My host family is great: Luciano is probably the nicest man ever and in this unconventional arrangement, he is a fantastic stay-at-home grandpa/dad and cook; Angela is quite spirited to say the least and once in a while I get a kick out of her picking on people (like the "gordos", aka fat people on tv); Najwa, the 9 yr old granddaughter is really cute and quite the motormouth; Rocio, the 25 yr old daughter who still lives at home while going to school and working, is really friendly; Abdullah and Esperanza, Najwa's parents, are nice....
Yet there are a few other members of the 'family'. The OTHER host students.
First, it was Tai Chi (and, yes, I am sure his name really is not the martial art, but that is how we all said it). He didn't really speak Spanish and frequently responded to questions with "OK" or "BIEN" and a big thumbs up. He did speak a little bit of English, so we talked a few times and I learned that he is an engineering student in Japan who studied in Seattle for a semester and is going to India this summer. He was really nice, but I must say the language barrier that I witnessed was more like a brick wall that he ran into face-first. And I had a front row seat. As I mentioned previously, they cut all of the skin off of their fruit, which was new to me and apparently new to Tai Chi as well. As he was working on a pear one evening in an elaborate cutting pattern like a spiral, Luciano told him to be careful for his fingers when he got to the bottom (in Spanish, of course). Tai Chi, who was holding his pear at the bottom and had already cut off the top stem and skin, looked at Luciano, smiled, and took the biggest bite of his pear from the top where the stem once was. I am sure I am not doing justice to the hilarity of the situation. I started laughing uncontrollably and had to excuse myself from the table after a good 10 minutes of hysterics. Tai Chi never ate a pear again, and when I returned from a weekend excursion he had gone back to Japan and I began to feel at ease at the dinner table once more.
The next three months passed without any other students, but at the end of May I was informed that two Americans were coming. Luciano informed me, in awe, that they were from Texas but strangely spoke no Spanish and must not be Mexican. I'm not sure where he got this stereotype from, but I guess 23 years of hosting students maybe brings that on. Anyways, when I returned from Menorca, there they were at the dinner table. Luciano was right, they did not speak Spanish. Joshua said he took a few classes in Jr. High and Tony said that he had never learned it. I spent that first dinner translating for them and feeling pretty good that they thought I was fluent despite my stuttering. (I must say this "you will achieve fluency while abroad" lie needs to be stopped. I have been here almost 5 months and am still waiting to wake up sounding (and hopefully looking) like Penelope Cruz.) Anyways, after guiding them on an unsuccessful laundromat adventure and a couple of weeks of translations, I feel like a bonafide Spanish genius. I am very relieved to see them eat pears the American way so there is no room for error. (Yes, they eat them SKIN and all, and Angela and Luciano say NOTHING!... I knew I should've tried that.) And alas, it takes a little pressure off of me at the dinner table, though I never really spoke anyways.
Please note, (DAD) that I will be bringing home a picture of my host family and maybe even Josh and Tony, if you are lucky. Unfortunately Tai Chi has faded into the sunset and is now more myth than man in my mind: the legend of the pear.
I have been informed that along with my passport, this photo is necessary for my readmittance into the USA. Since I am quite ready to return, I don't want to risk being sent back...
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Pues, hombre...
We were warned coming to Spain as women that there is a different attitude towards women here, that sometimes students feel outrightly harassed on the streets or even a little unsafe. Coming from D.C. to a small Spanish town, I was skeptical. In D.C., in any town, men do and can whistle, make comments or give the classic up-and-down once over frequently. Nevertheless, most girls can block it out, continue walking with their heads up or even give a sharp retort if needed. In Spain, the real vulnerability I felt was due to my visible "extranjera" (or foreigner) status. I'm not sure what the trick is, but even from across a street or 20 feet away, certain Spaniards pick out friends and I as "extranjeras" immediately. (Yes, I am aware that the English may also serve as a good clue, but even in situations without it, they knew.) How can we respond to these remarks, in Spanish that is clearly tinged and perhaps even tainted with an American accent? If I go out late, guy friends walk me home not because of my fear but because of their insistence. I do feel safer yet I feel safer in D.C. when I am walked home at night as well. I do not usually think that a man who makes a rude sexual comment toward me or my friends will actually harm me, yet the fact that he makes this comment so blatantly and loudly is something new and, in ways, alarming. It is much more difficult to ignore, it is there and it is loud.
