It's a beautiful Saturday so I don't want to spend too much of my morning on the computer... but you deserve an update.
Colorado was spectacular, and I've got upwards of 300 pictures to prove it. We explored in the mountains, chilled out at mesa verde, walked around durango, and had a blast rafting. That's just the start of it. For my first authentic road trip, it was an awfully impressive success. I have seen it all! (In South Dakota at least!) And now it is all rushing in on me.
Lately I feel like all of my expendable energy has been spent worrying about my future. I graduate college in less than a year and the big question becomes: what next???? I don't think I even have an idea there. Part of me is dying to take a year off before I head to Grad School. Learn what the real world really is. Find myself. But there's a small part that is terrified. GREs and Recommendation letters and Personal Statements do not seem like something I am ready to conquer in the few months ahead of me. And thus, the world is collapsing. I assure you, I know that this is not the case! Then, why does it seem so hard? Decisions, decisions, decisions.
And I'm still getting nowhere.
I am back to work at the Grove. And I love it. On the side I am still teaching ESL and trying to put together that Lit review and reflection and all, on top of my Gilman Scholarship follow-up. In the last six months I have lost my spirit for hard work. How? Oh yeah, class three hours a day and no homework really does the trick. Free drinks with the professors Monday nights help. So does the whole theory of a test-a-month. And the beach in my spare time. And now, compositions seem the death of me. I WILL break this by the timw class starts this fall. I am not a slacker.
Opa is moving to a nursing home near you. How do you feel about that? I am too upset to put it to words. How can a wife abandon her husband when she's the only caretaker he has? How can my mother be forced to take on all of these responsibilities for an Alzheimered patient 6 months after her bankruptcy? How can noone else see this? These are questions I don't think will ever be answered.
But all in all, my life seems pretty much turned upside-down.
Help.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
What else have I been up to lately?
Children have an uncanny way of showing you new things about yourself. Like, for example, how much less you have learned in three times the education.
Today I experienced my first Spanish immersion program. They were in kindergarten, and almost more fluent than I am after spending months in Spain. It’s enlightening, and just my first example of how much easier it is to become bilingual in early development. At age 5 the children spent the morning doing simple math and reading, and this was entirely in Spanish. I was impressed.
We spend the first part reading and coloring a new educational book, like that of today, “¿De Donde Viene?” followed by our Morning Meeting. This part is my favorite, with classics like show and tell and a countdown to the end of school, and with the children telling what they did that weekend... all in their second language. I even had the chance to learn new songs. Then it’s onto their math section. Today they tried to represent a choice number in several different ways, summed equations, coins, tally marks, and others. They continue in Spanish and I am beginning to wonder when the English education becomes a part of their school day! I guess I will ask tomorrow, but for now I am content with the way this morning went, in the language that I love surrounded by a great group of children I have grown to adore in such a short time.
* * *
The songs we use in class are necessary to keep in my future!
Un elefante se balanceaba
sobre la tela de una araña,
como veía que resistía
fue a llamar a otro elefante…
Dos elefantes se balanceaban,
sobre la tela de una araña,
como veían que resistía
fueron a llamar a otro elefante…
Tres elefantes...
Cuatro elefantes...
Doña semana tiene siete hijos,
Unos son blancos, otros negritos,
Lunes, martes, miércoles y jueves,
Viernes, sábado, y domingo el fin,
Que nunca trabaja y es un bailarín.
I’m sure there are countless songs to help children learn, but these are just a few. It’s cute how they continue to have witticisms even when they are in different languages and for different age groups. The kids love them even more than I do, if that’s even possible.
* * *
Can I begin by saying this work makes me feel alive?
Thank you. Today we had a really great math lesson and taught the children to weave. It wasn’t anything extremely special. But it was great to watch them working so hard on something so simple. They enjoy their day and I can tell, and I have no idea how Sra. Casper Sanchez has been able to transform them from playful children to respectful, controlled students. She even addresses them with the formal version of the Spanish language. I am just awestruck at how quietly they sit in front of her, raising hands and using countless other manners among their maestra and classmates.
They do not speak Spanish better than an adult native speaker by any means. But they speak it just about as well as me. As compared to English speaking kindergarteners, they have generally the same range of vocabulary. And they have it in English too. This means St. Paul has successfully produced bilingual students by age 5. And I think it sticks in their head better than mine too, which is just not fair.
Today I experienced my first Spanish immersion program. They were in kindergarten, and almost more fluent than I am after spending months in Spain. It’s enlightening, and just my first example of how much easier it is to become bilingual in early development. At age 5 the children spent the morning doing simple math and reading, and this was entirely in Spanish. I was impressed.
We spend the first part reading and coloring a new educational book, like that of today, “¿De Donde Viene?” followed by our Morning Meeting. This part is my favorite, with classics like show and tell and a countdown to the end of school, and with the children telling what they did that weekend... all in their second language. I even had the chance to learn new songs. Then it’s onto their math section. Today they tried to represent a choice number in several different ways, summed equations, coins, tally marks, and others. They continue in Spanish and I am beginning to wonder when the English education becomes a part of their school day! I guess I will ask tomorrow, but for now I am content with the way this morning went, in the language that I love surrounded by a great group of children I have grown to adore in such a short time.
* * *
The songs we use in class are necessary to keep in my future!
Un elefante se balanceaba
sobre la tela de una araña,
como veía que resistía
fue a llamar a otro elefante…
Dos elefantes se balanceaban,
sobre la tela de una araña,
como veían que resistía
fueron a llamar a otro elefante…
Tres elefantes...
Cuatro elefantes...
Doña semana tiene siete hijos,
Unos son blancos, otros negritos,
Lunes, martes, miércoles y jueves,
Viernes, sábado, y domingo el fin,
Que nunca trabaja y es un bailarín.
I’m sure there are countless songs to help children learn, but these are just a few. It’s cute how they continue to have witticisms even when they are in different languages and for different age groups. The kids love them even more than I do, if that’s even possible.
* * *
Can I begin by saying this work makes me feel alive?
Thank you. Today we had a really great math lesson and taught the children to weave. It wasn’t anything extremely special. But it was great to watch them working so hard on something so simple. They enjoy their day and I can tell, and I have no idea how Sra. Casper Sanchez has been able to transform them from playful children to respectful, controlled students. She even addresses them with the formal version of the Spanish language. I am just awestruck at how quietly they sit in front of her, raising hands and using countless other manners among their maestra and classmates.
They do not speak Spanish better than an adult native speaker by any means. But they speak it just about as well as me. As compared to English speaking kindergarteners, they have generally the same range of vocabulary. And they have it in English too. This means St. Paul has successfully produced bilingual students by age 5. And I think it sticks in their head better than mine too, which is just not fair.
gravity wins, I'm back.
I'm sorry, you were not forgotten.
Since I left you I left Spain.
I went to Paris.
Venice. Florence. Rome. Naples. Pompeii...
I went to Greece, at last.
And here I am, at home, wishing I was back in Spain again. Some life.
Since I left you I left Spain.
I went to Paris.
Venice. Florence. Rome. Naples. Pompeii...
I went to Greece, at last.
And here I am, at home, wishing I was back in Spain again. Some life.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
A Picture a Week
My friend posted 50 pictures from her 50 weeks and I thought it was brilliant... They start at the end of my time, because I'd rather not finish off my time here just yet. I can't believe I have to say goodbye tomorrow already, the dream of my entire life coming to an end. Oy.
breakdown anyone?
This is the email I just sent my dad so he can call the bank and try to clear up this WHOPPING PILE OF SHIT for me while I sit helpless 3000 miles away:
Ok, I want you to have this for when you make the call to TCF, in case they have any questions you cannot answer. So I am going to make an attempt to tell the full story...
Yesterday between 12:40 and 1:20 I went to 4 banks and two other ATMs that were in the dept. store and in the bus station... I am out of money and wanted to withdraw 300 euro. They included ATMs from:
- Caja Madrid
- Telebanco, at Banco Gallego
- Caja Madrid in Corte Ingles---the dept. store
- Caixa Oberta, "La Caixa"
- Caja Espana
- CAM-Caja Mediterraneo---in the station
In that order. Every one of them either said Transaction Denied, Consult your Bank, or Sorry we cannot help you at this time. Discouraged and running out of time, Dave lent me the money to buy the bus ticket and I returned home. My host family the system may have been screwed up by the storm and recommended I try it again the next day. However, by mere chance I checked on my statement last night through Online Banking, where I had a pending transaction of 395$, which translates as 300 euro, as an ATM withdrawal!
