Origins...

Where does one begin? What should one take? How does one prepare? I had known for months that I was heading to Spain on September 16th for a nine month odyssey of English teaching, language acquisition, travels, adventures, and happenings. With many friends going to teach in other Spanish cities as well as many visitors on the distant horizon, my excitement couldn't have been greater. And so, as the day approached, it was all too appropriate that I wouldn't have all my stuff packed...actually, my stuff wasn't even ready as the HOUR approached...Even after being lectured by my mom and dad to have everything packed a day ahead at the latest so as to not panic.

My parents left Sunday 9/14 for Vermont and I was excited to have the house to myself and to focus on getting things done. But of course, I was still trying to substitute teach for my last few days in the states (cause hey, the euro is a bitch), send out mail to people, pay last minute bills, and be in all places at once. At Sprayberry High School, I was put in contact with Cindy Price, a former neighbor and current Spanish instructor at said school. She led me to a ESL teacher - a czech woman named Nicoleta, who helped me get some hours of EFL / ESOL language teaching in before I left, and gave me some excellent advice and offered contacts in Eastern Europe. Working with Korean, Russian, Brazilian and Mexican students was a wonderful opportunity to really hone in on the craft and prepare before my job as English Language & Culture Assistant was to commence at the beginning of October. I was also able to get some MUCH NEEDED Spanish practice.

Tuesday arrived, and even after being lectured by a good friend to get my shit together and be ready for the flight tomorrow, I was still getting things together when she arrived to take me to the airport. Julia was naturally not surprised that I was still packing and understandably annoyed at my failure. Sending my drumset to her family in her car and packing up my backpack, HUGE duffelbag full of clothing, acoustic guitar and tennis rackets in my car, we departed with little time to spare. Alas, despite my procrastination and terrible Atlanta traffic, I made it in time and said my parting words to Julia, went through security without a hitch (didn't know that was still possible), and set off on my nine month adventure...just long enough to get back before my kids are born. KIDDING!

Next stop: London

Much more to come. Can only use the internet so long here.

Logan