Summer is a tantalizing five weeks of school away.
Aaaaah sweet summer.
It's what I have lived for since last August. And it's not because I hate my job (I actually love my job). Instead, for the first time in my life, I will actually be getting paid to laze the days away. The perks of a putting up with oft snarly teenagers nine months out of the year.
Did I say laze the days away? Well, not quite. I just purchased my latest plane ticket and while it will be sweet summertime still, there won't be much lazing going on. I fear it will be quite the opposite as more than likely, I will be up to my ears in small children. This is a volunteer adventure, and it's something I have had my heart set on ever since I learned of the opportunity while on a previous trip. Commitment to the organization and the opportunity was virtually impossible though-as a substitute teacher, it was crucial that I work during the summer to keep me afloat until school started again. Going away for a month or more was out of the question.
Until this year. Woohoo.
In the same spirit of the contest I had with my students prior to my Madrid excursion, I am going to put you all to the test as well. (If you already know my destination then don't chime in!)
See what you can come up with:
This country underwent a bloody revolution in 1979, a year before I was born.
Now isn't that just a happy comforting clue? I have been to this country before, but I did and saw absolutely nothing for the entire week. The exhaustion of a two day bus ride from a country to the north was more than enough to ensure that I was useless for my duration of my stay. I was content with the Oasis of a hostel, with its free internet and pool, and came out only to dine on copious amounts of beans and rice, a staple dish of not just this country, but those around it. And I do mean copious.
Think you know?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Change is Good
As promised a few months ago, I am finally getting around to updating this blog. Perhaps some of the more recent readers will be surprised to know that as was announced in the headline at the top of the blog, I am not really single, not a substitute teacher, nor do I actually live with my parents. No, I wasn't making it all up. On the contrary, I am just a bit of a procrastinator. Combine this with the fact I am now teaching full-time, and well, some aspects of the blog are bound to suffer.
So today, the first official day of spring break, I have taken the bull by the horns and made some changes. I am also taking the bull by the horns in other areas--chiefly, where can I go the minute school gets out for the summer?
Summer plans are in progress. Some big, some little.
Hope you all like the changes. After all,whether it's huge or minor, change assures that we stay out of the rut. It keep us on our toes. More importantly, it holds complacency at bay.
Some lofty words for a just few minor blog changes? Yeeeeeahhh, probably. But it's spring break, so I'm inspired.
(speaking of spring break and change, this is the first spring break in seven years that I haven't ventured off somewhere. hmmm. I think I am OK with that though.)
Now go make some changes!
So today, the first official day of spring break, I have taken the bull by the horns and made some changes. I am also taking the bull by the horns in other areas--chiefly, where can I go the minute school gets out for the summer?
Summer plans are in progress. Some big, some little.
Hope you all like the changes. After all,whether it's huge or minor, change assures that we stay out of the rut. It keep us on our toes. More importantly, it holds complacency at bay.
Some lofty words for a just few minor blog changes? Yeeeeeahhh, probably. But it's spring break, so I'm inspired.
(speaking of spring break and change, this is the first spring break in seven years that I haven't ventured off somewhere. hmmm. I think I am OK with that though.)
Now go make some changes!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
My Dirty Little Secret
Here it is, in plain bold for the world to see.
I CANNOT READ A MAP IF MY VERY SOUL DEPENDED ON IT.
This has been an ongoing condition, first discovered when I began traveling without the directive leadership of dear ole' mom and dad.
I tried to pretend as if I could read a map. I tried to fake out friends, strangers, and traveling companions alike. You know, you stand with your map, you point to various things on it, you peer pensively around, you look up then down then up, then stride off confidently into the sunset. If you're in a group, you try to throw in helpful suggestions by just randomly speaking street names or routes that are in the vicinity of where ever you may be headed. For example:
Group: Well, how about we try to head this direct-
Me: RT. 30!!!
Group: No, it really looks like this is where we need be going-
Me: CONGRESS AVENUE!
You get the idea.
But my severe lack of directional knowledge was officially confirmed when I headed off to Central America with two of my best friends. I think they tried to pretend like I was very helpful and knowledgeable at first, but we all knew the sad truth much sooner rather than later. Finally, we arrived at the point where the two of them would discuss best routes, how to get out of a neighborhood, how to get to the bus/airport station, how to get back to our hostel/house, all while I sat or stood quietly somewhere, waiting for them to lead me onward and forward. If we were lost, I ceased to be consulted. I did try to pipe up once, near the end of our trip, and both of them just looked at me with a mixture of amusement and pity. Back to waiting patiently on the sidelines I went.
