What a ride it has been...

It is good that I will spend the holidays here with family and friends. Repatriation is an issue for the most seasoned of expats, there are predictable stages and emotions. Return is wrought in catching up with all that occurred during absence and attempting (slowly I’m told is best) to integrate my learning into what was once familiar. I anticipate re-entry from a distance, tentatively viewing from afar wondering aloud how it will be. In the meantime there are finals to be written, grades to be calculated, people to bid farewell to, and holiday shopping to attend to.

Our days are numbered in single digits now. This past week was filled with student presentations. We also had the pleasure of live readings from students in the memoir class – incredible, talented writers. My colleague, Rosemary, says among the students in her class at least 4 are professional level writers ready for publishing. How wonderful for Rosemary, in her last semester of teaching, to work with such capable students. She is touched beyond words by their courage to articulate the depth of their lives. I am honoured beyond words that this was my life for the Fall 2007 term. Thank you for all your postings and encouraging emails during my travels.

Happy Holidays!

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

#1: Sagrada Familia

#2: Barceloneta

#3: Dunkin donuts: one of several at metro stations

#4: School children watching the Barcelona afternoon light

Down, down, down...

It is the most opportune time for something like this to happen. On Friday not only did the Internet go down but our entire server system (I know my tech friends are smiling at my word choice here) crashed as well. Students who chose not to take advantage of our final travel weekend in order to get a solid start on end-of-semester research projects did not have the luxury of access at the house. Instead they were encouraged to go to free wi-fi access points. Fortunately the Dalkeith Public Library is one of these places. However, from what I was able to infer from the number of complaints many of the students in my classes never left the house. Choosing instead to sleep late, watch movies, assemble puzzles, play Twister, etc. In a way it is interesting to witness the lost sense this generation has when access requires effort. What fills that space is more interactive activities with one another versus the endless Facebook, AIM, Skype type activities with others overseas. From an observation perspective the dynamics are intriguing. Last night Bob & Moe built a fire, had students baking cookies, there were chestnuts roasting on the open fire (are you humming yet), students were in the dining area doing homework, chatting with each other, playing cards, and seemingly enjoying our community.

However my main concern on this Monday morning is quality work for these projects. Students are learning about contingency planning, putting forth an unexpected type of effort in order to deliver a quality piece of work later this week. I offer assistance to my students in a question that sounds something like this: “How can I help you make this project one of the best you have ever done?” We discuss how my expectations remain the same despite the technology issue. They get it, they do not argue the point…some even say aloud “we can handle it, we’ll do fine”.

Today Dalkeith Library contained a great mix of locals and students each discovering parts about the other. While I was there an elderly woman entered aided by her walker and her 20 lb beagle in the lead. She chatted with library staff, who obviously knew her. Every time someone would approach the desk to ask a question of the staff the beagle barked and growled. I had to suppress my laughter. Would a scene like this ever play out in a library in the States? I highly doubt it.

Anyway, this is what greeted me when I arrived home from my travel weekend in Barcelona which, by the way, was incredible. Kathleen and I are well suited for travel together. We have similar interests, preferences, and we appreciate a day that is loosely structured.

A few of the MANY highlights and musings:
Sagrada Familia took my breath away
Barceloneta gave it back
Holiday buzz with markets and decorated streets was plentiful
Catalonia is filled with passion as evidenced by the thousands gathered for a protest Saturday evening
Art is EVERYWHERE…Picasso, Miro, Gaudi
Light in this fine city captures moments and moods
When you forget the address of the hotel you meet interesting and helpful Catalans
The Chocolate Museum was no big deal, the chocolate shop in Barri Gotic was
Sangria and Kava are heavenly
Directions to a “great burger & kava” shop in Barceloneta made us laugh
The children’s book “Everyone Poops” would hold unique meaning in this city
Sunshine feels nice when all you’ve seen is grey sky of late

I will return to Barcelona, what my musician friends Scuffletown refer to as “more than a place…it is a state of mind”.