I still have many more blogs to write about from various trips, but I figured I would give a run down of normal Madrid life currently. I just finished my last final for my Spanish class, since I am auditing the last part of it. Thank goodness, because we started subjunctives today and I'm glad I don't have to take those tests. I can't even begin to explain how much Spanish I have learned. Considering I didn't know how to answer to "how are you" when I first got here, or know the days of the week, I have made huge progress. I can make my point, speak in multiple tenses, understand most of what is said to me, read the advertisements on the metro and know what they are saying not because of pictures, successfully take a cab ride home, give and receive directions, order anything including to-go on the phone, and have a decent conversation that almost lets me express myself. So when people say you really learn the language when you go to the country, they are correct. I wonder how my writing will be in my journalism classes next semester... English now seems hard.
I went to a Justin Bieber concert with my friend Nick last week. Now before you judge me for being 20 and spending money on a concert of a 15 year old, realize that Nick is 23, straight, male and went, and so me being there seemed much more appropriate as compared to him. You've got to see Bieber while he is young and in his prime. I think my 12 year old sister was a little jealous though. We stood out for multiple reasons. One, we were obviously the oldest. Two, Nick had to have been one of the only guys that wasn't a dad bringing his daughter or a brother being dragged along. Three, we're American. And four, we were the only people in the stadium that weren't wearing homemade "I heart Bieber" shirts. It was hilarious listening to the Spaniards sing along, because they don't actually know the words, they just know the sounds. Definitely a great Madrid experience and we both had the time of our lives.
The weather is finally nice and most afternoons are spent at Retiro park with Morgan, Anne and Meghan and some bocadillos consisting of cheese and chorizo. I'm going to miss these carefree days where we just soak up the sun and talk about Spain. The relationships I've formed with these girls is unlike any other friendship. We have traveled the world together, slept in airports, been challenged and had many many obstacles, dealt with language barriers other than Spanish, been foreigners, gained confidence in our traveling and been forced to grow up and figure out the hard things without parents help, gotten lost, and lost again, cried over the thought of leaving each other and Spain, and cried over missing home. I do not know what I'm going to do with myself when we have to say goodbyes and exchange real phone numbers. Once again, an example of how this semester is just summer camp for days.
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos is a funny school. If I need to find anyone, they will be in one of three places, and each of these places are a 20 second walk away. I want to say my elementary school is the size of this college. There was a fashion show on campus the other day. It drew quite a huge crowd and the fashion was pretty awful. There have also been a few protests. Being one of the only people in this program that goes to a public school and has dealt with budget cuts and angry students mad at the state, this was nothing new to me. But to everyone else, the shouting, whistles, trash and crowds was a big deal. We enjoyed being able to leave class early though because the protests made their way into the building and disrupted class, Chico's protests are much more considerate.
Speaking of school and doing dumb things for the future, I got the internship I wanted. It's for the Cal state fair and I'll be doing all of their P.R. and media relations. I'm pretty excited for it but not stoked to commute to Sac a few times a week. I also signed up for summer school. So this summer consists of school, internship, and my normal job, which means I'll be severely depressed and doing big kid things instead of playing in Europe for a few more months.
I still don't even believe I am living this life. I woke up the other morning in my bed in Madrid, Spain where I have studied for over three months and had a moment of is this a dream. I am so blessed and lucky to have the family I have that has been more than supportive and excited for me to have this experience. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and many people can't say they spent some of their college time in a foreign country. People say your twenties are the best times of your life, and I'm still in the first year and I fully agree. I wonder if I will ever come back here and will be able to show my family someday where I lived and studied. I sure hope so. I've gotta come back to get my cafe con leche from my cafeteria boyfriend who gave me gum for 5 cents today because that was the only euro currency I had, my wallet has a bunch of dumb pounds and pence which are probably worth a hundred sticks of gum.
Can't wait to see the whole fam in almost a month. Can't believe time has passed this quickly.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
skipping ahead
I'm going to write about my London trip even though I haven't written about others. It's my blog so I guess I can write in whatever order I want.
Thursday afternoon we took the now familiar trip to Madrid Barajas Airport. After these 5 months here, I am for sure a travel expert. The trip consisted of Morgan, Anne, Jake, and myself. Since we were leaving the EU we got our passports stamped. It's about time. I have been so mad each other trip when they don't stamp my passport because its part of the same union. We had a nice flight to London and had to go through customs and all of that, something we aren't used to. They asked why we have a Spanish Visa, why we are there, for how long, who we're with, and how long our program was. I think we all gave kinda different answers, but we got through even though we all said our program was done a different day and we were in Madrid for different reasons. As soon as we left the airport, we hopped in an adorable cab that they call "cabbies" and headed straight to Chipotle. If you don't understand this, then you obviously haven't had Chipotle. We have been without it for over 3 months now, and to be honest it was about 80% of the reason I wanted to go to London. It was awesome. Even though it was as many pounds as it normally is dollars, which means that converts to like a 100 dollars, it was the best meal I've eaten in months. It tasted the same, if not better, and I ate my chicken tacos in about 3 seconds. My only regret is that I didn't eat it for every meal. By this time we decided we should check into our hotel, since it was 11 and we hadn't even put our bags down before getting food. Our hotel was adorable. It was in Notting Hill and right next to Hyde park. There was a loft with 2 beds and one single bed downstairs, obviously the man pad for Jake. We bought pajama shorts with the London Metro map on them on our way to the hotel since Morgan forgot to pack Pjs, and it was probably the best purchase of the trip. We went to bed early and got ready for the jam packed day of traveling.
Our hotel said they served breakfast in the morning, so after hurrying to make this awesome continental breakfast, it turned out to be black coffee, water, a weird juice, and a few slices of bread. There were hard boiled eggs as well but it definitely wasn't the bacon, egg, sausage, bagel breakfast I was hoping for. We walked through Hyde park on the way to our bus tour and it was nice to see people appropriately dressed for the weather. In Madrid all week, I have gotten countless stares for tank tops, shorts or flip flops. I'm sorry, but if it's 85 degrees then I am going to dress like it is 85 degrees, whether it's actually the season of "summer" or not. The guy we bought our bus tour tickets from said he liked my American accent, weird. The tour was awesome though, we got to see everything! We saw: Big Ben (shout out to dad), Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, The London Eye, The London Tower, The London Bridge and many other bridges, Buckingham Palace, Parliament Building, Westminster Abbey, and probably more things that I can't think of right now. But it was an awesome way to see the city. I was a little disappointed when I realized/found out that Shakespeare's Globe is a replica, not the original with the thatched roof and all. Still cool. We went on a ferry tour after this and had a presh little tour guide who had fun facts about the city. I think I got sunburned on this tour. After the tour we went and took a risk to see if they had student tickets at Wicked for that nights showing. We were willing to pay for it, and much to our surprise they had tickets for only 27 pounds. Wicked is my favorite musical and seeing it in London is definitely a once in a lifetime chance. I was concerned it would be really different than when I saw it in SF a few years ago, especially because of the accents, but it was almost exactly the same. There were times you could tell they were British actors but for the most part I didn't even notice. Since we have lived in Spain for the past 3+ months where dinner isn't served until 10 or 11 and places are open all night long, we didn't think we would have any trouble finding food after the amazing show. Wrong-o. After wandering around the neighborhood and almost getting hit by many cars and busses while trying to cross the streets with cars going the wrong way, we realized we were out of luck and ordered pizza to our room. Can't ever complain about pizza. I ordered it and had a hard time, and it was in English. Maybe I've lost my ability to communicate in any language? Who knows. Anne fell asleep before the pizza even got there, and Morgan and I gave Jake our best rendition of Wicked in our matching pajama pants and used the entire loft/stairs/railing/room as our stage. Easily one of my favorite memories of this entire trip, not just to London but in Europe. I only had one Wicked song on my ipod so we had to do the rest a capella. I'll leave it to your imagination of how good we were. My abs hurt in the morning from laughing so hard.
The next morning we slept in on accident because of lack of alarms going off, maybe I should charge my ipod after using it for 3 days. Whoops. It wasn't a big deal though, we weren't that behind schedule. We got an English breakfast consisting of an egg, toast, sausage, bacon, and for some reason a mushroom and a tomato. It was delicious and we all literally licked our plates clean. Off to more touring! We took a cab to the London Eye and watched a 4d video of it before we stood in line. Might I add that the weather was beyond amazing this entire trip and I think London would've sucked if it was rainy and gross. We got on the London Eye with 10 other people and went picture crazy. It was beautiful! Somehow I have seen a pretty good aerial view of almost every city I've been to, it definitely adds a lot to the trip. We got street hot dogs afterwards, and they were nothing short of ehhh. Then we needed water, and it was Kirkland Brand! Oh how I've missed Costco brands and products. It tasted just like home. We walked to Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace afterwards. The palace was huge and the guards are goofy. It wasn't how I pictured it, maybe because in all of the pictures it is grey and foggy. We also realized we know little to nothing about the Royal Family. American education sure does a good job of informing us of Europe or any other country for that matter. Not. Abbey Road was next and well, it's just a road. A busy road actually that makes it hard to take fun Beatles-ish pictures. Our attempt was enough. The Abbey road recording studio was right there and the walls were covered with Beatles lyrics and signatures. This made the cab ride more worth it. Oh, and the "Tube" is 4 pounds a trip, which is like 6 euros which is basically 100 dollars. Cabs ended up being more efficient and cheaper. And the Tube was crammed and shaky. Once again, Madrid Metro beats all. We shopped around at Harrods and I bought a bear who ended up bringing us tons of entertainment the rest of the trip. He was clipped to my backpack for my trip home and got tons of funny looks. I don't care that I'm 20 and have a bear strapped to my chest, also the bear is wearing a leather jacket. We then finally found dinner. Even though it wasn't fish and chips, it was American barbecue. They had Sierra Nevada mustard and beer and hot wings and bleu cheese and pulled pork sandwiches and ketchup and everything else wonderful and American. I was shocked at the presence of Sierra Nevada products. While holding up a beer to take a picture with, a guy asked if I was some sort of spokesperson for them. Well it's from my town, so duh. We bought our souvenirs and went to bed to wake up and say goodbye to the wonderful town that is London. Best trip I've had with amazing people. Not ready to say goodbye to Europe anytime soon.
Thursday afternoon we took the now familiar trip to Madrid Barajas Airport. After these 5 months here, I am for sure a travel expert. The trip consisted of Morgan, Anne, Jake, and myself. Since we were leaving the EU we got our passports stamped. It's about time. I have been so mad each other trip when they don't stamp my passport because its part of the same union. We had a nice flight to London and had to go through customs and all of that, something we aren't used to. They asked why we have a Spanish Visa, why we are there, for how long, who we're with, and how long our program was. I think we all gave kinda different answers, but we got through even though we all said our program was done a different day and we were in Madrid for different reasons. As soon as we left the airport, we hopped in an adorable cab that they call "cabbies" and headed straight to Chipotle. If you don't understand this, then you obviously haven't had Chipotle. We have been without it for over 3 months now, and to be honest it was about 80% of the reason I wanted to go to London. It was awesome. Even though it was as many pounds as it normally is dollars, which means that converts to like a 100 dollars, it was the best meal I've eaten in months. It tasted the same, if not better, and I ate my chicken tacos in about 3 seconds. My only regret is that I didn't eat it for every meal. By this time we decided we should check into our hotel, since it was 11 and we hadn't even put our bags down before getting food. Our hotel was adorable. It was in Notting Hill and right next to Hyde park. There was a loft with 2 beds and one single bed downstairs, obviously the man pad for Jake. We bought pajama shorts with the London Metro map on them on our way to the hotel since Morgan forgot to pack Pjs, and it was probably the best purchase of the trip. We went to bed early and got ready for the jam packed day of traveling.