It's ok. I know my weaknesses. On trips with the girls, (or anyone really) I am never ever in charge of directions or getting us anywhere. EVER. On my latest jaunt to Madrid, I literally followed Amanda like a lost little puppy dog. If she said go left, I turned left. If she said go right, well, I did!
I also know my strengths.
I am in charge of finding things for us to do, places to see, and of huge importance, places for us to lay our heads at night.
And you know what?
I am completely fine with that.
I just hope my students never find out. I can surely read a map on a wall. But put me "in the map?" Forget it.
What about you all? What are you travel strengths and weaknesses?
I CANNOT READ A MAP IF MY VERY SOUL DEPENDED ON IT.
This has been an ongoing condition, first discovered when I began traveling without the directive leadership of dear ole' mom and dad.
I tried to pretend as if I could read a map. I tried to fake out friends, strangers, and traveling companions alike. You know, you stand with your map, you point to various things on it, you peer pensively around, you look up then down then up, then stride off confidently into the sunset. If you're in a group, you try to throw in helpful suggestions by just randomly speaking street names or routes that are in the vicinity of where ever you may be headed. For example:
Group: Well, how about we try to head this direct-
Me: RT. 30!!!
Group: No, it really looks like this is where we need be going-
Me: CONGRESS AVENUE!
You get the idea.
But my severe lack of directional knowledge was officially confirmed when I headed off to Central America with two of my best friends. I think they tried to pretend like I was very helpful and knowledgeable at first, but we all knew the sad truth much sooner rather than later. Finally, we arrived at the point where the two of them would discuss best routes, how to get out of a neighborhood, how to get to the bus/airport station, how to get back to our hostel/house, all while I sat or stood quietly somewhere, waiting for them to lead me onward and forward. If we were lost, I ceased to be consulted. I did try to pipe up once, near the end of our trip, and both of them just looked at me with a mixture of amusement and pity. Back to waiting patiently on the sidelines I went.
It's ok. I know my weaknesses. On trips with the girls, (or anyone really) I am never ever in charge of directions or getting us anywhere. EVER. On my latest jaunt to Madrid, I literally followed Amanda like a lost little puppy dog. If she said go left, I turned left. If she said go right, well, I did!
I also know my strengths.
I am in charge of finding things for us to do, places to see, and of huge importance, places for us to lay our heads at night.
 |
| yeah, right |
I am completely fine with that.
I just hope my students never find out. I can surely read a map on a wall. But put me "in the map?" Forget it.
What about you all? What are you travel strengths and weaknesses?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
It was Clean, Cheap, and a Little Noisy
Literally, as we were landing in Madrid early on a Friday morning last month, my friend and I looked at each other and had this conversation:
Me: Hey, do you have the map I emailed you that shows how to get to the hostal?
Her: No, I left it. Do you have the address?
Me: No, because I emailed you the map. You are in charge of all things map-related.
Both of us now paused for a moment of consternation.
So there we were, with not a whole lot of clue except the name of the hostal and the metro stop. That was it. Madrid is a big city.
Oh well, just find internet right? Right, but the airport internet wasn't working for some mysterious reason.
Of course.
Long story short, a kind metro employee Googled the hostal for us, pointed it out on a map, and told us exactly what lines to take to get there. Perfect.
Three hours after landing, we arrived exhausted, bedraggled (and for me, a little ill) heaving ourselves up the stairs and into the front lobby of Hostal Comercial. After a pleasant conversation in Spanish, we learn that we can't check in until 12 or 12:30. Uggh. I just wanted to sleep and it was only 9:45.
But sleep I did, right there on the couches with a lion perched above my head.
After waking up and feeling famished, we headed out to find some food and explore our surroundings. What we found was McDonald's (don't judge me. I was feeling sick and needed some comfort) and a hive of city activity. Hostal Comercial is set in a fantastic location-close to just about everything you might want to see on a quick trip to Madrid. Plaza Mayor is a few blocks away, the Sol metro stop a few steps, the La Latina tapas district a little jaunt and everything else a short little hike-perfect if the weather is cooperating. Which-it completely did except for one day when it was rainy and drizzly.We never took public transportation once, minus the to and from airport trips.
