My work

Things are going well in the high school where I'm working. I have a routine now and the kids know me. For the most part, they're sweet and there aren't too many behavior problems aside from talking. However the culture in the neighborhood doesn't emphasize education very much and many students aren't motivated. Their English levels are very low. In my opinion, the bilingual program is a great idea for the elementary level kids, but for high school students who struggle even in their English classes, I doubt it will be as effective as smaller class sizes would be.

Here are some pictures of our staff and the school. The teachers have really looked out for me and try to take me on trips to experience new things whenever possible.

Where I live

Here are pictures of my apartment and of Jerez, the town. It's cute - it's got about 200,000 people and is famous for sherry wine, an equestrian school, and flamenco.

Photos of Jerez

Photos are:

1. The main plaza in Jerez. There's also a fountain, and the plaza is surrounded by cafes.

2. The Alcazar in Jerez.

Better pictures of Jerez to come!

Photos of Sevilla

Photos are:

1. A wall at the museum in the bull fighting arena, Plaza del Torros, in Sevilla. Yes, bullfighting is a standard sport here and you see fights on TV just like basketball or football. I watched a fight last week where the matador was wearing a pink and yellow leotard-tight costume. I guess if you're fighting a huge live bull, you can wear whatever you want and still be the manliest man around.

2. A flamenco show. I love the power and passion in the music.

3. An ancient roman arena near Sevilla.

4. The inside of the Alcazar in Sevilla.

5. The gardens in the Alcazar in Sevilla.

Hola mis amigos,
I'm happy to tell you that after a month of living out of a suitcase, I have unpacked. I was in Sevilla for a week for orientation, where I learned the basics about Andalusia’s bilingual education initiative and about getting established. I also learned that the people in Andalusia LOVE pork – we were served jamon, cheese and bread at almost every meal. Sevilla is gorgeous. My favorite spot is the Alcazar – an old palace with Arabic architecture. The building and the gardens are amazing. The whole city feels like a storybook.

I moved to Jerez de la Frontera, the town where I’ll be living, last week. The town is great. It’s famous for its many sherry bodegas (I tasted my first sherry and brandy), an equestrian school, and a motorcycle racetrack that hosts a huge European grand prix. Jerez is also one of the 3 towns where flamenco dancing originated. Like every city I’ve been to so far in Spain, it also has a beautiful cathedral and Alcazar.

I’m happy to say that I survived the first week. I found an apartment and started work all in 7 days. I’m renting a room in a teacher’s home. She has a 19 year old daughter who has agreed to show me the dance clubs here. I’m a little intimidated though because they start partying around 2 and finish around 7am! I visited Sevilla again this weekend and saw people dance “Sevillanas,” a local type of flamenco, in a club. The people here are always out and about – even older people stay out late socializing at cafes and bars or dancing. The cities are full of life – it’s like Chicago in the summertime all year around.

My high school is interesting. The building dates back to the 13th century when it was a convent. It was converted to a hospital in the 1800s, and is now a school. This year will be the school’s first year with the bilingual initiative. I’ll spend 8 hours per week teaching kids and 4 hours per week helping the teachers prepare. Yes, that’s right – I only teach 12 hours per week. With the rest of the time I’m hoping to find Spanish classes, volunteer at an immigration agency, and maybe learn to flamenco.

These last 2 weeks have been hard – it’s lonely getting established in a new city. I keep on thinking about the refugee families I worked with in Chicago, and how my experience is only a tiny sliver of what they’ve done! Thanks to everyone who has emailed and called – it’s meant a lot to me.

I have stable internet access now and can use Skype. I also have an address and a phone number:
c/ San Pablo 5, Apt 1A
11402, Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz)
Espana
+34 622 109 363

Take care,
Chantal

Photos are: the gardens at Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, my cousin Beatrice who hosted us, and Terrenda and I at the Sacre Coeur cathedral.

More photos to come - I'm still learning how to use blogger.

I'm safe and happy in Europe

Hi everyone,
I’m alive and well in Sevilla. Terrenda met me in Sevilla for a few wonderful days in Spain. We visited the town where I will be living, Jerez, and I was relieved to find that I liked it. Except for the fact that there is a “th” sound in its name where it should sound like a z, the town seems great. We were there on a Wednesday afternoon/evening. The downtown area was packed with people out eating and drinking. It had an open air market, cute shops, and historic buildings. Plus, we didn’t see many tourists, which is good for me because I’ll learn more Spanish.

We got to Paris on the 13th and I was there for 10 days visiting family and friends. I know many people have stereotypes about Paris and the French, so I’m here to confirm and dispel some myths:

-My family and friends here are amazing. Merci beaucoup Bea et Bouchra pour m’avoir aceulli si chaleureusement! J’ai trop aimee voir tout le monde ddans la famille Hurtevent. J’attends que vous visitez Jerez!
-Terrenda is a “mack daddy.” We couldn’t go anywhere without men hitting on her. I had such a great time traveling with her. Terrenda, thanks so much for coming!
-Yes, Paris is a very romantic city. I miss Jermaine! My favorite spots are the gardens in the Louvre, the Sacre Coeur cathedral with a view of the whole city, and the gardens in the Rodin museum.
-Yes, French food is indeed the best in the world. Sorry Ethiopians – I have to disagree with you. I have eaten so many pastries I might explode. And the greatest mystery of all: I haven’t gained weight. The surprising thing is that my French family and friends are crazy about pancakes with maple syrup, which is hard to find here.
-Yes the people here are beautiful. And stylish…apart from the man purses. And yes, people do wear tight pants. But the men have loosened theirs since last time I was here – a step in the right direction.
-No, not all Parisians are snobby. Many people have been helpful. Don’t be scared Americans.
-Yes, French music is bad, but at least people put their heart and soul into it. At least once a day, I saw someone playing old French classics on the accordion in the metro. Many street performers have their own microphones and speakers too! American music and movies are everywhere. The first artist I heard in Europe was in a cab – Sade. And sadly, the Umbrella song (brella..ella..ella..hey..hey..hey) is as much of a hit here as it is in the U.S.

I arrived in Sevilla today for an orientation, and then I move to Jerez a week after that. I heard from the school where I’ll teach, and they seem very nice and ready to help me find housing and get adjusted.

I’m expecting to have a real address and phone number in the next few weeks. For now, just email me. I miss everyone already!

A bientot…I mean hasta luego y besos a todos.
Ciao.