I would like to apologize for not writing in such a long time. I thought I would let you know that I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Quite the contrary, I've been so busy with teaching, going to Basque class, and the choir that I haven't had time to sit down and write a post about all of the things that have happened in the past few months. Here is the story of the past few months in a nutshell. I have had several choir concerts, and only had to "watermelon" a couple of songs. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this term, "watermelon" is what you sing when you don't know the words to the song and have to fake it. This term is also known in Spanish as "playback". The reason for my "watermeloning" was that I was given some of the music they day of the concert and needed to sing it as best I could. Needless to say, my sight reading has improved considerably since being here.
As for my Basque class, it is still difficult, but I am beginning to understand more and more each day. I say simple phrases and can count to 100. It's a good thing I know my numbers because some of the store clerks at the supermarket tell me how much I have to pay in Basque. I'm still far from being the most adept at using the language in class, but I am learning quickly.
In December, I went back to the U.S. for Christmas to visit my family and friends. I had a great time, especially having the opportunity to visit with some of my cousins who I haven't seen in a long time. Due to severe snow storms, I almost didn't make it out of Europe, but, after many hours of delays, I made it home and had a wonderful time.
Teaching has proven to be as challenging as I thought it would be, but I am greatly enjoying it. Sometimes I wonder if my students have learned anything because several of them keep asking them about my life in England or Canada. Just yesterday, one of my students asked me (again) if I was from Canada. Newsflash: I'm not English or Canadian. Despite the difficulties, I love working here in the Basque Country and have submitted my application to return for next, and with any luck, the experience will be just as positive.
