6 months later... Ministerio de Educación

It was 6 months ago that I received my last correspondence from the Ministry of Education, that I have confirmed their placement for me for the upcoming year.  Funny thing is, while I'm a little sad that I haven't received my contract for this year, things happen for a reason, and like most good things... it must come to an end 

(or unless there's a sequel... or a prequel... or a sequel to the prequel...)

Either way, its time to make my own plans.  I'm not waiting anymore.  The great thing about this is, I have all of the possible options on the world.  Well, sorry so short, there's sun outside!

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

SpainTalk - My Weekend.

I have been here in A Coruña for 6 weeks.  Time does fly by.  Funny thing is I haven't gone out at all.  

The few times that I have explored A Coruña, it has been with friends from Ferrol.  Speaking of which, I need to plan the next Ferrol English Dinner Club!

This weekend was quite unique, simply because my class (Health Care Management) ended last Friday.  No school (teaching wise), and no responsibilities.

So what do I do when I have nothing to do?!  

Video Games and Junk Food WEEKEND - DUH!

Weekend of The Walking Dead, DOHA 2, Final Fantasy VII, ice cream, banana chocolate pancakes, 3 bags of potato chips and even home made syrup!

Just in case you're on Steam - hawaiiinsomniac.

While, I definitely agree that it is ok to have junk food once in a while, this can't be a daily thing.  

In fact, just got home from the gym.  Took a spinning class, then ran on the treadmill for a quick 15 minutes, then swam.  Protein shake and gatorade.  

That was my weekend.  Perhaps, I should get productive and plan some lessons!  o_O  

Yes, I had the most kills.  Target practice.

Chocolate banana pancakes!  woot woot!

Just add water for home made syrup!

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

SpainTalk - Things that I miss... Oct. 2013

One of the great things about traveling is I get to experience new things, but it comes at a cost 

(opportunity cost - for you economists out there).  

There are a few things I miss about being in the United States... 

Here are a few of those things...

1) A Big Screen HDTV.  

Televisions are common place in the United States.  In Hawaii, my roommate and I had 3.  I had a 42" HDTV in my bedroom, she had a 47" HDTV in hers and we had one in the living room.  I bought my dad a 55" HDTV for Christmas 2 years ago.  In Florida, I have a 32" HDTV. I would buy one here as well, but they are WAY too expensive in comparison to US prices.

Yes, killing zombies is not the same on my 17" laptop.

Walmart.com

2) Big Breakfast

Yes, I can cook my own breakfast, and most of the time I do.  Sometimes its a lot of work.  It would be nice to go to a restaurant and order breakfast!  Funny part is in the US, its really cheap.  Its probably cheaper to eat out for breakfast, than to buy the ingredients for yourself and cook it (especially party of 1).

Some of my favorite breakfast places:

San Diego, CA - HASH HOUSE A GO GO 

Hawaii Kai (Honolulu), HI - Moena Cafe

Kailua, HI - Boots and Kimo's

St. Petersburg, FL - Trip's Diner
Long Beach, CA - Jongewaard's

3) Halloween
Halloween is my favorite holiday (after Christmas - of course) and this year, its unfortunate because I don't have my favorite makeup artist and I'm not really inspired to be creative and gruesome.  I'm going to the store today (maybe tomorrow), but even then - the best Halloween costumes aren't bought, they're made (anyone makeup artists out there?!).

One of my BFFs 

Yes, made by the zombie above!

Yes, I'm trying of course, but like most things, access is easier if everything is readily available - not to mention if you're friends enjoy dressing up in costumes and scaring kids at night.

Ha ha, I think I want a really big screen TV because I miss playing video games on a huge screen.

Oh yeah - also a very cool Xbox One ad.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

 Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

SpainTalk - First Care package...

I received my first care package in the mail yesterday from +Poli P .

(Hooray, I can actually tag people through my blog!)

Ok, let me describe what's in my care package.

First - Pentel EnerGel Retractable liquid gel 0.7 metal tip pens in multicolor.  Yes, I am neurotic about pens.  I've been using the same pens for about 6-7 years now.  Working in finance before, and being a notary, I had to sign lots and lots and lots of paperwork, so a good pen is essential, needless to say, I tried others and this is the best pen out there!

Next is yellow curry - one of my favorite foods, from Thailand.  Its a little spicy (I don't think its that spicy, but most Galicians think otherwise).

Next is sriracha - because +David Azevedo used all of my sriracha and didn't tell me this past summer... hahaha... balance has been restored, and I can't wait to try some since I can't breath out of my nose.

I think sriracha is actually from Vietnam and is commonly used in foods like Pho.

Lastly is caldereta mix, this packet of spices are from the Philippines and its great with meat, potatoes and carrots, I can't wait to cook some!  I'm actually getting a little hungry now.

Well, time to work on my final paper.  meh.  Enjoy your weekend.  I'll be couped up, recovering and writing.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

SpainTalk - Campanadas de Boda - 1st play in Spain

Considering that I've lived in Spain for a little over a year, its someone surprising that I've seen my first play this past weekend. 

