Hey All,
I know it's been awhile since my last blog but there are just so many things to do in Spain and by the time I get back home all I want to do is crash lol. Don't worry though I won't neglect you :D Alright so where did I leave off in my last blog.....ok so it looks like the last thing I wrote about was eating at "El restaurante del cervezas" and having a misunderstanding with my host mom about lunch (oops).
Well since then I've been exploring Spain more and more (and eating more and more different foods too hahaha). For instance, on Wednesday my friends and I ate at a place called "El trebol" for lunch and we ordered "pulgadas" little sandwiches, mine had "adobo" in it (pretty inexpensive as well and the food was great!). After the "pulgadas" we split "una torta con frutas del bosque" (a cheesecake with fruits of the forest).
The following day there was a dinner at the school so that we could find our "Intercambios" (this is a program where American students are introduced to many native Spanish speakers and from that group we choose a person that we have a connection with and every week we meet with them and for one hour they practice their English with us and the next hour we practice our Spanish with them-great learning experience). I found my "intercambio" and couldn't be happier (my host family will thank her hahhaa). But before going to the dinner for the "intercambios" I wanted to straighten my hair so I plugged in the converter then plugged in my favorite hair straightener and waited, five minutes later I wondered if it was starting to heat up so I looked at it and I saw that it was melting, yes MELTING! I quickly unplugged it (was pissed off of course but glad I checked soon enough before burning the apartment down esssh!!!), took out the manual for the converter, and I found out that I need a voltage converter along with the other converter since the voltage in Europe is way higher than in the states GRRRRRRR ( so since I've been here my hair's been in a ponytail and I have to go to the mall to get another hair straightener tomorrow R.I.P favorite hair straightener D: )!!!!!!!
But on a better note, on Friday I went on a bus tour of Toledo with the students from school and took a little nap at home before I went back to the city at 8PM to watch a play in the theater in Toledo (it was pretty interesting).
The next day I went to an Adventist Church with my host family from 9:30AM-1:00PM and it was pretty nice to see how it differed from the Catholic Church. During the service there was no communion so most of it was a pastor and the community preaching about the goodness of God and I did find that their form of worship included a lot (and I mean A LOT) of singing. Following the first part of the service, the congregation broke up into small groups to talk about and analyze a passage in the Bible. Then the preaching continued and shortly afterwards I was introduced to the congregation (which I was not expecting lol) and they told me to choose a number in the hymn book so that everyone could sing that song (the congregation was not all that big but it was nice that everyone knew everyone else-pretty close knit).
Once Saturday night rolled around I was ready for the nightlife (first night I've gone out since I've been here)! At 9PM my friend and I headed out for dinner at the apartment of some of the "intercambios" that we had previously met. They prepared little appetizers such as sandwiches, bread, salad, pizza, and of course they served us wine (really tasty wine at that)! After getting to know one another for a few hours we headed out for a NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN! We hit up the first bar in Toledo everyone had a drink and danced, however, the music wasn't really to the Spaniards liking so they took us out to an even bigger and better bar that was full of people. After the drink that I had at this bar it must have been enough for me because for one: I was dancing (and I don't do that lol), two: I had to step outside for fresh air (it was really really hot in the club), three: my friends were giving me water outside, and four: I finally took a taxi home at 4AM and on the way back home I asked the taxi driver to stop and then I opened the door and threw up on the side of the highway (yup so I would say that this was my first drunken night in Spain.....you only live once right?! lol-----I'm just glad I didn't throw up in front of the Spaniards because that would have been embarrassing and they would have thought that I was a stupid American that can't hold my liquor in hahha and I'm also glad that I wasn't stumbling and that I just had a headache-----always have to look at the bright side right?!). Anyway, when I got home my key got stuck in the door and finally my host mom opened the door and she asked me how my night was and then we said goodnight (thank goodness she wasn't mad at me phew!). Then I went into my room and collapsed in my bed, when I woke up I had the worst headache and then my host sister made breakfast for me but when I looked at the food I just couldn't stomach it because it looked like a lot, however, I ate half of it and saved the rest for later (which I just ate yummy!) My host sister then asked me how my night was last night and if it was fun, I said yes but told her that I had a headache and she told me that's normal and that my body probably wasn't accustomed to this lifestyle yet lol! Afterwards, I drank lots of water ate some crackers, went back to bed and just woke up and am feeling much much better :D Alrighty all, until next blog!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Pastries pastries pastries!
