School Saga

What happens when you would normally start eighth grade and your parents put you in a school where your classmates started learning their fourth language the year before?  Chin up and figure out how to fit in.  It does to seem to help to be able to keep in touch with people back home electronically.

A. has been doing his U.S. math during math class, keeping up with his English reading during another class, and having Spanish lessons during another.  Lucky for him about a third of the classes are taught in English, a language he excels in.

The ride to school is not particularly bike-friendly, but he manages the 15-20 minute ride safely. Once a week he has orchestra and a cello lesson so he catches the public bus, along with other students from a couple schools.  Some kids make the trek to his school all the way from Barcelona, either by public transit or charter bus.  A. is very happy not to be doing that.

One hard part has been the timing.  School starts at 8:50, there is a break from 10:30-11 when the kids have a snack many call breakfast, and then there is a break from 13:30-15:00.  During that time A. has soccer twice a week, cello lesson once a week, and paddle tennis once a week.  School lets out at 16:40.  It is fairly standard to have a long lunch break because of the tradition of going home for a hot lunch, but the late dismissal is still something he is adjusting to.

Outside of school A. is enjoying Pokemon Go, drawing, listening to Harry Potter, and evaluating the local bakeries.  He has also made a friend who likes to toss an American football, which A. enjoys, too.

I hope he looks back fondly on this time!


**Breaking news**
When A. asked where to park his bike he was told one had asked that before.  They found a place, but yesterday he told us they installed a bike rack!  Too bad he liked the old space better.