---one thing that really boggles me is that they have no clue which ATM it went to, because if you look at the statement down through February they identify the bank and location in EVERY OTHER ATM WITHDRAWAL LISTING. For this reason I really believe the money is lost in transit and didn't actually go to any atm/bank I was at. Dave can testify that every screen turned me down and I retired for the day.
Well, couldn't do anything about it until today. This morning I got to school about a half hour early to ask the director to accompany me because I don't have the mental stability at the moment, nor am I confident enough in my vocabulary to discuss finances with a bank. She took me to each of them, down the line, but figured out it wasn't going to work.
The first bank couldn't tell me their ATM number, and told me most banks wouldn't know theirs either, so there is no way to look into where that number corresponds. The bank teller explained what he thought may have happened... that ATMs run on internet and after a certain time if they have not received a response from the home bank with the authorization they close the connection and deny the transaction. He thinks the timing was off and TCF authorized the 300 euros after I had already been denied them. This would explain the charge, and why no other banks would give me the funds either, because I have a daily maximum withdrawal of 300 euro.
The second bank I went to we talked to a very nice and very very knowledgeable gentleman and he insisted that that was not possible. He said his bank had already counted the ATM and didn't miss anything. This is when he pulled up tcfbank.com and I logged onto my online banking account one more time, to double check. The charge was gone. The money hadn't reappeared yet but he said it was probably still being processed and should be returned to me in no time. I thought it had taken care of itself. He had me try the ATM again and this time it worked. That is the final charge you see on the papers I faxed to you, from today. My card is not broken, the system was yesterday. TCF needs to figure this out, because it is not the banks here. I looked into it.
I hope that explains it all really well and you are informed enough to call them. Let me know if there is anything else I can help with, otherwise call me as soon as you can, and thank you so much for taking care of this for me. I really appreciate it beyond words, and am trying to handle it the best I can from my end as well.
Much love,
Kristy
Ok, I want you to have this for when you make the call to TCF, in case they have any questions you cannot answer. So I am going to make an attempt to tell the full story...
Yesterday between 12:40 and 1:20 I went to 4 banks and two other ATMs that were in the dept. store and in the bus station... I am out of money and wanted to withdraw 300 euro. They included ATMs from:
- Caja Madrid
- Telebanco, at Banco Gallego
- Caja Madrid in Corte Ingles---the dept. store
- Caixa Oberta, "La Caixa"
- Caja Espana
- CAM-Caja Mediterraneo---in the station
In that order. Every one of them either said Transaction Denied, Consult your Bank, or Sorry we cannot help you at this time. Discouraged and running out of time, Dave lent me the money to buy the bus ticket and I returned home. My host family the system may have been screwed up by the storm and recommended I try it again the next day. However, by mere chance I checked on my statement last night through Online Banking, where I had a pending transaction of 395$, which translates as 300 euro, as an ATM withdrawal!
---one thing that really boggles me is that they have no clue which ATM it went to, because if you look at the statement down through February they identify the bank and location in EVERY OTHER ATM WITHDRAWAL LISTING. For this reason I really believe the money is lost in transit and didn't actually go to any atm/bank I was at. Dave can testify that every screen turned me down and I retired for the day.
Well, couldn't do anything about it until today. This morning I got to school about a half hour early to ask the director to accompany me because I don't have the mental stability at the moment, nor am I confident enough in my vocabulary to discuss finances with a bank. She took me to each of them, down the line, but figured out it wasn't going to work.
The first bank couldn't tell me their ATM number, and told me most banks wouldn't know theirs either, so there is no way to look into where that number corresponds. The bank teller explained what he thought may have happened... that ATMs run on internet and after a certain time if they have not received a response from the home bank with the authorization they close the connection and deny the transaction. He thinks the timing was off and TCF authorized the 300 euros after I had already been denied them. This would explain the charge, and why no other banks would give me the funds either, because I have a daily maximum withdrawal of 300 euro.
The second bank I went to we talked to a very nice and very very knowledgeable gentleman and he insisted that that was not possible. He said his bank had already counted the ATM and didn't miss anything. This is when he pulled up tcfbank.com and I logged onto my online banking account one more time, to double check. The charge was gone. The money hadn't reappeared yet but he said it was probably still being processed and should be returned to me in no time. I thought it had taken care of itself. He had me try the ATM again and this time it worked. That is the final charge you see on the papers I faxed to you, from today. My card is not broken, the system was yesterday. TCF needs to figure this out, because it is not the banks here. I looked into it.
I hope that explains it all really well and you are informed enough to call them. Let me know if there is anything else I can help with, otherwise call me as soon as you can, and thank you so much for taking care of this for me. I really appreciate it beyond words, and am trying to handle it the best I can from my end as well.
Much love,
Kristy
Sunday, March 29, 2009
La Chica Culturada :)
Well, I have officially knocked off my tenth city in Spain and feel all too cultured:
-Madrid
-Alicante
-Segovia
-Avila
-Barcelona
-Toledo
-Valencia
-Altea
-Benidorm
-Granada
Are you proud? Four of them were in the last week... I am running out of things to say because I suck at keeping up with this blog, but rest assured I have seen plenty.
About a week and a half ago a friend of a friend arrived, which commenced one of the craziest weekends in Spain. We saw Palmeral and the beach and the castle and elsewhere with her, but the best explanation is that three nights in a row people got split up---staying in hostels in our own city, going to gay bars and free shots, getting a job and ripping pants, and of course just plain having fun. So much fun that Jackie and her didn't make it out of bed to hop the train to Valencia...
It's hard to believe that 30 years ago mamasita was studying here in Spain (in Valencia) and a week ago I was standing in her path, in the doorway to the University, and in the history she saw decades ago, the same history. It was a good trip, and it's hard to believe that we saw literally everything in Valencia and had time for a 3 course Paella lunch in our 6 hours there! But we're starting believe we are crummy tourists, hehe. In any case, possibly the most gorgeous city in all of Spain.
Altea and Benidorm were covered last week with Alvin before he left to return to London (I refuse to say any more about it or dwell). And This weekend was Granada. The best slogan to represent the trip: "All's Well that Ends Well"... Bad idea to jump the 2:30am bus to Granada, with Morrocans bothering us and keeping us from sleep. Bad start at the hostel too. But after all of that, we saw the Alhambra, the Cathedral and Chapel (and where Isabel/Fernando were buried, if you have any clue who they are and how amazingly famous they are in Spain!) I got my Granada Tapas and saw my Granada things, and we even got to see spectacles---after a LONG siesta we left to explore and ran smack dab into the middle of a procession for Semana Santa outside the door of the hostel! Very neat... as well as the authentic Flamenco, in it's birthplace as well---so believe me when I say I am cultured :)
I can't believe in 4 days my entire life's dream will be over. That is another thing I am not willing to talk about right now.
Tomorrow we are going to see a movie that was filmed here in Alicante!
That's it for the update, give me time. Sorry I'm a lame blogger.
-Madrid
-Alicante
-Segovia
-Avila
-Barcelona
-Toledo
-Valencia
-Altea
-Benidorm
-Granada
Are you proud? Four of them were in the last week... I am running out of things to say because I suck at keeping up with this blog, but rest assured I have seen plenty.
About a week and a half ago a friend of a friend arrived, which commenced one of the craziest weekends in Spain. We saw Palmeral and the beach and the castle and elsewhere with her, but the best explanation is that three nights in a row people got split up---staying in hostels in our own city, going to gay bars and free shots, getting a job and ripping pants, and of course just plain having fun. So much fun that Jackie and her didn't make it out of bed to hop the train to Valencia...
It's hard to believe that 30 years ago mamasita was studying here in Spain (in Valencia) and a week ago I was standing in her path, in the doorway to the University, and in the history she saw decades ago, the same history. It was a good trip, and it's hard to believe that we saw literally everything in Valencia and had time for a 3 course Paella lunch in our 6 hours there! But we're starting believe we are crummy tourists, hehe. In any case, possibly the most gorgeous city in all of Spain.
Altea and Benidorm were covered last week with Alvin before he left to return to London (I refuse to say any more about it or dwell). And This weekend was Granada. The best slogan to represent the trip: "All's Well that Ends Well"... Bad idea to jump the 2:30am bus to Granada, with Morrocans bothering us and keeping us from sleep. Bad start at the hostel too. But after all of that, we saw the Alhambra, the Cathedral and Chapel (and where Isabel/Fernando were buried, if you have any clue who they are and how amazingly famous they are in Spain!) I got my Granada Tapas and saw my Granada things, and we even got to see spectacles---after a LONG siesta we left to explore and ran smack dab into the middle of a procession for Semana Santa outside the door of the hostel! Very neat... as well as the authentic Flamenco, in it's birthplace as well---so believe me when I say I am cultured :)
I can't believe in 4 days my entire life's dream will be over. That is another thing I am not willing to talk about right now.
