My super quick update since I am going to start jumping up and down so I need to share my excitement. It is official Spring Break 2009 is booked! 3 countries, 3 languages, and 3 different currencies! A little crazy I know! Mary and I will be heading out in April to Budapest, Berlin and London. It will be my second return trip to London within a year, but we will be there for Easter Sunday and will both be able to go to church in English which is nice. I have a new desire to see the Queen of England's Easter Sunday hat! Have a great weekend all!!
Adios!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Dia del San Thomas
Nemo at the Aquarium
random fishie!
the port
the Atlantic Ocean and the city
an old church by the sea
a jumping picture again! on the other side of the Atlantic!
Hey all,
So we had yesterday off from school since it was St. Thomas day and that is the patron saint of the university. I am still convinced it is just an excuse for no classes, but I will take it. The weather was suppose to be really bad so we decided to stay close by. We went to a city about 15-20 minutes away by bus called Gijón. Gijón is directly on the Atlantic Ocean. We kinda wondered through the city and the boardwalk for a while, since we were lacking a map. We concluded the day in the Aquarium where we were all like 5 year olds again. It amazing what happens when you have like 5, 20 years olds looking at fish, penguins, and sharks! I got to put my toes in the ocean although the weather was not the greatest and the waves were crazy because of it. I was surprised to realize my toes did not freeze off and the water really isn´t as cold as I expected. I guess that means May beach trips when everyone thinks I have lost my mind! I don't care! The above is all pictures from in the city yesterday! Enjoy!
Hasta Luego!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The things that happen after midnight...
Hey all,
So after a few weekends in Oviedo now I realize a few things that I find interesting enough to share. First off, no one and I mean no one goes out before 1am. The first weekend we made the mistake of trying to go to a bar around 12. We found ourselves there by ourselves with the bartenders and a few loners. Strange, we won't make that mistake again, this weekend we met up after midnight. My second surprise is that everyone goes out. Going out to a bar here really is not just for college students everyone of all ages is out just socialising with thier friends no matter how old you are.
They have an army of street cleaners here. People with jobs to pick up the dog poo in the park, wash down the side walk, pick up the trash empty the garbage cans. It is all done after midnight everynight. The city itself is spotless its amazing but thats not because the people are clean. I am actually starting to think their theory is, its ok to throw it on the ground, someone will pick it up later. On the note of that men pee everywhere. WHY WHY WHY? It is not okay to pee next to the church or in the middle of something. This is not like a I am a 20 year old drunk college kid, this is like I am a 60 year old man I have to pee so I will up against the wall. It is just not okay go find a bush at least! At least the street cleaner washes it down at the end of the night!
Drinking and walking around town. I do know it is illegal to walk around with open drinks here, although no one enforces it. I think much of this has to do with the Spanish lifestyle of you do not drink to get drunk so many times you have a drink for quite a while. This makes it normal for them to carry their drink with them even if they change locations.
A little note since I had said the weather was terrible. They are offically calling it a cyclone (I always thought cyclones were the opposite of hurricanes but I guess I am wrong). The whole north of Spain, south of France and north of Portugal got hit really bad. The waves have been very high killing a couple of people as it crashed over walls onto boardwalks and streets as well as a gym cealing collapsed in Barcelona killing a team of kids playing inside. Everything here is in one piece but I guess the wind sounds and the sight of garbage cans flying wasn't a joke at all.
Adios!
Erika
So after a few weekends in Oviedo now I realize a few things that I find interesting enough to share. First off, no one and I mean no one goes out before 1am. The first weekend we made the mistake of trying to go to a bar around 12. We found ourselves there by ourselves with the bartenders and a few loners. Strange, we won't make that mistake again, this weekend we met up after midnight. My second surprise is that everyone goes out. Going out to a bar here really is not just for college students everyone of all ages is out just socialising with thier friends no matter how old you are.
They have an army of street cleaners here. People with jobs to pick up the dog poo in the park, wash down the side walk, pick up the trash empty the garbage cans. It is all done after midnight everynight. The city itself is spotless its amazing but thats not because the people are clean. I am actually starting to think their theory is, its ok to throw it on the ground, someone will pick it up later. On the note of that men pee everywhere. WHY WHY WHY? It is not okay to pee next to the church or in the middle of something. This is not like a I am a 20 year old drunk college kid, this is like I am a 60 year old man I have to pee so I will up against the wall. It is just not okay go find a bush at least! At least the street cleaner washes it down at the end of the night!
Drinking and walking around town. I do know it is illegal to walk around with open drinks here, although no one enforces it. I think much of this has to do with the Spanish lifestyle of you do not drink to get drunk so many times you have a drink for quite a while. This makes it normal for them to carry their drink with them even if they change locations.
A little note since I had said the weather was terrible. They are offically calling it a cyclone (I always thought cyclones were the opposite of hurricanes but I guess I am wrong). The whole north of Spain, south of France and north of Portugal got hit really bad. The waves have been very high killing a couple of people as it crashed over walls onto boardwalks and streets as well as a gym cealing collapsed in Barcelona killing a team of kids playing inside. Everything here is in one piece but I guess the wind sounds and the sight of garbage cans flying wasn't a joke at all.
Adios!
Erika
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Some pictures of Oviedo!
a random church in the city
The University of Oviedo and a random statue of books and a hat in a Plaza called "Teachers Plaza"
The Cathedral, their love and pride
This streets prime hour is between 1am and 6am on Thursdays, Fridays and Sat.
(the location of all the bars)
(the location of all the bars)
The University, the yellow building in the background is where the majority of my classes are located
The mountains surrounding Oviedo. I took this on our drive into the city.
Hey all,
Sorry it took me a while to get some pictures uploaded. School is going well. This weekend I have to read El Cid and another story so I have about 25 pages to read. Not really looking forward to that at all. Yesterday after class I wandered over to the travel agent to find out about information about inter European flights and who flies direct to where. We are starting to discuss spring break plans so hopefully I will get some exciting trips in.
Random Thoughts:
First off everyone has the first name Maria here, everyone. So because it is normal the Spaniards have though up a shortening system which is M with a tiny a that is in front of every woman's name.
I knew this already but figured I would share since it still is interesting to me. The ring finger here is not located on the left hand but rather the right hand.
The paper towels feel like toilet paper and the toilet paper doesn't exist and there is no tissues in houses. Now I know why the women all carry around tissues in their bags. I officially carry tissues as well.
School Books! I am so use to spending a crazy amount of money on books each semester that this was a new one for me. Each professor makes copies and packets of everything we need for each unit. It is a lot of papers I would say that, but my phonetics class for example gave us a packet for the year. We were able to bring it to the copy center at school and have it bound for a whopping, 60 cents! That would be the max I am spending on books this semester, minus the 5 euros in notebooks and folders I bought. Beat that one!
Last night there was a major storm in the north of Spain. Hurricane like winds and it poured. My entertainment instead of venturing out in the bad weather was siting on our balcony and watching he garbage cans fly into the traffic circle. As that happened crash would come to a halting stop and another car would nearly collide with the first one. I found it quite entertaining. I am sure they did not. Because of the weather I did not get out of bed to bother going to the market and was told this afternoon they close anyway for rain since no one comes. Although tomorrow isn't looking like a very good day for the market either. I guess I am going to have to wait another week for the market.
