Short note while in Toledo

Just an out of place note, we´ll tell more of Toledo when we get a chance to sit down!


In Toledo, our feet hurt and we are tired but very happy! It has been a long day after being up late and then waking up relatively early. I think I need a siesta! So far we've seen 2-3 churches, a Synagogue or two and El Greco's home. Had a lunch that was a little strange, learned how to send back a house wine that was corked. In the end, we have been enjoying being away from the city and the noise. The best part for Gab is that this city is high up and the air is clear making breathing much easier. I 'm not sure what we will do tomorrow but there seems to be an endless supply of churches to see in this town, so we got that going for us. Otherwise, tonight we will most likely have a nice dinner and take it easy and relax. Our room while a bit steep as far as price, seems worth it with a view of the river and a canyon! Maybe a glass of wine and some sleep are in order while we sleep in late before moving on to our church wandering!

Gabriella's Thoughts:

Alright, alright, I'll write some thoughts already!! Sorry for the delay but I have been really overwhelmed as of late and haven't been able to express my thoughts very well by phone, by email or by person.

My feelings have surfaced due to feeling incompetent as a teacher, a language learner and an explorer. Usually when you dive into a learning situation, you are able to point to at least one thing you feel competent in, but right now, I sort of feel a little lost across the board. Although having Ryan with me is fantastic, we have found ourselves getting frustrated over stupid silly things that don't really matter. Why? Maybe because we are desperately trying to control something right now, even if it is how rice should be boiled...yes, we actually had a roe about this. How ridiculous :-)

The fantastic part of this story is that being in Toledo has been absolutely fantastic!!! What an absolutely beautiful city. Ryan is right, the air is beautiful, the architecture is phenomenonal and the vistas are stunning. I think we can conclude from my blogs that I want to head to a smaller city.

My students are what make me the most happy in Madrid. They are really amazing people who just make me happy to get up in the morning. One of my student's went so far as to his English writing assignment on places I should visit in Toledo for the sole purpose of being helpful. Very sweet!
Okay, let me be honest. The biggest reason why I have been frustrated is that I have a six year old student who I cannot teach to. I spent five hours a week with her and she hates me because she doesn't want to learn English. Every single one of my other students are amazing, but this one plagues me with frustration. How do I teach someone who doesn't want to learn?? Again, if anyone knows any fantastic methods, let me know!!!