Tomorrow we are going to see a movie that was filmed here in Alicante!
That's it for the update, give me time. Sorry I'm a lame blogger.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
St. Patricks, with the Leprachauns.
Yes, I went to Dublin for St. Patrick's Day. It was a GREAT idea.
We began by getting on the flight seated next to a couple guys from Chile---after about a half hour of talking they decided they were buying wine for the whole lot of us. And that is when we began celebrating the biggest holiday for Ireland, on our way out to Ireland :) I couldn't believe it, but wow what a day! I got a cider and a shot of Jameson Whiskey to commence Dublin, but the best part of the night was Hungry Harry's, a random hole in the wall restaurant we found next to temple bar! I do not remember the last time I orgasmed eating garlic cheese fries :) All in all, the first night was pretty uneventful and best explained by a bunch of random wandering in the new city. Fitzsimmons, a club we went to, was a lot of fun, but Temple Bar, the place Dublin is known for, was impossible to navegate. I retired after that, to eat my fries! A good decision overall, I'd have to admit.
Saturday we were smart enough to outsmart Ireland: we took a tour bus around the city instead of trying to conquer it ourselves. It was a hop on hop off kind of thing and we got to see everything, and I mean everything, that I had hoped to see---Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Doors of Dublin, St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, Guinness Factory and old Jameson Distillery, the Liffey River, and whatever else was there that I forgot the names to or didn't have enough interest in! Another interesting night topped off my St. Patty's Day weekend. But I enjoyed being able to watch friends, scrubs, and the office, in our hotel room, in english!
Speaking of hotel, that was the most interesting part of the entire weekend. Let's just say they were counting heads, and we had one too many Chelsea's trying to check in! What a crazy turn of events. You don't want the actual story.
I am glad to be done with Ryanair flights. As we bounced coming into the landing strip I thanked god to not ever have to do that again. And now, Alicante. Wow, what luck. I hope you are keeping up with it all. I'll tell you more about it when I am not tired and stressed out about a broken camera, BAH.
We began by getting on the flight seated next to a couple guys from Chile---after about a half hour of talking they decided they were buying wine for the whole lot of us. And that is when we began celebrating the biggest holiday for Ireland, on our way out to Ireland :) I couldn't believe it, but wow what a day! I got a cider and a shot of Jameson Whiskey to commence Dublin, but the best part of the night was Hungry Harry's, a random hole in the wall restaurant we found next to temple bar! I do not remember the last time I orgasmed eating garlic cheese fries :) All in all, the first night was pretty uneventful and best explained by a bunch of random wandering in the new city. Fitzsimmons, a club we went to, was a lot of fun, but Temple Bar, the place Dublin is known for, was impossible to navegate. I retired after that, to eat my fries! A good decision overall, I'd have to admit.
Saturday we were smart enough to outsmart Ireland: we took a tour bus around the city instead of trying to conquer it ourselves. It was a hop on hop off kind of thing and we got to see everything, and I mean everything, that I had hoped to see---Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Doors of Dublin, St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, Guinness Factory and old Jameson Distillery, the Liffey River, and whatever else was there that I forgot the names to or didn't have enough interest in! Another interesting night topped off my St. Patty's Day weekend. But I enjoyed being able to watch friends, scrubs, and the office, in our hotel room, in english!
Speaking of hotel, that was the most interesting part of the entire weekend. Let's just say they were counting heads, and we had one too many Chelsea's trying to check in! What a crazy turn of events. You don't want the actual story.
I am glad to be done with Ryanair flights. As we bounced coming into the landing strip I thanked god to not ever have to do that again. And now, Alicante. Wow, what luck. I hope you are keeping up with it all. I'll tell you more about it when I am not tired and stressed out about a broken camera, BAH.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Yes, I'm still alive.
I have now been living in Alicante for over a week and I think I just may be nearly adapted. It was a long process requiring definite patience but I'm glad I went through it. A week ago these were the thoughts going through my head:
"The family is nothing compared to Sabine and Elena. Carlos, my host dad, is an amazing guy and I love him oodles! However, Bibi, the mom, is so rude... always interrupting Carlos when he's telling stories and never making time for us... We have a dutch girl living with us and her name is Ani and she is OBVIOUSLY Bibi's favorite, she is so enthusiastic about her and speaks to her all the time and completely leaves us out of it (unless Carlos addresses us)... so it's uncomfortable and we feel like a paycheck. I wouldn't mind moving."
"I am enjoying the new city but getting homesick without internet for keeping in touch, and counting down the days until Marty comes and I start yet another new adventure! I think I am just ready to be done, as much as I hate to wish this experience away. This is not easy."
"I love it here but life is very very slow. I don´t know what to do with all my free time."
"We were sitting anxiously on the bus when I heard a rapping on the window..Sabine actually came to the bus station to say goodbye! It was something that I never expected out of my host mom and it made me want to cry and pout and get the heck off that bus and back to that apartment. I already miss Madrid and my friends and family there. I am sick of this lifestyle. I want to go home, or somewhere else for sure."
So now that I finally got the internet problem fixed I am settled in and ready to tell you about my life. And by that I mean bore you, I haven't really had one here. We spend literally half of the time on the beach and have spent the remainder at school, or exploring the local castle (yes you heard me right!), or walking around town, or whatever. But a majority of it, at the beach... needless to say, I'm content. Skinny dipping in the middle of March, not too bad if you ask me.
School is amazing, still class from 9-12:30 every day but now instead of grammar we are learning Literature and History of Spain so I am asctually interested for once. Hehe, and I am reading the text on the side as well as my Harry Potter... And we went to Dublin this weekend. But I have to give my fingers a rest before I tell you stories from that!
As for now, I am headed to the beach yet again. Feel free to begin the jealousy, now. Hasta luego.
Besos,
Kristy
"The family is nothing compared to Sabine and Elena. Carlos, my host dad, is an amazing guy and I love him oodles! However, Bibi, the mom, is so rude... always interrupting Carlos when he's telling stories and never making time for us... We have a dutch girl living with us and her name is Ani and she is OBVIOUSLY Bibi's favorite, she is so enthusiastic about her and speaks to her all the time and completely leaves us out of it (unless Carlos addresses us)... so it's uncomfortable and we feel like a paycheck. I wouldn't mind moving."
"I am enjoying the new city but getting homesick without internet for keeping in touch, and counting down the days until Marty comes and I start yet another new adventure! I think I am just ready to be done, as much as I hate to wish this experience away. This is not easy."
"I love it here but life is very very slow. I don´t know what to do with all my free time."
"We were sitting anxiously on the bus when I heard a rapping on the window..Sabine actually came to the bus station to say goodbye! It was something that I never expected out of my host mom and it made me want to cry and pout and get the heck off that bus and back to that apartment. I already miss Madrid and my friends and family there. I am sick of this lifestyle. I want to go home, or somewhere else for sure."
So now that I finally got the internet problem fixed I am settled in and ready to tell you about my life. And by that I mean bore you, I haven't really had one here. We spend literally half of the time on the beach and have spent the remainder at school, or exploring the local castle (yes you heard me right!), or walking around town, or whatever. But a majority of it, at the beach... needless to say, I'm content. Skinny dipping in the middle of March, not too bad if you ask me.
School is amazing, still class from 9-12:30 every day but now instead of grammar we are learning Literature and History of Spain so I am asctually interested for once. Hehe, and I am reading the text on the side as well as my Harry Potter... And we went to Dublin this weekend. But I have to give my fingers a rest before I tell you stories from that!
As for now, I am headed to the beach yet again. Feel free to begin the jealousy, now. Hasta luego.
Besos,
Kristy
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Carmen!
Well, another highlight from my time here... finally able to see the opera, and flamenco all at once. This was definitely not what I was expecting with my background information of this particular show, but what an incredible spectacle! Dramatic lighting and sets. She made a point to only use the colors black, white, and red. So it worked well. And they used shawls and capes and fans in the dance, it all just came together so well. But I can't do it justice, all I can tell you is that I was sitting at the edge of my seat in this one.
