Reflections

Since I've been back home it feels like my 5 weeks in Spain didn't even happen. I can adjust so easily back to my little old life in Sleaford.


My last week of au pairing was very much like the rest of the weeks except I got nearly 2 days off to myself because the family had to go back to Barcelona because Berta was having an operation. They said I could come but I thought it was a family matter and I'd probably just get in the way. It was weird being on my own but I liked it. I went to the pool and the beach, subsequently got a little burned, and generally just lazed around.

On Friday (my last day) I thought the girls would be extra good and do everything I asked them. They didn't. Homework is always the hardest thing to get them to do, I think it's because they have a big group of friends who spend their summers here every year and not all of them have to do homework. I'm 'torturing' them with 2 hours of homework while their friends are allowed to do as they please. As a result they try to tell me I'm wrong when I tell them they still have half an hour to go, they insist they've already done an hour and a half...I don't think so. I can tell the time. That said I'm sure it's something I would've done as a child too.

In the evening we had a nice meal, mussels, navajas and some fish. They even made me a cake which was nice. They gave me a present too, a necklace. However this managed to cause an argument too, Berta began to walk in with the bag which Elna clearly wanted to give me so she went off shouting and screaming. 5 minutes later after some telling off from the parents they came in each holding a handle each. It was a lovely thing for them to get me a present and I wasn't expecting it. The girls were so anxious to go and play with their friends after dinner, I don't think they were bothered about spending my last night together.

On Saturday morning I was all packed and ready, I gave them a card and we spoke about what I had gained from the experience. Well, I have learnt a lot about the Spanish. Food is everything, education is important, they don't like the English monarchy*, many conversations are passionate, in-depth and extremely in your face, oh and they don't like pale people. Their general demeanor is in your face, I feel. I don't necessarily mean it in a negative way, that is how they are, it's part of their character. It's just very different to English people who the Spanish often describe as cold.

*Now, in relation to the monarchy comment I have a lot to say. To begin, I was happily waiting for the news bulletin about the birth of the Royal baby. I first saw the headlines 'JORGE ALEJANDRO LUIS' (George Alexander Louis). It really annoyed me that they translated his name to Spanish. He is Prince George, not Jorge. Tara also felt this rage (we spoke deeply about the issue). Anyway, I was watching the news, somehow a conversation arose between me and Nuria. She said that with any luck, the British monarchy will have collapsed by the time the Prince is older. I think my face said it all as she said 'Oh, eres monarquista? (Oh, are you a monarchist?). I've never thought of myself like that before but yes, I do support the monarchy of my country. The Royal family is such a key part of British culture, although I respect that everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

In all seriousness I have learnt a lot during my time being an au pair in Spain. I've learnt loads of Spanish (and Catalan) phrases and random words. I now love fish and seafood!! And I've learnt that kids are hard work at times. It has genuinely been an experience that I'm glad I took, living with a Spanish family has given me an insight in to the Spanish way of life and the Spanish culture that I might not get from my year abroad living with girls my own age. Equally, it gave me the chance to spend 5 weeks in Spain (Catalonia) and visit 3 different areas which I all enjoyed. However, when asked if I would be an au pair again, my honest reply would have to be no.

All said and done, I'm happy to be home in sleepy Sleaford but I enjoyed the experience. I only have about 6 weeks left until I leave for Granada!