I love hotel beds. I don't want to go back to my board and springs in Salamanca. We woke up around 9:15 and went up to the 8th floor for breakfast of rolls, cheese, ham, and coffee. The bus would pick us up outside the hotel at 11, but this was the only information we were given about the day. We started out going to a Marina in a town called cascais. I didn't realize Portugal had palm trees; they're everywhere! The weather was beautiful, partly cloudy, warm, and sunny. This was such a blessing since we thought it would be raining all day. I really love how the city integrates the nature here. It's like one big park, relished with old, colorful buildings, built around palm trees and mossy cliffs. Next, we headed to another water outlook to have lunch (chicken baguette), shop, and clim Torre Belem (an old defense fortress, also used as a post office at one point). So beautiful, like a mini castle on the water. I bought a Portuguese flag and some really pretty tiles (very typical of Portugal) at one of the stands. We left for the hotel and got back around 4. Tomorrow, Antonio (our bus driver) is picking us up at 11 to explore the center city of Lisboa, which I've only seen from the bus, but looks incredible. Leah and I are just waking up from our "siesta" (I intend to bring this tradition to whatever country I visit) and preparing for the evening ahead of us. Several people have been talking about going to a typical sit-down Portuguese restaurant with live entertainment (Flamenco, I think). I hope my budget will allow me to do this because it sounds fun! Uh oh, I hear rain outside. Boo, Portugal stinks. Ha just kidding! I wish I had more time here.
sábado, 31 de enero de 2009
Lisboa, Portugal
Yeah yeah! Free internet in the hotel! It's ridiculous how much I've come to prize a few blissful minutes online. After the 5 hour bus ride yesterday we were all very antsy and very ready to explore Lisboa (Lisbon), Portugal. We got to the hotel (Residencia Imperador) around 9 Portugal time (1 hour behind Spain). We're staying in a "four star" hotel again. The way they rate hotels in Spain, however, is a little differant than in the States. The stars represent the last time the hotel was renovated, so 1 four-star hotel could look completely different from another. Anyways, it's an adventure. Kelley did a little research for the group and found a place near the water (about a five minute cab ride from the hotel) with a strip of clubs called Docas. It's a beautiful thing to be an American girl sometimes...when you can cut to the front of the line and not pay a cent to get in. I stick with the rubias (blondes) and try to pretend I'm one of them. Walking along the water, you could see the famous Cristo Rei and the 25th of April bridge. It's one of the world's longest suspension bridges, one and a half miles long. It looks so much like San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge because it was constructed by the same builders. Alex, Colleen, and I met two guys in the Navy, one from Whales, the other from Scotland. It felt good to speak English! Actually it seems more people speak English in Lisbon than Spanish. After we were danced-out, Alex, Colleen, and I hailed a cab, thinking that having the name of the hotel (and only being 5 minutes away) was enough information for the driver to get us back. We soon realized that not only did he have no idea where the hotel was, he also only spoke Portuguese. Whoever said Portuguese is so similar to Spanish is deeply mistaken. While it may read close to Spanish at times, it sounds nothing like it. For example: Gracias ("thank you" in Spanish) Muito Obrigado/a (thank you in Portuguese). I rest my case. After asking other cab drivers and several wrong turns later, we finally made it back! Next adventure: my roommate for the trip, Leah, wasn't back yet and had the only key to our room. I had to get the man at the front desk to lend me the master key, but I couldn't get it to work. In broken Spanish, I asked him for another key, which I couldn't get to work either. Thankfully, Leah arrived soon after, but we had no luck when we tried her key. BACK down I went to the front desk. He came with me this time and was able to open the door on the first try, of course. I know what he was thinking too: stupid Americans.
jueves, 29 de enero de 2009
Jueves, 29 de Enero
It’s after intensivo and I’m anxiously anticipating some yummy siesta lunch. I learned a new phrase I want to use: “Que bien huele” or “Huele bien” for “that smells good.” It’s something I always want to say, but didn’t have the Spanish words for. I have high hopes for today because we had THE BEST siesta lunch EVER yesterday. We started off with vegetable soup with a tomato base. Next was rotisserie style chicken (perfectly moist) with candied cooked apples. And then fruit and bread obvi. Allison and I napped after lunch and headed over to the JMU office for WAY too long. I need a break from that place. The internet connection sucks and there are always too many people there. We’re going to the train station before dinner.
I predicted dinner last night. I was craving a famous Asencion omelet and that’s exactly what we got. I impress myself sometimes. We each had our own salad, fruit, bread (which Allison refused this time…an arrow to Asencion’s heart, I think), cheese, and pate (NO, GRACIAS). She gave us this tomato sauce with roasted red peppers to put on our omelets, which was phenom. I’ve realized that if I’m not eating food, I’m probably thinking about it…or even writing about it. So sue me.
Last night I needed some American flavor and watched a few of the Seinfeld episodes I brought with me. Bliss. God Bless America! We have our radio program presentation tomorrow and a BIG exam on Friday in intensivo. I wish I didn´t actually have to do school here.
I predicted dinner last night. I was craving a famous Asencion omelet and that’s exactly what we got. I impress myself sometimes. We each had our own salad, fruit, bread (which Allison refused this time…an arrow to Asencion’s heart, I think), cheese, and pate (NO, GRACIAS). She gave us this tomato sauce with roasted red peppers to put on our omelets, which was phenom. I’ve realized that if I’m not eating food, I’m probably thinking about it…or even writing about it. So sue me.
Last night I needed some American flavor and watched a few of the Seinfeld episodes I brought with me. Bliss. God Bless America! We have our radio program presentation tomorrow and a BIG exam on Friday in intensivo. I wish I didn´t actually have to do school here.
Miercoles, 28 de Enero
Yesterday in intensivo, we learned about restaurant vocabulary and several common dishes offered. It was fun, we all set up pretend restaurant tables and ordered off a menu in our workbook, with Javi as our camarero (waiter). Even though I’ve been catching up on sleep and getting enough, I’ve been so tired recently. I was checked out and mentally finished within the first 30 min of intensivo yesterday so it was a bit painful.
Afterwards, I got to skype with mom!
Siesta lunch was arroz cubano: fried egg, rice, and tomato sauce. As gross as this sounds, it was actually pretty good. We also had fried pork, bread, and fruit. Allison and I have started resisting Ascension’s insistent food offerings. We have even started giving her a taste of her own medicine. She pushes the plate of meat towards us saying “come, come, come” (eat, eat, eat), and we push it right back saying, “no, para usted, coma coma coma” (no, for you, eat, eat, eat). Isabel (her daughter) thinks this is hilarious, but I think it throws Ascencion off a bit. She hasn’t been feeling very good lately, so has been using that as an excuse of why we should eat and not her. We just can’t win.After lunch, I took a 2-hour siesta nap. I think I’m starting to get sick. My throat hurts and I’m feeling really draggy. When I woke up, Allison and I went to the JMU office. The Mac problem is still unresolved…very annoying.
On our way home with Colleen and Alex, we each bought a bottle of wine (only a little more than a euro each) to have for the evening. Dinner was Spanish tortilla, salad, and weird white sausage (no bread!?!?!?) After dinner, I did one of Allison’s cardio sculpt workout DVDs in our bathroom (it’s more spacious than our room haha).