Our hotel said they served breakfast in the morning, so after hurrying to make this awesome continental breakfast, it turned out to be black coffee, water, a weird juice, and a few slices of bread. There were hard boiled eggs as well but it definitely wasn't the bacon, egg, sausage, bagel breakfast I was hoping for. We walked through Hyde park on the way to our bus tour and it was nice to see people appropriately dressed for the weather. In Madrid all week, I have gotten countless stares for tank tops, shorts or flip flops. I'm sorry, but if it's 85 degrees then I am going to dress like it is 85 degrees, whether it's actually the season of "summer" or not. The guy we bought our bus tour tickets from said he liked my American accent, weird. The tour was awesome though, we got to see everything! We saw: Big Ben (shout out to dad), Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, The London Eye, The London Tower, The London Bridge and many other bridges, Buckingham Palace, Parliament Building, Westminster Abbey, and probably more things that I can't think of right now. But it was an awesome way to see the city. I was a little disappointed when I realized/found out that Shakespeare's Globe is a replica, not the original with the thatched roof and all. Still cool. We went on a ferry tour after this and had a presh little tour guide who had fun facts about the city. I think I got sunburned on this tour. After the tour we went and took a risk to see if they had student tickets at Wicked for that nights showing. We were willing to pay for it, and much to our surprise they had tickets for only 27 pounds. Wicked is my favorite musical and seeing it in London is definitely a once in a lifetime chance. I was concerned it would be really different than when I saw it in SF a few years ago, especially because of the accents, but it was almost exactly the same. There were times you could tell they were British actors but for the most part I didn't even notice. Since we have lived in Spain for the past 3+ months where dinner isn't served until 10 or 11 and places are open all night long, we didn't think we would have any trouble finding food after the amazing show. Wrong-o. After wandering around the neighborhood and almost getting hit by many cars and busses while trying to cross the streets with cars going the wrong way, we realized we were out of luck and ordered pizza to our room. Can't ever complain about pizza. I ordered it and had a hard time, and it was in English. Maybe I've lost my ability to communicate in any language? Who knows. Anne fell asleep before the pizza even got there, and Morgan and I gave Jake our best rendition of Wicked in our matching pajama pants and used the entire loft/stairs/railing/room as our stage. Easily one of my favorite memories of this entire trip, not just to London but in Europe. I only had one Wicked song on my ipod so we had to do the rest a capella. I'll leave it to your imagination of how good we were. My abs hurt in the morning from laughing so hard.
The next morning we slept in on accident because of lack of alarms going off, maybe I should charge my ipod after using it for 3 days. Whoops. It wasn't a big deal though, we weren't that behind schedule. We got an English breakfast consisting of an egg, toast, sausage, bacon, and for some reason a mushroom and a tomato. It was delicious and we all literally licked our plates clean. Off to more touring! We took a cab to the London Eye and watched a 4d video of it before we stood in line. Might I add that the weather was beyond amazing this entire trip and I think London would've sucked if it was rainy and gross. We got on the London Eye with 10 other people and went picture crazy. It was beautiful! Somehow I have seen a pretty good aerial view of almost every city I've been to, it definitely adds a lot to the trip. We got street hot dogs afterwards, and they were nothing short of ehhh. Then we needed water, and it was Kirkland Brand! Oh how I've missed Costco brands and products. It tasted just like home. We walked to Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace afterwards. The palace was huge and the guards are goofy. It wasn't how I pictured it, maybe because in all of the pictures it is grey and foggy. We also realized we know little to nothing about the Royal Family. American education sure does a good job of informing us of Europe or any other country for that matter. Not. Abbey Road was next and well, it's just a road. A busy road actually that makes it hard to take fun Beatles-ish pictures. Our attempt was enough. The Abbey road recording studio was right there and the walls were covered with Beatles lyrics and signatures. This made the cab ride more worth it. Oh, and the "Tube" is 4 pounds a trip, which is like 6 euros which is basically 100 dollars. Cabs ended up being more efficient and cheaper. And the Tube was crammed and shaky. Once again, Madrid Metro beats all. We shopped around at Harrods and I bought a bear who ended up bringing us tons of entertainment the rest of the trip. He was clipped to my backpack for my trip home and got tons of funny looks. I don't care that I'm 20 and have a bear strapped to my chest, also the bear is wearing a leather jacket. We then finally found dinner. Even though it wasn't fish and chips, it was American barbecue. They had Sierra Nevada mustard and beer and hot wings and bleu cheese and pulled pork sandwiches and ketchup and everything else wonderful and American. I was shocked at the presence of Sierra Nevada products. While holding up a beer to take a picture with, a guy asked if I was some sort of spokesperson for them. Well it's from my town, so duh. We bought our souvenirs and went to bed to wake up and say goodbye to the wonderful town that is London. Best trip I've had with amazing people. Not ready to say goodbye to Europe anytime soon.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
so many trips, so little time
Spain time isn't real life time. I don't have time to sleep, much less write about the fun things I'm doing. Let's start with the Andalucia trip.
Andalucia is the southern region of Spain, and saying it is beautiful doesn't do it justice. It was a long 4 hour bus ride at 7 in the morning with 25 of us USAC kids, and obviously we hardly slept. The first city we went to was Cordoba, which was a very very small community surrounded by olive trees in the hills and was absolutely gorgeous. We toured the mezquita, which is a giant mosque that is also beautiful. If I had a dollar for every famous mosque, cathedral etc, I would have a bunch of dollars. We had free time and got to roam around the city. Our tour guide told us about the best restaurant in the town, and after quite the trek we found it and it was closed. Cool. So we found another restaurant and ate tapas and drank sangria. Of course we had to have gazpacho, which southern Spain is famous for. It was good but I prefer Branding Iron's in Merced. The weather was nice and before we knew it, we had to load the bus and go to our next city. I thought all of the cities we were going to were close in distance, boy was I wrong. About 3 1/2 hours later, we arrived in Granada. I assumed this city would also be small and quaint, but when I woke up the first thing I saw was an El Corte Ingles, the biggest department store in Spain, and a whole street of shopping and big buildings. Thought I was back in Madrid. It was dinner time (10 pm, silly Spain), and our hotel was awesome. We casually walk down for dinner at the hotel buffet, and much to my surprise there was amazing food. I can't figure out if it was just normal hotel buffet food that you would find in America which is why I loved it, or if it really was good. That is a battle I face often these days, whether food is actually good or if I'm just hungry. Anyways, they had salad. I couldn't tell you the last time I had a salad. After eating lots of food, we went to a flamenco show, and toured the sacramonte district and the albayzine. We also had a great view of the Alhambra at night. The flamenco show was really cool and unique. It was in a cave like room and we were all front row, there was only one row. The sacramonte neighborhood is famous for being the place where all the gypsies used to live, and now it is a rich neighborhood with many people wishing they could live there. Afterwards we attempted to find a place for us all to go out that was close to the hotel and failing, Morgan and I stayed up talking for hours instead of going to bed to be well rested for our long day of touring the next day. Needless to say we were exhausted and pretty angry when we woke up just a few short hours later.
We toured the Alhambra early in the morning, but after we had the best hotel continental breakfast ever. Bagels. Can't explain how much I miss bagels. The Alhambra was beautiful! And getting there was also really pretty as well. We had beautiful weather, which is good because almost the entire tour was outside and it was supposed to rain. Our tour guide was hilarious and kept calling things "the ol", like "the ol' Alhambra", and "the ol' cathedral." It was presh. Afterwards we had free time and went and ate at a weird trying-to-be-modern-and-hip-slash-mexican restaurant. It was alright. We went to the cathedral of Granada afterwards and saw King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella's graves. The cathedral was huuuuuge and squished inside the middle of a bunch of other buildings. We went on a hunt for some ice cream, and there was a shop with a huge sign that said gelateria. So, we go inside to get this gelato, and the only ice cream they have is prepackaged like the kind you get from the ice cream man, push pops and ice cream sandwiches. Lame, thats not gelato. We found good gelato right next door though, so no worries. Eventually we loaded the bus once more and were off to our final destination.
This bus trip took another 4 ish hours. We bonded through music and talked about favorite old songs for the majority of this leg of the race. We ate dinner at the hotel when we got to Sevilla and it was pretty ehh. After the best hotel buffet I had ever had, I was expecting the same. Sevilla already looked a lot different than Granada and Cordoba. The bus couldn't go down the small streets so we had to carry our luggage 7 blocks from the parking lot to the hotel. And now is when it started raining, obviously. I don't think anyone cared though because we were finally off that dumb bus. The hotel was cute and Morgan and I got put in a room way far away from everyone else, but we had a sweet balcony. We also couldn't figure out how to work the shower and a maintenance man had to come "fix" it, when really he just turned it on. Whoops. I think for dinner we had something similar to biscuits and gravy, and then a meat of some sort. I do know I was hungry afterwards. Anne and I ventured off to find a store after dinner, and asked a man for directions. He gave us dumb far directions so we just wandered by ourselves. 10 minutes later, we see the same guy on a random street. We awkwardly say hello and keep going. On our way back to the hotel, we say the same guy again, and he thinks its hilarious we keep running into each other. Morgan, Anne and I go down to a bar down the street to get some food and drinks, and what do you know, the same guy is eating in the restaurant. So obviously we giggle and think its super funny and act immature. Jake and Hannah joined us for a bit then we decided to go out. We get in a cab since it's raining, and ask to go where the guy told us is a cool street to hang out on. While at a red light, we spend however many minutes that racks up 10 euros. Longest red light of my life. We were pretty mad because the cab should've been about 4 euros, instead of 14. We get to this bar and walk in and it might as well have been America. Only english was spoken, everyone was tall and American looking, they served Budweiser, and there were annoying blonde bimbos dancing on the bar. After a few minutes of that we decided to leave. We go to the bar next door and of course we run into everyone else in our program. Were in Sevilla, one of the largest cities in Spain, and we run into everyone. It ended up being a blast and we kind of took over the bar and dance floor since there was 25 of us and the place was tiny. Going to bed at 430ish and waking up to do more tours was a bad idea. No wonder in high school on field trips and soccer trips they didn't allow you go to out, or stay up past 10. Seven a.m. wake up call was awesome, and walking the whole city of Sevilla was even more awesome. not. The place was pretty beautiful though. There were orange trees everywhere which made the city smell great, and it had super cute neighborhoods on tiny cobblestone streets. We went to the cathedral of Sevilla and got to see Christopher Columbus's grave. His coffin is above ground with 4 statues of men holding it. Morgan and I were saying out loud how weird it was that his coffin was above ground. Everyone around us was like, umm obviously its underground and this is just a statue for show, duh. Well, minutes later our tour guide told us that right before Chris died he said he would not be buried in Spanish soil. So, they didn't bury him in the soil, he's above it. So duh, everyone else. We walked up 36 ramps to get to the top of a bell tower connected to the church. There are ramps because the men used to ring the bells a bunch of times a day and would get to the top by horse, and obviously horses can't climb stairs. 36 ramps later we got to see a great 360 view of the city. Keep in mind this is also the third day and going on no sleep and 36 ramps sounds like the worst punishment USAC could've given us. It was really cool though. We got free time and lunch time afterwards, and we ate at an italian restaurant where we would later find out Morgan got food poisoning from. Sorry Morgan, but Anne and I loved our food. We had tons of time until dinner and while they gave us a packet of cool things to do in the city, everyone single person in our group went back and napped instead. We needed it. We ate dinner at a local restaurant and they served us tapas. Since we figured it would be a normal tapa meal, with just a few plates going around, we were eating everything. Little did we know they would serve 12 different tapas. After the 3rd round which took about an hour, we were ready to be done and were stuffed. Dinner lasted about 4 hours and we didn't even touch the last few rounds. Spaniards do things so differently. I also drank about 7 bottles of water during this time. It was nice though because we could try things we normally wouldn't order. At this point Morgan had to leave dinner and had food poisoning pretty bad. Anne and I got back to the hotel and decided not to go out, and just cuddled in bed instead. Oh, it was also on this trip that I figured out how to make my iphone work with internet and such. Good thing I've been here for 3 months and am just now learning. The next day we woke up, got breakfast, and had even more free time. The weather was better and we rented a 3 person bike cart thing to ride around Plaza de Espana. P.S., they filmed Star Wars Attack of the Clones in this plaza. It was a really cool park and the bike ride took up some of our free time, by this point we just wanted to head home. Around 2 we loaded the bus again. Each time we took a rest stop, the bus driver made us all get off the bus, even if we were sleeping. This made many people mad. We played some iphone games, tried to sleep, and ended up having a 4 hour discussion of every movie we could think of. It would start with talking about an actor, then every movie he is in, then co stars, and so on. That helped pass some of the 8 hour bus trip home. I sure was glad to be home, but it really was a great trip. Without going with the program there is no way I would've been able to see everything and take the tours and cram it all in. When I fell asleep that night I kept waking up thinking I was on a bus and was falling. Too many hours. On to the next trip....
