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

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