The past few days have been pretty interesting (well, aside from losing my USBs. I may resort to using a free and easy program called Dropbox). I met a sweet older man at Starbucks the other day (the day I applied to be empadronado, essentially to apply for residency. A bit of a pain, but it is done. Yayy.) He is a retired doctor who offered to make me hummus. For now, infrequent coffee/tea meetings will do. In any case, we spoke for at least an hour (which left me with 40 minutes to cook dinner for Mely and her roommates. I cooked a nice fish, salad and whole grain pasta dish for my new friends! It was rather enjoyable) about ethics particularly regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. I remained neutral during the discussion; one can understand this approach. In any case, he hails from Lebonon and he’s lived here for about 20 years. If I need anything, he says, I must let him know immediately. Cool fellow.
Later on during the week, I met a group of fascinating people at a meeting/full day conference on a very effective Psychotherapy technique (30 Euro well spent. I HIGHLY recommend this form of treatment for those who need help battling those skeletons or what have you.) This was a TRULY AMAZING EXPERIENCE. UNLIKE ANY OTHER.
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| Psychotherapy Workshop (Myself, Mely and Angel) |
My new friend, Melitza (Mely), asked me to tag along. Speaking of Mely, I hope that each of you experiences at one time or another, the generosity of a stranger. I truly believe Mely is one of my angels (or perhaps just a really GREAT human being, one who is highly motivated (intrinsically > extrinsically) to do good for others. She has three Masters degrees and is earning her Doctorate in December (after studying in Cuba, Costa Rica and Spain. She wants to come to the US for a year to practice her English!). She has taken me under her wing, if you will. She’s introduced me to two her roommates, Francesco and Mitch, both studying engineering. I do not know how she found two of Italy’s most chivalrous men to live with, but she has.
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| Mely and I in the city of Arts and Sciences |
Melitza’s take on this Psychotherapy technique (How I love playing interviewer):
“Cientificamente: es un tecnica que hace visualizar como observador tu propio vida y psicologmente ayudo a la persona interesada.
Complicida de participar (Perks of participating today)
1. Soy privigilada en la vida
2. Se aprendido algo nuevo
3. Conocer la gente
4. [There is always a reason to delve into something new] Hay un porque.
5. Reminds me how important meditation is for the mind and body (not in the traditional sense, but actually taking 5 minutes per day to close your eyes and reflect on your day, the good and the bad).
Her philosophy in life is most interesting, and I almost completely identify with it:
Dios es un estilo de la vida, basa de en la solidaridad en las pequenas cosas que no se compran con dinero. Intentes cumplir las normas, las reglas de urbanidad para ser lo mas bien que puedes. Lo que hace se veuerte Y EL DOBLE.
This is what I took from her explanation:
I believe in [a] God a great deal, I believe that [it] helps me in many ways; but I believe in a less traditional God. God to me is a style of living (a way of being). I believe in Karma (What you put out in the world, you get back…and DOUBLE the quantity – good and bad). Be motivated to do what you feel in your heart is RIGHT (fair). Achieve what you can with the resources, rules that you have (trust me, you can do FAR more than you can imagine with minimal physical resources – it really is all psychological, making connections, putting yourself out there). Again, you do NOT need to be wealthy to live a RICH life. Oh yes, and MULTICULTURALISM (thank you, Professor V. Bede Agocha) is EVERYTHING. Embrace it and you will be golden.
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| The Opera House |
So yes, we later walked around. I, of course, took many photos of Mely’s neighborhood (the gorgeous Arts & Sciences Center and Opera House). We went to café a bit later with one of her friends from Uruguay and we walked around. There is ALWAYS something going on here, which I like; but I can always just return to my humble abode when I feel the urge. So this week was my second week of tutoring, which is going extremely well. We aim to work on Mireia’s bimonthly presentations she is required to give to international coworkers (conference call/meetings). It’s an honor, really. We read articles (World News!), I read to her and we practice dialogue. We are also working from a fantastic website (for all of you English learners): HYPERLINK "http://www.talkenglish.com/Speaking/listregular.aspx" http://www.talkenglish.com/Speaking/listregular.aspx . We’re actually working through the Business section: HYPERLINK "http://www.talkenglish.com/Speaking/listBusiness.aspx" http://www.talkenglish.com/Speaking/listBusiness.aspx . We really like it so far. She’s making great progress.