Recently, two girl friends and I were walking down a main street in Salamanca and as I crossed to the other side I heard one friend shout "Are you serious?" (yes, in English). I ran back to see them both staring astonishingly at two old men walking casually by. One of these old men had nonchalantly ran his hand up my friend's dress and leg as he took an evening "paseo" with a friend. It is beyond me to explain why this would ever be considered appropriate behavior and the fact that it occurred at 5pm on a street full of people is even more unbelievable. Now this would not have been an everyday happening in America, or at least I should hope not.
That would not happen back home. We have that assurance, belief and security... but is it a false sentiment?
When I told a friend that I was involved in Take Back The Night, an organization to fight gender motivated violence like rape and domestic abuse, she glibly replied that that was great but things like that don't happen back home in North Dakota, D.C. must be different. I'm not sure what she considered "things like that" to be, but I found the statement an acknowledgment of the blissful ignorance and false security we often build up for ourselves. If "things like that" were only nameless and faceless assaults and unfortunate incidents on the street like the molestation of my friend, perhaps a lot of the more damaging, scarring and painfully personal abuses would not exist. When we do not visually see these assaults or hear these sexual innuendos shouted at us, do we think that women are truly safer and live in a more advanced and equal society?
A friend who had studied in Spain informed me that domestic violence is big issue and I should watch for it on the news. To be honest, I find the openness and alarm with which the Spanish media and government address this abuse to be somewhat encouraging. The existence of this abuse and violence is disheartening and alarming, yes; but I would venture to make an educated guess that the quantity is perhaps equivalent to that in the US or other countries. What makes us believe that domestic violence then is not a problem in America? While we may say 'to each his own' or have a belief that what occurs in one's home is private and personal, have we really forgotten that there is a time and a place where this line is crossed? Three women were killed in domestic disputes here in 24 hours in Spain; it was all over the news and the government was actively debating what steps needed to be taken to prevent further deaths. Yet, every single day in the US 4 women die from domestic abuse (http://www.now.org/issues/violence/stats.html). Has this become so normalized as to be forgotten?
I realize that our cultures are different. In some respects I long to return to the US where men are at least a little more subtle and make derogatory comments only under their breathe, where it is easier to ignore, to become oblivious and to block out the persistent culture of misogyny and sexism. Nevertheless by turning this attitude into acceptable undertones in daily life (in snide comments and distasteful jokes), we have failed to acknowledge the importance and prevalence of the issue: the mistreatment of women not just publicly in our cities and towns, but also in the privacy of one's home.
Recently, two girl friends and I were walking down a main street in Salamanca and as I crossed to the other side I heard one friend shout "Are you serious?" (yes, in English). I ran back to see them both staring astonishingly at two old men walking casually by. One of these old men had nonchalantly ran his hand up my friend's dress and leg as he took an evening "paseo" with a friend. It is beyond me to explain why this would ever be considered appropriate behavior and the fact that it occurred at 5pm on a street full of people is even more unbelievable. Now this would not have been an everyday happening in America, or at least I should hope not.
That would not happen back home. We have that assurance, belief and security... but is it a false sentiment?
When I told a friend that I was involved in Take Back The Night, an organization to fight gender motivated violence like rape and domestic abuse, she glibly replied that that was great but things like that don't happen back home in North Dakota, D.C. must be different. I'm not sure what she considered "things like that" to be, but I found the statement an acknowledgment of the blissful ignorance and false security we often build up for ourselves. If "things like that" were only nameless and faceless assaults and unfortunate incidents on the street like the molestation of my friend, perhaps a lot of the more damaging, scarring and painfully personal abuses would not exist. When we do not visually see these assaults or hear these sexual innuendos shouted at us, do we think that women are truly safer and live in a more advanced and equal society?
A friend who had studied in Spain informed me that domestic violence is big issue and I should watch for it on the news. To be honest, I find the openness and alarm with which the Spanish media and government address this abuse to be somewhat encouraging. The existence of this abuse and violence is disheartening and alarming, yes; but I would venture to make an educated guess that the quantity is perhaps equivalent to that in the US or other countries. What makes us believe that domestic violence then is not a problem in America? While we may say 'to each his own' or have a belief that what occurs in one's home is private and personal, have we really forgotten that there is a time and a place where this line is crossed? Three women were killed in domestic disputes here in 24 hours in Spain; it was all over the news and the government was actively debating what steps needed to be taken to prevent further deaths. Yet, every single day in the US 4 women die from domestic abuse (http://www.now.org/issues/violence/stats.html). Has this become so normalized as to be forgotten?