Many people had plans to stay out all night and then go for churros and chocolate around 6:30 or 7 (it’s the Spanish way), but most ended up going home around 2 or 3. Typical. Allison and I headed back around 2:30 and had “randi” of course. Randi is the nutella we found last week in the kitchen pantry with the name “Randi” written on it. Clearly, this name has not stopped us from indulging in it often. Just saying Randi sends us into giggle fits.
No intensivo today wooo! It’s some saint’s holiday, I forget who, they have so many holidays here it’s fabulous. The Spanish even have a phrase “hacer un puente” which literally means to make a bridge. For example, if there’s a holiday on Tuesday, they will “hacer un puente” from Sunday to Tuesday and take Monday off too. The same goes for a Thursday holiday. Ahh these people know what’s up. I woke up about an hour and a half ago and my throat hurts so bad! I need to do my radio program parts and start studying for our intensivo exam Friday…yuck. Ally, Andrea, Hannah, and I are meeting at the JMU office at 4 to work on it. Well, that’s all for now…I need some advil and café con leche.
Afterwards, I got to skype with mom!
Siesta lunch was arroz cubano: fried egg, rice, and tomato sauce. As gross as this sounds, it was actually pretty good. We also had fried pork, bread, and fruit. Allison and I have started resisting Ascension’s insistent food offerings. We have even started giving her a taste of her own medicine. She pushes the plate of meat towards us saying “come, come, come” (eat, eat, eat), and we push it right back saying, “no, para usted, coma coma coma” (no, for you, eat, eat, eat). Isabel (her daughter) thinks this is hilarious, but I think it throws Ascencion off a bit. She hasn’t been feeling very good lately, so has been using that as an excuse of why we should eat and not her. We just can’t win.After lunch, I took a 2-hour siesta nap. I think I’m starting to get sick. My throat hurts and I’m feeling really draggy. When I woke up, Allison and I went to the JMU office. The Mac problem is still unresolved…very annoying.
On our way home with Colleen and Alex, we each bought a bottle of wine (only a little more than a euro each) to have for the evening. Dinner was Spanish tortilla, salad, and weird white sausage (no bread!?!?!?) After dinner, I did one of Allison’s cardio sculpt workout DVDs in our bathroom (it’s more spacious than our room haha).
Many people had plans to stay out all night and then go for churros and chocolate around 6:30 or 7 (it’s the Spanish way), but most ended up going home around 2 or 3. Typical. Allison and I headed back around 2:30 and had “randi” of course. Randi is the nutella we found last week in the kitchen pantry with the name “Randi” written on it. Clearly, this name has not stopped us from indulging in it often. Just saying Randi sends us into giggle fits.
No intensivo today wooo! It’s some saint’s holiday, I forget who, they have so many holidays here it’s fabulous. The Spanish even have a phrase “hacer un puente” which literally means to make a bridge. For example, if there’s a holiday on Tuesday, they will “hacer un puente” from Sunday to Tuesday and take Monday off too. The same goes for a Thursday holiday. Ahh these people know what’s up. I woke up about an hour and a half ago and my throat hurts so bad! I need to do my radio program parts and start studying for our intensivo exam Friday…yuck. Ally, Andrea, Hannah, and I are meeting at the JMU office at 4 to work on it. Well, that’s all for now…I need some advil and café con leche.
Lunes, 26 de Enero
Intensivo this morning. We learned about terms to use when visiting the doctor (we even learned terms for suppository, menstration, and constaptation. Thanks, Javi, hope I never have to use these. Siesta lunch was noodle soup (looked like a homemade version of soup secrets), pork, French fries, fruit and bread. Allison and I are slowly making progress with Ascension to lesson the portions on our plates…she’s relentless. I took an hour and a half siesta nap, much needed. When I woke up, Ascencion showed me on the map a park where I could run. It was about a ten minute walk up Maria Auxiliadora away from the Plaza. I ran for a little over 30 minutes and it felt amazing. Allison and a few other girls joined a gym, but I’m trying to save a little money. Being sunny and not too cold today, it was a perfect option. I came back, showered, and headed to the JMU office. Back home, dinner was fish lasagna? We’re still not completely sure. I’m not a big fan of the things she heats up in the microwave. We also had ham, cheese, fruit, and bread.
I’m still SO tired. I’m going to do my homework (noticias del dia) and go to bed! ‘ta luego.
Toledo y Segovia
Domingo, 25 Enero
We just got back from our Toledo and Segovia excursion and I am POOPED. Here is Jesus’ schedule of events (with my own added commentary)
Horario Excursión de Toledo y Segovia
SÁBADO 24 de enero
7:30am Salida Avda. Mirat. (Plaza G.G.)
11:00am Visita de la Catedral
-Tesoro
-Sacristía- Cuadros de Greco
We weren’t supposed to take pics in here, but Jesús told us to sneak some anyways. The cathedrals in Spain all point towards the east (where the sun rises) because God is the Light of the World. Among other things, Toledo is known for this catedral, built in the 13th century. It’s the home to many paintings by Rafeal and many other famous painters.
12:00pm Visita del cuadro EL ENTIERRO DEL SR. DE ORGAZ en La Iglesia de Santo Tomé
He was buried here. This place was smaller and much less “guay” o chungo (less cool) than the cathedral, but did have some beautiful art.
12:30pm Visita a la Sinagoga Santa María La Blanca
This place was pretty cool because it was a sinagogue with lots of Arabic influence in the architecture…really beautiful. Apparently, the Arabs had a great deal of influence in Toledo.
2:30pm Comida con los bocadillos de casa
Allison and I definitely won the hugest lunch award. We had a massive spanish tortilla (egg and potato quiech thing) bocadillo (sandwich), a smaller ham and cheese bocadillo, 10 cookie crackers, 2 apples, 2 oranges, and a giant cheese pastry from Gil (the pasteleria on the corner near our apartment!) Thanks, Asencion.
This was also the time we got our roommate assignments. Savannah was mine. She’s so nice and laidback. She’s a senior, but didn’t treat me as younger. We ate our lunches in the room. This hotel (San Juan de los Reyes) was so nice (4 star)!
During our free time, Jeannie, Allison, Savannah and I did a little shopping and exploring of little old Toledo. I got 2 scarves (one solid black, and one mostly red with a hippie-ish pattern). Only 4 euros each.
The streets of Toledo are SO narrow and very hilly! When a car passed by, we all had to press our backs up against the buildings to make space. Everything is picture-worthy. Someone could be the absolute worst photographer in the world, but his pictures in Toledo World still be stunning regardless.
4:30pm Visita a la Mezquita EL CRISTO DE LA LUZ
This was actually under construction and we weren’t able to see it. Jesús said the cool thing about this place of worship is just that it’s so small, and they’re working to make it a place of worship in the 21st century. Guay.
5:30pm Tiempo libre
Shopping again. I got a black and gold pendant necklace for 8 and a half euros. A woman at one of the stores showed me how to make these (very impressive and time-consuming!) First, the make markings or tracks into the clay ceramic disk, then they lay the gold thread into the groves until their desired pattern emerges. They are also known for their swords (Allison got a pocket knife, but I had no desire or money to do so).
As we were heading back, a few of us stopped at store to buy wine. I got a white from Rioja for 4 euros (I´m connoisseur already jkjk). As we were leaving the store, I got a call from Alex!! He had mentioned trying to find a way to get to Toledo from Madrid, but I still hadn’t heard from him and wasn’t expecting much. BUT he found a train for 8 euros that only took about 20 minutes…I’d see him after dinner. All the girls were squealing with excitement for me…it’s like I’ve known them for years.