Andalucia is the southern region of Spain, and saying it is beautiful doesn't do it justice. It was a long 4 hour bus ride at 7 in the morning with 25 of us USAC kids, and obviously we hardly slept. The first city we went to was Cordoba, which was a very very small community surrounded by olive trees in the hills and was absolutely gorgeous. We toured the mezquita, which is a giant mosque that is also beautiful. If I had a dollar for every famous mosque, cathedral etc, I would have a bunch of dollars. We had free time and got to roam around the city. Our tour guide told us about the best restaurant in the town, and after quite the trek we found it and it was closed. Cool. So we found another restaurant and ate tapas and drank sangria. Of course we had to have gazpacho, which southern Spain is famous for. It was good but I prefer Branding Iron's in Merced. The weather was nice and before we knew it, we had to load the bus and go to our next city. I thought all of the cities we were going to were close in distance, boy was I wrong. About 3 1/2 hours later, we arrived in Granada. I assumed this city would also be small and quaint, but when I woke up the first thing I saw was an El Corte Ingles, the biggest department store in Spain, and a whole street of shopping and big buildings. Thought I was back in Madrid. It was dinner time (10 pm, silly Spain), and our hotel was awesome. We casually walk down for dinner at the hotel buffet, and much to my surprise there was amazing food. I can't figure out if it was just normal hotel buffet food that you would find in America which is why I loved it, or if it really was good. That is a battle I face often these days, whether food is actually good or if I'm just hungry. Anyways, they had salad. I couldn't tell you the last time I had a salad. After eating lots of food, we went to a flamenco show, and toured the sacramonte district and the albayzine. We also had a great view of the Alhambra at night. The flamenco show was really cool and unique. It was in a cave like room and we were all front row, there was only one row. The sacramonte neighborhood is famous for being the place where all the gypsies used to live, and now it is a rich neighborhood with many people wishing they could live there. Afterwards we attempted to find a place for us all to go out that was close to the hotel and failing, Morgan and I stayed up talking for hours instead of going to bed to be well rested for our long day of touring the next day. Needless to say we were exhausted and pretty angry when we woke up just a few short hours later.
We toured the Alhambra early in the morning, but after we had the best hotel continental breakfast ever. Bagels. Can't explain how much I miss bagels. The Alhambra was beautiful! And getting there was also really pretty as well. We had beautiful weather, which is good because almost the entire tour was outside and it was supposed to rain. Our tour guide was hilarious and kept calling things "the ol", like "the ol' Alhambra", and "the ol' cathedral." It was presh. Afterwards we had free time and went and ate at a weird trying-to-be-modern-and-hip-slash-mexican restaurant. It was alright. We went to the cathedral of Granada afterwards and saw King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella's graves. The cathedral was huuuuuge and squished inside the middle of a bunch of other buildings. We went on a hunt for some ice cream, and there was a shop with a huge sign that said gelateria. So, we go inside to get this gelato, and the only ice cream they have is prepackaged like the kind you get from the ice cream man, push pops and ice cream sandwiches. Lame, thats not gelato. We found good gelato right next door though, so no worries. Eventually we loaded the bus once more and were off to our final destination.
This bus trip took another 4 ish hours. We bonded through music and talked about favorite old songs for the majority of this leg of the race. We ate dinner at the hotel when we got to Sevilla and it was pretty ehh. After the best hotel buffet I had ever had, I was expecting the same. Sevilla already looked a lot different than Granada and Cordoba. The bus couldn't go down the small streets so we had to carry our luggage 7 blocks from the parking lot to the hotel. And now is when it started raining, obviously. I don't think anyone cared though because we were finally off that dumb bus. The hotel was cute and Morgan and I got put in a room way far away from everyone else, but we had a sweet balcony. We also couldn't figure out how to work the shower and a maintenance man had to come "fix" it, when really he just turned it on. Whoops. I think for dinner we had something similar to biscuits and gravy, and then a meat of some sort. I do know I was hungry afterwards. Anne and I ventured off to find a store after dinner, and asked a man for directions. He gave us dumb far directions so we just wandered by ourselves. 10 minutes later, we see the same guy on a random street. We awkwardly say hello and keep going. On our way back to the hotel, we say the same guy again, and he thinks its hilarious we keep running into each other. Morgan, Anne and I go down to a bar down the street to get some food and drinks, and what do you know, the same guy is eating in the restaurant. So obviously we giggle and think its super funny and act immature. Jake and Hannah joined us for a bit then we decided to go out. We get in a cab since it's raining, and ask to go where the guy told us is a cool street to hang out on. While at a red light, we spend however many minutes that racks up 10 euros. Longest red light of my life. We were pretty mad because the cab should've been about 4 euros, instead of 14. We get to this bar and walk in and it might as well have been America. Only english was spoken, everyone was tall and American looking, they served Budweiser, and there were annoying blonde bimbos dancing on the bar. After a few minutes of that we decided to leave. We go to the bar next door and of course we run into everyone else in our program. Were in Sevilla, one of the largest cities in Spain, and we run into everyone. It ended up being a blast and we kind of took over the bar and dance floor since there was 25 of us and the place was tiny. Going to bed at 430ish and waking up to do more tours was a bad idea. No wonder in high school on field trips and soccer trips they didn't allow you go to out, or stay up past 10. Seven a.m. wake up call was awesome, and walking the whole city of Sevilla was even more awesome. not. The place was pretty beautiful though. There were orange trees everywhere which made the city smell great, and it had super cute neighborhoods on tiny cobblestone streets. We went to the cathedral of Sevilla and got to see Christopher Columbus's grave. His coffin is above ground with 4 statues of men holding it. Morgan and I were saying out loud how weird it was that his coffin was above ground. Everyone around us was like, umm obviously its underground and this is just a statue for show, duh. Well, minutes later our tour guide told us that right before Chris died he said he would not be buried in Spanish soil. So, they didn't bury him in the soil, he's above it. So duh, everyone else. We walked up 36 ramps to get to the top of a bell tower connected to the church. There are ramps because the men used to ring the bells a bunch of times a day and would get to the top by horse, and obviously horses can't climb stairs. 36 ramps later we got to see a great 360 view of the city. Keep in mind this is also the third day and going on no sleep and 36 ramps sounds like the worst punishment USAC could've given us. It was really cool though. We got free time and lunch time afterwards, and we ate at an italian restaurant where we would later find out Morgan got food poisoning from. Sorry Morgan, but Anne and I loved our food. We had tons of time until dinner and while they gave us a packet of cool things to do in the city, everyone single person in our group went back and napped instead. We needed it. We ate dinner at a local restaurant and they served us tapas. Since we figured it would be a normal tapa meal, with just a few plates going around, we were eating everything. Little did we know they would serve 12 different tapas. After the 3rd round which took about an hour, we were ready to be done and were stuffed. Dinner lasted about 4 hours and we didn't even touch the last few rounds. Spaniards do things so differently. I also drank about 7 bottles of water during this time. It was nice though because we could try things we normally wouldn't order. At this point Morgan had to leave dinner and had food poisoning pretty bad. Anne and I got back to the hotel and decided not to go out, and just cuddled in bed instead. Oh, it was also on this trip that I figured out how to make my iphone work with internet and such. Good thing I've been here for 3 months and am just now learning. The next day we woke up, got breakfast, and had even more free time. The weather was better and we rented a 3 person bike cart thing to ride around Plaza de Espana. P.S., they filmed Star Wars Attack of the Clones in this plaza. It was a really cool park and the bike ride took up some of our free time, by this point we just wanted to head home. Around 2 we loaded the bus again. Each time we took a rest stop, the bus driver made us all get off the bus, even if we were sleeping. This made many people mad. We played some iphone games, tried to sleep, and ended up having a 4 hour discussion of every movie we could think of. It would start with talking about an actor, then every movie he is in, then co stars, and so on. That helped pass some of the 8 hour bus trip home. I sure was glad to be home, but it really was a great trip. Without going with the program there is no way I would've been able to see everything and take the tours and cram it all in. When I fell asleep that night I kept waking up thinking I was on a bus and was falling. Too many hours. On to the next trip....
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Paris!
I love spanish. I love Spain. I love spaniards. I like being able to travel, but I am sure happy that I love my home. French is hard. And it is hard being in a country without even knowing the numbers in their language. We boarded the plane to Paris early Friday morning, and yes, I didn't miss my flight! Thanks to the 7 alarms and the fact that my roommate was going. We all slept the entire 2 hour flight, and we also got an extra hour of sleep because the plane couldn't leave right away because of fog. The flight attendant woke us up and was trying to ask if our seatbelts were buckled, because our jackets were covering them, and I realized I don't understand a single word of french. Morgan and I just looked at her while she repeated herself over and over, and finally her hand motions worked. This was the beginning of my confidence about my spanish knowledge increasing. After we landed, we found our hotel and couldn't check in yet so food was the next mission. FRANCE HAS REAL FOOD! I had a chicken sandwich with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, and a salad! A real salad! Spain doesn't believe in salads. Or food. Once we checked into our hotel, we realized that we booked it for 2 people, and apparently they are strict on that. Whoops too bad there are 4 of us. So we had to come in two by two each time we entered, and it was a lot of extra stress that I would've rather paid for another room instead of dealing with it. But, ya learn. We went and saw the Eiffel Tower, which was walking distance from our hotel. It was one of those moments that you can't believe is real, that you are standing in Paris looking at the Eiffel Tower. We enjoyed the tower for a while, then walked to the Notre Dame. It was beautiful! The whole city is separated by a river so it is easy to tell where you are if you can just find the river and the tower. We got to Notre Dame, once again breathtaking, and the coolest part about it was that as we strolled on in, we realized there was a mass going on inside! Definitely makes the experience different. We quietly walked around while trying to be respectful of the service, but there were a ton of tourists just strolling as if nothing was happening. The next part of the night is going down in the books as one of the top 3 best meals of my entire life. French onion soup, in France. If I could've bottled my happiness I got from this meal and saved it for later, I would've. Being tired, hungry, cold, tired, and more tired, this was everything I could have asked for and more. I also got to experience my first crepe that night. And now I have gone on a mission almost every day looking for crepes in Madrid. Doesn't compare to the cute creperie carts with the french men trying to charm you into buying another crepe after you have finished your first. And believe me, it is hard to turn that down.
We went to bed at the crazy hour of 10 p.m., and I can honestly say I don't think I have gone to bed that early since I had a bedtime. Even then I didn't follow the rules. It was the best sleep of my life, even though there were 4 girls crammed into a full sized bed. Good thing we aren't huge. We woke up in the morning and explored/shopped until lunchtime. And what did we have for lunch? Thats right, french onion soup. Again. And I didn't even feel bad about it. We went to the Louvre next. And saw the Mona Lisa. Hate to say it, but it was almost a disappointment. It was very small, and the crowd around it just stressed me out so I couldn't appreciate it as much. But, the picture behind it was cool! The Louvre was HUGE. It was pouring outside so it was nice to be inside for a good portion of the day. We got in a fight with the ticket lady on our way inside. We are students in Europe, and so we are supposed to get a discount at all museums and tours and such. We were speaking english, and so the lady didn't initially give us the discount. I then nicely told her we are studying in Madrid, and as I go to pull out my University library card, that has my picture and states that I go to school in Madrid, she yelled "well you are clearly Americans!" Well duh. As we are still trying to prove we go to school here, the other girls have their international EU cards that showed they are student in Europe, she just took my 20 and didn't give me change. Obviously we start to cause more of a scene and the stereotype of the French being rude to Americans was becoming prevalent, and I really hate when people prove stereotypes right. The only person she gave the discount to was Morgan, because she had a copy of her visa with her. I mean my card with my picture and my three other forms of I.D. and my proof of being a student wasn't enough I guess. After that ordeal, we got to experience the miles and miles and miles of walking through what has got to be top 5 biggest museums in the universe. I really don't know the actual size, but I do know I was sore after exploring it. We saw so many famous statues, and I would've liked to see more paintings but I literally couldn't walk up one more stair. They had a display of Napoleon's apartment, which was so extravagant and beautiful.
After this excursion, we made our way back home and saw a few key monuments. The Arch de Triomph, the Royal Palace, a few other buildings that I don't know the importance of but they have to have some sort of responsibility, the ferris wheel from the World Expo, and many other historical items.
