I'm still here, I promise

Every Sunday I tell myself that I´ll write a new entry, and every Sunday I find myself occupied with city walks, empanada runs or skype chats.

Regardless, life updates are due so I’ll try to catch up. In this post I’ll write about Global Classrooms and Ashoka.

Global Classrooms

In the beginning of February months of work and preparation finally came to fruition, Global Classrooms time!

Michael (the other Fulbrighter in my school) started preparing the kids in the fall and by November I too was involved. We had two different global classroom weeks, where we worked with kids on how to write position papers, the rules and formalities of debate and parliamentary procedure and writing resolutions.

Here's the great presentation Michael made with more photos and even some video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZmH0ppkKxk



Starting in January we went into powermode and working very closely with the kids on their position papers, public speaking etc. Over those few weeks I got to know some of them much better, which was nice since I normally don´t have that much contact with the terceros.

Overall the whole conference was a huge success, and I think everyone was happy and proud of the kids. 10 different bilingual schools attended, each sending 22 delegates (11 countries per school). The event was two days long, starting with an opening ceremony in La Assemblea, where the politicians from the Comunidad de Madrid meet. The US Ambassador to Spain spoke, along with many others (the Ambassador is clearly a political appointee, his Spanish was horrible!) The next day was a full day of debating, and then the closing ceremonies back in La Assemblea.



(our kids!)



(la assemblea)

I was a director in the Latin American committee, which means that I helped lead the drafting and voting on resolutions part.


In my committee we only had two countries representing my school so I didn’t get the opportunity to see all of the kids in the other committees. However, I was super impressed with all of the students in our committee, they spoke well, had good points and were enthusiastic. Also, they spoke in English amongst themselves during the informal debates, which was very exciting!

The topic was access to primary education, which in theory is ideal because it´s very relevant to the kids but in practice wasn´t the most controversial topic. There isn´t too much debate on the importance of primary education, and many countries already have established good programs and have high rates of primary school attendance. Regardless, some of the draft resolutions in our committee had great ideas, like focusing on gender discrimination and indigenous languages. Chile (from our school) and Haiti were in our committee and wrote a very timely resolution (that was passed) on emergency education during natural disasters.

On the bus back to the Assemblea the Fulbrighters were all sitting on the bus, swapping stories and comparing notes of who was getting what prizes. I found out that we would be definitely receiving three prizes, but we actually received four! One was a surprise that I found out during the ceremony itself.

There was one student in particular that Michael and I had hoped would win most dedicated delegation (which we jokingly called the best hustle award). This particular student doesn´t have the best academic track record, and is currently repeating the year. She and her partner won an award and I videotaped their excited reaction on my camera. It was such a great moment! You can see the video I took on my camera in the youtube video.




Ashoka

The weekend after Global Classrooms I participated in my first Ashoka Spain event. Since mid January, I´ve been volunteering with Ashoka Spain whose headquarters is here in Madrid, just two metro stops from my piso. I´ve been really enjoying working the Kenny, one of the Ashoka people, and another volunteer Carmen. I´ve been helping with preparing some communication materials, translating videos and other social media network things. It´s been a great opportunity to practice Spanish, and learn new vocabulary that´s more professional – such as ¨lanzar un proyecto¨ launch a project, ¨crear conciencia¨ (increase awareness) etc.

It´s been a wonderful opportunity to learn about Ashoka from a more local-country level. Also, Jóvenes Changemakers (Spain´s version of Ashoka´s Youth Venture) is brand new this year, and launching it in Spain is a particular challenge because youth volunteerism is not very common or popular in Spain. We´ve had some interesting conversations about why that is, and comparing it to the United States. I´ve always been very involved in volunteerism, from Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity etc. and I´ve been reflecting on why I was, what that meant for my development as a person etc.

Anyway, Jóvenes Changemakers (Youth Venture as it is called in the States and most countries except for Latin America where it is Avancemos, ¨let´s advance¨) is Ashoka´s initiative to foster social entrepreneurship from a young age. Ashoka found that most social entrepreneurs have had those skills and approach since they were young. Rather than just focusing on finding these entrepreneurs once they are older, the idea is to actually foster this approach rather than just source it.

In Jóvenes Changemakers, we held the first pilot taller (mini-conference) in Madrid with a group of youth from a poor area in southern Madrid. Since Spain is so regionally diverse, other ones will be following in Catalunya and Pais Vasco hopefully later this year that takes into account other regional cultures and structures.

Here are the photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48381687@N02/show/


In the taller (see this link for photos) we met with the students, did some brainstorming about how youth can change the world, what special skills youth have (ie. new ways of thinking about problems, aren’t old and boring like old people – there words, not mine). Then we worked with them on a problem identifying activity, and thinking about root causes to social issues and how to approach them.




