Tag: Kaelan

Posted on

Madrid – Kaelan

Hey everyone!
Last week was a really jam packed week! Firstly, I started my first aquaerobics class! It was interesting because you see a lot of diversity in age, but not so much in gender. I’m the only male in the class, which makes for an interesting dynamic! The most interesting part is when we get out of the class to go to the showers, I’m the only ones in the mens showers!
On Saturday, I went to Madrid. It was amazing to see so many people in one place, even if it was hard to get around! It was also great to see so many couples out holding hands, and not being afraid to show their love to the world! We went to the parade, which was a little disappointing since it was really only party buses. Because of this we left early, and instead went to eat and go out!
Sunday was what I like to call “The Aftermath” because you could see what Madrid looked like after a week of partying. I was amazed that the street was permeated with the smell of urine, which was disgusting. Furthermore, there was trash EVERYWHERE. In some places you couldn’t walk around the trash because there was no clean space to walk in. Even with this, I definitely enjoyed my time in Madrid, but was ready to come back to Villanueva at the end of the day!
Until next time!
Posted on

Trip to Morocco – Kaelan

Hey everyone!

The last week was a ton of fun! We started teaching classes, and it’s been interesting getting to know the students as well as telling them about where I’m from! Last week I went out with my friends, and figured out why nobody likes Correos.

On Wednesday, I went to Morocco. I didn’t realize how far Morocco was, but it took us around 7 hours to get there! We took a ferry from Algeciras and got to stay in Tánger. Tánger is very different from Spain, and the Arabic was incredibly interesting to listen to! We went to markets, to the Atlantic Coast, as well as to the Malabata beach, which was beautiful!

The second day in Morocco we went to Ceuta. The land border at Ceuta was incredibly intense, and seemed like a prison crossing over. There were so many people! The currency is Euro versus the Moroccan Dirham, so I had to do some currency exchange while I was there.  The culture of Ceuta is very interesting, and the city is beautiful but foggy and warm!

I also went to Málaga for the first time to visit my cousin! She and her boyfriend came from London to Málaga. It was great getting to see them, relaxing on the beach with them, and just enjoying their company. I’ve never really been sunburnt, but in Málaga I definitely burned my shoulders! It’s a lesson for next time!

Stay tuned for more updates!

Posted on

Another Week in Villanueva – Kaelan

Hi everyone,

My last week in Villanueva has been a lot of fun! Apart from learning more about the area and eating lots of food from Andalucía, I’ve also been doing some exploring around Spain! On Thursday, I cooked a traditional American meal for my host family being composed of fried chicken and mashed potatoes.

On Friday, I went to Madrid with a friend who was visiting. It was an incredible amount of fun! We started off by getting food near Atocha, then went to la Plaza España and la Puerta del Sol to do some shopping! We spent a lot of time on la Calle Mayor, and I ended up buying way too many clothes. We also took to the opportunity to eat Japanese food, which I haven’t had since I left home! We were eating when I realized that I wanted to change my shirt, so I actually changed in the bathroom! It was funny.

On Saturday I went out with some friends in Villanueva to get food and explore some of the nightlife. We went out for drinks and ate tons of tapas. We went to at least 5 different restaurants! As we were eating I got to know another Irish person in Villanueva, which was nice because I got to feel a little at home.

Stay tuned for updates next week!

Posted on

Kaelan – First Weeks in Villanueva

Hey everyone!

So far, my first two weeks in Villanueva have been filled with fun and adventure. When I arrived, I have to admit that I was shocked at the scorching heat. Given, I had heard it was hot but I definitely wasn’t expecting 40C! The last few weeks have been a transition in regards to the heat, but at the very least it’s not humid.

Getting used to Spain hasn’t been nearly as difficult as I was expecting. The accent in Andalusia is not as different as the Spanish I speak in the United States with my friends, so the transition hasn’t been difficult. However, I was incredibly shocked when I saw horses casually strolling through town!

Last weekend was also la Féria chica. It was incredible amounts of fun, and I was surprised at how late the party went on for! The music was amazing, and I definitely ate my fair share of buñuelos. It was also very nice because it seemed like the entire town was there, so I was able to see both students and parents alike enjoying themselves.

Well, that’s all for now! Stay tuned for more updates!

-Kaelan