I had paella today for lunch, which made me happy however I am not a big fan of shrimp when I need to remove their head and legs and everything else. It is just too much work for a damn shrimp. The food still is not my favorite thing in the world here. I'll survive.
Adios!
Erika
Sorry it took me a while to get some pictures uploaded. School is going well. This weekend I have to read El Cid and another story so I have about 25 pages to read. Not really looking forward to that at all. Yesterday after class I wandered over to the travel agent to find out about information about inter European flights and who flies direct to where. We are starting to discuss spring break plans so hopefully I will get some exciting trips in.
Random Thoughts:
First off everyone has the first name Maria here, everyone. So because it is normal the Spaniards have though up a shortening system which is M with a tiny a that is in front of every woman's name.
I knew this already but figured I would share since it still is interesting to me. The ring finger here is not located on the left hand but rather the right hand.
The paper towels feel like toilet paper and the toilet paper doesn't exist and there is no tissues in houses. Now I know why the women all carry around tissues in their bags. I officially carry tissues as well.
School Books! I am so use to spending a crazy amount of money on books each semester that this was a new one for me. Each professor makes copies and packets of everything we need for each unit. It is a lot of papers I would say that, but my phonetics class for example gave us a packet for the year. We were able to bring it to the copy center at school and have it bound for a whopping, 60 cents! That would be the max I am spending on books this semester, minus the 5 euros in notebooks and folders I bought. Beat that one!
Last night there was a major storm in the north of Spain. Hurricane like winds and it poured. My entertainment instead of venturing out in the bad weather was siting on our balcony and watching he garbage cans fly into the traffic circle. As that happened crash would come to a halting stop and another car would nearly collide with the first one. I found it quite entertaining. I am sure they did not. Because of the weather I did not get out of bed to bother going to the market and was told this afternoon they close anyway for rain since no one comes. Although tomorrow isn't looking like a very good day for the market either. I guess I am going to have to wait another week for the market.
I had paella today for lunch, which made me happy however I am not a big fan of shrimp when I need to remove their head and legs and everything else. It is just too much work for a damn shrimp. The food still is not my favorite thing in the world here. I'll survive.
Adios!
Erika
Thursday, January 22, 2009
It was hailing two days ago today its 25 degrees
Hey all,
Today it is 25 degrees C that is! (77 F) Let me just first off say it is after 10pm and that is the current temperature so today without a doubt must have been over 80 degrees. Absolutely crazy.
Today is Thursday aka my hell day with all 5 classes in one day. A highlight of my day however was the fact that during my hour break Ben, Ian and I decided to find ourselves these world famous churros con chocolate. We figured at least Ian and I since we had to suffer through 5 classes plus had agreed yesterday that Spanish people have no junk food what-so-ever in their house it might be a blessing in disguise or just a way to drive us up the mountain in need of sweets. Anyways we found the churros, they are not like churros back in the states thinner, and barely any sugar. You get them with a cup of hot chocolate, literary its melted chocolate to dip them in and you are suppose to drink the rest when you are done. They are like heaven although if they became a daily habit that could be a problem.
An update on my cider entry because I had forgotten on my last. I tried the cider. I personally think it tastes disgusting, but I tried it. We did not go to a classic cider place where a guy pours it 3 feet from the glass however to another place on the strip that Jamie recommended we check out at some point. There are no waiters to pour your cider, you get a card and put as much money as you would like on it. Take a clean cup from the wall and swipe your card after placing your cup in a holder and out comes your cider from snakes that stick out of the wall. Let me first say how amused we were from this comparison of Adam and Eve with the snakes the APPLE cider and the temptation of drinking. It was a little weird and very funny especially in a country of Catholics.
I was in Literature class today and the professor handed out a copy of El Cid for us to read at some point this weekend. El Cid was originally written in medieval Spanish so we have both the modern Spanish version and the original. He made a crack that Saturday night after a few rounds of cider and being at the bar we should give a try to reading the medieval Spanish, in other words when we are drunk. I have had professors, one specifically comes to mind in Philly who told us his class was more important than our favorite show and should be willing to give up everything to pass his class. I just find it funny how a 3000 level Spanish lit class professor tells me to get drunk and read El Cid and a core curriculum English lit class professor says to give up my social life for his class. Goes to show you how much the Spanish live to party and work to party and unlike America where our lives revolve around WORK WORK WORK.
I am starting to get use to life here and how things work more and more each day. I am starting enjoying the life of going to the cafe at night and having a glass of wine to end the day. It is very relaxing with jazz music playing in the background.
Thursday nights in Spain are very much like Thursdays near any college, it is a normal party night. The university here actually offers less classes on Fridays and no morning Friday classes so in reality it makes more sense than back home in the states for people to go out on Thursdays. For example, I don't have class until 4pm tomorrow, so who cares if I sleep until 2 (Other than my host mom when she is trying to feed me!)
That is all for now!
-Erika
Today it is 25 degrees C that is! (77 F) Let me just first off say it is after 10pm and that is the current temperature so today without a doubt must have been over 80 degrees. Absolutely crazy.
Today is Thursday aka my hell day with all 5 classes in one day. A highlight of my day however was the fact that during my hour break Ben, Ian and I decided to find ourselves these world famous churros con chocolate. We figured at least Ian and I since we had to suffer through 5 classes plus had agreed yesterday that Spanish people have no junk food what-so-ever in their house it might be a blessing in disguise or just a way to drive us up the mountain in need of sweets. Anyways we found the churros, they are not like churros back in the states thinner, and barely any sugar. You get them with a cup of hot chocolate, literary its melted chocolate to dip them in and you are suppose to drink the rest when you are done. They are like heaven although if they became a daily habit that could be a problem.
An update on my cider entry because I had forgotten on my last. I tried the cider. I personally think it tastes disgusting, but I tried it. We did not go to a classic cider place where a guy pours it 3 feet from the glass however to another place on the strip that Jamie recommended we check out at some point. There are no waiters to pour your cider, you get a card and put as much money as you would like on it. Take a clean cup from the wall and swipe your card after placing your cup in a holder and out comes your cider from snakes that stick out of the wall. Let me first say how amused we were from this comparison of Adam and Eve with the snakes the APPLE cider and the temptation of drinking. It was a little weird and very funny especially in a country of Catholics.
I was in Literature class today and the professor handed out a copy of El Cid for us to read at some point this weekend. El Cid was originally written in medieval Spanish so we have both the modern Spanish version and the original. He made a crack that Saturday night after a few rounds of cider and being at the bar we should give a try to reading the medieval Spanish, in other words when we are drunk. I have had professors, one specifically comes to mind in Philly who told us his class was more important than our favorite show and should be willing to give up everything to pass his class. I just find it funny how a 3000 level Spanish lit class professor tells me to get drunk and read El Cid and a core curriculum English lit class professor says to give up my social life for his class. Goes to show you how much the Spanish live to party and work to party and unlike America where our lives revolve around WORK WORK WORK.
I am starting to get use to life here and how things work more and more each day. I am starting enjoying the life of going to the cafe at night and having a glass of wine to end the day. It is very relaxing with jazz music playing in the background.