The groups will then work closely with mentors to create a project plan and proposal, which they will present in front of a panel of professionals. Once the plan is approved, they will be given some seed money to launch their social venture.




I had a great time at the taller, had fun speaking with the kids and even went out for lunch with some Ashoka people and an Ashoka fellow afterwards. I’ve been helping them redesign their new website and meeting other volunteers they are getting involved. Recently I haven’t been doing too much because of travelling a lot over spring break etc.

Sorry this post has been a bit dry, but I wanted to give an update on what I’m actually doing (not just my colourful travel lifestyle) But, on that note, next blog will have trip highlights! Including Turkey, Germany, Northern Spain, Morocco and Ashley visiting!

Día de Acción de Gracias – Happy Thanksgiving! (a post 3 months late)

(I talk about my trip to London here, feel free to skip the Thanksgiving part)

There’s something very patriotic about Thanksgiving. While historically it has nothing to do with the conflict between the colonies and Great Britain, in my second grade Thanksgiving is all interconnected with the Boston Tea Party, The American War for Independence, and Johnny Appleseed. (Sidenote – what was that Johnny Appleseed thing about? I have such vivid memories of wearing a paper pot on my head...)

Anyway, my point is that I felt like there was something almost ironically traitorous to celebrate Thanksgiving in Great Britain. However, it turned out to be one of my best yet!

As a bit of background, I’ve never been a huge fan of Thanksgiving. I just felt like it was a fake holiday, really only just marking the upcoming real holiday of Christmas. There was no real festivity, except that all of these people get together to eat and sit uncomfortably close in my Grandma’s apartment. Since then, I have come to better appreciate the holiday and its food. While before only mashed potatoes, bread and white Turkey meat (note the monochrome color scheme)touched my plate is now a celebration of colors – with spicy red chutney, golden stuffing, you get the idea.

So, ironically now that I am actually beginning to appreciate the holiday I have now spent the holiday abroad twice. My first experience can be glimpsed here: http://granadadina.blogspot.com/


My second one was a bit more festive, mainly because I work with kids. Teachers just thrive off of holidays, and in Spain it’s no different. I made 2 presentations on Thanksgiving to my Segundo classes – complete with Powerpoint and homemade pumpkin bread that I made with one of my teachers.

The kids actually seemed to like the history of the celebration – or at least my explanation. While I of course was historically accurate, I do try to help the kids picture the holiday in a more vivid form.

So my format was:
- When was the first Thanksgiving?
- Who were the Pilgrims?
- Who were the Wampanoag?
- The legend of Squanto
- Relationship between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans
- Food! – What we eat
- Food! – What they ate

The big highlight was the legend of Squanto. For those of you who don’t know, Squanto was a Native American from the Wampanoag tribe who helped the pilgrims. He was originally captured by an English man, Thomas Hunt and brought to Malaga, Spain (yes, all roads lead to Spain). He later escaped, moved to England where he learned English. Then, he was hired to be an interpreter and guide by another Englishman and moved back to what would later be known as The United States (want to be politically correct here). Then, he befriended the Pilgrims and helped them grow crops and yield the first successful harvest which happened in Autumn 1621. The party lasted 3 days and over 90 Native Americans joined the Pilgrims the end.

My favorite scene was explaining how the Pilgrims found out about Squanto. Apparently, Squanto taught some English to his friend Samoset. Samoset one day walked on to the Pilgrim boat (the boat was docked and they were living there before they built cabins) and said “hello Englishman!.” The Pilgrims, as you can understand were quite shocked that he spoke some English and he explained that there was a man named Squanto who knew even more. And thus, the friendship blossomed.

This scene is just begging for a Simpsons episode, and for all I know there may already be one.

Anyway, the kids liked that and also the fact that Squanto lived in Malaga! Malaga is now a pretty famous beachtown, so we all joked that he was there to get a tan. Also, I made sure to include info on the relationship between the Pilgrims and Native Americans, namely that it wasn’t all fun and games. Small pox, conflict etc were also involved.


Anyway, I was actually really looking forward to this year’s Thanksgiving partly from talking about it so much. It’s a pretty great story and I was going to London to visit my friend Natalie and Clayton with my friend Rebecca. I have lots of things to be grateful for, and for whatever reason this year I was really in the Thanksgiving Spirit.


LONDON

So, one Thursday morning Rebecca and boarded an Easy Jet plane and were off to London! This was also my first Easy Jet experience and I didn’t realize that there aren’t assigned seats. This lead to some confusion when two lines were intermingled and some pretty testy British girls thought Rebecca was cutting (she wasn’t) and proceeded to complain about her. Rebecca, the sweet girl that she is, kindly told them that she understood English, that she is not a bitch thank you very much and that she is not cutting.

