Hi again,

Thought I would fill you in on my first week of school (yep finished already till Monday and I only really started yesterday!) I went to check things out on Tuesday and ended up staying to talk to one of the classes, but it was good because I got to meet with the English department and it wasn't so stressful on the first day. So, Wednesday was my official first day (and it turned out that they were let down last minute by another assistant so now my flatmate bob is teaching there too - very convenient). I sat in a class first with Miguel and then was supposed to be helping out with a group of 10 year 11's but their teacher never showed up so I just got on with it…not that I knew what I was supposed to be teaching them but we just had a good chat and I made them all tell me one thing in English that I should do while I'm here in Madrid. We had a departmental meeting and found out what we are supposed to do each week… but the director of studies still hasn't given us our timetables so we don't really know when we're working! I then had to stay around to teach the infants at 4.30 in an after school club. It's very hard work teaching English to 4 and 5-year-olds, but they are sooo cute (and I get 25 euros/hour extra for doing it)! I also have some private classes with the teachers children so will hopefully be quite rich too!

The most stressful thing about the first day was trying to sort out all the admin. I've basically sorted out my monthly transport card which is fine, but am having a bit of trouble opening my bank account as they need all kinds of info and contracts so I think I have to go to the police station to get the Spanish equivalent of a national insurance number to say I'm basically legal, but will pop down to see the policia tomorrow, but everything seems to be a bit 'mañana, mañana' around here.

Today was a lot less stressful…thankfully, and we only had 2 classes, with some really lovely kids. Some year 11's and some year 8's, who were all really interested in Liverpool and Torres! Stayed around school to have a chat and sort out some more admin but was free from 12 which was great, so popped down to the amazing shopping centre to stock up on some important things like milk and ice-cream! I feel so privileged having a freezer and an oven as we don't at uni! The even better thing is that we have tomorrow off so I can go off exploring and soaking up the sun all weekend in the park and round the city.

I am hoping that I will have internet soon. I've looked at loads of deals and as soon as Yayra, our other flatmate, gets out here we will make a decision! Hope you are all keeping well and the weather isn't getting you down.

Lots of love as always, Jessie! xxxxxx