Saturday, October 6, 2007

Big Changes

Sometimes things don't go the way you've planned, and you just have to go with the flow, as they say.
So I'm moving to Granada.
Over the past several weeks it has become increasingly clear that my project cannot proceed as planned in Toledo. I came to Toledo specifically to work with one organization, but it turns out that there isn't as much work as I was originally told. My boss doesn't return my phone calls and doesn't seem to have enough time to guide my project. But these things happen.
I've been in touch with the Fulbright Commission and they support my change of location as a necessary step. They actually told me that this isn't all that rare; they frequently have students who change cities after they get to Spain.
The unfortunate thing about a change now is that I've already signed a year-long contract for my apartment, I've already opened a bank account in Toledo (although that shouldn't be a big problem) and I've already enrolled in and payed for an Arabic class. So now I'm responsible not only for finding someone to sublet my Toledo apartment but I also have to find a new apartment and a new project supervisor in Granada.
On the bright side, I have several contacts in Granada from the last time I was in Spain, including a qanun teacher! (how often do you find THAT just by walking down the street???)
I am somewhat sad about leaving Toledo - I've been thinking of it as my Spanish home for the past year or so, and it's hard now to adjust to a different frame of mind. I'm optimistic about the opportunities that await me in Andalucia, however, and if nothing else at least this will be a new adventure!
SO - if you were planning on sending me a letter or something, please wait and send it to my new address in Granada, which I'll post once I get it.
I'll be leaving as soon as I find someone to sublet my apartment - it could be tomorrow, it could be next week.
This is a test in flexibility and patience, but it's good to know that even though one door has shut, another one is now opening.

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