This is my last week in Spain. It will be a fun one. My brother is coming to visit tomorrow, and he'll leave on Thursday, then we'll go say bye to the family on Friday, go to Madrid on Saturday and I'll leave Sunday morning at 8:30am. Luckily it won't be as hard to say goodbye this time, because Jesús will be visiting me the following week, and we'll start our road trip to the east coast.
Each time I go abroad, I get a double dosage of cultural understanding. Not only do I better understand the culture I am living in, I also am able to understand my own culture differently.
I believe that you learn something from every person you meet and take something away from every new experience. These new things help shape the person you are and the person you will become. I am a different person than I was 7 weeks ago, I am a better person because I have embraced these new pieces of my life. Thank you, Spain.
Showing posts with label Study in Spain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Study in Spain. Show all posts
Monday, July 6, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Weekend update #5
This weekend we'll be going to the beach at Zahara. I'm really excited, because it will be my last chance to go to the beach while here, since the weekend after we're going to Madrid for my flight home.
This week I've had absolutely nothing to do. I've mainly been sleeping, which has been nice, but I'm kind of bored with it. I tried going for a walk yesterday, but it was 40 degrees outside (104ºF) so I about died. I'm really looking forward to my brother's visit. First, it will be good to see him and second it will give me something to do!
I'm not homesick, but there are definitely a few things I'm looking forward to back in the U.S. One is mexican food. They have a tex-mex restaurant here, but it's not very good, and they don't sell refried beans in the grocery store, so I can't make my own burritos.
Another thing I'm looking forward to is a drying machine. I'm not sure if it's an energy thing, a space thing, or both, but nowhere in Sevilla has a dryer. So, I have to hang dry all my clothes, and if I don't get them out of the washer in time I have to iron all of them. Yuck!
Third, I miss my car. There's really no point in driving here. Jesús is going to teach me how to drive a standard this weekend, which I'm really looking forward to since I haven't been able to drive in over a month. Something I love to do back home is go for a ride every once in a while. Here you just walk everywhere. On the bright side I've lost weight, but I'm still looking forward to the road trip when I get home.
Of course I also miss my friends and family and puppy dog, so you all should leave messages to let me know you're still alive and well. I'll be home in 10 days, and we can celebrate with mexican food :)!
This week I've had absolutely nothing to do. I've mainly been sleeping, which has been nice, but I'm kind of bored with it. I tried going for a walk yesterday, but it was 40 degrees outside (104ºF) so I about died. I'm really looking forward to my brother's visit. First, it will be good to see him and second it will give me something to do!
I'm not homesick, but there are definitely a few things I'm looking forward to back in the U.S. One is mexican food. They have a tex-mex restaurant here, but it's not very good, and they don't sell refried beans in the grocery store, so I can't make my own burritos.
Another thing I'm looking forward to is a drying machine. I'm not sure if it's an energy thing, a space thing, or both, but nowhere in Sevilla has a dryer. So, I have to hang dry all my clothes, and if I don't get them out of the washer in time I have to iron all of them. Yuck!
Third, I miss my car. There's really no point in driving here. Jesús is going to teach me how to drive a standard this weekend, which I'm really looking forward to since I haven't been able to drive in over a month. Something I love to do back home is go for a ride every once in a while. Here you just walk everywhere. On the bright side I've lost weight, but I'm still looking forward to the road trip when I get home.
Of course I also miss my friends and family and puppy dog, so you all should leave messages to let me know you're still alive and well. I'll be home in 10 days, and we can celebrate with mexican food :)!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Week #6 in Spain
This weekend we went to a traditional Spanish wedding.
It was in the Cathedral of Baeza in Jaén at 8pm. There were hundreds of people and it was a catholic ceremony. It was kind of difficult for me, because I've never been to a Spanish mass, so Jesús had to tell me which prayers they were saying for me to follow along.
