This post should catch me up on my weekends. Sorry these are so long! I wanted to get them up before I am swept up with my family.
This past weekend was very chill. Friday, I cooked lunch for my family!! I have been wanting to do this for a very long time. In Spain, people see food as a sign of affection. They like to cook for other people, and when they insist on giving others food, it means they like them. Pilar always says she cooks with love. I wanted to give them a gift of comida to show them how much I appreciate them. Coming up with a recipe proved very difficult, considering I am better at baking than cooking, at my house we use the oven a lot, and in my Spanish apartment the dishwasher, oven, and two burners are broken. I made a tried and true recipe of my grandfather, chicken and rice. I went to the office to ask Miguel where I should buy chicken, knowing that he is very fond of cooking. He would know. Why, a pollería, of course! Literally meaning chicken store. More like a butcher who exlusively sells chicken products. It’s a little butcher within a mercado. I squeeze into the shop, full of elderly people. I stand and wait while the butcher works his magic behind the counter. The people seemed to have enormous orders, like they were buying their chicken for the month. I realized after about 15 minutes that it was a ticket number system when he switched the counter to the next number. I grabbed my number. 14. He was on seven. I went and bought bread, a tomato and red pepper for the salad. Pilar knows that I like red peppers, so I got one special for the salad. I came back, only on 9. I ended up waiting to get my four chicken breasts for an hour. I sprinted back home, knowing Pilar gets home a little after two. I wanted to have the dishes washed and started the meal when she got there. Success. Both Tania and Pilar ended up liking the dish, which was such a relief because Tania is an extremely picky eater. Definitely ended up making waaay to much chicken and graxy and not enough rice. That’s what ya get when you are used to cooking for an army of Svens!
With the prospect of my family coming, I tried to work ahead on my hw as much as possible. I stayed in and worked every night of the weekend, prompting my host mom and sister to comment that I don’t like going out that much and work really hard. Have they not seen me the rest of the semester? Not that I have been a crazy American girl let loose in Spain, but because I haven’t had as much work until this point I have been able to relax. For once! I guess my hardworking self came through this weekend. I did take a nice break with Bridget on Saturday to go to the Sorolla museum in Madrid. It is his former home, now preserved and decorated with his work. A definite must see and laid back morning activity. There’s a special exhibit of his work from Granada, so we were able to buy postcards from Granada FINALLY. A relaxed morning before a long afternoon of work. It’s nice spending time one on one with Bridget because we can talk about stuff back home. A good touchbase with reality.
Sunday was quite exciting! Election Day! In the morning, Pilar finally invited me to go “hacer deporte” with her! She took me through her Sunday walk. Although it was a little rainy, the day was beautiful. She took me past la Casa de la Juventud to the river, passing by la huelta!! She found out that in fact, la huelta is still open. I finally realized it literally is a farm with a man standing and selling in his fields of veggies. I saw the biggest cabbage I have ever seen! I liked seeing her interact with the farmer, seeing that she really is a conocido there. Later she explained to me once again the story of when he asked her if she was single, and then asked if her friend from Madrid is single. The guy knows her so well that, although she didn’t think to bring money, he trusts she will be back to pay for her parsley. The walk was really sweet. I felt like she took me into her safe place. She love going on the walk down by the river to escape the world, so I felt very loved being taken there. I’m sure she might have wanted that time for herself to think, but she asked me to come. She took me through a bunch of parks and told me stories about them from their history and her own personal history. In one of the parks, her granddaughters learned how to rollerblade and like playing on this crazy zipline swing. In another, there are exercise machines that she uses when she excercises during the week. The park is literally called insemination park because it used to be the place where horses would make babies. Hmmmmm… It’s hard to explain the morning completely and how much I appreciated it, but I really enjoyed sharing it with her.
She also took me with her to vote! Even on the way down the elevator of the apartment building, I asked her who she was going to vote for, and she still hadn’t decided. She’s usually in th middle, a little to the right, but she didn’t want to vote for either major party, so she voted for the second runner up. She told me her whole family is faithful to the right side. Voting is extremely casual. It seemed organized and official at first, but really, there are stacks of paper and envelopes on a table. You fill out two different forms with literally one check each, stick them into their envelopes, flash your driver’s license, and they stick them into a clear plastic box. That’s that. The predicted winner, PP, won. It’s the opposite party that had been in power, and basically everyone just wants a change because enothing was happening with Zapatero. The next day, one would think that there would be some talk going around… Nothing. It was the least exciting day after an election you could imagine.
The lead up to see my family has been quite a roller coaster. As their arrival drew nearer, I, along with Pilar, realized how little time left I have here. Yes, I have a month before I return to the states, but I won’t be in Alcala this weekend, and next weekend, for about 10 days, I will be up in the northland visiting family. Pilar came to this realization Monday night and I think was close to tears. She had no idea I was going to be gone for that long. She got so upset and her way of expressing it was pointing out that I haven’t made paella or cocido yet and must make them before I leave so she knows I know how to make them. I only have one weekend after my vacation. Of course, these days, I am close to tears at any moment. I worry for the relationship I will have with this place after I’m gone. Even through all my struggles, I have really grown to love it here. I finally feel settled in and I’m going to have to leave again. Spain has taught me so much, especially about enjoying life. I can’t let stress or time lead my life. Even today, having trouble getting in touch with my fam and then worrying about getting to my class, I feel I reverted back to my anal self about having enough time to do things. I let it go finally during lunch and decided to skip class. I put what is obviously more important to me first and enjoyed my afternoon, although short and a little lost, with my family.
BUT MY FAMILY IS HERE!!!!!! THIS IS REAL!!!! Seriously, sometimes life here feels like a dream. Seeing my family in Madrid solidified that this is for real. I do speak Spanish. I am living in Spain. This is real. More to come later on their visit!
I can’t believe it’s Thanksgiving! Where did the time go? Normally during school, by this point I am dragging myself to the finish line to make it home. I still feel totally charged here to keep going. Maybe not in relation to my studies, but at least to take advantage of what this experience has to offer. Too bad chatting with Pilar isn’t considered grammar homework.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Long time no see!
I haven't posted in quite awhile! I have been writing though. Here is a reflection that I started on November 12th:
I’m sitting at my computer, trying to work on homework, with a raging apartment behind me. It’s Paula’s birthday, so she, Vicente, las niñas, Eva, Tania, and Pilar are here for lunch. The niñas have literally gone insane. Off the wall. And, with the prospect of balloons and tarta, they are nuts. Screaming and running around. One literally went through my drawer to find my expensive set of watercolors to paint the balloons. Fortunately, I found her before she started and could completely destroy them. Hopefully they are going to play en la calle soon.
The birthday was really wonderful. We had lunch, which was a special Gallician dish. Pilar had planned for it all week and was working on it all morning. Cerdo, a leafy green from up that way she asked for special from the market, and a soup. A really fun, intimate close family gathering. The atmosphere in the apartment was so homey with anticipation, just like I feel for any of my family member’s birthdays. I’m writing this a little after the fact, but it’s not really important now what we talked about, more that I felt so welcomed into this special family time. I feel I understand the quirks, both good and bad, of the family. Pilar serves the food, even after slaving away all morning, proud of her cooking and making sure everyone gets more than enough, serving me even before the birthday girl, Eva is very helpful to her mom and rolls her eyes at the drama of her girls, Paola semi-complains that there are onions in the salad, Vicente, when things get a little to hot, makes jokes sometimes in English and laughs, the ninas refuse to eat anything but cake but agree to eat ten more bites while having their eyes glued to the tv, and Tania finally comes to the table a minute or two after we start. I felt welcomed into the family, though of course not when Pilar singles me out wondering why her daughters don’t help, appreciate, and eat like I do. And we had a delicious bought cake that was so moist. I’m not even sure what the flavor is. I proposed we should take pictures, which started a frenzy. Of course, there was Pilar, insisting they take a bunch with me in them. The day before, I did stress about getting Paola a gift. I didn’t want to get her something just because I felt I had to, but because she and her husband were so nice to me my first weekend here. I got her coffee and some chocolates to eat with it because she loves coffee. She even bought a nice machine to leave at her mom’s for when she visits, which is maybe once every month, if that. So I know she is a coffee person. I think Pilar was even more touched by my gift than Paola was. She was like, “Elisa, no you didn’t! She deserves an applause.” After all the festivities were done, the feeling in the air was like after Thanksgiving dinner. There is love in the air and everyone feels fuzzy and sleepy.
Even so, I have not been sleeping well. I mean, we’re all tired all the time, right? Wrong. I will go to bed, not be able to fall asleep, and then literally dose all night. For 8-9 hours. And feel exhausted in the morning, but can’t sleep anymore even if I am able to sleep in. I can’t even sleep for la siesta! Laid in bed for an hour and a half the other day when I was so tired from not sleeping during the night, and still couldn’t sleep. I think it all started the other day when I was actually sleeping and was shaken awake by a horrible dream. It was as if I went to sleep here in my bed and woke up in my bed at home. It was the scariest dream. I hadn’t done everything I wanted, and the worst part being that I didn’t say goodbye to Pilar. I tried to wake myself up from that dream, but it didn’t work. And I kept trying and trying, but I was home like nothing happened. Finally I woke myself up really, but it was like I was still in my dream. My heart was racing.
I have realized I really do not have that much time left here, which has made me incredibly sad. I have a really nice relationship with Pilar, so I am worried about what kind of relationship we will have when I leave. Nothing? Like nothing happened? I have wanted to talk with her about it because I know I can, but things have been a little crazy here. She wasn’t here Thursday, I wasn’t here yesterday. Hopefully I will talk with her soon about it.
There was a big international short film festival in Alcala this past week. I went one night but wish I could have gone more. It was really fun, and the movies were very inspiring. Some super serious, some very “vanguardia”, and some hilariously shallow.
I also went to el rastro on Sunday, which is said to be the biggest fleamarket in Europe. The market used to be a meat market. El rastro, meaning stain, refers to the blood stain left by the animal carcasses being dragged down the hill. From what we had read in guide books, the stalls open at 8, and all the diehards go early. So, leaving my house a little before 8 on Sunday, we arrived at the fleamarket by 9:30. Or what we thought was the location of the market. There really wasn’t too much to see. Some stalls setting up. So we wondered around for a couple hours, trying to find the center, and finally returning to the same place to a bustling market! Of course no one goes at 8 o’clock. It’s Spain! People could still be out partying from the night before at 8 on a Sunday morning. What was I thinking? Have I not learned anything? Lots of cool stuff though. Bought lots of Christmas presents! And, although I was sick, I pushed through it to experience another thing on my list.
This weekend was a crazy weekend! With all of the family over at once, birthday celebrations, Alcalá film festival, el rastro. So many things! Although I was really sad last night and Friday, I am glad I was able to do things this weekend. I have definitely scrapped the idea of going to northern Spain this weeened, although I would realy like to go. I know that if I go, I will not have a weekend here in Alcala for a month, and the next one would be my last here. Can’t do that. Spain, you better invite me back!
PS.
Ohhh Pilar… You are just the best Spanish host mom a girl could hope for. To go to el rastro, at 7 this morning, I woke up to her still bustling around the kitchen from last night. I was so out of it, sick, and unable to speak Spanish at that hour that I waited for her to go to bed. Quietly tip toeing around the apartment, while making my morning coffee, I came upon a bag of churros on the kitchen table and a note from Pilar saying that she bought them for Tania and me if we wanted them for breakfast. Pilar went out, danced all night, had a craving for churros, waited until they were open, and bought enough to bring home for all of us to eat breakfast. She still kept her daughter and me in mind during her night out on the town. What a lady.
I’m sitting at my computer, trying to work on homework, with a raging apartment behind me. It’s Paula’s birthday, so she, Vicente, las niñas, Eva, Tania, and Pilar are here for lunch. The niñas have literally gone insane. Off the wall. And, with the prospect of balloons and tarta, they are nuts. Screaming and running around. One literally went through my drawer to find my expensive set of watercolors to paint the balloons. Fortunately, I found her before she started and could completely destroy them. Hopefully they are going to play en la calle soon.
The birthday was really wonderful. We had lunch, which was a special Gallician dish. Pilar had planned for it all week and was working on it all morning. Cerdo, a leafy green from up that way she asked for special from the market, and a soup. A really fun, intimate close family gathering. The atmosphere in the apartment was so homey with anticipation, just like I feel for any of my family member’s birthdays. I’m writing this a little after the fact, but it’s not really important now what we talked about, more that I felt so welcomed into this special family time. I feel I understand the quirks, both good and bad, of the family. Pilar serves the food, even after slaving away all morning, proud of her cooking and making sure everyone gets more than enough, serving me even before the birthday girl, Eva is very helpful to her mom and rolls her eyes at the drama of her girls, Paola semi-complains that there are onions in the salad, Vicente, when things get a little to hot, makes jokes sometimes in English and laughs, the ninas refuse to eat anything but cake but agree to eat ten more bites while having their eyes glued to the tv, and Tania finally comes to the table a minute or two after we start. I felt welcomed into the family, though of course not when Pilar singles me out wondering why her daughters don’t help, appreciate, and eat like I do. And we had a delicious bought cake that was so moist. I’m not even sure what the flavor is. I proposed we should take pictures, which started a frenzy. Of course, there was Pilar, insisting they take a bunch with me in them. The day before, I did stress about getting Paola a gift. I didn’t want to get her something just because I felt I had to, but because she and her husband were so nice to me my first weekend here. I got her coffee and some chocolates to eat with it because she loves coffee. She even bought a nice machine to leave at her mom’s for when she visits, which is maybe once every month, if that. So I know she is a coffee person. I think Pilar was even more touched by my gift than Paola was. She was like, “Elisa, no you didn’t! She deserves an applause.” After all the festivities were done, the feeling in the air was like after Thanksgiving dinner. There is love in the air and everyone feels fuzzy and sleepy.
Even so, I have not been sleeping well. I mean, we’re all tired all the time, right? Wrong. I will go to bed, not be able to fall asleep, and then literally dose all night. For 8-9 hours. And feel exhausted in the morning, but can’t sleep anymore even if I am able to sleep in. I can’t even sleep for la siesta! Laid in bed for an hour and a half the other day when I was so tired from not sleeping during the night, and still couldn’t sleep. I think it all started the other day when I was actually sleeping and was shaken awake by a horrible dream. It was as if I went to sleep here in my bed and woke up in my bed at home. It was the scariest dream. I hadn’t done everything I wanted, and the worst part being that I didn’t say goodbye to Pilar. I tried to wake myself up from that dream, but it didn’t work. And I kept trying and trying, but I was home like nothing happened. Finally I woke myself up really, but it was like I was still in my dream. My heart was racing.
I have realized I really do not have that much time left here, which has made me incredibly sad. I have a really nice relationship with Pilar, so I am worried about what kind of relationship we will have when I leave. Nothing? Like nothing happened? I have wanted to talk with her about it because I know I can, but things have been a little crazy here. She wasn’t here Thursday, I wasn’t here yesterday. Hopefully I will talk with her soon about it.
There was a big international short film festival in Alcala this past week. I went one night but wish I could have gone more. It was really fun, and the movies were very inspiring. Some super serious, some very “vanguardia”, and some hilariously shallow.
I also went to el rastro on Sunday, which is said to be the biggest fleamarket in Europe. The market used to be a meat market. El rastro, meaning stain, refers to the blood stain left by the animal carcasses being dragged down the hill. From what we had read in guide books, the stalls open at 8, and all the diehards go early. So, leaving my house a little before 8 on Sunday, we arrived at the fleamarket by 9:30. Or what we thought was the location of the market. There really wasn’t too much to see. Some stalls setting up. So we wondered around for a couple hours, trying to find the center, and finally returning to the same place to a bustling market! Of course no one goes at 8 o’clock. It’s Spain! People could still be out partying from the night before at 8 on a Sunday morning. What was I thinking? Have I not learned anything? Lots of cool stuff though. Bought lots of Christmas presents! And, although I was sick, I pushed through it to experience another thing on my list.
This weekend was a crazy weekend! With all of the family over at once, birthday celebrations, Alcalá film festival, el rastro. So many things! Although I was really sad last night and Friday, I am glad I was able to do things this weekend. I have definitely scrapped the idea of going to northern Spain this weeened, although I would realy like to go. I know that if I go, I will not have a weekend here in Alcala for a month, and the next one would be my last here. Can’t do that. Spain, you better invite me back!
PS.
Ohhh Pilar… You are just the best Spanish host mom a girl could hope for. To go to el rastro, at 7 this morning, I woke up to her still bustling around the kitchen from last night. I was so out of it, sick, and unable to speak Spanish at that hour that I waited for her to go to bed. Quietly tip toeing around the apartment, while making my morning coffee, I came upon a bag of churros on the kitchen table and a note from Pilar saying that she bought them for Tania and me if we wanted them for breakfast. Pilar went out, danced all night, had a craving for churros, waited until they were open, and bought enough to bring home for all of us to eat breakfast. She still kept her daughter and me in mind during her night out on the town. What a lady.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Siestas y Fiestas: Barcelona: Home to Messi and Hot Messes(Moi)
Again! Another great post by Bridget with more on our trip to Barcelona (if you couldn't get enough of my monster post)
Siestas y Fiestas: Barcelona: Home to Messi and Hot Messes(Moi): Hola chicos!!! So, this past weekend, Beth and I went on our adventure to the one, the only Barcelona! It was kind of our half way treat t...