Mireia is an engineer, she is so sweet and her home is the comfiest of places. I feel very comfortable working with her! I would love to pursue this kind of work as a project (teaching English to professionals here in Spain). We will see – I want to do everything in one sitting, which is a problem.
I digress… “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans” (Mmhmm). I am sure many of you know this already, but sometimes we get caught up in all of the STUFF that we don’t really appreciate what’s in front of us (the beautiful, simple things in life). So, this is one of my goals: to stop, take a breath, sit down and enjoy the show. Well, that and being TOO friendly to every one I meet. This can be an issue (right, Carla?).
Later that evening I went to a nearby bar to do some research (Free WIFI at Easy Bar for future Fulbrighters living in Benimaclet). I had no idea that I would observe one of most common events in Spain (among young men). A group of 15 college students, accompanied by a few girls sat, drank and ate tapas for three hours while watching Fútbol on a flatscreen. It was great; there was so much energy in the room, every one screaming, jumping, swearing – it was glorious. I wish you could have been there, Papi and Tio Carlos. Needless to say, I did not get much accomplished that evening.
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| Valenciano Fútbol is HUGE here |
Quick notes on school: everything is going super bien. I am learning a lot about modifying one’s teaching styles to different age groups, which is something I definitely need to work on. The teachers, most of which speak Valenciano (as you know, this is very different from the Castellano that I grew up with). Regardless, they are so patient and kind towards me. For this I am very thankful. The head English teacher is still incredible. I can watch her for hours – our students are so very lucky to have her as an educator. Hopefully I pick some things up before TFA.
I have not really been at the apartment much lately. I passed most of the weekend with Melitza and just meandering around the city. I’ve been getting to know the sweet friends of my dear Fritz Chery and Luis Rodriguez (who live in Paris and London), which is exciting. I am also excited that my new friend, Francesco from Italy, will introduce me to a friend in Bologna so that I may stay with her for a few days! Planning, planning, planning. Hopefully, I will have el dinero.
We had a visitor this week! I love Margaux’s friend, who came to visit us for the week. Larry is such a lively, well informed and flambouyant individual. One just can’t help but want to be around him constantly. I love listening to the two sing Whitney Houston at the top of their lungs while cooking. I walked in the other night to the pair engrossed in a marvelous French film.
9/27/2010
Today was great. Nora’s father and his wife have come for the week and they invited us to mass at La Catedral de Valencia (absolutely GORGEOUS. Refer to Albums 2 and 3). With the exception of the lack of a choir (Titi Miriam, you know you’re too good), it reminded so much of las misas en Santa Maria, New Britain. I could not help but get emotional. It would have been cool to teleport the family for an hour.
Moving on to the MUSEUMS. Nora, her father and I went to IVAM (Modern Art museum). It was very interesting (least favorite to favorite, though all were brilliant in their own right): Julio Gonzales, Jose Villa, Jose Bedia, Ramon Esteve. Check them out online when you have a chance.
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| Interior House in Ibiza, Ramon Esteve |
Of course, afterwards, we went to Cien Montaditos for lunch; but I reallllly wanted to check out El Museo de Bellas Artes, so…I went! I was there for a few hours, marveling at some truly magnificent art, although I was more fascinating with the refreshing garden (at the center of the museum) and the sheer colors and arrangement of the rooms. Yes, I took pictures! (Album 3).
9/28
Another great day! I decided to attend a really great workshop today with the girls. I like to consider it to be kind of a “Teacher Development Day” type day. This was a great opportunity to meet ESL teachers from nearby cities/towns. I met a group of really sweet young teachers (I might spend a day or two with them in Castellon, which is an hour away!). I learned a great deal of (empirically based) teaching strategies/methods. Mrs. Saavedra ;-) I think you’d find the one featuring “learning centers” to be quite familiar (it’s JUST like the Daily 5 (My Daily Vitamin) you’re implementing in your school. I thought of you immediately. It made me SMILE.)
Villa Real, 27/9/2010 – “Staff Development Day”
Session I: Methodology in Kindergarten
· There is no best method. Huge variety of methods can be used depending on context (i.e. kid’s mood, level of knowledge/experience. One MUST be eclectic.