Let's talk about the metro. Ew. Saw not one but TWO rats in the metro, and saw a homeless man peeing inside. Trash, dirt, puddles, drippage from the ceiling, dirty people, smelly people, smelly hallways, gross graffiti, more trash, dirt everywhere, rude people, french words that all sound the same and so finding your stop is nearly impossible, lack of maps, maps that are incorrect, your stop being the only one that has construction going on so the metro glides on past it and you are supposed to figure out what to do without any guidance, doors that could kill you when they close, and then they open halfway and then kill you once again, whiplash from the abrupt stops, and the smelly people touching you. It made Madrid metro look like a palace, and you can eat off the floors.
We went to the Eiffel Tower at night, and this was 47 times cooler than during the day, which seems impossible. It is lit up beautifully, and the fog around the top made it look like a painting. We ate dinner at a restaurant with the view of the tower, and I shockingly didn't order french onion soup. Morgan and I met up with the boys after going back to the hotel to get our stuff together, and we went to the top of the tower. It was pretty windy from the top, but, I felt like I was at the top of the world. I think I was right. You could see the entire city, and everyone kept complaining that it was foggy but I really liked the effect. You are on top of the Eiffel Tower, I don't think there is one thing you can complain about. We went to a bar with the boys and got really bad service, when they gave us our drinks they gave us our bill, and we were planning on ordering food. Rude. The 7 am flight and not sleeping beforehand was rough, but all worth it.
Paris, France, checked off the list.
We went to bed at the crazy hour of 10 p.m., and I can honestly say I don't think I have gone to bed that early since I had a bedtime. Even then I didn't follow the rules. It was the best sleep of my life, even though there were 4 girls crammed into a full sized bed. Good thing we aren't huge. We woke up in the morning and explored/shopped until lunchtime. And what did we have for lunch? Thats right, french onion soup. Again. And I didn't even feel bad about it. We went to the Louvre next. And saw the Mona Lisa. Hate to say it, but it was almost a disappointment. It was very small, and the crowd around it just stressed me out so I couldn't appreciate it as much. But, the picture behind it was cool! The Louvre was HUGE. It was pouring outside so it was nice to be inside for a good portion of the day. We got in a fight with the ticket lady on our way inside. We are students in Europe, and so we are supposed to get a discount at all museums and tours and such. We were speaking english, and so the lady didn't initially give us the discount. I then nicely told her we are studying in Madrid, and as I go to pull out my University library card, that has my picture and states that I go to school in Madrid, she yelled "well you are clearly Americans!" Well duh. As we are still trying to prove we go to school here, the other girls have their international EU cards that showed they are student in Europe, she just took my 20 and didn't give me change. Obviously we start to cause more of a scene and the stereotype of the French being rude to Americans was becoming prevalent, and I really hate when people prove stereotypes right. The only person she gave the discount to was Morgan, because she had a copy of her visa with her. I mean my card with my picture and my three other forms of I.D. and my proof of being a student wasn't enough I guess. After that ordeal, we got to experience the miles and miles and miles of walking through what has got to be top 5 biggest museums in the universe. I really don't know the actual size, but I do know I was sore after exploring it. We saw so many famous statues, and I would've liked to see more paintings but I literally couldn't walk up one more stair. They had a display of Napoleon's apartment, which was so extravagant and beautiful.
After this excursion, we made our way back home and saw a few key monuments. The Arch de Triomph, the Royal Palace, a few other buildings that I don't know the importance of but they have to have some sort of responsibility, the ferris wheel from the World Expo, and many other historical items.
Let's talk about the metro. Ew. Saw not one but TWO rats in the metro, and saw a homeless man peeing inside. Trash, dirt, puddles, drippage from the ceiling, dirty people, smelly people, smelly hallways, gross graffiti, more trash, dirt everywhere, rude people, french words that all sound the same and so finding your stop is nearly impossible, lack of maps, maps that are incorrect, your stop being the only one that has construction going on so the metro glides on past it and you are supposed to figure out what to do without any guidance, doors that could kill you when they close, and then they open halfway and then kill you once again, whiplash from the abrupt stops, and the smelly people touching you. It made Madrid metro look like a palace, and you can eat off the floors.
We went to the Eiffel Tower at night, and this was 47 times cooler than during the day, which seems impossible. It is lit up beautifully, and the fog around the top made it look like a painting. We ate dinner at a restaurant with the view of the tower, and I shockingly didn't order french onion soup. Morgan and I met up with the boys after going back to the hotel to get our stuff together, and we went to the top of the tower. It was pretty windy from the top, but, I felt like I was at the top of the world. I think I was right. You could see the entire city, and everyone kept complaining that it was foggy but I really liked the effect. You are on top of the Eiffel Tower, I don't think there is one thing you can complain about. We went to a bar with the boys and got really bad service, when they gave us our drinks they gave us our bill, and we were planning on ordering food. Rude. The 7 am flight and not sleeping beforehand was rough, but all worth it.
Paris, France, checked off the list.
top of the wooooorld
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Si us plau
I ate well this week. First, went to Javier Bardem's family restaurant, La Bardemcilla on Tuesday night. If you don't know who Javier Bardem is, I will tell you. He is Penelope Cruz's husband, part of a famous family of actors/directors, and has won a few oscars/academy awards and stuff. So, pretty cool. I also had the best tiramisu of my life at his restaurant. And then I found the best food Madrid has to offer. 13 euros for all you can eat chinese food. You order off of a menu as many items as you want, and they bring high quality plates to you. AS MANY AS YOU CAN EAT. It was awesome. We were like children giggling at all the food in front of us and how it seemed impossible that it was only 13 euros. We figured there had to be a catch, like each item was 13 euros or we would get super sick or something. Nope. It was perfect. The fried rice had jamon in it, obviously, but I didn't even care.
The weather was nice this week so we spent a few days reading in the park and just walking around.
We went to El Tigre on Thursday night and had the best tapas ever. Bread with cheese and a tomato/olive oil spread on them. Sounds simple, but when you don't ever find good food, its delicious. Oh and we also found a supermarket! Where more than one person can be in the aisle and they sell tortillas! Best day ever.
Best day ever until Friday when Beau got here! Beau has been one of my closest friends since high school, and he is studying in Barcelona this semester. We had such a fun weekend together. He got here around lunch time and I met him at Plaza Mayor where we then walked to a bar that was on a balcony that overlooked the Royal Palace. Pretty sweet. The weather was nice and the sun was going down and it was just a great place to be. We went to dinner at ChinChin, the amazing chinese food place and Beau was as happy as I told him he would be about the great food. A girl he met in his program came to dinner with us, and before we got there Beau told me he wasn't sure how to pronounce her name. He put her in his phone as Egman, and said that when I meet her I need to ask her her name so I get it right. Maria and I both introduced ourselves, and come to find out her name is Megan. So, all night under our breath we were calling her Egman and Beau was getting so embarassed. Funny Beau. I then took him to the Cave bar, you can't come to Madrid and not experience it. His friends in the program met us there and we had a blast.
We walked around Retiro on Saturday, went to the Reina Sofia museum and saw Picasso's Guernicca, and ate kebabs and churros con chocolate. So delicious. We made homemade macaroni and cheese because I have been wanting it so badly, and it was only semi-good. It was really good with lots of hot sauce on it. On our way to Moncloa on the metro, I got yelled at by an older Spanish woman. She was sitting next to me on the metro, and I turned to my right to talk to Beau. Apparently my hair hit her, and she decided to cause a scene at 1 in the morning on a packed metro. She started yelling in spanish things like this isn't a taxi, if I need to fix my hair she can give me a mirror, I'm rude, blah blah blah. She asked if I spoke spanish and I politely said no, english, and then she went on to tell me she knows russian, korean, spanish, and french. Well that sure helps. Not. Maria then got involved and told her I was sorry, I didn't mean it, and it won't happen again. (Also, my hair was pulled back, and it's not that long, and I didn't turn very quickly. Spaniards have no sense of personal space anyways so I don't know why she had a problem with it.) She then yelled at Maria some things I didn't understand and that I need to be respectful. All the while I am sitting silently just saying lo siento. Maria then told her sternly that I'm sorry. We turn and start to talk and try not to laugh at the scene we just caused and how everyone at the metro was staring at us. Then, I look up, and she has a mirror in my face that she got from her purse and said here's a mirror. WHAT. Crazy lady. I couldn't even believe it. Then Beau got involved and Maria and Beau were arguing with this 60+ spanish woman about my hair touching her. Also, I have nice hair, it shouldn't bother her. She continued to hold the mirror in my face while arguing with my loyal friends. I still sat there. We had 6 more stops to go, and I asked Beau and Maria if we could switch trains at the next stop and Beau made me stay there and man up. So, we uncomfortably sat there for 10+ more minutes. That was an adventure and a half.
We slept in today, which was much needed, and then tried to find the Rastro market. We failed. I get lost too often in this city. We walked around all morning trying to find it, while getting tons of different directions from Spaniards that clearly don't know their city. It is supposed to be the biggest flea market in Europe, so I am still unsure how we didn't just run into it. I loved having Beau here and can't wait to visit him in Barcelona in March.
It rained today, which is stupid. I wish it was pretty weather always, it makes it easier to explore. I took a nap, read, didn't clean, hung out with Maria and Scott, and did some homework. I am so lucky I like my roommates and we get along so great. I am missing some great people at home though. The weeks are going by too quickly. I wish I knew how to stop time.
Si us plau means please in Catalan, Beau taught me some key words this weekend :)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
cheyenne's great adventure PART DOS
Let's start on Thursday night. We went to a Paella place on Calle Huertes and got to sit at a big table in a dungeon all by ourselves. I had delicious paella and even tried AND liked octopus. Gawrsh I'm getting brave. I went home, plugged in my phone because it was going to die, set 5 alarms so I could wake up at 6 to catch my 9 am plane, and went to bed. Here is where the adventure begins:
At 9:10 I woke up on my own only to realize my plane had already left. Turns out my phone wasn't plugged in all the way so it died and all of my alarms didn't go off. Cool. I get dressed, brush my teeth, and literally run to the metro. I am in full panic mode and it seemed like it took 23 years to finally get to the Barajas airport. I wait in line to find out that the next flight doesn't leave until 9 pm, and I would have to pay 120 extra euros for this flight. I try my best to fight back tears. Meanwhile, Adriana is already on her train to Rome to meet up at noon and start our tours at 2. The rude man tells me to check other airlines to see if there is an earlier flight. I go to the Easyjet gate and the semi-nicer man tells me a flight is leaving at 5 and will be 105ish euros. Whatever, I'll take it. Gave him the cash I had in my wallet and sadly went home. I got home and tried everything I could to make myself feel better. I got ahold of Adriana which was important, and so she knew I would be late. I took a shower, made sure I had my stuff, and of course when I checked my backpack my bag of clothes wasn't in there. I guess when I was in a rush that morning that bag somehow came out and I would've gotten to Rome with a toothbrush and a camera and the clothes on my back. Good thing I checked. It was now close to 2 and I was needed to leave for the airport, but really needed to call my mom. 2 pm my time means 5 am Turlock time, but I couldn't wait any longer. I was calm by this time and called and told her the situation, how it was handled already, but I would obviously need more money. First of all, I woke her up, and I think she thought the plane had crashed or something because she seemed a little panicked on the phone. Sorry mom. So we had a short conversation that was me asking for more money and saying sorry for being irresponsible, then it was off to the airport. I was still really sad while getting through everything, and really upset I wasn't going to be in Rome until 7, wasting a whole day of exploring. Well, my flight was delayed 2 hours. Coooooooooooool. At this point I just wanted to curl in a ball and cry but I think I was past the point of tears. I fell asleep on the airport chairs while waiting for 3 more hours, and when I woke up I went to check the status of the flight. The screen said boarding, and in a different terminal then where I was, and so sprinting through the airport started. Man was this a fun day. Oh, I also only had a croissant in my belly. Cranky. Turns out I was the very last person on the flight, and hardly made it. How fun would that have been if I missed the second flight of the day? So blah blah blah get on the flight, buy a 4 euro bag of m&m's accidentally, sleep a bit, and try and figure out how I am going to navigate Rome at night. I get to the airport in Rome, and am not even appreciating the fact that it's my first time in Italy. I don't even notice they didn't stamp my passport. Shoot. I have to take a train from the airport to the center of town for 20 euros, and the machine isn't giving me a ticket. The train only comes once an hour, and it was there already, and it was almost 11 at this time, and I was just fed up. An Irish man behind me had the same issue so we just walked up to the conductor, tried understand what he was saying, and just handed him our cash and got on the train without a ticket. At this point I wasn't going to let anything else get in my way of being in Rome. After about an hour train ride, we both are trying to find out hotels. The nice man finds his and then helps me try and find the street I need to start my directions on. I know that it is walking distance from the train station, so I didn't want to pay for a taxi. We couldn't find the street so my Irish friend found me the most okay looking taxi and helped me figure out where to go. Nice people make things a lot better on bad days. We said goodbye and the taxi driver started driving. He then said it would be 30 euros and I just looked at him, opened the door, said no, and got out in the middle of the street. I was not about to pay 30 euros for something I knew was walking distance. I wandered around the train station wishing I had a map for about 15 more minutes, with taxi drivers harassing me every second. Finally one asked if I just needed help, and not a ride, and he eventually drew me a map on a napkin from his pocket to my hotel. Again, nice people in this world. I also used my spanish to get by because spanish is closer to italian than english, and turns out when I'm lost and forced to use it, I know more then I think. I finally see the hostel I am staying in and it was only a 5 minute walk. I gave myself a pep talk the entire walk that everything would be okay once I saw Adriana and got food in my stomach. Well, it is past midnight, and the hostel lobby is closed. OF COURSE. I don't know what room number we're in, and my phone doesn't work in Italy apparently. Good to know. I find a lobby of another hostel with a lady in it and ask if she can help me at all. Well she can't, and she's rude, and I'm upset. I ask if I can borrow her phone because mine isn't working, and she says no, its used for something important or something. Who knows what she really meant, her english sucked. I just look at her with irritation in my eyes and a I'm not going to take no for an answer attitude, and she finally let me use the phone. I got ahold of Adriana and I have never been so happy to see someone. We went and got dinner and turns out she was feeling under the weather so she slept while waiting for me, so I didn't miss much. Minus the Coliseum tour. We went to bed and I was happy again.