Hey All,
It's time for another blog! So as I'm laying in bed ready to fall asleep I thought I'd chat a bit to wind down. Yesterday was my first official day of class in Toledo and because my classes are all in Spanish I was pretty nervous. First of all I slept in a little, got up, and got ready. Then I went to my bus stop which is right in front of my host family's apartment (yay! pretty convenient for me!) and I wrote down landmarks like the blue and green writing that spelt "Supermercado" (market place), the little restaurant in the corner, and the Spanish flag that hung on the top balcony of the apartment across from me (this way I wouldn't get lost going back home like I did on the second night I was here haha, well I guess I can laugh about it now, but in the moment ummm yea not so much lol). Lucky for me I met one of my classmates on the bus and once we got to Toledo from Poligono (accent on the "i") we walked together to class so we wouldn't get lost, and again, we looked for land marks like the McDonald's on the left corner of the plaza, the curve of the street, the hanging pots on one of the buildings, and finally the smell of fresh fish from the fish market! Once I got inside the school, often called La Fundacion (accent on the "o" lol), I had some time to kill so I just talked with other students. As the day went on and my classes started and ended I realized that I had nothing to be nervous about because the teachers although they are native Spanish speakers are very patient, kind, and understanding of the fact that the students are still getting situated to Toledo. Also, they always made sure we understood everything being said and they didn't mind repeating things too. So all in all yesterday was great, I was able to get home without getting lost, ichatted with my cousins and nephew, and had a great night with my host family!
Today, was another day at school but this time my class started early at 8:40am (as is the case on Wednesdays and Thursdays too, can't complain because I have every Friday off woohoo!) and I didn't have anyone to walk with to go to class and after turning the corner at McDonald's I got lost haha but it looked like I was going towards residential areas instead of shops so i turned around, saw the hanging pots, smelled the fresh fish, and finally got to school (even though i was 10 minutes late cough cough hahhaa)! Again, the teacher was great! Afterwards I hung out with a bunch of students from Notre Dame and it was then that the planning of trips became more real! They made a group on facebook with a list of places in Europe where people want to go and if it sounds interesting then you commit and go! A little bit after that I ate lunch with them and had a lot of fun getting to know them! Following that I went to a meeting that addressed "intercambio" a program where the students in "La Fundacion (accent on the "o")" get to pair up or double up with a student or adult ages 16-30 once a week for two hours so that we can practice our Spanish with a local and the local can practice their English with us. I think this program is a really good idea so I think I'll sign up for it tomorrow (might as well right?! Have to take advantage!)!
After the meeting I walked around Toledo again with friends to explore what we hadn't yet and the first thing we did was go to "El restaurante del cervezas" which is pretty much a bar haha! We ordered tinto de verano which kind of tastes like sangria (it was delicious for sure!). The funny thing is the guy that was serving us was nice enough to give us free food (woohoo)! Next we went to the pastry shop called "Santo Tome (with an accent on the "e")" and we finally got Mazapan, but to our surprise there were so many kinds so we asked the lady which was the best and she said "Mazapan delicias" (but to me it just looked like a regular pastry, nothing special, but I bought it anyway as well as a pastry that looks like a huge roll with some sort of filling and sprinkled coconut, but I'm saving that one for tomorrow hahaha). I'm so so so so glad that I bought a "Mazapan delicias" because it was three bites of heaven that I would love to have again! Seriously, it's amazing!!!!!!!! I was definitely wrong, that dessert IS something special and my stomach thanked me :D
After this excursion I went home where I was totally caught off guard by my host mom...I got into the house and I went to her room and I said "Hola" and then she said that she had been waiting for me for lunch and decided to eat because she had been waiting for a long time but I remember that the night before I had told her that I wasn't going to be home until 7pm, so there was definitely a big miscommunication. She knew I had a meeting later in the day so she must have thought that I would come back home for lunch and then go back for the meeting. But in any case, I apologized a million billion quatrillion times because I felt so bad that she prepared lunch for me and waited for me and I never showed. However, after that little misunderstanding and my apologies she told me not to worry and two seconds later we were in the living room laughing together with her daughters and then we ate dinner at 9pm and watched Colombian soap operas for the rest of the night until we all went off to bed. I really wish I was adjusted already and that my Spanish was improved by leaps and bounds so that misunderstandings like this don't happen again. But I know I have to be patient and just be really attentive for now. Until next blog everyone, it's almost dinner time for you but time for me to get some shut eye! Chao!