We also have the tendency to talk about others in English thinking that nobody else will understand. I have now stopped doing this, or at least obviously, because numerous experiences like the above have taught me that no matter what, there is an American or British person somewhere nearby to hear you.

After an uneventful plane ride, we landed in Luton airport and met Clayton at the baggage claim. I was so excited to see him! He ended up leaving on a train to get into the city and Rebecca and I took a bus downtown and passed some very beautiful scenery. We were in London! Oh, we also had a snack at Marks and Spencer’s (love love love) which included humus, pita and caprese salad. How I had missed humus! I ended up buying another container on the way back and brought it with me to Madrid.

Once arriving downtown we found a Christmas market near the metro. With our rolling suitcases and all, we went through looking at the wares – finding some cool candles and mulled wine (my favorite) which would later become a theme for this Thanksgiving.

We got onto the metro (it was damn expensive and so small compared to the Madrid one) and found our way to Natalie’s apartment, in Covent Garden. After getting a much needed coffee, we met up with Clayton and stocked up on some bottled mulled wine from Marks and Spencers as our contribution to the Thanksgiving feast. We found her place and were greeted by Natalie, some of her friends (including one friend from GW hi Crystal!) and lovely smells coming out of her kitchen.

Here’s some of the crowd:




Of course, the crowning glory – the turkey. I must say, for only have one apparatus that functions as both a microwave and an oven (which required some strategic food handling) the meal turned out quite nicely and we all had a great time.



The next morning, after chatting over some tea and toast (with peanut butter, another spreadable condiment that I miss a lot) Natalie showed us around her area. We to tthe British Museum and some really interesting archives. You sort of forget the reach that once was the British Empire until you see a room full of the stuff they collected. It’s from all over the world and pretty impressive.

Here’s also a photo of the cool ceiling.






The girls in front of LSE.


We then headed over to a Thai restaurant for food- which was a nice welcomed change. While Spain has great Indian food, many of the other ethnic varieties, particular ones that are spicy, aren’t that great and super expensive.

Later in the afternoon we also met up with Clayton and walked to Trafalgar square, Green Park, St. James park, and of course Buckingham palace to see the beefeaters.





We then headed down the fancy areas of the city to see the lovely Christmas lights – seeing some of the famous department stores and stopping at very famous macaroon place called Laduree. High class in Burlington Arcade.




That night we wanted to experience London at night so we took a walk along the Thames and visited some of Natalie’s’ favorite bridges. It was beautiful – everything was lit up and we had a great time. That night we also went to some cute pubs.

Here’s us at one – it was all decked out for the holidays.



One strange experience we witnessed was with two incredibly drunk girls – to the point where they couldn’t even stand up straight. A group of German guys came over to her and started yelling at her because apparently one of them stole his coat. Minutes before that, a woman announced that there was a purse left on the bar and asking who the owner was and the drunk girl said it was hers. Not sure if this was all an act and this is how she makes money, but it was rather strange.

Then, we went to another bar and found two people asleep in the corner, and when Rebecca went to the restroom yet another was asleep in the woman’s bathroom! Needless to say, the Brits sure like to drink.


The next day Rebecca and I decided to get into tourist mode so we took the required red phone booth photos.



I think we found the ideal British phone booth spot. You can even see Big Ben!

We then went into the Westminster Abbey, one of my favorite spots. While crowded as always, a priest came to the podium to lead a group prayer. He then invited those who wished to join to a private prayer in a separate section. Rebecca and I decided to join and we followed the priest. He brought us into this section that is normally closed off and reserved. While we were sitting only 4 other people joined and sat behind us – and they were speaking in Hungarian! I wanted to say something to them once we exited but the priest stopped Rebecca and I and asked us if we were American. He welcomed us to the cathedral and was very sweet, but I didn’t have a chance to say anything to the Hungarians. What a small world!

We then toured the rest of the cathedral and visited the poets corner, etc. Westminster Abbey is my most vivid memory from when I first visited London (age 14).

Then for lunch we went to Natalie’s favorite fish and chips place and brought them home – they were delicious, esp with salt and vinegar. Later that afternoon we met up with Clayton again, took a walk along some of the bridges, got some Guinness and said our good-byes. While Clayton was staying longer, Rebecca and I were leaving really early the next morning.