After the ceremony, we walked to the place of the reception. There were 2 floors, the bottom had tables for dinner and the top had hours d'vours, which were delicious! So, we waited upstairs, eating and drinking, for maybe an hour before the bride and groom showed up. Then we went downstairs to eat dinner. Apparently each plate cost 120€. First, we had a type of fish with vegetables and white wine, then steak with vegetables and red wine, then two types of desert with a sweet wine.
After dinner, the tables were cleared to make a dance floor. We stayed until 5am, which means it was about 9 hours total.
Luckily our hotel was right around the corner, because we celebrated the Spanish way...with a lot of alcohol. Of course, we were seated next to the open bar, so what do you expect? It was by far the best wedding I've ever been to!
It was in the Cathedral of Baeza in Jaén at 8pm. There were hundreds of people and it was a catholic ceremony. It was kind of difficult for me, because I've never been to a Spanish mass, so Jesús had to tell me which prayers they were saying for me to follow along.
After the ceremony, we walked to the place of the reception. There were 2 floors, the bottom had tables for dinner and the top had hours d'vours, which were delicious! So, we waited upstairs, eating and drinking, for maybe an hour before the bride and groom showed up. Then we went downstairs to eat dinner. Apparently each plate cost 120€. First, we had a type of fish with vegetables and white wine, then steak with vegetables and red wine, then two types of desert with a sweet wine.
After dinner, the tables were cleared to make a dance floor. We stayed until 5am, which means it was about 9 hours total.
Luckily our hotel was right around the corner, because we celebrated the Spanish way...with a lot of alcohol. Of course, we were seated next to the open bar, so what do you expect? It was by far the best wedding I've ever been to!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Weekend update #4
This weekend we're going to a traditional Spanish wedding in Jaén. It's for one of Jesús former co-workers. I'm really excited, because I know it will be quite different from the typical American wedding. You can read more information about traditional Spanish weddings here.
Yesterday was my last day of class, so last night we all went out to the club. Most of the ISA people were celebrating their last night in Spain. I will be here another 2 weeks, but I know it won't be the same without them.
I've learned so many amazing things about Spain and Spanish culture, but one of the greatest things I've learned here was actually from a fellow ISA person.
Ashley is a conservative sorority girl from the north. Seemingly, with just that information, she would seem to be my polar opposite. What could a conservative sorority yankee possibly have in common with an über-liberal femi-nazi southerner? But over the past 5 weeks we've shared so much. We've talked, shopped, drank, laughed, and of course today cried. We come from different worlds, but we have the same ideas on life: we hate stupid people, adore Spain, love to shop, sometimes need to vent, and a million other things. Ashley has such a big heart and open mind. I will miss her for now, but I know when we said goodbye it wasn't forever.
Regardless of what lies ahead of me, from now on I know for a fact that the old clichés of "don't judge a book by it's cover" and "looks can be deceiving" are true. Thanks to Ashley I've broke away from my presumptions about people.
Yesterday was my last day of class, so last night we all went out to the club. Most of the ISA people were celebrating their last night in Spain. I will be here another 2 weeks, but I know it won't be the same without them.
I've learned so many amazing things about Spain and Spanish culture, but one of the greatest things I've learned here was actually from a fellow ISA person.
Ashley is a conservative sorority girl from the north. Seemingly, with just that information, she would seem to be my polar opposite. What could a conservative sorority yankee possibly have in common with an über-liberal femi-nazi southerner? But over the past 5 weeks we've shared so much. We've talked, shopped, drank, laughed, and of course today cried. We come from different worlds, but we have the same ideas on life: we hate stupid people, adore Spain, love to shop, sometimes need to vent, and a million other things. Ashley has such a big heart and open mind. I will miss her for now, but I know when we said goodbye it wasn't forever.
Regardless of what lies ahead of me, from now on I know for a fact that the old clichés of "don't judge a book by it's cover" and "looks can be deceiving" are true. Thanks to Ashley I've broke away from my presumptions about people.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Week #5 in Spain
This is my last week of classes, which means a paper and two finals, but it also means a lot of going away parties. The last ISA excursion was to Córdoba and Granada. Córdoba's heat was almost unbearable, and Granada was just as beautiful as the last time I saw it.
