Graduation Weekend!

Monday - We had our mock / practice 7 minute interviews today.  I did pretty good.  I got an excellent which is the second highest score but I messed up the grammar question 😁.  And the worst part is that I was so excited that I knew the answer.  Nope - wrong, wrong, wrong.  And I said it with so much confidence.  Oh well - he had great feedback for me so at least I learned some things.  

Then we had our graduation with a champaign toast.  They gave us nicknames as well.  Mine was Suzi 'Right On' Schatz.  Apparently, that's my new catch phrase.  I didn't even realize I said it that much.  My favorite was my friend Vicky who was Vicky 'can me students drink wine during me lesson'.  She's a Brit - can you tell?!?!

Our TtMadrid Teachers

After our graduation we headed to the Mexican restaurant for our celebration. The food was yummy and it was a great time.  Then we headed to another bar and finally we hit our usual spot near Manuel Becerra where they give big phat portions of tapas with every round of booze.  It was a great night for sure and I'm now an official certified TEFL teacher 🎉🎊🍻.  

Celebrating with Yummy Mexican food

Saturday morning was pretty relaxed and I didn't head out again until about 2:00.  We went near Santiago Bernabéu Stadium which is where Real Madrid plays to watch the match at a close bar.  The match was between the two Madrid teams so it was pretty good. The tickets were way too expensive so I think we'll go to another match either this weekend or next to watch it in person.  By the way, my team is now Real Madrid, even though they lost.  

It was a good night - a bit of drama with some boys and some of the younger girls who were with us.  But all in all another great night!!  

Sunday I met Matt (Darryl's friend) and his wife Erin for lunch at a really neat place.  They're 13 years away from their 200th anniversary.  It was called Restaurante Casa Alberto.  We had snails, ox and cod YUMMY!!  

Monday I started my intensive Spanish lessons.  It was actually easier than I thought.  I was worried about my memory but I'm super motivated to learn.  I'm tired of not being able to converse with people.  Also, I´d love to be able to read a menu or directions on how to use something I buy.  Our teacher, Diego and actually all the teachers are amazing and extremely patient.  They also do a half an hour conversation breakfast which has been really helpful.  I'm also going to join what they call intercambios which are where people get together and practice English and Spanish.  In other words, I'd be paired with someone trying to learn English.  I'm really just trying to submerge myself in the language.  

I'm also looking for a new flat and I'm going to make sure I have a Spanish roommate so I can practice.  I saw one which I really liked.  I also had some pretty good rapport with the gal who lived there.  I think she wants me to move in there too.  I have two more flats to see today so we'll see which I like best.  Also, it'll be really good to have a lower rent.  

Monday after Spanish class we had a welcome lunch which was great!  After that, I went home to catch up on bills and find a flat.  

Tuesday class was fun, once again and I feel like I'm learning a lot and on a good path.  After class they had a make truffle activity.  It was a lot of fun but I had to leave early to see the flat I mentioned above.

All in all things here are great and I´m really enjoying every second!  And hopefully I´ll find regular work soon!  And then I can start travelling!