Today I took my exam and passed out of Sampere Madrid, Saturday I move to Alicante for the last month! It's definitely a bittersweet goodbye, I am very accustomed to such the beautiful city, and I am going to miss my family, my friends, my professors, so much. Besides which, I just met a girl who came here last week... an Alpha Chi Omega from Florida! Small world. Sad to move on, but with so much to look forward to! Asun, the director, corrected my exam and simply said GENIAL I was proud when she looked through the entire two paragraphs I wrote about the future with the sole mistake of one missing accent mark :) You have no idea.
Anyway, I am cooking a casserole for Sabine and Elena right now! Look at me go! I hope all is well with you, especially my loyal fan Rebecca, shout out to you and thank you so much for the read and the comments! You have made it worth writing, sending my love from overseas.
Monday, March 2, 2009
London
I had a great weekend with Amanda, but I'm sure you won't even be able to keep your head on straight when I go down the line. We seriously saw everything in London: Tower of London, "the Monument", Tower Bridge, London Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral (w/streets like "Paul's Walk" and "Peter's Way" which I took pictures of and I know Dad will be into), Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Millennium Foot Bridge (site in Love Actually) the Aquarium, the London Eye, Big Ben and Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown, Leicester Square (theatre district), Green Park, Buckingham Palace, and to the King's Head for Fish and Chips and Cider for dinner... that was Day 1.
Day 2 was Camden Street and Camden Market, Regent's Park, Oxford Street, Amanda's School, Selfridges (all designer, holy whoa!), and the Harry Potter sites: Leaky Cauldron, Platform 9 3/4, and the Train station. I am glad we didn't go out last night because we were so worn down! I'll have you know that our movie night consisted of While you were Sleeping :) what a great night. Any questions? hehe.
I don't feel like telling stories. That is my lame update. Have a great day, love you and miss you!
Day 2 was Camden Street and Camden Market, Regent's Park, Oxford Street, Amanda's School, Selfridges (all designer, holy whoa!), and the Harry Potter sites: Leaky Cauldron, Platform 9 3/4, and the Train station. I am glad we didn't go out last night because we were so worn down! I'll have you know that our movie night consisted of While you were Sleeping :) what a great night. Any questions? hehe.
I don't feel like telling stories. That is my lame update. Have a great day, love you and miss you!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
This was in my inbox a couple weeks ago...
Embassy of the United States of America
Madrid, Spain
WARDEN MESSAGE
February 9, 2009
The following Notice is for maximum dissemination to U.S. Citizens.
WARDEN MESSAGE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS
On February 8, the Spanish Supreme Court banned two Basque political parties, D3M and Askatasuna, from participating in the upcoming regional elections in March.
On the morning of February 9, a bomb, believed to be the work of the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorist organization, exploded at the Campo de las Naciones in Madrid. There are also media reports of violence in the Basque region the night of 6 February when commuter trains and buses were set on fire.
ETA remains active in Spain, and further attacks are a possibility in the period leading up to the March 1 regional elections. ETA generally provides advance warning of its attacks and has historically avoided targeting foreigners, instead directing its attacks against the police, military, local politicians, and Spanish government targets, as well as attempting to disrupt transportation and daily life; however, foreigners have been killed or injured collaterally in ETA attacks despite advance warning. Two examples of this are the Barajas Airport bombing in December 2006, in which two Ecuadorian nationals were killed, and the bombing at the University of Navarre in October 2008, in which 17 students were injured, including one American student. In addition, bombs have been used as part of criminal extortion of businesses, particularly in the Basque region.
The risk of “being in the wrong place at the wrong time” in event of an ETA action is a concern for foreign visitors and tourists. U.S. citizens living or traveling to Spain should remain vigilant, exercise caution, monitor local developments, and avoid demonstrations and other potentially violent situations.
In addition, there are reports of violence in Galicia, where regional elections will also be held on March 1. While foreigners are not expected to be targets of demonstrations, Americans are urged to avoid political rallies or demonstrations.
Madrid, Spain
WARDEN MESSAGE
February 9, 2009
The following Notice is for maximum dissemination to U.S. Citizens.
WARDEN MESSAGE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS
On February 8, the Spanish Supreme Court banned two Basque political parties, D3M and Askatasuna, from participating in the upcoming regional elections in March.
On the morning of February 9, a bomb, believed to be the work of the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorist organization, exploded at the Campo de las Naciones in Madrid. There are also media reports of violence in the Basque region the night of 6 February when commuter trains and buses were set on fire.
ETA remains active in Spain, and further attacks are a possibility in the period leading up to the March 1 regional elections. ETA generally provides advance warning of its attacks and has historically avoided targeting foreigners, instead directing its attacks against the police, military, local politicians, and Spanish government targets, as well as attempting to disrupt transportation and daily life; however, foreigners have been killed or injured collaterally in ETA attacks despite advance warning. Two examples of this are the Barajas Airport bombing in December 2006, in which two Ecuadorian nationals were killed, and the bombing at the University of Navarre in October 2008, in which 17 students were injured, including one American student. In addition, bombs have been used as part of criminal extortion of businesses, particularly in the Basque region.
The risk of “being in the wrong place at the wrong time” in event of an ETA action is a concern for foreign visitors and tourists. U.S. citizens living or traveling to Spain should remain vigilant, exercise caution, monitor local developments, and avoid demonstrations and other potentially violent situations.
In addition, there are reports of violence in Galicia, where regional elections will also be held on March 1. While foreigners are not expected to be targets of demonstrations, Americans are urged to avoid political rallies or demonstrations.
Update, sorry.
Yes, I'm back! And so sorry it took so long! Since I left you not too much has actually happened... We took my host sister out to smoke shisha with us which was quite the experience if I do say so myself! But after that she left for Brussels to visit her bf for a week and then again for London so it's been pretty quiet around this house. I have seen Segovia, Avila, Barcelona, Lillo (skydiving), and now this weekend went to Toledo. So I have been taking advantage of my weekends here...
I missed the bus to Toledo this weekend. We were at Kapital Friday night, which is a dance club with 7 floors of different music and people! Plus, it was the weekend of Carnaval, which is a huge party throughout all of Spain kind of like Mardi Gras but with more extravagant costumes and many more performances! So the dance club was completely wild :) It was an amazing time and we stayed out dancing and wandering around until 6am, but I definitely paid the consequences at 9:05 when I received the call from Jackie asking "Donde estas?" The bus left at 9:15. I luckily was able to frantically find the station and take my own and met a nice girl who led me to find my friends... so I saw the city after all, which rocks :)
After that we intended to go the Real Madrid game but by the time we all found each other, and the correct ticket window, in the frenzy that is futbol, the only tickets left were upwards of 100$... so that is the one experience in this trip that I missed out... A little disappointing, but I honestly think I couldn't have seen more in my time here! I've seen pretty much every monument in Madrid, the surrounding cities, idk what more there is! And I am so happy about that...
Oh one more thing... terrorists are big here. More in a sec.
I missed the bus to Toledo this weekend. We were at Kapital Friday night, which is a dance club with 7 floors of different music and people! Plus, it was the weekend of Carnaval, which is a huge party throughout all of Spain kind of like Mardi Gras but with more extravagant costumes and many more performances! So the dance club was completely wild :) It was an amazing time and we stayed out dancing and wandering around until 6am, but I definitely paid the consequences at 9:05 when I received the call from Jackie asking "Donde estas?" The bus left at 9:15. I luckily was able to frantically find the station and take my own and met a nice girl who led me to find my friends... so I saw the city after all, which rocks :)
After that we intended to go the Real Madrid game but by the time we all found each other, and the correct ticket window, in the frenzy that is futbol, the only tickets left were upwards of 100$... so that is the one experience in this trip that I missed out... A little disappointing, but I honestly think I couldn't have seen more in my time here! I've seen pretty much every monument in Madrid, the surrounding cities, idk what more there is! And I am so happy about that...
Oh one more thing... terrorists are big here. More in a sec.
50 things I've learned about Spain:
1.) Spaniards not only think all Americans are easy, they also think we're dumb as rocks.
2.) Noone works--- no matter the time of day, they're out for a walk. They don't care to work and apparently don't need to, who knows why. (With the exception of quality metro enterntainment!)
3.) You are always in the way. In no way is it possible that they're in yours. Move, damnit.
4.) The dogs here have been bred from something much different than those living in America. They have tendencies to:
- wait patiently for their masters
- walk calmly without a leash
- do their business when and where they feel like it
- eat vegetarian!............. and I have yet to hear one bark.
5.) Strollers come equipped with plastic shields so small children can be silenced with ease.