It's time for another blog! So as I'm laying in bed ready to fall asleep I thought I'd chat a bit to wind down. Yesterday was my first official day of class in Toledo and because my classes are all in Spanish I was pretty nervous. First of all I slept in a little, got up, and got ready. Then I went to my bus stop which is right in front of my host family's apartment (yay! pretty convenient for me!) and I wrote down landmarks like the blue and green writing that spelt "Supermercado" (market place), the little restaurant in the corner, and the Spanish flag that hung on the top balcony of the apartment across from me (this way I wouldn't get lost going back home like I did on the second night I was here haha, well I guess I can laugh about it now, but in the moment ummm yea not so much lol). Lucky for me I met one of my classmates on the bus and once we got to Toledo from Poligono (accent on the "i") we walked together to class so we wouldn't get lost, and again, we looked for land marks like the McDonald's on the left corner of the plaza, the curve of the street, the hanging pots on one of the buildings, and finally the smell of fresh fish from the fish market! Once I got inside the school, often called La Fundacion (accent on the "o" lol), I had some time to kill so I just talked with other students. As the day went on and my classes started and ended I realized that I had nothing to be nervous about because the teachers although they are native Spanish speakers are very patient, kind, and understanding of the fact that the students are still getting situated to Toledo. Also, they always made sure we understood everything being said and they didn't mind repeating things too. So all in all yesterday was great, I was able to get home without getting lost, ichatted with my cousins and nephew, and had a great night with my host family!
Today, was another day at school but this time my class started early at 8:40am (as is the case on Wednesdays and Thursdays too, can't complain because I have every Friday off woohoo!) and I didn't have anyone to walk with to go to class and after turning the corner at McDonald's I got lost haha but it looked like I was going towards residential areas instead of shops so i turned around, saw the hanging pots, smelled the fresh fish, and finally got to school (even though i was 10 minutes late cough cough hahhaa)! Again, the teacher was great! Afterwards I hung out with a bunch of students from Notre Dame and it was then that the planning of trips became more real! They made a group on facebook with a list of places in Europe where people want to go and if it sounds interesting then you commit and go! A little bit after that I ate lunch with them and had a lot of fun getting to know them! Following that I went to a meeting that addressed "intercambio" a program where the students in "La Fundacion (accent on the "o")" get to pair up or double up with a student or adult ages 16-30 once a week for two hours so that we can practice our Spanish with a local and the local can practice their English with us. I think this program is a really good idea so I think I'll sign up for it tomorrow (might as well right?! Have to take advantage!)!