Now for the fun part!
We woke up early and instantly turned into super-tourists. Traveling and touring with someone all weekend can be rough and people can get cranky, but we were an awesome team. We figured out the metro, got cappucinos and pizza for breakfast, and started our day with the tour of the Vatican Museum. This is the start of me falling in love with Rome. The Vatican was amazing and seeing all of the paintings by Michelangelo and Rafael and Leonardo DaVinci was too real. Our tour was worth it and it ended with a walk through of the Sistine Chapel, where I was completely overwhelmed with it's history and beauty. I also took pictures in the Sistine, which is obviously illegal which obviously made me want to even more. You can't even talk in there. Adriana took an art history class in college and so she knew every fun fact about the paintings and the Sistine, she was a great tour guide as well.
Afterwards, we ate some lunch, raviolis with pesto, and made our way to the coliseum. We got off the metro, and as soon as we stepped outside the coliseum was just looking at us. WWWWOOOOOOWWWW. Remember how I said I wanted to be an architect? Well Rome really pushed that dream even more. It was outta control. Writing in here doesn't do it justice of how great it was. We also went to the Roman Forum, which I honestly didn't even know what it was. It's full of ruins and artifacts and ancient run down government buildings, and you end up climbing stairs but not knowing it because all of a sudden you look out and you can see the entire city. The sun was going down and it is easily the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. We had a blast exploring it on our own, and learning about it's purpose some 28 centuries ago. This is where the Republican government started, and where the senate met and all political interactions went down. At least until the fall of the empire. But still, how can one even comprehend that stuff? The Arch of Augustus is also located in the Roman Forum. This was built to commemorate Augustus restoring the republic after avenging Caesars death. Again, so much history in one city... I can't even explain how surreal it was to be walking on these streets.
We went back to the hostel to shower and get ready for dinner, and then walked the entire city. I am so glad we did this, even though I was so exhausted. We kept running into amazing buildings and statues that we never would have seen had we taken a bus or metro. Such as the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, a huuuuge building with a statue of a horse in front. So cool at night. We ate dinner and then went on a nightwalk to see other must see in Rome spots. This started with the Pantheon. We were strolling along trying to find it while looking at our map and looking like big tourists, when all of a sudden we turned a corner and BAM here is this massive building just sitting in the middle of a plaza. Gelato was needed next, and then off to the Trevi Fountain. I've obviously seen Mary-Kate and Ashley Go to Rome, and Lizzie McGuire's When in Rome, but I had no idea the Trevi fountain was so cool. It ties for my favorite with the coliseum. After this, we made our way to the Spanish steps, and had to walk all the way up them of course, and by this time I was ready to fall asleep right then and there. You can see a lot of the city from the top though. We ran to the metro because it was going to close and we didn't want to take a cab, and ended up at the wrong spot and then sprinted to the actual metro. I woke up the next morning feeling like I got hit by the aforementioned metro. All in all, it was one of the best days I have had in years, and by far my favorite day in Europe so far. We definitely did it the right way, always fed, not rushing, seeing what we want to see, making everything a "well if we make it, that's great, if not, oh well!" kind of attitude, which makes for much less stress, and having fun the whole time. Our conversation on our walk was spent talking in British accents because I couldn't get the Italian accent down, and pretending that we were living in ancient Rome and Michaelangelo and Rafael were our besties. We went to St. Peter's Cathedral the next morning and once again I was blown away at the size and structure of such a historical building. I sadly didn't see the Pope though. I finally made it home and on the right plane around 9 pm. I could not have asked for a better weekend, bad travel experiences and all. After this weekend, I feel like I can take on anything and everything, and still have it be the best weekend ever. I definitely was happy to be back in Madrid, it feels like home here and I missed my friends that I have become so close too. At this point I can't imagine leaving here. Ut Oh.
Now I must study for my final. Back to the real world. It has been beautiful weather here, so studying/reading in the park is a daily activity. Beau comes this weekend and I cannot wait. Oh, and I probably missed one of the most fun days in Chico because of the Packers win, the great Aaron Rodgers is from my cute town and I'm sure it was a blast. Also, Aaron Rodgers eats at my restaurant, which makes me famous too, right? But I'm in Spain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At 9:10 I woke up on my own only to realize my plane had already left. Turns out my phone wasn't plugged in all the way so it died and all of my alarms didn't go off. Cool. I get dressed, brush my teeth, and literally run to the metro. I am in full panic mode and it seemed like it took 23 years to finally get to the Barajas airport. I wait in line to find out that the next flight doesn't leave until 9 pm, and I would have to pay 120 extra euros for this flight. I try my best to fight back tears. Meanwhile, Adriana is already on her train to Rome to meet up at noon and start our tours at 2. The rude man tells me to check other airlines to see if there is an earlier flight. I go to the Easyjet gate and the semi-nicer man tells me a flight is leaving at 5 and will be 105ish euros. Whatever, I'll take it. Gave him the cash I had in my wallet and sadly went home. I got home and tried everything I could to make myself feel better. I got ahold of Adriana which was important, and so she knew I would be late. I took a shower, made sure I had my stuff, and of course when I checked my backpack my bag of clothes wasn't in there. I guess when I was in a rush that morning that bag somehow came out and I would've gotten to Rome with a toothbrush and a camera and the clothes on my back. Good thing I checked. It was now close to 2 and I was needed to leave for the airport, but really needed to call my mom. 2 pm my time means 5 am Turlock time, but I couldn't wait any longer. I was calm by this time and called and told her the situation, how it was handled already, but I would obviously need more money. First of all, I woke her up, and I think she thought the plane had crashed or something because she seemed a little panicked on the phone. Sorry mom. So we had a short conversation that was me asking for more money and saying sorry for being irresponsible, then it was off to the airport. I was still really sad while getting through everything, and really upset I wasn't going to be in Rome until 7, wasting a whole day of exploring. Well, my flight was delayed 2 hours. Coooooooooooool. At this point I just wanted to curl in a ball and cry but I think I was past the point of tears. I fell asleep on the airport chairs while waiting for 3 more hours, and when I woke up I went to check the status of the flight. The screen said boarding, and in a different terminal then where I was, and so sprinting through the airport started. Man was this a fun day. Oh, I also only had a croissant in my belly. Cranky. Turns out I was the very last person on the flight, and hardly made it. How fun would that have been if I missed the second flight of the day? So blah blah blah get on the flight, buy a 4 euro bag of m&m's accidentally, sleep a bit, and try and figure out how I am going to navigate Rome at night. I get to the airport in Rome, and am not even appreciating the fact that it's my first time in Italy. I don't even notice they didn't stamp my passport. Shoot. I have to take a train from the airport to the center of town for 20 euros, and the machine isn't giving me a ticket. The train only comes once an hour, and it was there already, and it was almost 11 at this time, and I was just fed up. An Irish man behind me had the same issue so we just walked up to the conductor, tried understand what he was saying, and just handed him our cash and got on the train without a ticket. At this point I wasn't going to let anything else get in my way of being in Rome. After about an hour train ride, we both are trying to find out hotels. The nice man finds his and then helps me try and find the street I need to start my directions on. I know that it is walking distance from the train station, so I didn't want to pay for a taxi. We couldn't find the street so my Irish friend found me the most okay looking taxi and helped me figure out where to go. Nice people make things a lot better on bad days. We said goodbye and the taxi driver started driving. He then said it would be 30 euros and I just looked at him, opened the door, said no, and got out in the middle of the street. I was not about to pay 30 euros for something I knew was walking distance. I wandered around the train station wishing I had a map for about 15 more minutes, with taxi drivers harassing me every second. Finally one asked if I just needed help, and not a ride, and he eventually drew me a map on a napkin from his pocket to my hotel. Again, nice people in this world. I also used my spanish to get by because spanish is closer to italian than english, and turns out when I'm lost and forced to use it, I know more then I think. I finally see the hostel I am staying in and it was only a 5 minute walk. I gave myself a pep talk the entire walk that everything would be okay once I saw Adriana and got food in my stomach. Well, it is past midnight, and the hostel lobby is closed. OF COURSE. I don't know what room number we're in, and my phone doesn't work in Italy apparently. Good to know. I find a lobby of another hostel with a lady in it and ask if she can help me at all. Well she can't, and she's rude, and I'm upset. I ask if I can borrow her phone because mine isn't working, and she says no, its used for something important or something. Who knows what she really meant, her english sucked. I just look at her with irritation in my eyes and a I'm not going to take no for an answer attitude, and she finally let me use the phone. I got ahold of Adriana and I have never been so happy to see someone. We went and got dinner and turns out she was feeling under the weather so she slept while waiting for me, so I didn't miss much. Minus the Coliseum tour. We went to bed and I was happy again.
Now for the fun part!
We woke up early and instantly turned into super-tourists. Traveling and touring with someone all weekend can be rough and people can get cranky, but we were an awesome team. We figured out the metro, got cappucinos and pizza for breakfast, and started our day with the tour of the Vatican Museum. This is the start of me falling in love with Rome. The Vatican was amazing and seeing all of the paintings by Michelangelo and Rafael and Leonardo DaVinci was too real. Our tour was worth it and it ended with a walk through of the Sistine Chapel, where I was completely overwhelmed with it's history and beauty. I also took pictures in the Sistine, which is obviously illegal which obviously made me want to even more. You can't even talk in there. Adriana took an art history class in college and so she knew every fun fact about the paintings and the Sistine, she was a great tour guide as well.
Afterwards, we ate some lunch, raviolis with pesto, and made our way to the coliseum. We got off the metro, and as soon as we stepped outside the coliseum was just looking at us. WWWWOOOOOOWWWW. Remember how I said I wanted to be an architect? Well Rome really pushed that dream even more. It was outta control. Writing in here doesn't do it justice of how great it was. We also went to the Roman Forum, which I honestly didn't even know what it was. It's full of ruins and artifacts and ancient run down government buildings, and you end up climbing stairs but not knowing it because all of a sudden you look out and you can see the entire city. The sun was going down and it is easily the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. We had a blast exploring it on our own, and learning about it's purpose some 28 centuries ago. This is where the Republican government started, and where the senate met and all political interactions went down. At least until the fall of the empire. But still, how can one even comprehend that stuff? The Arch of Augustus is also located in the Roman Forum. This was built to commemorate Augustus restoring the republic after avenging Caesars death. Again, so much history in one city... I can't even explain how surreal it was to be walking on these streets.
