I'm considering quitting school and modeling for tourist brochures... because, frankly, this place is so beautiful, it even makes me look relatively good-looking after sleeping for only 3 hours.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Spain Makes People Look Good.
I'm considering quitting school and modeling for tourist brochures... because, frankly, this place is so beautiful, it even makes me look relatively good-looking after sleeping for only 3 hours.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
I call this..."Stairway to Heaven"
Day 18
Day trip to Montserrat, a feast of "Calcotada" and Sitges.
Went to bed at 5 in the morning (new post on Barcelona night life to follow!) and had to wake up at 8 for an excursion to the mountain monastery of Montserrat and the ocean town of Sitges.
It was definitely nice to get away from the city for a day. Montserrat was beautiful - tucked away on the side of a mountain. I always thought that monks weren't allowed contact with people. I found it kind of interesting that their lifestyle was on display for tourists. They even had a basketball court outside their living quarters, so I'm guessing they play some pretty mad hoops. There were also people selling cheese. Random. I didn't eat any because cheese gives me the creeps. (And reference picture to the right haha). Now that I think about it, I wish I knew what the significance of this scuplture was because now all I have to say about it is...I wanted to climb this pile of blocks all the way to the top, but everyone got nervous saying it was too high and I could get hurt. I got a little annoyed, because I obviously knew I could climb to the top, but since they're new friends, I had to pretend to be appreciative of their concern. Austin, if you had been there, you would have been all encouraging and probably laughed when I got stuck at the top. We'll have to go back one day so I can stand at the top wearing a cape billowing in the wind like a superhero. Yup. :)
Part two of the journey was a meal of "Calcotada". What exactly is that, you ask? Yikes a bees, it was the most ridiculous meal I have ever eaten. It was something straight off the food network or travel channel. Apparently, it's a big spanish tradition. Calcot is a spring onion that is grown locally and is then cooked on open flame to serve. It's impossible to eat this and not end up being covered in ashes - hilarious. The look of horror on the boys faces when they thought this was the only part of our meal for the day made me laugh out loud. The calcot was then followed by grilled peppers, bread, grilled eggplant, grilled artichoke, salad, sausage, french fries, and ice cream. Quite honestly, I think they only threw the fries in the mix because we're American. I didn't see any other table being served french fries. I didn't complain mmmm potatoes!!!!
Once the food coma set in, we headed off to the ocean town of Sitges, about 45 minutes outside Barcelona. We walked along the beach, joined some little kids in a game of futbol, and played with the dogs - uhhhh, BEST DAY EVER.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Oh, the places you'll go...
Day 8
No discredit to the University of Arizona, but I have a sneaky feeling that I will learn more this semester than I have in all my other semesters of college combined. So that's good news, Mom. Our money is being well spent.
One of the main reasons I always insisted on studying abroad was that I knew, as everyone had told me, that it was a once in a lifetime experience. It's truly a chance to take a peek into a different culture, a different world, but not quite from a visitor's perspective nor a native's. The other times I have visited Europe, I felt like a spectator. This time, I feel like the people of Barcelona are letting me in on a little secret.
As I look out my bedroom window at the city of Barcelona, I can see the crane hanging over La Sagrada Familia, a crane that has been building Guadi's unfinished cathedral for over a hundred years. I can also hear the sounds of Spanish children playing futbol during recess at the school next door. These are the things that strike me when I take a moment to breathe and look around - and I've barely even seen more than the Barcelona that's in my backyard. Sure, I sometimes feel panic setting in when I am crammed on the Metro trying to find my way to school or the medical clinic. But, it's these times of near panic that make me realize the other stuff I am learning, perhaps the more important stuff.
In addition to being immersed in a city exploding with a culture and history that make Arizona's look like a baby, I am learning a lot about myself that I didn't know. When I have no other option, I actually can speak a lot more Spanish than I thought. At my doctor's appointment, he was supposed to speak English, but barely did. When he said, in fragmented English, that my Spanish was very good, I probably beamed from ear to ear. I also have Dad's military background to thank for a natural sense of direction. Never before have I felt this independent and self-sufficient. There are people here to help, but if you want something - you need to find your own way. Good life lesson.
I guess since I'm actually here to study, I might as well mention something about that, too. I can't wait to see what my classes have to teach me. My econ teacher is brilliant. One of those rarities who speaks about 8 different languages, each with the accent of a Spanish Sean Connery. My Communication and Global Competence teacher is insistent on creating scenarios throughout the semester that "pop our bubble" and force us out of our comfort zone. And the other three classes are equally as interesting and thought-provoking.
