Barcelona, Spain

Well I successfully completed another week of teaching! Once again, I can't believe how fast time is flying by! This week was kind of a short week though. Monday through Wednesday were full days and Thursday was a half day of teaching. I taught maths, english, geography, and SPHE (health) this week. For math, I am teaching my students how add kilometers and meters (for example, 117km 52m 87km 23m + 542 km 33m). There were also some problems with mixed numbers that you had to simplify before adding or subtracting. I had to teach myself how to do some of these problems before teaching my students because all the problems use the metric system. The more I work with the metric system, I realize it is actually a lot easier than using the standard system. I don't know why the United States used the standard system still. I guess we just like to be different. Another thing I think is kind of funny is that kids are just kids, no matter where you are. In the Fall of 2012, I taught 5th graders at Piedmont Elementary and at Claddagh, I am teaching 5th class. There is still the same drama between the girls and there is still a ton of competition between the boys. I guess it doesn't surprise me too much, but it is just kind of funny. This week, I have my final teaching observation on Thursday. Other than that, I am not sure yet what I will be teaching for the week! I will find out more details tomorrow!

This weekend Nicole, Jay, Kari, and I went to Barcelona! We actually flew out on Thursday night and just got home about an hour ago. We took Friday off of school in order to have 2 full days in Spain. The school was completely okay with that, which was super nice. Our hostel was right on the beach, which was beautiful. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the greatest so we didn't get to spend a day on the beach like we had hoped. On Friday, we just explored on our own. It was nice though to not have a set plan and be go, go, go all weekend long. We did some shopping, which is very dangerous in Barcelona. A lot of cute clothing and shoe stores! I found a pair of cute ankle books! (Nicole actually spotted them for me) I have been looking for a good pair but didn't want to spend a ridiculous amount. These ones where half off because they were on sale! I was so excited. Nicole bought a cute navy blue spring pea coat and Jay bought an adorable jean shirt. Shopping was a success! On Saturday, we went to the beautiful La Sagrada Famila.

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia

The church was absolutely stunning. Construction of La Sagrada Famila began in 1882 and is still underway. It is expected to be completed in 2041. Antoni Gaudi spent more than 40 years of his life on its construction. He spent the last 15 years of his life working continuously and exclusively on the project. The church had a neo-Gothic style, which was based on forms found in nature. The design was so unreal. There are four towers that you are able to walk up and see the entire city of Barcelona, unfortunately these were closed they day we were there.

The pillars and ceiling look like an enchanted forest

On Sunday, we did not do much except travel. It was pretty much a 12 hour travel day. I am happy to be done traveling for the weekend!

I found out yesterday that Marianne, she was a foreign exchange student from Sweden my senior year of high school, is coming to visit me in Galway on Thursday! I can't wait to see her! She will be staying until Monday. It will be wonderful to spend some time with her and show her around Galway! 

Since I have been doing countdowns, I may as well continue to do so!

• Parents arrive in Ireland - 6 days! I can't wait to see them!
• 7 days until my 22nd birthday! So crazy!
• 9 days until Paris!
• 11 days until England!
• I get to see Colin in 18 days! I can't wait to see him!
• I get to see my sisters, family, and friends in 18 days too!
• UMD Graduation - 20 days!

I still can't get over how unbelievably lucky I am to have been given this wonderful opportunity. I know I have said this before but I could not have done it without the never ending support of my family and friends, especially my parents and grandparents. Living abroad has been a truly amazing experience. It has opened my eyes up to the world and touched me in many different ways. Teaching has been such a heartwarming experience as well. I don't know how I will ever thank everyone that has made this journey possible!