I am becoming more integrated into Spanish culture, which makes it difficult to point out cultural differences. But I am also coming to the realization that there are just as many similarities between my own culture and this "foreign" culture.
It's miserably hot in the summer, so we find ways to keep cool. We enjoy hanging out with friends, and we get really loud when we're having fun. We have childhood memories, we suffered through teenage angst, and we never want to grow up. We dream, we laugh, we cry, we bleed, we communicate, we share, we love.
Webster's has one definition of foreign as "alien in character: not connected or pertinent". I find this definition to be incredibly archaic in today's society. With technology, especially the Internet, people are no longer disconnected, and what happens in one country is pertinent to a country on the other side of the world (e.g. the economic crisis). Thus, although I am in a country in which I wasn't born, a country in which the language isn't my mother tongue, a country in which my family and ancestors have never lived, I feel I am very connected with it's people, culture and civilization. When it comes down to it, despite all of our differences, we are still one people.
I am becoming more integrated into Spanish culture, which makes it difficult to point out cultural differences. But I am also coming to the realization that there are just as many similarities between my own culture and this "foreign" culture.
It's miserably hot in the summer, so we find ways to keep cool. We enjoy hanging out with friends, and we get really loud when we're having fun. We have childhood memories, we suffered through teenage angst, and we never want to grow up. We dream, we laugh, we cry, we bleed, we communicate, we share, we love.
Webster's has one definition of foreign as "alien in character: not connected or pertinent". I find this definition to be incredibly archaic in today's society. With technology, especially the Internet, people are no longer disconnected, and what happens in one country is pertinent to a country on the other side of the world (e.g. the economic crisis). Thus, although I am in a country in which I wasn't born, a country in which the language isn't my mother tongue, a country in which my family and ancestors have never lived, I feel I am very connected with it's people, culture and civilization. When it comes down to it, despite all of our differences, we are still one people.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Weekend update #3
I am now entering the final week of school. I'm looking forward to the end of classes, because even in Spain school can be a drag. I'm also excited about having more time to explore the city. However, the end of school also means all my ISA friends are going back to reality. We've only had a month together, but I've met some really great people. I know it won't be goodbye forever, but there will still be tears when they leave. Thus, this weekend will be really special since it will be the last ISA trip before everyone goes to Madrid to leave.
This weekend we're going to Córdoba and Granada. Both of these cities have very impressive architecture, mainly with Muslim influences. Córdoba was one of the largest cities in Western Europe during the tenth century because it was the capital of the Caliphate of Cordoba. Granada was the last city to fall to the Christians in 1492, and has the Alhambra, one of the most famous of Muslim buildings.
These two cities are examples of why time is viewed differently by Americans versus Europeans. When I was told a building in Madrid was quite new, I assumed that meant a few decades. When I asked how new, the response was "Oh, just a few centuries". Seeing as my country is "just a few centuries", I couldn't entirely comprehend how someone could call a few centuries new. However, when viewed through the eyes of a Spaniard, with thousands of years of history, the United States of America, with recognition of independence in 1783, is new.
Here lies the debate, as well as an assumption of culture shock: Since the USA is new, it doesn't have beautiful architecture or a rich history; conversely, since Spain is old it only has elegant architecture and a strong historical tradition.
I must say, I've seen breath-taking views in the US and slums in Spain. The US hasn't had a civil war in over a hundred years, while Spain didn't have it's current form of government until 1978.
This isn't to say the debate is completely false. However, when opening your mind to new cultures and experiences it is prudent to avoid any exaggerations or definitive conclusions about any culture...including your own.
This weekend we're going to Córdoba and Granada. Both of these cities have very impressive architecture, mainly with Muslim influences. Córdoba was one of the largest cities in Western Europe during the tenth century because it was the capital of the Caliphate of Cordoba. Granada was the last city to fall to the Christians in 1492, and has the Alhambra, one of the most famous of Muslim buildings.