Granted, we walked until we fell into bed each night feeling as if we had just done some sort of Civil War march, but that is beside the point. We saved money and we got exercise.
As for the hostal, with any internet find, there are going to be some pros and cons. If you are looking for a place to crash in Madrid, pay attention.
First the good: Excellent location, super clean (much more so than my own home), and decently priced. We stayed 4 nights, split the room, and the total came to about $100 each. Not bad for the euro. Winter season helped out a bit with the price. It was a shared bathroom, but there was a sink in our room to make it a little more convenient.
Now the bad: Excellent location minus some good soundproofing means that we were part of all the comings and goings of the party crowds each night. At one point, it really felt as if the man standing in the middle of the street screaming drunkenly in Spanish was sitting right next to my bed. And speaking of the bed, I am still sort of stretching out the kinks acquired while trying to find out a spot that was softer than what I imagined the street might feel like if I were sleeping on it.
Ok, it wasn't that bad, but you get the idea.
All things considered, I would stay again if the price were still right. I would also make sure I was prepared and knew where I was going BEFORE my plane began its descent.
Me: Hey, do you have the map I emailed you that shows how to get to the hostal?
Her: No, I left it. Do you have the address?
Me: No, because I emailed you the map. You are in charge of all things map-related.
Both of us now paused for a moment of consternation.
So there we were, with not a whole lot of clue except the name of the hostal and the metro stop. That was it. Madrid is a big city.
Oh well, just find internet right? Right, but the airport internet wasn't working for some mysterious reason.
Of course.
Long story short, a kind metro employee Googled the hostal for us, pointed it out on a map, and told us exactly what lines to take to get there. Perfect.
Three hours after landing, we arrived exhausted, bedraggled (and for me, a little ill) heaving ourselves up the stairs and into the front lobby of Hostal Comercial. After a pleasant conversation in Spanish, we learn that we can't check in until 12 or 12:30. Uggh. I just wanted to sleep and it was only 9:45.
After waking up and feeling famished, we headed out to find some food and explore our surroundings. What we found was McDonald's (don't judge me. I was feeling sick and needed some comfort) and a hive of city activity. Hostal Comercial is set in a fantastic location-close to just about everything you might want to see on a quick trip to Madrid. Plaza Mayor is a few blocks away, the Sol metro stop a few steps, the La Latina tapas district a little jaunt and everything else a short little hike-perfect if the weather is cooperating. Which-it completely did except for one day when it was rainy and drizzly.We never took public transportation once, minus the to and from airport trips.
Granted, we walked until we fell into bed each night feeling as if we had just done some sort of Civil War march, but that is beside the point. We saved money and we got exercise.
As for the hostal, with any internet find, there are going to be some pros and cons. If you are looking for a place to crash in Madrid, pay attention.
Now the bad: Excellent location minus some good soundproofing means that we were part of all the comings and goings of the party crowds each night. At one point, it really felt as if the man standing in the middle of the street screaming drunkenly in Spanish was sitting right next to my bed. And speaking of the bed, I am still sort of stretching out the kinks acquired while trying to find out a spot that was softer than what I imagined the street might feel like if I were sleeping on it.
Ok, it wasn't that bad, but you get the idea.
All things considered, I would stay again if the price were still right. I would also make sure I was prepared and knew where I was going BEFORE my plane began its descent.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Madrid Has Left Me Wanting....
That's right. I didn't get enough.
 |
| Our first venture to Plaza Mayor |
**Ssshhh-don't tell my students***
I think I will save that for another post, because it truly bothers me.
Anyway, Madrid was awesome. I loved it. My first real venture into a western European country was a success-despite the pesky euro. Turns out, we picked a superb time to go due to the annual rebajas being enjoyed by Spaniards and tourists alike. Rebajas means "sales" and I do love a good sale. It made my obligatory foreign country shoe and handbag purchase much easier to swallow.