After the meeting I walked around Toledo again with friends to explore what we hadn't yet and the first thing we did was go to "El restaurante del cervezas" which is pretty much a bar haha! We ordered tinto de verano which kind of tastes like sangria (it was delicious for sure!). The funny thing is the guy that was serving us was nice enough to give us free food (woohoo)! Next we went to the pastry shop called "Santo Tome (with an accent on the "e")" and we finally got Mazapan, but to our surprise there were so many kinds so we asked the lady which was the best and she said "Mazapan delicias" (but to me it just looked like a regular pastry, nothing special, but I bought it anyway as well as a pastry that looks like a huge roll with some sort of filling and sprinkled coconut, but I'm saving that one for tomorrow hahaha). I'm so so so so glad that I bought a "Mazapan delicias" because it was three bites of heaven that I would love to have again! Seriously, it's amazing!!!!!!!! I was definitely wrong, that dessert IS something special and my stomach thanked me :D
After this excursion I went home where I was totally caught off guard by my host mom...I got into the house and I went to her room and I said "Hola" and then she said that she had been waiting for me for lunch and decided to eat because she had been waiting for a long time but I remember that the night before I had told her that I wasn't going to be home until 7pm, so there was definitely a big miscommunication. She knew I had a meeting later in the day so she must have thought that I would come back home for lunch and then go back for the meeting. But in any case, I apologized a million billion quatrillion times because I felt so bad that she prepared lunch for me and waited for me and I never showed. However, after that little misunderstanding and my apologies she told me not to worry and two seconds later we were in the living room laughing together with her daughters and then we ate dinner at 9pm and watched Colombian soap operas for the rest of the night until we all went off to bed. I really wish I was adjusted already and that my Spanish was improved by leaps and bounds so that misunderstandings like this don't happen again. But I know I have to be patient and just be really attentive for now. Until next blog everyone, it's almost dinner time for you but time for me to get some shut eye! Chao!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Exploring Toledo
Hey All,
So sorry I didn't get a chance to blog last night before I went to bed but I have good news! I don't have to use the horrible (because it always goes in and out) free wireless internet anymore because I got the password for the internet in the house yay! Woohoo! Besides that, my day yesterday was great but I am still trying to get used to everything in Spain. Early in the morning my host mom drove me from Poligono (the city which my host family lives in) to Toledo (where my classes are), luckily the drive isn't far at all. Once I got to school I started my day with placement testing in grammar, writing, and speaking. Those went pretty well and while at school I met some new friends which was great! When 1o'clock rolled around my friends and I ate at school (I only wish I remember the names of the food because for it being school food, it was great, but then again I am in Spain what food wouldn't taste good hhaha). After eating we set out to explore Toledo, and when I say explore I mean EXPLORE! We walked through the winding cobble stoned streets, observed everyday life, got a glimpse of the fashion, checked out what seemed like a never ending beautiful river with scenery and landscaping you would only see in magazines, and of course got a whiff of the amazing food that surrounded us. In all, my friends and I were probably walking for 3-4 hours up and down and up and down the streets and very steep stairs (especially those that led to the river). While on our journey we went to the Museum of Santa Cruz, which contained paintings to sculptures to very very large portraits and all these forms of art represented Toledo in its fullest from religion to the the mix of cultures that have had a great influence on this ancient city (Christian, Jewish, Muslim cultures). The impact of these cultures can be seen in the structure of the buildings and throughout the entire history of Toledo. On another note, when I was strolling through the town I was surprised to find a McDonalds right in the middle of the city (of all the places to eat haha). And while we're on this food rant I found that Mazapan was a very popular dessert in Toledo because every pastry shop that I passed by served it. Because all the streets in Toledo look the same I had to find some way to memorize my way to class so one of my land marks was a fish market (yes thats right they have a fish market with fresh fish and all you have to do is tell the workers how much you want and there's your dinner all you have to do is cook it at home)! Once I smell the fish I know I'm headed in the right direction hahha! After wandering around for that long we had another orientation for general information and finally afterwards the school threw all of us students a small welcoming party, with again, lots and LOTS of food hahha (I feel like they're trying to fatten me up here lol)! And before I was about to leave at the end of the night my friends and I spotted the dessert table and of course we made a pit stop (who wouldn't want flan, coconut cake, and another cake covered powdered chocolate). After the welcoming dinner and getting to know some people I took the bus home and made it safe and sound after a little detour (cough cough I got a little lost...give me a brake, at that time I was only here for two days hahaha needless to say I will never forget my way home again lol). To my surprise I woke up at 11AM this morning with the rest of my host family hahhaa (I guess that exploration of Toledo took more of a toll on me than I thought lol)! Alright stay tuned because there will definitely be more to come :D