I realize that our cultures are different. In some respects I long to return to the US where men are at least a little more subtle and make derogatory comments only under their breathe, where it is easier to ignore, to become oblivious and to block out the persistent culture of misogyny and sexism. Nevertheless by turning this attitude into acceptable undertones in daily life (in snide comments and distasteful jokes), we have failed to acknowledge the importance and prevalence of the issue: the mistreatment of women not just publicly in our cities and towns, but also in the privacy of one's home.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
I am the question master?
I had an exam this Monday. We got three sheets of blank paper to write on and one sheet with three typed sentenced, to make a commentary on (which most of the Spaniards wrote a full sheet front AND back about... did I say there were THREE sentences?). So I receive this paper with three typed sentences, start to panic, but thankfully my cold-hearted evil philosophy professor announces that she will verbally tell us the three other questions that make up the exam. "1. Development of the conscious; 2. Intencionality in Husserl; 3. Language and intentionality." Yes, these were our "preguntas" and if I'm translating that correctly, which I'm pretty sure I am, "preguntas" means questions. Basically, we were supposed to write, aka copy, as much as we could remember from the teacher's lectures and our notes about the given topics in 2 hours.
We frequently play a little card game here called 'kings' which is trivial to say the least. Well, if you draw a queen out of the pile in this juego (i.e. game), you become the question master and everyone you speak to must respond to you in a question. While there have been many efforts to deny losing to the question master (to deny the fact that you responded with a statement), we police ourselves quite well. One time, a friend responded to the question master's pregunta, "Hey, Sean, are you the question master?" with the statement, "I am the question master." As we called him out on his mistake, he tried to change the intonation of his voice to make his statement into a question, imitating a pubescent boy on just the last few syllables. While this provided a few laughs, we stuck to the rules and ultimately he lost that one...
I have a creeping suspicion that Spaniards, or at least Spanish professors, would not excel at this game. Simon Says would perhaps be a better bet as they thoroughly enjoy when any student regurgitates exactly what they have said previously... or is that called the shadow game, you know, the one that young children like to play to annoy their babysitters? But alas, they can never truly convince me that they actually are question masters they claim to be, regardless of the intonation they invoke.
We frequently play a little card game here called 'kings' which is trivial to say the least. Well, if you draw a queen out of the pile in this juego (i.e. game), you become the question master and everyone you speak to must respond to you in a question. While there have been many efforts to deny losing to the question master (to deny the fact that you responded with a statement), we police ourselves quite well. One time, a friend responded to the question master's pregunta, "Hey, Sean, are you the question master?" with the statement, "I am the question master." As we called him out on his mistake, he tried to change the intonation of his voice to make his statement into a question, imitating a pubescent boy on just the last few syllables. While this provided a few laughs, we stuck to the rules and ultimately he lost that one...
I have a creeping suspicion that Spaniards, or at least Spanish professors, would not excel at this game. Simon Says would perhaps be a better bet as they thoroughly enjoy when any student regurgitates exactly what they have said previously... or is that called the shadow game, you know, the one that young children like to play to annoy their babysitters? But alas, they can never truly convince me that they actually are question masters they claim to be, regardless of the intonation they invoke.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
In preparation for Menorca
In just...
2.5 more days of classes.
4 more classes.
1 oral exam (which counts for 100% of my grade),
and 4 days
I will be in Menorca, the beautiful Balearic Isle known for beaches and relaxation. While not as big as Mallorca or as club/party-infested as Ibiza... I'm fairly confident we have made the right decision. Yes, we. EIGHT Gtown students (including myself) will be embarking on this adventure together, sharing one 3 bedroom apartment and 2 rental cars (with the obligatory European stick-shift, meaning I must drive and put my talents to good use).
Overall, I am pretty excited for this much needed break after one exam is out of the way and 4 more are coming in the exhaustingly long exam period of FOUR weeks. I did start a final countdown and it had dwindle to some 30-odd days until home, but I decided yesterday that instead of making me excited and providing light at the end of the tunnel, this just made my stay here drone on and on ever more slowly. So my new countdown looks more like the one you see above. Short-sighted, perhaps. Exciting, definitely.
On another note, Facebook has failed me and no longer allows you to view my pictures... as I'm sure you, my ever-so-loyal followers, have noticed. I tried to download a few to snapfish.com and after uploading 6 pictures in about half an hour, I had to admit defeat and give up... If I have time for procrastination in the 4 weeks to come, I will work on that. Otherwise, sadly, a personal slide show from my Mac when I arrive home will have to suffice.
