Teaching Russian Kids in S'Agaro: My Hilariously Challenging Summer Adventure

Ah, summer—when the sun shines brightly, laughter fills the air, and children run wild. I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime in the summer of 2019, teaching the children of a Russian oligarch in the charming town of S'Agaro, Spain. The glimmering Mediterranean served as my classroom, with little Maria and her younger brother, Sasha, as my sometimes eager, sometimes reluctant students.

Setting the Scene: A Glimpse of Playa d'Aro and S'Agaro

For two unforgettable months, I called Playa d'Aro my home, a charming vacation town boasting stunning beaches on the Costa Brava. This vibrant locale features a beautiful coastline and rich Catalan culture, making it feel like a dream.

S'Agaro beach

Playa d'Aro is a wonderland filled with sun, sand, and excitement. Imagine historic landmarks like the Castell d'Aro, standing magnificently amid buzzing shops and cozy cafés. Each morning, as I ventured out with Maria and Sasha, the lively atmosphere thrilled us. Tourists indulged in gelato and relished beach days, creating an infectious sense of joy around us.

Just a short stroll away, S'Agaro radiated exclusivity. Known for its luxurious villas and beautiful beach promenades, the oligarch family owned a villa within this elegant neighborhood. The family rented me a simple but cozy apartment in Playa d'Aro, creating a unique experience between my living situation and the family's lifestyle.

However, the excitement of working in such an exclusive setting came with complexities, particularly in teaching the children of a wealthy family.

Meet the Students: Maria and Sasha

Maria, five years old, a cute blonde girl was filled with curiosity and energy. She often asked questions, sometimes to the point of exhaustion for her little brother and me. I still remember our first day together—bright-eyed with an infectious smile that could rival the Mediterranean sun. Then there was Sasha—three years old and a bundle of joy, he was full of energy and frequently launched himself into delightful chaos.

Spending time with these two brought laughter, learning, and plenty of challenges. Our days were filled with park outings, games, and beach fun. However, calming down a spirited child discovering his voice felt like a monumental task. Not to mention that the siblings did not always get along!

Teaching Challenges: Navigating the Playful Chaos

Teaching young kids can be tough, but the unique lifestyle they led multiplied that challenge. Maria and Sasha were used to a luxurious life, which shaped their expectations. Our learning activities often needed to be special, creating pressure for me to keep things exciting.

Maria had a passion for art, which meant I became an impromptu art teacher. Each day, I scrambled to turn our art sessions into masterpieces. However, persuading a hyperactive, paint-splattering three-year-old to keep colors on paper rather than on everything else proved to be an art in itself.

Our weekdays were action-packed—playdates, educational games, and countless trips to the beach. The kids thrived outdoors, exploring nature for hours. While they occasionally melted down over toy sharing or coveted swing spots, these moments taught me the importance of resilience.

Fun Activities: Sunshine and Laughter

Despite the chaos, the joyful moments vastly outweighed the challenges. We often explored Parc dels Estanys, a nearby park where the kids thrilled in outdoor activities. We made colorful paper boats from leaves and sticks, sparking amazing creativity. Mini treasure hunts became an instant favorite, where Maria and Sasha excitedly raced to find kinder surprises hidden in the woods.

Beach days were particularly memorable, filled with building sandcastles and beach sports with the other kids. We delighted in collecting unique seashells along the shore, which helped instill basic counting and color recognition in a playful manner.

As I observed their laughter and joy, I realized education happened organically. From counting shells during our beach outings to following directions in simple games, learning seamlessly became part of our play.

A Taste of Catalonia: Weekend Adventures

While weekdays focused on working, weekends allowed for cultural exploration. I took advantage of my time off to immerse myself in Catalan culture, visiting nearby towns like Palamos, known for its stunning medieval architecture and rich history.

Wandering the narrow, winding streets felt like stepping into a time capsule. I lost myself in the delicious local cuisine, savoring pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) and escudella (a hearty stew). Each meal was a delightful discovery of local flavors and culture.

Some weekends were more of the lazy kind when I stayed in Playa d'Aro - sipping coffee at local cafés and reading a book.

Downtown Playa d'Aro

The blend of my teaching responsibilities and weekend adventures provided a good balance. My bustling weekdays required me to keep up with the high-energy household, while weekends offered me a chance to recharge, explore, and enjoy the local culture.

Confronting the Oligarch Challenges

Working for a Russian oligarch family brought its own set of challenges. Their hospitality was incredibly generous, but cultural differences created situations that required me to adapt quickly. Their perspective on parenting often leaned towards strict structure, which I had to navigate carefully.

I dealt with requests ranging from spontaneous outings to elaborate themes for children's activities. Their lifestyle dictated a need for exclusivity, setting high expectations for our daily experiences. However, I took these challenges in stride, showcasing the beauty of simplicity in Spanish culture.

The Joy of Connection

Ultimately, this experience taught me lessons beyond traditional education. It highlighted the importance of flexibility, understanding, and connection. Every laugh, every challenge, and every meltdown turned into, a chance to bond. These moments formed a relationship I will cherish.

As my time with them came to an end, saying goodbye was bittersweet. Maria and Sasha had become significant parts of my summer, their hugs a reminder of the many lessons found in joy, simplicity, and the wonder of childhood.

Reflecting on an Unforgettable Summer

Looking back at my summer teaching Russian kids in Spain brings a smile to my face. The laughter, the chaos, and the bright sun—each challenging moment held a layer of joy. My time was rich with color, culture, and complexity, reminding me of life’s magical nature and the beauty inherent in childhood.

If you ever find yourself with an opportunity to teach kids while immersing in a vibrant culture, seize it! You might find the experience shaping you in delightful and unexpected ways. Just remember to bring your art supplies and embrace every moment of the ride!