We began the day with a presentation workshop. This was intended to help clarify for the Spaniards the various stages of preparing to give a presentation (which they will all do on Thursday). Things have changed since my last VT, though. Instead of coming up with their own topics (which generally ended up being something about their jobs), now they will be given a topic - on Thursday morning. It takes away some of the anxiety, I guess, because they don't have to think of something, but it also causes some because they have little time to prepare. I will be interested to see how this works.
Then I had two one-to-ones before lunch. In each of them, I was asked why I spend my time to do this. The Spaniards find it difficult to understand why we would take our own time to come to Spain to volunteer to talk to them. For most of the Anglos, I think, they see it as a way to spend some concentrated time getting to know more about Spain and the people who live here. We make friends, share experiences, and learn from each other. It's not just us spending our time with them, it is them sharing their lives with us, too. You get a real sense of helping them improve. One guy is starting a new job when he leaves here, and he is determined to improve his listening. Another woman will be making a complete career change when she returns. For one, it is a personal challenge, not paid for by a company but out of his own pocket. And several more work for US companies or are in international business. And speaking for myself, though other Anglos have said the same, it's a nice way to extend a trip for little expense.
During siesta, I had a tiny adventure. I left my room intending to walk up to the windmills, when I realized I had left my phone in the room. I kind of needed it, since it was "doubling as" (one of today's idioms) my camera. As I turned around to get it, I realized that I had locked my nametag (with my room key in it) in my room as well. Down I went to ask the desk clerk for another key, then back up to retrieve my phone and nametag. I left the extra key in the room.
It was a nice walk up to the windmills, and I was rewarded with a stunning view of the plains on one side, and the town, church and castle on the other. When I got back, I went around to the pool, where I dangled my feet in the water and chatted with several of the Anglo women, who were discussing the Spaniards (save your criticism - they talk about us, too). Siesta was almost over, so I came in to check the schedule for the afternoon only to find that my next hour was free time! That was followed by two hours of - rehearsal. Rehearsal for what? Hmmm, it seemed that I would be part of this evening's entertainment. I went up to my room, but found that the key I had no longer worked (and remember, the other one was in the room). So down I went again, for another key.
My group had to improvise a story, but we were assigned parts, costumes, and stage directions (not a lot of room left for improv, I have to say). I was an owl, with a jingly belly dancing scarf for wings. Anyway, it went well and I won't have to perform again, hopefully.
The entertainment hour was fun (we went first), and now we are waiting for the queimada to begin. Tomorrow we have an excursion to the castle. We are told it will be well-worth the walk up. I expect it will be. And I definitely plan to swim tomorrow during siesta.
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