Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Year Abroad: 5 - Update...One month to go

I now have less than a month before I embark on what I hope shall be the best year of my young life.
So status update:

I bought my flights a little while ago for the week before I start work to give me time to settle in and explore my new home.  As I type there has been ABSOLUTELY NO WORD from the Andalucian government about our induction training.  So it better be after I arrive, so that I have a clue about what I'm supposed to actually be doing.

I have almost sorted out a flat for myself.  I just have to send one more email saying "Si, senor.  I shall have this flat" but you know, all in Spanish.  Its a one bedroom flat which the previous assistant stayed in and recommended.  The landlord seems like such a lovely man and the rent is reasonable.  It is also right next to the supermarket, so no lugging bags miles around town....yay!
I'm so glad that I should have this sorted before I arrive so that on my first day I can just get into my home, have a shower and cry my eyes out.  Then I can go for a walk and start mi ano en el extranjero :)

We just celebrated my month-previous-to-my-actual-birthday birthday.  It was so nice of my mum to give in to my craziness, but hey.  We had a cake with a singing candle and everything.  To give me something to open on my birthday the parents got me this lovely bag to take with me.  They also got me the brand-spanking new laptop which I am currently using.  My sister got me the first two series of Horrible Histories on DVD so I shall be using them to teach my Spaniards all about the songs and how much I love it.  My saltire flag has also been ordered.  It will adorn my bedroom wall making sure everyone knows where I'm from.  Soy escocesa y me pone orgullosa.

I have also had the first proper night of hysterics where I just broke down and cried at my mum about how scared I am.  I think that has helped me a lot.  I am terrified, for no good reason other than the being a long way away from everyone I know.  But I am more excited than scared.  I can't wait to get going.  Sure it'll be hard the first wee while but soon I shall be too busy to care.  And thank goodness we live in this technological age of Skype.  My family and friends are but a mouse click away.

I think that is all for now.  

Adios for a little while.