9:00pm Cena en el Hotel
For being a 4 star hotel, dinner was a relatively disappointing buffet. Everyone looked really nice though! All the girls dressed up in dresses (I wore my brown skirt, new brown boots, fusia button-up sweater, and flowered scarf from Hannah). Lots of people drank in Alex and Mallory’s room befote dinner…what’s the point of that??
I waited for Alex in the lobby, and he came around 10:30. We headed down to Alexandra´s and Mallory’s room and he was bombarded with “heeeeyyyyyys!!!” and “So are you the novio? I’ve heard so much about you!” Haha he was completely unfazed. We watched Mision Imposible in Spanish…somehow not as good. It’s so cool to share Spanish stories with Alex, knowing he’s seeing and experiencing similar things. We kept pinching ourselves: “are we seriously in a 4 star hotel in Toledo, Spain together!?” I’m an incredibly lucky girl.
DOMINGO 25 de enero
Alex and I woke up early and walked around Toledo a bit. Because it’s Spain, it’s dark outside until about 9. We said goodbye and he headed for the train station.
8:30am Desayuno en el hotel
Much better than dinner! Buffet style with lots of pastries, eggs, sausage café con leche, and fruit. They even had churros and chocolate!
9:30am Salida a Segovia
11:00am Llegada al Palacio de La Granja, Visita de Los Jardines del Palacio. (Provincia de Segovia)
12:45am Llegada a Segovia, y visita del acueducto
Unfortunately, the weather was awful (freezing rain, snow, and hail), so we had to see a lot of Segovia from the bus. The aquaducts were from the Roman Rule and were built without any cement or anything. They had still been in use until about twenty years ago. Incredible.
1:30pm (aprox.) Tiempo libre, comida con dietas JMU
JMU gave each of us fifteen euros for food. Several of the girls and I went to a sit-down restaurant that was educational to say the least. You received a drink, bread, two courses, and dessert for ten euros. We ordered a bottle of white wine and a few bottles of water. Allison and Kelsey got sopa de castellana (apparently made with egg and bread, but looked like brain). Our paella was filled with shrimp heads and legs and body parts and really creeped me out. The fish Angela got for her second course still had its head and fins. My steak was like an obstacle course to cut around fat and bones. We finished off with successful helados and leche con arroz (much like tapioca pudding). We learned a lot from this meal.
3:00pm Visita del Alcázar de Segovia
This was so cool! This was the palace that inspired Walt Disney and where Columbus asked Ferdinand and Isabella for Money for his America expedition. Way cool, even though it was even colder in the castle than outside! At the end, some of us decided to climb the 150 stairs to the top of the tower. I’m so glad I did, because what a view!
5:00pm Salida hacia Salamanca
Finally warm and dry (but still cranky) everyone passed out on the bus.
7:00pm Llegada a Salamanca (aprox.)
Dinner was a Spanish version of hot pockets? Ascensión also got us churros and chocolate because we said we liked them (how cute). I am a pig.
We just got back from our Toledo and Segovia excursion and I am POOPED. Here is Jesus’ schedule of events (with my own added commentary)
Horario Excursión de Toledo y Segovia
SÁBADO 24 de enero
7:30am Salida Avda. Mirat. (Plaza G.G.)
11:00am Visita de la Catedral
-Tesoro
-Sacristía- Cuadros de Greco
We weren’t supposed to take pics in here, but Jesús told us to sneak some anyways. The cathedrals in Spain all point towards the east (where the sun rises) because God is the Light of the World. Among other things, Toledo is known for this catedral, built in the 13th century. It’s the home to many paintings by Rafeal and many other famous painters.
12:00pm Visita del cuadro EL ENTIERRO DEL SR. DE ORGAZ en La Iglesia de Santo Tomé
He was buried here. This place was smaller and much less “guay” o chungo (less cool) than the cathedral, but did have some beautiful art.
12:30pm Visita a la Sinagoga Santa María La Blanca
This place was pretty cool because it was a sinagogue with lots of Arabic influence in the architecture…really beautiful. Apparently, the Arabs had a great deal of influence in Toledo.
2:30pm Comida con los bocadillos de casa
Allison and I definitely won the hugest lunch award. We had a massive spanish tortilla (egg and potato quiech thing) bocadillo (sandwich), a smaller ham and cheese bocadillo, 10 cookie crackers, 2 apples, 2 oranges, and a giant cheese pastry from Gil (the pasteleria on the corner near our apartment!) Thanks, Asencion.
This was also the time we got our roommate assignments. Savannah was mine. She’s so nice and laidback. She’s a senior, but didn’t treat me as younger. We ate our lunches in the room. This hotel (San Juan de los Reyes) was so nice (4 star)!
During our free time, Jeannie, Allison, Savannah and I did a little shopping and exploring of little old Toledo. I got 2 scarves (one solid black, and one mostly red with a hippie-ish pattern). Only 4 euros each.
The streets of Toledo are SO narrow and very hilly! When a car passed by, we all had to press our backs up against the buildings to make space. Everything is picture-worthy. Someone could be the absolute worst photographer in the world, but his pictures in Toledo World still be stunning regardless.
4:30pm Visita a la Mezquita EL CRISTO DE LA LUZ
This was actually under construction and we weren’t able to see it. Jesús said the cool thing about this place of worship is just that it’s so small, and they’re working to make it a place of worship in the 21st century. Guay.
5:30pm Tiempo libre
Shopping again. I got a black and gold pendant necklace for 8 and a half euros. A woman at one of the stores showed me how to make these (very impressive and time-consuming!) First, the make markings or tracks into the clay ceramic disk, then they lay the gold thread into the groves until their desired pattern emerges. They are also known for their swords (Allison got a pocket knife, but I had no desire or money to do so).
As we were heading back, a few of us stopped at store to buy wine. I got a white from Rioja for 4 euros (I´m connoisseur already jkjk). As we were leaving the store, I got a call from Alex!! He had mentioned trying to find a way to get to Toledo from Madrid, but I still hadn’t heard from him and wasn’t expecting much. BUT he found a train for 8 euros that only took about 20 minutes…I’d see him after dinner. All the girls were squealing with excitement for me…it’s like I’ve known them for years.
9:00pm Cena en el Hotel
For being a 4 star hotel, dinner was a relatively disappointing buffet. Everyone looked really nice though! All the girls dressed up in dresses (I wore my brown skirt, new brown boots, fusia button-up sweater, and flowered scarf from Hannah). Lots of people drank in Alex and Mallory’s room befote dinner…what’s the point of that??
I waited for Alex in the lobby, and he came around 10:30. We headed down to Alexandra´s and Mallory’s room and he was bombarded with “heeeeyyyyyys!!!” and “So are you the novio? I’ve heard so much about you!” Haha he was completely unfazed. We watched Mision Imposible in Spanish…somehow not as good. It’s so cool to share Spanish stories with Alex, knowing he’s seeing and experiencing similar things. We kept pinching ourselves: “are we seriously in a 4 star hotel in Toledo, Spain together!?” I’m an incredibly lucky girl.
DOMINGO 25 de enero
Alex and I woke up early and walked around Toledo a bit. Because it’s Spain, it’s dark outside until about 9. We said goodbye and he headed for the train station.
8:30am Desayuno en el hotel
Much better than dinner! Buffet style with lots of pastries, eggs, sausage café con leche, and fruit. They even had churros and chocolate!