Siestas y Fiestas: Barcelona: Home to Messi and Hot Messes(Moi): Hola chicos!!! So, this past weekend, Beth and I went on our adventure to the one, the only Barcelona! It was kind of our half way treat t...
Friday, November 4, 2011
¡Barcelona!
Bridget and I travelled to the older, cooler, trendier sister of Madrid this past weekend. Wow, if I didn't love Alcalá so much, I wish I studied there. Think New York, mixed with Paris and Rome, minus the amount of graffiti I saw in Rome. I was extremely lucky to receive an email from my brother's friend, Zach, who spent a semester in Barcelona this past spring. He gave us a wide variety of things to do and sites to see. Thanks Zach!
So, woke up at six on Friday after five hours of sleep to run to meet Bridget at the commuter rail. Made it just in time. The train was full of business people and the like who had the train deal down pat. For most of my walk to the train, I was behind a man in a suit who knew how to cut even the smallest corners to be the most time efficient. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the hard core partiers off of one of the returning trains, but then remembered it was only Friday.
We got to Atocha, the big train station in Madrid to catch the line going to the airport, but accidentally got on a train too soon. Luckily, not a big mistake and we corrected ourselves with ease. SO PROUD! Although the first mistake was a little tonto, I only would have known how to fix it after living here for two months. Go us! And only had a minor freak out when I realized two seconds after the doors closed in Atocha that we were on the wrong one. My mom would be proud because we were early in order to leave room for such mistakes.
We got to the airport, and being so responsible the night before, we had already checked in. It was pretty smooth sailing. I even had time to eat my DELICIOUS tortilla bocadillo my host mom had prepared for me the night before. She is the nicest! Packed me a huge bocadillo, a chocolate croissant, a banana, a pear, and a juice box. Typical Pilar. Btw, terminal 4 of the Barajas airport is pretty nice! Waaay better than the delta terminal in New York. Think more of the Beijing airport. Big. Shiny. Also, the flight was only 50 minutes! WHOA! And, if you are thinking of traveling within Spain, use Vueling. Really nice for being cheap, and their good design made the small leg room very bearable.
First impressions from the plane: SO GREEN! It's been awhile since I have seen legit greenery, other than olive trees in Andalucia. And mountainous, and MEDITERRANEAN! WATER. We took the airport bus to Plaza Catalunya. Loved seeing things in Catalan. For those who don't know (I didn't know the extent of it before this semester), Spain is much more diverse than you think, so it was nice to see yet another region of the country. At times I couldn't tell if people were speaking French or Catalan, and we were in Spain!
We stayed at Mambo Tango Youth Hostel, the place where Jonny stayed in the spring. Great location, kinda cooky! Never stayed in a hostel before, so learned that towels and flip-flops are a must. Next time! Ended up not showering anyway. Didn't really have time. The day was running very smoothly. We went to lunch, recommended by the hostel. Not the greatest food, but that didn't matter. It wasn't very expensive.
We took the red hop on-hop off bus tour around the city, which was a really good choice because I wouldn't have had the energy to figure out how to get to the places and it took us to places I didn't even know about beforehand. Friday everything just seemed to line up. A perfect example of this is that the bus tour took us to the Olympic stadium, something I probably wouldn't have gone to, which was incredible! The complex is so beautiful, and because it was raining earlier, the clouds were gorgeous. A beautiful sunset over Barcelona. We spent a lot of time walking around there. We got back on the bus and got off at the next stop not really knowing what it was. There wasn't anything around, except for the museum that we thought was closed, so we almost got back on the next bus when we heard music! We decided to follow the music down some steps and came across the Magic Fountain, one of the recommended sites by Zach!!!! What a wonderful surprise! His description of the fountain was spot on "Most crucial: go to the Magic Fountains!!! It's a quick walk to Plaza Espanya from MamboTango and they do not disappoint. The fountains are lit up and dance to the most eclectic music ever (the transitions from 80s pop to opera to Disney are the weirdest). Get a spot high up the steps of the museum." There is a huge set of stairs leading down from the museum, which was beautifully lit with a fountain in the front, to the Magic Fountain. We were totally not expecting this at all. We made our way down to the Magic Fountain, and enormous fountain that is little up and illustrates all different types of music. Think Disney, but even bigger. I could have watched it for hours. And there were so many people watching!! I loved it! Another example was finding the Quatre Gats, also a recommended site. "For a historical drink, go to Quatre Gats (very close to the Palau), where Picasso and his artistic buds used to drink -- you'll pay a lot more for a bottle of wine (and some olives) than you would elsewhere, but it's worth it for the ambience (jazz piano included)." Well, we skipped out on the wine after our exhausting day and instead had coffee, tea, and two delicious chocolately desserts! Chocolate for dinner. Yum. We also passed by Bar London, famous for visits by Hemingway and Orwell.
The next day was even more packed. We lucked out again with the weather, having seen the forecast with rain. Took the bus again for the second day. Rough start getting stuck in touristy areas. Ended up being forced to eat a tourist place, but definitely the best deal. Saw a lot of incredible Gaudí. Made me love him even more. I had studied some of his work in my high school art history class, but really the magnitude, whimsy, and detail of his work cannot be fully experienced in a photo. Also, had no idea he died after being run over by a tram... They emphasized that at least four times on the bus tour. I hit a few hangry moments when we didn't stop for lunch, but we took a peaceful peanut break in Park Guell, site of both the Cheetah Girls 2 and the finale of a season of ANTM. Another one of my favorite stops we made was the Boqueria (yes, the same name of the tapas restaurant in New York City!! It all makes sense now!), an enormous food market. I don't think I have ever spent so much money on fruit in so little time. Also, I don't think I have ever eaten that much fruit in so little time. We had delicious fresh fruit juice (a combo of kiwi and mango being my favorite), fruit pops, and just plain old fresh fruit (really good figs!). Yum yum yum. That was our lunch. We then took a walk up La Rambla to Plaza Catalunya to experience the enormous Corte Ingles, and extremely popular department store+ in Spain. We came, saw and conquered the store in about 15 minutes. Too overwhelming, but that's all we wanted. We had planned our Saturday evening to be the night to explore the Barcelona night life, but after being exhausted from the day and not being able to find anything to suit our mood, we had an early night. I think I slept the most I've slept in one night since I've ben in Spain, especially with the hour change.
Our final day, after an extremely touristy boat tour, we planned to enjoy the city like Spaniards. WORST IDEA. Of course everything non touristy is closed in Spain on Sundays. How long have we been living here? So, we spent most of the day wandering, trying to find a legit place to sit and eat and relax, only to end up settling on one of the most touristy restaurants in Barcelona. Though we did get to touch the Mediterranean! Well, I guess you live and you learn. And the frustrating day did make me even more excited to return home to Pilar and Tania. We got to the airport extremely early (so unspanish), but oh well. It was another great airport, until I saw a lady let her dog poop in the middle of the floor. Oh Spanish people and their pets. Will they ever learn?
Although our last day wasn't the greatest, I am so proud that we could travel by ourselves and not get kidnapped and sold into the sex trade without being saved by Liam Niesson. We figured out the train system to get to the airport, the buses to get to and from the Barcelona airport, the metro! I realized, as much as I love having my mom with me to figure out where things are and how to get there, I now realize I can do these things myself (although definitely not with the same ease). Now I'm even more excited to travel elsewhere! I think the mentality I had going into this semester experience was that I was waiting for myself to have some life changing experience or waiting for my moment of growth to happen, when it actually already has happened. It snuck up on me somewhere, and this trip made me realize that I have grown and learned so much since I've been here. And this happened over time. It wasn't a specific moment. I'm more independent and confident, even more so than after spending two years away at college or living by myself for a month and a half in Philly. I can conquer the world with a little less fear than before. And, although I definitely could have gotten by only speaking English with all of the tourism in Barcelona, I was certainly very proud of myself when arriving at a ticket counter after other Americans and communicating with the person behind the glass in Spanish, instead of just assuming they know English.
I definitely will be back in Barcelona again, at the very least when the Sagrada Familia cathedral is finished.
So, woke up at six on Friday after five hours of sleep to run to meet Bridget at the commuter rail. Made it just in time. The train was full of business people and the like who had the train deal down pat. For most of my walk to the train, I was behind a man in a suit who knew how to cut even the smallest corners to be the most time efficient. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the hard core partiers off of one of the returning trains, but then remembered it was only Friday.
We got to Atocha, the big train station in Madrid to catch the line going to the airport, but accidentally got on a train too soon. Luckily, not a big mistake and we corrected ourselves with ease. SO PROUD! Although the first mistake was a little tonto, I only would have known how to fix it after living here for two months. Go us! And only had a minor freak out when I realized two seconds after the doors closed in Atocha that we were on the wrong one. My mom would be proud because we were early in order to leave room for such mistakes.
We got to the airport, and being so responsible the night before, we had already checked in. It was pretty smooth sailing. I even had time to eat my DELICIOUS tortilla bocadillo my host mom had prepared for me the night before. She is the nicest! Packed me a huge bocadillo, a chocolate croissant, a banana, a pear, and a juice box. Typical Pilar. Btw, terminal 4 of the Barajas airport is pretty nice! Waaay better than the delta terminal in New York. Think more of the Beijing airport. Big. Shiny. Also, the flight was only 50 minutes! WHOA! And, if you are thinking of traveling within Spain, use Vueling. Really nice for being cheap, and their good design made the small leg room very bearable.
First impressions from the plane: SO GREEN! It's been awhile since I have seen legit greenery, other than olive trees in Andalucia. And mountainous, and MEDITERRANEAN! WATER. We took the airport bus to Plaza Catalunya. Loved seeing things in Catalan. For those who don't know (I didn't know the extent of it before this semester), Spain is much more diverse than you think, so it was nice to see yet another region of the country. At times I couldn't tell if people were speaking French or Catalan, and we were in Spain!
We stayed at Mambo Tango Youth Hostel, the place where Jonny stayed in the spring. Great location, kinda cooky! Never stayed in a hostel before, so learned that towels and flip-flops are a must. Next time! Ended up not showering anyway. Didn't really have time. The day was running very smoothly. We went to lunch, recommended by the hostel. Not the greatest food, but that didn't matter. It wasn't very expensive.
We took the red hop on-hop off bus tour around the city, which was a really good choice because I wouldn't have had the energy to figure out how to get to the places and it took us to places I didn't even know about beforehand. Friday everything just seemed to line up. A perfect example of this is that the bus tour took us to the Olympic stadium, something I probably wouldn't have gone to, which was incredible! The complex is so beautiful, and because it was raining earlier, the clouds were gorgeous. A beautiful sunset over Barcelona. We spent a lot of time walking around there. We got back on the bus and got off at the next stop not really knowing what it was. There wasn't anything around, except for the museum that we thought was closed, so we almost got back on the next bus when we heard music! We decided to follow the music down some steps and came across the Magic Fountain, one of the recommended sites by Zach!!!! What a wonderful surprise! His description of the fountain was spot on "Most crucial: go to the Magic Fountains!!! It's a quick walk to Plaza Espanya from MamboTango and they do not disappoint. The fountains are lit up and dance to the most eclectic music ever (the transitions from 80s pop to opera to Disney are the weirdest). Get a spot high up the steps of the museum." There is a huge set of stairs leading down from the museum, which was beautifully lit with a fountain in the front, to the Magic Fountain. We were totally not expecting this at all. We made our way down to the Magic Fountain, and enormous fountain that is little up and illustrates all different types of music. Think Disney, but even bigger. I could have watched it for hours. And there were so many people watching!! I loved it! Another example was finding the Quatre Gats, also a recommended site. "For a historical drink, go to Quatre Gats (very close to the Palau), where Picasso and his artistic buds used to drink -- you'll pay a lot more for a bottle of wine (and some olives) than you would elsewhere, but it's worth it for the ambience (jazz piano included)." Well, we skipped out on the wine after our exhausting day and instead had coffee, tea, and two delicious chocolately desserts! Chocolate for dinner. Yum. We also passed by Bar London, famous for visits by Hemingway and Orwell.
The next day was even more packed. We lucked out again with the weather, having seen the forecast with rain. Took the bus again for the second day. Rough start getting stuck in touristy areas. Ended up being forced to eat a tourist place, but definitely the best deal. Saw a lot of incredible Gaudí. Made me love him even more. I had studied some of his work in my high school art history class, but really the magnitude, whimsy, and detail of his work cannot be fully experienced in a photo. Also, had no idea he died after being run over by a tram... They emphasized that at least four times on the bus tour. I hit a few hangry moments when we didn't stop for lunch, but we took a peaceful peanut break in Park Guell, site of both the Cheetah Girls 2 and the finale of a season of ANTM. Another one of my favorite stops we made was the Boqueria (yes, the same name of the tapas restaurant in New York City!! It all makes sense now!), an enormous food market. I don't think I have ever spent so much money on fruit in so little time. Also, I don't think I have ever eaten that much fruit in so little time. We had delicious fresh fruit juice (a combo of kiwi and mango being my favorite), fruit pops, and just plain old fresh fruit (really good figs!). Yum yum yum. That was our lunch. We then took a walk up La Rambla to Plaza Catalunya to experience the enormous Corte Ingles, and extremely popular department store+ in Spain. We came, saw and conquered the store in about 15 minutes. Too overwhelming, but that's all we wanted. We had planned our Saturday evening to be the night to explore the Barcelona night life, but after being exhausted from the day and not being able to find anything to suit our mood, we had an early night. I think I slept the most I've slept in one night since I've ben in Spain, especially with the hour change.
Our final day, after an extremely touristy boat tour, we planned to enjoy the city like Spaniards. WORST IDEA. Of course everything non touristy is closed in Spain on Sundays. How long have we been living here? So, we spent most of the day wandering, trying to find a legit place to sit and eat and relax, only to end up settling on one of the most touristy restaurants in Barcelona. Though we did get to touch the Mediterranean! Well, I guess you live and you learn. And the frustrating day did make me even more excited to return home to Pilar and Tania. We got to the airport extremely early (so unspanish), but oh well. It was another great airport, until I saw a lady let her dog poop in the middle of the floor. Oh Spanish people and their pets. Will they ever learn?
Although our last day wasn't the greatest, I am so proud that we could travel by ourselves and not get kidnapped and sold into the sex trade without being saved by Liam Niesson. We figured out the train system to get to the airport, the buses to get to and from the Barcelona airport, the metro! I realized, as much as I love having my mom with me to figure out where things are and how to get there, I now realize I can do these things myself (although definitely not with the same ease). Now I'm even more excited to travel elsewhere! I think the mentality I had going into this semester experience was that I was waiting for myself to have some life changing experience or waiting for my moment of growth to happen, when it actually already has happened. It snuck up on me somewhere, and this trip made me realize that I have grown and learned so much since I've been here. And this happened over time. It wasn't a specific moment. I'm more independent and confident, even more so than after spending two years away at college or living by myself for a month and a half in Philly. I can conquer the world with a little less fear than before. And, although I definitely could have gotten by only speaking English with all of the tourism in Barcelona, I was certainly very proud of myself when arriving at a ticket counter after other Americans and communicating with the person behind the glass in Spanish, instead of just assuming they know English.
I definitely will be back in Barcelona again, at the very least when the Sagrada Familia cathedral is finished.
Monday, October 24, 2011
RAIN
It rained in Alcala for the first time in a few months!! Loved it. I was able to snuggle in bed with my fresh sheets and the new layers Pilar added for warmth. I tried to start watching this show called Cúentame cómo pasó, a long running series about a family during the end of Franco's Spain, but was really tired so napped instead. Although it was stormy and the "aire" made my window whistle, it was definitely one of the most beautiful days since I've been here. And, hopefully the rain washed away some of the dog pee! I went to Madrid for a museum trip and travelled alone on the train. I sat the whole way just looking out the window. Never thought the dry region could look so gorgeous. It definitely reminded me of my long autumn drives to and from Skidmore. Good day.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Siestas y Fiestas: Por fin: Andalucia
OK I AM NOT JUST POSTING THIS FOR WHAT BRIDGET SAID ABOUT ME, VALE? I love what she wrote about our trip to southern Spain. Definitely captures a lot of what I didn't have the energy to write about. I missed out on a lot of wonderful specifics. Also, you should read her blog in general.
Siestas y Fiestas: Por fin: Andalucia: Hola chicos! I'm finally going to write about my lovely two weekends of the medieval market and Andalucia. But first I have to comment on ho...
Siestas y Fiestas: Por fin: Andalucia: Hola chicos! I'm finally going to write about my lovely two weekends of the medieval market and Andalucia. But first I have to comment on ho...
