Time for a heart to heart

So tonight I write to tell of a whirlwind of a week. Brianne and I are tired and taking advantage of the lack of early rising tomorrow will require. Some may say a Friday night spent sleeping in a city full of life is boring, most of the time I'd agree, but for now, it's necessary. We're doing Parc Guell tomorrow. As for this week. We began with a trip to the beach. For those of you who read my last post, that's pronounced *B-EEEEEE-CH* It was here where we discovered that every shopping mall in Barcelona is exactly the same. Now I mean exactly. Right down to the same 15 stores. In case you missed it, there's a mall on the BEEEEEECH. Just a  tip. If you're looking for interesting clothing and artisans shops, stick to the winding side streets in Gracia, Born, and around La Rambla. You'll get your fix. Port Vell houses hundreds of sailing ships. It's a nice walk if you're a "long walks on the beach" kind of gal. And at low season, you won't be scrambling to avoid strangers in your photos.

Brianne and I did a lot of wondering this week. This wandering began with no real intentions, but lead us to some wonderful places. For example the Arc de Triamf.

While this was on the list to see, as it is pretty darn cool, our finding it when we did was entirely unintentional. As it was the day before valentines day, we were on the hunt for something clearly farmore important then hundred year achitecture. The Xocolat Museum. Yeah that's right. It's a museum. of Chocolate. Full of wonderful chocolate art work surrounded by the history of chocolate in Europe and in particular, Spain.

Yeah, that's a chocolate Tin Tin, a scene from the Pixar movie UP, and of course, our tickets were chocolate. DUH. It was Legen.... wait for it.... Dary.

As for the rest of our week, we had a few low key days working on our school work. Yes I still have to do homework while I'm here. It's pretty incredible here, but you weren't thinking they weren't going to make me work a little? We also were met with the interesting situation that was teaching a grade 12 English class that we had not met yet, my ourselves as our associate teacher was ill. While this was not a situation one would normally have found themselves in a school back home. It ended up being one of those moments where you have to make hard fast decisions. We chose to go for it, partially because we didn't know what the alternative was, the principal of the school doesn't speak a word of English, and while my Spanish is getting us by, it's really not that awesome, and secondly because we came prepared with a presentation, and figured, When in Rome...

All the students we've worked with this week have been overly excited to have us in their classrooms. Although some of their questions have been rather funny:

Do you love Justin Beiber?... NO

Do you lock your doors in Canada:... Yes

Do you leave the house when it snows?... Yes always.

(to this they were shocked as they don't go to school when it rains, let alone snows.)

We also had the pleasure of meeting the music teacher finally. Turns out the school has a 40 memeber boys choir. I can't put my intense enthusiasm into words. I'm pumped.

Brianne and I have booked our trip to Paris for next week, as the travel lords have proven to be on our sides. Next week has multiple holidays off from school. Paris here we come. I'm looking forward to spending countless hours at the Louvre, walking back through time.

We've made friends with the Donair shop owner across the street from the school. He speaks a little English, but more importantly, makes a mean donair, for pretty much pennies. Maybe when we get back from Paris I'll take a photo... "Canadian girls eat mean Donairs!" I can see the facebook post now.

Brianne and I were blessed with the delivery of actually warm weather the past two days. It would have almost been bikini weather back home. In order to celebrate and praise the weather gods, we made our way to Placa Catalunya today, to indulge ourselves in the glory that is Helado. (Gelato) And of course to make the experience authentic, we ate it whilst sitting on the steps to the Barcelona Cathedral listening to Spanish Flamenco guitar street music.

Yup. My Life Sucks.

xoxo

B

Buenas Noches Amigos,

So today was a day filled with muchos exitement. While we were a little sleepy this morning, once we got ourselves out of the apartment and to the cafe for a cafe con leche and a warm pastry, we were ready to take on the challenge of seeing Sagrada Familia. We planned which metro/tram/funacular/ blah blah blah underground vehicles that move you from one place to another, and thought we were in for a smooth ride. Well if there is anything I've learned while travelling by the subway system here in Barcelona, it's that you will come across confusion every time. Today at our local station of El Putxet we were greated by the out of order ticket validation booths. Meaning... they were just open ( normally one must put in a ticket purchased at a kiosk, and the nice little machine will stamp it and then give it back to you and allow you through the gates by opening the doors for you) So, like every other person in the station we just proceeded through the gates and down into the earth to ride that L7 train. We got off the L7 at Placa Molina as planned and then walked to the parallel station of Sant Gervasi to get on the L6 going to Placa Catalunya. Brianne and I stopped at the Provenca station where we were to transfer to another parallel station to take the L5 to the Sant Pau station. HOWEVER..... upon trying to leave the Provenca station to get the that parallel station the now not so nice gate machines wouldn't let us out because our tickets were not validated to have gotten on the train in the first place. We took the tickets to the machine that you purchase tickets from, and it said we now needed to pay 50.00 Euros in order to leave.... HA NO! Due to Brianne's quick thinking we remembered that one does not need to validate their ticket at Placa Catalunya station... SOOOOOOO back on the L6 we go to Placa Catalunya, walk out the gates that do not need validation just to walk back through them and getting our cards stamped. Then back on the L6 back to Provenca station and finally to that parallel station and taking the L5 to Saint Pau. Like I said, we have now come to accept that there will be... opportunities as we would have said at the Calgary Science School... when taking the train.