Thursday nights in Spain are very much like Thursdays near any college, it is a normal party night. The university here actually offers less classes on Fridays and no morning Friday classes so in reality it makes more sense than back home in the states for people to go out on Thursdays. For example, I don't have class until 4pm tomorrow, so who cares if I sleep until 2 (Other than my host mom when she is trying to feed me!)
That is all for now!
-Erika
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Obama is my President!
Hey all!
First off part of our group went to our routine cafe which happened to have cnn! So we got a chance to see Obama sworn in live on tv as well as his speech afterwards! (IN ENGLISH) The lovely country of Spain allowed all of us to pop a bottle of champagne thanks to one of the girls host moms as well to kick off our celebration. This was a serious celebration for us, many who are more grateful of this transition since we are abroad. (The Spanish really did not like Bush.)
I am sorry for a lack of updating. I lost my internet connect that I was stealing off the neighbors at my house making updating and checking my email a little more difficult the last few days. Classes are becoming more and more normal. There isn´t that much homework so far and I am quite alright if there never is that much homework.
I am starting to seriously investigate trips. I think I am going to start off with some little one in Spain to other cities before I try anything that big.
My few random thoughts:
The milk is always warm and is always out on the table all day. I understand it must be treated differently. But this sense inside of me does NOT want to drink milk that is warm or has been sitting out all day.
BONES...There is bones in every piece of meat you eat. I know they do cuts of meat differently but are they fans of little bones in everything. Fish I always expect one. Chicken I dont! I wonder if I go to McDonalds if my chicken nuggets will have bones in that too?
I never had glasses as a kid but I always remember the jokes for kids who did. Here it seems to be a fashion statement for both adults and kids to have the most obsurd colors for their glasses. ORANGE! HOT PINK! POKA DOTS!
I had my fountains going off around midnight experience, but I just realized the fountains also go off when its raining. I am wondering if there is someone with a mastor switch for all the fountains in town?
Last but not least, because I am so in love with the fact that Obama is my president, This was yesterdays tv lineup on the national public channel:
*LIVE coverage of Obama being sworn in and all the festivities.
*a Special called: Obama en la casa blanca (Obama in the white house)
* W. the movie
Talk about a love for what went on yesterday!
Thats all for now!
Adios
-Erika
First off part of our group went to our routine cafe which happened to have cnn! So we got a chance to see Obama sworn in live on tv as well as his speech afterwards! (IN ENGLISH) The lovely country of Spain allowed all of us to pop a bottle of champagne thanks to one of the girls host moms as well to kick off our celebration. This was a serious celebration for us, many who are more grateful of this transition since we are abroad. (The Spanish really did not like Bush.)
I am sorry for a lack of updating. I lost my internet connect that I was stealing off the neighbors at my house making updating and checking my email a little more difficult the last few days. Classes are becoming more and more normal. There isn´t that much homework so far and I am quite alright if there never is that much homework.
I am starting to seriously investigate trips. I think I am going to start off with some little one in Spain to other cities before I try anything that big.
My few random thoughts:
The milk is always warm and is always out on the table all day. I understand it must be treated differently. But this sense inside of me does NOT want to drink milk that is warm or has been sitting out all day.
BONES...There is bones in every piece of meat you eat. I know they do cuts of meat differently but are they fans of little bones in everything. Fish I always expect one. Chicken I dont! I wonder if I go to McDonalds if my chicken nuggets will have bones in that too?
I never had glasses as a kid but I always remember the jokes for kids who did. Here it seems to be a fashion statement for both adults and kids to have the most obsurd colors for their glasses. ORANGE! HOT PINK! POKA DOTS!
I had my fountains going off around midnight experience, but I just realized the fountains also go off when its raining. I am wondering if there is someone with a mastor switch for all the fountains in town?
Last but not least, because I am so in love with the fact that Obama is my president, This was yesterdays tv lineup on the national public channel:
*LIVE coverage of Obama being sworn in and all the festivities.
*a Special called: Obama en la casa blanca (Obama in the white house)
* W. the movie
Talk about a love for what went on yesterday!
Thats all for now!
Adios
-Erika
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Crazy Food
Hey all,
Okay first off one of my weird goals of this semester was to try things out of my bubble. I have no problem trying bizarre foods and such, if I don't like it is fine but at least I tried it. Somehow tonight it came upon me without me trying to find. They made for me a meat I knew wasn't chicken. So I asked and how to look it up. It turned out I tried Rabbit! It was very rich in taste. Add that to my list of weird things I have eaten.
It was such nice weather today so I walked around the city looking for the weekend market. Because I had slept so late they were packing up when I got there but now I know exactly where it is located. I might wake up early next weekend to go. I also found out although I haven't seen for myself that their are peacocks in the main park in the city. I need to find those with my camera by my side.
Adios
Okay first off one of my weird goals of this semester was to try things out of my bubble. I have no problem trying bizarre foods and such, if I don't like it is fine but at least I tried it. Somehow tonight it came upon me without me trying to find. They made for me a meat I knew wasn't chicken. So I asked and how to look it up. It turned out I tried Rabbit! It was very rich in taste. Add that to my list of weird things I have eaten.
It was such nice weather today so I walked around the city looking for the weekend market. Because I had slept so late they were packing up when I got there but now I know exactly where it is located. I might wake up early next weekend to go. I also found out although I haven't seen for myself that their are peacocks in the main park in the city. I need to find those with my camera by my side.
Adios
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Hills like San Fran
Hey all,
I slept till 2 today feel like a lazy bum, but my question is when I sleep till 12 everyday what is sleeping late? I went and met up with everyone at a cafeteria (cafe) and we were just chatting half the group was online on their laptops. I got a chance to walk around more of the city before the sunset. I am quickly realizing how many churches their our in the town and wondering who fills them since I heard about 20% of the country's (apx. 98% Catholics) actually go to weekly mass. So much for a government forcing their country to practice a religion for so long.
Why in a country in universal health care do they let everyone kill their lungs, doesn't the government pay twofold for the populations cancer treatment? Do they just make it up on taxes on the cigarettes?
I have realized the bar street, the cider street, and the dance club street are all on San Francisco type hills. I don't know if was a conspiracy to see all the drunk people roll down the hill or not, but these hills are a crazy workout! No need for the gym!
So far I am still not the biggest fan of the food but I am hoping one day it gets better and I am happily surprised. I doubt that all I want though is some good pasta! I miss my life of Italian food.....(okay i took a break writing this for dinner) and I have to say tonight was my favorite meal so far with salmon and homemade french fries!
Wash: So my home stay mom kinda took it as an insult when I offered to do my own wash, so I let her do it (completely not worth insulting her). Let me just say I don't think anyone has done my laundry for me since like 5th or 6th grade so this just seems weird to me. On top of that she turned my white shirts blue, yes dark wash jeans and a white shirt together that will happen. Plus everything goes outside on the line. I understand that in the summer, but when its cold and winter and takes 3 days to "kinda" dry outside I do not understand. Donde esta the dryers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thats all as I watch the news again today and hear about 2 big things Israel/Palestine and OBAMA!
Adios!
