A Typical Day In Murcia

Un día normal aquí en Murcia

It's test time in Spain. This week and next I have a few exams to prepare for, so I thought why not talk about my typical week in murcia and typical day of school.

Wake up around 7:30 to 8 to make a quick breakfast, pop in my headphones, and start my 15minute walk to the tarnvia. It's the nicer form of transportation, compared to the bus. On the 9 am tram, we're usually packed in there like sardines . Takes another 20 minutes to get to Campus. Campus is in Espinardo, similar to a suburb of Murcia. My faculty (building with my classes) sits at the top of the hill up a path or beautiful palm trees. My classes are the fifth floor, at the top with the perfect view of Espinardo.

Classes are some tight quarters. I squeeze into the tiny rows and wait for the teacher to come to class. Unlike the states, the teachers rotate, not the students. And speaking of students, they all wait outside till the teacher enters. They stay away from it like it's something vulgar.  The schedule may say 9:30, but it really starts ten minutes after (9:40) and even then students will walk in late. Although sometimes you'll be turned away for tardiness (and there have been some interesting instances where this occurred). My class mates are young, and not respectful toward the professors. It's annoying to be among such immaturity, but things are slightly improving as the term goes on and  stop attending class ;). 

My classes are introductory, but extremely focused on the little details. In that sense it is difficult. The math mathematical equations and ways of resolving equations, is different too. You'd swear your were staring at another language when you look at the board and the cornucopia of notations. ...At least they are all in English..

So what do I do after school?

MONDAY

Tandem at night

TUESDAY
At other tandem

WEDNESDAY
Tutor children

THURSDAY
Soccer

FRIDAY
Soccer

SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Hiking/Exploration/More soccer/Professional sporting events/Running/Trips


See I do study. Es no fiesta todos los días. ;)

Novatadas (aka hazaing)

A unique tradition of Spain is there annual hazing event called Novatadas (click the link above to see more). It's traditional party for the Freshmen class. The students pay the upper classmen to participate, and on D-day everyone is gathered. The "pollo" (chickens as they are called) are drawn on and suited in garbage bags. It's typically crude drawings, demeaning words, written on their faces and arms. The upper classmen are suited up in the theme of their choice--pirates...or like this year, army gear. They have water guns with sangria, water balloons of vinegar, spray cans, baking powder, syrups, and other sticky/messy things. The "little chickens" are trashed! They're scamper off campus (as it's not legal to do--like hazing in the states) and festivities truly begin. 

It's not a select few that participate, it's near everyone. And as I said, they PAY to participate. Why? Because it's also the party of a life time, a rite of passage in at awkward age, a bondage with classmates, and a chance to be on the other end the next year. Seriously take a look a the link above. It's quite a site.