September

September is here.
​I just finished the B2 DELE exam. Overall I feel okay about it, though the writing was the most difficult because I got some weird prompts.  The speaking was fine, and the reading and listening were easy.  I think the only thing that could get me a 'No Apto' would be the writing portion, so we’ll see. The results will come out in late November.

The exam was very orderly and they had us spaced out in huge lecture halls at the University of Alicante. There were 7 people in my room, which was a 50-person lecture classroom. Needless to we say had plenty of room between us. ;) They made everyone use hand sanitizer and have their temp taken upon entry, and of course masks had to be worn (properly) at all times.
 
In a few days I’ll be heading back up north to Logroño. Again, some wonderful family friends have offered to rent a car and drive me back home. They're so sweet! I’m so grateful! Driving is faster (7 hours, instead of 10+) than the bus or train and cheaper, and our friends really want to get out of town, so its a win-win for everyone. We may even go on a vineyard tour, so I'll add pictures later.
 
Given the second wave of cases we’re going though in Spain, I think everyone wants to get any movement out of their system just in case we get locked down again. While I think full-on lockdown is unlikely, mostly because the economy won’t survive it, I wouldn’t be surprised if certain regions or cities get de-phased into phase 2 or 3 to try and contain the infection rates, especially since school has started back.
 
I’ll start back as an English assistant in October. This year I've been placed in a primary school in Haro, La Rioja. To be honest, it’ll be so weird to be in a non-Basque school. Schools are starting this year with the bubble idea-- classes will not be interacting at lunch or at patio/recess time. Teacher and students will stay in their class “bubbles” to help control the virus. In La Rioja secondary schools are doing half time in person classes and half time online for the first month. So far, primary schools are planning to do in person classes, unless an outbreak happens, which means the infected class “bubble” will move online and quarantine.  I got an email yesterday saying all auxiliaries will be starting the year online, with the first 15 days of work being from home. After that, the school will decide if they want the auxiliaries to come in for in person classes or remain online and at home. I have to say, I’m going to be bummed if I don’t get to meet the kids in person.  Though it will be nice to not have to wear a mask for at least two weeks while working from home.