I slept till 2 today feel like a lazy bum, but my question is when I sleep till 12 everyday what is sleeping late? I went and met up with everyone at a cafeteria (cafe) and we were just chatting half the group was online on their laptops. I got a chance to walk around more of the city before the sunset. I am quickly realizing how many churches their our in the town and wondering who fills them since I heard about 20% of the country's (apx. 98% Catholics) actually go to weekly mass. So much for a government forcing their country to practice a religion for so long.
Why in a country in universal health care do they let everyone kill their lungs, doesn't the government pay twofold for the populations cancer treatment? Do they just make it up on taxes on the cigarettes?
I have realized the bar street, the cider street, and the dance club street are all on San Francisco type hills. I don't know if was a conspiracy to see all the drunk people roll down the hill or not, but these hills are a crazy workout! No need for the gym!
So far I am still not the biggest fan of the food but I am hoping one day it gets better and I am happily surprised. I doubt that all I want though is some good pasta! I miss my life of Italian food.....(okay i took a break writing this for dinner) and I have to say tonight was my favorite meal so far with salmon and homemade french fries!
Wash: So my home stay mom kinda took it as an insult when I offered to do my own wash, so I let her do it (completely not worth insulting her). Let me just say I don't think anyone has done my laundry for me since like 5th or 6th grade so this just seems weird to me. On top of that she turned my white shirts blue, yes dark wash jeans and a white shirt together that will happen. Plus everything goes outside on the line. I understand that in the summer, but when its cold and winter and takes 3 days to "kinda" dry outside I do not understand. Donde esta the dryers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thats all as I watch the news again today and hear about 2 big things Israel/Palestine and OBAMA!
Adios!
Friday, January 16, 2009
A walk around Oviedo...
Those are some random pictures from Oviedo. The bottom one is the buildings with the butt statue as they call it.
Hey all,
Since I only had one class today I decided I would walk around Oviedo and explore a little on my own. I ended up wandering fr 2 hours and finally realized how I got lost last night, after being a little lost today.
Some random thoughts...
When I got back the gossip show was on, apparently the president of the conservatives here posed in some pictures that are sure as heck not conservative causing a stur, at least the US isn't the only one doing that on a regular basis.
I am currently watching 'gran hermano', big brother and I wonder why the host dresses in old tradition clothing from different provinces every week. Bizarre!
Ok on my walk I did some shopping. It is one of the two times a year everything is on sale, although I found nothing, which is most likely a blessing in itself.
I found the pastry shop that my dad is obsessed with from the food show Road Trip through Spain. Its over 100 years old. They had wines along the walls to go with desserts and the old fashion cash register from when it first opened. The place smelled amazing. Too bad it was so late by the time I found it there was nothing left. I will have to go back sooner rather than later, since I heard they are going out of business.
For all of you who HATE mini skirts and Uggs I found the Spanish version, Short Shorts and stockings!?!? I don't understand. Its winter put pants on!
They have this department store called El Corte Ingles, its everywhere. With everything 60% off its still too expensive. It reminds me of Bloomingdales, but most of the designers cost much less in the states.
That is all for now! Have a good weekend!
Sidra (cider)
Hey all,
So I have realized my Thursdays here this semester are like my Wed. last semester, LONG. I have 5 classes on Thursdays. After class yesterday we had our first dinner as a group. It was at this nice place and it was all like tapas so we got to try a bunch of local specialities. We even had ox, which many people were grossed out by because it is practically still walking. I loved it. After that we all went to a bar which is owned by a friend of Jamies because he stopped in to tell us they had a live band playing so we figured we would go and check it out. I also got news from another friend of Jamie´s who is a travel agent that tickets to London round trip at the moment are 50 euros. So I am going to have to go talk to him about some trips, and see how many places I can get to see while I am here. Fridays are so easy since I only have one class at 4pm. I was told that if I am traveling all I need to do is give the professor a heads up before I leave for the weekend and not go. So that is really nice. I guess they figure since all the students are international student, most have said make the most of your time here and do as much as possible.
Random note...
The popular drink here is cider. It is their local speciality. Cider drinking however has a whole set of rules. When you go to a cider place the bar tender pours you a little (it is called the little ass) you are to drink it in one chug and pour the little you leave left over on the floor over the spot you just drank from. That same cup gets passed around to everyone at your table. If you ask me thats asking to get sick, but I guess the alcohol is suppose to kill the germs. I haven´t tried the cider yet but I will let you know how that is.
I realized they turn off their fountains at night. I dont know if this is to save water or what. But I realized walking home late last night all the fountains I was looking for were just statues! No wonder why I was so lost!
The countdown for the start of Obama is in full swing here. They are so excited, its about all politically anyone wants to talk about. Not that I disagree in the least. Although it surprises some Americans that they care so much about our politics.
Thats all for now!
Adios! and Adios to Bush!!!!!!!
So I have realized my Thursdays here this semester are like my Wed. last semester, LONG. I have 5 classes on Thursdays. After class yesterday we had our first dinner as a group. It was at this nice place and it was all like tapas so we got to try a bunch of local specialities. We even had ox, which many people were grossed out by because it is practically still walking. I loved it. After that we all went to a bar which is owned by a friend of Jamies because he stopped in to tell us they had a live band playing so we figured we would go and check it out. I also got news from another friend of Jamie´s who is a travel agent that tickets to London round trip at the moment are 50 euros. So I am going to have to go talk to him about some trips, and see how many places I can get to see while I am here. Fridays are so easy since I only have one class at 4pm. I was told that if I am traveling all I need to do is give the professor a heads up before I leave for the weekend and not go. So that is really nice. I guess they figure since all the students are international student, most have said make the most of your time here and do as much as possible.
Random note...
The popular drink here is cider. It is their local speciality. Cider drinking however has a whole set of rules. When you go to a cider place the bar tender pours you a little (it is called the little ass) you are to drink it in one chug and pour the little you leave left over on the floor over the spot you just drank from. That same cup gets passed around to everyone at your table. If you ask me thats asking to get sick, but I guess the alcohol is suppose to kill the germs. I haven´t tried the cider yet but I will let you know how that is.
I realized they turn off their fountains at night. I dont know if this is to save water or what. But I realized walking home late last night all the fountains I was looking for were just statues! No wonder why I was so lost!
The countdown for the start of Obama is in full swing here. They are so excited, its about all politically anyone wants to talk about. Not that I disagree in the least. Although it surprises some Americans that they care so much about our politics.
Thats all for now!
Adios! and Adios to Bush!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Whats more Spanish than watching fútbol?
Hey all,
So the second day of classes were much better than the first. I still haven't had my Art of Spain class but I am not super worried about that one. I have homework for Jamie's class but I still haven't done that. Maybe I should get on that before bed. Today I went to everyone favorite hideout during breaks it is a cafe called "verde perro" the "green dog".
They have free wifi so everyone just gets something to drink and uses their wifi. My one and only complaint comes not only for the verde perro but for every bar, cafe, club and restaurant in this country. Please stop smoking! I come back and smell like smoke, my hair smells like it. I hate it. My host mom told me it bothered her daughter when she was younger that she would just hang it all on the line outside after she got home. I am about to wash everything and hang it outside, so gross. I am so glad none of my friends in the states or here are smokers!