Aside from that though, Madrid is quite the vibrant city. We were able to enjoy it sans the hordes of summer tourists and the accompanying tourist prices.It seems Spaniards just love to be out and about...all the time. Even the rain didn't dampen the spirits of los madrilenos-the one rainy day boasted plenty of locals coming and going, umbrellas in hand.
 |
| Trusty 'ole Blue. Breakfast of Champions |
Party? I was lucky to make it to 9 p.m most nights. I will place the majority of the blame on the time change, the short trip, and the miles and miles of walking every day, but I also know that I can't just roll into another country anymore and have a spring in my step without proper time to rest and adjust.
 |
| More Plaza Mayor. Can you ever have enough Plaza? |
Regardless of the octogenarian shuffle, Madrid was stunning and I am lucky to have gone. I just want more.
What about you? Ever been to a place that when you left, you felt like you weren't quite done being there yet?
(Speaking of wanting more, there will be more on Spain. However, I am currently experiencing a bad combo of writing lethargy and no time)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
How This Love Affair Came About
I thought that perhaps I should devote a post to how my love affair with the world and travel all got started. I've been writing of my adventures for two years now, but I have never really told you all how it began. So here is the 411, abbreviated.
For three consecutive spring breaks, I went on a team to the Dominican Republic to work with Food for the Hungry, an organization devoted to ending physical and spiritual poverty around the world. Pretty cool organization, and for some reason lost to history, I jumped at the chance to go. I had not done a whole lot of traveling prior to that point, so I suppose it was just that I was excited to get out and do something different.
Best. Trip. Ever.
Yeah, I was building very unglamorous latrines, it was hot as Hades, and I didn't understand much Spanish, but that is when I started to wake up to the fact that most of the world lives differently than me. I was pretty darn privileged.
It's also where I became consumed with learning Spanish. By the second or third trip, I realized that I was understanding a whole lot more between the beginning of the week until the end of the week, and assumed that if I had more time, I could be fluent. The seed was planted. I was going to learn Spanish no matter what it took.
So I moved back to West Virginia and in with.....my parents (gasp!) I was willing to do whatever it took to make this dream happen. But you should know this decision was not easy. It had been my goal since the 8th grade to break free of home, what I considered to be my oppressive parents, and hokey West Virginia. I bolted at the earliest opportunity and flitted about Philadelphia, Atlanta and D.C doing respectable things like college and AmeriCorps. I was pretty proud of my independence and now? NOW? I was willingly going back to it.
But you know what? It really wasn't that bad. I worked two jobs, got back into playing volleyball, dated a guy with a serious alcohol problem (ummmm.........having to blow into a Breathalyzer to make the car start *should* have been a very clear red flag), and before you know it, I had enough money and was ready to jet down to Central America. Oh and my parents? It turns out they actually aren't oppressive at all. They are decent folks who just like to do a good job raising their kids.
Anyway, saved up my money, randomly (seriously, randomly) chose a Spanish school in Antigua, Guatemala, sent them a few emails, booked a ticket, and two of my best friends and I showed up in Guatemala City one February morning praying and hoping someone would be there to get us.
They were. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
We ended up traveling all over Central America, with only a few minor usual mishaps-got robbed, bribed by the police, got called a "stupid American bitch" and of course, got sick with various stomach ailments in which I was sure the end was nigh.
All in all, a very successful trip.
Asia called my name shortly after that. And the rest is history!
For three consecutive spring breaks, I went on a team to the Dominican Republic to work with Food for the Hungry, an organization devoted to ending physical and spiritual poverty around the world. Pretty cool organization, and for some reason lost to history, I jumped at the chance to go. I had not done a whole lot of traveling prior to that point, so I suppose it was just that I was excited to get out and do something different.
Best. Trip. Ever.
 |
| Building the base of the latrine. That's me in red. |
It's also where I became consumed with learning Spanish. By the second or third trip, I realized that I was understanding a whole lot more between the beginning of the week until the end of the week, and assumed that if I had more time, I could be fluent. The seed was planted. I was going to learn Spanish no matter what it took.
So I moved back to West Virginia and in with.....my parents (gasp!) I was willing to do whatever it took to make this dream happen. But you should know this decision was not easy. It had been my goal since the 8th grade to break free of home, what I considered to be my oppressive parents, and hokey West Virginia. I bolted at the earliest opportunity and flitted about Philadelphia, Atlanta and D.C doing respectable things like college and AmeriCorps. I was pretty proud of my independence and now? NOW? I was willingly going back to it.