Hopefully next time I post I will be able to report back with a tan and boring tales of lying on the beach all day... until then, saludos!
2.5 more days of classes.
4 more classes.
1 oral exam (which counts for 100% of my grade),
and 4 days
I will be in Menorca, the beautiful Balearic Isle known for beaches and relaxation. While not as big as Mallorca or as club/party-infested as Ibiza... I'm fairly confident we have made the right decision. Yes, we. EIGHT Gtown students (including myself) will be embarking on this adventure together, sharing one 3 bedroom apartment and 2 rental cars (with the obligatory European stick-shift, meaning I must drive and put my talents to good use).
Overall, I am pretty excited for this much needed break after one exam is out of the way and 4 more are coming in the exhaustingly long exam period of FOUR weeks. I did start a final countdown and it had dwindle to some 30-odd days until home, but I decided yesterday that instead of making me excited and providing light at the end of the tunnel, this just made my stay here drone on and on ever more slowly. So my new countdown looks more like the one you see above. Short-sighted, perhaps. Exciting, definitely.
On another note, Facebook has failed me and no longer allows you to view my pictures... as I'm sure you, my ever-so-loyal followers, have noticed. I tried to download a few to snapfish.com and after uploading 6 pictures in about half an hour, I had to admit defeat and give up... If I have time for procrastination in the 4 weeks to come, I will work on that. Otherwise, sadly, a personal slide show from my Mac when I arrive home will have to suffice.
Hopefully next time I post I will be able to report back with a tan and boring tales of lying on the beach all day... until then, saludos!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
In appreciation of America...
In many ways Spain and Salamanca, in particular, are wonderful...
The people are opening and warm (well, at least relative to the French). Families are close knit and comfortable. People actually say hi to one another in my host family's apartment building. Their animation and openly excited chatter in restaurants is far better than the stifled, pretentious atmosphere I've grown accustomed to on the East Coast. Students are helpful and open as opposed to competitive and suspicious (and yes, I am referring oh-so-lovingly to Georgetown). The kids, or shall we say young twenty-somethings, can stay irresponsible and carefree until they marry while their parents cook and clean for them in the comfort of their own home. Sometimes I envy the fact that while these young adults are figuring out their lives, at least they have a place to call home in the meantime, whereas the quarter-life crisis in America usually consists of roommates, ramen and the occasional homecoming to a room that doesn't feel quite like your own.
Nevertheless, I look forward to going back to the US... immensely. This is not to say that I do not enjoy my time here. I do and it has been a wonderful, amazing opportunity... more than I could have asked for, really. Yet in some ways, this experience has given me one lasting gift, a newfound appreciation for the good ol' USA.
Sure, the East Coast is pretentious. It's true, but the Midwest and my home in Fargo more than make up for that with a down-to-earth and welcoming everybody-knows-your-name feeling that is omnipresent yet under-appreciated there. Yes, Georgetown is filled with what my sister would call SFS Freak Shows, but... part of me strives for that type of competition and learning where you are encouraged to do more than copy a semester's worth of notes onto one final exam. Also, who can forget the syllabi... how I miss these little sheets of paper that actually clue one in on what to expect and prevent professors from making last minute assignments into something bigger and more time consuming... oh and completely optional BUT recommended. And if I don't really have a "home" in the same sense that the Spaniards do, perhaps that is the only way to grow into something different and better, to actually figure out what I want that home to one day be.
Some people say they could live here, stay and adapt and grow accustomed to it. I appreciate the good things here (not least off all, the all-you-can-drink Thursday nights at Atalhualpa for 2.50), but I miss the US... with all of our wonderful gas guzzling, apartment hall lights that stay on ALL night and back yards... oh the yards.
Sappy, yes, I know. I apologize, really. I sound like a hallmark card, or worse, a hardcore republican (though, dammit, AMERICA IS THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH!). So I'll leave it at that.
Hasta Luego... or, better yet, Later. (Do people still say that in America these days??)
The people are opening and warm (well, at least relative to the French). Families are close knit and comfortable. People actually say hi to one another in my host family's apartment building. Their animation and openly excited chatter in restaurants is far better than the stifled, pretentious atmosphere I've grown accustomed to on the East Coast. Students are helpful and open as opposed to competitive and suspicious (and yes, I am referring oh-so-lovingly to Georgetown). The kids, or shall we say young twenty-somethings, can stay irresponsible and carefree until they marry while their parents cook and clean for them in the comfort of their own home. Sometimes I envy the fact that while these young adults are figuring out their lives, at least they have a place to call home in the meantime, whereas the quarter-life crisis in America usually consists of roommates, ramen and the occasional homecoming to a room that doesn't feel quite like your own.