9:30am Salida a Segovia
11:00am Llegada al Palacio de La Granja, Visita de Los Jardines del Palacio. (Provincia de Segovia)
12:45am Llegada a Segovia, y visita del acueducto
Unfortunately, the weather was awful (freezing rain, snow, and hail), so we had to see a lot of Segovia from the bus. The aquaducts were from the Roman Rule and were built without any cement or anything. They had still been in use until about twenty years ago. Incredible.
1:30pm (aprox.) Tiempo libre, comida con dietas JMU
JMU gave each of us fifteen euros for food. Several of the girls and I went to a sit-down restaurant that was educational to say the least. You received a drink, bread, two courses, and dessert for ten euros. We ordered a bottle of white wine and a few bottles of water. Allison and Kelsey got sopa de castellana (apparently made with egg and bread, but looked like brain). Our paella was filled with shrimp heads and legs and body parts and really creeped me out. The fish Angela got for her second course still had its head and fins. My steak was like an obstacle course to cut around fat and bones. We finished off with successful helados and leche con arroz (much like tapioca pudding). We learned a lot from this meal.
3:00pm Visita del Alcázar de Segovia
This was so cool! This was the palace that inspired Walt Disney and where Columbus asked Ferdinand and Isabella for Money for his America expedition. Way cool, even though it was even colder in the castle than outside! At the end, some of us decided to climb the 150 stairs to the top of the tower. I’m so glad I did, because what a view!
5:00pm Salida hacia Salamanca
Finally warm and dry (but still cranky) everyone passed out on the bus.
7:00pm Llegada a Salamanca (aprox.)
Dinner was a Spanish version of hot pockets? Ascensión also got us churros and chocolate because we said we liked them (how cute). I am a pig.
Viernes, 23 de Enero
Right now, I’m sitting on my bed listening to the rain outside on the bustling streets…a perfect accompaniment for Bon Iver’s “Re: Stacks” on my computer. I have recently been obsessed with this song and listen to it on repeat again and again every chance that I get. I love the last line: “your love will be safe with me.”
Last night, we all met in La Plaza Mayor and headed to La Chupiteria. It was SO crowded in there and took forever to get served. We learned in intensivo today that when Spanish people go out they “poner el fondo” (pool their friend’s money together) and one person buys for everyone. This would have sped things up last night for sure. We’re learning. Next we headed to a bar called Camelot to dance. As it turned out though, the bar was filled with lots of older men…no me gustan mucho. Allison and I headed home early (knowing how disgusting I felt in intensivo on Wednesday morning). On the way home, we heard a man stumbling home, hacking all the way on a bocacalle (sidestreet) of Calle Toro...sad and gross. Next, a man who wasn’t speaking English or Spanish or any language at all stopped right in front of us and wouldn’t move or stop mumbling. Thankfully, dodging him proved easier than I thought it would be. We also ran into our new friends, Adam Martin and Brendon, who we met at Camelot, studying here from Wake Forest.
In intensivo today, we learned words and phrases to use in a bar or restaurant: how to order, pay, and what types of drinks are offered.
On my way home for siesta today, I stopped by MoviFone to add five euros to my phone. I went in and didn’t know what to do or where to stand. When it was my turn, I told the lady what I wanted. She took my number and I signed my name. After that, she said something I didn’t understand and I must have given her a stupid blank face, because she asked if I understood. She repeated it and I acted like I got it that time, but I was panicking a little. I acted like I was checking something on my phone and then slowly headed for the door, hoping that they would stop me if I was supposed to stay inside the store for something else. Phew! I got a text message about an hour later saying the money was added (which is over 20 euros…is this leftover from the last person?? Sweeeeeet.)
For siesta lunch today we had this cheesy tomato pasta with spiral noodles, then meat that tasted kind of like meatballs (with roasted red peppers), and bread and fruit. I slept before AND after lunchJ It’s been a lovely, lazy afternoon uploading pictures, journaling, reading. I was about to leave to buy a straightener (mine broke yesterday!) when Isa said I could use hers. WOO! I’m going to have to skimp big time on money…especially since I don’t even have a job lined up for this summer. Tonight, we’re taking it easy since we have to be at La Plaza GG at 7:30. SICK. I think Allison and I are going to the train station café after dinner. Hasta luego.
Last night, we all met in La Plaza Mayor and headed to La Chupiteria. It was SO crowded in there and took forever to get served. We learned in intensivo today that when Spanish people go out they “poner el fondo” (pool their friend’s money together) and one person buys for everyone. This would have sped things up last night for sure. We’re learning. Next we headed to a bar called Camelot to dance. As it turned out though, the bar was filled with lots of older men…no me gustan mucho. Allison and I headed home early (knowing how disgusting I felt in intensivo on Wednesday morning). On the way home, we heard a man stumbling home, hacking all the way on a bocacalle (sidestreet) of Calle Toro...sad and gross. Next, a man who wasn’t speaking English or Spanish or any language at all stopped right in front of us and wouldn’t move or stop mumbling. Thankfully, dodging him proved easier than I thought it would be. We also ran into our new friends, Adam Martin and Brendon, who we met at Camelot, studying here from Wake Forest.
In intensivo today, we learned words and phrases to use in a bar or restaurant: how to order, pay, and what types of drinks are offered.
On my way home for siesta today, I stopped by MoviFone to add five euros to my phone. I went in and didn’t know what to do or where to stand. When it was my turn, I told the lady what I wanted. She took my number and I signed my name. After that, she said something I didn’t understand and I must have given her a stupid blank face, because she asked if I understood. She repeated it and I acted like I got it that time, but I was panicking a little. I acted like I was checking something on my phone and then slowly headed for the door, hoping that they would stop me if I was supposed to stay inside the store for something else. Phew! I got a text message about an hour later saying the money was added (which is over 20 euros…is this leftover from the last person?? Sweeeeeet.)
For siesta lunch today we had this cheesy tomato pasta with spiral noodles, then meat that tasted kind of like meatballs (with roasted red peppers), and bread and fruit. I slept before AND after lunchJ It’s been a lovely, lazy afternoon uploading pictures, journaling, reading. I was about to leave to buy a straightener (mine broke yesterday!) when Isa said I could use hers. WOO! I’m going to have to skimp big time on money…especially since I don’t even have a job lined up for this summer. Tonight, we’re taking it easy since we have to be at La Plaza GG at 7:30. SICK. I think Allison and I are going to the train station café after dinner. Hasta luego.
Jueves, 22 de Enero
Ahh me encanta la siesta Espanola. We just had this delicious vegetable soup with tomato-based broth. We also had lettuce and oil, bread, Spanish fried chicken with roasted red peppers, and fruit.
In intensivo this morning, we learned about vocab to use in clothing and food stores, and also how to describe someone’s facial features. Tomorrow, we’ve having a fashion show in class where we have to describe what our neighbor is wearing…too bad I sit next to Alexandra who has crazy fashion and wears a million accessories I won’t know how to say in Spanish. Should be interesting.
Right now, I’m in a café inside the train station (about a 15 minute walk from the apartment). I’m with Ally, she’s so cute and nice. All we have to do is pay 1.10 euros for a café con leche and we’re set for as long as we want. I was able to skype with mom/dad and Alex. Too bad I look like poop right now. He and some of his friends are getting ready to go to Madrid this weekend…we may try to meet up in Toledo or Segovia since they are both relatively close to Madrid!! Eeee hope it works.