 

I enjoy going to plays and to concerts, I remember my first play overseas Kiss in Porto, Portugal, I really didn't understand most of the dialogue, but you sort of get the idea of the bigger picture, and the same pretty much with this play "Campanadas de Boda".  I had a hard time understanding all of the jokes and nuances, but for the most part, I understand the play. 

 

This play is about a wedding between an Indian gentleman and a Spanish woman, which highlights many of the stereotypes of marriage and even perhaps Spanish culture.

 

One of the things I really enjoyed the most about the play is the interactive nature.  For example, they take pictures during the play and you can download them after the show - for free!

 

CLICK HERE to see some of the show pictures and to buy your tickets!

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

 

SpainTalk - What would you like to see?!

I am finally back in Galicia (well, since Sunday), but I am finally getting settled back in, unpacking, sorting, cleaning, paying, updating, running, swimming, typing, writing, reading, talking, drinking (coffee), and eating (of course)...

Now that I am back in Galicia, to continue my videos on YouTube, I'll post a weekly video about something here in Galicia.  This is an opportunity for you to get to know a little about me and my life here in Spain.  You've seen some pictures, but this will be a first hand look at things here in A Coruña, of course, I'll be shooting some videos of Ferrol and other surrounding areas as well.

So... What would you like to see here in Spain?!  If you're looking for something touristic in Madrid or Barcelona - those things already exist (you can google those)...

Well first video coming this Sunday.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

SpainTalk - A hui hou Ferrol

Aloha everyone!

It has been quite some time since I wrote a blog.  I haven't had internet access.

There has been so much going in the past couple of days.

I am officially moved out of the apartment and everything is spic and span.  Today, I also had to spend quite a bit of time studying since I was a bit behind with everything going on.

Wow, I can't believe it has been 8 months.  I know not everyone reads my blog... but since I am the worst person at saying goodbye (seriously), I'll say my farewells on my blog.

Weird thing is I rarely say goodbye.  Probably because I because I don't believe in good byes, so I guess I should introduce a new phrase, "A hui hou" which means - until we meet again.  Which is the case since I am going to leave in the next city over, even if I wasn't staying in Galicia, I would come back, I've been fortunate to have made a few friends along the way and I know good friends aren't easy to come by.

Special thanks to everyone at EOI.

A hui hou...

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time

SpainTalk - My mild obsession...

I've always loved coffee and tea. 

One thing I really love about Spain is the coffee.

Yes, give me some café con leche (2-4 times a day).

I decided to make a mini collage with a few picture that I have taken.

Speaking of which, its 22:49, I should have some coffee.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

SpainTalk - Sports

Someone asked me the other day why I didn't join any sports.  I am very active (not so much this past winter), but I've never participated in any type of sports (which involved other people).

If there is one thing I really miss, its cycling.  Yes, I've had the opportunity to ride mountain bikes here and it was a great experience, but in the U.S. with my road bike, I can ride my bike on the streets along with the cars, in most cases even go faster than them.

During training mode, which was about 9 months out of the year (Hawaii weather allows for training all year round), I could ride my bike for 100km at a time (reserved for Sundays - longer ride days).

Training was also complimented by the fact that I have a cause near and dear to my heart, and in order to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, I would participate in endurance sports and fund raise.

Well, maybe this upcoming year in Galicia, I'll focus on swimming, now to find an indoor swimming pool in A Coruña.  Speaking of staying in shape, I should go for a run while this weather is cooperating!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

SpainTalk - DodgeBall (brilé) Time Ferrol!

Whether its called dodgeball, brilé or any other name, kids all around the world (before they were too distracted with Facebook statuses) played outside with other kids until the sun came down.

I figured it would be fun to play these types of games - as adults.

I've been looking for a park (with sufficient space) for a picnic and various children's games that we can play as adults.  Any ideas?  =]

I've included one of the funniest movies (featuring Ben Stiller) called dodgeball.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

SpainTalk - Aloha Ferrol...

Aloha everyone!

If you´re tired of reading my blog in English... well check out ALOHA FERROL (CLICK HERE)

It´s my blog where I write entirely in Spanish... 

I know, it needs a lot of work, but hey... little by little, right?

Thanks!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

SpainTalk - This Fall...

Well, I can't believe that the time is already here... well, its been here for quite sometime, just the decision making process has to pretty much happen now.

What am I talking about?  I am talking about where I will be working here in Spain for the next year.  I pretty much knew that I wanted to stay another year here in Spain and I've been racking my brain with countless thoughts about Asturias, Ferrol, Valencia, Santiago, Madrid and Palma.

So how did I finally decide where to go?

After spending countless hours (perhaps even days) on where to go work, etc.

It came down to the roll of the dice.  (literally)

Well, I couldn't find a dice - so a number generating application on my phone.

I assigned the 6 places a number from 1-6, the first place to get picked twice was the winner.

So... where am I going to be working this fall?

Drum Roll please...

Madrid...

(was not the winner)

Valencia 

(was also not chosen)

Asturias 

(was close, but no cigar)...

This fall, I have requested to work in...