· Three Approaches
· #1: Emergent Curriculum/Reggio Emilia Approach
o Principles
§ kids CONTROL their own learning
§ multisensory experiences (using all/most of senses as often as possible)
§ kids MUST interact with the object/idea they are learning about; referred to as living through the experiences (exlploring)
§ parents are PARTNERS/collaborators (in the classroom as volunteers and/or outside) in the learning process
· Focus on three aspects
o HANDS ON activities (ALL the time)
o Constructivist approach (child as active learner)
o Parental involvement
o Teachers are learners*, too! (Co-learners and guides in the learning situation)
o Curriculum based on real-life PROBLEM SOLVING (which gives rise to creative thinking and exploration) ( which grants legitimacy to long-term projects (versus short-term). Kids can take their time.
o Students also stay with the same instructor for 3 years (as opposed to 2)
· Assessment
o Documentation, documentation, documentation
§ Teachers take pictures of students doing work; create portfolios of students work collected through out the term
o Physical environment is important
§ Referred to as the “third teacher”
§ It must be organized to promote autonomy among students (so they know where to go).
· #2: Learning Centers Approach
o Sometimes kids have a combination of (2-3) learning styles. Best solution: USE ALL SENSES in your teaching
o This approach focuses on DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES (differentiated learning sounds like this, no?)
o Crucial: HOW you present information is just as important as WHAT information you present.
§ Visual learners: draw, play with shapes and puzzles;
§ Auditory Learners: very good at following spoken directions
§ Kinesthetic learners: learn through touch, movement, space; learn skills via imitation & practice
o As you can see it is all about hands on activities.
o In utilizing this approach, there are about 8-9 learning centers to help develop student autonomy
§ Learning Centers are set up in classroom to promote creativity, independence.
§ Teacher has choice of whether to allow them free choice (to select which learning center they wish to use) OR set up a guided routine (timed)
o Example of Learning Centers
§ Art Center
§ Block Center
ú Remember: Human nature. When we see the same items over and over again we get bored. Kids will get bored if they see the same items every day. Replace every day or two and put original back (wood, logo blocks). Variety is key.
§ Computer center
§ Dramatic play/House Keeping Center
§ Library/Listening Center
ú Recordings, books made by the kids
§ Manipulative Center
ú Puzzles, play dough.
ú AGAIN, ROTATE MATERIALS on a regular basis.
§ Science center
§ Sensory center
ú Water table, sand table, light table
§ Writing center
ú Create own writings and illustrations
· Routines in Kindergarten
o MORNING MEETING =)
§ After pledge of allegiance
§ Building community and practicing being good listeners (team building)
o Calender activity
§ Each morning student helper tries to figure out the date, sets the card in the correct place, practices saying and writing the date
o Show & Tell
§ Once per week/or every day, one student presents item of their choice (Q & A)
§ Benefits: public speaking practice, confidence boost
o Reading time/telling a story
§ Student chooses a book to read to the class or talk about
o Special birthday card (HUGE)
§ Parents make them
§ Special crown is given to student
§ Student makes a special birthday presentation
§ Every one makes students a birthday card
o Special Guest Day
§ Ex. Live near Military base (utilize it)
o #3: Whole Brain Teaching Method
§ One of the fastest growing education reforms movements in the United States
§ Originate in CALIFORNIA!
§ Why employ? Long-term learning is effective when BOTH HEMISPHERES of the brain are stimulated. (increased student engagement)
§ The “Big 6”
ú Class! Yes!
· The ‘Attention Grabber’
· Max effect ( occasionally vary your tone
ú Classroom Rules
· ‘The Organizer’
o Follow directions quickly
o Raise hand for permission to speak
o Raise hand for permission to leave seat
o Make smart choices
o Make your dear teacher happy
· It’s IMPORTANT TO PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Rehearse these 5 rules
o RAP song every morning?
o Never* pick a single student out. If one person fails to adhere to rules, call the specific rule for the entire class to reflect on.
§ Example: Stop. “Class, Rule # 1” and Every one recites Rule # 1
ú Switch!
· “The Involver”
· Makes given activity more fun.
ú Teach! Ok!
· The “Reviewer”/Whole Brain Activator
· All students participate in the activity simultaneously; giving you time to monitor
· 2 Students (partners) – go through days of the week and then “SWITCH”.
ú Hands & Eyes
· “The Focuser”
· Used whenever you want max attention
· TRY NOT TO RAISE YOUR VOICE (ever).
ú Score Board
· “The Motivator”
· Use positive and negative reinforcement (reward positive behavior and penalize negative behavior)
· Keep positive/negative scores within 3 points (plus/minus 3 rules) ( otherwise discouraged
§ Source: CHECK THIS OUT! HYPERLINK "http://wholebrainteaching.com/" http://wholebrainteaching.com/ BIFFLE IS BRILLIANT and such a nice guy (yes, I e-mailed him).
