Farewell Madrid!

Gathering of friends at the flat to wish a fond farewell.
It was an AMAZING party! Tacos and a pineapple coconut cake made by my roommate Lisa kept everyone's tummies happy. Sherry and Yolanda kept us rolling with their antics and there was plenty of jovial conversation!


We had a special toast starting with one in honor of my fabulous Aunt Katy.

International dance was breaking out all over. Yolanda led us through some sassy Latin, Sherry gave us a demonstration of Thai fan dancing, and Kate guided us through kicking up our heels Celtic style!

TEFL Madrid Graduation!

Friday I graduated from the Madrid TEFL course! We are a proud and happy bunch.




Now it is time to celebrate with a night on the town!

We met up at Madrid's mascot bear-tree combo in the famed Sol plaza for a tapas crawl.

This was one of my favorite places we went to. See again the famous bear-tree rendered in stained glass.

A wonderful evening with people I am so proud to have worked with!

Week 4 of Madrid TEFL Course

Early in the 4th week, I endeavored to perfect my crepe making skills and to provide an opportunity to study for TEFL exams. I was very happy with the results and I think my roommates were also pleased at this improvement in my cooking skills! Oh, and my phonetics got a work-out as well! Seriously, yum.

I designed my last class around the topic of Slow Food. At the end of class, students got a chance to really put their skills into practice as I supplied some context in the form of bread, cheese, basil, tomato, and fresh juice. We toasted our accomplishments and the idea of taking time to enjoy food and the good company of friends.


The directors walked in toward the end of the lesson. I think they approved, but the camera tells it better than I could!
Wednesday brought exams and the end of big stress for me for awhile. I passed! Now what?
I had a portfolio to turn in and a Materials Assignment to present to an independent moderator for the program, but my head was spinning with what to do with the free time I suddenly found myself with!


I celebrated on Thursday by going for chocolate y churros with a friend and playing tourist for awhile.

The Spanish are really into their ham. Here I am pictured in front of one among many purveyors of the much celebrated substance. It all works out because I'm rather cheesy and we all know those two make a great combination!

It was a really nice change of pace and when I came home my roommates were in a goofy mood which added to my lifted spirits. I'm going to miss my Madrid family!

Week 3 of Madrid TEFL Course

Week 3 was incredibly intensive with classes, teaching, and an oppressive heat which threatened to drain all energy or motivation. Somehow, through the grace of God, along with supportive classmates and roommates, I made it through.

I did manage to get out to the park with my Language Partner, Ricky. There is a little pond just in front of a pretty glass building and on the path alongside it they built this cave-like tunnel with a waterfall that made for a fun photo op!