6.) Speaking of children, parents let them roam hundreds of feet ahead of them, not seeming to care that they're in a city of 3million (and with enough independence to ride the metro solo at age 8, which you'd never believe)
7.) The only thing they teach you in driving school here is how to parallel park with 2cm to spare. The rest is void.
8.) Chirping means safety, but there's no guarantee. Cross at your own risk.
9.) On a rainy day plan to wear not only your coat but safety goggles as well. Umbrellas break for noone, it's your prerogative to survive!
10.) Lottery stands are everywhere and anywhere, and some people sell the tickets off their own chest! The odds of winning? Probably less than in MN.
11.) 50% of people go out for a stroll every sunday. Women wear fur coats as a norm and typically require a man walking beside them. They have no plans, just to be seen.
12.) PDA is fashionable. Find it in the metro, on the street corners, in the park, you name it...
13.) Don't count on a long bed, nor on a plump pillow.
14.) If you like your personal space, I strongly advise you to stay away from Madrid, and especially to avoid the metro.
15.) Porros en la calle? Por que no.
16.) All the signs may be in english but that doesn't mean they want you to know they speak it!
17.) If you liked dinner last night imagine it on a bun for your mediodia bocadillo.
18.) Flip flops: they are not allowed here.
19.) Smoking---it's cool, hip, and must not be bad for your health yet here because they haven't slowed down. You get enough second hand smoke that you won't have to spend a euro cent to get your own pack.
20.) Sunflower seeds are the best snack available, with the most common disposal being the metro floor.
21.) When you live nest to the fire station you're bound to see them but if not it's as if flames are a mythical creature here!
22.) Buying a scarf here is like buying a diet coke back home.
23.) Wine is sometimes cheaper than water. Drinking is very easy and you can buy your liquor either at the supermarket of by the bottle at your local bar.
24.) Pastries, churros, and the like are easy to come by. But people here don't do munchies.
25.) It is common to speak two or more languages. Europe is one big family and you can visit the cuz for real cheap...
26.) Estancos---buy your tobacco and your professional metro abono at the same place, now that's convenience.
27.) Museo de Jamon, need I say more?
28.) p.s. why doesn't anyone have a cat?
29.) Ham not only comes on a leg sitting on your counter and packaged neatly, but also in a convenient spread. (Pate, que asco.)
30.) If you see a black man wandering through the park, you can bet he's a dealer.
31.) Pizza is not the same here. They top it with tuna pretty often and sometimes even make it in a microwave!
32.) If you're looking for Americans what you actually need to look for is an Irish pub, especially Dubliners!
33.) Peluquerias: apparently Spaniards can't get enough of haircuts because these are plentiful!
34.) What else could be this numerous and convenient but Doner Kebab?! YUM
35.) Who needs one nice cell phone when you can have one of every style and sound!
36.) Try not to pass out in the metro, you just may lose something.
37.) Russians are a completely different species.
38.) The word drought here seems to mean that it rains only 3 days a week instead of 5 or 6. Don't believe a word they say.
39.) Pharmacies are neon and on every street.
40.) Who would ever dream of walking around the house barefoot? Bring slippers unless you'd rather be perceived a complete loony.
41.) One appliance that has yet to be introduced to Europe is driers. On the line or over the rack it your best bet. One thing I miss is the real shape of my clothes!
42.) Your teachers would love to have a heart to heart over a cigarette (of course) or at the bar... My school brings us out for a free drink at least once a week. Like I said, different world.
43.) People may stay out until 4 or 5 but the metro closes at 1:30. Period.
44.) Nothing good happens after metro close.
45.) Sangria comes by the pitcher and very soon you'll be feeling like a real espanola attempting salsa in the middle of the empty dance floor.
46.) There is no spanish billboard chart... Every now and then a song from Spain will come on the radi but for the most part it is just American. You will find the same trend in television.
47.) News is important here. People read the newspaper in the metro, on the street corners, in the park, just as often as they suck face.
48.) If you lose Jackie, you can bet you can find her in McDonalds. If you lose Dave, just give up.
49.) Skip church, that is the only day to visit anything free... and Rastro. Look into it.
50.) When the French girls leave, you bet your ass you'll miss hearing "I fucking hate you David."
2.) Noone works--- no matter the time of day, they're out for a walk. They don't care to work and apparently don't need to, who knows why. (With the exception of quality metro enterntainment!)
3.) You are always in the way. In no way is it possible that they're in yours. Move, damnit.
4.) The dogs here have been bred from something much different than those living in America. They have tendencies to:
- wait patiently for their masters
- walk calmly without a leash
- do their business when and where they feel like it
- eat vegetarian!............. and I have yet to hear one bark.
5.) Strollers come equipped with plastic shields so small children can be silenced with ease.
6.) Speaking of children, parents let them roam hundreds of feet ahead of them, not seeming to care that they're in a city of 3million (and with enough independence to ride the metro solo at age 8, which you'd never believe)
7.) The only thing they teach you in driving school here is how to parallel park with 2cm to spare. The rest is void.
8.) Chirping means safety, but there's no guarantee. Cross at your own risk.
9.) On a rainy day plan to wear not only your coat but safety goggles as well. Umbrellas break for noone, it's your prerogative to survive!
10.) Lottery stands are everywhere and anywhere, and some people sell the tickets off their own chest! The odds of winning? Probably less than in MN.
11.) 50% of people go out for a stroll every sunday. Women wear fur coats as a norm and typically require a man walking beside them. They have no plans, just to be seen.
12.) PDA is fashionable. Find it in the metro, on the street corners, in the park, you name it...
13.) Don't count on a long bed, nor on a plump pillow.
14.) If you like your personal space, I strongly advise you to stay away from Madrid, and especially to avoid the metro.
15.) Porros en la calle? Por que no.
16.) All the signs may be in english but that doesn't mean they want you to know they speak it!
17.) If you liked dinner last night imagine it on a bun for your mediodia bocadillo.
18.) Flip flops: they are not allowed here.
19.) Smoking---it's cool, hip, and must not be bad for your health yet here because they haven't slowed down. You get enough second hand smoke that you won't have to spend a euro cent to get your own pack.
20.) Sunflower seeds are the best snack available, with the most common disposal being the metro floor.
21.) When you live nest to the fire station you're bound to see them but if not it's as if flames are a mythical creature here!
22.) Buying a scarf here is like buying a diet coke back home.
23.) Wine is sometimes cheaper than water. Drinking is very easy and you can buy your liquor either at the supermarket of by the bottle at your local bar.
24.) Pastries, churros, and the like are easy to come by. But people here don't do munchies.
25.) It is common to speak two or more languages. Europe is one big family and you can visit the cuz for real cheap...
26.) Estancos---buy your tobacco and your professional metro abono at the same place, now that's convenience.
27.) Museo de Jamon, need I say more?
28.) p.s. why doesn't anyone have a cat?
29.) Ham not only comes on a leg sitting on your counter and packaged neatly, but also in a convenient spread. (Pate, que asco.)
30.) If you see a black man wandering through the park, you can bet he's a dealer.
31.) Pizza is not the same here. They top it with tuna pretty often and sometimes even make it in a microwave!
32.) If you're looking for Americans what you actually need to look for is an Irish pub, especially Dubliners!
33.) Peluquerias: apparently Spaniards can't get enough of haircuts because these are plentiful!
34.) What else could be this numerous and convenient but Doner Kebab?! YUM
35.) Who needs one nice cell phone when you can have one of every style and sound!
36.) Try not to pass out in the metro, you just may lose something.
37.) Russians are a completely different species.
38.) The word drought here seems to mean that it rains only 3 days a week instead of 5 or 6. Don't believe a word they say.
39.) Pharmacies are neon and on every street.
40.) Who would ever dream of walking around the house barefoot? Bring slippers unless you'd rather be perceived a complete loony.
41.) One appliance that has yet to be introduced to Europe is driers. On the line or over the rack it your best bet. One thing I miss is the real shape of my clothes!
42.) Your teachers would love to have a heart to heart over a cigarette (of course) or at the bar... My school brings us out for a free drink at least once a week. Like I said, different world.
43.) People may stay out until 4 or 5 but the metro closes at 1:30. Period.
44.) Nothing good happens after metro close.
45.) Sangria comes by the pitcher and very soon you'll be feeling like a real espanola attempting salsa in the middle of the empty dance floor.
46.) There is no spanish billboard chart... Every now and then a song from Spain will come on the radi but for the most part it is just American. You will find the same trend in television.
47.) News is important here. People read the newspaper in the metro, on the street corners, in the park, just as often as they suck face.