So sorry I didn't get a chance to blog last night before I went to bed but I have good news! I don't have to use the horrible (because it always goes in and out) free wireless internet anymore because I got the password for the internet in the house yay! Woohoo! Besides that, my day yesterday was great but I am still trying to get used to everything in Spain. Early in the morning my host mom drove me from Poligono (the city which my host family lives in) to Toledo (where my classes are), luckily the drive isn't far at all. Once I got to school I started my day with placement testing in grammar, writing, and speaking. Those went pretty well and while at school I met some new friends which was great! When 1o'clock rolled around my friends and I ate at school (I only wish I remember the names of the food because for it being school food, it was great, but then again I am in Spain what food wouldn't taste good hhaha). After eating we set out to explore Toledo, and when I say explore I mean EXPLORE! We walked through the winding cobble stoned streets, observed everyday life, got a glimpse of the fashion, checked out what seemed like a never ending beautiful river with scenery and landscaping you would only see in magazines, and of course got a whiff of the amazing food that surrounded us. In all, my friends and I were probably walking for 3-4 hours up and down and up and down the streets and very steep stairs (especially those that led to the river). While on our journey we went to the Museum of Santa Cruz, which contained paintings to sculptures to very very large portraits and all these forms of art represented Toledo in its fullest from religion to the the mix of cultures that have had a great influence on this ancient city (Christian, Jewish, Muslim cultures). The impact of these cultures can be seen in the structure of the buildings and throughout the entire history of Toledo. On another note, when I was strolling through the town I was surprised to find a McDonalds right in the middle of the city (of all the places to eat haha). And while we're on this food rant I found that Mazapan was a very popular dessert in Toledo because every pastry shop that I passed by served it. Because all the streets in Toledo look the same I had to find some way to memorize my way to class so one of my land marks was a fish market (yes thats right they have a fish market with fresh fish and all you have to do is tell the workers how much you want and there's your dinner all you have to do is cook it at home)! Once I smell the fish I know I'm headed in the right direction hahha! After wandering around for that long we had another orientation for general information and finally afterwards the school threw all of us students a small welcoming party, with again, lots and LOTS of food hahha (I feel like they're trying to fatten me up here lol)! And before I was about to leave at the end of the night my friends and I spotted the dessert table and of course we made a pit stop (who wouldn't want flan, coconut cake, and another cake covered powdered chocolate). After the welcoming dinner and getting to know some people I took the bus home and made it safe and sound after a little detour (cough cough I got a little lost...give me a brake, at that time I was only here for two days hahaha needless to say I will never forget my way home again lol). To my surprise I woke up at 11AM this morning with the rest of my host family hahhaa (I guess that exploration of Toledo took more of a toll on me than I thought lol)! Alright stay tuned because there will definitely be more to come :D
Friday, January 14, 2011
First day in Toledo, Spain
Hi All,
It is now 10:34pm in Toledo, Spain and I just thought I'd let you know how my day has been. So since it's my first day here this is pretty much how it started. Let's start off with yesterday, my family and I drove through yet another unforseen winter storm (but by now shouldn't us Minnesotans expect it? haha) so that I could get to the International airport 2 hours in advance for my lay over flight in Atlanta. However, because it's Minnesota and it snows all the time, the aircraft I was suppose to get on had some difficulties and therefore Delta had us switch to another plane which delayed us an hour. After all that waiting I finally arrived in Atlanta only to have to run to the next gate to catch my flight to Madrid (a flight that was only 20 minutes away, which wouldn't have mattered if the gate I was running to wasn't all the way on the other side of the terminal). Fortunately, the trip to Madrid was smooth sailing thanks to my friend called Dramamine. Once I landed I was so nervous that I would be a deer in the headlights when I met my host family. From Madrid my group and I took a bus to Toledo where I finally met my host mom, needless to say the nerves got the best of me and she could tell....yup I was a deer in the headlights! But luckily for me she is very understanding and is very patient. Not only was I already nervous but I had to meet both her daughters still. So once I reached the house I met the youngest one first and a few hours later the older one-----they spoke so fast and I just had to try my best to keep up. When the younger daughter was studying while the older sister was running errands and my host mom was at work, I took some time to brush up my Spanish with some helpful books that I bought for the trip. Once everyone was home we ate dinner at 10pm (which is pretty custom here) and afterwords I spent time with the family watching Colombian soap operas and conversing in between and afterwards. And what do you know I felt more comfortable and the sentences were just flowing out of my mouth. So if I can feel that way by the end of day once, I think I'll be alright. Not everything is easy and this immersion definitely falls into that category, but not giving up takes you that much further. Ok everyone I have an early day tomorrow but I just wanted to update you all, goodnight for me and good afternoon to all of you.