Once we got off the train at Saint Pau we were a littler turned around, and in a less nice area from what we'd experienced of Barcelona thus far. After a little wandering we came across the remarkable Hospital De La Santa Creu Sant Pau. This hospital is under restoration for a school class of 200 medical students and 80 researchers to attend in September 2012. While there is a more modern part that houses most patients currently admitted into the hospital, the parts that are not under construction remain partially operational. Of course with the intention that the whole hospital will become operational post reconstruction. Here are some photos to help emmerse you in our adventure.

It's a pretty remarkable palce. See my Facebook album for more photographs.

From Sant Pau we made our way to avenigua de Gaudi, and strolled down the street leading to none other than Sagrada Familia. This temple is pretty insane. How one could even begin to imagine the design of this place is beyond me. And I've seen the wonders in Greece. The level of intellectual intensity put into the design of this building is truly remarkable. While we chose to only view the outside of Sagrada on this visit - my parents are coming to visit around my birthday and I know they will want to see the whole thing. So we are saving out 15 Euros to experience the entire adventure that is Sagrada Familia - we were, and are both still completely in awe of Gaudi. I really cannot tell you about it. You have to see it. So here you go.

As you can see one side is very gothic, while the other is completely different and has a sandstone kind of resemblance. Both equally wonderful, yet one would think they were different buildings.  Utterly incredible. While I love Canada, and am incredibly proud and happy to be an Canadian citizen, when I visit places around the world I cannot help but be jealous of the stories and histories of places older than my own. Like I say;

The World Is Rich, And I Can't Imagine Not Knowing It...

xoxo B

Hi friends,

Brianne and I are tucked in after a long day out and about. Our game plan was to make it to this restaurant MILK which is highly praised in the guide books. So our adventure begins. Now I know you read my last post about getting to the school in Sant Cugat on the subway. Well... I now feel as though I have mislead you to believe that the subway system is reasonable. HA! So to get to MILK we have to take the L7 from El Putxet to Placa Molina, walk through the station to the parallel station of Sant Gervasi. From there we get on the L6 to Placa Catalunya. From Placa Catalunya we walk around the giant station, get confused, and eventually figure out that we have to get to the METRO station. Remember we took the Funacular train... Totally different. So we begin our search walking, walking, walking. Eventually we find the metro station where we need to get on the L3 for one stop and get off at Passeig de Gracia. From there we get on our fourth and final train the L4 to Tinitat Nova, and get off two stops later at Jaune 1. We made it!!!! For your enjoyment I have included a subway system map of Barcelona. Please note... this is not the complete subway map it is only Zone 1. Sant Cugat and various other places are not on this map. Will try and find one including the other 6 zones.

Oh look at that... Here is another more thorough one... but still not totally complete. How convenient!

BAHHHHHHHH

Anyway, we made it to milk where we enjoyed a fabulous breakfast! Yup, you're jealous.

Since we really didn't know exactly where we were going, we thought we would do our best to make this journey a solid one. Turns out, the Picasso Museum as well as La Catedral and Esglesia de Santa Maria Del Mar all happened to be fairly close. So naturally we hit up those must sees. Brianne was baffled by the idea of treating a church like a museum as this is not something one typically does at home. But her appreciation for historical architecture acknowledged its self as we walked the isles of Maria del Mar. The church is utterly beautiful.

See my facebook page, and eventually the Fotografia page on my blog for more pictures.

As for the Picasso Museum, not bad for 6 Euros. Sadly we weren't allowed to take any photos there. If you're a lover of Picasso I think this museum is worth it. However, all the reall famous paintings are in France, so if you're looking for them you will not find them. Turns out Picasso spent a lot of time in Barcelona. So the museum placement makes sense. It was very cool to see the evolution of his work throughout his life timeline. An uneducated observer would instantly think that his older works and newer work were done by different artists in different eras. Weird.