48.) If you lose Jackie, you can bet you can find her in McDonalds. If you lose Dave, just give up.
49.) Skip church, that is the only day to visit anything free... and Rastro. Look into it.
50.) When the French girls leave, you bet your ass you'll miss hearing "I fucking hate you David."
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Paracaidismo en fin.
Skydiving? Stories? Well I got into this amazing jumpsuit and helmet and got a couple of quick instruccions, though you still have no clue what you're doing. Board a tiny plane that only holds 10 people and get up into the air---at first it was jerking me higher and higher and I could feel your stomach start churning which made me a lot more scared than I needed to be---By the time I got up there, which is 15,000 feet in the air, I could look down and just see a bunch of fields far away! They slid the door open and there we were in the middle of a blue sky ready to free fall! The instructor hooked me up close and sat on the edge of the plane to prepare himself. This means that I was not seated anywhere, just dangling in mid air by my harness...He yelled ARCA (arch) and I threw my neck back and my feet back under the plane. Now note, I am in a bright yellow jumpsuit so I am basically just making myself as close to a banana as possible at this point, if you can imagine it, and suddenly there was nothing underneath me and I was plummetting to my death! Well not really...but in the first feww seconds it sure feels that way! I threw my arms in the air and looked all around, and I am not kidding you when I say that felt as close to heaven as it gets... For the next 60 seconds I basically was just flying until he pulled the parachute and started bringing me down, with tricks and all. The whole ordeal doesn't last more than a half hour but after I was done I was in complete disbelief---and such an adrenaline rush that I was screaming running in circles ready to do it again! I cannot even explain it, it was an amazing experience and I would give anything to relive it! Ahhh I wish I could do it justice trying to explain it, but I guess that's about the best shot I have up my sleeve. Try to imagine it!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Barca en unos minutos
Wow, where do I even begin to explain what has happened in the last week?
On Thursday after taking my exam we ran to grab the metro and headed out on our plane to Barcelona. After arriving Jacki and I explored while Dave took Devon out to explore. Shortly afterwards we began our first night on the town. It inluded:
- David talking to every prostitute on the street (prostitution is legal in Barca given you have a day job and no pimp!)
- David looking for a soccer ball to buy for approx. 40 minutes
- David buying a third bottle, Bailey's, on the street
- David passing out in numerous places on the street
- David getting his wallet stolen
Hahahaha in reality it was not all him doing things, I did meet a Spaniard on the street who proceeded to shove his tongue down my throat! The night ended shortly after we put this kid to bed though, around 12:30. Oh, my friends!
Friday we walked for about 9 hours to tour the Gothic District, go to the Beach, and wander the city center. We did that actually very often, my feet were falling off of my ankles by Sunday morning!
It was so great when Amanda arrived, so good to see my buddy! You couldn't guess. It was good to go out with her, though that night was equally crazy including dancing with englishmen on their stag do (their version of a bachelor party) and receiving a rose from rando morrocan men who thought I was pretty! Yay! We spent most of the walk home from the pub crawl looking for food and not until we got home and saw the look on the face of the people working the hostel did we realize it was 4am. Goodnight again. Saturday to more sights and I stayed in, which I am ok with!
Overall a very eventful weekend but too many stories that are not suited for the internet ;) This week has been pretty chill... Took my host sister to smoke hookah!
It was sad to leave Barcelona and really sad to leave my Amanda but here I am back in Madrid. Making reservations. Online. For paracaidismo. Do you know what that is? Go google it and then you can comment on my crazy decisions!
So sunday I'm off for that business, I think I'll make sure to write my will before I go. What do you want?
On Thursday after taking my exam we ran to grab the metro and headed out on our plane to Barcelona. After arriving Jacki and I explored while Dave took Devon out to explore. Shortly afterwards we began our first night on the town. It inluded:
- David talking to every prostitute on the street (prostitution is legal in Barca given you have a day job and no pimp!)
- David looking for a soccer ball to buy for approx. 40 minutes
- David buying a third bottle, Bailey's, on the street
- David passing out in numerous places on the street
- David getting his wallet stolen
Hahahaha in reality it was not all him doing things, I did meet a Spaniard on the street who proceeded to shove his tongue down my throat! The night ended shortly after we put this kid to bed though, around 12:30. Oh, my friends!
Friday we walked for about 9 hours to tour the Gothic District, go to the Beach, and wander the city center. We did that actually very often, my feet were falling off of my ankles by Sunday morning!
It was so great when Amanda arrived, so good to see my buddy! You couldn't guess. It was good to go out with her, though that night was equally crazy including dancing with englishmen on their stag do (their version of a bachelor party) and receiving a rose from rando morrocan men who thought I was pretty! Yay! We spent most of the walk home from the pub crawl looking for food and not until we got home and saw the look on the face of the people working the hostel did we realize it was 4am. Goodnight again. Saturday to more sights and I stayed in, which I am ok with!
Overall a very eventful weekend but too many stories that are not suited for the internet ;) This week has been pretty chill... Took my host sister to smoke hookah!
It was sad to leave Barcelona and really sad to leave my Amanda but here I am back in Madrid. Making reservations. Online. For paracaidismo. Do you know what that is? Go google it and then you can comment on my crazy decisions!
So sunday I'm off for that business, I think I'll make sure to write my will before I go. What do you want?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The sun'll come out...
Tomorrow.
Can I just say I am excited to go to Barcelona tomorrow?
One thing I am not excited for: testing tomorrow.
On that note let me leave you with something pretty :)
Can I just say I am excited to go to Barcelona tomorrow?
One thing I am not excited for: testing tomorrow.
On that note let me leave you with something pretty :)
Monday, February 2, 2009
Espanol gana Australia Open por primera vez!
Sooo The school pulled us Minnesotans out of class to tell us there wasn't space for us to go to Toledo, despite the fact that we were the first on the list and a majority of Estudio Sampere's income at the moment. Que pena. Well, I was determined to get out of here this weekend so I organized a day trip to Avila, an ancient city an hour out of Madrid that boasts old churches and convents and a humongous city wall that dates back to the eleventh century. Not that you'd care to know. But it was kinda cool. Wanna know what wasn't so cool? Siestas exist there! When we got out of eating at the creperia (which is a growing theme) everything in the streets was closed! Everything! We asked someone in the street if we could go to a movie and she said no, there wasn't a whole lot we could do. LOL so we wandered the streets and ate some more---I wish I could remember the last food I ate in the U.S.---but besides the point... We ate and wandered. We conquered Avila.
I spent the rest of the night at home taking a break. And it was wonderful.
So then it was Sunday. Rain... snow!... More rain... Mist shit... we eventually found a bar that was showing the Superbowl last night which was pretty exciting so we went! BUT I was really really disappointed because they were showing rando european commercials instead of the authentic superbowl commercials of 2009 (we all know that's the only reason I would watch football anyway) so my roomie and I left after the first quarter---which was actually pretty reasonable because by then it was 1am here anyway!!
And now it's today, and I need to study so I can pass my exams on Thursday.
I spent the rest of the night at home taking a break. And it was wonderful.
So then it was Sunday. Rain... snow!... More rain... Mist shit... we eventually found a bar that was showing the Superbowl last night which was pretty exciting so we went! BUT I was really really disappointed because they were showing rando european commercials instead of the authentic superbowl commercials of 2009 (we all know that's the only reason I would watch football anyway) so my roomie and I left after the first quarter---which was actually pretty reasonable because by then it was 1am here anyway!!
And now it's today, and I need to study so I can pass my exams on Thursday.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Well,
My back is starting to feel better, remind me not to go sledding again!
So since I left off a bunch of things have happened... On Sunday we went to the Rastro, which is like a giant flea market. Pretty cool if you ask me. I bought Oliver and Company! EN ESPANOL! :) You can feel free to laugh now, everyone else has been laughing at me. I am laughing at myself. In any case, and get this, in the metro on the way home there was literally a lineup of people giving out free hugs! It brought me back home for a sec, walking down the hallway hugging all these strangers. Nothing makes you feel the way a simple hug does. And lord knows I don't get enough of those here in Madrid.
Monday is it's own story entirely. Last night we went to see el Intercambio (or the Exchange as it is known in America) and smoked shisha/wandered the city.
Today was the second time this week that I was told I was beautiful by a stranger. The expression is echar piropos, and it is definitely a cultural thing---not something I am used to by any means. Sabine told me it was a huge compliment to have someone holler "guapa" from down the street or whisper "preciosa" in my ear, but I can't help feeling withdrawn and lost. Little by little I must become accustomed to the life I have entered.
