Bye, bye Blighty!

Last day of term…

So, here I am. The last day of term. Sitting in the assembly hall as my name is being called by the head to stand at the front for everyone to say goodbye. I have butterflies and am trembling as I make my onto the stage to join the head. Frankly, I’d rather stay sitting at the side than be the centre of attention! The head recalls memories from when I first started at the school, that I’ll be missed etc.

Then I’m presented with flowers as the head says quietly ‘I’m always welcome back if Spain doesn’t work out’ which, I find quite a surprising comment. But also good to know that I have something to fall back on maybe I guess! However, my initial thought as those ‘reassuring’ words were spoken was ‘It will work out thanks!’ I thank him for the flowers and make my off the stage. For the next few seconds, my thoughts turn to concentrating on getting down the stage steps without stumbling and making myself look a total numpty!

A seed of doubt…

It does, however, put a seed of slight doubt in my mind. And I find myself doubting and pondering why I’m doing this. Bored of my current situation in so many different ways and feeling as though I had lost my way in the classroom. I knew it was time for a change and to move on. Despite this, I am completely terrified and wondering what the hell I have let myself in for….perhaps the naysayers are right? You have a house and a good job…why would you give that all up?? Why am I doing this indeed?! Why would I want to leave a job I have been in for years to meet new people, learn a new language, and broaden my experiences?! As I begin to make my moving plans… putting the furniture into storage…renting my house to god knows who….packing my life up…the stress, hassle and endless ‘to do’ lists that I am so annoyingly known for.

Maybe it’s not too late to change my mind at this point. Perhaps I could retract my resignation. The head seemed keen for me to stay! I quickly shake those thoughts of doubt off.  I know this is the right decision for me. I have wanted to do this for so long…researched…dreamed…and envied others who were brave and adventurous to go and do it before me. So I know I’m doing the right thing for me.

A fairly chilled Summer…

Before the ‘big move’ I’d spent the past few weeks clearing out my classroom cupboard and telling my class stories of my new school and how it will be different to England. Despite all this, it still doesn’t feel real, that I am actually leaving and moving on. Or, that I am now finally doing what I have wanted to do for years. I am, however, sad to be going after being in the same school for so long.

I’ve spent the holidays catching up with friends and family. Reminiscing and laughing about old times – things I’d forgotten about, and with some stories for good reason!! (As it usually involves some of my mishaps I’d rather forget!!). It’s been really lovely seeing everyone and spending time with them – especially those I don’t get to meet up with very often these days. It felt like a proper summer holiday. One of those from childhood where the summer holidays seemed to last forever. So I’ve had this feeling during those weeks like I have time and that Spain and a new job were all a long way off. I just had summer to be carefree and have fun! Apart from having to sort out all the boring stuff of boxing the house up, estate agents, selling the car, etc. But now, all of that has closed in and come to an end. As I head out the door for the last time with my impossibly heavy suitcase ready to begin a fresh, new chapter of new beginnings. I should be feeling hopeful and excited, and I do. But I can’t help feeling apprehensive at the same time. Questioning what I’m doing and why once more. For now, I just remind myself that I have wanted to work abroad for years and I have finally achieved that. But at this very moment, I just feel tired frankly, which always makes me grumpy! Especially at airports. And especially when someone stops dead in front of you and starts frantically fumbling around for their ticket or passport thinking they’ve managed to lose it in that split second. Mumbling to themselves ‘Where is it?’ and are totally oblivious to anyone else around them! Stansted somehow seems busier than I expected given that it is the end of Summer now. Interestingly, there are lots of families with young children talking about their holiday in the South of France, or wherever. I think to myself that there will be a lot of ‘A’ marks in the register the first week of term as British schools are due back in just a few days – but enough of teacher mode for now!

Attempting to learn the lingo!

During the Summer holidays, I also spent some time learning some Spanish in preparation for my move, as I am at a pretty basic level! So far I can say hello (hola). And ask for a glass of white wine (un vaso de vino blanco por favor). Getting my priorities right it would seem to those who know me, but not very helpful in the classroom when I need to know a basic level of Spanish!

So, I joined an exchange site, where I have met some lovely, interesting people who are mainly Spanish, two from South America and one person from India who is living in Spain to study. All of whom are keen to learn English and travel. And it was a way of making new connections and possibly friends before I moved over there myself.

However, the majority of our online conversations appear to be in English at the moment. I’m not sure if this is me being lazy or a lack of confidence in my abilities!! I have downloaded various recommended apps, including Learn Babbel and keep my Oxford Spanish dictionary close to hand! Although, I have to admit, Google Translate appears to be my best friend of late! I’m hoping that once I’m living there and naturally surrounded by the language it will come more naturally to me. I live in hope anyhow! But, I think it’s safe to say that it’s going to be quite awkward and humorous trying to mix with the locals! 

I’ve arrived!

My journey was ok. I arrive at the hotel early evening after being dropped off by a taxi driver. Who, I can only describe as being an extra in The Sweeney! No wonder my hair was such a mess as I take a glance in the hotel lobby mirror! I have quite a nice view from my hotel room, with the sound of the bells from the cathedral. The weather is gloriously sunny, but it is muggy and humid. Even though it’s Spain, the heat is almost unbearable considering it is later into the evening now. Somehow though, I think I will happily adapt to it! As I sit looking out at the view and listening to people chatting and laughing as they walk by. I find myself starting to ponder again, questioning what and why! So, I decide to go out and have a stroll around the city. I have an ice- cream. There are lots of tourists (other Spaniards who have come to visit the cathedral mainly) taking photos and enjoying the sunshine. Their children playing in the water fountains. The city feels like a happy place. I think I will adapt to it and the lifestyle. But, I wish already that I had dedicated more time to learning the language a bit more!