But you know what? It really wasn't that bad. I worked two jobs, got back into playing volleyball, dated a guy with a serious alcohol problem (ummmm.........having to blow into a Breathalyzer to make the car start *should* have been a very clear red flag), and before you know it, I had enough money and was ready to jet down to Central America. Oh and my parents? It turns out they actually aren't oppressive at all. They are decent folks who just like to do a good job raising their kids.
 |
| Lago de Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala |
They were. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
 |
| Cerro de la Cruz, Antigua Guatemala |
All in all, a very successful trip.
Asia called my name shortly after that. And the rest is history!
 |
| Copan Ruinas, Honduras |
 | ||||
| Just climbed Vulcan Pacaya |
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Snow Day for a Wahoo
I don't think I have worked a full 5 day work week since before Christmas. It's always something weather related. Today, it happens to be ice which never quite materialized. Either way, I am loving my new full-time career because I get to stay at home and do absolutely nothing and....still get paid! Here's the thing-for the last 6 years, I have bemoaned the winter weather because it usually meant that I wouldn't get paid. As a sub, no school=no work=no paycheck. Last year was particularly agonizing because there was two straight weeks of no school at one point. This year, I am just kicking up my heels and living the good life.
If you consider staying at home eating and watching Dr. Phil, House Hunters International, and How I Met Your Mother reruns, the good life.
I've done nothing productive at all. I haven't even thought productive thoughts.
Anyway, update on Spain: I found a place for us to stay, which was no small feat. I feel sometimes when I am on the hunt for a place to lay my head, that I have these grand dreams of the Ritz on a Super 8 budget. Or that I am looking for a spouse or something. For example, I pored over countless reviews, websites, and features of what seemed like every guesthouse and hostel in Madrid. But they just didn't feel right. I actually told myself that I would know when the right one came along-as if it was my soulmate or something. Regardless, I found "the one" and we will be on hand to check it out in person in just a few weeks. Woohoo. It even fit the budget perfectly, and was LESS than expected. There may be hope for this euro virgin yet!
I also am currently running a contest with my students. I have titled it "Where Will Mrs. Wahoo Wander?" (No, that's not really my last name and not the actual title either). I give them clues every day about the location of my trip and they get to guess as many times as they like. Winner gets a prize straight from Spain. The clues so far:
1) I must cross an ocean to get there
2) I have never been there (I usually like to regale them with one or two travel stories a month, so if they are actually listening to me, they know where I have already been. Listening is questionable at times.)
3) This country is 5-7 times zones ahead of the US. (Come on now, I can't make it too easy. )
4. This country spends the euro.
Thankfully, for their geography and knowledge of world time clocks and currency, all guesses are now centering around Europe.
They seem to be having great fun with it, and that's what it's really all about it, so perhaps there will be presents a la Madrid for all 115 of them.
Oh euro, please be kind.
If you consider staying at home eating and watching Dr. Phil, House Hunters International, and How I Met Your Mother reruns, the good life.
I've done nothing productive at all. I haven't even thought productive thoughts.
Anyway, update on Spain: I found a place for us to stay, which was no small feat. I feel sometimes when I am on the hunt for a place to lay my head, that I have these grand dreams of the Ritz on a Super 8 budget. Or that I am looking for a spouse or something. For example, I pored over countless reviews, websites, and features of what seemed like every guesthouse and hostel in Madrid. But they just didn't feel right. I actually told myself that I would know when the right one came along-as if it was my soulmate or something. Regardless, I found "the one" and we will be on hand to check it out in person in just a few weeks. Woohoo. It even fit the budget perfectly, and was LESS than expected. There may be hope for this euro virgin yet!
I also am currently running a contest with my students. I have titled it "Where Will Mrs. Wahoo Wander?" (No, that's not really my last name and not the actual title either). I give them clues every day about the location of my trip and they get to guess as many times as they like. Winner gets a prize straight from Spain. The clues so far:
1) I must cross an ocean to get there
2) I have never been there (I usually like to regale them with one or two travel stories a month, so if they are actually listening to me, they know where I have already been. Listening is questionable at times.)
3) This country is 5-7 times zones ahead of the US. (Come on now, I can't make it too easy. )
4. This country spends the euro.
Thankfully, for their geography and knowledge of world time clocks and currency, all guesses are now centering around Europe.
They seem to be having great fun with it, and that's what it's really all about it, so perhaps there will be presents a la Madrid for all 115 of them.
Oh euro, please be kind.
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