I miss people a lot today. The friends I have here are nowhere near the same as the ones back home, and I don't know what to do about that. Except break down and feel lonely. I knew it wasn't possible to bring the people I loved here but why am I thrown into an environment like this? Hard to explain... just trust me.
Well, I guess that covers it.
So since I left off a bunch of things have happened... On Sunday we went to the Rastro, which is like a giant flea market. Pretty cool if you ask me. I bought Oliver and Company! EN ESPANOL! :) You can feel free to laugh now, everyone else has been laughing at me. I am laughing at myself. In any case, and get this, in the metro on the way home there was literally a lineup of people giving out free hugs! It brought me back home for a sec, walking down the hallway hugging all these strangers. Nothing makes you feel the way a simple hug does. And lord knows I don't get enough of those here in Madrid.
Monday is it's own story entirely. Last night we went to see el Intercambio (or the Exchange as it is known in America) and smoked shisha/wandered the city.
Today was the second time this week that I was told I was beautiful by a stranger. The expression is echar piropos, and it is definitely a cultural thing---not something I am used to by any means. Sabine told me it was a huge compliment to have someone holler "guapa" from down the street or whisper "preciosa" in my ear, but I can't help feeling withdrawn and lost. Little by little I must become accustomed to the life I have entered.
I miss people a lot today. The friends I have here are nowhere near the same as the ones back home, and I don't know what to do about that. Except break down and feel lonely. I knew it wasn't possible to bring the people I loved here but why am I thrown into an environment like this? Hard to explain... just trust me.
Well, I guess that covers it.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Off to See the World
This country never ceases to amaze me.
Today we went on a day trip to Segovia, and saw the castle... and cathedral... and the aquaducts---one of the seven wonders of the world! I cannot believe the experiences I am having and they still feel unreal. I pray each night that I don't forget how special this all is. I cannot take this for granted. Seeing the things I have seen has been an amazing thing. Did you know the romans built those aquaducts stone by stone without using a drop of cement? To me, it is hard to believe. The legends say the devil himself was the power behind the structure. And what's more, the castle we wandered through is the one Walt Disney used to base his movie Sleeping Beauty on. Do you know what that means? I actually literally lived a fairy tale! Segovia is a must see if you ever make it to Spain, which you should!
One of the famous dishes of Segovia is called cuchinillos, which are baby pigs cooked up and made to order. People were giving me shit for not eating them but sitting there, looking at the leg stretching off of Alejandro's meat, toes curled up, and tail intact, it was as far from possible as I could see it. Dave ate the tail. I held in my vomit ;)
Anyway, now I am back in my room exhausted and looking forward to a night in for once! Spain has far much more energy than this chica!
Last night we went to a bar called El Basha to smoke some genuine european shisha... Amazing experience, sitting on padded pillows on the ground in a dark, red room. Inhaling some fine apple tobacco and just chilling. Imagine that 70's show set in the mediterranean. Wonderful! It was the first taste of home I have had since Sabine cooked us mashed potatoes on Monday night! That's another wonderful moment on it's own! As for me, tonight, taking a break will be well deserved. Tomorrow we're off to the Rastro so maybe I'll find some good treasures!
What have you been up to?
Today we went on a day trip to Segovia, and saw the castle... and cathedral... and the aquaducts---one of the seven wonders of the world! I cannot believe the experiences I am having and they still feel unreal. I pray each night that I don't forget how special this all is. I cannot take this for granted. Seeing the things I have seen has been an amazing thing. Did you know the romans built those aquaducts stone by stone without using a drop of cement? To me, it is hard to believe. The legends say the devil himself was the power behind the structure. And what's more, the castle we wandered through is the one Walt Disney used to base his movie Sleeping Beauty on. Do you know what that means? I actually literally lived a fairy tale! Segovia is a must see if you ever make it to Spain, which you should!
One of the famous dishes of Segovia is called cuchinillos, which are baby pigs cooked up and made to order. People were giving me shit for not eating them but sitting there, looking at the leg stretching off of Alejandro's meat, toes curled up, and tail intact, it was as far from possible as I could see it. Dave ate the tail. I held in my vomit ;)
Anyway, now I am back in my room exhausted and looking forward to a night in for once! Spain has far much more energy than this chica!
Last night we went to a bar called El Basha to smoke some genuine european shisha... Amazing experience, sitting on padded pillows on the ground in a dark, red room. Inhaling some fine apple tobacco and just chilling. Imagine that 70's show set in the mediterranean. Wonderful! It was the first taste of home I have had since Sabine cooked us mashed potatoes on Monday night! That's another wonderful moment on it's own! As for me, tonight, taking a break will be well deserved. Tomorrow we're off to the Rastro so maybe I'll find some good treasures!
What have you been up to?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Bienvenidos el presidente :)
Since we last talked Obama rose to power as the 44th president of the United States of America :) Que suerte... I even got a chance to watch it in a hotel with a bunch of other american students. What an amazing event! The papers here are welcoming the change with front page stories.
I have nothing real to update you on. I am having an amazing time, and look forward to the future: This saturday to Segovia, next weekend to Toledo, and then off to Barcelona. I have even booked my flight to London to visit Amanda!
Life in a place like Europe is just that easy :)
As for now, I need my siesta!
Hasta luego,
Kristy
I have nothing real to update you on. I am having an amazing time, and look forward to the future: This saturday to Segovia, next weekend to Toledo, and then off to Barcelona. I have even booked my flight to London to visit Amanda!
Life in a place like Europe is just that easy :)
As for now, I need my siesta!
Hasta luego,
Kristy
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Hudson What?!
Can I just say this is scary? Literally a week ago I was boarding US Airways and then this:
I have a hard time imagining it.
I'm praying hardcore.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Feliz cumpleanos a mi!
I'd have to say my Birthday was a great success. You know those people that get to celebrate with glamour? I felt like one. I bought a dress in the afternoon for a whopping 10 euro (!!!) and then went home to have dinner with my momma Sabine and Elena before getting dolled up. No, not barbie doll. At escondite, which we have claimed as our bar, I got everything I could have needed on my birthday (besides, you know, the things I miss the most---3,000 miles away) and I had a good time. Cake, in that bar, was better than anything I had in my mouth the rest of the night! No, not like that once again. Ha.
I have enjoyed meeting these people. and on my birthday night, Sandra and Sonia from France, Yuduol from Russia, Julia from London... It puts me into a different place, and I wish I could just sit and talk to them forever. That's not possible. I know. You know who else I enjoyed meeting? Those beautiful men in suits :) Mmmm I couldn't care less what they even said. Do you know what that was? They told Jackie that they were married but had a deal--- they go out on Thursdays, their wives go out on Fridays, and on Sundays they get prostitutes ---of course I couldn't hear any of this, through my gawking. I wouldn't have even minded taking one up on his offer to go home via his limo. Allison was definitely the responsible one at that moment. La chica buena. :) I wish you knew.
I would have to say despite my week it came to a close really well.
Last night was the Plaza Mayor. A must see when you come visit Spain. I loved the whole district, felt alive. Although also didn't feel like drinking, unlike some of them. I guess I see this experience as more than one big party. The real spaniards do it differently. Speaking of which today is Elena's birthday and she was going out for it last night... Since the metro closes at 1:30 am we left Sol at about 1 to get home, and walking up our street we saw her and her friends, just going out for the night. The people here live differently, I could never stay out til 5am and wake up at 9 to start my day, nearly every day. Wow.
I don't know what more to say.
This morning I woke up and had lunch with Allison on our patio. In pajamas. In January. In 40-50 degree weather. That is one thing I do not miss about home right now. We took pictures... You'll see! Sabine showed me pictures of Christmas on the patio, in short sleeves and all. Simply perfection. And I had quiche for lunch! Which was also perfection, like the tortilla de patata. Another thing you need to experience in Spain. But make sure if you're gonna be coming and getting excited to eat outside you don't lock yourself out. OOPS. :)
I need to do something with myself. Hasta luego.
I have enjoyed meeting these people. and on my birthday night, Sandra and Sonia from France, Yuduol from Russia, Julia from London... It puts me into a different place, and I wish I could just sit and talk to them forever. That's not possible. I know. You know who else I enjoyed meeting? Those beautiful men in suits :) Mmmm I couldn't care less what they even said. Do you know what that was? They told Jackie that they were married but had a deal--- they go out on Thursdays, their wives go out on Fridays, and on Sundays they get prostitutes ---of course I couldn't hear any of this, through my gawking. I wouldn't have even minded taking one up on his offer to go home via his limo. Allison was definitely the responsible one at that moment. La chica buena. :) I wish you knew.
