Final papers, exams and presentations all this week. My chess bit went over time and so. I delivered well, con fluidez, but I felt bad because I always think my students can learn more. I´m not sure if I had enough time.

I skipped class today, my first time (one absense allowed), to write my Barcelona paper. We have to summarize what we learned about Spanish culture in a paper, written in English, whose length is determined by what level class we are taking. Mine was three pages. Prof. Zennia gave me an 80 on the Salamanca paper. I earned it, it was bullshit.

I just wrote six pages on Barcelona, Gaudi and Miro, and cited sources. I deserve a better grade.

I scored a soild A on my oral exam. Solid means at least a 95 to me. And 95 is only five points away from perfect. I know I made more than five mistakes so I feel like had I caught a few more of them–the crucial ones on the use of the subjunctive–then I could say something. I´m hoping for B´s from this trip.

Some of you have asked for this:

Sunday, August 15th 2005
Leaving Madrid at 8:55 AM
Delta Flight # 109
Connecting in Atlanta
Delta Flight # 1145
Arriving in Baltimore at 7:06 PM

More than anything when I get back what I want to do is move in to my new dorm room, set up my TV and watch Fight Club. Maybe if you´re around you can help us move in.

I finally found what would have made my trip weeks ago. I found where they play chess at El Parque de Buen Retiro (where I rowed a few weeks back) and cannot express anything less than relief. I had been fiending. There is a community center there that just gets unlocked and the pieces and boards are there for the public to check out at free will. I bring my clock. I have fun.

I´m going, now, to the Prado, Thysson-something and then to the park to play chess. This is all procrastination because I should be studying for exams tomorrow. I´ll get to that.

I plan to see this before I leave but I´m not sure when.

Uhm, yeah. Errands to run. Fluctuations.