So while travelling down the narrow streets to get to these three wonderful places, we came across our first Spanish riot. Fully equipped with masses of people, megaphones, whistles, bomb-like sounds, the works. While we were intrigued, we chose to trust our instincts and change the direction of our galavanting. In this process we came across police... everywhere. It was a this time we chose to find the Picasso museum to insure we were out of any chaotic situations that may have occurred.  While navigating our way through those skinny streets we came across many boutique shops including a store that sold "Happy pills," Couture Candy in cute bottles. We chose to purchase hats at a cute accessories store, as the wind here is brutal. Don't worry, they are cute. We also found another tea store, which made Brianne giddy as a child in a happy pill store. We went with 100 grams of pina colada and 100 grams of white chocolate rooibos. While walking the streets lined with shops we came across.... you guessed it. Another riot/protest.... possibly the same one having moved to another direction. But a riot/protest nonetheless. At that point we decided it was time for a Cappuxino - that is actually the name of the cafe we went to.

Yep, you're Jealous.

Well my feet are sore from 9 hours of walking, but my heart is energized, and my soul nourished.

We'll chat soon. That's all for now.

xoxo B

The difference between Beach and B**ch....

Hello friends. After just sharing a warm chocolate croissant with the bestie, I am now fully capable of telling you about my wonderful findings. Turns out the neighborhood we are staying in houses movie stars and famous soccer players. This, I am ok with, and also explains why everything feels so safe. So this week we have had several adventures. From getting totally confused on the subway, to finding a much needed tea store - Brianne and I have a serious addiction - and a whirlwind of school experiences, we are still on our feet and ready for more. While we haven't had much time to see all the "it" places in Barca yet, there are many events which need to be explained. The subway system: Now I know I briefly wrote about this before... but a more thorough explanation is necessary. Now I say subway system... because there is a set of train lines called the "metro," a second set of trains that are called the "Funacular" a third set we don't even know what it's called, the symbol is two circles, kind of like the american target store logo, and  a fourth set of trains we have yet to encounter. You can see how a sister can get confused. That being said, I am starting to get the hang of it, and have not yet gotten lost. Brianne says this is all in my hands as her lack of directional skills put me in charge of navigation. So to get to the school, I wish I could draw you a picture. Sadly an explanation will have to do. We  walk down the long drive way from our house and through our gate. Turn left down the 168 steps followed by another block to Carre Balmes. Turn left and walk three blocks to the El Putxet Funacular station. Hop on the L7 train to Placa Catalunya, BUT this train doesn't go to Placa Catalunya, so we get off two stops later at Placa Molina. Walk up three flights of stairs, down a corridor, and down another three sets of stairs to another train platform, Saint Gervasi. From here, depending on the time of day, we can hop on the S55 or S5. But if one wishes to travel between 9 am and 4 pm, you're out of luck and therefore need to hop on the L6 to Reina Elisanda for one stop. Get off at Muntaner and then you can transfer to the S1 to Terrassa. After about 15 minutes you get off at the second last stop Hospital General. We are almost there!! Kind of. From station Hospital General you turn left and begin walking along the train line on a lovely gravel path. Past a trailer/ old carnival ride/ gypsie occupation, turn left to cross the bridge, and continue walking through an industrial area.... although the industrial activities could be labled.... questionable? this takes about 7 minutes until you get to a little pathway through some trees that eventually take you to a garden shop. Continue walking past the garden center about 3 minutes, and you'll come to a set of steep stairs. Be brave, go down. From here you will see the school. Walk towards the gate entrance and get yourself buzzed in. Like I said before. Riding the subway like a boss. The school: IES Leonardo Da Vinci Secondary school is an interesting one. It is by no means a poor school, however some things are very different from public schools in Calgary, while others are very similar. For example, they have their own version of SMART boards in each room. Not quite as advanced but definitely not basic. On the other hand, the desks are older than the oldest of teachers teaching at the school. They use Moodle just as we do, but the teachers travel to each homeroom class for each lesson. Therefore teachers do not have their own classroom and congregate in their department lounges between classes. These lounges is also where they do their marking, keep their resources, things like that. When we informed them of how classes work in Canada, they were jealous. School is very casual at IES. Teachers and students dress casually, and teachers are adressed by their first name. While I have and plan to always be a first name teacher, this concept in Spain shocked me. Funny story, turns out it's harder for students to say Brianne then Bryndan. Although I'm pretty sure some of them think my name is Brenda.... The students are very excited for us to be working with them, and of course this feeling is reciprocated by Brianne and myself. Some things we have noticed while observing/ talking/ working with our kids this week; classroom management is kind of a non idea here... the kids talk whenever they want, and loudly, although it doesn't seem to be disrespectful. The students seem to really like their teachers, and when work is to be done, even what we would call the most unengaging of lessons have students focused and on track. Who knew reading from the text book still worked... Now to get to the most interesting part of my day. While speaking with and ESO 4 class today - grade 10 by our standards, however in the last year of compulsory education, grade 11 and 12 are optional if you choose to go to university - some interesting questions came up. You know, the standard, where are you from? What are your names? How old are you? What do you study? Do you have a boyfriend? Do you like Spanish boys? Do you smoke weed? and Have you been to the bitch? While these are not questions i was commonly asked while teaching in Canada, the context in which they were asked of Brianne and I was not alarming or seemingly inappropriate. Some of these questions were to be expected... others... well... not. However, according to our partner teacher, the use of marijuana is legal for personal use in Spain... We simply said "No, that's illegal in Canada" and they were shocked... I'm not sure by the fact that it's illegal, or that we choose not to partake in that life choice. But about the Bitch... I know that is what you really want to hear about. Well the question the student meant to ask was "Have you been to the beach(in Barcelona)" however, her pronounciation was... well... exactly how we say that other word. I'm assuming when my face went that weird squishy way it does when I don't know how to react, she immediately tried to retracther statement. This allowed for a teachable moment I never could have predicted. While teaching pronounciation is totally valid and necessary for these students, spelling out and sounding out that not so nice word, as instructed to by the associate teacher, is an experience that will be hard to forget. I'm sure the laughter from our classroom could be heard the next building over. On a side note... Brianne and I did not get the tin foil wrapped sub like sandwich memo for Spain. EVERYBODY eats and wraps these sandwiches the same. Adults, children, seniors... tin foild wrapped baguette sandwich. Note to self, go buy tin foil, no cool kids use seran wrap. I guess this one was a bit of a mouthful. Not necessarily full of important information, but I hope you got a taste for my last couple of days. Xoxo B