Session II: Early Writing Development
· Relationship between text and communication (writing every day, there are MANY different writing activities)
o Scribbling
o Nonsense letters
o String letters together (random order)
o Copying
o Association (invented spelling)
· Stages of writing development
o Preliterate: Drawing/picture writing (~3 years old)
§ Drawing stands for writing
§ Drawing is communicating
o Scribbling (~3 years)
§ INTEND to write
§ Imitating what adults do
o Random letters: early emergent
§ Print own names
§ May put strings of letters
o Emergent: semi phonetic (~3-4 years)
§ No spacing
§ Try to match letters with sounds
§ Left to right progression
§ Letter reversals are still common
o Invented Spelling: Transitional (~4-5 years)
§ Own spelling
§ Uses spacing
§ This stage is PHONETIC (association between letters and sounds) awareness
§ One letter may represent an entire syllable
· Transition from Invented to Conventional Spelling
o “Temporary Spelling”
o Writing Practice and Reading ARE HUGE HERE.
o Benefits of invented spelling
§ Connection: increased phonetic awareness
§ Promoting the development of Independent writers (journal)
§ Write more words than they know how to read! Great.
· Should we practice WRITING immediately?
o Nay
§ First, work on fine motor skills (dexterity) – i.e. holding pencil appropriately
§ Improve hand/eye coordination
§ Pre-printing practice increases STRENGTH and DEXTERITY
ú Rolling play dough into tiny balls (use only fingertips no hold palm of hand)
ú Cut out shapes from cardboard – KIDS TRACE
ú Have students use toothpicks to make design in playdough
ú Using tweezers to move items
ú Tearing newspaper into strips and crumpling into balls
ú Lacing and sewing activity
ú Using eye droppers to play with water
ú Legos, action figures, working puzzles
ú “sky letters”/body practice
ú spell words on fellow classmates backs
§ Resources and activities
ú Motor alphabet letters (multisensory approach)
ú Wrist movement activity
ú SAND (flour, sugar)
ú Lace and link letters (letter recognition and finger movements)
ú Metal stencils (inside and inset)
ú Stepboard
ú Handwriting practice
ú Tracing paper
ú Movable language box
ú Prewriting worksheets
· Hidden Letter worksheets
· Alphabet recognition
· kidzone.ws/kindergarten
o Encourage LEGT TO RIGHT (lines*)
· Connect the dots
§ Printing Practice
ú Laminate alphabet sheet (just wipe it off)
ú Gel writing boards (very cool)
ú Dry erase alphabet
ú Board (ruled)
§ Copying (creative writing)
ú Picture story on a large paper roll
ú Sentence strips (make a story from a given strip). i.e. Today I will go to…
ú Morning message: daily, predictable shared writing experiences
· Guided writing instruction
· Pre-written format
“Good morning, boys and girls:
Today is _____. We will ______.
Love, Ms. Addie”
· They help you fill in the blank!
So later on, I ran over to La Casa de Misericordia to register for FREE Valenciano classes (If you are ever in Valencia for a few months I encourage you to look into it: ceedv.edu.gva.es . It is Valenciano para extranjeros, or Valenciano for Foreigners. We’re meeting Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM! Thanks, Nora!
9/29/2010
I had an interesting day. Today was the first time I had ever experienced the repercussions of an (allegedly) nationwide labor strike (huelga). Walking down the street to my metro stop was different today. As wierd as it sounds, an odd feeling came over me. It certainly did not feel like a normal day at work. Definitely skim the following article (apparently this is happening in France, too.): “The Strike in Spain” @ HYPERLINK "http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2010/09/29/espana/1285763230.html" http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2010/09/29/espana/1285763230.html . Many of my friends did not go to class or work today. But I did. I actually had to wait an extra hour and ¾ for my bus, which caused me to be quite late for school.