These two cities are examples of why time is viewed differently by Americans versus Europeans. When I was told a building in Madrid was quite new, I assumed that meant a few decades. When I asked how new, the response was "Oh, just a few centuries". Seeing as my country is "just a few centuries", I couldn't entirely comprehend how someone could call a few centuries new. However, when viewed through the eyes of a Spaniard, with thousands of years of history, the United States of America, with recognition of independence in 1783, is new.
Here lies the debate, as well as an assumption of culture shock: Since the USA is new, it doesn't have beautiful architecture or a rich history; conversely, since Spain is old it only has elegant architecture and a strong historical tradition.
I must say, I've seen breath-taking views in the US and slums in Spain. The US hasn't had a civil war in over a hundred years, while Spain didn't have it's current form of government until 1978.
This isn't to say the debate is completely false. However, when opening your mind to new cultures and experiences it is prudent to avoid any exaggerations or definitive conclusions about any culture...including your own.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Week #4 in Spain
This past weekend was four days, so Jesús and I went to Málaga and stayed in Fuengirola, which was about 15 minutes away.
Málaga is in the south of Spain along the Meditterranean Sea. It's a big tourist city, especially for Brits. It was definitely an illuminating experience. Most of these tourists were rich and snooty, they didn't care to learn about the language or culture, they were only there to use the beach, and expected all the Spaniards to cater to their every desire. There was a point when servers started speaking English to Jesús and I, to which we of course responded ¿Cómo? This leads me to a big rant...
When traveling to a foreign country, you don't have to be fluent in the language, you don't have to know what form of government they have, and you don't have to like all their foods and customs. However, you should at least be courteous enough to learn how to say hi, hola, hallo, bonjour or thank you, gracias, danke, merci. In addition, you should recognize you are not in your native county, and as such you should not expect the same treatment (reference to earlier post on restaurants), a.k.a when in Rome... Finally, nobody likes everything they try and some people don't like anything they try, however, you must try different things. Of course the typical American isn't used to eating snails or shark or sardines, but if you travel to Spain you should at least have a taste before saying you don't like those things. You may surprise yourself...or, of course, you may not :). End rant.
Málaga is in the south of Spain along the Meditterranean Sea. It's a big tourist city, especially for Brits. It was definitely an illuminating experience. Most of these tourists were rich and snooty, they didn't care to learn about the language or culture, they were only there to use the beach, and expected all the Spaniards to cater to their every desire. There was a point when servers started speaking English to Jesús and I, to which we of course responded ¿Cómo? This leads me to a big rant...
When traveling to a foreign country, you don't have to be fluent in the language, you don't have to know what form of government they have, and you don't have to like all their foods and customs. However, you should at least be courteous enough to learn how to say hi, hola, hallo, bonjour or thank you, gracias, danke, merci. In addition, you should recognize you are not in your native county, and as such you should not expect the same treatment (reference to earlier post on restaurants), a.k.a when in Rome... Finally, nobody likes everything they try and some people don't like anything they try, however, you must try different things. Of course the typical American isn't used to eating snails or shark or sardines, but if you travel to Spain you should at least have a taste before saying you don't like those things. You may surprise yourself...or, of course, you may not :). End rant.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Weekend update #2
This weekend is a long one, which means I'm writing about it today instead of tomorrow. Why are we having a long weekend? Tomorrow is a Sevilliano holiday called Corpus Christi. It's some kind of city holy celebration. And, in Spain (as well as the majority of Europe) if a holiday is in the middle of the week they "hacer una puenta". What does this mean? Literally it means to make a bridge, so in this context Friday is the bridge. Instead of dismissing class Thursday, going to class on Friday, and then once again having days off for the weekend, the universities here just close the gap between the weekday celebration and the weekend. Pretty cool, huh?