Nevertheless, I look forward to going back to the US... immensely. This is not to say that I do not enjoy my time here. I do and it has been a wonderful, amazing opportunity... more than I could have asked for, really. Yet in some ways, this experience has given me one lasting gift, a newfound appreciation for the good ol' USA.
Sure, the East Coast is pretentious. It's true, but the Midwest and my home in Fargo more than make up for that with a down-to-earth and welcoming everybody-knows-your-name feeling that is omnipresent yet under-appreciated there. Yes, Georgetown is filled with what my sister would call SFS Freak Shows, but... part of me strives for that type of competition and learning where you are encouraged to do more than copy a semester's worth of notes onto one final exam. Also, who can forget the syllabi... how I miss these little sheets of paper that actually clue one in on what to expect and prevent professors from making last minute assignments into something bigger and more time consuming... oh and completely optional BUT recommended. And if I don't really have a "home" in the same sense that the Spaniards do, perhaps that is the only way to grow into something different and better, to actually figure out what I want that home to one day be.
Some people say they could live here, stay and adapt and grow accustomed to it. I appreciate the good things here (not least off all, the all-you-can-drink Thursday nights at Atalhualpa for 2.50), but I miss the US... with all of our wonderful gas guzzling, apartment hall lights that stay on ALL night and back yards... oh the yards.
Sappy, yes, I know. I apologize, really. I sound like a hallmark card, or worse, a hardcore republican (though, dammit, AMERICA IS THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH!). So I'll leave it at that.
Hasta Luego... or, better yet, Later. (Do people still say that in America these days??)
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Art of Doing NOTHING
I must admit... I have been slacking. With my newfound talent for procrastination, it has taken me a whole 13 days to write something new. What have I been up to you ask?? Well... a weekend excursion to Asturias (the northern mountainous, coastal region of Spain), some nights on the town, a few of The Office episodes I found streamed illegally online, trip planning and of course anything else that does not include homework.
Within all my free time (which should be spent writing one of my 5-6 papers due at the end of May), I have come up with a very logical explanation for this procrastination. (Note: my dad would call this an excuse, though I beg to differ.) When I signed up for this time abroad, I was told by numerous sources: "this is the best time of your life" or "classes only involve one exam where you just regurgitate everything in your notes" or "school abroad is a joke" or "it's more about the cultural learning experience." I accepted this wisdom and embarked on my journey ready to take in the culture and practice the language; I was prepared to take great notes and spend fun nights out on the town. I was not prepared for PAPERS, two of which are 15 pages. I feel duped; somehow the system betrayed me, and in my last feeble attempt to right this wrong I am protesting (sidereel.com and sunscreen in hand). Perhaps, one could say I am mentally preparing to finish these ill-begotten assignments in record timing and excellent quality. Yet, I know the truth... it's my own form of individual, non-violent civil disobedience. I am trying to bring about change, or rather un-change the last years of progress in the Spanish University system. I'll let you know how this goes... though, I may cave eventually, if I can draw myself inside away from the suddenly beautiful weather long enough.
On to less traumatic events in my life, you will find below a link to pictures from Asturias. It's beautiful countryside and a hidden treasure of Spain.
Hope everyone has been more productive than I have! Hasta Luego!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2112438&l=b6409&id=141072
Within all my free time (which should be spent writing one of my 5-6 papers due at the end of May), I have come up with a very logical explanation for this procrastination. (Note: my dad would call this an excuse, though I beg to differ.) When I signed up for this time abroad, I was told by numerous sources: "this is the best time of your life" or "classes only involve one exam where you just regurgitate everything in your notes" or "school abroad is a joke" or "it's more about the cultural learning experience." I accepted this wisdom and embarked on my journey ready to take in the culture and practice the language; I was prepared to take great notes and spend fun nights out on the town. I was not prepared for PAPERS, two of which are 15 pages. I feel duped; somehow the system betrayed me, and in my last feeble attempt to right this wrong I am protesting (sidereel.com and sunscreen in hand). Perhaps, one could say I am mentally preparing to finish these ill-begotten assignments in record timing and excellent quality. Yet, I know the truth... it's my own form of individual, non-violent civil disobedience. I am trying to bring about change, or rather un-change the last years of progress in the Spanish University system. I'll let you know how this goes... though, I may cave eventually, if I can draw myself inside away from the suddenly beautiful weather long enough.