A funny note on my literature class. I am taking two and I had one this past semester. I am reading the same author right now as I started with in my previous class. Jamie gave us copies of the modern Spanish version because he told us it would be impossible for us to read in the original 12 century version. That previous professor, yeah she looked at us with 5 heads when we said we didn't understand the accent Spanish. I think I am okay with literature in this country!
I had to go out today and buy notebooks for my classes, and I found out the graph paper is meant for adults and the lined paper is meant for the kids. Oh well I am a kid at heart I guess because I like my lined paper!
Random thought before I forget to share: I learned in Madrid in the Prado that the royals children, the princes and princesses all had a hired "friend" to keep the child company. Their hired "friend and companion" was always a little person. They told us it had nothing to do with the disrespect of little people but rather that it was an adult that made the child feel like they were just like them because they were little. It normally turned into a trusted person that the prince or princess kept near to them in the court for all of their lives.
That is all for now as this game is tied at 1-1
Goal: To see a futbol game in Spain!
<3>
So the second day of classes were much better than the first. I still haven't had my Art of Spain class but I am not super worried about that one. I have homework for Jamie's class but I still haven't done that. Maybe I should get on that before bed. Today I went to everyone favorite hideout during breaks it is a cafe called "verde perro" the "green dog".
They have free wifi so everyone just gets something to drink and uses their wifi. My one and only complaint comes not only for the verde perro but for every bar, cafe, club and restaurant in this country. Please stop smoking! I come back and smell like smoke, my hair smells like it. I hate it. My host mom told me it bothered her daughter when she was younger that she would just hang it all on the line outside after she got home. I am about to wash everything and hang it outside, so gross. I am so glad none of my friends in the states or here are smokers!
A funny note on my literature class. I am taking two and I had one this past semester. I am reading the same author right now as I started with in my previous class. Jamie gave us copies of the modern Spanish version because he told us it would be impossible for us to read in the original 12 century version. That previous professor, yeah she looked at us with 5 heads when we said we didn't understand the accent Spanish. I think I am okay with literature in this country!
I had to go out today and buy notebooks for my classes, and I found out the graph paper is meant for adults and the lined paper is meant for the kids. Oh well I am a kid at heart I guess because I like my lined paper!
Random thought before I forget to share: I learned in Madrid in the Prado that the royals children, the princes and princesses all had a hired "friend" to keep the child company. Their hired "friend and companion" was always a little person. They told us it had nothing to do with the disrespect of little people but rather that it was an adult that made the child feel like they were just like them because they were little. It normally turned into a trusted person that the prince or princess kept near to them in the court for all of their lives.
That is all for now as this game is tied at 1-1
Goal: To see a futbol game in Spain!
<3>
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Primero Dia de las clases
First off I am going to add my random thoughts I wrote down this morning..
-Those shutters they use in Europe to keep the burglars out, here they have no problem with the burglars crime is so low. I am convinced they use it as black out shades to sleep all day long!
-When we asked Jamie about things to be aware of not to do when staying with a family because it bothers them he said:
*“Why do Americans slam doors you should pull in the door turn it and then push, no one wants to hear where you are in the house” I feel like its double the work trying to creep around during the day when everyone is awake.
*“Why do Americans take showers at the weirdest times?” My answer is because we can! He said he doesn’t understand why Americans feel the need to take showers at all hours of the day and night. Well Jamie if I feel dirty I take a shower at home I don’t wait until a “good hour” to do so.
-I asked a local yesterday if people in this town had money, because the amount of fur coats you see is absolutely crazy. I saw them in Madrid but this is worse and Madrid was at least colder and you would expect it in a big city. She told me the economy is hard, or so they say, but everyone is still buying, but she did also tell me you are not a cool old lady until you have your fur on.
-When girls see a good looking guy somewhere and they want their friend to look they say “Moreno” with this crazy hand motion. Moreno means dark haired guy, so my question is do they think all good looking guys have dark hair? Yes I know majority of people here have dark hair, but the royals themselves are so interbred with northern Europeans they all have blonde hair and blue eyes.
-There is a statue of Woody Allen in Oviedo. He filmed a movie here (no clue which one), and has been quoted many times saying when the world is in distress I want to be in Oviedo. He comes at least once a year for vacation.
_____________________________
On to the primero dia de las clases. First off I never liked the first day of classes I get nervous, so in a new country where you don't know how anything functions you can imagine my nervousness. Yesterday I took my placement test and I ended up placing down into the Intermediate level and not Advanced, for most people it was no big deal but for me it is the difference between taking 2000 level classes and the 4000 level classes I needed. Thankfully after a bit f a panic Jamie told me it was find just go to the advance classes (there is 3 levels of advanced). I think everything is okay for me to stay in that although either I need to go see the director of the program or he does.
This will without a doubt be the cheapest semester books wise, I am looking at my books costing a wooping 20 euros no more than like 30 bucks! Most professors have like copies of everything I need. As for the actual classes I have two literature classes (I hated my lit class last semester) However, I have read about 6 works total that I need to read again for this semester so I think I am a little ahead for that. Hopefully they wont be bad. I don't have class until 2 in the afternoon and most days I have class until 8pm. It is different everyday of the week so I am sure it will take me a while to memorize it. That is all for now!
<3 Erika
-Those shutters they use in Europe to keep the burglars out, here they have no problem with the burglars crime is so low. I am convinced they use it as black out shades to sleep all day long!
-When we asked Jamie about things to be aware of not to do when staying with a family because it bothers them he said:
*“Why do Americans slam doors you should pull in the door turn it and then push, no one wants to hear where you are in the house” I feel like its double the work trying to creep around during the day when everyone is awake.
*“Why do Americans take showers at the weirdest times?” My answer is because we can! He said he doesn’t understand why Americans feel the need to take showers at all hours of the day and night. Well Jamie if I feel dirty I take a shower at home I don’t wait until a “good hour” to do so.
-I asked a local yesterday if people in this town had money, because the amount of fur coats you see is absolutely crazy. I saw them in Madrid but this is worse and Madrid was at least colder and you would expect it in a big city. She told me the economy is hard, or so they say, but everyone is still buying, but she did also tell me you are not a cool old lady until you have your fur on.
-When girls see a good looking guy somewhere and they want their friend to look they say “Moreno” with this crazy hand motion. Moreno means dark haired guy, so my question is do they think all good looking guys have dark hair? Yes I know majority of people here have dark hair, but the royals themselves are so interbred with northern Europeans they all have blonde hair and blue eyes.
-There is a statue of Woody Allen in Oviedo. He filmed a movie here (no clue which one), and has been quoted many times saying when the world is in distress I want to be in Oviedo. He comes at least once a year for vacation.
_____________________________
On to the primero dia de las clases. First off I never liked the first day of classes I get nervous, so in a new country where you don't know how anything functions you can imagine my nervousness. Yesterday I took my placement test and I ended up placing down into the Intermediate level and not Advanced, for most people it was no big deal but for me it is the difference between taking 2000 level classes and the 4000 level classes I needed. Thankfully after a bit f a panic Jamie told me it was find just go to the advance classes (there is 3 levels of advanced). I think everything is okay for me to stay in that although either I need to go see the director of the program or he does.