So, what will I be doing during this marvelous four day vacation? Well, today we're leaving for Jerez de la Frontera to visit Jesús' familia. Tomorrow, we'll leave Jerez and head to Málaga, where we'll stay until Sunday. We have a beautiful hotel right next to the beach, and the best part is Jesús had a coupon with the agency, which makes the trip practically free! Very exciting.
I don't have much else to talk about right now. My studies are going well, I still feel like I'm learning a lot, and I'm starting to feel more and more comfortable about the city. I'm super excited about my brother's visit in July, because I think by then I'll be practically an expert on Sevilla!
Leave comments or questions or just say hello. I'm in love with this city, but I do miss my people back home.
So, what will I be doing during this marvelous four day vacation? Well, today we're leaving for Jerez de la Frontera to visit Jesús' familia. Tomorrow, we'll leave Jerez and head to Málaga, where we'll stay until Sunday. We have a beautiful hotel right next to the beach, and the best part is Jesús had a coupon with the agency, which makes the trip practically free! Very exciting.
I don't have much else to talk about right now. My studies are going well, I still feel like I'm learning a lot, and I'm starting to feel more and more comfortable about the city. I'm super excited about my brother's visit in July, because I think by then I'll be practically an expert on Sevilla!
Leave comments or questions or just say hello. I'm in love with this city, but I do miss my people back home.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Week #3 in Spain
This past Saturday we went to Portugal, and it was amazing!! We hiked through cliffs for about 10 miles and saw maybe a half dozen different beaches. By the end of the day I was dead, but it was well worth it! Click here to see pictures.
Sunday we slept in and cleaned up the apartment. Fairly uneventful, but we needed the rest :).
I am still expanding my cultural awareness and understanding. A cultural observation from this week is about customer service, namely in restaurants.
Here, the standards seem to be a little lower. Of course, there isn't as much motivation here since they don't have to work for a tip. Still, there's no refills, no asking how the food is, no warm fuzzies between customers and servers. It's business as usual, and customers seem to be an inconvenience. Typically, you seat yourself, wait an American long time, order your food, wait an American very long time, eat, ask for the check. During this whole time, you only see the server when s/he brings your food and brings your check...and typically you have to hunt her/him down for the check.
However, it's really not all bad. The value of food here seems to be significantly better. For lunch, you can get the "menu del día", which includes a plate one, a plate two, a dessert, and a beverage for a grand total average of 9€ (approx. $12.75). This price includes tax and "tip", since you don't tip here.
My favorite choices from the menu del día? Gazpacho, bistec de ternera a la plancha, helado, y una cerveza clara. ¡Sabrosa!
Sunday we slept in and cleaned up the apartment. Fairly uneventful, but we needed the rest :).
I am still expanding my cultural awareness and understanding. A cultural observation from this week is about customer service, namely in restaurants.
Here, the standards seem to be a little lower. Of course, there isn't as much motivation here since they don't have to work for a tip. Still, there's no refills, no asking how the food is, no warm fuzzies between customers and servers. It's business as usual, and customers seem to be an inconvenience. Typically, you seat yourself, wait an American long time, order your food, wait an American very long time, eat, ask for the check. During this whole time, you only see the server when s/he brings your food and brings your check...and typically you have to hunt her/him down for the check.
However, it's really not all bad. The value of food here seems to be significantly better. For lunch, you can get the "menu del día", which includes a plate one, a plate two, a dessert, and a beverage for a grand total average of 9€ (approx. $12.75). This price includes tax and "tip", since you don't tip here.
My favorite choices from the menu del día? Gazpacho, bistec de ternera a la plancha, helado, y una cerveza clara. ¡Sabrosa!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Weekend update #1
So I decided that one post a week probably wouldn't be sufficient to elaborate on everything. Thus, I'll have a weekly post on Mondays, and a "weekend update" on Thursdays discussing what I'll be doing the following weekend.