On to less traumatic events in my life, you will find below a link to pictures from Asturias. It's beautiful countryside and a hidden treasure of Spain.
Hope everyone has been more productive than I have! Hasta Luego!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2112438&l=b6409&id=141072
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Italia: land of giant lemons and gelato
In an attempt to avoid writing an essay on the interplay of religion and politics in Spain (due tomorrow), I thought I could update all of my loyal followers- ha- about my fantastic voyage to the land of EEEEtalians, as my dad would say. Don't worry I shall spare you the details of my other, more urgent essay which is painfully making me more aware of my limited communication abilities these days.
Simply listing all the cities we visited sounds impressive, so I think I'll start there:
~Florence: the duomo, ponte vecchio, academia, ufizzi gallery and of course gelatería's all warranted visits
~Venice: a one-day whirlwind tour of the canaled city was impressive and handy (for all the Venetian glass souvenoirs, obviously)
~Naples: while driving along the lane-less streets of what seems like an anthill of people was not the most enjoyable experience, the views are impressive and the pizza was to die for
~Positano: giant lemons made for some not-so-great-but-famous-nevertheless limoncello (on my 21st bday), this town is beautiful and the boat ride to Capri and along the Amalfi Coast was also amazing
~Pompeii: although i have no groundbreaking insight into this historical treasure, i can say thank you to mr. volk for the little latin i did remember
~Rome: the pantheon, trevi fountain, spanish steps, the forum, the coliseum and of course the vatican were all packed tightly into 2 days, but it was easy to see that the city itself has character, which my mom might call 'dirtiness' but i adored
Seeing my family again was a much needed vacation, which conveniently marks the midpoint of my time in Spain. It was amazing to be able to spend time with my parents, Raime, Chris, London and the Buzicks... and to share the incredible trip was a double bonus.
By far, this was the best birthday anyone could have asked for. And, yes, for those at Gtown who worried, Peter Haas did inscribe "TOMBS" on my forehead the next weekend, so I did not miss D.C. toooo much. ;)
Enjoy the pics and GRAZIE (which I realize doesn't not really make sense in the context, but it's the only Italian word I remember... :)
Photos!
Simply listing all the cities we visited sounds impressive, so I think I'll start there:
~Florence: the duomo, ponte vecchio, academia, ufizzi gallery and of course gelatería's all warranted visits
~Venice: a one-day whirlwind tour of the canaled city was impressive and handy (for all the Venetian glass souvenoirs, obviously)
~Naples: while driving along the lane-less streets of what seems like an anthill of people was not the most enjoyable experience, the views are impressive and the pizza was to die for
~Positano: giant lemons made for some not-so-great-but-famous-nevertheless limoncello (on my 21st bday), this town is beautiful and the boat ride to Capri and along the Amalfi Coast was also amazing
~Pompeii: although i have no groundbreaking insight into this historical treasure, i can say thank you to mr. volk for the little latin i did remember
~Rome: the pantheon, trevi fountain, spanish steps, the forum, the coliseum and of course the vatican were all packed tightly into 2 days, but it was easy to see that the city itself has character, which my mom might call 'dirtiness' but i adored
Seeing my family again was a much needed vacation, which conveniently marks the midpoint of my time in Spain. It was amazing to be able to spend time with my parents, Raime, Chris, London and the Buzicks... and to share the incredible trip was a double bonus.
By far, this was the best birthday anyone could have asked for. And, yes, for those at Gtown who worried, Peter Haas did inscribe "TOMBS" on my forehead the next weekend, so I did not miss D.C. toooo much. ;)
Enjoy the pics and GRAZIE (which I realize doesn't not really make sense in the context, but it's the only Italian word I remember... :)
Photos!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Paris (for lack of a more creative title...)
Welcome to the frigid land of France where you understand nothing and it hails basically everyday. Indeed, perhaps a beach (Valencia, Ibiza, Mallorca, anywhere) would have been a more conventional spring break choice. But, alas, the sights and history of Paris, along with a few good Gtown friends studying there this semester, beckoned. It's true; Paris was built for tourism... Versailles, the Louvre and Tulerries, Champs Elysee and Arc du Triumph, Musee d'Orsay and Invalides, Napoleon's Tomb, Hotel d'Ville, the Opera, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Mont Martre and Mont Parnasse, Latin Quarter and the Seine... oh, and the Eiffel Tour of course. Yes, the week was packed with all of these sights and more... a few bars and some March Madness (which is a sore subject for me at the moment).