ATLETIIIIIIII
New experiences this weekend!
Friday, went to a discoteca in Madrid for the first time and found out making my own plans better than following others. It wasn't not fun, but there were a few unpleasant moments that I could have avoided had I planned my own evening. Also, I paid more money than I wanted to and went to a place I wouldn't have chosen, but definitely a good experience overall. We went with one of our Spanish friends too!! A triumph and an asset, considering Bridget and I hadn't been to Madrid for a night out yet. I am impressed with my ability to take care of myself and not be pushed around here, but still need to learn that many Spaniards do just want to talk and don't have hidden motives. I don't have to put up a wall for everyone. And to finish the evening, we got churros and had a fun conversation with a group of guys from Barcelona. They were in Madrid this weekend to celebrate one of them having a baby. Found out that children without marriage is actually a big thing here. They were all 30, and one of them has been with woman and living with her for over 6 years and they're not married. Really nice people!! Also, one of Bridget's good friends and my friend is visiting this weekend, so we got to see her! So nice to see someone from Skidmore. Really nice feeling.
New experience yesterday: Got my haircut! I'm still deciding whether or not RIP. The woman who cut my hair definitely cut my hair very Spanish, so today I'm having a difficult time styling it the way I like. I need some scissors... When my host mom saw me, she was like, You're not a mermaid anymore! Not the reaction I was looking for... But that doesn't mean it doesn't look good! Long hair does NOT work here, especially when I can't shower at night because my host mom believes it will make me sick. Also, my hair was getting very thin, though magically when it was cut got 5 times thicker. Also, maybe I won't attract as much unwanted attention without a mane of bright blonde. It was getting a little much at times. I think it will be a nice change to not just be seen as blonde and nothing else. Talking with my host mom and her friend this afternoon before I left for the futbol game, they def said I made the right choice and "Te queda bien" (it looks good on me/it suits me). Yeah, def gotta cut the bangs a little more. Also, had a few moments today where I feel like Mia with an upside-down yield sign. Whoops! I may be wearing buns and braids for awhile.
TODAYYY: FUTBOOOOOOL!! With Miguel. Victory. What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Almost as good as a Yankees game. So many good futbol traditions and quirks, one of which is that everyone brings a bocadillo with them and eats it at halftime. Also, that bottles are not allowed in the stadium if they have tops because then if it is thrown on the field, all the water will spill out of it before it hits a player and breaks their nose. So, to "sneak" water into the stadium, all you have to do is take the water out of your bag, take the cap off, put the cap in your pocket while walking through security (which Miguel joked that security at the stadium is the best because really they don't care) that the put it back on the moment after you go through the turnstyle, pretty much in sight of the security guy. From the start the trip was so nice! Miguel and his mujer (don't know if they're married. They have a four year old daughter, but after hearing about the non-marraige trend Friday night and seeing as Miguel doesn't wear a ring, who knows!!) drove up in their European version of a mini-van and we all drove in the car to the stadium! TOO NICE! When we finally found parking, we got out of the car, and Miguel whipped out two Atletico scarves for Bridget and me to wear. Dawww!! We met up with his crew at a restaurant (also a tradition when going to a futbol game) and had a coffee. His friends talked SOO FAST, but I was really impressed with myself that I understood everything they said! They only thing I didn't catch was a name of a singer they talked about. Miguel was so cute talking to us about all the little things fans do and know about! I could really tell he just loves futbol. The atmosphere was just what I thought it would be... Amazing! The fans are so into the game that they are almost more interesting than the game itself! So many explitives, even when things were going well. Also songs! Fans of all different types.The only downside was having to work on the project on not being able to just freely talk to people. The game ended in a tie, but whatevs. So good. And it actually rained today!!!! New experience for Spain. I thought would never come. But, of course rain means drizzle and for like 5 minutes. Still, totally brought me back to reality. I'm looking forward to going to a Real Madrid game and feeling the difference. The teams are like Mets and Yankees. Atleti is the Mets and Real Madrid is the Yankees. Had a really nice convo with all of them on the ride home and realized I am so torn. I love it so much here and I am looking forward to when I go home. I think that's a good place to be. Though, I know I will be crying when I leave here too. Vamos a ver, no? I'm just happy that I have been so lucky this semester. I have exactly two months left here!!! SCARY!!!!!
Things I do need to do: Be more impulsive with my speaking! I think in the beginning of the semester I was really not afraid to talk because I knew that was the only way to get by. Now that I feel more comfortable, I feel more self concious and have a harder time just jumping into conversation. Although I understood what Miguel's friends were saying, I didn't really respond. Bridget was on her game this weekend and just got in there. Gotta do that.
Tomorrow I have another one of the art history trips. Super pumped!! I love going to the museums here. They are sooo goooooood!!!!
Friday, went to a discoteca in Madrid for the first time and found out making my own plans better than following others. It wasn't not fun, but there were a few unpleasant moments that I could have avoided had I planned my own evening. Also, I paid more money than I wanted to and went to a place I wouldn't have chosen, but definitely a good experience overall. We went with one of our Spanish friends too!! A triumph and an asset, considering Bridget and I hadn't been to Madrid for a night out yet. I am impressed with my ability to take care of myself and not be pushed around here, but still need to learn that many Spaniards do just want to talk and don't have hidden motives. I don't have to put up a wall for everyone. And to finish the evening, we got churros and had a fun conversation with a group of guys from Barcelona. They were in Madrid this weekend to celebrate one of them having a baby. Found out that children without marriage is actually a big thing here. They were all 30, and one of them has been with woman and living with her for over 6 years and they're not married. Really nice people!! Also, one of Bridget's good friends and my friend is visiting this weekend, so we got to see her! So nice to see someone from Skidmore. Really nice feeling.
New experience yesterday: Got my haircut! I'm still deciding whether or not RIP. The woman who cut my hair definitely cut my hair very Spanish, so today I'm having a difficult time styling it the way I like. I need some scissors... When my host mom saw me, she was like, You're not a mermaid anymore! Not the reaction I was looking for... But that doesn't mean it doesn't look good! Long hair does NOT work here, especially when I can't shower at night because my host mom believes it will make me sick. Also, my hair was getting very thin, though magically when it was cut got 5 times thicker. Also, maybe I won't attract as much unwanted attention without a mane of bright blonde. It was getting a little much at times. I think it will be a nice change to not just be seen as blonde and nothing else. Talking with my host mom and her friend this afternoon before I left for the futbol game, they def said I made the right choice and "Te queda bien" (it looks good on me/it suits me). Yeah, def gotta cut the bangs a little more. Also, had a few moments today where I feel like Mia with an upside-down yield sign. Whoops! I may be wearing buns and braids for awhile.
TODAYYY: FUTBOOOOOOL!! With Miguel. Victory. What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Almost as good as a Yankees game. So many good futbol traditions and quirks, one of which is that everyone brings a bocadillo with them and eats it at halftime. Also, that bottles are not allowed in the stadium if they have tops because then if it is thrown on the field, all the water will spill out of it before it hits a player and breaks their nose. So, to "sneak" water into the stadium, all you have to do is take the water out of your bag, take the cap off, put the cap in your pocket while walking through security (which Miguel joked that security at the stadium is the best because really they don't care) that the put it back on the moment after you go through the turnstyle, pretty much in sight of the security guy. From the start the trip was so nice! Miguel and his mujer (don't know if they're married. They have a four year old daughter, but after hearing about the non-marraige trend Friday night and seeing as Miguel doesn't wear a ring, who knows!!) drove up in their European version of a mini-van and we all drove in the car to the stadium! TOO NICE! When we finally found parking, we got out of the car, and Miguel whipped out two Atletico scarves for Bridget and me to wear. Dawww!! We met up with his crew at a restaurant (also a tradition when going to a futbol game) and had a coffee. His friends talked SOO FAST, but I was really impressed with myself that I understood everything they said! They only thing I didn't catch was a name of a singer they talked about. Miguel was so cute talking to us about all the little things fans do and know about! I could really tell he just loves futbol. The atmosphere was just what I thought it would be... Amazing! The fans are so into the game that they are almost more interesting than the game itself! So many explitives, even when things were going well. Also songs! Fans of all different types.The only downside was having to work on the project on not being able to just freely talk to people. The game ended in a tie, but whatevs. So good. And it actually rained today!!!! New experience for Spain. I thought would never come. But, of course rain means drizzle and for like 5 minutes. Still, totally brought me back to reality. I'm looking forward to going to a Real Madrid game and feeling the difference. The teams are like Mets and Yankees. Atleti is the Mets and Real Madrid is the Yankees. Had a really nice convo with all of them on the ride home and realized I am so torn. I love it so much here and I am looking forward to when I go home. I think that's a good place to be. Though, I know I will be crying when I leave here too. Vamos a ver, no? I'm just happy that I have been so lucky this semester. I have exactly two months left here!!! SCARY!!!!!
Things I do need to do: Be more impulsive with my speaking! I think in the beginning of the semester I was really not afraid to talk because I knew that was the only way to get by. Now that I feel more comfortable, I feel more self concious and have a harder time just jumping into conversation. Although I understood what Miguel's friends were saying, I didn't really respond. Bridget was on her game this weekend and just got in there. Gotta do that.
Tomorrow I have another one of the art history trips. Super pumped!! I love going to the museums here. They are sooo goooooood!!!!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Granada y Cordoba!!
Hola todos!!
Wrote this part on Monday... I am recuperating after a lovely, action packed trip with the program to Andalucía, the southern region of Spain. We left early Friday morning (early for Spaniards... 8:15, so really not that early) and travelled several hours in a double decker bus across hills and hills of olive farms to Granada. If you are considering spending time in Spain for study abroad o algo and not planning on doing it here in Alcala, I would recommend you go to Granada. What a beautiful, diverse small city! The capital of its region, it is full of life with young people and has a lot to offer with it's Arab influence. We got there in the afternoon, so we had lunch in th hotel. With our free time before a tour of the Cathedral of Granada, we walked around some shops. I bought a shirt at Zara in honor of my friend, Sarah Newman, who studied in Granada her sophomore year. Then, with the guidance of my art history professor, we toured the cathedral, which is home to the bodies of Juana la Loca and her husband Felipe el Hermoso. There also was an extremely accurate copy of a famous Van der Weyden. I encountered some really pushy gypsies with their little sprigs. I've definitely grown accustomed to their peristance, so I put on my model face and keep walking. I bring this up because a poor Spanish woman was eating her ice cream outside the church and one of the gypsies would not leave her alone. Defintely before coming here I was afraid I would fall victim to these types of tourist traps nonstop. I am proud that I have at least been able to seem like I know what I'm doing in the face of people who could definitely give me some trouble. The Albayzín neighborhood is mysterious and feels old in a good way. The moorish architecture has been well preserved, and it's just soo cool! Some really beautiful views. Also, the Alhambra, an old moorish palace, is SOOO COOL! So much detail in the interior decorations. It's also enormous. The gardens of the palace are so tranquil and impressive, especially for this time of year. The first evening we were there, we went on a night tour of the Albayzin neighborhood, and after saw a flamenco show. WOW. Although it was a bit touristy, I was blown away by the intensity of the dance.
After driving for two more hours further into the desert, we arrived in Cordoba. We went to ancient city ruines. Our hotel was literally across the street from the famous mosque. In general, the hotels the programs uses are really nice! We are quite lucky. I didn't like Cordoba as much. There wasn't as much to do there, and there wasn't a lot of life. The only thing I really loved about Cordoba is the famous mosque. SO BEAUTIFUL. I studied it in my high school AP Art History class. Just as impressive as I imagined.
Not only did I enjoy the places we went and the things we saw, but also the company of the program. The trip was just fun. I enjoyed goofing around with Bridget and talking with the students in Madrid. I definitely bonded with Sergio and Miguel (EEEEE!!!). Miguel might come with Bridget and me to the Atletico game on Sunday. Woot!
Wrote this part on Monday... I am recuperating after a lovely, action packed trip with the program to Andalucía, the southern region of Spain. We left early Friday morning (early for Spaniards... 8:15, so really not that early) and travelled several hours in a double decker bus across hills and hills of olive farms to Granada. If you are considering spending time in Spain for study abroad o algo and not planning on doing it here in Alcala, I would recommend you go to Granada. What a beautiful, diverse small city! The capital of its region, it is full of life with young people and has a lot to offer with it's Arab influence. We got there in the afternoon, so we had lunch in th hotel. With our free time before a tour of the Cathedral of Granada, we walked around some shops. I bought a shirt at Zara in honor of my friend, Sarah Newman, who studied in Granada her sophomore year. Then, with the guidance of my art history professor, we toured the cathedral, which is home to the bodies of Juana la Loca and her husband Felipe el Hermoso. There also was an extremely accurate copy of a famous Van der Weyden. I encountered some really pushy gypsies with their little sprigs. I've definitely grown accustomed to their peristance, so I put on my model face and keep walking. I bring this up because a poor Spanish woman was eating her ice cream outside the church and one of the gypsies would not leave her alone. Defintely before coming here I was afraid I would fall victim to these types of tourist traps nonstop. I am proud that I have at least been able to seem like I know what I'm doing in the face of people who could definitely give me some trouble. The Albayzín neighborhood is mysterious and feels old in a good way. The moorish architecture has been well preserved, and it's just soo cool! Some really beautiful views. Also, the Alhambra, an old moorish palace, is SOOO COOL! So much detail in the interior decorations. It's also enormous. The gardens of the palace are so tranquil and impressive, especially for this time of year. The first evening we were there, we went on a night tour of the Albayzin neighborhood, and after saw a flamenco show. WOW. Although it was a bit touristy, I was blown away by the intensity of the dance.
After driving for two more hours further into the desert, we arrived in Cordoba. We went to ancient city ruines. Our hotel was literally across the street from the famous mosque. In general, the hotels the programs uses are really nice! We are quite lucky. I didn't like Cordoba as much. There wasn't as much to do there, and there wasn't a lot of life. The only thing I really loved about Cordoba is the famous mosque. SO BEAUTIFUL. I studied it in my high school AP Art History class. Just as impressive as I imagined.
Not only did I enjoy the places we went and the things we saw, but also the company of the program. The trip was just fun. I enjoyed goofing around with Bridget and talking with the students in Madrid. I definitely bonded with Sergio and Miguel (EEEEE!!!). Miguel might come with Bridget and me to the Atletico game on Sunday. Woot!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Aaaaaand back to reality
Sorry for that long post! I just wanted to crank these out before our trip to Andalucia tomorrow!!!!!!! We leave at 8:15 to go to southern Spain, the home of Flamenco, Arab influence, and a strange dialect.
Yesterday (Wednesday) was a national holiday for Spain. Fiesta Nacional de Espana. It commemorates Colombus and the discovery of the Americas. The day also honors the military. The day is also the day of the patron saint of the city, the Virgen del Pilar, who is a symbol for the military in Spain. All the important people are there like the royal family, important government representatives, and the heads of each of the regions. There's a huge military parade where all the different groups are represented. Crazy. Goes right though the city. I wanted to go to Madrid for it, but waking up yesterday I realized how bad I felt. Instead, I watched a lot of it in TV.
I already am doing better today. I passed though the plaza and the market is gone. All overnight. Magic. Of course, in its place was a protest. I do prefer the city in its current state though. Not time warped. It's so much calmer. I bought a set of watercolors and brushes and such. Already one step down! On top of all my problems earlier this week, I have been sick with a horrible dry cough. Because of all the holidays this week, nothing was open to buy cough medicine. Also, my host mom lent her honey to her boyfriend. Pilar really wanted to help me, so instead of those, she had me lay down with a heating pad on my chest to sweat out the toxins and made me a hot drink of burnt sugar and water. Both of which made me feel better, though maybe because I felt cared for, even though I'm not home with my mom. With this sickness thing, I've really learned how much people believe in old wives tales. My host mom believes that sleeping with wet hair will really make me sick. She also was telling me that because it hasn't rained in four months, everyone is congested (constipado) and coughing because of the dust and pollution. There hasn't been any rain to wash things away. My nose these days has been completely stuffed up, even before the cold, so I believe that is true. Hopefully this sickness isn't just a reaction to all the dust. I want to get better!!
I had a very intense conversation with Pilar today at lunch. We got onto the topic of Obama again (fortunately we both share similar views about politics in general so no arguing or tough conversations), and we got on to the huge conversation about elections, the economic crisis (which we've talked about before), and then the effects of the EU on Spain, and why Spain is losing so much money, court systems, and prison. It definitely made me realize I do not have the Spanish vocabulary to talk about all that, which was very frustrating when I wanted to give my view on something. Also, I realized how little I know about the EU. Definitely want to read up on that.
Anyway, sooo tired, como siempre. Gotta pack!! And then Pilar is making me honey and lemon before I go to sleep. Thanks Spanish mom!