This will without a doubt be the cheapest semester books wise, I am looking at my books costing a wooping 20 euros no more than like 30 bucks! Most professors have like copies of everything I need. As for the actual classes I have two literature classes (I hated my lit class last semester) However, I have read about 6 works total that I need to read again for this semester so I think I am a little ahead for that. Hopefully they wont be bad. I don't have class until 2 in the afternoon and most days I have class until 8pm. It is different everyday of the week so I am sure it will take me a while to memorize it. That is all for now!
<3 Erika
Monday, January 12, 2009
la universidad de oviedo
Hola todos,
Today I started the program officially. We had a placement test at 4pm. I figured it was going to be long and difficult but it was only 2 pages. When they collected it we sat down said a few words to one of the professors so they could here how we spoke and help determine our level. It was easier than the NYS proficiency speaking section, more like a JOKE! Hopefully I did well but it doesn't really change what classes I am taking regardless.
After our test Mary and I walked around Oviedo, very aimlessly. Just trying to figure out the city for ourselves. Very disorienting and I forgot to bring my map out. It isn't very big so I am sure it will be very easy to navigate once I get use to it. We quickly ended up in a new mall in the city that looks like a space ship with its architecture. I wish I had taken a picture of it although I am sure I will be back.
Tomorrow my classes start at 2pm. I don't know what level I placed in but my Temple class with Jamie is first so he can answer all my questions so I don't panic! I have to go early to see my level and figure out my classes. That is all for now I will update about how classes went at some point tomorrow.
<3 Erika
Today I started the program officially. We had a placement test at 4pm. I figured it was going to be long and difficult but it was only 2 pages. When they collected it we sat down said a few words to one of the professors so they could here how we spoke and help determine our level. It was easier than the NYS proficiency speaking section, more like a JOKE! Hopefully I did well but it doesn't really change what classes I am taking regardless.
After our test Mary and I walked around Oviedo, very aimlessly. Just trying to figure out the city for ourselves. Very disorienting and I forgot to bring my map out. It isn't very big so I am sure it will be very easy to navigate once I get use to it. We quickly ended up in a new mall in the city that looks like a space ship with its architecture. I wish I had taken a picture of it although I am sure I will be back.
Tomorrow my classes start at 2pm. I don't know what level I placed in but my Temple class with Jamie is first so he can answer all my questions so I don't panic! I have to go early to see my level and figure out my classes. That is all for now I will update about how classes went at some point tomorrow.
<3 Erika
a few thoughts before school....
-Why don't the Spanish believe in heating their houses? I am starting to think its warmer outside than inside, maybe I should just wear my coat inside too!
-Spanish grade scale is from 1-10, 10 being an A. The equivalent of a D is passing and a C is considered good. I have no idea how they are converting our grades to our gpa, hopefully Jamie will be in a good mood.
-I thought having my Facebook account for 3 months in Spanish would help me out, well I realized I should have had my phone in Spanish as well since I don't understand how it works and I forgot how to text on a real phone.
-Why do Americans wake up so early for everything? Adults with jobs consider waking up at 8 early here! Can't we take a lesson from the Spanish! Let us sleep!
Thats all for now...
adios!
-Spanish grade scale is from 1-10, 10 being an A. The equivalent of a D is passing and a C is considered good. I have no idea how they are converting our grades to our gpa, hopefully Jamie will be in a good mood.
-I thought having my Facebook account for 3 months in Spanish would help me out, well I realized I should have had my phone in Spanish as well since I don't understand how it works and I forgot how to text on a real phone.
-Why do Americans wake up so early for everything? Adults with jobs consider waking up at 8 early here! Can't we take a lesson from the Spanish! Let us sleep!
Thats all for now...
adios!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Oviedo
A few pictures from the past week.....
the Roman aqueduct (Segovia)
The Royal Palace (Madrid)
Hola todos,
We got up early this morning to head up to Asturia (the region) where Oviedo is located. It was about a 5 hour drive. Jamie kept telling us you need to be awake for the end of the trip the last hour or so. He is like a proud dad when it comes to him talking about Oviedo and the region of Asturias. I don't think I had much expectations but when I woke up I was speechless. There was mountains surrounding us all covered in snow at the peaks with little towns of colorful houses spread throughout the area.
I was impressed with the windmills and solar panel farms throughout the area using natural resources throughout the country. I have noticed that in public places in bathrooms for example the lights are on a short timer and you must push it to get light, to try and conserve energy. I love the sense that they care all though on the flip side I have decided they are still worse than the Italians when it comes to smoking. So they are saving the planet and killing their childrens lungs as they hold a cigarette in their childs face (yes I've seen it).
Once we arrived in Oviedo with a minor case of nervousness (all of us). I met my home stay parents. Its a couple in their 60's who live alone. They have an only daughter who is 31 and she is married, but still lives close. Their daughter is here almost everyday they told me. They seem nice and have many other international students here in the past. I am about one city block from the facildad where my classes are. I think its almost closer than my apartment in Philly to my home in Ritter (the education building). Tomorrow I am taking my placement exam for my classes so hopefully I will remember all the information I will need to know!
-Erika
the castle of Segovia (the one that is said to have inspired Walt Disney)
the Roman aqueduct (Segovia)
the suckling pig we ate (Segovia)
the city of Toledo behind me
The Royal Palace (Madrid)
Hola todos,
We got up early this morning to head up to Asturia (the region) where Oviedo is located. It was about a 5 hour drive. Jamie kept telling us you need to be awake for the end of the trip the last hour or so. He is like a proud dad when it comes to him talking about Oviedo and the region of Asturias. I don't think I had much expectations but when I woke up I was speechless. There was mountains surrounding us all covered in snow at the peaks with little towns of colorful houses spread throughout the area.
I was impressed with the windmills and solar panel farms throughout the area using natural resources throughout the country. I have noticed that in public places in bathrooms for example the lights are on a short timer and you must push it to get light, to try and conserve energy. I love the sense that they care all though on the flip side I have decided they are still worse than the Italians when it comes to smoking. So they are saving the planet and killing their childrens lungs as they hold a cigarette in their childs face (yes I've seen it).
Once we arrived in Oviedo with a minor case of nervousness (all of us). I met my home stay parents. Its a couple in their 60's who live alone. They have an only daughter who is 31 and she is married, but still lives close. Their daughter is here almost everyday they told me. They seem nice and have many other international students here in the past. I am about one city block from the facildad where my classes are. I think its almost closer than my apartment in Philly to my home in Ritter (the education building). Tomorrow I am taking my placement exam for my classes so hopefully I will remember all the information I will need to know!
-Erika
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Avila and Segovia
snowy palms trees!
Correction from yesterday thanks to the news accounts. Yesterday was the first time in snowed in 7 years in Madrid and the first time it stuck on the ground in 10 years. The airport shut down thousands of flights were delayed and the main roads had traffic backups of 5 hours or more.
Last day of touring in the area. We went to two cities a bit out of the city. Avila which is an old walled city from the crusades. It has a high altitude and snow on the ground so not feeling our toes seemed to be a normal thing today. We saw an old church while we were there and the location of where St. Teresa was born. We then headed to Segovia and ate a suckling pig for lunch, yes it was a baby pig, kinda weird but very yummy. We then toured a cathedral in Segovia and also the castle that is said to inspired Walt Disney for Disney World! We then headed back to Madrid for our last night here. We are leaving at 8am tomorrow morning to go to Oviedo it is a 5 hour bus trip and then we meet our families we will be living with. Most of us have yet to hear back from our families so that is a little nerve racking.