I would have to say despite my week it came to a close really well.
Last night was the Plaza Mayor. A must see when you come visit Spain. I loved the whole district, felt alive. Although also didn't feel like drinking, unlike some of them. I guess I see this experience as more than one big party. The real spaniards do it differently. Speaking of which today is Elena's birthday and she was going out for it last night... Since the metro closes at 1:30 am we left Sol at about 1 to get home, and walking up our street we saw her and her friends, just going out for the night. The people here live differently, I could never stay out til 5am and wake up at 9 to start my day, nearly every day. Wow.
I don't know what more to say.
This morning I woke up and had lunch with Allison on our patio. In pajamas. In January. In 40-50 degree weather. That is one thing I do not miss about home right now. We took pictures... You'll see! Sabine showed me pictures of Christmas on the patio, in short sleeves and all. Simply perfection. And I had quiche for lunch! Which was also perfection, like the tortilla de patata. Another thing you need to experience in Spain. But make sure if you're gonna be coming and getting excited to eat outside you don't lock yourself out. OOPS. :)
I need to do something with myself. Hasta luego.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Me gusta sangria
Well here I am, sitting on my bed on the internet :) My new host mom is very nice, very friendly and warm, and a great cook! It's good! And she has a daughter, my age. So it's a good situation. I take the metro to school, I feel like a regular Spaniard. Everyone reads in the metro and now I do too, there is a mini library in my room.
All of my classes are amazing! The teachers here are very informal and very fun to be around. And when they correct you, it doesn't feel like an insult, I like it in fact! It halps me speak much better :) It's a great style of teaching, we need to adopt it in los estados unidos.
Last night we went out for a welcome drink, to a bar close to the school. We have now claimed it as our hangout... The bartenders were friendly and fun and after the first drink they gave us plenty of sangria and tequila on the house! It was a good time :) They like Americans here, especially those who are immersed in their culture and speaking their language. My roommate Allison told them that she was una chica buena. She meant to say a good girl, but they heard good in bed! I need to learn all of the insider expressions!!
Tomorrow is my birthday, and so totally does not feel like it. We're going out dancing to celebrate and I hope it is fun, because I am nervous for it!
I am happy to be hearing from so many people :) I feel very loved, and I miss you all a lot. I don't know what else to update you on but I am sure I will have stories later!
All of my classes are amazing! The teachers here are very informal and very fun to be around. And when they correct you, it doesn't feel like an insult, I like it in fact! It halps me speak much better :) It's a great style of teaching, we need to adopt it in los estados unidos.
Last night we went out for a welcome drink, to a bar close to the school. We have now claimed it as our hangout... The bartenders were friendly and fun and after the first drink they gave us plenty of sangria and tequila on the house! It was a good time :) They like Americans here, especially those who are immersed in their culture and speaking their language. My roommate Allison told them that she was una chica buena. She meant to say a good girl, but they heard good in bed! I need to learn all of the insider expressions!!
Tomorrow is my birthday, and so totally does not feel like it. We're going out dancing to celebrate and I hope it is fun, because I am nervous for it!
I am happy to be hearing from so many people :) I feel very loved, and I miss you all a lot. I don't know what else to update you on but I am sure I will have stories later!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Madrid, en unos dias...
Ok I don´t even know where to start. Oh, here´s a place... I flew into Madrid Friday overnight and by the time I got here it was already 10:15! My host mom showed me the apartment and left to go back to her tienda (this will be a growing theme). I slept most of the day away on medications and jet lag and read and sat by myself. Finalmente, preguntó la señora sí tiene el internet. She told me no, and didn´t even know where I could find it besides school. That´s where I am now, talking to just a few of the people that I miss dearly :) It´s always very difficult to type in english because I am already thinking in spanish, can you believe it?
In any case, it was very difficult to get contact with my mom because there was no internet and no working home phone and I have yet to figure out how to use my stupid international pre paid phone card! Que pena. By the time I found a phone and called home I was in tears. I miss everyone so much, and more so this weekend. My roommate didn´t arrive until about 10:30 pm so when we finally saw each other we both broke down. Me, because I had no clue what I was doing and was completely disconnected from todo el mundo and her because she lost her papers and todos de los copies of all of her credit cards and identification, including her passport. She´s still working on that one. We are both just sitting there bawling about how hard it was to make everything work in the first day in Madrid. When does the honeymoon period start?
Well, I have answered that. It starts today. I think that we´re moving to a different host mom, one that can actually be around for more than 3 meals a day to interact with us, one that welcomes us into her house not just a little tiny bedroom in the corner where we can disappear. One with connection to the rest of the world.
In Madrid many people wear fur coats. Half the population smokes. They all seem to own dogs, and they let them do their business virtually anywhere on the sidewalk. Tha kids are so much cuter and actually look happy. There are so many differences, some that they told us before and some that I am just coming across. I can´t wait to tell you everything. And noone speaks english, unlike what people were telling me. I have been getting by, it´s probably even good for me... I have bought a few sweaters and even a teléfono movil prepago. I am capable! :)
Still, I think I will be much more comfortable and emotionally stable when I move to my new home and connect to the internet and begin finding my way around on the metro and learning the ways of my new school.
It snowed on Friday here for the first time in 11 years, so when I got here it really wasn´t THAT much different. Pero ahora, now it is getting warmer and looking like a real european city, without a trace of Minnesota, even los estados unidos... I look forward to the temperature here, being able to walk or ride the metro virtually anywhere without a hat or mittens or being just plain freezing. I think I may spend my last term, one month, in Alicante, enjoying el sol y el mar. I must apologize again for my spanish interjections, I never thought it would come this fast.
Anyway, I´m off to explore a little more. Muchos besos.
In any case, it was very difficult to get contact with my mom because there was no internet and no working home phone and I have yet to figure out how to use my stupid international pre paid phone card! Que pena. By the time I found a phone and called home I was in tears. I miss everyone so much, and more so this weekend. My roommate didn´t arrive until about 10:30 pm so when we finally saw each other we both broke down. Me, because I had no clue what I was doing and was completely disconnected from todo el mundo and her because she lost her papers and todos de los copies of all of her credit cards and identification, including her passport. She´s still working on that one. We are both just sitting there bawling about how hard it was to make everything work in the first day in Madrid. When does the honeymoon period start?
Well, I have answered that. It starts today. I think that we´re moving to a different host mom, one that can actually be around for more than 3 meals a day to interact with us, one that welcomes us into her house not just a little tiny bedroom in the corner where we can disappear. One with connection to the rest of the world.
In Madrid many people wear fur coats. Half the population smokes. They all seem to own dogs, and they let them do their business virtually anywhere on the sidewalk. Tha kids are so much cuter and actually look happy. There are so many differences, some that they told us before and some that I am just coming across. I can´t wait to tell you everything. And noone speaks english, unlike what people were telling me. I have been getting by, it´s probably even good for me... I have bought a few sweaters and even a teléfono movil prepago. I am capable! :)
Still, I think I will be much more comfortable and emotionally stable when I move to my new home and connect to the internet and begin finding my way around on the metro and learning the ways of my new school.
It snowed on Friday here for the first time in 11 years, so when I got here it really wasn´t THAT much different. Pero ahora, now it is getting warmer and looking like a real european city, without a trace of Minnesota, even los estados unidos... I look forward to the temperature here, being able to walk or ride the metro virtually anywhere without a hat or mittens or being just plain freezing. I think I may spend my last term, one month, in Alicante, enjoying el sol y el mar. I must apologize again for my spanish interjections, I never thought it would come this fast.
Anyway, I´m off to explore a little more. Muchos besos.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Mi viaje esta aqui!
Well, it's nearly here! I can't believe it, can you believe it? I bet you can't believe it. I can't... haha. Well, it's been a roller coaster and the week has just begun. I am bugging out between nervous to go, ready to leave, excited to be there, and a million other emotions. Part of me feels bad for taking it out on everyone around me... In any case, only four days left. So that's that.
I'm not sure what to say about it all.
On another note, my car burst into flames last week, that was an interesting and terrifying experience!
Well, keep an eye out, pretty soon I'll have actual adventures to tell you!
I'm not sure what to say about it all.
On another note, my car burst into flames last week, that was an interesting and terrifying experience!
Well, keep an eye out, pretty soon I'll have actual adventures to tell you!
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