Oops, I keep catching myself mid-smile at strangers, yikes. All of us are going out tonight, which should be fun since Thursday is a big night in Spain, or so I’m told. Too bad we have class at 9am tomorrow. Not a lot else to report. I’m excited for this weekend! And next weekend is Portugal! I can’t believe this is my life.
In intensivo this morning, we learned about vocab to use in clothing and food stores, and also how to describe someone’s facial features. Tomorrow, we’ve having a fashion show in class where we have to describe what our neighbor is wearing…too bad I sit next to Alexandra who has crazy fashion and wears a million accessories I won’t know how to say in Spanish. Should be interesting.
Right now, I’m in a café inside the train station (about a 15 minute walk from the apartment). I’m with Ally, she’s so cute and nice. All we have to do is pay 1.10 euros for a café con leche and we’re set for as long as we want. I was able to skype with mom/dad and Alex. Too bad I look like poop right now. He and some of his friends are getting ready to go to Madrid this weekend…we may try to meet up in Toledo or Segovia since they are both relatively close to Madrid!! Eeee hope it works.
Oops, I keep catching myself mid-smile at strangers, yikes. All of us are going out tonight, which should be fun since Thursday is a big night in Spain, or so I’m told. Too bad we have class at 9am tomorrow. Not a lot else to report. I’m excited for this weekend! And next weekend is Portugal! I can’t believe this is my life.
Miercoles, 21 de Enero
Last night was so much fun! A bunch of us met in La Plaza Mayor at 11 and went to a medieval themed bar. A bar-promoter guy led us there (I’ve gotten so many cards from these guys in the Plaza advertising their bars to the American students). At first, there were only Americans and it was pretty disappointing. BUT all you could drink for 4 euros to celebrate Obama. I enjoyed plenty of sangria. Soon lots of Spanish people came in (mostly men) and I got to practice my speaking skills a lot. Jeannie and I were talking to two guys and one of the first things they said to us was, “Cuanto cuestan?” (how much do you cost) Cute. So naturally I responded with, “Uhh no puedes pagarme.” (uhh you can´t afford me) So he asked, “Pues, gratis?” (So, free?) “Callate hombre. Yo no soy gratis nunca.” (Shut up, man, I´m never free). Next thing I knew, I was being lifted in the air on a barstool by five Spanish guys. Of course that got the attention of everyone in the bar, pretty hilarious. Soon after, I was lifted up on the bar to dance with one of the barstool guys. Angela was already dancing there with another. They REAKED of BO! This was definitely a first. I wish I could tell you what I did to desserve this. I still don´t know. Danny and Thomas and Will (3 out of the 4 guys in our JMU group) were feeling jealous of all the girls for being able to practice Spanish in bars without any effort…the men come to us;) They were trying so hard to create speaking opportunities for themselves with Spaniards there. Allison left with Ally because she had a headache. I left with Tori, Leah, and Emily a little later. The only problem is I didn’t consider that we’d have to part ways once we got to the Plaza. I RAN all the way down Calle Toro. No one at all was out on the street, I didn’t have my phone, and knew that if someone popped out, who would hear me scream? Obviously I arrived home ok, but that was really stupid. Never again.
Waking up this morning was so hard! I was exhausted all through intensivo and had a headache in one of my temples. Today, we learned about holidays, directions, and courtesy. Afterwards, Allison and I got money out the ATM for the Portugal trip and stopped by a clothing store on Calle Toro where I bought really cute light brown heeled boots (made in Portugal--cool!) for only 30 euros. We returned home for siesta. Today, we had a delicious soup with clams and shrimp. Then we had fried fish (also delicious), and bread and fruit as usual. After lunch, I napped for an hour and a half; it was so hard to wake up. Allison was already gone when I woke up so I headed to the JMU office to check my email and hang out for a bit. I returned home to do my devotional, homework, etc. Dinner was pizza, bread, yogurt, and a salad of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, carrots, corn, and that oil dressing…very interesting, Asencion. Spanish people do not understand salads, but it’s sweet that she’s trying since she knows we like them. The bread was different tonight and seemed to have dried meat inside it. yuck. The bread we normally eat looks like play food. The crust is so weird: crunchy like foam board. Not much else to report, I’m hoping to run on the track by the river tomorrow or Friday…I feel a little piggish.
Waking up this morning was so hard! I was exhausted all through intensivo and had a headache in one of my temples. Today, we learned about holidays, directions, and courtesy. Afterwards, Allison and I got money out the ATM for the Portugal trip and stopped by a clothing store on Calle Toro where I bought really cute light brown heeled boots (made in Portugal--cool!) for only 30 euros. We returned home for siesta. Today, we had a delicious soup with clams and shrimp. Then we had fried fish (also delicious), and bread and fruit as usual. After lunch, I napped for an hour and a half; it was so hard to wake up. Allison was already gone when I woke up so I headed to the JMU office to check my email and hang out for a bit. I returned home to do my devotional, homework, etc. Dinner was pizza, bread, yogurt, and a salad of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, carrots, corn, and that oil dressing…very interesting, Asencion. Spanish people do not understand salads, but it’s sweet that she’s trying since she knows we like them. The bread was different tonight and seemed to have dried meat inside it. yuck. The bread we normally eat looks like play food. The crust is so weird: crunchy like foam board. Not much else to report, I’m hoping to run on the track by the river tomorrow or Friday…I feel a little piggish.
Miercoles, 21 de Enero
Last night was so much fun! A bunch of us met in La Plaza Mayor at 11 and went to a medieval themed bar. A bar-promoter guy led us there (I’ve gotten so many cards from these guys in the Plaza advertising their bars to the American students). At first, there were only Americans and it was pretty disappointing. BUT all you could drink for 4 euros to celebrate Obama. I enjoyed plenty of sangria. Soon lots of Spanish people came in (mostly men) and I got to practice my speaking skills a lot. Jeannie and I were talking to two guys and one of the first things they said to us was, “Cuanto cuestan?” (how much do you cost) Cute. So naturally I responded with, “Uhh no puedes pagarme.” (uhh you can´t afford me) So he asked, “Pues, gratis?” (“Callate hombre. Yo no soy gratis nunca.” Next thing I knew, I was being lifted in the air on a barstool by five Spanish guys. Of course that got the attention of everyone in the bar, pretty hilarious. Soon after, I was lifted up on the bar to dance with one of the barstool guys. Angela was already dancing there with another. They REAKED of BO! This was my first experience dancing on a barJ When I said no thank you I don’t think I will lift up my shirt (the guys had already taken theirs off), mine took me off the bar and booed me, haha. Do these men seriously think American women will do anything sexual if they just ask?! Danny and Thomas and Will were feeling jealous of all the girls for being able to practice Spanish in bars without any effort…the men come to us;) They were trying so hard to create speaking opportunities for themselves with Spaniards there. Allison left with Ally because she had a headache. I left with Tori, Leah, and Emily a little later. The only problem is I didn’t consider that we’d have to part ways once we got to the Plaza. I RAN all the way down Calle Toro. No one at all was out on the street, I didn’t have my phone, and knew that if someone popped out, who would hear me scream? Obviously I arrived home ok, but that was really stupid.