Suggestions:
*Go to Paris. Later in the year. It was coooold and rainy and so windy that the top of the Eiffel Tour had to close to tourists.
*Do not stay at the 3 Ducks Hostel... while this may be obvious immediately (given the name), unless you appreciate a bar as a lobby and muddy courtyard as the hallway, I would suggest going elsewhere.
*Do not be surprised by the 7.50 Euro bottle of Perrier... and, yes, currently that equates to about $100....
*The Louvre is closed on Tuesday, despite the tourist book's time schedules.
*If you are 4 people staying under a 3 person hotel reservation... TELL THEM, immediately, while an English speaker is available. Or they will catch you, try to rip you off, pretend they don't understand English, and then gruffly escort your party out the front door. (Don't worry, this was eventually resolved...)
*Enjoy the cheese and wine... and FONDUE!
*Enjoy the company of good friends... GO with friends!
Well, that's about all... Enjoy the pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2108136&l=167a7&id=1410721
y hasta pronto!
Suggestions:
*Go to Paris. Later in the year. It was coooold and rainy and so windy that the top of the Eiffel Tour had to close to tourists.
*Do not stay at the 3 Ducks Hostel... while this may be obvious immediately (given the name), unless you appreciate a bar as a lobby and muddy courtyard as the hallway, I would suggest going elsewhere.
*Do not be surprised by the 7.50 Euro bottle of Perrier... and, yes, currently that equates to about $100....
*The Louvre is closed on Tuesday, despite the tourist book's time schedules.
*If you are 4 people staying under a 3 person hotel reservation... TELL THEM, immediately, while an English speaker is available. Or they will catch you, try to rip you off, pretend they don't understand English, and then gruffly escort your party out the front door. (Don't worry, this was eventually resolved...)
*Enjoy the cheese and wine... and FONDUE!
*Enjoy the company of good friends... GO with friends!
Well, that's about all... Enjoy the pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2108136&l=167a7&id=1410721
y hasta pronto!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Las fotos, II
Extremadura trip with Gtown:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2105388&l=70ba6&id=1410721
Barcelona:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2105272&l=b8dfb&id=1410721
Madrid:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2105284&l=da5ff&id=1410721
Also, it is now officially Vacacciones de Semana Santa (Easter Break)... two weeks of no school, a Paris (maybe London) week long excursion in the middle of that, and Italy afterwards with the family! Can't wait!!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2105388&l=70ba6&id=1410721
Barcelona:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2105272&l=b8dfb&id=1410721
Madrid:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2105284&l=da5ff&id=1410721
Also, it is now officially Vacacciones de Semana Santa (Easter Break)... two weeks of no school, a Paris (maybe London) week long excursion in the middle of that, and Italy afterwards with the family! Can't wait!!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Madrid "Volunteerism"
I have to admit that I went into this weekend adventure in Madrid convinced that I would not like the city. Spaniards (that is, Salamancans) had told me of the large, unorganized city that was not as beautiful or nice as Barcelona. Nevertheless, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. We stayed at a nice hostel near Puerta del Sol, which is considered the center of Old Madrid. There were 8 of my friends from around Spain in the room, so the smelly shoe problem was not a problem AND there were individual rooms for each shower... No mistaking this time!
The premise for this trip was "John Carroll Weekend," an alumni gathering in which alums were awarded for their achievements (which, let's be honest, obviously included large donations to the university) and several cultural and academic events took place. My friends and I had signed up to "volunteer" for the weekend. The first night was the Welcome Reception at Casino de Madrid where we were fed free food and cocktails and even saw the Prince of Spain. The next day, I was assigned to volunteer at a bus tour of Madrid and tour of Las Ventas bullring. I learned a lot about the history of the city and that afternoon, as a few friends and I toured the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) I put some of that knowledge to good use. The next day we were invited to a free Thank-You dinner for all volunteers which was again more food than I could eat and more courses than I remember and, of course, Riojo (red wine). We proceeded to the free "Chimes Night" at the Westin Palace hotel where I saw some old Georgetown friends who were members of the Chimes a capella group (an old Gtown tradition). Saturday we toured the Prado Museum and saw El Greco, Goya and Velazquez masterpieces. Then we proceeded to picnic in the city park, watch Gtown win the Big East regular season and volunteer at the Awards Banquet. The staff dinner at this banquet was extravagant and delicious once again, and it was totally worth the logistical nightmare that proceeded (i.e. seating 500 guests with a last minute seating chart).