Things to read:
Spanish Plays
Stuff about the EU and how it affects Spain
Yesterday (Wednesday) was a national holiday for Spain. Fiesta Nacional de Espana. It commemorates Colombus and the discovery of the Americas. The day also honors the military. The day is also the day of the patron saint of the city, the Virgen del Pilar, who is a symbol for the military in Spain. All the important people are there like the royal family, important government representatives, and the heads of each of the regions. There's a huge military parade where all the different groups are represented. Crazy. Goes right though the city. I wanted to go to Madrid for it, but waking up yesterday I realized how bad I felt. Instead, I watched a lot of it in TV.
I already am doing better today. I passed though the plaza and the market is gone. All overnight. Magic. Of course, in its place was a protest. I do prefer the city in its current state though. Not time warped. It's so much calmer. I bought a set of watercolors and brushes and such. Already one step down! On top of all my problems earlier this week, I have been sick with a horrible dry cough. Because of all the holidays this week, nothing was open to buy cough medicine. Also, my host mom lent her honey to her boyfriend. Pilar really wanted to help me, so instead of those, she had me lay down with a heating pad on my chest to sweat out the toxins and made me a hot drink of burnt sugar and water. Both of which made me feel better, though maybe because I felt cared for, even though I'm not home with my mom. With this sickness thing, I've really learned how much people believe in old wives tales. My host mom believes that sleeping with wet hair will really make me sick. She also was telling me that because it hasn't rained in four months, everyone is congested (constipado) and coughing because of the dust and pollution. There hasn't been any rain to wash things away. My nose these days has been completely stuffed up, even before the cold, so I believe that is true. Hopefully this sickness isn't just a reaction to all the dust. I want to get better!!
I had a very intense conversation with Pilar today at lunch. We got onto the topic of Obama again (fortunately we both share similar views about politics in general so no arguing or tough conversations), and we got on to the huge conversation about elections, the economic crisis (which we've talked about before), and then the effects of the EU on Spain, and why Spain is losing so much money, court systems, and prison. It definitely made me realize I do not have the Spanish vocabulary to talk about all that, which was very frustrating when I wanted to give my view on something. Also, I realized how little I know about the EU. Definitely want to read up on that.
Anyway, sooo tired, como siempre. Gotta pack!! And then Pilar is making me honey and lemon before I go to sleep. Thanks Spanish mom!
Things to read:
Spanish Plays
Stuff about the EU and how it affects Spain
Monday, October 10, 2011
Another world!
Mostly written on Wednesday
Hola chicos!
Imagine being in a medieval Spanish market, full of life, animals, crafts, open spits of meat, and music... That's where I am right now! Every year, to honor Miguel Cervantes, the center of the city transforms into a medieval festival. Banners are strung across the plaza and side streets. People walking around and selling things in mediveal garb. Don Quijote valiantly trotting down the street with Sancho Panza and various performers and snakes. Rides! Tarot cards and psychics. Stalls apon stalls of sweets, jewelry, leather, spices, olives, chachkies, (again) MEAT, everything from all over the world! This all was put up overnight... WHAT? I had the best chorizo I have had since I arrived here and churros soaked to the marrow with liquid chocolate. YUM. Also, bread ovens placed in the plaza. Was that there before?
Anyway... A few other things...
It feels like fall!!!! Well, only this weekend. Now it's back up to 85. But all that's missing is some change in foliage... if there was any here in Madrid. Only desert.
This past weekend, aside from the festival, a few of my friends and I attempted to and then followed through with going to Toledo, a small historic city in near by Castille-La Mancha (the region where Don Quijote attacked those windmills). The first attempt was on Saturday. We went to buy tickets, but the train we wanted was full, so we bought tickets for Sunday and explored Madrid like tourists. Def fun every once in awhile. We went to the Palacio Real (being honest: Versailles is way cooler) and then the group gave in to taking the obnoxious double decker red bus (YES!!!!) for two different tours around the city. One in old Madrid and one through modern Madrid. Old Madrid is cooler, but we went past the Real Madrid stadium on the modern one. After an exhausting day, we returned back home to the festival, but didn't stay out too late because we were going to Toledo the next day.
Sunday, bright and early for a normal Spaniard, we were off to Toledo! Not knowing too much about the city beforehand (other than it is home to one of the most famous El Greco paintings "The Burial of Count Orgaz"), I was ready to explore. The trip consisted of the normal commuter rail and then a half hour trip on an Amtrak-y kind of train. Very easy and smooth now that we figured out how the system works. The city was nice. Kind of like Segovia in that it's hilly and has some pretty old parts. Also, a really beautiful cathedral. We first went to a museum that was formally a church and/or a monastery that had some old pottery and lots of Christian art, including some of El Greco. Very enjoyable and relaxed. We met up with two people from the Madrid part of the program, which was nice to see new people, but also changed the group dynamic/desire to do things. We stopped speaking Spanish, and everything took longer. No big deal. Not bitter. After having black paella for lunch (the kind with squid ink which was not too bad) we wandered around. The Madrid people didn't want to go into the cathedral because it cost money, which annoyed me because we get reembursed. Then, when trying to find the church where The Burial of Count Orgaz is, we tried the special Toledano, a strange cookie thing and marzipan, a popular ducle from Toledo. We followed signs to find the church, but weren't too sure of where it was. There were signs on a church we passed that said the name of the church, Santo Tome. I stopped and asked inside if that's where the painting was. It was, but somehow the group did not understand and left. So, my friend, Michael, and I had a lovely chat while admiring the work. SO HAPPY I SAW IT!!! SUCESS OF THE TRIP! Having had so much fun on the red bus the day before, we wanted to go on the cheesy "train" thorughout the city, but the two times we went, the lady at the store where they sold the tickets was rude and said there weren't enough seats. That was a damper on our day. We were all so tired from the day before that doing other things was a little more difficult, so we did the Spanish thing and sat on a bench in the plaza and enjoyed each other's company and the weather.
Well, yup, it was that time of the semester yesterday. I tend to have one freak out per semester, usually pertaining to the mountain of work I make for myself. I had a melt down. I realized that I felt like I was not doing enough here. I haven't been taking advantage of the semester as much as I should. And, I don't feel like myself. I feel lazy, tired, and I've become a mega procrastinator. And, I haven't become a conocido at a place yet. So cheesy, but I use art to experience life. And, I also would spend A LOT of time painting at Skidmore. So what do I do with that time now? I am barely doing any theater here, where at Skidmore, when I wasn't painting, I was at the theater. I didn't realize this change would affect me so much. I thought I would be so full of Spain things I would be able to kind of leave these things for a bit and try new things. I haven't found new things to fufill me, so I feel lost. I also haven't made Spanish friends... whoops! I feel like I haven't connected enough with the people here. And, I had this presentation for my theater class looming above me that I didn't know how to do.
And yes, I cried even more to the program directors after breaking down in front of Bridget. I didn't know what else to do. How was I going to get my life fixed when I couldn't do it myself? They are the people who know this city and the program inside out. They were so so nice and said crying was totally normal and part of the experience. Like crying is a release, which is true, but now I need to find a solution. They were incredibly comforting. Sergio was sincere and came up with things to make me smile or laugh, like telling me I was one of the best at doing this yoga thing we did in class (el gato!) and that he is so happy with my work in the class. Miguel totally put on his dad face. I can see how he is a dad. Angelines, the women who coordinates the families, was like you need rest! Don't worry! Being tired and resting is part of being Spanish. She was like, "you're sick? You should go to a doctor! Miguel, look up doctors for her!" I am impressed I was able to convey pretty much all of that in Spanish and while extremely upset. I had my grammar class very soon after, but Miguel said I could stay in the office as long as I needed. I stayed the entire class and chatted with Sergio.
Things they recommended I do:
Forget American time. There's no such thing as a waste of time.
Relax and enjoy all aspects of the experience
If I can't do something one day, put it off to the next
Paint outside of class
They will help me find shows to go to
In honor of my freak out and pulling myself back together for a fresh start, I bought a permanent leather bracelet at the market and tied it where my watch normally is on my left wrist. I am not going to wear a watch here anymore. Cheesy, but I did it as a sort of symbolic kind of thing so that every time I look at my wrist out of habit, I'll see the little reminder to take a breath and that I am in Spain and should enjoy life here.
I wrote a nice thank you email to the two of them for all their help. SPANISH:
Hola Miguel y Sergio,
Muchas gracias para os apoyo ayer. Me sentia muy mal (obviamente) para muchas razones. Aunque dijisteis que no debo sentir culpa para llorar, no me gusta arrojar mis problemas en otras personas. Tengo suerte que tengo vosotros a ayudarme. Vosotros sois tan tan majos. He tratado a aprovechar esta experiencia, pero me siento que no he aprovechado este experiencia bastante. Trato a hacer algo, pero no es bastante. No quiero perdir este semestre. Y estoy enferma y tan cansada. No me siento como mi misma porque no tengo bastante arte, teatro, y musica en mi vida espanola. Estos son muy importante de mi vida en general. Uso el arte y pintura para expresar y experimentar la vida. Encima de todo, mi horario es tan loco. Aunque no es tan lleno que mi horario en Skidmore (me esforcé a coger menos clases aquí), aqui perdí el control de mis cosas. Normalmente soy muy organizada. Y me siento que no estoy haciendo bastante cosas espanoles. Necesito encontrar un equilibrio de cosas espanoles y pocas cosas que me hacen mí.
Con os consejo sobre tiempo, compré una pulsera permanente esta noche en el mercado y puse en mi muñeca en vez de mi reloj. Es cursi, pero veo esto como un símbolo y un recuerdo que he dejado el tiempo y el mente americano. Estoy en España y voy a recordar a disfrutar la vida.
Espero que sepais lo much que aprecí os apoyo y os consejo ayer. Ayer fue un momento muy vulnerable para mí. En serio, estoy súper afortunada que tengo vosotros. Sois tan amable y reconfortante.
¡¡Un abrazo súper grande!!
-Elisabeth
Hola chicos!
Imagine being in a medieval Spanish market, full of life, animals, crafts, open spits of meat, and music... That's where I am right now! Every year, to honor Miguel Cervantes, the center of the city transforms into a medieval festival. Banners are strung across the plaza and side streets. People walking around and selling things in mediveal garb. Don Quijote valiantly trotting down the street with Sancho Panza and various performers and snakes. Rides! Tarot cards and psychics. Stalls apon stalls of sweets, jewelry, leather, spices, olives, chachkies, (again) MEAT, everything from all over the world! This all was put up overnight... WHAT? I had the best chorizo I have had since I arrived here and churros soaked to the marrow with liquid chocolate. YUM. Also, bread ovens placed in the plaza. Was that there before?
Anyway... A few other things...
It feels like fall!!!! Well, only this weekend. Now it's back up to 85. But all that's missing is some change in foliage... if there was any here in Madrid. Only desert.
This past weekend, aside from the festival, a few of my friends and I attempted to and then followed through with going to Toledo, a small historic city in near by Castille-La Mancha (the region where Don Quijote attacked those windmills). The first attempt was on Saturday. We went to buy tickets, but the train we wanted was full, so we bought tickets for Sunday and explored Madrid like tourists. Def fun every once in awhile. We went to the Palacio Real (being honest: Versailles is way cooler) and then the group gave in to taking the obnoxious double decker red bus (YES!!!!) for two different tours around the city. One in old Madrid and one through modern Madrid. Old Madrid is cooler, but we went past the Real Madrid stadium on the modern one. After an exhausting day, we returned back home to the festival, but didn't stay out too late because we were going to Toledo the next day.
Sunday, bright and early for a normal Spaniard, we were off to Toledo! Not knowing too much about the city beforehand (other than it is home to one of the most famous El Greco paintings "The Burial of Count Orgaz"), I was ready to explore. The trip consisted of the normal commuter rail and then a half hour trip on an Amtrak-y kind of train. Very easy and smooth now that we figured out how the system works. The city was nice. Kind of like Segovia in that it's hilly and has some pretty old parts. Also, a really beautiful cathedral. We first went to a museum that was formally a church and/or a monastery that had some old pottery and lots of Christian art, including some of El Greco. Very enjoyable and relaxed. We met up with two people from the Madrid part of the program, which was nice to see new people, but also changed the group dynamic/desire to do things. We stopped speaking Spanish, and everything took longer. No big deal. Not bitter. After having black paella for lunch (the kind with squid ink which was not too bad) we wandered around. The Madrid people didn't want to go into the cathedral because it cost money, which annoyed me because we get reembursed. Then, when trying to find the church where The Burial of Count Orgaz is, we tried the special Toledano, a strange cookie thing and marzipan, a popular ducle from Toledo. We followed signs to find the church, but weren't too sure of where it was. There were signs on a church we passed that said the name of the church, Santo Tome. I stopped and asked inside if that's where the painting was. It was, but somehow the group did not understand and left. So, my friend, Michael, and I had a lovely chat while admiring the work. SO HAPPY I SAW IT!!! SUCESS OF THE TRIP! Having had so much fun on the red bus the day before, we wanted to go on the cheesy "train" thorughout the city, but the two times we went, the lady at the store where they sold the tickets was rude and said there weren't enough seats. That was a damper on our day. We were all so tired from the day before that doing other things was a little more difficult, so we did the Spanish thing and sat on a bench in the plaza and enjoyed each other's company and the weather.
Well, yup, it was that time of the semester yesterday. I tend to have one freak out per semester, usually pertaining to the mountain of work I make for myself. I had a melt down. I realized that I felt like I was not doing enough here. I haven't been taking advantage of the semester as much as I should. And, I don't feel like myself. I feel lazy, tired, and I've become a mega procrastinator. And, I haven't become a conocido at a place yet. So cheesy, but I use art to experience life. And, I also would spend A LOT of time painting at Skidmore. So what do I do with that time now? I am barely doing any theater here, where at Skidmore, when I wasn't painting, I was at the theater. I didn't realize this change would affect me so much. I thought I would be so full of Spain things I would be able to kind of leave these things for a bit and try new things. I haven't found new things to fufill me, so I feel lost. I also haven't made Spanish friends... whoops! I feel like I haven't connected enough with the people here. And, I had this presentation for my theater class looming above me that I didn't know how to do.
And yes, I cried even more to the program directors after breaking down in front of Bridget. I didn't know what else to do. How was I going to get my life fixed when I couldn't do it myself? They are the people who know this city and the program inside out. They were so so nice and said crying was totally normal and part of the experience. Like crying is a release, which is true, but now I need to find a solution. They were incredibly comforting. Sergio was sincere and came up with things to make me smile or laugh, like telling me I was one of the best at doing this yoga thing we did in class (el gato!) and that he is so happy with my work in the class. Miguel totally put on his dad face. I can see how he is a dad. Angelines, the women who coordinates the families, was like you need rest! Don't worry! Being tired and resting is part of being Spanish. She was like, "you're sick? You should go to a doctor! Miguel, look up doctors for her!" I am impressed I was able to convey pretty much all of that in Spanish and while extremely upset. I had my grammar class very soon after, but Miguel said I could stay in the office as long as I needed. I stayed the entire class and chatted with Sergio.
Things they recommended I do:
Forget American time. There's no such thing as a waste of time.
Relax and enjoy all aspects of the experience
If I can't do something one day, put it off to the next
Paint outside of class
They will help me find shows to go to
In honor of my freak out and pulling myself back together for a fresh start, I bought a permanent leather bracelet at the market and tied it where my watch normally is on my left wrist. I am not going to wear a watch here anymore. Cheesy, but I did it as a sort of symbolic kind of thing so that every time I look at my wrist out of habit, I'll see the little reminder to take a breath and that I am in Spain and should enjoy life here.
I wrote a nice thank you email to the two of them for all their help. SPANISH:
Hola Miguel y Sergio,
Muchas gracias para os apoyo ayer. Me sentia muy mal (obviamente) para muchas razones. Aunque dijisteis que no debo sentir culpa para llorar, no me gusta arrojar mis problemas en otras personas. Tengo suerte que tengo vosotros a ayudarme. Vosotros sois tan tan majos. He tratado a aprovechar esta experiencia, pero me siento que no he aprovechado este experiencia bastante. Trato a hacer algo, pero no es bastante. No quiero perdir este semestre. Y estoy enferma y tan cansada. No me siento como mi misma porque no tengo bastante arte, teatro, y musica en mi vida espanola. Estos son muy importante de mi vida en general. Uso el arte y pintura para expresar y experimentar la vida. Encima de todo, mi horario es tan loco. Aunque no es tan lleno que mi horario en Skidmore (me esforcé a coger menos clases aquí), aqui perdí el control de mis cosas. Normalmente soy muy organizada. Y me siento que no estoy haciendo bastante cosas espanoles. Necesito encontrar un equilibrio de cosas espanoles y pocas cosas que me hacen mí.
Con os consejo sobre tiempo, compré una pulsera permanente esta noche en el mercado y puse en mi muñeca en vez de mi reloj. Es cursi, pero veo esto como un símbolo y un recuerdo que he dejado el tiempo y el mente americano. Estoy en España y voy a recordar a disfrutar la vida.