Waking up this morning was so hard! I was exhausted all through intensivo and had a headache in one of my temples. Javier knew we all went out, but wasn’t mad. All he said was that Thursday nights are better, ha. Today, we learned about holidays, directions, and courtesy. Afterwards, Allison and I got money out the ATM for the Portugal trip and stopped by a clothing store on Calle Toro where I bought really cute light brown heeled boots (made in Portugal--cool!) for only 30 euros. We returned home for siesta. Today, we had a delicious soup with clams and shrimp. Then we had fried fish (also delicious), and bread and fruit as usual. After lunch, I napped for an hour and a half; it was so hard to wake up. Allison was already gone when I woke up so I headed to the JMU office to check my email and hang out for a bit. I returned home to do my devotional, homework, etc. Dinner was pizza, bread, yogurt, and a salad of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, carrots, corn, and that oil dressing…very interesting, Asuncion. Spanish people do not understand salads, but it’s sweet that she’s trying since she knows we like them. The bread was different tonight and seemed to have dried meat inside it. The bread we normally eat looks like play food. The crust is so weird: crunchy like foam board. Not much else to report, I’m hoping to run on the track by the river tomorrow or Friday…I feel a little piggish.
Waking up this morning was so hard! I was exhausted all through intensivo and had a headache in one of my temples. Javier knew we all went out, but wasn’t mad. All he said was that Thursday nights are better, ha. Today, we learned about holidays, directions, and courtesy. Afterwards, Allison and I got money out the ATM for the Portugal trip and stopped by a clothing store on Calle Toro where I bought really cute light brown heeled boots (made in Portugal--cool!) for only 30 euros. We returned home for siesta. Today, we had a delicious soup with clams and shrimp. Then we had fried fish (also delicious), and bread and fruit as usual. After lunch, I napped for an hour and a half; it was so hard to wake up. Allison was already gone when I woke up so I headed to the JMU office to check my email and hang out for a bit. I returned home to do my devotional, homework, etc. Dinner was pizza, bread, yogurt, and a salad of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, carrots, corn, and that oil dressing…very interesting, Asuncion. Spanish people do not understand salads, but it’s sweet that she’s trying since she knows we like them. The bread was different tonight and seemed to have dried meat inside it. The bread we normally eat looks like play food. The crust is so weird: crunchy like foam board. Not much else to report, I’m hoping to run on the track by the river tomorrow or Friday…I feel a little piggish.
Martes, 20 de Enero
Just got back from intensivo. I LOVE it! We learned a bunch of gestures, communicating things like, “come here” and “pay up,” “be careful,” etc. We also learned some curse words and words for “cute” and “cool” that students would use. It’s fascinating learning about the culture and what is considered good or bad mannered. There is so much room for misunderstanding between our two cultures!! In the states, we smile at one another to say hi, but here, if a woman smiles at a man it’s considered flirting and communicates that she likes him. Hope I don’t make this mistake! Last night was pretty low key. Allison and I ate dinner (my fav so far) in the kitchen. Asuncion made us ham and cheese omelets, chicken from lunch, and salad (this time with apple slices too), bread, and a weird tasting wedge of cheese. After dinner we watched Mira Que Baile! (Spanish equivalent to Dancing with the stars) with Asencion. This seems to be her favorite show. We’re getting to know each other better I think. She said she’s been housing students for 20 years because she’s old and gets sad without kids around…aww. We went to bed around 12:15 and I slept through the night since I didn’t have my siesta nap…thank goodness!
I had my first churros y chocolate today. AMAZING. Several of us went to a nearby café during our intensivo break. They’re fried dough sticks that you dip in a mug of melted chocolate. I shouldn’t have tried these so early in the trip. Today for siesta lunch we had paella with shrimp and chicken, so delicious. Then, Allison and I mailed postcards at the post office and headed to the university library to use the wireless internet there. The door to the library is so conspicuous. It’s very small and made of dark wood. You have to step up and inside to get into the modern library behind it. Cool. Now I’m at the JMU office watching the inauguration with several other students and pretending like I don’t hate Obama. Later we will go out to celebrate (?). I may just go buy a bottle of wine! Ha.
I had my first churros y chocolate today. AMAZING. Several of us went to a nearby café during our intensivo break. They’re fried dough sticks that you dip in a mug of melted chocolate. I shouldn’t have tried these so early in the trip. Today for siesta lunch we had paella with shrimp and chicken, so delicious. Then, Allison and I mailed postcards at the post office and headed to the university library to use the wireless internet there. The door to the library is so conspicuous. It’s very small and made of dark wood. You have to step up and inside to get into the modern library behind it. Cool. Now I’m at the JMU office watching the inauguration with several other students and pretending like I don’t hate Obama. Later we will go out to celebrate (?). I may just go buy a bottle of wine! Ha.
Lunes, 19 de Enero
I have to be honest; I’m feeling really frustrated right now. Although Salamanca is extremely exciting and I love being here, I am having a much harder time adjusting to the limited internet and phone situations than I thought I would. I miss my friends and family so much…I really took for granted having the phone and internet right there all the time whenever I wanted to communicate with someone. It hasn’t been a big issue until today though. The JMU office is very close by and I thought has free WiFi and drinks/snacks. But when Allison and I went today, we discovered that, for whatever reason, our Mac computers don’t work there. Reluctantly we headed over to our café del arte. We didn’t buy drinks this time, but thought it was ok since we had gotten them each time before. I was able to skype with Alex for a while, but then a man working there came to my table and yelled at me that Allison and I were taking up too much room sitting at different tables and other people couldn’t come sit down and we were using the internet for too long and blah blah blah. I would have gladly moved before if he had just asked, instead of blowing up eventually, all at once. It was really embarrassing and I felt completely defeated because now even that option for internet access has been shattered. Where can I skype my boyfriend? Everything is so complicated in another country and I’m sick of people not being able to understand me. Everything is so expensive and I also bought a bunch of the wrong stamps today too. Everything is so easy in the states…I know what I’m doing and there’s easy access to everything. Anyway, I need to remember how lucky I am and not get so easily discouraged.
Last night, the group dinner was a lot of fun. I was able to meet a few other girls I hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to yet (Mary, Jeannie, and Annie.) There was so much food!! They started with a salad (green olives, iceberg lettuce, tomato, tuna, and hearts of palm)—a very strange combination, but tasted good. Next, they brought out French fries (some of the best I’ve ever had) and delicious rotisserie chicken. Then dessert (ice cream or flan), then café con leche. Everything was delicious and I ate too much as usual. We returned home and just relaxed and read. I’m reading the first Confessions of a Shopaholic and am really enjoying it so far…makes me feel so much better about the money I spend. I was in bed by 12:30 but couldn’t fall asleep until 4:30!! I eventually went into the bathroom to read my Bible, I was praying like crazy. It’s soo hot in this house and the pillow and mattress are very flat and hard. Hearing Asencion hacking in the next room, people and traffic outside, and Allison’s steady restful breathing didn’t help either. Apparently, most people had trouble sleeping last night. Surprisingly though, I felt ok today and decided not to take my siesta today so I could sleep better tonight. We’re waiting for dinner at “home” now and will meet some group members in the Plaza at eleven to go to a tapas bar. This morning we went to the University to take our exam to see which intensivo group we belonged in. It was easy at first, but much harder at the end. I was the very last person, and didn’t even finish the last 6 questions. Thankfully though, I still managed to make it into the higher level. Our professor is named Javier and he seems really nice and funny. It should be interesting to learn colloquial phrases and Spanish culture. Already I am learning that it’s not bad manners to throw your trash on the floor at a bar or restaurant…I have noticed that there are very few (if any) trashcans anywhere, but especially in those places. Also, it’s bad manners to accept an offer for food or drink on the first time you’re asked. So when we’ve been saying “no mas, por favor” to our madre, she thinks we’re just being good mannered…yikes. We’re also learning some curse words and filler words. Should be pretty laid back and helpful. After class, Allison and I bought postcards and stamps and notebooks on the way home and just barely made it in time for siesta lunch. We had potato soup (very good) and little rotisserie-style chicken cutlet things (also very good), bread, and fruit of course. At lunch, I found out that they never got the card I sent a few weeks ago with the picture of our family…weird. We always watch TV at lunch, which fills in any awkward silences. Sometimes it’s news, animal planet, or Hollywood gossip, today was a cooking show (all hilarious). Later, Allison and I tried looking at boots again, but to no avail. It’s overwhelming because there are so many and all the kinds I want are above my price range. It’s 9:00pm now: dinner time.