Buenas noches, So brianne and I have had an interesting few days here in Barcelona! Things to know; The train system is insane, there are at least 4 different train systems, each with multiple train routes. Hard to figure out. Nothing is open on Sundays, literally nothing. Architecture is unreal. Makes Calgary look, well, less awesome. La ramblas is super sketchy according to guide books and websites. However, due to much necessary reading, we handled the congested streets, and avoided the vividly accurate scenarios described in the resources like a boss. Win! Our apartment is quanint, but extremely authentic. The building is our landlord Monica's, fathers mansion which she has converted into several smaller apartments. The kitchen is equipped with original tiles, and windows. We are cozy in our room, but comfortable. The garden is what makes the place, well, amazing. First of all it is huge. There are ruins just outside our kitchen window from the property next to us, and a view of Sagrada Familia from the edge of the garden. The property is gated for extra security. Or land lord Monica, is by far the best hostess in the world. Incredibly helpfull and kind. She has set us up with many conveniences, washing machine that washes and dries our clothes, an extra space heater for our chilly kitchen, dishes and cookware, and best of all, a nespresso machine. So my aunt and uncle bought one of these while in Europe, and brought it back to Canada. I thought it was cool... But until now never really understood the awesomeness of the nespresso machine.They are also considerably less money here. Brianne is thinking of buying one to bring home... I'd be lying if I said the same thought had not crossed my mind. The weather is still less then optimal here. It actually snowed today. So we have been wearing allllll of our slightly warmer clothes. I bought an 8 euro sweater yesterday. Hopefully it will get warmer. However I think I may splurge on mittens and a hat tomorrow. Been in the search for boots also, but nothing to show for it yet. We are going to the school to begin our observation day tomorrow, before we begin to figure out what we will be doing with the kids. W went to the school on Friday to check things out. Everything is looking promissing. Alright. That's all for now. Xoxo B

Ola, So Brianne and I have landed in the land of tapas, after a very brief stay in the land of wooden shoes. Yesterday was rainy, but we made it out to the mercado for dinner fixings. We are staying in a converted mansion apartment with the most amazing garden. You can see Sa Grada Familia from our back yard. Only 90 steps up from the streets. We will be running up them in no time. Photos will come when the rain goes. We are waiting to see if we brought snow with us tomorrow. P.s here they don't have school when it rains.... Imagine that. Meeting Elisa our associate teacher tomorrow. Going to master that subway system like a boss. Something about walking to one train station to take it back into the city to transfer to another to go back north out of the city. We've got it covered. Had our first successful dinner out tonight. Although, the menu was in English, so not the largest of accomplishments. Putxet seems to be a pretty safe neighborhood. While keeping ones eyes open, I didn't feel unsafe at any point. And there were many People out walking. Brianne tried to use her travel hair dryer today... It got a little toasty so we may be looking for a local one. While we were tired and went to bed at 10 pm local time last night, I was up at 4:30. After some needed conversation with Jason, I went back to bed at about 8:30. However, our plan to get up at 9:30 backfired with neither of us waking up till 3:00 pm and then again at 5:00 pm. . . . I guess we were tired? Well tonight will be low key. Try and actually sleep. Talk soon. Xoxox B