Brief summary of last weekend: We went to the beach at Zahara, I was 9 miles away from Africa (Morroco), we visited Jesús' family
This weekend we're going to Algarve, Portugal!! I'm really excited because I've never been to Portugal. There's a beautiful beach as well as cliffs where we're going. Here's a picture of it:
We'll be with a group of people and we'll be doing a lot of hiking. Unfortunately it's supposed to rain. Hopefully it won't be the whole day. We leave early Saturday and get back that night. I'm not sure what we'll do Sunday, but maybe we'll go to a nearby beach if it's sunny outside. I want to get as much beach as possible since Arkansas is landlocked :)!
I guess that's all for now. Until Monday!
Brief summary of last weekend: We went to the beach at Zahara, I was 9 miles away from Africa (Morroco), we visited Jesús' family
This weekend we're going to Algarve, Portugal!! I'm really excited because I've never been to Portugal. There's a beautiful beach as well as cliffs where we're going. Here's a picture of it:
We'll be with a group of people and we'll be doing a lot of hiking. Unfortunately it's supposed to rain. Hopefully it won't be the whole day. We leave early Saturday and get back that night. I'm not sure what we'll do Sunday, but maybe we'll go to a nearby beach if it's sunny outside. I want to get as much beach as possible since Arkansas is landlocked :)!
I guess that's all for now. Until Monday!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Week #2 in Spain
I've decided I'll try to post on Mondays, so here's my post for week 2.
This weekend we went to the beach at Zahara de los atunes. It was really beautiful, but the water was slightly freezing. I was also able to go to the end of Europe, which means I was nine miles away from Africa. Unfortunately it was too cloudy to see anything, but there are plenty more sunny days to come.
This weekend was big for the world of Spanish fútbol. Xerez, the home team of Jerez, moved up to first division, while Betis, one of the 2 Sevilla teams, dropped to second division. The fans of Betis were in tears and tearing apart the stadium. Apparently, soccer is a way of life for some of the people here. It's not just a game, it's their livelihood.
Here in Sevilla, there are two main teams: Betis and Sevilla. Thus, you're either del Betis or del Sevilla and basically hate the other team. So, Betis afecionados will be thoroughly made fun of since they have now dropped into the second division.
I feel like I've learned more about the culture than the language, but I'm not complaining. Jesús' dad knows so much about Spanish history and my language teacher seems to have an anecdote for every aspect of language we learn. I'm actually surprised at the amount I've learned in such a small time. I've also learned things outside of the classroom. For example, the proper way to walk in a big city:
1. Always pretend you know where you're going
2. Never make eye contact
3. Never smile
4. Keep a fast pace
5. Sunglasses and an IPOD are incredibly useful to ignore unwanted attention.
Okay, maybe it's not that bad, but sometimes the locals can be kind of aggressive. All in all, I really do enjoy walking everywhere, because I'm pretty sure I've lost about 5 pounds.
I guess I'll wrap this up. If you've read all the way to here, please leave a comment. I like to know who actually reads this :).
This weekend we went to the beach at Zahara de los atunes. It was really beautiful, but the water was slightly freezing. I was also able to go to the end of Europe, which means I was nine miles away from Africa. Unfortunately it was too cloudy to see anything, but there are plenty more sunny days to come.
This weekend was big for the world of Spanish fútbol. Xerez, the home team of Jerez, moved up to first division, while Betis, one of the 2 Sevilla teams, dropped to second division. The fans of Betis were in tears and tearing apart the stadium. Apparently, soccer is a way of life for some of the people here. It's not just a game, it's their livelihood.
Here in Sevilla, there are two main teams: Betis and Sevilla. Thus, you're either del Betis or del Sevilla and basically hate the other team. So, Betis afecionados will be thoroughly made fun of since they have now dropped into the second division.
I feel like I've learned more about the culture than the language, but I'm not complaining. Jesús' dad knows so much about Spanish history and my language teacher seems to have an anecdote for every aspect of language we learn. I'm actually surprised at the amount I've learned in such a small time. I've also learned things outside of the classroom. For example, the proper way to walk in a big city:
1. Always pretend you know where you're going
2. Never make eye contact
3. Never smile
4. Keep a fast pace
5. Sunglasses and an IPOD are incredibly useful to ignore unwanted attention.
Okay, maybe it's not that bad, but sometimes the locals can be kind of aggressive. All in all, I really do enjoy walking everywhere, because I'm pretty sure I've lost about 5 pounds.
