Tag: Catherine

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Time to Hit the Gym! – Catherine

So today was my fourth day at the Centro Deportivo Andalucia and I can’t move. When signing up for a gym membership, my intention was to continue with the same lazy routine I’ve always done. This lazy routine involved me running for 20 minutes on the treadmill, stretching for another 20 minutes, flopping around for another 10 minutes in the hopes that some muscle was getting a good workout, and then calling it a day. But as I was running on the treadmill during my first visit, I was approached by the trainer. She greeted me and wanted to know which parts of my body I wanted to workout. I figured, since she asked that I might as well offer my whole body up for improvement. I was thinking that since I’m only here for 2 months, there is no way that the workouts could escalate to an unbearable degree.

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Photo credits: http://www.centediario.com/cordoba-tren-arrollo-un-colectivo-hay-heridos/

Wrong! That day we started working out my legs. When those fell off, my arms were the next to go. Personally, I think that each weight machine should have it’s own separate room. That way, those of us who can only lift 1 kg on each arm can struggle in private. But just like how your body deteriorates before getting stronger, so does your ego. The best part of every workout is the stretch that comes at the end. It’s the part of the workout where you can take the time to replay everything that you have just done in your memory without physically feeling the physical pain.

But in all honesty, the Centro Deportivo Andalucia is a great place. I love how much I’m learning about proper exercise and weight training. Sure it’s difficult, but I’m definitely looking forward to getting stronger. The people are really nice, there’s a cute dog that excitedly prances throughout the gym to say ‘hello’ to everyone, and I’m super lucky to have Raul, Alba and Luna to help me figure out the equipment. I’m glad that I’m being taught how to use the weight machines, that way when I go back home, I can workout like a pro. Or at least better than I did before.

Until next time!

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2 Weeks In – Catherine

So far I’ve been in Villanueva for a little more than 2 weeks and feel as though I have already done more things here in Villanueva than 4 months studying in Cordoba. To be fair, I was strapped ball and chain to the library at UCO for months on end as I struggled to understand the works of Vallejo-Inclan, Buero Vallejo, Onetti, among others when I could barely understand the Cordobesan accent. But now it’s summer (almost) and I’m free (kind of)!

I’ve been super lucky to be placed with such an amazing host family: Jose Antonio and Mariana and inadvertently Engracia, Pepe, and Antonio Jose. Their ongoing goals are to make me feel part of the family and to never ever let me go hungry, and I can say for sure that they have already accomplished them. Since being here, I have accompanied my host family to bars and restaurants around Villanueva, as well as trips to Pozoblanco and Islantilla. And each night, I have gone to bed crushed by the weight of my own belly.

So far my experiences in Villanueva have included working at the academia, going to the Feria Chica, going to the Romeria, leaving Villanueva to shop in Pozoblanco with Mariana and Engracia, leaving Villanueva to dance zumba in Pozoblanco with Mariana, visiting the animal rescue shelter with Libby and her host sister, Luna, taking Spanish classes with Mariana and Huan Kon, seeing Antonio Jose perform in the town band before the Feria and during the Romeria, visiting Islantilla with Jose Antonio and Mariana and various family outings for lunch and drinks with the whole gang. I have really enjoyed my time here so far.

I’ve loved getting to know the students at the Academia. It’s an amazing experience getting to work with so many different age groups. I enjoyed getting to know about some of the students through the topics they had prepared for their speaking exam. I also love just simply talking to students and learning about their day. The students at the academia have a really great sense of humor, and watching them progress in their English always inspires me to progress in my Spanish.

I look forward to seeing what more Villanueva has to offer in the weeks to come as we at the academia prepare for the intensive courses. It’s sure to be an unforgettable summer.

Until next time!