Last night, the group dinner was a lot of fun. I was able to meet a few other girls I hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to yet (Mary, Jeannie, and Annie.) There was so much food!! They started with a salad (green olives, iceberg lettuce, tomato, tuna, and hearts of palm)—a very strange combination, but tasted good. Next, they brought out French fries (some of the best I’ve ever had) and delicious rotisserie chicken. Then dessert (ice cream or flan), then café con leche. Everything was delicious and I ate too much as usual. We returned home and just relaxed and read. I’m reading the first Confessions of a Shopaholic and am really enjoying it so far…makes me feel so much better about the money I spend. I was in bed by 12:30 but couldn’t fall asleep until 4:30!! I eventually went into the bathroom to read my Bible, I was praying like crazy. It’s soo hot in this house and the pillow and mattress are very flat and hard. Hearing Asencion hacking in the next room, people and traffic outside, and Allison’s steady restful breathing didn’t help either. Apparently, most people had trouble sleeping last night. Surprisingly though, I felt ok today and decided not to take my siesta today so I could sleep better tonight. We’re waiting for dinner at “home” now and will meet some group members in the Plaza at eleven to go to a tapas bar. This morning we went to the University to take our exam to see which intensivo group we belonged in. It was easy at first, but much harder at the end. I was the very last person, and didn’t even finish the last 6 questions. Thankfully though, I still managed to make it into the higher level. Our professor is named Javier and he seems really nice and funny. It should be interesting to learn colloquial phrases and Spanish culture. Already I am learning that it’s not bad manners to throw your trash on the floor at a bar or restaurant…I have noticed that there are very few (if any) trashcans anywhere, but especially in those places. Also, it’s bad manners to accept an offer for food or drink on the first time you’re asked. So when we’ve been saying “no mas, por favor” to our madre, she thinks we’re just being good mannered…yikes. We’re also learning some curse words and filler words. Should be pretty laid back and helpful. After class, Allison and I bought postcards and stamps and notebooks on the way home and just barely made it in time for siesta lunch. We had potato soup (very good) and little rotisserie-style chicken cutlet things (also very good), bread, and fruit of course. At lunch, I found out that they never got the card I sent a few weeks ago with the picture of our family…weird. We always watch TV at lunch, which fills in any awkward silences. Sometimes it’s news, animal planet, or Hollywood gossip, today was a cooking show (all hilarious). Later, Allison and I tried looking at boots again, but to no avail. It’s overwhelming because there are so many and all the kinds I want are above my price range. It’s 9:00pm now: dinner time.
Domingo, 18 de Enero
Already, I’m really getting used to the idea of LIVING in Spain. I love it here! I just woke up from my siesta and am starring out the window across the room from my bed. We have an amazing view of the city street from 5 floors up. After our second nap yesterday, we decided to do a little exploring. We found out where the post office is, the JMU office, and tried to look for a gym, but had no luck. At 6, we met up with Andrea and Hannah in the Plaza to go shopping. There are way too many good stores near our house. Besides the fact that clothing and boot stores are everywhere (with lots of rebajas (sales) right now), there’s a grocery store, pharmacies, cafes, the JMU office, the plaza, and worst: a pasteleria (pastry shop) right on the corner about ten steps away. The farthest thing is the University, which is only about a twenty-minute walk. Several other students also live relatively close to us. At about 8:15 we returned to our respective homes for dinner. Asencion made us warm ham and cheese sandwiches (and cut the crusts too…how cute is she?) When I saw 6 sandwiches on the tray she was slipping into the oven, I thought, “Oh how nice, family dinner.” Nope, those six sandwiches were for Allison and I to finish ourselves. She also made us “salad” which consisted of lettuce, tomatoes, and olive oil…the Spanish LOVE oil. After dinner, we headed to café del arte to use the internet and enjoy café con leche (which I may or may not already be addicted to). At about 10:30, we left to go get ready for the evening. We met the entire group in La Plaza Mayor at 11:30. We had to split up because our group was too big. We went to The Irish Rover and drank mediocre sangria for 3 euros. Next we headed to another bar with a lot of older people in it (creepy?). We left and ended up at the Chupiteria where a shot is only one euro (should have started the evening at this place). Then we headed to the bar next store and met up with more group members and had a fantastic dance party. I liked this place because it played Spanish pop music, so many play American music and it sort of ruins the cultural experience. Here, I started talking to a guy named Jose. I wish my Spanish were better! Being in a loud club only made communication that much more difficult. When I realized that everyone had left including Allison with our only set of keys, I bolted out of the bar to try and find her, which I did soon after. What a fun night! I am definitely not in the states anymore.
This morning we woke up at 10, showered, and met at La Plaza Gabriel y Golan for orientation day two. We walked around the city a little and Jesus showed us important landmarks like the medical center, the central post office, the JMU office, and gave us our cell phones. We returned home for siesta. Today, we had this really yummy cheesy pasta, then that lightly fried salty chicken I love (I’ve eaten meat prepared this way everyday so far). And fruit and candy for dessert. Lunch was less awkward today, and I’m beginning to feel a little more comfortable about communication. Allison is much more timid and leaves a lot of the talking to me, yikes. Our madre is so nice and says the only rules for the house are not to leave lights on, not to shower after 1am, and to be quiet when coming in at night so not to wake the neighbors. Feeling disgustingly full, I took an hour nap, which was beautiful to say the least. Allison did core exercises in the bathroom, haha. Now we are hanging around waiting for Jesus to pay us our house visit. Then, we’ll probably go to the café, and meet up for a group dinner in the Plaza at 8:45. Should be fun. The end.
This morning we woke up at 10, showered, and met at La Plaza Gabriel y Golan for orientation day two. We walked around the city a little and Jesus showed us important landmarks like the medical center, the central post office, the JMU office, and gave us our cell phones. We returned home for siesta. Today, we had this really yummy cheesy pasta, then that lightly fried salty chicken I love (I’ve eaten meat prepared this way everyday so far). And fruit and candy for dessert. Lunch was less awkward today, and I’m beginning to feel a little more comfortable about communication. Allison is much more timid and leaves a lot of the talking to me, yikes. Our madre is so nice and says the only rules for the house are not to leave lights on, not to shower after 1am, and to be quiet when coming in at night so not to wake the neighbors. Feeling disgustingly full, I took an hour nap, which was beautiful to say the least. Allison did core exercises in the bathroom, haha. Now we are hanging around waiting for Jesus to pay us our house visit. Then, we’ll probably go to the café, and meet up for a group dinner in the Plaza at 8:45. Should be fun. The end.