I guess I'll wrap this up. If you've read all the way to here, please leave a comment. I like to know who actually reads this :).
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Week #1 in Spain
I have now been in Spain one whole week and it has been both the longest and shortest week in my memory.
I left from XNA on Tuesday, May 19 at about 11:30am, had a connection in St. Paul/Minneapolis, then to Amsterdam and after a 4 hour layover there and a 2.5 hour plane ride arrived at Barajas on Wednesday. To start off, my phone was temporarily not working, I was afraid I had lost my baggage and I tried to meet in the wrong place. However, once I found the group everything was really nice.
The remainder of day one I got some tapas for lunch with a few other students, enjoyed a panoramic bus tour of the city, had chinese food for dinner, and finally crashed... only to be awoken 3 times by my roommate´s mother. Está bien ella estaba preocupada.
Day two, Thursday, we toured El Prado museum and viewed three of the most famous Spanish artists: El Greco, Valesquez, y Goya. After that we had a tour of the palacio real which has about 2 thousand rooms and 200 clocks. For lunch we had some typical spanish food and then a typical spanish siesta :). After that, my roommate, Stephanie, and I explored on our own and ate at Rodilla for dinner.
Friday was probably the most exhausting day. In the morning we left Madrid to visit el valle de los caidos y El Escorial and arrived in Toledo that afternoon. El valle de los caídos is where Franco is buried and it was mostly built by imprisoned Republican soldiers. I´m not sure if there is anything more tragically beautiful. The view was epic but the emotional pain for Spaniards must be overwhelming. I know it was difficult for me simply based on my knowledge of Franco.
El Escorial is a monastary not too far away. It is also where royalty is entombed. We had lunch there, I had chinese food again, and then left for Toledo. Our hotel was outside of the center so we had to take the bus or a taxi to get downtown. We had dinner there and then went back to the hotel because it was raining.
Day four started off rainy and then it cleared up into a beautiful day. We had a panoramic bus tour of Toledo and then toured a former mosque, a former synogouge and a church with a famous Greco painting. Toledo is known for it´s mix of religions and throughout history has been a more tolerant city. The tour ended in front of the cathedral, which has the largest bell in the world. It was only rang once because it broke all the glass surrounding and it also cracked. After the tour, we did some shopping, ate some lunch, and returned to the hotel for a siesta. That night, we went back for dinner (we had the best cheese pizza ever), then to a bar, then to a discoteca. The disco was amazing! It was a church that had been transformed. We didn´t get home until about 4am and we had to leave Toledo at 9am. It would have been an amazing night, except for the fact I almost broke my toe dancing.
Day five, Sunday, we left Toledo for Sevilla. We made a stop at the famous windmills, where there is a plaque about Don Quixote. We finally arrived in Sevilla at about 5pm. Of course I was so excited to get here and finally be with Jesús again. Monday I started my classes, and went to the hospital for my toes. Luckily nothing is broken, just very bruised and swollen, however, the swelling has been gradually going down. I´m in advanced spanish and spanish culture and civilization. Both classes are interesting and I especially enjoy the first one.
My schedule is kind of strange. I have class from 9am to 11am and from 4pm to 6pm. So, I leave for class when Jesús leaves for work, come home and am able to have lunch with Jesús, then get home at about the same time or a little later than Jesús. Tomorrow I´m going to tour the Alcazar of Sevilla, which is kind of like a Muslim cathedral.
This post has become ridiculously long, so I will end it for now and try to write more often than once a week.
I left from XNA on Tuesday, May 19 at about 11:30am, had a connection in St. Paul/Minneapolis, then to Amsterdam and after a 4 hour layover there and a 2.5 hour plane ride arrived at Barajas on Wednesday. To start off, my phone was temporarily not working, I was afraid I had lost my baggage and I tried to meet in the wrong place. However, once I found the group everything was really nice.
