I'm tired, but happy.

I have had a lot to do in the last few weeks. I have had guests nearly every weekend. This will be my first weekend without a friend here to hang out with, which may sound sad but it's kinda nice. This isn't to say that I haven't enjoyed my time with my friends, Matt, Sam, G, etc., because I really have. But, when you are around so many people all of the time its easy to get out of touch with yourself.

This week has been especially great for me. My classes and lessons went really well with the exception of two private lessons; the kids are a bit spoiled and less than enthused about having an English teacher after they get out of school. This is my biggest challenge at the moment, so I'm going to dedicate some time to it this weekend. Otherwise, I had a few "workshops" that I gave at the school on how to understand readings from context and expand vocabulary using various literary tools. I'm proud to say that I created the activities myself, and with the help of Mane, a fantastic prof at the institute, they went really well.

I didn't get a chance to really go for any bike rides this week other than the two 16km round trip rides that I take to get to a few private lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings. However, I'm not to worried because I am sure over 200km of riding is in store for me with the cycling team tomorrow and Sunday morning (For our less conversion savvy friends, that is around 135 miles). I need to keep up with Kevin's training so that we have a good cadence match-up next summer for our bike trip across Western Europe.

I really miss my family and friends, but in a way that I haven't before. I don't resent being here at all. In fact, I feel lucky knowing that everyone's got my back in whatever I do (within reason). Which is good, because I would do it anyway!!!

I've made a good friend in Xabier, a friend's roommate from the Basque Country of Spain. He's a really funny, honest guy that I can relate to. It's nice to have a guy friend here, because I have been surrounded by girls and was needing a bit of testoterone (haha, you know me, a true macho). Anyway, Xabi's taught me some cooking secrets, because in the Basque Country (El Pais Vasco), the men are in control of the kitchen. I think I may have found my future home. He's also promised to take us on a tour of his region during one of our breaks.

I really don't have many deep thoughts at the moment. Just keeping everyone in the loop and organizing my thoughts via my keyboard. Peace and love to all.