We went back to the hostel to shower and get ready for dinner, and then walked the entire city. I am so glad we did this, even though I was so exhausted. We kept running into amazing buildings and statues that we never would have seen had we taken a bus or metro. Such as the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, a huuuuge building with a statue of a horse in front. So cool at night. We ate dinner and then went on a nightwalk to see other must see in Rome spots. This started with the Pantheon. We were strolling along trying to find it while looking at our map and looking like big tourists, when all of a sudden we turned a corner and BAM here is this massive building just sitting in the middle of a plaza. Gelato was needed next, and then off to the Trevi Fountain. I've obviously seen Mary-Kate and Ashley Go to Rome, and Lizzie McGuire's When in Rome, but I had no idea the Trevi fountain was so cool. It ties for my favorite with the coliseum. After this, we made our way to the Spanish steps, and had to walk all the way up them of course, and by this time I was ready to fall asleep right then and there. You can see a lot of the city from the top though. We ran to the metro because it was going to close and we didn't want to take a cab, and ended up at the wrong spot and then sprinted to the actual metro. I woke up the next morning feeling like I got hit by the aforementioned metro. All in all, it was one of the best days I have had in years, and by far my favorite day in Europe so far. We definitely did it the right way, always fed, not rushing, seeing what we want to see, making everything a "well if we make it, that's great, if not, oh well!" kind of attitude, which makes for much less stress, and having fun the whole time. Our conversation on our walk was spent talking in British accents because I couldn't get the Italian accent down, and pretending that we were living in ancient Rome and Michaelangelo and Rafael were our besties. We went to St. Peter's Cathedral the next morning and once again I was blown away at the size and structure of such a historical building. I sadly didn't see the Pope though. I finally made it home and on the right plane around 9 pm. I could not have asked for a better weekend, bad travel experiences and all. After this weekend, I feel like I can take on anything and everything, and still have it be the best weekend ever. I definitely was happy to be back in Madrid, it feels like home here and I missed my friends that I have become so close too. At this point I can't imagine leaving here. Ut Oh.
Now I must study for my final. Back to the real world. It has been beautiful weather here, so studying/reading in the park is a daily activity. Beau comes this weekend and I cannot wait. Oh, and I probably missed one of the most fun days in Chico because of the Packers win, the great Aaron Rodgers is from my cute town and I'm sure it was a blast. Also, Aaron Rodgers eats at my restaurant, which makes me famous too, right? But I'm in Spain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
WE FOUND MEXICAN FOOD
Enough said. Nachos galore, chips and salsa, margaritas, and real guacamole. Highlight of the week.
Yesterday was my third favorite day of the year. My half birthday. Obviously I celebrated, like I always do. The girls and Tommy and I decided to go out to celebrate my half birthday. When Tommy and Meghan came back from dinner, they had a puff pastry with a candle in it as a cupcake. So precious. The girls came over and then we went to this place right around the corner from our house. After that, we walked past the bar that was called el raton vaquero or something like that, which translates to the rat cowboy. Clearly we had to go here. When I was trying to find my way to the bathroom, there were these guys playing darts and I asked if I could play. They hastily gave me the darts, (I think I interrupted an intense game), and I shot it and made the bullseye. I had to leave after that because that wasn't going to happen again. But that made me some friends quickly! We all had a blast and I was late to class today. Lo siento Sara. Oh, I also was late to class on Tuesday because I got locked inside my apartment. To get out of the front door of the building you have to push a button, and well it didn't work. I had to call the landlord, our advisor, and wait until someone came to let me out. That was a good excuse for being late though.
Morgan, Maria and I found a little chinese stir-fry place for dinner the other night. It was the closest thing I'm going to find to Hula's, which then made me miss Hula's so much. But it was so yummy and really any food that I find that tastes good seems like the best thing I've ever had in my entire life.
Dakota, Jordan and Savannah turn 12 on Sunday. That's weird. Wish I was home to be with them on their birthday, this will be the first one I've missed ever. Freshman year of college we went to Disneyland, last year I surprised them, and this year I will be in Rome. But their birthday is on the superbowl, which is cool I guess. I'm sure Savannah is already upset that she has to share her birthday once again, and there is probably a list made by Dakota on the fridge that has been there since Christmas of what he wants. If anyone remembers Christmas of 09, CMAS MAD incident, we all know that Dakota is pretty particular on his presents. I seriously have the coolest siblings ever. Today my friend Jake and I were talking and somehow the kids got brought up and he was like how have I not heard of them yet? And I said well I don't openly share how cool they are because they are definitely cooler then me. As a friend once said, "do you feel like they are part of a club that you will never be a part of?" No, but now I do. Thanks whoever said that.
More big news of the week: Cheypie has made it to Spain. This nickname was given to me by my Papa when I was like born, and it somehow has carried into my 20 1/2 + 1 day years of life. There are a gillion ways to make a nickname out of Cheyenne, but for some reason cheypie just sticks. Someone here heard the name and it is now making it's rounds. And, I don't call myself this, so it really has to travel by others. This story is for you Ashley. And mom and dad and papa and whoever else cares or reads this I guess.
I had lunch with Zadith and Jorge today. Zadith gave me some chocolate and then some dark chocolate for Maria since she knows that is her fav. How sweet! Also, the word intercambio has caused quite the commotion today. It is pronounced with a spanish accent, duh, and I cannot get that concept down. I say it so American and it wasn't until today that I found out everyone laughs at how I say intercambio everytime I say it. But when I try and say it with an accent, it sounds so fake and dumb and it's not even worth it. Anyways, I love Zadith and Jorge.
Tonight I'm tutoring and then going out for Paella for dinner. So. Stoked. Also, the sun is out. Way to get it together Madrid. Well, off to Rome in the morning! Adios!
Yesterday was my third favorite day of the year. My half birthday. Obviously I celebrated, like I always do. The girls and Tommy and I decided to go out to celebrate my half birthday. When Tommy and Meghan came back from dinner, they had a puff pastry with a candle in it as a cupcake. So precious. The girls came over and then we went to this place right around the corner from our house. After that, we walked past the bar that was called el raton vaquero or something like that, which translates to the rat cowboy. Clearly we had to go here. When I was trying to find my way to the bathroom, there were these guys playing darts and I asked if I could play. They hastily gave me the darts, (I think I interrupted an intense game), and I shot it and made the bullseye. I had to leave after that because that wasn't going to happen again. But that made me some friends quickly! We all had a blast and I was late to class today. Lo siento Sara. Oh, I also was late to class on Tuesday because I got locked inside my apartment. To get out of the front door of the building you have to push a button, and well it didn't work. I had to call the landlord, our advisor, and wait until someone came to let me out. That was a good excuse for being late though.
Morgan, Maria and I found a little chinese stir-fry place for dinner the other night. It was the closest thing I'm going to find to Hula's, which then made me miss Hula's so much. But it was so yummy and really any food that I find that tastes good seems like the best thing I've ever had in my entire life.
Dakota, Jordan and Savannah turn 12 on Sunday. That's weird. Wish I was home to be with them on their birthday, this will be the first one I've missed ever. Freshman year of college we went to Disneyland, last year I surprised them, and this year I will be in Rome. But their birthday is on the superbowl, which is cool I guess. I'm sure Savannah is already upset that she has to share her birthday once again, and there is probably a list made by Dakota on the fridge that has been there since Christmas of what he wants. If anyone remembers Christmas of 09, CMAS MAD incident, we all know that Dakota is pretty particular on his presents. I seriously have the coolest siblings ever. Today my friend Jake and I were talking and somehow the kids got brought up and he was like how have I not heard of them yet? And I said well I don't openly share how cool they are because they are definitely cooler then me. As a friend once said, "do you feel like they are part of a club that you will never be a part of?" No, but now I do. Thanks whoever said that.
More big news of the week: Cheypie has made it to Spain. This nickname was given to me by my Papa when I was like born, and it somehow has carried into my 20 1/2 + 1 day years of life. There are a gillion ways to make a nickname out of Cheyenne, but for some reason cheypie just sticks. Someone here heard the name and it is now making it's rounds. And, I don't call myself this, so it really has to travel by others. This story is for you Ashley. And mom and dad and papa and whoever else cares or reads this I guess.
I had lunch with Zadith and Jorge today. Zadith gave me some chocolate and then some dark chocolate for Maria since she knows that is her fav. How sweet! Also, the word intercambio has caused quite the commotion today. It is pronounced with a spanish accent, duh, and I cannot get that concept down. I say it so American and it wasn't until today that I found out everyone laughs at how I say intercambio everytime I say it. But when I try and say it with an accent, it sounds so fake and dumb and it's not even worth it. Anyways, I love Zadith and Jorge.
Tonight I'm tutoring and then going out for Paella for dinner. So. Stoked. Also, the sun is out. Way to get it together Madrid. Well, off to Rome in the morning! Adios!
Monday, January 31, 2011
I don't think this is real life.
I'm not sure where to start. I guess I'll save the best for last.
After Toledo on Friday, the whole group went to the Cave bar. We had a blast! I feel like I am at summer camp, but for forever. And I love it. I experienced my first 6:30 am metro ride home, because the metros close at 1:30 and we don't want to pay a cab. Walking home with the sun coming up is the least fun thing in the entire world. Saturday consisted of sleeping, cleaning and an early night with the girls. I attempted to take the bus again, and failed, again. But, according to the man, Ben King himself, if I'm not getting lost or yelled at, I'm not having an adventure. So the adventure continues...
Sunday is the part where I don't think I am in real life. There's no way. And as much detail as I give won't be able to do this story justice.
My friend Lauren who is in the program asked Maria and I if we wanted to go to her intercambio Joaquin's "cottage" for the day. She said it is a little outside of Madrid and we will be back by dinner time for our dinner with my intercambios. We climb into his European car in the morning and off we go. About 5 minutes into the drive, I fall asleep. I wake up about 40 minutes later (it was a little more than outside of Madrid), and there is a light snow on the windshield. Guess my light sweater outfit was inappropriate for this day. We are in the mountains at this point, and it is gorgeous. Rolling green hills with a thin layer of snow, really large cows, and not a car in sight. Quite different then the metropolitan city of 5 million that I have grown so used to. I even saw my first truck on the way! Felt just like home. We turn off the road after about an hour of driving, and we have to be let in a gate. I think nothing of the nice gate and the "Font Vella" sign. As we are driving in, you can see the valley below us and the curvy roads with beautiful old spanish houses. I start taking pictures from far away out the window of this one house on the hill. Minutes later I realize that is our destination. We drive up, and Joaquin mentions his father likes him to bring guests to the back house, not the mansion. So we drive up a hill, past an Iglesia and some horses, to another beautiful spanish house on top of the hill looking over the valley. We get out of the car and it is snowing and we are looking over a mountain range in Spain. Surreal. Also, I think Joaquin needs to learn the meaning of "cottage," because this definitely was not what I pictured when he described it. We get inside, and the housekeepers are already at work preparing a meal for us. There are two fireplaces in the living room, and thank goodness because it was freezing. Not only did I dress wrong for the occasion, but because I am from California they think I am just a little sissy lala when it comes to the cold. Which I probably am. Anyways, I am trying to take in everything that had happened in the last 5 minutes, and why the heck does he own this vacation destination. Turns out, his family owns Font Vella water, comparable to Aquafina in the states. When we drove in we passed a huge water plant, and I didn't even put the two together. His cousin came over for lunch and brought two friends. The man was German but born in Spain, and studied at USC during college and got a masters from UCLA. No big deal. He was so nice and spoke english really well. His girlfriend is a fashion designer in Madrid and is launching a line in New York this season. Also, no big deal. Lunch was delicious. Of couse there was jamon, but the main meal was a beef and potato stew thing with salad and homemade cheesecake. Spoiled. We sat around the table talking and laughing and discussing funny words in spanish and english for hours. The spanish loooooove to eat for hours on end. Somehow we got on the subject of "love handles," and they didn't understand that concept. Probably because they are all so skinny. I also only understood about 40% of the conversations during the 3 hour lunch. But, it's good practice. Afterwards, we toured the main house. The three stories of spanish elegance and architecture was out of this world. The house was built in the 1860's, and I lost count of the number of bedrooms after 11. Did I mention they have their own church on the property? Also cute and spanish. Apparently people rent out the property for weddings and can stay in the house. After all of this, Joaquin took us to a small village just up the road called Siguenza. As we drove into the town, which was all built of matching stones and precious bricks, a nice large castle appeared. The snow really made the town look even cooler then it already would. We got out and went inside a huge Cathedral, and then toured the castle. Every village up the road has a nearby castle, right? We were short on time so we had to cut the visit short, but we are definitely going back. And I thought we were just going to have lunch at a cottage.