It is now 10:34pm in Toledo, Spain and I just thought I'd let you know how my day has been. So since it's my first day here this is pretty much how it started. Let's start off with yesterday, my family and I drove through yet another unforseen winter storm (but by now shouldn't us Minnesotans expect it? haha) so that I could get to the International airport 2 hours in advance for my lay over flight in Atlanta. However, because it's Minnesota and it snows all the time, the aircraft I was suppose to get on had some difficulties and therefore Delta had us switch to another plane which delayed us an hour. After all that waiting I finally arrived in Atlanta only to have to run to the next gate to catch my flight to Madrid (a flight that was only 20 minutes away, which wouldn't have mattered if the gate I was running to wasn't all the way on the other side of the terminal). Fortunately, the trip to Madrid was smooth sailing thanks to my friend called Dramamine. Once I landed I was so nervous that I would be a deer in the headlights when I met my host family. From Madrid my group and I took a bus to Toledo where I finally met my host mom, needless to say the nerves got the best of me and she could tell....yup I was a deer in the headlights! But luckily for me she is very understanding and is very patient. Not only was I already nervous but I had to meet both her daughters still. So once I reached the house I met the youngest one first and a few hours later the older one-----they spoke so fast and I just had to try my best to keep up. When the younger daughter was studying while the older sister was running errands and my host mom was at work, I took some time to brush up my Spanish with some helpful books that I bought for the trip. Once everyone was home we ate dinner at 10pm (which is pretty custom here) and afterwords I spent time with the family watching Colombian soap operas and conversing in between and afterwards. And what do you know I felt more comfortable and the sentences were just flowing out of my mouth. So if I can feel that way by the end of day once, I think I'll be alright. Not everything is easy and this immersion definitely falls into that category, but not giving up takes you that much further. Ok everyone I have an early day tomorrow but I just wanted to update you all, goodnight for me and good afternoon to all of you.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Yay I'm done packing and I'm ready for my trip to Spain
Hey All,
So you may think that I'm still up because my excitement for Spain is keeping me awake, however, although I can't wait to begin my semester abroad and meet my host family, my procrastination left me last minute packing (which I guess in my case is kind of good because it didn't give me the time to pack my whole closet haha)! All I have to do now is endure the flight to Atlanta that will take me to Madrid and finally a bus ride from there will take me to Toledo where I get to meet my host family. Since I'm still up I guess I can start adjusting to the 7 hour time difference now (THE MISSION: find something interesting enough that will keep my eyelids from closing shut...hmmm....what to do what to do?).
So you may think that I'm still up because my excitement for Spain is keeping me awake, however, although I can't wait to begin my semester abroad and meet my host family, my procrastination left me last minute packing (which I guess in my case is kind of good because it didn't give me the time to pack my whole closet haha)! All I have to do now is endure the flight to Atlanta that will take me to Madrid and finally a bus ride from there will take me to Toledo where I get to meet my host family. Since I'm still up I guess I can start adjusting to the 7 hour time difference now (THE MISSION: find something interesting enough that will keep my eyelids from closing shut...hmmm....what to do what to do?).
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Packing
Hey All,
I was packing earlier tonight with only 2 days left before heading off to Spain for the spring semester and I thought why not start a blog and write about my experiences while I'm away. I'll be posting as often as I can so hopefully you'll follow me as I go on my journey :D
I was packing earlier tonight with only 2 days left before heading off to Spain for the spring semester and I thought why not start a blog and write about my experiences while I'm away. I'll be posting as often as I can so hopefully you'll follow me as I go on my journey :D
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