One last quick note: I miss home - a lot. But even though I think of certain people constantly :) I know that this truly is... a once in a lifetime experience, one that will make me way cooler than I already am. haha
Besos y Abrazos <3
No discredit to the University of Arizona, but I have a sneaky feeling that I will learn more this semester than I have in all my other semesters of college combined. So that's good news, Mom. Our money is being well spent.
One of the main reasons I always insisted on studying abroad was that I knew, as everyone had told me, that it was a once in a lifetime experience. It's truly a chance to take a peek into a different culture, a different world, but not quite from a visitor's perspective nor a native's. The other times I have visited Europe, I felt like a spectator. This time, I feel like the people of Barcelona are letting me in on a little secret.
As I look out my bedroom window at the city of Barcelona, I can see the crane hanging over La Sagrada Familia, a crane that has been building Guadi's unfinished cathedral for over a hundred years. I can also hear the sounds of Spanish children playing futbol during recess at the school next door. These are the things that strike me when I take a moment to breathe and look around - and I've barely even seen more than the Barcelona that's in my backyard. Sure, I sometimes feel panic setting in when I am crammed on the Metro trying to find my way to school or the medical clinic. But, it's these times of near panic that make me realize the other stuff I am learning, perhaps the more important stuff.
In addition to being immersed in a city exploding with a culture and history that make Arizona's look like a baby, I am learning a lot about myself that I didn't know. When I have no other option, I actually can speak a lot more Spanish than I thought. At my doctor's appointment, he was supposed to speak English, but barely did. When he said, in fragmented English, that my Spanish was very good, I probably beamed from ear to ear. I also have Dad's military background to thank for a natural sense of direction. Never before have I felt this independent and self-sufficient. There are people here to help, but if you want something - you need to find your own way. Good life lesson.
I guess since I'm actually here to study, I might as well mention something about that, too. I can't wait to see what my classes have to teach me. My econ teacher is brilliant. One of those rarities who speaks about 8 different languages, each with the accent of a Spanish Sean Connery. My Communication and Global Competence teacher is insistent on creating scenarios throughout the semester that "pop our bubble" and force us out of our comfort zone. And the other three classes are equally as interesting and thought-provoking.
One last quick note: I miss home - a lot. But even though I think of certain people constantly :) I know that this truly is... a once in a lifetime experience, one that will make me way cooler than I already am. haha
Besos y Abrazos <3
Monday, January 18, 2010
Discombobulated - funny word!
I can see myself this semester lacking any direction for a lot of these blog posts. My thoughts come out all jumbled, because that's how I feel walking around the streets of Barcelona - jumbled and unorganized. I apologize in advance that a lot of these will seem...well, random and awkward.
For example, yesterday I had to find my way to a specific Pharmacy that was recommended by my study abroad program for having pharmacists who speak English. I am having a skin infection issue on my chin, which personally I think is karma for never having acne problems in the past. If you can imagine me walking through the rain, miserable, hungry, itchy chin, trying my best not to stick out as an American - you can surely imagine a pitiful site. There is no possible way for Americans to blend in. We are awkward. I finally find the Pharmacy in question and what a surprise - nobody speaks English.
Okay, I have taken Spanish for a VERY long time. But when I open my mouth and start talking in what seems to me is respectable Spanish, they look at me like I am an alien. "Lo siento, no soy un alien, soy de America." I'm getting the impression that the two might as well be the same thing. After quite the struggle, I finally convince her to give me some antibiotics. I come to find out later that this is now illegal in Spain - oops!
So, the language barrier is still a problem, but at least I'm starting to feel like I know my way around. So far, I can find the 6 or so places I need on a daily basis - the pizza place across the street, my metro stop, the pharmacy, both of the campuses I study at, and the big department store. Oh, and let's not forget the closest McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC. These are a fail safe if I can't find alternative nourishment.
That's it for now - I start classes tomorrow :)
Besos y Abrazos
For example, yesterday I had to find my way to a specific Pharmacy that was recommended by my study abroad program for having pharmacists who speak English. I am having a skin infection issue on my chin, which personally I think is karma for never having acne problems in the past. If you can imagine me walking through the rain, miserable, hungry, itchy chin, trying my best not to stick out as an American - you can surely imagine a pitiful site. There is no possible way for Americans to blend in. We are awkward. I finally find the Pharmacy in question and what a surprise - nobody speaks English.
Okay, I have taken Spanish for a VERY long time. But when I open my mouth and start talking in what seems to me is respectable Spanish, they look at me like I am an alien. "Lo siento, no soy un alien, soy de America." I'm getting the impression that the two might as well be the same thing. After quite the struggle, I finally convince her to give me some antibiotics. I come to find out later that this is now illegal in Spain - oops!
