Candy Corn makes for a fabulous Halloween

The fact that it has been a month since I wrote last is rather embarrassing.  Granted, it is not for lack of desire.  However, as the word has gotten out that there is an American here in Tomelloso who is willing to give private lessons in English, my free time has been rapidly gobbled-up.

This being said, I would like to rewind to the end of October…Halloween!  Yes, our American holiday is now celebrated in Spain.  The storefronts advertise ghoulish costumes, and the supermarkets sell neatly packed goodie bags for the children.  

On Thursday, October 28^th, it was my turn to spread a little Halloween fright.  I had brought from Philadelphia stickers, press-on tattoos, and candy.  When I entered the classroom and told my students that I had a surprise for them, they shrieked with delight.  I explained, “In packing to come to Tomelloso, I wanted to bring something essentially American.  Nowadays, it’s just as easy to buy a Snickers bar in Spain as it is in the States.  So, what could I bring?!”  With that, I grabbed my bag of Candy Corn and Candy Pumpkins.  “I am sure that you can’t buy these in Spain!” 

It was amusing to watch my students’ reactions as I distributed the candy.  Some looked at it quizzically, not quite sure if it was indeed edible; others feverishly devoured it, exclaiming, “¡Está rico!”

As the period came to an end and I gathered my things, the entire class began chanting my name, “Que-rit, Que-rit, Que-rit.”  (Several years ago I looked-up my name in a Spanish Bible, and that was the translation that I found.  Since then, I have always introduced myself as Querit to Spanish speakers.)

Now, almost three weeks later, it is sweet to remember that afternoon…not just because I had an entire classroom singing my praise, but more so to know that I am making an impact here in Tomelloso.     

 Me, a winner of the pumpkin contest, and 
Fernando (one of the English teachers at the school)

My piso

Today is Tuesday, October 19^th.  As of today, I have been here three weeks.  That is crazy; it seems like it has been much longer.  (Amazing, isn’t it, how time has a way of playing with one’s mind?)

I still feel lonely…mostly when I lie in bed at night…missing a certain person by my side.  However, Tomelloso is slowly becoming “home.”  That is to say, I have settled into a routine and that has provided me comfort.

I thought it would be fun to give y’all a tour of my place.  Enjoy!

Spanish apartments are famous for their long hallways, as can be seen in this first picture.  (It was rather amusing trying to capture this picture.  Close your eyes and picture Cherith pressing the “take” button, and then running like a bat out of hell to try and get as far down the hallway as possible.  Entertaining.  Really.)

This is my kitchen.  Notice two thumbs-up for hot water!  (If you didn’t know, I was without hot water for several days.)

At the very end of the hallway is my living room.  The windows let-in a ton of light.

Of course, it never looks as good on film, but from my living room windows, I can see some amazing sunsets.

Ha!!!  Okay, this one definitely needs an explanation.  The previous renters had a little girl and what is now the office was originally her bedroom.  The room was decorated with teddy bears and dolls…and these two, naked Barbie’s.  Needless to say, they are now in the closet. 

I know some of you have asked for my address here in Tomelloso.  It is the following:

     C/ Calvario, 1, 3a

     13700 Tomelloso (Ciudad Real)

     España

Feel free to write, but I’d caution not to send packages.  It is costly, and in addition, in order for me to get the package, I would have to go to a special office in Madrid.  

Today I had an “I hate this f…’n country moment.”

They said it was supposed to rain.  Right.  In the land where a passing cloud is enough to make a meteorologist jump for joy, I just figured it was a mistake. 

I awoke to a cloudy sky – but no rain – so I figured that I would keep with my intended plan of trekking across town to the large, centro comercial.  I gathered my shopping bags and headed out the door (well, that is to say, attempted to head out the door.  My lock has been quite finicky recently, and consequently I have to jiggle the handle for a good minute before I am able to unlock the door.  Wonderful!).

Anyway, as I was saying…I was enjoying my little outing.  My forty-minute walk allowed me to get to know more of Tomelloso.  I arrived at Eroski (the large supermarket), a little warm, and in urgent need of a toilet (curse that extra cup of water).  After taking care of the necessities, I began shopping.  First order of business – pots and pans.  I selected two, medium-sized pots and then decided to wander over to the food section.  Perusing the aisles, I thought about how much I desperately missed Whole Foods.  I don’t think that Castilla – La Mancha has gotten onboard the organic movement.  Oh well.

While I finished my shopping, I noticed that it had begun to rain…um…let’s rephrase that…it had begun to POUR!  Damn!  Of course, my luck!  I strolled around a little more, trying to buy time in hopes that the rain would let-up.

When I finally checked-out, the rain had subsided to a drizzle.  Nothing to worry about, if you were running from the supermarket to the comfort of your car.  What awaited me was a mile and a half walk back to my piso.  “Come-on, Cherith.  Buck-up!  You can do this!” I said to myself.

I’ll be honest, that mile and a half walk back home was not very fun.  Cars passed me by; their drivers would look out and stare, most likely thinking, “What in the hell is that girl doing walking in the rain?!”  Even more depressing than the rain was the fact that not one person stopped and offered a ride.  “Can you not tell I could use some help, jerks!!!” I muttered.  I guess not.

I’m back in my apartment now and the rain has stopped…and as I write this, I can’t help but think how much I miss my car…and how I miss my home…and my husband! 

Beginnings

How much is a dream worth?  Is it worth giving up an entire year of your life?  Is it worth leaving loved ones behind?  God, as I sit here listening to Howie Day, tears streaming down my face, sometimes I think not.  In many ways, it’s this bitter irony.  I’m in my beloved Spain, but I have no one here with whom to share my joy.  It sucks!  I take a deep breath, and try to remind myself that it is only for a time – “this too, shall pass” – but somehow such words do not provide the warmth of human company.

I will continue with this blog, honestly, not because I much want to, but in a strange sense, it provides me comfort.  I guess it helps to know that through my blog, I can stay in contact with people that seem so very far away. 

I’ve been in Spain exactly one week (Tuesday, October 5, 2010…it has taken me longer than that to get this blog up and running).  But, that is so apropos for the country in which I now live.  Things are not quickly accomplished!  HA!  If only, right?!  The fix-it-man for my apartment said that he would be here on Monday at 7pm.  Well, it is Tuesday, at a quarter until nine in the evening, and I am still waiting.  Granted, nothing major has collapsed or exploded or fallen apart, but I am currently flushing the toilet by reaching into the ceramic “box” and pulling the chain.  Oh well, it could be worse…for several hours, before I figured out how to “pull the chain” (oops, does this sound like some kind of sexual innuendo…sorry, it wasn’t supposed to be), I was seriously contemplating peeing into the bidet.  Now, that would be something, wouldn’t it? 

Well, that’s enough for now.  I’m going to break with Spanish tradition and go to bed before ten!  

Buenas noches.