The remainder of day one I got some tapas for lunch with a few other students, enjoyed a panoramic bus tour of the city, had chinese food for dinner, and finally crashed... only to be awoken 3 times by my roommate´s mother. Está bien ella estaba preocupada.
Day two, Thursday, we toured El Prado museum and viewed three of the most famous Spanish artists: El Greco, Valesquez, y Goya. After that we had a tour of the palacio real which has about 2 thousand rooms and 200 clocks. For lunch we had some typical spanish food and then a typical spanish siesta :). After that, my roommate, Stephanie, and I explored on our own and ate at Rodilla for dinner.
Friday was probably the most exhausting day. In the morning we left Madrid to visit el valle de los caidos y El Escorial and arrived in Toledo that afternoon. El valle de los caídos is where Franco is buried and it was mostly built by imprisoned Republican soldiers. I´m not sure if there is anything more tragically beautiful. The view was epic but the emotional pain for Spaniards must be overwhelming. I know it was difficult for me simply based on my knowledge of Franco.
El Escorial is a monastary not too far away. It is also where royalty is entombed. We had lunch there, I had chinese food again, and then left for Toledo. Our hotel was outside of the center so we had to take the bus or a taxi to get downtown. We had dinner there and then went back to the hotel because it was raining.
Day four started off rainy and then it cleared up into a beautiful day. We had a panoramic bus tour of Toledo and then toured a former mosque, a former synogouge and a church with a famous Greco painting. Toledo is known for it´s mix of religions and throughout history has been a more tolerant city. The tour ended in front of the cathedral, which has the largest bell in the world. It was only rang once because it broke all the glass surrounding and it also cracked. After the tour, we did some shopping, ate some lunch, and returned to the hotel for a siesta. That night, we went back for dinner (we had the best cheese pizza ever), then to a bar, then to a discoteca. The disco was amazing! It was a church that had been transformed. We didn´t get home until about 4am and we had to leave Toledo at 9am. It would have been an amazing night, except for the fact I almost broke my toe dancing.
Day five, Sunday, we left Toledo for Sevilla. We made a stop at the famous windmills, where there is a plaque about Don Quixote. We finally arrived in Sevilla at about 5pm. Of course I was so excited to get here and finally be with Jesús again. Monday I started my classes, and went to the hospital for my toes. Luckily nothing is broken, just very bruised and swollen, however, the swelling has been gradually going down. I´m in advanced spanish and spanish culture and civilization. Both classes are interesting and I especially enjoy the first one.
My schedule is kind of strange. I have class from 9am to 11am and from 4pm to 6pm. So, I leave for class when Jesús leaves for work, come home and am able to have lunch with Jesús, then get home at about the same time or a little later than Jesús. Tomorrow I´m going to tour the Alcazar of Sevilla, which is kind of like a Muslim cathedral.
This post has become ridiculously long, so I will end it for now and try to write more often than once a week.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I'm leaving on a jet plane...
I'll be leaving for Spain May 19th until July 12th and I'm super excited! Since I've been there before I already know what to expect as far as food and a lot of customs, but this will be a new experience since I'll be studying there.
I'll be studying at the Menéndez Pelayo International University in Sevilla and I'll be taking about 6 hours worth. The actual instruction will be May 25th-June 26th, but I'll be going earlier to tour Madrid and Toledo and stay later to spend some much needed quality time with my partner :).
I don't have a lot to say right now, but I will be sure to keep everyone updated once I arrive on my new adventure!
I'll be studying at the Menéndez Pelayo International University in Sevilla and I'll be taking about 6 hours worth. The actual instruction will be May 25th-June 26th, but I'll be going earlier to tour Madrid and Toledo and stay later to spend some much needed quality time with my partner :).
I don't have a lot to say right now, but I will be sure to keep everyone updated once I arrive on my new adventure!
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