We got home at 8:30, and had guests coming at 9 for dinner. We also forgot that EVERYTHING is closed on Sundays in Madrid, so we had to order pizza. So dumb and so American. Zadith and Jorge loved it, and I think they had a good time. We were so tired and kept hinting that we had homework, but they didn't leave until 11:45. These spaniards really really really like to stay a while during the meal. We had a great time laughing at my spanish, and laughing at the way Jorge says Spiderman, Speeeederman. So cute, these spanish people. This weekend was so much fun, and I don't know how I keep having more fun then the day before. I'm still running on excitement, not sleep or rest or nutrients, just pure excitement. After going to bed at 3 from homework, and waking up at 7 and having class until 3, then dinner in Gran Via tonight and it is now 1, I am still going and am happier than ever. I don't think I will ever be bored. I wonder if excitement can get you through 5 months....
After Toledo on Friday, the whole group went to the Cave bar. We had a blast! I feel like I am at summer camp, but for forever. And I love it. I experienced my first 6:30 am metro ride home, because the metros close at 1:30 and we don't want to pay a cab. Walking home with the sun coming up is the least fun thing in the entire world. Saturday consisted of sleeping, cleaning and an early night with the girls. I attempted to take the bus again, and failed, again. But, according to the man, Ben King himself, if I'm not getting lost or yelled at, I'm not having an adventure. So the adventure continues...
Sunday is the part where I don't think I am in real life. There's no way. And as much detail as I give won't be able to do this story justice.
My friend Lauren who is in the program asked Maria and I if we wanted to go to her intercambio Joaquin's "cottage" for the day. She said it is a little outside of Madrid and we will be back by dinner time for our dinner with my intercambios. We climb into his European car in the morning and off we go. About 5 minutes into the drive, I fall asleep. I wake up about 40 minutes later (it was a little more than outside of Madrid), and there is a light snow on the windshield. Guess my light sweater outfit was inappropriate for this day. We are in the mountains at this point, and it is gorgeous. Rolling green hills with a thin layer of snow, really large cows, and not a car in sight. Quite different then the metropolitan city of 5 million that I have grown so used to. I even saw my first truck on the way! Felt just like home. We turn off the road after about an hour of driving, and we have to be let in a gate. I think nothing of the nice gate and the "Font Vella" sign. As we are driving in, you can see the valley below us and the curvy roads with beautiful old spanish houses. I start taking pictures from far away out the window of this one house on the hill. Minutes later I realize that is our destination. We drive up, and Joaquin mentions his father likes him to bring guests to the back house, not the mansion. So we drive up a hill, past an Iglesia and some horses, to another beautiful spanish house on top of the hill looking over the valley. We get out of the car and it is snowing and we are looking over a mountain range in Spain. Surreal. Also, I think Joaquin needs to learn the meaning of "cottage," because this definitely was not what I pictured when he described it. We get inside, and the housekeepers are already at work preparing a meal for us. There are two fireplaces in the living room, and thank goodness because it was freezing. Not only did I dress wrong for the occasion, but because I am from California they think I am just a little sissy lala when it comes to the cold. Which I probably am. Anyways, I am trying to take in everything that had happened in the last 5 minutes, and why the heck does he own this vacation destination. Turns out, his family owns Font Vella water, comparable to Aquafina in the states. When we drove in we passed a huge water plant, and I didn't even put the two together. His cousin came over for lunch and brought two friends. The man was German but born in Spain, and studied at USC during college and got a masters from UCLA. No big deal. He was so nice and spoke english really well. His girlfriend is a fashion designer in Madrid and is launching a line in New York this season. Also, no big deal. Lunch was delicious. Of couse there was jamon, but the main meal was a beef and potato stew thing with salad and homemade cheesecake. Spoiled. We sat around the table talking and laughing and discussing funny words in spanish and english for hours. The spanish loooooove to eat for hours on end. Somehow we got on the subject of "love handles," and they didn't understand that concept. Probably because they are all so skinny. I also only understood about 40% of the conversations during the 3 hour lunch. But, it's good practice. Afterwards, we toured the main house. The three stories of spanish elegance and architecture was out of this world. The house was built in the 1860's, and I lost count of the number of bedrooms after 11. Did I mention they have their own church on the property? Also cute and spanish. Apparently people rent out the property for weddings and can stay in the house. After all of this, Joaquin took us to a small village just up the road called Siguenza. As we drove into the town, which was all built of matching stones and precious bricks, a nice large castle appeared. The snow really made the town look even cooler then it already would. We got out and went inside a huge Cathedral, and then toured the castle. Every village up the road has a nearby castle, right? We were short on time so we had to cut the visit short, but we are definitely going back. And I thought we were just going to have lunch at a cottage.
We got home at 8:30, and had guests coming at 9 for dinner. We also forgot that EVERYTHING is closed on Sundays in Madrid, so we had to order pizza. So dumb and so American. Zadith and Jorge loved it, and I think they had a good time. We were so tired and kept hinting that we had homework, but they didn't leave until 11:45. These spaniards really really really like to stay a while during the meal. We had a great time laughing at my spanish, and laughing at the way Jorge says Spiderman, Speeeederman. So cute, these spanish people. This weekend was so much fun, and I don't know how I keep having more fun then the day before. I'm still running on excitement, not sleep or rest or nutrients, just pure excitement. After going to bed at 3 from homework, and waking up at 7 and having class until 3, then dinner in Gran Via tonight and it is now 1, I am still going and am happier than ever. I don't think I will ever be bored. I wonder if excitement can get you through 5 months....
Friday, January 28, 2011
the first time not knowing spanish really becomes a problem
First of all, I just booked my flights to Rome and Paris. Rome this weekend with Adriana, Beau comes to Madrid next weekend, and Paris the following weekend with 6 other people from my group. Then southern Spain and Cadiz a few weeks later. THIS IS NOT REAL LIFE. Once again, thanks mom and dad, family members, ya know, anyone who is helping me to see the entire world.
We went to a bar called the Cave bar the other night, and it looks just like a cave. SO COOL. The drinks come out of the crevices in the ceiling into your glass. The drink also looked like milk which is gross but it turned out being delicious. I loved it. We might go back there tonight.
I had my first tutoring session with with Cristina yesterday. First of all, we all left school together and everyone was going to Gran Via to go to El Tigre and I was going to meet them there after my meeting. This is where the adventure starts. I had to get off at Pavones, which everyone was teasing it was the ghetto of Madrid. Someone even compared it to Oakland. Rude. Anyways, I found a friend to help me find my way to her house and Cristina was so nice. She is 14 and learning english and french, and is very very smart. Her mom doesn't speak english. Difficult. She is learning past perfect and present participle and things like that. I had to reteach myself before I taught her. And, her english teacher is teaching her wrong things. A sentence she wrote was, "I have lived in Madrid since 1996." Her teacher corrected her to "I have lived in Madrid for 1996." How dumb. Thank goodness she has me! Afterwards, I was walking back to the metro to go meet my friends at Gran Via and passed the bus stop. I've only taken the bus once, I don't know the stops, I have never been to Gran Via or Pavones, and I was all alone, and it was night, but I decided to take the bus. After waiting for 15 minutes, (the metro was another block, 3 minutes away and I thought I was taking the shortcut...), and on the bus for 45, I realized the place I was resembled Bakersfield. Not my beautiful city of Madrid. I also turned around and I was the only person on the bus. After trying to ask where we were going and why I wasn't at Gran Via, the bus driver yelled quickly in spanish and the only thing I could understand was him saying salida. Or exit. He then opened the doors and I got out, not even at a bus stop. Cool. Not. I realized I was pretty far from the heart of the city, where I needed to be. And, who likes to be anywhere that looks like Bakersfield? I saw two high school girls who knew less english than I know spanish. After 10 minutes of me trying to explain my issue, they proceeded to walk me 5 blocks to a metro, find me a map, draw out where I needed to go, and walked me down to make sure I got on the right bus. If I had any bills smaller than 50 I would've paid them. (And if I was rich.) I was so happy and grateful for these 15 year old spanish girls I almost cried. I asked where they were going, and they weren't even getting on the metro. They just went out of their way over 45 minutes to help a lost, upset American girl. There are some great people in this world. 2 hours later than expected I arrived at Gran Via. Everyone had left except 2 people. Oh well, at least I knew where I was. I need to learn more spanish. I got a Mcdonalds ice cream cone to make me feel better. It worked.
I've been drinking at least 2 cafe con leches a day. I love the taste, and I need it to get through the day. At 80 cents from my nice cafeteria friend, it's an affordable addiction.
And now we get to today. HOLY TOLEDO! I know why the phrase is so, it is the coolest place in the world. It is an ancient city surrounded by ruins of walls builts hundreds of years ago. I was in awe the entire time. We went to a Mosque, a Synagogue, and a Catedral built thousands of years ago. The catedral was by far the coolest thing I have seen since I have been here. Architecture that is unbelievable, and history to go with it. Things like that make America look like a puny baby. (I still love the states, don't worry.) But really, it was so cool. We weren't allowed to take pictures, but obviously I did so I will post them. They are blurry and through my jacket but hey, being rebellious on a class field trip is risky. It was also supposed to snow and let me tell you, I was prepared with many layers and hats and scarves. It ended up being sunny most of the day and rained while we were at lunch. Whatever Spain, whatever. Our lunch was a three course meal with a drink for 10 euros. Score! I got paella, a rice with seafood thing, and spaghetti. (I couldn't be thaaaaaaat adventurous in one meal...) Then flan for dessert, yum! And sangria of course. Toledo was a great experience. I got to say Holy Toledo! all day, how could it not be cool? The bus ride back was 45 minutes and everyone was knocked out. I'm afraid I'm going to sleep for 2 straight months when I get home. As long as I get to see everything here, that's okay.
Maria and I are cooking for my intercambio and her friend on Sunday. They made a comment about American's not knowing how to cook, so the pressure is on. It should be fun though. I am so lucky Maria is my roommate, she is great. Tonight, we were boiling hard boiled eggs and making chicken and veggies, and almost caught the apartment on fire. You have to light the stove with a lighter, but our long lighter is out and we ran out of matches. So we have to light a paper towel and put it on there. Well, there was commotion, the paper towel lit too quickly, the stove wasn't on, I threw the paper towel on the counter to not burn my hand, it landed on a real towel, the fridge was open, Maria grabbed it and while she did this I turned around quickly (we are laughing/screaming a lot at this point), and when I turned around I smacked my head into the open cupboard and fell straight to the ground. It was by far the funniest moment of my trip. Kitchen is still in tact, our dinner got made, my abs hurt from laughing and I have a small knot on my forehead, but all in all we survived.
We went to a bar called the Cave bar the other night, and it looks just like a cave. SO COOL. The drinks come out of the crevices in the ceiling into your glass. The drink also looked like milk which is gross but it turned out being delicious. I loved it. We might go back there tonight.
I've been drinking at least 2 cafe con leches a day. I love the taste, and I need it to get through the day. At 80 cents from my nice cafeteria friend, it's an affordable addiction.
And now we get to today. HOLY TOLEDO! I know why the phrase is so, it is the coolest place in the world. It is an ancient city surrounded by ruins of walls builts hundreds of years ago. I was in awe the entire time. We went to a Mosque, a Synagogue, and a Catedral built thousands of years ago. The catedral was by far the coolest thing I have seen since I have been here. Architecture that is unbelievable, and history to go with it. Things like that make America look like a puny baby. (I still love the states, don't worry.) But really, it was so cool. We weren't allowed to take pictures, but obviously I did so I will post them. They are blurry and through my jacket but hey, being rebellious on a class field trip is risky. It was also supposed to snow and let me tell you, I was prepared with many layers and hats and scarves. It ended up being sunny most of the day and rained while we were at lunch. Whatever Spain, whatever. Our lunch was a three course meal with a drink for 10 euros. Score! I got paella, a rice with seafood thing, and spaghetti. (I couldn't be thaaaaaaat adventurous in one meal...) Then flan for dessert, yum! And sangria of course. Toledo was a great experience. I got to say Holy Toledo! all day, how could it not be cool? The bus ride back was 45 minutes and everyone was knocked out. I'm afraid I'm going to sleep for 2 straight months when I get home. As long as I get to see everything here, that's okay.