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| The Strike, Barcelona |
When I finally got to school, I jumped right into class. I worked with one student for 20 minutes, tackling the same problem. I don’t know what came over me; typically, I would get a little bit frustrated after 20 minutes, but for some reason I wanted to stay with this student the entire day until he GOT IT. He was trying so hard! He just couldn’t REMEMBER numbers 13-15 (despite the number of times we went through the numbers, how many ways I wrote it on paper or physically displayed them). This particular 2nd grader would confuse the number 13 with 16 or 18 (example: 1…10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19…….[long pause] “twen-theeee”). He’ll get it in time. I’m sure of it. I can’t take how adorable these kids are. I LOVE the way they pronounce purple (pooor-puh-leh). The entire 6th grade class chuckles whenever I pronounce it. They are totally worth the depleted energy sources. It’s obvious that some students have more experience with the English language than others; these students (alumnos) have either received private lessons, watched educational videos during their leisure time, had an English student living in their home or their parents teach English in Spain).
I couldn’t help but laugh in our first grade class today when a rather hyperactive student who I had to politely ask to sit down decided to say: “Caya. No sabe ni papas de Español” (Shut up, You don’t know any Spanish). I was kind of turned off, but (from a psychological view) he was probably acting out of social embarrassment. In fact, The students think that I can’t speak or understand Spanish because it is compulsory (as an English Teaching Assistant) to speak English 100% of the time in school.
Today ended pretty well. After work, I went directly to my tutoring session with Mireia (it was her birthday yesterday!). I like that we do something new every week. It really is an honor knowing her (and her boyfriend, the son of family friends!). Her mother is HYSTERICAL. I can not get enough of her! After our session, I met up with a new crony, Ruben, to check out Viveros Park. STUNNING!
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| My favorite place in Viveros Park, The Fountain |
Now I know where I will take my runs, especially because it is so close to the house and in such a safe neighborhood (Blasque Ibanez: wealthy people, tennis club, equestrians…need I say more?) Ruben (fluent in conversational English and Valenciano/Castellano) reviewed with me a pretty good amount of Spanish history.
Fascinating stuff, particularly when you really start talking about the fact that this country is split up into 17 autonomous communities and at least 50 Provinces.
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| Ruben, "my instructor", and I |
He even drew a map of the country, demarcating all communities and (which further sparked my interest) nearby attractions (Canary Islands and “Islas Baleares”). It was also pretty interesting to see a driving track for youngsters to practice (within the park!) Can you say preventative measures. If only I had one of those!
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| The Track |
9/31 And another Majestic Hike: Sagunto
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| El Castillo de Sagunt |
I wasted NO time yesterday. The minute I returned from work, I put on my (2 Euro) running sneakers and earphones and made my way over to Viveros Park for a scenic jog. So lovely, especially around 6 PM. I WISH I could just snap photos while running, so you all could see how amazing and huge this area is.
On Friday morning, Nora headed on over to Sagunto: Sagunto is famous for its Roman theater, and its hilltop castle which stretches over a kilometer. A must-see for history fans, “Saguntum” was a powerful Roman city, and the first to be attacked by Hannibal. It’s just a short train trip away from Valencia [30 minutes! This is fantastic!). (Source: http://www.holavalencia.net/2010/07/23/hola-valencias-top-5-day-trips/)
You can imagine how ecstatic Nora and I were. We passed about 5 hours in Sagunto and enjoyed every second of it. It reminds me so much of the Ancient Ruins in Greece, which made me happy (because I absolutely LOVE Greece). Following our agenda when we were in Alicante, we hiked up to el castillo (many parts are currently being renovated). On the way up, Nora and I stopped by THE MOST ADORABLE shop, which sold handmade (and colorful!) ceramic goods. I gave in and purchased something for Mamadukes.
Though it was not as organized and well preserved (as compared to el Castillo Santa Barbara) – hence the renovation. What I really enjoyed about this particular castle were all the really neat artifacts (i.e. what looked like someone’s bathtub!). We found little openings, which must have served as safe places for shooting bows & arrows, an area where cannons were probably shot from, multiple hidden areas (perhaps hiding places during time of war). The Roman theatre is beautiful.
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| Imagine shooting an arrow through this whole! |
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| Roman Theatre in Sagunt |
We took our time up there, aiming to “catch every angle possible” (Nora). We even decided to sunbathe during our break (hardly any one was there earlier in the morning; around noon was when we saw groups of students exploring the area). I am pretty sure the two of us smiled the entire time. You can imagine the appetite we built up frolicking around Sagunt city for 3 or 4 hours. We decided to stop by El Taverno del Sord. Nora is my hero; she will try anything once: El Morro and Blanco y Negro (“This is DELICIOUS”). I enjoyed a tapa: marinated sardines with olives and some tuna concoction I created at home.
