El encierro - The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona

This weekend we had the opportunity to visit Pamplona and witness the Running of the Bulls firsthand. The whole city has a pulsing vibe that is distinct from anything I've ever encountered. This normally small town of a few thousand accomodates around 1 million people every year for this world-renowned event. Last time I was in Madrid I witnessed a bullfight, but I felt very much a spectator. In contrast, even just watching El Encierro en La Plaza de Toros en Pamplona, one feels very much like a partcipant. I was warned before I got there that I thought I knew what it would be like but I had no idea....very apt advice. Downtown Pamplona was crazy during the night, with the fireworks show and general celebrating EVERYWHERE. The first morning we watched the Encierro on the big screen and then the bulls chase the runners in the stadium. It looked insane...but something about it called to me. The next day, I decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and actually participate in this crazy event. I ran with the bulls! I fell right before they approached and thankfully made my way to safety under the gate as they passed. It was terrifying but exhilirating but made me feel so alive. Afterwards, we met up with some locals and talked for a while, made some new friends.
We also got to see the beautiful seaside towns of San Sebastian, in the very north of Spain, and Bearritz, in the south of France. The views, seafood and atmosphere there were excellent. We toured the medieval town of Medinaceli on the way home, then tired and hungry returned to the dorms to prepare for our last week of classes here in Madrid.

Dejé mi corazón en Segovia...y lo reencontré allí ayer

Yesterday we visited the lovely and very quaint city of Segovia. The last time that I studied here, I called Segovia my home and I really wanted to show my students this jewel of a city. Everyone fell in love with its charm and gorgeous architecture, from the Aqueduct, to the Cathedral to the beautiful Castle and all the lovely houses, restaurants and shops in between. We walked through the streets, dined at an outdoor café and the students reported that this is exactly what they had pictured when they imagined Spain. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to share a piece of myself and this country and culture that I love so much with my students. We had an unforgettable experience there, falling under the spell of the charming city, and I'm know we all dream of returning to this incredible place one day soon.

Enamorandose de España

We settled into our rooms and the dorm and we are finally getting accostumed to the time difference and the cultural and otherwise differences of this beautiful country. We are embracing our "PMA" as Celestino calls it, or "Positive Mental Attitude" as we learn about and fall more in love with Spain.
Our classes began yesterday and are really quite interesting. Everyone is practicing their speaking and really enjoying themselves.

We visited Puerta del Sol on the 4th of July and ate at an incredible restaurant. The nightlife at the Plaza had a calm yet excited vibe, with bands, living statues, dancers, and people in the streets enjoying life. We walked around and did some shopping and the students really loved it, asking if we could come back soon.
Today we went to El Parque de Retiro. We were amazed at the size and beauty of the park, as we walked along the trails, watched the people in their boats, then had a refreshing limonada in the shade of the many statues and trees. The new rollerbladers were especially hilarious to witness.
¡Mañana vamos a Segovia! Escribiré más después de nuestro viajito allí...

I got it!

I found out Sunday that I was awarded the scholarship to Study Abroad in Spain with MLSA! What an awesome birthday present :) I'm really excited, and so thankful to everyone at National Spanish Exam. ¡Gracias! ¡No puedo esperar las aventuras que España tiene que ofrecer!

Video entry

2010-2011 School Year

"During the 2010-2011 academic year, I am a teacher at St. Henry District High School where I teach 4 sections of Spanish II and 1 section of AP Spanish.  This year I have a total of 95 students."

“My name is Elizabeth Brennan and I am a finalist for the National Spanish Exam Teacher Study Abroad Scholarship in Spain.”