It is really difficult to upload pictures so I will add more once I get to Oviedo!
Adios!
Friday, January 9, 2009
LET IT SNOW!
Today was a long day but I saw so much. First off late last night it started flurrying I thought oh that is cool but I am sure that is the end of the snow though. Well I was wrong it has been snowing all day. Let me first say we had found out earlier this week it hasn't snowed in Madrid in 5 years and Jamie was like it never sticks, well he was wrong.
We toured a city outside of Madrid about 1 hour away called Toledo. Toledo is known for the merge of 3 cultures. Historically the city has Muslims, Christians and Jews. There are 83 churches in the city, 12 mosques, and 10 synagogues. We toured the largest cathedral in all of Spain and a synagogue in the city as well. After we got back from Toledo.
The tour guide told us a story I wanted to share: A man had three daughters that he had to marry off but only one original silver ring to give for her to be married. He found a friend of his who was a silver smith to make him two replicas of the ring for his other two daughters. His oldest of his daughters went around bragging to her friends that because she has the oldest ring her's is the most important of all the rings. The second daughter told everyone that her other sisters were liars and she had the best ring of them all. The third daughter told everyone that her ring was ugly and old and therefore she was the most important daughter of all her fathers girls. The girls rings represent the three major religions in Toledo, Muslims, Christians and Jews. And they all come from the same ring, because the base of all three religions is the same. Just something to ponder....
After lunch a bunch of us walked to the Reina Sofia a modern art gallery. I had the opportunity to see a bunch of original Picassos, Miro and Dali pieces. It was cool but like I said yesterday I was a little museumed out. We walked throughout snowy Madrid and found a square with the eternal flame to remember those who died in the Madrid train bombings.
I finally got a local cell phone so I semi connected to the world but not really since its not connected like I am at home. I also lost all my contacts in my real cell phone so little by little I am going to need to fix that before I get home.
I promise I will update pictures sooner rather than later, it is hard since I am only at internet cafes to get a lot done in a short period of time. Mucho love! and thanks to all who have been reading!
We toured a city outside of Madrid about 1 hour away called Toledo. Toledo is known for the merge of 3 cultures. Historically the city has Muslims, Christians and Jews. There are 83 churches in the city, 12 mosques, and 10 synagogues. We toured the largest cathedral in all of Spain and a synagogue in the city as well. After we got back from Toledo.
The tour guide told us a story I wanted to share: A man had three daughters that he had to marry off but only one original silver ring to give for her to be married. He found a friend of his who was a silver smith to make him two replicas of the ring for his other two daughters. His oldest of his daughters went around bragging to her friends that because she has the oldest ring her's is the most important of all the rings. The second daughter told everyone that her other sisters were liars and she had the best ring of them all. The third daughter told everyone that her ring was ugly and old and therefore she was the most important daughter of all her fathers girls. The girls rings represent the three major religions in Toledo, Muslims, Christians and Jews. And they all come from the same ring, because the base of all three religions is the same. Just something to ponder....
After lunch a bunch of us walked to the Reina Sofia a modern art gallery. I had the opportunity to see a bunch of original Picassos, Miro and Dali pieces. It was cool but like I said yesterday I was a little museumed out. We walked throughout snowy Madrid and found a square with the eternal flame to remember those who died in the Madrid train bombings.
I finally got a local cell phone so I semi connected to the world but not really since its not connected like I am at home. I also lost all my contacts in my real cell phone so little by little I am going to need to fix that before I get home.
I promise I will update pictures sooner rather than later, it is hard since I am only at internet cafes to get a lot done in a short period of time. Mucho love! and thanks to all who have been reading!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Museo Museo Museo NO MAS por favor!
Hey everyone!
Today we were up at our normal like 7am hour, before the Spaniards wake up, we aren't sure why still. Today we went to the Palacio Real (the royal palace) the current royals don't use it but they do use it for state dinners. Very fancy, tons of chandeliers and gold leaf on the walls. We saw the state dinning room where they hold state dinners to this day.
They said that Bill Clinton and Hillary were here during his second term, the lovely Bush however was never invited. I jokingly said I give it a year and Obama will have an offical invitation for a state dinner here. Also in the palace they have used it to sign into the European union and well as peace talks between Israel and Palastine. They have offered up the space again with the current situation in the Middle east for peace talks, which they even know most likely wont happen. Spain feels like they are in a good position to be a middle man due to their history with a huge mix of Muslims, Jews and Christians. We saw a protest late last night in Puerta del Sol, peaceful but we avoided going near since it is illegal for non nationals to join or be near protests in the country.
After the palace we went to the Prado museam. It has one of the most extensive painting collections in the world. Nice to see but I wasn't overly impressed although everyone was hot, and tired and every bone in our bodies hurt.
From there we went to lunch at the local restarant we have been/ will be eatting all our lunches in. It has the normal selection of first courses and second courses. As well as wine flowing which they traditionally mix with a sprite like soda drink to water it down a bit. Its very sweet which I like.
That is all for now we are heading about 1 hour south tomorrow to see Toledo! Hopefully I will update tomorrow night!
Adios!
Today we were up at our normal like 7am hour, before the Spaniards wake up, we aren't sure why still. Today we went to the Palacio Real (the royal palace) the current royals don't use it but they do use it for state dinners. Very fancy, tons of chandeliers and gold leaf on the walls. We saw the state dinning room where they hold state dinners to this day.
They said that Bill Clinton and Hillary were here during his second term, the lovely Bush however was never invited. I jokingly said I give it a year and Obama will have an offical invitation for a state dinner here. Also in the palace they have used it to sign into the European union and well as peace talks between Israel and Palastine. They have offered up the space again with the current situation in the Middle east for peace talks, which they even know most likely wont happen. Spain feels like they are in a good position to be a middle man due to their history with a huge mix of Muslims, Jews and Christians. We saw a protest late last night in Puerta del Sol, peaceful but we avoided going near since it is illegal for non nationals to join or be near protests in the country.
After the palace we went to the Prado museam. It has one of the most extensive painting collections in the world. Nice to see but I wasn't overly impressed although everyone was hot, and tired and every bone in our bodies hurt.
From there we went to lunch at the local restarant we have been/ will be eatting all our lunches in. It has the normal selection of first courses and second courses. As well as wine flowing which they traditionally mix with a sprite like soda drink to water it down a bit. Its very sweet which I like.
That is all for now we are heading about 1 hour south tomorrow to see Toledo! Hopefully I will update tomorrow night!