Maria and I are cooking for my intercambio and her friend on Sunday. They made a comment about American's not knowing how to cook, so the pressure is on. It should be fun though. I am so lucky Maria is my roommate, she is great. Tonight, we were boiling hard boiled eggs and making chicken and veggies, and almost caught the apartment on fire. You have to light the stove with a lighter, but our long lighter is out and we ran out of matches. So we have to light a paper towel and put it on there. Well, there was commotion, the paper towel lit too quickly, the stove wasn't on, I threw the paper towel on the counter to not burn my hand, it landed on a real towel, the fridge was open, Maria grabbed it and while she did this I turned around quickly (we are laughing/screaming a lot at this point), and when I turned around I smacked my head into the open cupboard and fell straight to the ground. It was by far the funniest moment of my trip. Kitchen is still in tact, our dinner got made, my abs hurt from laughing and I have a small knot on my forehead, but all in all we survived.
no me gusta el frio
this is funny
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
trabajo! trabajo! trabajo!
Well, looks like twice a week I will be tutoring a spanish girl with her english and will be getting paid 15 euros an hour. Sweet! Not sure how I am able to do this, and she will probably teach me as much as I teach her, but I am really excited. She's 14, and I get to go to their house and see a traditional spanish lifestyle. I think I'm really getting the full experience out of this trip. I also had coffee with my intercambio, Zadith today, and her friend Jorge who was the one that moved me into my apartment. They were really nice and fun, and were forcing me to speak in spanish. Definitely good for me, definitely hard. But they laughed at my hand motions and made it easy to talk to them. I was late to class because of this coffee date, but explained to Sara that I was practicing spanish therefore shouldn't be in trouble, in fact I should be rewarded. They want to take me out and explore the town, and I want them to cook for me and take me salsa dancing. Having local friends is pretty sweet.
Last night Maria made mexican rice and I made a chicken with tomato, basil, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese thing that was delicious. I finished mine in about two seconds, and looked up to see Maria shocked. I then told her she should see me eat chipotle.... then I thought about chipotle and got sad. But, we are becoming quite the housewives. She has a mexican chicken stew thing brewing in the kitchen right now that will be ready when we get home from shopping. So cute.
I'm booking my trip to Rome this week, and meeting up with Adriana for the weekend. We are going to do all of the touristy things and see everything we can. CANNOT WAIT to eat delicious pasta and italian food.
In class we learned all about the Basque region, and the language. My teacher is from the Basque country and it seems like an interesting place. I haven't been this stoked to learn things in a long time. I like my classes at home, but here I care more about learning everything I can and soaking it up, as opposed to getting a good grade and memorizing things for the test. Thats how college should be. I spent my free time today writing down all the words I learned today and writing down other words I didn't know. And, that is for my sole benefit because I need to learn it to survive, not because I'm being graded. I hope that's how doctors feel when they are in school. And I wish I felt that way always. Maybe when I get home I will. Or I'll just change my major to spanish. I mean I did want to change it to architecture recently, but those dreams were crushed when I learned I graduate next year and am cut off after 4 years of schooling... shoot. I'll just find a spanish husband who is loaded and he will pay for me to go to architecture school and then he will teach me spanish. Hope you are laughing right now mom. I am :) I think you may be the only person who reads this, and I just write in it to assure you that I am in fact still alive. So, for todays post, I'm still alive mom. And dad, if you are reading this as well.
Well, off to get a blanket because it is COOOOOOOLLLLLDDDDD and the feeling I felt when I woke up this morning was one that I hope to never feel again. I also am getting a warmer jacket, to prepare for the snow on Thursday. Never complaining about my 5 minute walk to Chico campus in January ever, ever again. Psych who am I kidding, I know I will.
Monday, January 24, 2011
boo
something else I don't like about Spain.... leaving my window open all night in the 20 degree weather.....
hace frio!!!!!
I feel like such a spoiled California girl. I complain about weather when its 40 degrees back home, heck I probably complain when its 50. So the 22 degree weather we had during the day today made me not happy. We've had such great weather until now, and I thought it would stay nice. But, it is supposed to snow Thursday, and I'm concerned for the well being of the spaniards that drive because they drive terrible when it's not icy/snowy/gross. My clothes are currently on the line drying, and are probably frozen. Today, when leaving our classroom, there was white rocks on the ground, and I said outloud, what is this stuff? Turns out it's salt for when it ices over, and about 10 east coast people were shocked that that came out of my mouth. I should ask someone in private these things before I embarrass myself. My outfit today consisted of: TWO pairs of leggings, thick socks, leg warmers, a shirt, a long-sleeve over it, a sweater, my long peacoat, a scarf, beanie, and boots. And was still cold. But whatever, I'm in Spain.
I learned today that in Korea, Hoon goes to school from 7 am to 11 pm. No wonder asians are so smart. I also tried a hot dog at school. That's the last time I'm branching out.
Last night we went to a pub to watch the Packers/Bears game, and I was surrounded by my Chicago friends so I was alone in rooting for the Packers. The only reason I probably didn't get beat up was because of my claim to fame that Aaron Rodgers eats at my restaurant. And then the bears lost and everyone cried.
I really like top 10 lists, so here is my top 10 favorite things about Spain so far:
1. Euros are like monopoly money, they are pretty and one and two euros are coins. So it's like you're just spending quarters, right?
2. Our apartment, its homey, cute, quaint, we have seen maybe one neighbor, our doorman loves us, we have like 5 deadbolts, we have to light our own pilot light for hot water, the water pressure is a dribble, and I just love it.
3. Chinese babies on the street. They're cute.
4. My roommates. Lucked out on that one.
5. Lack of tv, iphone, constant communication, texting, etc.
6. Bottles of wine for 1.90
7. My go-phone. I don't know how to text on it but I love it. I might put my iphone sim card in it when I get home.
8. Not being able to find anything familiar in the grocery store
9. Spanish. It's pretty.
10. Having to wear a watch because I don't take my phone places.
Not so favorite things:
1. Euros are like monopoly money. Its going to become a real problem.
2. COLD
3. jamon.
4. Running to the metro early in the morning
That's all. I love Madrid.
I learned today that in Korea, Hoon goes to school from 7 am to 11 pm. No wonder asians are so smart. I also tried a hot dog at school. That's the last time I'm branching out.
Last night we went to a pub to watch the Packers/Bears game, and I was surrounded by my Chicago friends so I was alone in rooting for the Packers. The only reason I probably didn't get beat up was because of my claim to fame that Aaron Rodgers eats at my restaurant. And then the bears lost and everyone cried.
I really like top 10 lists, so here is my top 10 favorite things about Spain so far:
1. Euros are like monopoly money, they are pretty and one and two euros are coins. So it's like you're just spending quarters, right?
2. Our apartment, its homey, cute, quaint, we have seen maybe one neighbor, our doorman loves us, we have like 5 deadbolts, we have to light our own pilot light for hot water, the water pressure is a dribble, and I just love it.
3. Chinese babies on the street. They're cute.
4. My roommates. Lucked out on that one.
5. Lack of tv, iphone, constant communication, texting, etc.
6. Bottles of wine for 1.90
7. My go-phone. I don't know how to text on it but I love it. I might put my iphone sim card in it when I get home.
8. Not being able to find anything familiar in the grocery store
9. Spanish. It's pretty.
10. Having to wear a watch because I don't take my phone places.
Not so favorite things:
1. Euros are like monopoly money. Its going to become a real problem.
2. COLD
3. jamon.
4. Running to the metro early in the morning
That's all. I love Madrid.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
mas o menos
Thursday was a long day after staying up too late the night before, and having class and meetings to go to and not enough time for a siesta. We ate patatas with some sauce they called spicy, but it really just had a slight smoked flavor to it but it was the closest thing to a baked potato I've seen. I tried to go to bed early, but of course didn't, and struggled in class the next day. During our break, my teacher came back to the room with a cafe con leche and said "you really need this." What a nice lady. The coffee concept is much different here. In the states, you sip on your coffee for a long time, it is large, you take it with you, and everyone has a slight different preference. Here, you get a cafe con leche, which is the most standard coffee, in a maybe 2 inch tall tiny glass that is half full with a shot of coffee, the rest warm milk, and served with a spoon and sugar packet. You drink it really quickly, give the glass back since it is glass, and go on your merry way. If you want a bigger, watery coffee, you ask for cafe Americano. Funny. I do love cafe con leches, and they are usually 2 euros or less. Much better than the watery starbucks prices. Just another thing I am afraid I am going to come back to the states snobby about. I hope not.
We had our first run in with the laundry aspect of Spain. The washing machine is located in the kitchen, and can hold maaaaaybe one pair of jeans, a shirt, and a sock. I wish I was kidding. It also doesn't spin the clothes for you afterwards, or maybe it does and we can't figure it out, so the 3 items you put in there come out soaking wet. But here is the best part: you then get to line dry them. Hanging out the window with clothes pins and putting clothes on a line is so out of our norm that you just have to laugh. And if something falls down, you nicely ask the doorman to go get your stiff laundry. Good thing we love our doorman.
My friend from home Jackie came over last night and we made snacks and hung out before we all went out for the night. We went to two different grocery stores looking for things and the second grocery store was not happy at all that we brought in bags from another grocery store. This involved yelling in spanish. Each time I have gotten in trouble with a spaniard where they yell at me, I have always been with someone who knows that they are saying and can respond. Can't wait for when that happens when I'm alone and I just cry and run away because I don't know what's going on. We took the metro to a cafe/restaurant/bar and had cafe con leche while waiting for our friends. Went to bed around 6 am last night, the spanish lifestyle calls for no sleep and I'm doing my best to keep up. It is definitely a struggle.
We had our first run in with the laundry aspect of Spain. The washing machine is located in the kitchen, and can hold maaaaaybe one pair of jeans, a shirt, and a sock. I wish I was kidding. It also doesn't spin the clothes for you afterwards, or maybe it does and we can't figure it out, so the 3 items you put in there come out soaking wet. But here is the best part: you then get to line dry them. Hanging out the window with clothes pins and putting clothes on a line is so out of our norm that you just have to laugh. And if something falls down, you nicely ask the doorman to go get your stiff laundry. Good thing we love our doorman.
My friend from home Jackie came over last night and we made snacks and hung out before we all went out for the night. We went to two different grocery stores looking for things and the second grocery store was not happy at all that we brought in bags from another grocery store. This involved yelling in spanish. Each time I have gotten in trouble with a spaniard where they yell at me, I have always been with someone who knows that they are saying and can respond. Can't wait for when that happens when I'm alone and I just cry and run away because I don't know what's going on. We took the metro to a cafe/restaurant/bar and had cafe con leche while waiting for our friends. Went to bed around 6 am last night, the spanish lifestyle calls for no sleep and I'm doing my best to keep up. It is definitely a struggle.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
mono
Mono not only means monkey in spanish, but also cute, which happens to be my favorite word. That and rude, which is maleducado. Now that I've learned those, I can come home. PSYCH. We made a roomie dinner tuesday night, chicken, rice and veggies. We felt pretty spanish as well because we started eating at 8 and didn't leave the dinner table until midnight, just like those spaniards do. My cafeteria friend gave me my donut for 10 cents when its usually a euro, and also asked where I am from. Soon I think I will be getting a free tostada every day. Yesterday, Maria and I went on a mission to get pizza, and once again my lack of knowledge of spanish worked against me. Anchovies on my pizza instead of artichokes. Grossy. Maria, being fluent, then told the man that I get sick if I eat fish so he made me a new one. Thanks! A bunch of our group went to a bar last night called Maloneys, and felt pretty American. Most of the people in there were international students or Americans, the bartenders spoke english, they played only American music, and there was beer pong. It was tons of fun though, and we ate too many cheese puffs. Tapas at bars might be my favorite thing about Spain, snacking is a favorite hobby. Getting home at 5 and having class at 10 is probably not the best idea, but hey, you only live in Spain once, right? (You're welcome mom.) In my spanish class, we played a scattegories type game, and me and Hoon, the Korean were on a team, against the three other boys, and needless to say an asian and a woman make a pretty amazing team. We've had a few rematches and we are just unstoppable. I think I might be learning as much about korean culture as I am spanish. Two for one deal I guess. Korean noodles from the chino stores are also becoming a staple item. We bought all that the store had today. I wonder if I will ever be not tired.
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