"Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second."

 -William James

The Plan

In approximately four weeks I will be moving to Madrid for three months. 91 days exactly, this is one day more than allowed under the Schengen Agreement, where you can travel throughout the borderless region by only showing your passport once upon entry. More than 90 days requires a Visa, well.. being the firm rebel that I am, I have decided not to apply for one. It was suggested that being imprisoned, finned or deported would make a great story. That individual will be buying me a very expensive dinner if I spend any number of nights in jail on a bread and water diet. I will be a nanny or au pair for a Spanish family from Madrid. Hence I am the Spanish version of Mary Poppins... María Poppinita. I will teach their son Alejandro English, and in exchange they give me a home. Alejandro is 5 and a half, he likes to dress up (superheros mostly). My main goals of this trip are to become fluent in Spanish (or at least close), and to make friends.


The little peanut in blue will be my new best friend.

Books to be packed:

1. 501 Spanish Verbs

2. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (one version in English and one in Spanish, the goal is to read them side by side and finish before leaving Spain)

3. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg (for when I miss America and am tired of reading a social commentary in Spanish)

4. A journal (for all the thoughts I should not put on the internet)

Additionally, I will be bringing a glass water bottle. Not only so that I do not ingest PVC and look super trendy but also so that I can put flowers in my room. All about multi-use over here.

Wanted a nanny for two adorable children

If you want this choice position
Have a cheery disposition
Rosy cheeks, no warts!
Play games, all sorts

You must be kind, you must be witty
Very sweet and fairly pretty
Take us on outings, give us treats
Sing songs, bring sweets

Never be cross or cruel
Never give us castor oil or gruel
Love us as a son and daughter
And never smell of barley water

If you won't scold and dominate us
We will never give you cause to hate us
We won't hide your spectacles
So you can't see
Put toads in your bed
Or pepper in your tea
Hurry, Nanny!
Many thanks
Sincerely,

Jane and Michael Banks