What I have been doing for the last 3 months in Spain!

The view from my school in Coria del Rio

Sevici station: I ride my bike everywhere!

Plaza de Encarnacion 

Italica ruins

Pumpkin Contest!

Awwwww, my 4 year old pumpkins!

Dana (a Christmas tree) and me (a nerd) for Halloween at school

One of my 5th graders, Marina, as a witch

Alejandro, one of my 5th graders, a wizard

The pumpkin contest winners!

Alex deciding if he can climb upsidedown

Carlos, the climbing champion!

Carlos and me

Me climbing!

Triana neighborhood in Sevilla

Sevilla's Cathedral

Well so I have been absolutely terrible about keeping up on this blog this year.  Honestly I think that it has been because this year has been a lot tougher for me and I haven't had the motivation needed to write about everything going on.  However, recently, I have been feeling better and things are starting to change so I can finally sit back and be thankful that I made it through another challenge in my life.  I know some people think it is silly that living abroad can be so tough when I'm in the beautiful city of Sevilla, working 12 hour weeks, and embracing all that Europe has to offer, but it is a lot tougher than you think!  The main thing that has been tough is that I just wish that I had more people to go out with! Apart from being a lot more lonely this year, I have had some things that have been really great.  My roommates are really nice and encouraging of my Spanish.  I feel like this is my apartment too and not just renting a room, so I am much more comfortable.  I live in a great area that is close to a lot of life and great for going out for something quick, or going for a walk.  My school is wonderful this year! I love my kids and the people I work with.  It sucks that it is a little far away, but I don't mind it that much!  I feel like more of a part in my school this year, mostly because the teachers actually talk with me and help me out with my Spanish.  My Spanish is progressing slowly but surely.  I am way to self critical, but I am slowly trying to get over not being perfect at it.  I have met someone that I have started practicing my Spanish with and she "practices" her English (although she is fluent).  I have also been rock climbing with my friends Alex and Carlos.  So far, I have only been climbing under this bridge here in Sevilla where there is a rock wall, but it is really fun, and soon hopefully we will go out in the countryside to climb.  Among other things going on, I have gotten sick a few times.  It is quite hilarious to me that whenever someone has a stomach problem, a Spanish person suggests eating rice, bread, and JAMON (ham!).  They just love their ham so much here!  Ham is part of a bland diet?  I mean, I guess, but really? When have you ever heard of eating ham when you are sick? I am going to try and include little anecdotes like that in my blogs in the future, even if it is just a little line, because they are so funny and I don't want to forget them.  Anyway, that is what I have been doing lately getting accustomed to living in Spain again! I have attached a few pictures of my climbing adventures and some of my kids (for Halloween!) and what my world is like now!