8 Euro for everything! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (plus the owner is very sweet). We then went to the second museum of the day (Sagunto Historical Museum), which was pretty spectacular. The ceramic tiles were captivating. I personally can not believe how linguistically advanced this civilization was in the year 400 BC (distinctive language, advanced tools, etc.) After picking up some fruit from a local fruiteria, we headed back home.
If you’d like to delve into a few more AMAZING photos from Sagunt, please refer to: HYPERLINK "http://www.holavalencia.net/2008/09/24/sagunto-city-of-ruins/" http://www.holavalencia.net/2008/09/24/sagunto-city-of-ruins/ , HYPERLINK "http://www.holavalencia.net/2008/10/15/sagunto-part-ii/" http://www.holavalencia.net/2008/10/15/sagunto-part-ii/
Later on, Katie invited all of the girls to see a Fútbol game in town (walking distance from our flat!).
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| Katie and I |
Seeing as she knows one of the players, we found ourselves on the players’ bench (I’m not going to lie, I felt like a groupie). It was a quick one hour match, but it was SO MUCH FUN. I love Fútbol! I am looking to play at least as a sub for the girls team, but we’ll see. I can’t wait to go to a professional match here in Valencia with Mireia, Eric and Kevin (as they’ve promised!). Margaux went crazy when we met one of the players girlfriends, current journalist (fashion): Confidencialdemoda.blogspot.com, tendenciasenvlc.blogspot.com.
October 2, El Palmar and the Albufera
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| Early Morning Date with the Metro (Myself, Margaux, Chelseas, Rosemarie and Nora) |
By 11:15 AM we were off to the metro stop! We sat in a lovely café for about an hour, waiting for the bus. As you know, I am not very good at relaxing, so this was a rich experience for me! I learned a lot from Rosemarie (fellow Fulbrighter visiting for the weekend). I can NOT wait to visit her in a few weeks (her place is beautiful; can you say beach front property?
About our desintation:
“Found just a few kilometers south of Valencia, the natural park of the Albufera is home to an enormous freshwater lagoon [gorgeous]. From the city, you can bike there in less than an hour, and be rewarded with some incredible nature… dunes, wetlands, birds and fauna, the beaches of El Saler, and beautiful nature trails. The village of El Palmar is found deep within the Albufera and is world-renowned for its paella restaurants.”
HolaValencia.net, yet again right on point: HYPERLINK "http://www.holavalencia.net/2008/04/14/el-palmar-the-perfect-day-trip/" http://www.holavalencia.net/2008/04/14/el-palmar-the-perfect-day-trip/ .
The 2 hour lunch was magical Tomatoes resting atop a bed of succulent olive oil, peanuts (my love), olives, bread, wine, two distinct orders of paella - This city apparently makes the best paella in all of Valencia.
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| Look at that Paella |
Thanks for sharing the experience, ladies. Overall, phenomenal day! The ride home in a yellow van with our new friends really topped off our day!
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| Learnign Something New! Living Life "Old School" and Loving Every Minute |
What I learned from Rosemarie (Love her) and our girl, Chelsea Dixon:
Ø Read Skinny Bitch (learn the truth about Milk Products. Contrary to popular belief, milk does not prevent osteoporosis. In fact, there appears to be an increase likelihood of osteoporosis among dairy drinkers)
Ø Watch Food, Inc.
Ø The 411 on GMOs
· GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are hormones injected into food in order to increase the speed of growth, to make a food ‘look’ better and to increase the size of the food.
· GMOs are nonexistent in Europe. Think about it. Why are fruits (i.e. strawberries) and peanuts so much smaller here than in the United States?
· There aren’t any preservatives, additives, etc. in the food here. As a result, things just taste better here in Europe.
· I guess organic really is the way to go. “Smaller is better”
Reflection: The ride over there was beautiful (particularly seeing in the daytime, the City of Arts and Scienes: take a moment to watch the “Presenation Video” - http://www.cac.es/) I couldn’t help but stand the entire ride, marveling at the scenery.
In a few hours we were off to the boys' concert. I had NO idea that it would be my first RUNNING OF THE BULLS (bullfight), or Corrida de Torros. It was really sweet – It was also the first time for Gaby, a native of Valencia, Spain! I was forced to dress up as one of the musicians (my hosts both have music scholarships) in order to get in! I guess it was rather comical. It is so lovely knowing these Spanish musicians. They have hearts of gold and they really can play! 
