I received my placement, and found out that I will be living in a town called Ferrol, a coastal town WAY in the north. It has about 77,000 people in the city proper, and 200,000 in the outlying areas. I will be teaching at the CEIP San Xoán de Filgueira, which I believe is a primary school, though I'm not entirely sure. Haven't quite figured out the educational system yet. I do know, however, that there is a total of 198 students at the school, which means I should get to know them all. I've been in email contact with the school's secretary, Ana, and she is extremely helpful. What I've learned of Ferrol is this:
1. It is the HUB of the Spanish Navy, and has been for at least five hundred years. It's still the country's strongest naval base, which means tall ships and Spanish military men. Should be quite an experience. it means, though that the area is peppered with exquisitely old naval forts, including three in the fjord-like entrance to the port of Ferrol. Found a great picture with labels. When I get there I'll post some of my own sure to be amazing photos:
2. Ferrol is Also the birthplace of Francisco Franco. You may have heard of him. Absolute Dictator extraordinare. Turns out the region is also the birthplace of the Fidel Castro's ancestors. So, it has a good track record.
Politics aside, the town looks beautiful. It resides in a beautiful bay, surrounded by so many green hills, I can't wait to walk them all. It's known for its seafood, and the beaches in the outlying areas. I can't wait.
Oh yea, and did I mention that Galicia is Celtic in origin? It might be in my first post, but it is one of the seven Celtic nations of the world. People here actually play traditional Celtic music. It's very distinct, and quite different from the Irish fiddle I've played in the past, but the fact that a place exists that is Spanish-speaking AND celtic obviously means I was meant to be here (my fiddle made it too!)
No comments:
Post a Comment