So, the language barrier is still a problem, but at least I'm starting to feel like I know my way around. So far, I can find the 6 or so places I need on a daily basis - the pizza place across the street, my metro stop, the pharmacy, both of the campuses I study at, and the big department store. Oh, and let's not forget the closest McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC. These are a fail safe if I can't find alternative nourishment.
That's it for now - I start classes tomorrow :)
Besos y Abrazos
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Bonita.
Looking towards the South from Parc Guell. I don't think a city can get much more beautiful than this....Friday, January 15, 2010
My New Home
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain
Arrived at my final destination on Wednesday afternoon. Got my first taste of Barcelona when the buses transporting students from the airport to the hotel were full, and I got elected to be in charge of telling a taxi where to go and paying him with Euros. I met a couple of nice girls and relaxed in my hotel room waiting for my roommate to arrive. She is awesome and we clicked automatically - this really boosts my confidence in the roommate matching software study abroad programs like this use. Had a lovely "American" dinner in the hotel restaurant. They tried really hard to make food that we would recognize, but I don't ever recall potatoes and pasta with french dressing all being served simultaneously. It's the thought that counts, though. I think I'll lose 10 pounds while here - some of the food makes me cringe, and boy, is it expensive!!
Day 2
Woke up to go to breakfast and orientation for classes. It was very boring, and I was getting tired of being cooped up in the hotel. It is ridiculous how rude some of the people in this program are. It's no wonder why so many people hate Americans. Finally out of the hotel - went on a bus tour of the city. Barcelona is breathtaking - a bustling city, nestled between the mountains and the ocean. I can't wait to experience more of their culture, and feel as though I'm not a tourist once I get my bearings in the city. In an attempt to get ourselves on Spanish time, my roommate and I took a "siesta". After waking up and going downstairs, we randomly met some Barcelona handball players (um...what is handball, really?). It wasn't until later that we realized they were kind of famous. Oops. With some CEA people we knew, we went to a late dinner (9:30) and went to a bar. Called it a night early and were back at our hotel by 3:30 (ha!)
Day 3
Just barely woke up in time to make the bus to our residencia. We moved into our residencia, and didn't waste any time trying to look for food and some necessities. We found our way to a Spanish type Macy's and proceeded to try and figure out how to read the labels, sign up for mobile phones, find the bathroom. I never realized just how different Catalan is than the Spanish they teach at home. Becca and I settled for some chips and salsa for lunch and oodles of noodles for dinner. Wooooo spanish food!
Something I've learned: The people of Barcelona take great pride in the fact that they speak Catalan, and that their language is a unique aspect of their culture. If you make an effort to learn phrases in Catalan, for example "Bona Ni" instead of "Buenas Noches", they will appreciate and respect you more as an American in their country.
Arrived at my final destination on Wednesday afternoon. Got my first taste of Barcelona when the buses transporting students from the airport to the hotel were full, and I got elected to be in charge of telling a taxi where to go and paying him with Euros. I met a couple of nice girls and relaxed in my hotel room waiting for my roommate to arrive. She is awesome and we clicked automatically - this really boosts my confidence in the roommate matching software study abroad programs like this use. Had a lovely "American" dinner in the hotel restaurant. They tried really hard to make food that we would recognize, but I don't ever recall potatoes and pasta with french dressing all being served simultaneously. It's the thought that counts, though. I think I'll lose 10 pounds while here - some of the food makes me cringe, and boy, is it expensive!!
Day 2
Woke up to go to breakfast and orientation for classes. It was very boring, and I was getting tired of being cooped up in the hotel. It is ridiculous how rude some of the people in this program are. It's no wonder why so many people hate Americans. Finally out of the hotel - went on a bus tour of the city. Barcelona is breathtaking - a bustling city, nestled between the mountains and the ocean. I can't wait to experience more of their culture, and feel as though I'm not a tourist once I get my bearings in the city. In an attempt to get ourselves on Spanish time, my roommate and I took a "siesta". After waking up and going downstairs, we randomly met some Barcelona handball players (um...what is handball, really?). It wasn't until later that we realized they were kind of famous. Oops. With some CEA people we knew, we went to a late dinner (9:30) and went to a bar. Called it a night early and were back at our hotel by 3:30 (ha!)
Day 3
Just barely woke up in time to make the bus to our residencia. We moved into our residencia, and didn't waste any time trying to look for food and some necessities. We found our way to a Spanish type Macy's and proceeded to try and figure out how to read the labels, sign up for mobile phones, find the bathroom. I never realized just how different Catalan is than the Spanish they teach at home. Becca and I settled for some chips and salsa for lunch and oodles of noodles for dinner. Wooooo spanish food!
