Today we finished our 4 week Spanish course at Gadir language school. It was a great place to learn with amazing teachers. November is their slowest time of year, so we never had more than 4 people in the class at a time. I feel that I've picked up quite a bit in the short time we've studied, but since Pat and I each studied only half the course (and took turns looking after the kids) we have some major gaps in our knowledge. For example, I missed all the lessons on how to conjugate verbs in the present tense. We both think we'd like to continue to study when we get home, the only problem is how to fit it into regular life!
All of us have been a bit under the weather in the last few days. Jasper, Ellis and Pat have colds and I have hurt my back from carrying too much. Pat has been great about carrying the kids today and making sure I rest. My back is sore but still functional, and I can't afford to be out of commission!
Pat took the kids to the "bump slide" park near school one last time. I can't believe what Ellis is able to do. The slide must be at least 6 times taller than her. The girl has no fear.
Jasper enjoyed watching a bubble-making busker in the cathedral plaza. We have seen an interesting variety of buskers here in Cadiz, from very talented guitarist and flamenco dancers to a guy who has a little doll that dances to music from an old boom box. All the buskers come out on days with multiple cruise ships in port.
After nap we went for a walk following one of the historical trails around the city. The interpretive signs weren't great because they didn't give any context, but we did get into a few areas we hadn't been before.
For our last dinner in Cadiz, we took the kids out for tapas. Most kitchens don't open until 8:30 pm, but the bar we went to has a Hawgs Breath style kitchen of microwaves and toaster ovens. The bartender opened the kitchen just for us.
We ate a nice tapas meal of tortilla, olives and bread. Jasper got a Cola Cao (hot chocolate) and we had beer and some sherry. Even though we were 2-3 hours early, it was a good local experience to have on our last night (the sherry was poured directly out of one of the barrels visible behind the bar).
Jasper ran the whole way home, weaving in and out of people on the pedestrian street. He definitely turns heads with his blonde hair, baseball cap and t-shirt. It's 20 degrees here tonight and most people are in jackets and scarves.
So long Cadiz, it has been a great month! Next, on to Sevilla and Canary Islands!
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