Espero que sepais lo much que aprecí os apoyo y os consejo ayer. Ayer fue un momento muy vulnerable para mí. En serio, estoy súper afortunada que tengo vosotros. Sois tan amable y reconfortante.
¡¡Un abrazo súper grande!!
-Elisabeth
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The answer!
I know why I feel so worn out and my brain is goooo all the time!!!
During my down time (meaning not in class and not doing homework) I am still learning because I am always speaking Spanish!! My brain never gets a rest!! And that's why I love siesta so much because my brain gets a break, and why when I can't siesta, I get a little touchy.
That may seem like a pretty simple revelation, but after today, I wanted to rip my hair out I feel so fried. But now I know.
Also, Tania is leaving Saturday for a trip to La Republica Dominicana with her boyfriend and other friend couples. She will be gone for a week.
During my down time (meaning not in class and not doing homework) I am still learning because I am always speaking Spanish!! My brain never gets a rest!! And that's why I love siesta so much because my brain gets a break, and why when I can't siesta, I get a little touchy.
That may seem like a pretty simple revelation, but after today, I wanted to rip my hair out I feel so fried. But now I know.
Also, Tania is leaving Saturday for a trip to La Republica Dominicana with her boyfriend and other friend couples. She will be gone for a week.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
1 Month Anniversary!!
I arrived in Spain one month ago!! Time has flown by!!
I am in Cafe Continental working on my papers due this week, but I have to head out in a few minutes to meet Bridget in front of the McDonalds in Plaza de Cervantes to meet her Spanish penpal and help him with his English. I quickly wanted to write this post to thank all of you for reading and for your comforting comments and messages. Although many of you are far away, I have felt so much love and support this past month. This experience at times has been difficult, but believe me, this semester so far has been incredible. I have been, for the most part, sooo happy and have loved every minute, even my meltdowns this past week. Now that my schedule is nailed down, I hope to skype and communicate more soon. I love hearing from all of you and hope all is well!! ¡Ciao!
I am in Cafe Continental working on my papers due this week, but I have to head out in a few minutes to meet Bridget in front of the McDonalds in Plaza de Cervantes to meet her Spanish penpal and help him with his English. I quickly wanted to write this post to thank all of you for reading and for your comforting comments and messages. Although many of you are far away, I have felt so much love and support this past month. This experience at times has been difficult, but believe me, this semester so far has been incredible. I have been, for the most part, sooo happy and have loved every minute, even my meltdowns this past week. Now that my schedule is nailed down, I hope to skype and communicate more soon. I love hearing from all of you and hope all is well!! ¡Ciao!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Change of plans
I was supposed to go on a field trip with the program to El Escorial today. Didn't happen. For the first time in my life I slept through my alarm. I woke up right when the bus was leaving.
I almost started crying, but after this crazy week, I decided to take what happened as a sign that my body and mind need this day. There was nothing I could do at that point. The trip wasn't required, and I slept be best I have since I've been here. I need to realize what happens happens and sometimes I can't control it. I slept passed the time I could actually do anything. There was nothing I could do at that point. It was like crying over spilt milk.
So, I made my coffee and felt the most guilty that my host mom made me a sandwich for today. My host mom came in and I tried to explain to her what happened. And I told her I felt guilty about the sandwich, and of course her response was like, you can eat it anytime, there's no problem. I ate it for breakfast. I don't know if she fully understood, but she was very sweet and said that, although she doesn't like trains, maybe one day she would go with me another time. She was actually mad at my friends for not calling me to wake me up, which I thought was funny because why would my friends do that? Maybe I'll go when my family visits.
So, instead of visiting an historic palace, monastery, and museum on this beautiful first day of October, I played beauty salon with my host mom's granddaughters. Children especially have no sense of privacy, going through anything and everything they see, whether it's "Barbie/Estudiante"'s stuff or their grandmother's. My older host sister, Eva, and her two daughters came over this morning. My host mom was going to look after and cut the hair of her granddaughters while her daughter worked. The two girls, Ester and Saila, are adorable but almost complete opposites. I think they are 7 and 8, respectively. Ester is def more reserved and likes to help Pilar with chores and cooking, and Saila, while she tries to appear innocent, she is full of tons of energy and knows how to play people. She just decided to go on my laptop, and when I kindly said that I would appreciate it if she didn't, she was like "Why is the internet in English?" She didn't know there was English internet. The two girls also liked drawing pictures of me and putting them up in my room like little picture frames. Saila also carried around a jar of hot chocolate mix because they were going to have a snack here before lunch, but instead of drinking her hot chocolate because it was too hot, she spooned the mix into her mouth.
Saila gave me the spa treatment, which consisted of tucking tissues into my shirt like a peluqueria, caking my arms like frosting with cream, covering the cream in tissues, brushing my twisted hair with a comb, and putting my hair in pony and covering the ponytail in rainbow hair ties (gomas). While this was all going on, Ester was getting her haircut by my host mom, and Saila was running around getting beauty supplies from who knows where, including scissors. Saila also did my makeup after searching my own room for my little makeup purse. She even wanted to style an outfit for me, but I decided to draw the line there after my lips were smeared with sticky glitter lipgloss.
Then, it was Saila's turn for her haircut, and Ester asked me to style her hair. We had fun going through many different hair-dos, and she ended up having little french braids with a one of my sparkly headbands. Then they both wanted me to do their make-up, so we were all dolled up! When their mom got back, we had lunch, which was vegetable paella to mix it up. Also, the girls, who are extremely picky eaters, will eat the rice in it. It's so funny, they have no shame in saying something is disgusting. ¡Qué asco! It was nice talking to Eva for a little bit. She is naturally gorgeous, barely wears make up and her hair is naturally a deep brown. Tania, who is also very pretty, is much more into eye makeup and is dyed blonde. Eva said that she has the best arrangement for work because she drops the kids at school, works until they get out, and then is a mom the rest of the day.
Posting this on Sunday, now I have to write three papers for this week. I hope to write another post later because today is the one month anniversary since I arrived in Spain!! Lots to talk about! ¡Hasta luego!
I almost started crying, but after this crazy week, I decided to take what happened as a sign that my body and mind need this day. There was nothing I could do at that point. The trip wasn't required, and I slept be best I have since I've been here. I need to realize what happens happens and sometimes I can't control it. I slept passed the time I could actually do anything. There was nothing I could do at that point. It was like crying over spilt milk.
So, I made my coffee and felt the most guilty that my host mom made me a sandwich for today. My host mom came in and I tried to explain to her what happened. And I told her I felt guilty about the sandwich, and of course her response was like, you can eat it anytime, there's no problem. I ate it for breakfast. I don't know if she fully understood, but she was very sweet and said that, although she doesn't like trains, maybe one day she would go with me another time. She was actually mad at my friends for not calling me to wake me up, which I thought was funny because why would my friends do that? Maybe I'll go when my family visits.
So, instead of visiting an historic palace, monastery, and museum on this beautiful first day of October, I played beauty salon with my host mom's granddaughters. Children especially have no sense of privacy, going through anything and everything they see, whether it's "Barbie/Estudiante"'s stuff or their grandmother's. My older host sister, Eva, and her two daughters came over this morning. My host mom was going to look after and cut the hair of her granddaughters while her daughter worked. The two girls, Ester and Saila, are adorable but almost complete opposites. I think they are 7 and 8, respectively. Ester is def more reserved and likes to help Pilar with chores and cooking, and Saila, while she tries to appear innocent, she is full of tons of energy and knows how to play people. She just decided to go on my laptop, and when I kindly said that I would appreciate it if she didn't, she was like "Why is the internet in English?" She didn't know there was English internet. The two girls also liked drawing pictures of me and putting them up in my room like little picture frames. Saila also carried around a jar of hot chocolate mix because they were going to have a snack here before lunch, but instead of drinking her hot chocolate because it was too hot, she spooned the mix into her mouth.
Saila gave me the spa treatment, which consisted of tucking tissues into my shirt like a peluqueria, caking my arms like frosting with cream, covering the cream in tissues, brushing my twisted hair with a comb, and putting my hair in pony and covering the ponytail in rainbow hair ties (gomas). While this was all going on, Ester was getting her haircut by my host mom, and Saila was running around getting beauty supplies from who knows where, including scissors. Saila also did my makeup after searching my own room for my little makeup purse. She even wanted to style an outfit for me, but I decided to draw the line there after my lips were smeared with sticky glitter lipgloss.
Then, it was Saila's turn for her haircut, and Ester asked me to style her hair. We had fun going through many different hair-dos, and she ended up having little french braids with a one of my sparkly headbands. Then they both wanted me to do their make-up, so we were all dolled up! When their mom got back, we had lunch, which was vegetable paella to mix it up. Also, the girls, who are extremely picky eaters, will eat the rice in it. It's so funny, they have no shame in saying something is disgusting. ¡Qué asco! It was nice talking to Eva for a little bit. She is naturally gorgeous, barely wears make up and her hair is naturally a deep brown. Tania, who is also very pretty, is much more into eye makeup and is dyed blonde. Eva said that she has the best arrangement for work because she drops the kids at school, works until they get out, and then is a mom the rest of the day.
Posting this on Sunday, now I have to write three papers for this week. I hope to write another post later because today is the one month anniversary since I arrived in Spain!! Lots to talk about! ¡Hasta luego!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Guess what I cam home to after a long day in Madrid...
My host mom waxing her lip!!!! SO FUNNY!!!! ¡Su bigote!! ¡Jajajajaja!!!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Definite highs and lows this week
Oy... A rough week... AND IT AINT OVER YET! My friend, Bridget, titled her most recent post "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" I think that is entirely appropriate. There are bads to every good unfortunately... So many things have gone down. I have wanted to write about them, but there are too many!!!!! It finally came down to me breaking down in the shower, so I figured it was time to have a little bit of a blog rant. Here are a few of the things... I'll probably add to them tomorrow.
Good: No classes on Fridays.
Bad: Spent this past Friday totally freaking out and mapping out my semester. Not enough time to explore Europe and Spain! Stress.
Good: Have a clearer vision of the semester. Barcelona, Ireland and/or London, and a week+ in Scandinavia with Svenningsens!
Bad: WE MAY NOT HAVE OUR WEEK VACATION IN DECEMBER FOR ME TO VISIT THE SVENNINGSENS. That's right, my friends. Turns out the program directors were little liars. Only the program classes are on vacation that week. The university classes do not have off, even though in a letter they sent to our parents it said we have off that entire week. Even worse for my friend, Bridget, she already bought non-refundable tickets to Dublin that week.
Bad: A science event gone wrong at the other campus. Definitely false advertisement. We traveled 20 minutes on the bus to get to the shady other campus in the middle of nowhere to find out that instead of seeing amazing phosphorescent glowing bacteria, we were forced to make poop batteries... Literally... Out of goat poop.
EVEN WORSE: To get back to civilization, we had to take the bus. Little did we know that the buses change on the other campus after a certain hour in the evening, so we waited at an inactive stop for an hour, just to find another one and wait another 20 minutes to find out they were not running... My friend Emily and I finally decided to find someone to ask about it. We found two girls, one from the Philippines and one from Portugal, and they helped us find our way. Talking to them made me realize how even more sketch the other campus is. The other campus houses the international students and anyone else living in dorms. It's way far away from the center of town. Horrible. Also, the entire evening was dominated by the infamous Isabelle, a power seeking, condescending girl from Tufts who changed her name from Elizabeth just for Spain. Throughout the evening, Bridget and I mimed many different ways of killing the other and ourselves.
Good: We had a mandatory historic tour of Madrid last weekend
Bad: It was a complete waste of time and sleep... ON A SATURDAY
Good: I am taking an art class!
Bad: Wasn't sure it would count for credit until....
Good: It has been approved!! A painting 300 level course! It's only a 300 level course because I have already taken a 300 level painting class. Woot woot!
Bad: The place I am taking it at is used to having people come in who have never done art before and are happy to even make a stick figure. The teachers are legit artists, but just haven't worked with an art student like me in awhile, so I think this is a learning experience for them too. An example of this is that they gave me incorrect paper to watercolor on, which completely ruined my painting after a certain point. I noticed but tried not to get upset. I talked with them about it and they felt so bad! To me it was a big deal, but if I were a normal student, it wouldn't matter too much. I need to be clearer with them about what I want. The atmosphere is completely different than a Skidmore class. What I need to do is still uphold my expectations of myself and my work while getting used to and trying a new way of working.
Good: The art history class will complete my art history requirements! I needed a 100 level course, but the department head said that, although it is a 200 level course, this class would suffice
Bad: The class is during the exact hours of siesta, so I always want to sleep.
Badder: Turns out the tutoría portion of the class is required!! Even though all the other tutorías for the other classes are non existent or not required. SHOOT ME. I found this out after being a bit of a punching bag with my host mom's adorable granddaughters and just laying down to rest for a minute. My friend texted me 20 minutes into the class. I had to sprint there in angry haze and tried to communicate with the professor (who is not the professor for the class, mind you) that no one had told me that it was required.
Even worse: I was overdue 3 euros on my phone at that point.
Good: Ate porras and chocolate Sunday morning. Spaniards, you know what that means!
Bad: Not too much sleep.
Good: Taught my first English class on Monday! What a crazy experience! Looking at the students (which were from the university and professionals) and their eyes made me realize I had all the power, not in a power hungry way, but in a scary way. I didn't want to mess up anything because they depend on me. They were really focused on everything I was saying. They looked to me for help.
Bad: I foresee difficulties with my partner. Not because she isn't nice, but because she has a different tempo and way of working.
Bad: I don't think I can volunteer in the theater because of all these schedule mess ups.
Bad: Realizing my Spanish will never be as good as a native speaker. Also, that I feel like I can never fully express myself in my speech, whether it was trying to communicate with the professor for the tutoría or trying to tell Pilar how much I appreciate her. Or even talking with Cristina, my Spanish friend. She's so cool and goofy, but because I don't know how to be cool and goofy in Spanish, I don't know how much further our friendship will go.
Bad: Frustrated because the problems that have arisen with the program are not language barrier problems. They are a lack of communication. We were really babied and spoiled the first couple of weeks, and there was no transition. (But still, the program is awesome. Don't get me wrong. I am just annoyed at one aspect at this moment in time)
Even worse: Being in this different place with new people, new systems, new language, new way of living has made me feel really disorganized. I am not on top of my game here. At Skidmore, I could juggle everything and more. I can't figure out what is making things difficult here. On top of that, it's hard to find what I need here! Example: normal notebooks are not sold in Carrefour. Only third grade lined versions or graph notebooks. In order to get the supplies I need, I have to go to a papeleria. The whole store system is different. You can't browse for what you want. The store consists of a counter and you must as the woman behind the desk for what you want. And there's like only one type of everything. Ok, that doesn't sound very difficult, but believe me, it's an extra step to get used to.
Bad: Can't find a good balance between staying in touch with family and friends vs. being present here. I feel I am no longer in the loop with anyone not in Spain. In order for me to know what's happening outside of this country with the people I care about, I feel I have to be on my computer all the time, which was not the reason why I was here... WHY ARE COMPUTERS SUCH A NECESSITY IN OUR CULTURE THESE DAYS????
Bad: I am just in a really horrible mood.
Good: No classes on Fridays.
Bad: Spent this past Friday totally freaking out and mapping out my semester. Not enough time to explore Europe and Spain! Stress.
Good: Have a clearer vision of the semester. Barcelona, Ireland and/or London, and a week+ in Scandinavia with Svenningsens!
Bad: WE MAY NOT HAVE OUR WEEK VACATION IN DECEMBER FOR ME TO VISIT THE SVENNINGSENS. That's right, my friends. Turns out the program directors were little liars. Only the program classes are on vacation that week. The university classes do not have off, even though in a letter they sent to our parents it said we have off that entire week. Even worse for my friend, Bridget, she already bought non-refundable tickets to Dublin that week.
Bad: A science event gone wrong at the other campus. Definitely false advertisement. We traveled 20 minutes on the bus to get to the shady other campus in the middle of nowhere to find out that instead of seeing amazing phosphorescent glowing bacteria, we were forced to make poop batteries... Literally... Out of goat poop.
EVEN WORSE: To get back to civilization, we had to take the bus. Little did we know that the buses change on the other campus after a certain hour in the evening, so we waited at an inactive stop for an hour, just to find another one and wait another 20 minutes to find out they were not running... My friend Emily and I finally decided to find someone to ask about it. We found two girls, one from the Philippines and one from Portugal, and they helped us find our way. Talking to them made me realize how even more sketch the other campus is. The other campus houses the international students and anyone else living in dorms. It's way far away from the center of town. Horrible. Also, the entire evening was dominated by the infamous Isabelle, a power seeking, condescending girl from Tufts who changed her name from Elizabeth just for Spain. Throughout the evening, Bridget and I mimed many different ways of killing the other and ourselves.
Good: We had a mandatory historic tour of Madrid last weekend
Bad: It was a complete waste of time and sleep... ON A SATURDAY
Good: I am taking an art class!
Bad: Wasn't sure it would count for credit until....
