out, I soon had calls coming in every day. Now I’ve got a set schedule outside of teaching at the instituto, and a little more cashola in my pocket! Mo’ money, mo’ problems. (not really). My first student EVER was little Pablo, and oh my god am I stoked for our times together. He’s five, obsessed with dinosaurs and bugs, and really likes the song “head shoulders knees and toes.” So adorable! There are a few others, including Marta and Mateo whom are both eight. They are HIGH ENERGY so my new approach is fun English time with Lauren whilst still incorporating structure. We’ll see how it goes! 🙂

To follow the Lauren-experiences-Spain previous plan, I managed to get sick within the first month of arriving here. It felt like strep, so instead of ignoring it (NOT RECOMMENDED) I went to the doctor. Healthcare is obviously different here, so after being rejected from receiving services at one hospital I looked to my professors for help. Juan, the father of Marta and Mateo (see above paragraph), and the director of studies at my instituto brought me to his doctor friend who’s office is conveniently located 2 blocks away from the school, AND hooked me up with the antibiotics needed. I feel so lucky to have people helping me here in Spain. My roommates have also been super helpful, making dinner and just overall being the cutest people ever.

Speaking of roommates (flatmates, rather), mine are awesome. Like, the coolest. On Saturday we had a housewarming party that will never be forgotten (or easily forgotten, depending on how much you drank while you were here). Our place is old, but it’s awesome! We love it, and I’m enjoying having these sweet girls as my roomies/pals. Ursula and Joha, you da bestttt. 🙂

oh and my dad and Kayte got here yesterday. THEY LOVE IT HERE DUH.

L8R SK8RZ