Later
My legs are aching so much right now. Allison and I just got back and are relaxing in our room waiting for dinner (bocadillos (sandwiches), I think.) This morning we woke up around nine (never been so tired in my life), showered, had a breakfast of toast and marmelada and café con leche (amazing). Then, we met a few JMU students outside our building and met our entire group in La Plaza Mayor at 10:30. Orientation begins. From there, we only had to walk about ten minutes to the university. Passing through a long hallway of students from La Universidad de Salamanca, we arrived at a classroom where Jesus (our program director, not the Savior of the Universe, in case you were confused) debriefed us on a TON of information ranging from cell phones to the city map. At about 12:45 we were finished and my mental capacity had already reached its limit for the day…between Spanish everything and jetlag. On our way home Allison and I stopped into a pharmacy and Carrefour (the popular local supermarket here) to pick up some toiletries she had forgotten. We’re already learning the places where toothpaste is 4 euros and where it’s 1.20. Once home, I decided that my siesta nap couldn’t wait until after the meal. In fact, we napped before and after our siesta lunch. We ate in the sunroom and watched what seemed like the Spanish equivalent to Dancing with the Stars. We had a really yummy lentil soup with sausage, and bread of course (very crunchy white crust). Luis cleared our plates then and brought out this salty, lightly fried pork…also delicious. Then it was fruit for “dessert.” Mealtimes are a bit awkward so far because I often can’t think of anything to say, but want her to know we’re grateful. Now it’s time to nap AGAIN. Me encanta la siesta.
I have a lot to catch up on, so I´ll start from the beginning...
Sabado, 17 de Enero
Wow. I cannot believe I’m actually in Spain! Yesterday was so overwhelming and my body is only beginning to adjust to the time it is here…even after a couple siestas I’m not quite there yet. After I arrived in the Philadelphia airport on the 15th, I was happy to find Allison and two other girls from the trip already waiting at the gate. Soon, more and more JMU students began showing up until there were about nineteen of us! What a blessing from God that I could travel in this big group and have a head start on meeting people. In fact, there was almost TOO much bonding time as our plane was delayed three hours! The original plane we boarded had engine problems or something so we had to unload and wait for a new plane to be ready. After we went through customs and met up with the remaining members of the JMU group and our program leader, Jesus, we began the 2.5-hour bus ride from the Madrid airport to Salamanca. Upon our arrival, all the “madres” were waiting for us at La Plaza Gabriel y Golan and were all so excited to see us…really adorable. Allison and I have an elderly madre, Asencion who is a 74-year-old woman at least three the size of her husband Luis. It was a rather embarrassing first impression, as we had to take TWO cabs in order to fit all our suitcases (stupid tiny euro cars!) Our host family doesn’t speak a WORD of English. We are trying very hard to communicate with them and I feel really badly when I can’t understand something she’s asking/telling me. I look forward to being more comfortable with the language. Her older Daughter, Isabella, also lives with her and she’s probably in her upper forties. She has 2 daughters (Yolanda, 2, and Lucia, 4). Yolanda is a foster child. I want these girls to like me because they’re so cute, but they’re both pretty shy. They were showing us their American Barbie doll last night and it amazes me to hear little kids speak fluent Spanish…so much better than me!
Our room is TINY! The walls are an arm-span and two pens width. And probably three times that long. I wish I hadn’t brought so many clothes because I literally have nowhere to put them. We showered, unpacked, and ate a dinner Asencion made just for us. It was this chicken broth soup with tiny star noodles, bread, lightly fried salty chicken, tomatoes, fruit, and candy. She wanted us to eat everything! We also noticed that they keep eggs out on the counter unrefridgerated…weird. I still haven’t pooped since I left home…my stomach feels awful. Isabella told us about a café across the street from the apartment with free Wi-Fi! Allison and I sipped on cappuccinos and checked email. I also got a chance to skype Alex and mom. We headed back to the apartment and met Alexandra and Colleen and their madre (Asuncion’s niece). She brought us to the Plaza Mayor, about a ten-minute walk from our apartment. The Plaza literally took my breath away with how beautiful it looked all lit up. There, we met up with about 10 other JMU students and headed out to a bar called Atagualpa (3.5 Euro for all you can drink beer). So fun! Less fun was the lack of toilet paper in the bathroom. I really like the people in our group so far. Thank you, God! I made the walk back with Allison around 1:45 and passed out at home (after lots of trouble trying to use the keys). We’re headed out to explore a bit now, more later.
Wow. I cannot believe I’m actually in Spain! Yesterday was so overwhelming and my body is only beginning to adjust to the time it is here…even after a couple siestas I’m not quite there yet. After I arrived in the Philadelphia airport on the 15th, I was happy to find Allison and two other girls from the trip already waiting at the gate. Soon, more and more JMU students began showing up until there were about nineteen of us! What a blessing from God that I could travel in this big group and have a head start on meeting people. In fact, there was almost TOO much bonding time as our plane was delayed three hours! The original plane we boarded had engine problems or something so we had to unload and wait for a new plane to be ready. After we went through customs and met up with the remaining members of the JMU group and our program leader, Jesus, we began the 2.5-hour bus ride from the Madrid airport to Salamanca. Upon our arrival, all the “madres” were waiting for us at La Plaza Gabriel y Golan and were all so excited to see us…really adorable. Allison and I have an elderly madre, Asencion who is a 74-year-old woman at least three the size of her husband Luis. It was a rather embarrassing first impression, as we had to take TWO cabs in order to fit all our suitcases (stupid tiny euro cars!) Our host family doesn’t speak a WORD of English. We are trying very hard to communicate with them and I feel really badly when I can’t understand something she’s asking/telling me. I look forward to being more comfortable with the language. Her older Daughter, Isabella, also lives with her and she’s probably in her upper forties. She has 2 daughters (Yolanda, 2, and Lucia, 4). Yolanda is a foster child. I want these girls to like me because they’re so cute, but they’re both pretty shy. They were showing us their American Barbie doll last night and it amazes me to hear little kids speak fluent Spanish…so much better than me!
Our room is TINY! The walls are an arm-span and two pens width. And probably three times that long. I wish I hadn’t brought so many clothes because I literally have nowhere to put them. We showered, unpacked, and ate a dinner Asencion made just for us. It was this chicken broth soup with tiny star noodles, bread, lightly fried salty chicken, tomatoes, fruit, and candy. She wanted us to eat everything! We also noticed that they keep eggs out on the counter unrefridgerated…weird. I still haven’t pooped since I left home…my stomach feels awful. Isabella told us about a café across the street from the apartment with free Wi-Fi! Allison and I sipped on cappuccinos and checked email. I also got a chance to skype Alex and mom. We headed back to the apartment and met Alexandra and Colleen and their madre (Asuncion’s niece). She brought us to the Plaza Mayor, about a ten-minute walk from our apartment. The Plaza literally took my breath away with how beautiful it looked all lit up. There, we met up with about 10 other JMU students and headed out to a bar called Atagualpa (3.5 Euro for all you can drink beer). So fun! Less fun was the lack of toilet paper in the bathroom. I really like the people in our group so far. Thank you, God! I made the walk back with Allison around 1:45 and passed out at home (after lots of trouble trying to use the keys). We’re headed out to explore a bit now, more later.
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