Good: It has been approved!! A painting 300 level course! It's only a 300 level course because I have already taken a 300 level painting class. Woot woot!
Bad: The place I am taking it at is used to having people come in who have never done art before and are happy to even make a stick figure. The teachers are legit artists, but just haven't worked with an art student like me in awhile, so I think this is a learning experience for them too. An example of this is that they gave me incorrect paper to watercolor on, which completely ruined my painting after a certain point. I noticed but tried not to get upset. I talked with them about it and they felt so bad! To me it was a big deal, but if I were a normal student, it wouldn't matter too much. I need to be clearer with them about what I want. The atmosphere is completely different than a Skidmore class. What I need to do is still uphold my expectations of myself and my work while getting used to and trying a new way of working.
Good: The art history class will complete my art history requirements! I needed a 100 level course, but the department head said that, although it is a 200 level course, this class would suffice
Bad: The class is during the exact hours of siesta, so I always want to sleep.
Badder: Turns out the tutoría portion of the class is required!! Even though all the other tutorías for the other classes are non existent or not required. SHOOT ME. I found this out after being a bit of a punching bag with my host mom's adorable granddaughters and just laying down to rest for a minute. My friend texted me 20 minutes into the class. I had to sprint there in angry haze and tried to communicate with the professor (who is not the professor for the class, mind you) that no one had told me that it was required.
Even worse: I was overdue 3 euros on my phone at that point.
Good: Ate porras and chocolate Sunday morning. Spaniards, you know what that means!
Bad: Not too much sleep.
Good: Taught my first English class on Monday! What a crazy experience! Looking at the students (which were from the university and professionals) and their eyes made me realize I had all the power, not in a power hungry way, but in a scary way. I didn't want to mess up anything because they depend on me. They were really focused on everything I was saying. They looked to me for help.
Bad: I foresee difficulties with my partner. Not because she isn't nice, but because she has a different tempo and way of working.
Bad: I don't think I can volunteer in the theater because of all these schedule mess ups.
Bad: Realizing my Spanish will never be as good as a native speaker. Also, that I feel like I can never fully express myself in my speech, whether it was trying to communicate with the professor for the tutoría or trying to tell Pilar how much I appreciate her. Or even talking with Cristina, my Spanish friend. She's so cool and goofy, but because I don't know how to be cool and goofy in Spanish, I don't know how much further our friendship will go.
Bad: Frustrated because the problems that have arisen with the program are not language barrier problems. They are a lack of communication. We were really babied and spoiled the first couple of weeks, and there was no transition. (But still, the program is awesome. Don't get me wrong. I am just annoyed at one aspect at this moment in time)
Even worse: Being in this different place with new people, new systems, new language, new way of living has made me feel really disorganized. I am not on top of my game here. At Skidmore, I could juggle everything and more. I can't figure out what is making things difficult here. On top of that, it's hard to find what I need here! Example: normal notebooks are not sold in Carrefour. Only third grade lined versions or graph notebooks. In order to get the supplies I need, I have to go to a papeleria. The whole store system is different. You can't browse for what you want. The store consists of a counter and you must as the woman behind the desk for what you want. And there's like only one type of everything. Ok, that doesn't sound very difficult, but believe me, it's an extra step to get used to.
Bad: Can't find a good balance between staying in touch with family and friends vs. being present here. I feel I am no longer in the loop with anyone not in Spain. In order for me to know what's happening outside of this country with the people I care about, I feel I have to be on my computer all the time, which was not the reason why I was here... WHY ARE COMPUTERS SUCH A NECESSITY IN OUR CULTURE THESE DAYS????
Bad: I am just in a really horrible mood.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Photos!
Here are several windows to my time in Spain. Photos from the trip to Segovia are to come at a later date. Bedtime is now.
First glimpse of the new world!
Me, in La Plaza de Cervantes! The statue is of Miguel, por supuesto!
Calle Mayor
Birth house of Cervantes, a tourist stop in Alcala
Bridget y yo en El Parque de Retiros
View from my bedroom window when I first arrived in Alcala
First glimpse of the new world!
Me, in La Plaza de Cervantes! The statue is of Miguel, por supuesto!
Calle Mayor
Birth house of Cervantes, a tourist stop in Alcala
Bridget y yo en El Parque de Retiros
View from my bedroom window when I first arrived in Alcala
Stomach issues, castles, and Harry Potter
That's right! I've got Alcala Belly! I think it's a combination of the salty foods, tapas, stress, exhaustion, and general adjustment to a new lifestyle here in Spain. Not only did I not enjoy going to the ladies room but also had shooting pains in my stomach whenever I ate. I finally told my host mom after having these issues for 2 days, and she was not surprised! She said that every student she has hosted has had the same problem and totally understood what I was going through. She also knew my stomach was not happy because of adjusting. That evening, she made me some medicinal tea to calm my stomach, and the next day made very "suave", meaning plain and easy, food for lunch, keeping in mind that my stomach was bad. She said it takes time for it to get better. What a nice lady! My stomach calmed down a little for the trip to Segovia, but today it's back. Yuck!
Yes, we went on a brief excursion to Segovia! It is a fairy tale town. Nestled in in the mountains northwest of Madrid. For two days we were total tourists, visiting all the popular sites in Segovia, from the historic aqueduct to the castillo to several different style churches. Here's little map I found online to show you the relationship between Segovia and Madrid. In Segovia, drivers drive wherever there is room, even if that means the sidewalk or through a plaza. There is no distinction between a pedestrian pathway and the street. Also, the town is ALL HILLS. If you want to think of an American comparison equal to the one between Segovia and Madrid, think San Francisco to New York. I couldn't get out of my bed the day after the trip my calves were in so much pain. Getting away from Alcala was like waking up from actually dreaming during siesta, almost a little disorienting. The town is more of a tourist town. Absolutely beautiful, but not a place I want to live (not just because I have to exert more physical energy to get anywhere). The trip made me realize how happy I am to be living in Alcala. There is so much more here, especially in the community feeling. I also LOVE having a family to come home to instead of a hotel room or apartment. I am very lucky to be living with my host family.
During the trip, I got sick of some of the people on the program. While I like everyone and think everyone is incredibly kind-hearted, they got on my nerves this trip. On top of that, traveling with the Madrid folk was hard because they have a very different attitude. And even though I don't feel as much pressure to make friends with people as I did freshman year because the students on the program are all we have, I needed a break. So, yesterday, I spent a lovely, low-key day with my friend Bridget. We both wore shorts (although I wish I wore sport shorts and a t-shirt like she did- SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE) and spoke English. What a relief! We had coffee, talked about more substantial things in life because we have a friendship outside of the program, and explored the town. After siesta, we braved the bus system to the movie theater on the outskirts of town to see... HARRY POTTER!!!!!! My day was complete. We had so much fun, and I understood almost the entire movie. I felt so good. Just what I needed, especially because being with Bridget, I didn't feel embarrassed gorging myself on salty movie theater popcorn. Thanks Bridget!
Yes, we went on a brief excursion to Segovia! It is a fairy tale town. Nestled in in the mountains northwest of Madrid. For two days we were total tourists, visiting all the popular sites in Segovia, from the historic aqueduct to the castillo to several different style churches. Here's little map I found online to show you the relationship between Segovia and Madrid. In Segovia, drivers drive wherever there is room, even if that means the sidewalk or through a plaza. There is no distinction between a pedestrian pathway and the street. Also, the town is ALL HILLS. If you want to think of an American comparison equal to the one between Segovia and Madrid, think San Francisco to New York. I couldn't get out of my bed the day after the trip my calves were in so much pain. Getting away from Alcala was like waking up from actually dreaming during siesta, almost a little disorienting. The town is more of a tourist town. Absolutely beautiful, but not a place I want to live (not just because I have to exert more physical energy to get anywhere). The trip made me realize how happy I am to be living in Alcala. There is so much more here, especially in the community feeling. I also LOVE having a family to come home to instead of a hotel room or apartment. I am very lucky to be living with my host family.During the trip, I got sick of some of the people on the program. While I like everyone and think everyone is incredibly kind-hearted, they got on my nerves this trip. On top of that, traveling with the Madrid folk was hard because they have a very different attitude. And even though I don't feel as much pressure to make friends with people as I did freshman year because the students on the program are all we have, I needed a break. So, yesterday, I spent a lovely, low-key day with my friend Bridget. We both wore shorts (although I wish I wore sport shorts and a t-shirt like she did- SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE) and spoke English. What a relief! We had coffee, talked about more substantial things in life because we have a friendship outside of the program, and explored the town. After siesta, we braved the bus system to the movie theater on the outskirts of town to see... HARRY POTTER!!!!!! My day was complete. We had so much fun, and I understood almost the entire movie. I felt so good. Just what I needed, especially because being with Bridget, I didn't feel embarrassed gorging myself on salty movie theater popcorn. Thanks Bridget!
A few things I forgot to mention
A few things that I've done the past week.
So classes started last week! Not everything, but a some. At the university (not that I am taking that many there), they are switching their education system, so there are two waves of classes: classes from the old school way and classes from the new system. Once everything starts, my full schedule will include two classes with the proram: grammar and contemporary Spanish art history, one university class: theater movement with Sergio, and a painting class at the local youth center. I also will be volunteering at the university theater and helping tutor/teach university students English. I had my first grammar class, which I LOVE. We are learning a lot of useful things that schools should teach in America. Although, maybe students need to know the not useful vocabulary and phrases in order to know what is useful. Also, this is one of the first Spanish classes I've taken that has been completely taught in English. Exciting and kind of sad that I haven't had that before. Miguel Angel is the professor. So nice and patient, espeically when I can tell I am one of the weaker speakers. I just have to make sure I try as hard as I can and participate to make up for what I lack in my language skills. The class will count as a 300 level course! I also had art history, another program class. The professor, Arturo, has the craziest voice. He is so Spanish! He is incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and I am excited to see what else we are going to learn. We talked a whole class period about Picasso's Guernica. After taking art history in the States, it's interesting to relearn art history lingo in Spanish. And he even gave us a break in the middle of our two hour class. I thought that was very nice of him, although unnecessary because we only meet once a week if you don't count the extra help tutoria. The moment after he said we would be taking a break, he bolted for the door. Seeing this, I realized this break was more for himself, seeing as he was going on his cigarette break. I am a little worried about my art class. Let's hope I get credit!
Aside from classes, we still have a lot of orientation activities, things I failed to talk about here on my blog. The second day we were here in Alcala, we had a breakfast with all of the students and their host families. So nice! Had a pleasant walk to the restaurant with Pilar. Afterwards, Miguel and Sergio gave us a practical tour around Alcala. SO PRACTICAL. Not touristy. They showed us things like where to buy stamps, banks, the train and bus stations (including a "how-to" put your ticket through, which trains and buses go where...), Carrefour, a chain super market, little traditions such as a side alley where it is good luck to hold your breath all the way through. We also had various presentations by professors from the university about their classes. We had a tour of historic Alcala. The third day, Miguel and Sergio took us to Madrid to have a picnic in Parque de Retiro, Madrid's central park. So cute! There's a nice man-made lake with row boats to rent. Sergio and Miguel's bromance came out during our time on the water. They are so fun. The showed us how to navigate the metro system so we didn't feel overwhelmed. They took us to the brand new Tufts-Skidmore in Spain office. AWESOME! I need to take pictures to describe it. Think chic, big, historic apartment meets Ikea and pop art. Super bright colors in an old, majestic apartment. Ya? This week, the program brought in a culture-shock therapist to talk with us as a group about adjusting here. At first I thought it was going to be stupid, but the woman was really relaxed and obviously had a lot of experience in her field.
Coming up: intestinal adjustments, Segovia, and The Boy Who Lived
So classes started last week! Not everything, but a some. At the university (not that I am taking that many there), they are switching their education system, so there are two waves of classes: classes from the old school way and classes from the new system. Once everything starts, my full schedule will include two classes with the proram: grammar and contemporary Spanish art history, one university class: theater movement with Sergio, and a painting class at the local youth center. I also will be volunteering at the university theater and helping tutor/teach university students English. I had my first grammar class, which I LOVE. We are learning a lot of useful things that schools should teach in America. Although, maybe students need to know the not useful vocabulary and phrases in order to know what is useful. Also, this is one of the first Spanish classes I've taken that has been completely taught in English. Exciting and kind of sad that I haven't had that before. Miguel Angel is the professor. So nice and patient, espeically when I can tell I am one of the weaker speakers. I just have to make sure I try as hard as I can and participate to make up for what I lack in my language skills. The class will count as a 300 level course! I also had art history, another program class. The professor, Arturo, has the craziest voice. He is so Spanish! He is incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and I am excited to see what else we are going to learn. We talked a whole class period about Picasso's Guernica. After taking art history in the States, it's interesting to relearn art history lingo in Spanish. And he even gave us a break in the middle of our two hour class. I thought that was very nice of him, although unnecessary because we only meet once a week if you don't count the extra help tutoria. The moment after he said we would be taking a break, he bolted for the door. Seeing this, I realized this break was more for himself, seeing as he was going on his cigarette break. I am a little worried about my art class. Let's hope I get credit!
Aside from classes, we still have a lot of orientation activities, things I failed to talk about here on my blog. The second day we were here in Alcala, we had a breakfast with all of the students and their host families. So nice! Had a pleasant walk to the restaurant with Pilar. Afterwards, Miguel and Sergio gave us a practical tour around Alcala. SO PRACTICAL. Not touristy. They showed us things like where to buy stamps, banks, the train and bus stations (including a "how-to" put your ticket through, which trains and buses go where...), Carrefour, a chain super market, little traditions such as a side alley where it is good luck to hold your breath all the way through. We also had various presentations by professors from the university about their classes. We had a tour of historic Alcala. The third day, Miguel and Sergio took us to Madrid to have a picnic in Parque de Retiro, Madrid's central park. So cute! There's a nice man-made lake with row boats to rent. Sergio and Miguel's bromance came out during our time on the water. They are so fun. The showed us how to navigate the metro system so we didn't feel overwhelmed. They took us to the brand new Tufts-Skidmore in Spain office. AWESOME! I need to take pictures to describe it. Think chic, big, historic apartment meets Ikea and pop art. Super bright colors in an old, majestic apartment. Ya? This week, the program brought in a culture-shock therapist to talk with us as a group about adjusting here. At first I thought it was going to be stupid, but the woman was really relaxed and obviously had a lot of experience in her field.
Coming up: intestinal adjustments, Segovia, and The Boy Who Lived
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Parade????
Just returned to Alcalá after a trip to Segovia with the program. I was completely beat from the trip, seeing as we did a lot of hiking through the streets. Segovia is a hilly city! My legs killllllll... I passed out on my bed and only just awoke to sounds of drums and chatter of a crowd. I assumed something must have been going on in Plaza de Cervantes, but the drums got closer and closer. All the sudden there was a parade on my street! I ran to the balcony of the apartment to get a better look. The main attraction being a glowing statue held up by 20 men dressed in military outfits. Behind was a marching band... WHAT? Also, lights had been strung across my street and were lit like Little Italy during Christmas time. It was surreal. Was I still dreaming? I ran to get my camera and instead ran into my host mom. We went back out to the balcony and watched for a minute and she explained that it was a parade honoring the Virgin de Val or something (it took awhile for me to understand she was saying virgin. It sounds very strange in Spanish. Another moment my host mother thinks I am tonta.) The "float" the military men were holding was a glowing statue of the Virgin. The float was also surrounded by various important looking people, some from the church. The parade went right by my building. Crazy! I am going to investigate more. I think the celebration is all weekend. I would put up a photo or something, but my camera died. SOON!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Homesick
Yup, yesterday broke down crying at lunch... SO EMBARRASSING!
On Sunday, after I skyping with my mom and sister for awhile, I was a little subdued and sad. Up until then, I had been very busy with trips, meetings and tours with the program around Alcala and Madrid. I hadn't had time to even think about how much I missed my family! The program kept us busy. Now that classes are starting and our days aren't taken up by orientation, I have time to myself, free time that I was looking forward to having but now resent because I think about being at home and at Skidmore. My homesick episode was triggered by the littlest thing...
In Spain, water and electricity are expensive. There are frequent draughts here, so the Spanish are very water concious. On Sunday, I took two showers, one in the morning and one in the evening because I was so sweaty!! Dun dun duuuun.... Poor choice, or I should have asked my host mother. So, during lunch, my host mother brought it up very sweetly and reminded me of how precious water is. She was not mad at me at all and said that she has given that schpeel to all of her students, but I felt so bad! Up until that point I had been very aware of turning off lights and turning off the faucet every time I could. This reminded me of how I am not at home, and therefore not with my family, and not with my mom for her birthday... I tried to explain how sorry I was about the shower and that I have been trying very hard to respect their home and I don't want to seem stupid and selfish by taking more showers. And then I bust out crying. I explained that it was my mom's birthday and I just really missed my family. She was SO NICE. Pilar is always so nice. She comforted me and totally understood. She gave me so many hugs and kisses. She explained how Tania spent two month in Italy doing a sort of au paire thing and called her everyday crying. She had a horrible experience because the parents weren't nice, and all she had were the cows for company. Then I felt even worse because I have a much better situation than Tania had because I am so lucky to have a wonderful family to host me. Then Tania walked in the door after returning home from work. She felt so bad for me and also gave me hugs. Both were very supportive. Pilar then felt bad because she thought that I took her shower talk very harshly and that I didn't like the food she made, and that triggered my sadness. I explained that it was everything. I hope she understood. I think so. Anyways, I am rambling. In conclusion: although it was a sad day yesterday, I found out my host family is very supportive of me and is happy to have me here. I feel the love!