Adios!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Primero Dia
Hey everyone,
So we got up at and have breakfast at 8:15 this morning, and it was still dark. I found out the reason for the time difference between here and London for example where the time should be is the Spanish people believe in being up all night so they have changed the time zone to make it easier for all the night owls here. We drove about 40 min outside of Madrid to see the Monastery of San Lorenzo. It is the location of where all the Queens and Kings of Spain are buried and the former fall residence of the King and Queen. Very simple, after being to other castles throughout Europe I was surprised how simple it was. After that we headed over to the valley monument where the unknown soldiers are from the Spanish civil war as well as the grave of Franco. It is a controversial issue still as to what side many Spaniards think were correct, as Jamie said the day Franco died half the country popped a bottle of champagne the other cried. The basilica connected to it was made of stone with little art or decorations. A very creepy church at least I thought so. The location of the monument was amazing though, it was in the mountains that were snow capped all around us. I walked over to Plaza Mayor after lunch got a new hat, since its in the 20s and super cold. We had dinner as a group tonight again in the hotel, I think they are trying to give us American food and we would all rather Spanish food. We had hamburgers, get this of HAM and french fries. I have realized that my Spanish isn't up to par I will admit that although I am slowly starting to understand more and Jamie is trying to force us all to speak Spanish to one another, but we are trying to ease into the dropping of the English language. That is all for now. :)
Adios!
So we got up at and have breakfast at 8:15 this morning, and it was still dark. I found out the reason for the time difference between here and London for example where the time should be is the Spanish people believe in being up all night so they have changed the time zone to make it easier for all the night owls here. We drove about 40 min outside of Madrid to see the Monastery of San Lorenzo. It is the location of where all the Queens and Kings of Spain are buried and the former fall residence of the King and Queen. Very simple, after being to other castles throughout Europe I was surprised how simple it was. After that we headed over to the valley monument where the unknown soldiers are from the Spanish civil war as well as the grave of Franco. It is a controversial issue still as to what side many Spaniards think were correct, as Jamie said the day Franco died half the country popped a bottle of champagne the other cried. The basilica connected to it was made of stone with little art or decorations. A very creepy church at least I thought so. The location of the monument was amazing though, it was in the mountains that were snow capped all around us. I walked over to Plaza Mayor after lunch got a new hat, since its in the 20s and super cold. We had dinner as a group tonight again in the hotel, I think they are trying to give us American food and we would all rather Spanish food. We had hamburgers, get this of HAM and french fries. I have realized that my Spanish isn't up to par I will admit that although I am slowly starting to understand more and Jamie is trying to force us all to speak Spanish to one another, but we are trying to ease into the dropping of the English language. That is all for now. :)
Adios!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
first few hours
Hey all,
I got inot Madrid today as tired as could be. I broke the first rule of trying to get on local time was I napped today, although I dont regret it yet just because I needed the sleep so badly. Tonight after our group meeting we walked around Madrid a little. It is really cold here, and may possibly snow on thursday. Tomorrow starts the touring at 8am until about 2pm. After that we are free to do as we please, but our tours are mostly places that arent very close that we cant do on our own. So afternoons will be dedicated to touring the city itself. We are heading up to Oviedo on Sunday morning. I will keep you updated on my journeys!
I got inot Madrid today as tired as could be. I broke the first rule of trying to get on local time was I napped today, although I dont regret it yet just because I needed the sleep so badly. Tonight after our group meeting we walked around Madrid a little. It is really cold here, and may possibly snow on thursday. Tomorrow starts the touring at 8am until about 2pm. After that we are free to do as we please, but our tours are mostly places that arent very close that we cant do on our own. So afternoons will be dedicated to touring the city itself. We are heading up to Oviedo on Sunday morning. I will keep you updated on my journeys!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Adios America!
Hey everyone,
As most of you know by know or should at least I am going to be studying abroad in Spain next semester. Specifically in Oviedo, Spain (its in northern Spain) at the Universidad de Oviedo. I will be there from Jan 5th till the end of May.
So many people have asked me to keep them updated with my travels that I figured blogging would be a good way to keep in touch, plus allow me the opportunity to have my time, travels and experiences logged for the future. My biggest regret from my trip in high school to Australia was that I lost my journal on the last day of our trip and no longer have a day to day account of the things I did or the names of the places I visited. I am hoping to keep this blog updated as much as possible and to include some of the many, many, many pictures I will very likely take while I am gone.
I am still in the process of packing and deciding what I should bring for the 5 months and 2 seasons I will be there for. Trying to think about spring and short sleeve shirts while there is snow on the ground is a little challenging. Through all the vacations we have taken as a family I have realized how important it is to pack light. The many times I got to cart my suitcase around airports, train stations, subway stations and city streets. This time however I don't think I am going to be able to make with one suitcase, forget about the itty bitty suitcase I normally take everywhere!
For Christmas my parents got me the Eyewitness Guide to Europe and the guide for Spain. I have a laundry list of cities and countries I would like to visit before I leave Europe (without going broke) but we will see how many places I get to, and are able to put red tacks in on my map of the world. (yes I have a giant map that I have red tacks in for everyplace I have been to so far, thanks to Laura)
I'm more than a little nervous about my use of Spanish while I am there. I always seem to think I wont be able to communicate very well. Although I have taken 7 and 1/2 years of Spanish to this point. My joke of the matter came when Evan asked me yesterday how to say cricket in Spanish and I was like I don't know about the game but I do know the animal (grillo). I realized if I knew such an obscure word like that I will most likely be able to make it by in Spanish. Hopefully that is true.
I am leaving in a little over 24 hours from now, almost 24 hours from now I will be headed out to JFK. That's all for now. Bookmark this page and check back when your curious about my adventures on the other side of the Atlantic! Feel free to send me emails as well!
-Erika
As most of you know by know or should at least I am going to be studying abroad in Spain next semester. Specifically in Oviedo, Spain (its in northern Spain) at the Universidad de Oviedo. I will be there from Jan 5th till the end of May.
So many people have asked me to keep them updated with my travels that I figured blogging would be a good way to keep in touch, plus allow me the opportunity to have my time, travels and experiences logged for the future. My biggest regret from my trip in high school to Australia was that I lost my journal on the last day of our trip and no longer have a day to day account of the things I did or the names of the places I visited. I am hoping to keep this blog updated as much as possible and to include some of the many, many, many pictures I will very likely take while I am gone.
I am still in the process of packing and deciding what I should bring for the 5 months and 2 seasons I will be there for. Trying to think about spring and short sleeve shirts while there is snow on the ground is a little challenging. Through all the vacations we have taken as a family I have realized how important it is to pack light. The many times I got to cart my suitcase around airports, train stations, subway stations and city streets. This time however I don't think I am going to be able to make with one suitcase, forget about the itty bitty suitcase I normally take everywhere!
For Christmas my parents got me the Eyewitness Guide to Europe and the guide for Spain. I have a laundry list of cities and countries I would like to visit before I leave Europe (without going broke) but we will see how many places I get to, and are able to put red tacks in on my map of the world. (yes I have a giant map that I have red tacks in for everyplace I have been to so far, thanks to Laura)
I'm more than a little nervous about my use of Spanish while I am there. I always seem to think I wont be able to communicate very well. Although I have taken 7 and 1/2 years of Spanish to this point. My joke of the matter came when Evan asked me yesterday how to say cricket in Spanish and I was like I don't know about the game but I do know the animal (grillo). I realized if I knew such an obscure word like that I will most likely be able to make it by in Spanish. Hopefully that is true.
I am leaving in a little over 24 hours from now, almost 24 hours from now I will be headed out to JFK. That's all for now. Bookmark this page and check back when your curious about my adventures on the other side of the Atlantic! Feel free to send me emails as well!
-Erika
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