Tres Mes

Well, it's getting cold in Madrid and even colder in the apartment. But no worries, we have heating. A 12 by 30 inch device that sometimes works and almost heats one room. I'm really looking forward to January.

This month marks the first full month of teaching and the arrival of the first paycheck. I will travel to 3 different companies, which will all hand over a little wad of crisp cash to be placed in some sort of bed cushion or underwear drawer bank. No stubs. No receipts. No tax? Yet to figure out that one.

Indeed much of the novelty has worn off. The cute little 6 year olds are now mentally slow but hyperactive nuisances by whom I must earn a buck, so confirming the suspicion that I might not want to teach children. I still like the adults, though I'm not sure I teach them anything, but they seem to have a good time.

This week is Halloween. While American kids ask for candy, Spanish children go to doors and ask for money. Smart little whips. One of my students said she usually makes 30 Euros in one night. So Halloween officially provides more hourly income than the teaching English profession. In America it’s the trash-men who outstrip the educator in salary, so…do what you want with that.

But this month has been filled with Memphian visitors. The lovely Mr. and Mrs. Butler made an appearance and showed Spain what it means to have a good time. Also Melinda from work came with tidings from the world of law. So it has been a busy and American doused month, which has been exactly what I needed coming on month three of life in Spain.