Wednesday 13 May 2009

Smiling at Strangers on Trains



Hola senors and senoritas, generic Spanish welcomes abound. At precisely 12.00 today I had my telephone interview for Pamplona. I was subjected to my very own Spanish inquisition. Sure the person was an American and it was more of an informal interview without the torture but she was inquisitive nonetheless. She rattled through the normal questions about where I did my CELTA and what I already have experience in. When she asked what I was prepared to do I resisted the temptation to make jokes about not going down on the first date, and settled for the more appropriate/dull answer. After describing the school and how it works, which is very similar to Bucharest, I am delighted to say I was offered a job. She wouldn't have done if she knew she was talking to me at noon and I was in dressing gown with Football Asia on mute. My team and pride of Japan, Urawa Red Diamonds, are doing very nicely thank you. I have since duly accepted. I'm already excited and after weeks of aimless waiting and time wasting it is such a relief to know that there is something on the horizon. It doesn't start until September (the 17th to be precise) so still plenty of time to wallow away a lazy summer like something from the Wind and the Willows.

I have tried to find out some stuff on Pamplona to regale you with, as education is my middle name, but it was a little trickier than expected. A vast majority of it is about San Fermin where they run with the bulls. I did read that at San Fermin they have a junior version of the running of the bulls, known as the fire bull. It doesn't involve an actual bull, its a wooden version that is run through the streets and spits out fireworks which the kids have to avoid. Thats good clean fun, indoctrinate them young. They used to use a real bull. Pamplona boasts a palace, a cathedral, a castle, two universities and it has a planetarium with the largest dome in the world. Your conferencing needs are also met as the Baluarte Conference Centre is one of the largest in Spain. Businesstastic. So far I'm no where closer to knowing if the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.

I hope you all are happy and shiny. kisses x

3 comments:

Serj said...

Congrats dude, I'm sure you'll have a great time there ;)

Sam said...

The rain in Spain falls mainly in Catalunya, don't worry.

Also, I was just talking to my last student about San Fermin. Might go if the finances look like they can handle it.

Congratulations on the job though! Spain is a fantastic place to live, you'll love it.

mjp said...

thank you both. im already quite excited even though it doesnt start until September. If you go Sam let me know whats its like, apparently its a pretty heavy two weeks! if ever either you fine gentleman fancy a visit you would always be welcome.