I will never take two showers in one day... EVER AGAIN.
On Sunday, after I skyping with my mom and sister for awhile, I was a little subdued and sad. Up until then, I had been very busy with trips, meetings and tours with the program around Alcala and Madrid. I hadn't had time to even think about how much I missed my family! The program kept us busy. Now that classes are starting and our days aren't taken up by orientation, I have time to myself, free time that I was looking forward to having but now resent because I think about being at home and at Skidmore. My homesick episode was triggered by the littlest thing...
In Spain, water and electricity are expensive. There are frequent draughts here, so the Spanish are very water concious. On Sunday, I took two showers, one in the morning and one in the evening because I was so sweaty!! Dun dun duuuun.... Poor choice, or I should have asked my host mother. So, during lunch, my host mother brought it up very sweetly and reminded me of how precious water is. She was not mad at me at all and said that she has given that schpeel to all of her students, but I felt so bad! Up until that point I had been very aware of turning off lights and turning off the faucet every time I could. This reminded me of how I am not at home, and therefore not with my family, and not with my mom for her birthday... I tried to explain how sorry I was about the shower and that I have been trying very hard to respect their home and I don't want to seem stupid and selfish by taking more showers. And then I bust out crying. I explained that it was my mom's birthday and I just really missed my family. She was SO NICE. Pilar is always so nice. She comforted me and totally understood. She gave me so many hugs and kisses. She explained how Tania spent two month in Italy doing a sort of au paire thing and called her everyday crying. She had a horrible experience because the parents weren't nice, and all she had were the cows for company. Then I felt even worse because I have a much better situation than Tania had because I am so lucky to have a wonderful family to host me. Then Tania walked in the door after returning home from work. She felt so bad for me and also gave me hugs. Both were very supportive. Pilar then felt bad because she thought that I took her shower talk very harshly and that I didn't like the food she made, and that triggered my sadness. I explained that it was everything. I hope she understood. I think so. Anyways, I am rambling. In conclusion: although it was a sad day yesterday, I found out my host family is very supportive of me and is happy to have me here. I feel the love!
I will never take two showers in one day... EVER AGAIN.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
One more time
LA SIESTA IS THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD IT SHOULD SPREAD EVERYWHERE AND I MEAN EVERYWHERE INCLUDING ACROSS THE OCEAN TO LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS
Thoughts about my blog
Otra vez...
I think that I am going to use this blog to just write about my thoughts about Spain. Originally I wanted to retell everything that happens to me, which I have found out this week is too much. I am not the kind of person who writes journals, but I also am intimidated by those who write profoundly. I am not a writer, but I hope to give you readers (hopefully I have more than one!) a sense of my semester and a sense of Spain! I don't have the time to keep a journal. I'd rather spend time with my host family and give a synopsis later of the main events.
At least with my first couple of posts in Spain, I tried to capture my first feelings here. From now on, I will write when I feel like it, which is hopefully often enough to capture my semester.
¡Besos!
I think that I am going to use this blog to just write about my thoughts about Spain. Originally I wanted to retell everything that happens to me, which I have found out this week is too much. I am not the kind of person who writes journals, but I also am intimidated by those who write profoundly. I am not a writer, but I hope to give you readers (hopefully I have more than one!) a sense of my semester and a sense of Spain! I don't have the time to keep a journal. I'd rather spend time with my host family and give a synopsis later of the main events.
At least with my first couple of posts in Spain, I tried to capture my first feelings here. From now on, I will write when I feel like it, which is hopefully often enough to capture my semester.
¡Besos!
Alcalá, I'm yours!
The official title of the city is Alcalá de Henares. According to Wikipedia, the city has a population of 203,645 people. It is home to an historic university (which I am attending), older than any university found in the US. The university, Universidad de Alcalá, was founded in 1499!! Alcalá is also the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote (I went to his house!!). Overall, Alcalá is the quintessential Spanish town. When you think Spain, aside from bullfighting, tapas, guitars, you think Alcala. But this city, nestled within little rolling mountains (which I can see from my window!!), is rich with Spanish architecture, cobble stone allies, plazas, and the kindest strangers I've ever met. Every time I have gotten a little turned around (maybe twice), a little abuelita offers simple directions, and repeats them twice for good measure. I know that of course not everyone has kind intentions. I am not naive, as my stepfather says. I have fallen victim to the occasional "que guapa" cat call from slightly drunk creepy men across the street, but what woman in Spain hasn't. I do make sure to ask that kind looking group of old ladies for help when lost.
I definitely have been surprised by the warmth of the Spanish people though. Earlier this week, I tried looking for flowers in a small super market on my street, not knowing where the nearest flower shop was. I wanted to buy flowers for my host family as a thank you for being so welcoming. I asked a young woman, probably only a few years older than me, if they sold flowers, and she said no. When I asked her, she was busy working, but she stopped her work completely to take me outside to show me where the flower shop was. The supermarket was at a strange intersection, so I couldn't really understand what she was saying except that the shop was very close. A man waiting to cross the street overheard and said he could take me there. At first I was going to turn him down, having been trained as a child to not trust strangers, and because I probably have an irrational fear of men I don't know due to watching too many episodes of Law and Order SVU. The girl immediately said I should go with him without a second of thought, which said to me that she didn't think he was a creeper and would go with him herself if she were in my position. There were also a lot of people out. It was a busy afternoon in the streets. So, I did, (which as I write I can see my mom rolling her eyes), but of course I didn't let me guard down. I didn't say anything first, but then he started talking to me, made sure I could speak Spanish, was impressed I was here attending the university, and said that he even had an exchange student living in his building. He walked me straight to the door of the shop and wished me luck for the semester.
Even the wait staff at every restaurant is patient and friendly to us Americans. I think back to my family's trip to Paris and remember when some waiters would immediately speak in English, even when my siblings tried to practice their French. There has only been one restaurant so far that has given us an English menu. I think that's a triumph! I guess that I am also impressed with myself that I have gotten this far and have lived through the week using only Spanish skills. I have gotten everything I need with Spanish. I think if I were in Madrid, many would assume I was a normal tourist, so I think this is a special situation being in a Spanish town that attracts Spanish tourists.
IT IS SO HOT HERE ALL THE TIME IN THE MORNING, IN THE AFTERNOON, DURING SIESTA, IN THE EVENINGS... It never gives up. But that is probably the only slightly negative thing I could say about this place. The city itself has a lot to offer, and when I need a big city fix, Madrid is only a half hour away by train (which is super easy to do). Also, not gonna lie, I have barely spent any money here. Dinner is so cheap, but so delicious!! Bonus!
I love it here. Alcalá, I'm yours!
Alright, that's enough for now. I am sweating too much to write more.
I definitely have been surprised by the warmth of the Spanish people though. Earlier this week, I tried looking for flowers in a small super market on my street, not knowing where the nearest flower shop was. I wanted to buy flowers for my host family as a thank you for being so welcoming. I asked a young woman, probably only a few years older than me, if they sold flowers, and she said no. When I asked her, she was busy working, but she stopped her work completely to take me outside to show me where the flower shop was. The supermarket was at a strange intersection, so I couldn't really understand what she was saying except that the shop was very close. A man waiting to cross the street overheard and said he could take me there. At first I was going to turn him down, having been trained as a child to not trust strangers, and because I probably have an irrational fear of men I don't know due to watching too many episodes of Law and Order SVU. The girl immediately said I should go with him without a second of thought, which said to me that she didn't think he was a creeper and would go with him herself if she were in my position. There were also a lot of people out. It was a busy afternoon in the streets. So, I did, (which as I write I can see my mom rolling her eyes), but of course I didn't let me guard down. I didn't say anything first, but then he started talking to me, made sure I could speak Spanish, was impressed I was here attending the university, and said that he even had an exchange student living in his building. He walked me straight to the door of the shop and wished me luck for the semester.
Even the wait staff at every restaurant is patient and friendly to us Americans. I think back to my family's trip to Paris and remember when some waiters would immediately speak in English, even when my siblings tried to practice their French. There has only been one restaurant so far that has given us an English menu. I think that's a triumph! I guess that I am also impressed with myself that I have gotten this far and have lived through the week using only Spanish skills. I have gotten everything I need with Spanish. I think if I were in Madrid, many would assume I was a normal tourist, so I think this is a special situation being in a Spanish town that attracts Spanish tourists.
IT IS SO HOT HERE ALL THE TIME IN THE MORNING, IN THE AFTERNOON, DURING SIESTA, IN THE EVENINGS... It never gives up. But that is probably the only slightly negative thing I could say about this place. The city itself has a lot to offer, and when I need a big city fix, Madrid is only a half hour away by train (which is super easy to do). Also, not gonna lie, I have barely spent any money here. Dinner is so cheap, but so delicious!! Bonus!
I love it here. Alcalá, I'm yours!
Alright, that's enough for now. I am sweating too much to write more.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
¿Qué tipo de carne es este?
What meat is this?
I ask that everytime Pilar makes la comida. Yesterday we had meet that I still don't know what it was. I found this little gem to help me with some of the names: http://www.spanishvocabulary.ca/foods/meat_vocabulary_in_Spanish.htm
Broaden your knowledge of meat names in Spanish! Lomo is shoulder.
I ask that everytime Pilar makes la comida. Yesterday we had meet that I still don't know what it was. I found this little gem to help me with some of the names: http://www.spanishvocabulary.ca/foods/meat_vocabulary_in_Spanish.htm
Broaden your knowledge of meat names in Spanish! Lomo is shoulder.
Why am I always thirsty?????
Ham???? The snowstorms of salt my host mom puts in her cooking?
So much ham!
Back to finishing up catching up...
Throughout unpacking, Pilar came in and out of my room, giving me things like towels, showing things in the bathroom, and talking about general living things. In Spanish, unlike English, there are subject pronouns (i think that's what they are called??) and specific verb conjugations for addressing others more formally. Because of what I was taught in school, I assumed I should use usted with my host mom because I just met her and she's older than me. She caught on the minute we started chatting int he apartment. I started my sentence with usted and she cut me off and asked who I was talking about. I said I was talking about her. And she said, "Why do you use usted with me? I am not old. I am the same age as your mother. Would you address you mother as an old person? We are like family, and I want you to address me like you would your own mom." She of course said this nicely, but with a tone that said don't mess with me. She talked abotu her family. She's divorce, but I think it was a while ago, maybe when Tania was little. Her ex lives in Florida. Pilar has three daughters, Eva (30, married, 2 girls), Paula (28, married, the one she calls fat), and Tania (20, works in a gift store, doesn't go to university).
After my freakout and finishing unpacking, I sat with Pilar while she made la cena. I offered to help, but she said no, that I should sit and that cooking is for her. Normally I wouldn't eat with them for dinner, but because this was the first meal I would have with the family, I ate with them. She is a fabulous cook, but I think that is kind of a standard here. All of the other people in the program say that they have great food, but I like eating and seeing what Pilar makes because she does it so easily! And she's very relaxed like it's nothing. She made a very Spanish dish, la tortilla, which is a like a big flat cake of eggs, potatoes, onions, and not much else. Simple, but sooooo good! I had tortilla in the hotel, and it was not very good. The eggs in Pilar's were a little runny, and it had so much flavor! Yum! And she made little chicken wings and a salad. Looking back on this now, it was probably unusual for them to have this for dinner because it was a lot! I chatted with her until dinner, and we (tried) to talk about different things. Basic, but new for me! My Spanish was so bad that day. I was SOOO tired. She joked that all she was saying was "sabes? sabes?" asking me if I understood her. She is very sweet. And then I asked her how many students had she hosted, and she said I am the fifth. And she kept talking about this girl Julia... Could it be my friend, Julie? So I asked if she new if she was from Skidmore, or her last name, and then she pulled out a packet of all the info on each of her students, and there was Julie!! She was the first student Pilar hosted, which says a lot about Julie since Pilar continued to have more students stay in her home. Pilar spoke very highly of Julie and her personality. It was nice to have a common thing to talk about my first night.
We, Pilar, Tania and I, ate dinner, which was yum yum yummy! I was trying to be as polite and well mannered as I could, but eating little chicken wings is hard with a knife and fork! They teased me for eating with a knife and fork, and I laughed and then started eating with my hands. Tania and her mom are very informal. Then I tried explaining that in the US, people eat little chicken wings, but they are called buffalo wings. They thought that was funny.
Pilar's daughter, Paula, was to return with her husband from a trip to Istanbul. I think around 10. We had dinner at 9. Paula gave me the dos besos, but then Vincente put his hand out and shook mine and introduced himself in English and laughed. They both are goofy and chatty and love to laugh. They offered me Turkish treats. Later, my host mother's boyfriend came over, Miguel. He is poquito creepy. He is from el campo, the countryside. He's completely bald, except for his black eyebrows. He doesn't have a face that made me want to give him the dos besos, but I forced myself to to make a good impression. He seems very gruff. Whatever! He can only come over on weekends though because it takes him an hour to get here, and he runs a farm. After that, I spent time with the family, talking about Paula and Vincente's trip. The only thing was Paula and Vincente tried to speak in English with me because they were trying to be nice, but it was so difficult to understand anyone with both languages flying around. It was interesting hearing Paula's take on being in Turkey after hearing things from my sister, Christina. Finally I excused myself because I was falling asleep with my eyes open. I took a shower and passed out on my bed.
OK!!! Day one in Alcala documented! I feel these first few days are crucial because they mark my transition into Spanish culture. I don't care if you're bored.
Besos!
So much ham!
Back to finishing up catching up...
Throughout unpacking, Pilar came in and out of my room, giving me things like towels, showing things in the bathroom, and talking about general living things. In Spanish, unlike English, there are subject pronouns (i think that's what they are called??) and specific verb conjugations for addressing others more formally. Because of what I was taught in school, I assumed I should use usted with my host mom because I just met her and she's older than me. She caught on the minute we started chatting int he apartment. I started my sentence with usted and she cut me off and asked who I was talking about. I said I was talking about her. And she said, "Why do you use usted with me? I am not old. I am the same age as your mother. Would you address you mother as an old person? We are like family, and I want you to address me like you would your own mom." She of course said this nicely, but with a tone that said don't mess with me. She talked abotu her family. She's divorce, but I think it was a while ago, maybe when Tania was little. Her ex lives in Florida. Pilar has three daughters, Eva (30, married, 2 girls), Paula (28, married, the one she calls fat), and Tania (20, works in a gift store, doesn't go to university).
After my freakout and finishing unpacking, I sat with Pilar while she made la cena. I offered to help, but she said no, that I should sit and that cooking is for her. Normally I wouldn't eat with them for dinner, but because this was the first meal I would have with the family, I ate with them. She is a fabulous cook, but I think that is kind of a standard here. All of the other people in the program say that they have great food, but I like eating and seeing what Pilar makes because she does it so easily! And she's very relaxed like it's nothing. She made a very Spanish dish, la tortilla, which is a like a big flat cake of eggs, potatoes, onions, and not much else. Simple, but sooooo good! I had tortilla in the hotel, and it was not very good. The eggs in Pilar's were a little runny, and it had so much flavor! Yum! And she made little chicken wings and a salad. Looking back on this now, it was probably unusual for them to have this for dinner because it was a lot! I chatted with her until dinner, and we (tried) to talk about different things. Basic, but new for me! My Spanish was so bad that day. I was SOOO tired. She joked that all she was saying was "sabes? sabes?" asking me if I understood her. She is very sweet. And then I asked her how many students had she hosted, and she said I am the fifth. And she kept talking about this girl Julia... Could it be my friend, Julie? So I asked if she new if she was from Skidmore, or her last name, and then she pulled out a packet of all the info on each of her students, and there was Julie!! She was the first student Pilar hosted, which says a lot about Julie since Pilar continued to have more students stay in her home. Pilar spoke very highly of Julie and her personality. It was nice to have a common thing to talk about my first night.
We, Pilar, Tania and I, ate dinner, which was yum yum yummy! I was trying to be as polite and well mannered as I could, but eating little chicken wings is hard with a knife and fork! They teased me for eating with a knife and fork, and I laughed and then started eating with my hands. Tania and her mom are very informal. Then I tried explaining that in the US, people eat little chicken wings, but they are called buffalo wings. They thought that was funny.