On our walk back home we stopped at the Tate Modern to see the black box. http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/unilevermiroslawbalka/default.shtm
Basically, it’s a huge black box that once you enter you can’t see anything in front of you. It’s very scary – you’re walking into an abyss of darkness with no idea what’s coming ahead. On the way out you can see the light and its fine, but the first time you do it it’s quite the experience.

Later, we returned for a night of sushi take out and Love Actually. What a perfect way to end a lovely weekend! The next morning Rebecca and I woke up at an ungodly hour to take a cab to the bus stop, and then the bus to the airport. I arrived in Madrid Sunday afternoon and that was that.

Overall, a great weekend with lovely friends and a pretty good Thanksgiving if I do say so myself.

What are you counting to me?

After a long hiatus (and having traveled to three countries in the interim) I have quite a few long-overdue posts.

However, in the meantime I wanted to share some linguistic gems I come across in my everyday life. As I’m getting better acquainted with my students, teachers and meeting more Spanish people I have been able to add quite a few colorful and helpful phrases/words to my vocabulary.

Some of my favourites: (again, note the British spelling)

¡Que timo!...What a rip off!

!Que murro!.. What cheek (as in your taking advantage of me). Muro is the muzzle of an animal. Not sure of the relationship there.

Echar una bronca… To yell at someone. (Echar means “to throw/pour” and I think bronca sounds like a name for a dinosaur. This is my visual when the teachers say it – and they say it a lot because they yell at students a lot).

Acogedor… cosy (cozy)

Sorbo…sip

¡Que follón!…what a mess! (warning: this word is not classy, not to be used in mixed company). **Tim saw this and said I need to clarify. This is a strong word, equivalent to the F word, the nicer way to say it would be "que lio." However, they use the F word much more here so you'll hear it a lot)**

Cutre…tacky

Cursi…prissy

Colmar… to fill to the brim

Arrebatarse… to get carried away with (like with anger or an emotion)


Clearly, words that come in very handy.

However, I’ve also been recently noticing the multitude of Spanglish or “Spanishisms” that lead to some rather funny situations. The other teachers and I were talking about this today, and here are some good ones:

Flirtear… to flirt. The actual Spanish word is coquetear

“What are you counting to me”… In Spanish “contar”, which also means to count means to tell (like a story). Apparently one of the students said this to another teacher.

“I did it for the face”…In Spanish if you are doing something for no reason, to be haughty, you say “Lo hizo por la cara.” Cara means face.

“For the flies”…Just in case/chance is “por si las moscas.” Moscas = flies

“That’s funny”…My kids often mix-up “funny” and “fun.” While you wouldn’t think that the meaning is that different, just imagine someone writing to you, “I had a really funny time yesterday” – could really send the wrong message!

“constipated”… In Spanish “estoy constipada” means “I have a cold.” Not what you would think it means. This one is almost as good as the classic “false friend” – “estoy embarazada” which means I’m pregnant in Spanish, not I’m embarrassed. Embarrassed is “me da verguenza.” And, for the sake of being educational, constipated is “estreñido.”

One of the teachers was telling us that on a menú (that was translated into English and Spanish) they had a dish called. “Female jews and robbers.” A common Spanish bean dish is called “judías” which means Jews. Apparently “chorizo” (the famous Spanish sausage) also can be used to refer to someone as a robber. This is not politically correct, and generally neither are the Spanish.

So, “beans with chorizo” = “Judías con chorizo” = “female Jews with robbers.”


And my personal favorite…*drum roll*

“preocupated” …. In Spanish, worried is “preocupado.” Students often translate this as “preocupated” in English which just makes me laugh out loud each time. It just sounds like some sort of bowel order issue. See above issue.


I have of course also done the same thing in Spanish, it’s hard not to fall into the Spanglish trap because so often the words are very similar. Just a few weeks ago I lost my glove, and in a hurry texted the teacher whose house I had just left (I was there earlier tutoring her son) and wrote:
“Perdí mi aguacate, está en tu casa?” – Which means, “I’ve lost my avocado, is it in your house?”

Aguacate = avocado
Aguante= glove

I realized seconds after sending the text my error. She and I had a good laugh about my “lost avocado” the next day.

Ah, the joys of miscommunication. Makes life funnier that’s for sure 

Anyway, next upcoming posts will be about traveling (London, Asturias Northern Spain, Christmas/Barcelona with Tim) and some new developments (ie. I might be working for an NGO in Madrid!).

And of course more photos. Don’t be preocupated, I won’t forget.

PPS - While writing this post I've been listening to the great music that Pandora.com has lovingly picked out for me. Wait, Pandora in a country outside of the US?? (Pandora doesn't work unless you have a US IP address). Apparently GWU has this IP address thing to access servers if you're out of the country. A friend directed me to it and it works! yay Pandora!!