Something I've learned: The people of Barcelona take great pride in the fact that they speak Catalan, and that their language is a unique aspect of their culture. If you make an effort to learn phrases in Catalan, for example "Bona Ni" instead of "Buenas Noches", they will appreciate and respect you more as an American in their country.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
La La Limbo Land
Frankfurt, Germany
I'm not here, I'm not there -- I'm in airport limbo. My stomach feels like it's going to eat itself, I have cold sore growths on my chin from stress, my biological clock hates me, my contacts are stuck to my eyeballs, and I feel like I haven't slept in days - all side effects of airport limbo.
I met a military man traveling to Frankfurt returning from the holidays. Dad, you'll be happy to know that I thanked him for his service to our country. I also met a woman traveling for business to Ukraine, and a man traveling to India to visit family that's still there. It really puts into perspective that no matter where you are in the world, it's home to someone - definitely makes the world feel like a much smaller place. You're totally right, Austin, I make friends wherever I go. It's like I have a sign attached to my head that says, "Please, make friends with me." But don't worry Mom, I didn't divulge any specific details of my trip to them, and I'm being very careful.
A couple things about my first European airport experience in 2010. Dear Frankfurt, put more bathrooms in your airport. We need more than 2 stalls per 500 feet. I stood at a vending machine for 5 minutes trying to figure out how to work my Euros - no success. I had to settle for a bottled water rather than a good old coca-cola. I haven't yet adjusted to the time change, but knowing military time has definitely helped me understand more easily.
Okay, that's it for now. Video chatting with Austin :)
Besos y Abrazos <3
I'm not here, I'm not there -- I'm in airport limbo. My stomach feels like it's going to eat itself, I have cold sore growths on my chin from stress, my biological clock hates me, my contacts are stuck to my eyeballs, and I feel like I haven't slept in days - all side effects of airport limbo.
I met a military man traveling to Frankfurt returning from the holidays. Dad, you'll be happy to know that I thanked him for his service to our country. I also met a woman traveling for business to Ukraine, and a man traveling to India to visit family that's still there. It really puts into perspective that no matter where you are in the world, it's home to someone - definitely makes the world feel like a much smaller place. You're totally right, Austin, I make friends wherever I go. It's like I have a sign attached to my head that says, "Please, make friends with me." But don't worry Mom, I didn't divulge any specific details of my trip to them, and I'm being very careful.
A couple things about my first European airport experience in 2010. Dear Frankfurt, put more bathrooms in your airport. We need more than 2 stalls per 500 feet. I stood at a vending machine for 5 minutes trying to figure out how to work my Euros - no success. I had to settle for a bottled water rather than a good old coca-cola. I haven't yet adjusted to the time change, but knowing military time has definitely helped me understand more easily.
Okay, that's it for now. Video chatting with Austin :)
Besos y Abrazos <3
Monday, January 11, 2010
19 hours till Departure
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go... 'Cause I'm leavvingggggg on a jet plane!! :)
I have the sneakiness of my family and Austin to thank for being completely packed last week. Had I not been encouraged to pack in advance so that I could "relax", I would be stressed right now trying to cram four months of clothing into a suitcase.
It takes a lot to stun me into silence, but when Austin (very smoothly) slid into our table at dinner Friday night, all I could do was smile. For those of you who were in on that surprise, thank you, thank you!! After a wonderful weekend spending time with him and the family, I am still 80% excited, 20% anxious, but ready for my whirlwind Barcelona adventure.
That's where you'll hear from me next - after nearly 24 hours of traveling - across the ocean, almost 6,000 miles away. You'll all be sound asleep when I arrive Wednesday at 2:30 pm Barcelona time, 6:30 am in Phoenix and Tucson. Good Morning!
Besos y abrazos <3
I have the sneakiness of my family and Austin to thank for being completely packed last week. Had I not been encouraged to pack in advance so that I could "relax", I would be stressed right now trying to cram four months of clothing into a suitcase.
It takes a lot to stun me into silence, but when Austin (very smoothly) slid into our table at dinner Friday night, all I could do was smile. For those of you who were in on that surprise, thank you, thank you!! After a wonderful weekend spending time with him and the family, I am still 80% excited, 20% anxious, but ready for my whirlwind Barcelona adventure.
That's where you'll hear from me next - after nearly 24 hours of traveling - across the ocean, almost 6,000 miles away. You'll all be sound asleep when I arrive Wednesday at 2:30 pm Barcelona time, 6:30 am in Phoenix and Tucson. Good Morning!
Besos y abrazos <3
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