Pilar's daughter, Paula, was to return with her husband from a trip to Istanbul. I think around 10. We had dinner at 9. Paula gave me the dos besos, but then Vincente put his hand out and shook mine and introduced himself in English and laughed. They both are goofy and chatty and love to laugh. They offered me Turkish treats. Later, my host mother's boyfriend came over, Miguel. He is poquito creepy. He is from el campo, the countryside. He's completely bald, except for his black eyebrows. He doesn't have a face that made me want to give him the dos besos, but I forced myself to to make a good impression. He seems very gruff. Whatever! He can only come over on weekends though because it takes him an hour to get here, and he runs a farm. After that, I spent time with the family, talking about Paula and Vincente's trip. The only thing was Paula and Vincente tried to speak in English with me because they were trying to be nice, but it was so difficult to understand anyone with both languages flying around. It was interesting hearing Paula's take on being in Turkey after hearing things from my sister, Christina. Finally I excused myself because I was falling asleep with my eyes open. I took a shower and passed out on my bed.
OK!!! Day one in Alcala documented! I feel these first few days are crucial because they mark my transition into Spanish culture. I don't care if you're bored.
Besos!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Long post! Events up until Saturday evening
Hello everyone! I feel bad that I haven't had time to write about my experience so far. Here is a ginormous post I started last Saturday. It's long, but oh well! I want to catch you up on everything I have been up to. Hopfully after this, I will be able to post stories and thoughts about current happenings. Enjoy! (Disclaimer: I am not using accents because it is too difficult when I am typing fast. Also, I feel like my English is fading... is that bad? Soon my English and Spanish will be on the same plain....)
Started on Saturday:
Yes, I am in Spain! I arrived yesterday. I just finished unpacking my 2 enormous suitcases (only one was overweight!!), and as I type, my host mother is in the kitchen with Spanish radio blasting throughout the small apartment. The first song on the radio was Save Tonight. Now Lazy Song is playing... Oh Spanish radio.
I have yet to describe the program I am doing here in Alcala for my blog. I am doing the Tufts-Skidmore in Spain program in a suburb of Madrid, kind of like the size and distance relationship of White Plains and New York City. With the program, students stay with a Spanish family and attend the historic university. The program also has a center and offers classes. I will be here for four months. I depart on Dececember 23rd.
I feel my English writing is a little strange. I just spent several hours talking with my host mother. Excuse my poor grammar. I am super tired and just writing...
I arrived in Spain yesterday after much anticipation. I have been so excited for this program since my acceptance this past spring, but I had an action packed summer, so this semester crept up on me, especially with the hurricane. We didn't have power for three days! I almost thought I would be bringing dirty clothes to Spain! It was a hectic and sad goodbye at the disgusting Delta terminal at JFK. Only part of my family came for my departure. Melissa is in DC and Christina is still in Turkey. I always have a hard time leaving my family, but this was especially difficult knowing there is no chance of driving home when I feel homesick. I felt homesick before I went through security, although up until then I was able to keep my cool and viewed the coming semester as any other. Thursday was a crazy day, and I appreciated my family's patience. Emotionally, I was a trainwreck, but I was lucky I flew with a friend of mine from Skidmore, Bridget! I would have been crying the whole way if it weren't for her.
Later on Saturday:
I was just interrupted three times. The first by my older host sister's return from a trip to Istanbul with her husband. The second was (I think) a ding dong ditch. And the third was my host brother in law (hehe) bringing me turkish delight from Istanbul! I actually think they got the names mixed up. Christina, correct me if I am wrong, but turkish delight is like sticky stringy sugar. I think this was more like baklava.
Back to my departure. It was loco. I was lucky to have Bridget because she made me think about other things than missing my family and being scared. Thank you, Bridget. The flight was very uncomfortable and super cold, but at least it was nonstop. Also, I was in the middle seat, but I was next to a skinny woman in her late twenties. No overflow, if you know what I mean. She is in Spain for a friend who just broke off an engagement. Kind of awkward... And she has family here.
We arrived in the airport in one piece and were greeted with smiles, signs, hugs, and of course many dos besos (two kisses) by several of the program people (that is how I will refer to the people who work for Tufts-Skidmore in Spain). They immediately threw us into Spanish, which was good and bad because I didn't know how to express my gratitude for their friendliness and for picking us up at the airport. Also, they knew exactly who I was! Every time they say my name, it takes me a minute to know they are talking to me because they call me Elisabeth, and they say it with a Spanish accent. After waiting a while for everyone to get through, we finally headed out to the shuttle. I was already regretting not disciplining myself enough to pack one suitcase, and lightly. I am d-u-m dumb!! They took us to a hotel in Madrid. We checked in but could not go to our rooms yet because it was the early morning. We were allowed to have breakfast in the hotel, continental style. We ended up sitting there for quite a long time (I lost track of any sense of time). They we had to wait while they figured out who was where and with who. The day had started with a lot of waiting. I passed out once I saw the bed. I was rooming with a girl from Tufts whose suitcase was lost, and so I lent her my shampoo and conditioner, and later shorts. Then we ate lunch, which was paella, but not so good hotel version with vegatables,chicken with frenchfries, and icecream. In Spain, la comida, lunch, is the biggest meal of the day and is usually spent with family at home.
I am continuing this post on September 4. Right now, I feel pretty awkward because my host sister is crying to her mother in the living room about her break up.... I feel bad but what can I do?
:( big sad face
During lunch at the hotel, we met the Spanish student who work with the program to help us get oriented and help us integrate into the culture. They offer advice, tell us where to go for food, and give us any help we need. They are a little older, maybe in mid twenties. Two of them took us for a walk in a new park in Madrid afterwards, which was really fun. I was struggling to udnerstand them with their slang and fast speaking. Also, I have a hard time coming up with responses and things to say because I get so absorbed into listening. The park was really dry and fairly new, but there were these awesome slides we all went down. Super fun and broke the tension of the pressure to talk.
Then we were told to dress in activewear for activitdades de ejercicios for orientation. They didn't explain anything else, so I wore shorts and a t-shirt. Sergio, who works in Alcala, ran the orientation activities. He is a theater guy and (i think) is part of a theater company. He also teaches a movement class in Alcala, which I am thinking of taking. He is a very funny guy! Surprisingly, his bonding activities were a success! I knew everyone's names in both programs!! Afterwards, I napped again, and then we went out to dinner with the Spanish students. We had tapas, and most had sangria or canas, which are little cups of beer from the tap, but both Bridget and I knew if we even had a sip we would be sleeping on the table. Instead, we both had Fanta Limon! Which is EXCELENTE! It's like fizzy lemonade. Then we returned to the hotel, took a shower, and passed out.
The next morning, yesterday, I actually had forgotten that I was in Spain... It was very strange... I thought I was going to be playing Halo with Sara and Jonny. A sad moment indeed. We had breakfast in the hotel at 10, and then the rest of the morning we sat through various presentations about the program website and safety throughout the semester. After we had lunch, and I was much more awake for that than I was for breakfast. I sat next to Cristina, a student a the law part of the university in Alcala. She is SO COOL. And super patient and fun to talk to. She wants to become a police officer. She has an exam on Monday that will determine if she graduates or not... kinda scary! She seems extremely nice and kind natured, and wants to get to know the program students. She said she would help me with anything I need, and she gave me a few stores to go to to shop! She said that she wouldn't be around the program for the next few days because she had to study, but would definitely see me after the exam. After that we left for Alcala!
Written today, September 6:
I was SO SCARED to meet my family. After hearing good and bad stories about families, I was worried. Also, I was so tired, I didn't know how I would carry my suitcases. I kept thinking of Sarah Newman's story of having to lug all of her luggage herself. AHHH! The city is absolutely gorgeous. We met the families at Plaza de Cervantes, which will become a key place to meet up with people. I felt so bad because I couldn't recognize my host mother! She was calling my name, but I didn't know it was her! I must have had an old picture and she changed her hair. She very kindly took the smaller of the suitcases (I wouldn't let her take the overweight one). I never felt so exhausted in my life. She lives within walking distance of the plaza, like it would be weird to take a taxi, but it's just far enought that with a suitcase, it was loco. She was totally judging me. She kept wondering what I had in my suitcases. Nicely, but still... Looking back on it now, she was probably just asking because she was curious. Spanish people are super direct.
We got to the apartment, and it is absolutely spotless. En serio. Like the cleanest place I have ever been. The complete opposite of what I expected. I was expecting a place like Jonny's host family, where their house was wonderful, but dirty. And my room is perfect! My host mother kept saying, it's very small. It's perfect for the amount of people who live here, which is two normally. She was so nice and showed me the apartment. And then she gave me a phone!!!! She is so sweet. We chatted for a bit ,but I was so tired and sweated through my clothes, so she left me to unpack. I was difficult because there isn't a lot of room for stuff. I had a little freakout... Now we are where I began, with the radio blasting and my host mom making dinner. My fam gave me an electronic picture frame for my birthday for this trip. I set it on my desk, plugged it in.... but the frame said I needed to load the pictures... and then I remembered shutting my suitcase in my room at home and putting the memory card in my suitcase... I couldn't find it! I started crying and compltely fell apart, quietly... It's the little things that will set me off. I did find it in the end! And later my host mom saw it just in time for freak pictures... AWKWARD!! A little embarrassing, but whatever.
Now that I caught up a bit, I need to leave...:( I want to catch up to today to be able to write more about what's happening now! En serio, this program is the best program out there. No joke.
¡Hasta luego!
Started on Saturday:
Yes, I am in Spain! I arrived yesterday. I just finished unpacking my 2 enormous suitcases (only one was overweight!!), and as I type, my host mother is in the kitchen with Spanish radio blasting throughout the small apartment. The first song on the radio was Save Tonight. Now Lazy Song is playing... Oh Spanish radio.
I have yet to describe the program I am doing here in Alcala for my blog. I am doing the Tufts-Skidmore in Spain program in a suburb of Madrid, kind of like the size and distance relationship of White Plains and New York City. With the program, students stay with a Spanish family and attend the historic university. The program also has a center and offers classes. I will be here for four months. I depart on Dececember 23rd.
I feel my English writing is a little strange. I just spent several hours talking with my host mother. Excuse my poor grammar. I am super tired and just writing...
I arrived in Spain yesterday after much anticipation. I have been so excited for this program since my acceptance this past spring, but I had an action packed summer, so this semester crept up on me, especially with the hurricane. We didn't have power for three days! I almost thought I would be bringing dirty clothes to Spain! It was a hectic and sad goodbye at the disgusting Delta terminal at JFK. Only part of my family came for my departure. Melissa is in DC and Christina is still in Turkey. I always have a hard time leaving my family, but this was especially difficult knowing there is no chance of driving home when I feel homesick. I felt homesick before I went through security, although up until then I was able to keep my cool and viewed the coming semester as any other. Thursday was a crazy day, and I appreciated my family's patience. Emotionally, I was a trainwreck, but I was lucky I flew with a friend of mine from Skidmore, Bridget! I would have been crying the whole way if it weren't for her.
Later on Saturday:
I was just interrupted three times. The first by my older host sister's return from a trip to Istanbul with her husband. The second was (I think) a ding dong ditch. And the third was my host brother in law (hehe) bringing me turkish delight from Istanbul! I actually think they got the names mixed up. Christina, correct me if I am wrong, but turkish delight is like sticky stringy sugar. I think this was more like baklava.
Back to my departure. It was loco. I was lucky to have Bridget because she made me think about other things than missing my family and being scared. Thank you, Bridget. The flight was very uncomfortable and super cold, but at least it was nonstop. Also, I was in the middle seat, but I was next to a skinny woman in her late twenties. No overflow, if you know what I mean. She is in Spain for a friend who just broke off an engagement. Kind of awkward... And she has family here.
We arrived in the airport in one piece and were greeted with smiles, signs, hugs, and of course many dos besos (two kisses) by several of the program people (that is how I will refer to the people who work for Tufts-Skidmore in Spain). They immediately threw us into Spanish, which was good and bad because I didn't know how to express my gratitude for their friendliness and for picking us up at the airport. Also, they knew exactly who I was! Every time they say my name, it takes me a minute to know they are talking to me because they call me Elisabeth, and they say it with a Spanish accent. After waiting a while for everyone to get through, we finally headed out to the shuttle. I was already regretting not disciplining myself enough to pack one suitcase, and lightly. I am d-u-m dumb!! They took us to a hotel in Madrid. We checked in but could not go to our rooms yet because it was the early morning. We were allowed to have breakfast in the hotel, continental style. We ended up sitting there for quite a long time (I lost track of any sense of time). They we had to wait while they figured out who was where and with who. The day had started with a lot of waiting. I passed out once I saw the bed. I was rooming with a girl from Tufts whose suitcase was lost, and so I lent her my shampoo and conditioner, and later shorts. Then we ate lunch, which was paella, but not so good hotel version with vegatables,chicken with frenchfries, and icecream. In Spain, la comida, lunch, is the biggest meal of the day and is usually spent with family at home.
I am continuing this post on September 4. Right now, I feel pretty awkward because my host sister is crying to her mother in the living room about her break up.... I feel bad but what can I do?
:( big sad face
During lunch at the hotel, we met the Spanish student who work with the program to help us get oriented and help us integrate into the culture. They offer advice, tell us where to go for food, and give us any help we need. They are a little older, maybe in mid twenties. Two of them took us for a walk in a new park in Madrid afterwards, which was really fun. I was struggling to udnerstand them with their slang and fast speaking. Also, I have a hard time coming up with responses and things to say because I get so absorbed into listening. The park was really dry and fairly new, but there were these awesome slides we all went down. Super fun and broke the tension of the pressure to talk.
Then we were told to dress in activewear for activitdades de ejercicios for orientation. They didn't explain anything else, so I wore shorts and a t-shirt. Sergio, who works in Alcala, ran the orientation activities. He is a theater guy and (i think) is part of a theater company. He also teaches a movement class in Alcala, which I am thinking of taking. He is a very funny guy! Surprisingly, his bonding activities were a success! I knew everyone's names in both programs!! Afterwards, I napped again, and then we went out to dinner with the Spanish students. We had tapas, and most had sangria or canas, which are little cups of beer from the tap, but both Bridget and I knew if we even had a sip we would be sleeping on the table. Instead, we both had Fanta Limon! Which is EXCELENTE! It's like fizzy lemonade. Then we returned to the hotel, took a shower, and passed out.
The next morning, yesterday, I actually had forgotten that I was in Spain... It was very strange... I thought I was going to be playing Halo with Sara and Jonny. A sad moment indeed. We had breakfast in the hotel at 10, and then the rest of the morning we sat through various presentations about the program website and safety throughout the semester. After we had lunch, and I was much more awake for that than I was for breakfast. I sat next to Cristina, a student a the law part of the university in Alcala. She is SO COOL. And super patient and fun to talk to. She wants to become a police officer. She has an exam on Monday that will determine if she graduates or not... kinda scary! She seems extremely nice and kind natured, and wants to get to know the program students. She said she would help me with anything I need, and she gave me a few stores to go to to shop! She said that she wouldn't be around the program for the next few days because she had to study, but would definitely see me after the exam. After that we left for Alcala!
Written today, September 6:
I was SO SCARED to meet my family. After hearing good and bad stories about families, I was worried. Also, I was so tired, I didn't know how I would carry my suitcases. I kept thinking of Sarah Newman's story of having to lug all of her luggage herself. AHHH! The city is absolutely gorgeous. We met the families at Plaza de Cervantes, which will become a key place to meet up with people. I felt so bad because I couldn't recognize my host mother! She was calling my name, but I didn't know it was her! I must have had an old picture and she changed her hair. She very kindly took the smaller of the suitcases (I wouldn't let her take the overweight one). I never felt so exhausted in my life. She lives within walking distance of the plaza, like it would be weird to take a taxi, but it's just far enought that with a suitcase, it was loco. She was totally judging me. She kept wondering what I had in my suitcases. Nicely, but still... Looking back on it now, she was probably just asking because she was curious. Spanish people are super direct.
We got to the apartment, and it is absolutely spotless. En serio. Like the cleanest place I have ever been. The complete opposite of what I expected. I was expecting a place like Jonny's host family, where their house was wonderful, but dirty. And my room is perfect! My host mother kept saying, it's very small. It's perfect for the amount of people who live here, which is two normally. She was so nice and showed me the apartment. And then she gave me a phone!!!! She is so sweet. We chatted for a bit ,but I was so tired and sweated through my clothes, so she left me to unpack. I was difficult because there isn't a lot of room for stuff. I had a little freakout... Now we are where I began, with the radio blasting and my host mom making dinner. My fam gave me an electronic picture frame for my birthday for this trip. I set it on my desk, plugged it in.... but the frame said I needed to load the pictures... and then I remembered shutting my suitcase in my room at home and putting the memory card in my suitcase... I couldn't find it! I started crying and compltely fell apart, quietly... It's the little things that will set me off. I did find it in the end! And later my host mom saw it just in time for freak pictures... AWKWARD!! A little embarrassing, but whatever.
Now that I caught up a bit, I need to leave...:( I want to catch up to today to be able to write more about what's happening now! En serio, this program is the best program out there. No joke.
¡Hasta luego!
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