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Santiago de Compostela.

Final paperwork will be mailed tomorrow.

Yes, I will be staying here in Galicia.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

SpainTalk - ESLTalk - NA1 - WEEK19 - Body Language

For this week's lesson, we talked about body language.  In addition to my first gap fill exercise (woot...) we also discussed the importance of body language.

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson.

Sorry so short.  =P

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

EslTalk - SpainTalk - Week 19 - NA2 - Job Interview

Aloha!  woot. finally have some time to blog...

Here is the NA2 lesson for this past week - Job Interview

As we discussed in class, job interviews doesn't determine the best of the best.  Job interviews requires a combination of talent, experience, social skills and the ability to sell one's self.

I've been on multiple job interviews, and to be honest I've obtained every single job - even my two interviews here in Spain (in Spanish).  Luck? Perhaps, but I think it boils down to confidence and being aware of what the other person wants to hear... =]

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Ferrol Dinner English Club - March 2013 - Potluck!

If there is one thing that I have to pick that Galicians and people from Hawaii have in common... it is our love for food.  Hosting my first Galician potluck, the sheer amount of food reminded me of being back home... that and all of the smiling faces... 

Note: if you have the opportunity to attend a Galicia/Hawaii potluck/dinner/party function... you should go... you're guaranteed a full stomach, a bunch of of laughs and great memories.

PS. If you're reading this and you're hungry - feel free to stop by... =]

CLICK HERE to access all of the pictures... 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

SpainTalk - ESLTalk - NA1 - WEEK17 - Advice

This week we are practicing something we probably do on a daily basis - giving advice...

If you want to read up more on Dear Abby.. CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for this week´s lesson (last week´s) I know... I know...

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

SpainTalk - ESLTalk - NA2 - WEEK17 - Phobia

Aloha everyone!

Well... I´m a little behind on blogging - so I´ll be blogging like a madman today... since the week will just get more hectic!  hahaha... Besides getting my new phone(s), I plan on finishing my letter of intent, preparing for cultural week and yeah watching RuPaul´s Drag Race! woot.

haha.  It´s great to see everyone after a long holiday... 

CLICK HERE for this week´s lesson... (well... last week´s!)

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

SpainTalk - New Blog Coming!!

Quick note.

New blog coming... entirely in Spanish... WHAT what?

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

SpainTalk - TechTalk - Shipping

I've been talking a lot about shipping recently and this is pretty much just to describe my experience with receiving packages.  I love to shop online and I would recommend for everyone to buy everything that they need online and ship it...

With the exception of cell phones and laptops or other electronic devices.  I don't have a problem with paying taxes - actually, I calculate it in my price when I buy an item... but apparently Spain customs has a fascination with my electronic things - which I don't really mind (its just a shame really).

DO NOT SHIP ELECTRONICS TO SPAIN - DO NOT DO IT.

Friends and family, I love you, but get me a gift card - I'll buy it another way.

1st case - USPS and ADT postales.

This package has been in Spain since February 6th.

Will I ever see it?! WHO KNOWS. 

Apparently, a blue netbook is a cause for customs to keep it under wraps.  I've sent every form, invoice, signed documents, my passport, the promise of my 1st child (since I don't plan to have any), but apparently that isn't enough... at this point, I might have them ship it back to my dad and I'll just and get it in June...

2nd Case - DHL and DHL customs

This one is quite special.  The package has taken 72 hours to get from China to Spain and it looks like I'll be going on Semana Santa before I see this package.

I don't mind paying for taxes and I've actually been corresponding (in Spanish) but she started writing in English - probably because her Spanish is better than my English...

What I don't understand is..

You're estimating 105 eur on a phone that cost 135 eur (CLICK HERE for blog post).

a) I lost my phone - so #duh 

- that is why you can't call me and that is why I ordered this generic ass cheap phone.

b) What do you mean you tell me an exact amount?  YOU ARE CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT - IF YOU CAN'T TELL ME - WHO WILL? and not only that... you want me to PAY YOU A DHL DISPATCH COMMISSION - for doing something that you don't how much it will be?

c) I have to wait another day - because she gets off work at 15:00.

 Needless to say - go ahead and buy your ties, t-shirts, small electronics on eBay - I haven't had a problem with 99% of shipping things to Spain - the moment you have to go to through clearance - you might as well have them send that package back - this is causing too much of a headache to deal with.

I wish I lived in Madrid - it would probably be faster to stop by there and ask exactly what is going on... 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

SpainTalk - USE DHL for SHIPPING

Holy Batman!

I officially love DHL (and I've never met him before - hahahaha!!)

China to Spain in 3 days = WOW (impressed).

I chose the expensive shipping $33.70 to ship my phones from China and wow. 

Maybe I'll even get it this afternoon (Happy Camper!)

The reason I chose the expensive shipping was because I got 10% off using the code FACEBOOK2013.

CLICK HERE to read more about my phone debacle... 

CLICK HERE if you want to shop for cheap phones... HAHAHA

CLICK HERE if you're bored.

CLICK HERE because I said so...

CLICK HERE to make a difference... 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.