You may have noticed that I have been saying volunteer in quotations... that is because the absurd amount of free food, tours, and a lovely left over gift bag packed with free, expensive goods makes me believe that, economically speaking, this does not constitute "volunteering". But, hey, I'll definitely take it... Even the Madrid experience is definitely worth the trip.
The premise for this trip was "John Carroll Weekend," an alumni gathering in which alums were awarded for their achievements (which, let's be honest, obviously included large donations to the university) and several cultural and academic events took place. My friends and I had signed up to "volunteer" for the weekend. The first night was the Welcome Reception at Casino de Madrid where we were fed free food and cocktails and even saw the Prince of Spain. The next day, I was assigned to volunteer at a bus tour of Madrid and tour of Las Ventas bullring. I learned a lot about the history of the city and that afternoon, as a few friends and I toured the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) I put some of that knowledge to good use. The next day we were invited to a free Thank-You dinner for all volunteers which was again more food than I could eat and more courses than I remember and, of course, Riojo (red wine). We proceeded to the free "Chimes Night" at the Westin Palace hotel where I saw some old Georgetown friends who were members of the Chimes a capella group (an old Gtown tradition). Saturday we toured the Prado Museum and saw El Greco, Goya and Velazquez masterpieces. Then we proceeded to picnic in the city park, watch Gtown win the Big East regular season and volunteer at the Awards Banquet. The staff dinner at this banquet was extravagant and delicious once again, and it was totally worth the logistical nightmare that proceeded (i.e. seating 500 guests with a last minute seating chart).
You may have noticed that I have been saying volunteer in quotations... that is because the absurd amount of free food, tours, and a lovely left over gift bag packed with free, expensive goods makes me believe that, economically speaking, this does not constitute "volunteering". But, hey, I'll definitely take it... Even the Madrid experience is definitely worth the trip.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Extremadura, Barcelona, and a hostel
Extremadura is the region just north of Andalucia (Seville, Granada, Cadiz, etc). We visited Roman ruins (obviously), Trujillo- Pizarro's hometown and the medieval town of Caceres. It was a fun trip and the best part was that Gtown paid for almost everything... so we are slowly getting our gtown tuition's worth out of this... meaning, of course, that we stayed not at hostels, but at a country estate and a remodeled monastery (called a Parador).
Barcelona this weekend was WONDERFUL! After an 11 hour, yes ELEVEN hour, train ride, I arrived on the eastern coast of Spain and the beautiful modern city of Barcelona. We saw Sagrada Familia (the cathedral Gaudi designed), Parc Guell (Gaudi's park, with the famous lizard and ceramics), las Ramblas, the Plaza Real and some beautiful beaches. The food was amazing, including our improptu picnic, tapas, and of course Sangria. Yet, the downside, or shall I say the tradeoff, was...
The hostel was relatively new and clean, with a family room area and computers. The first night we stayed with two nice UofM girls from Wisconsin, but at 10am the next morning, we were woken up to be told that we must move rooms due to some booking problems. So we moved into a room with two sleeping men and promptly left for the day. We came back to find these men just as we had left them, though they must have moved their smelly shoes toward the window by my bed b/c the room smelled of feet. These men lay in bed staring at us whenever we were in the room and not talking. So we stayed out of the room as best we could. Yet this posed problems as well... as I decided to take a shower and was not told of the separate men's and women's rooms. Assuming it was combined like the bathroom, I bravely walked into the shower room to find see-through shower curtains and a man already using the shower. I ran out but after my own pep-talk convinced myself that a shower was necessary and I would have to brave the elements. I walked back in but after standing in the shower fully-clothed, decided it would NOT happen. I ran out again to find my roommates who then informed me that there was a women's shower room... yes, a women's shower. Thank the lord, but wait, I left my shampoo in the men's room and had to sneak back in for that as the man still showering there looked at me strangely. Needless to say, I will think twice before showering next time...
Barcelona this weekend was WONDERFUL! After an 11 hour, yes ELEVEN hour, train ride, I arrived on the eastern coast of Spain and the beautiful modern city of Barcelona. We saw Sagrada Familia (the cathedral Gaudi designed), Parc Guell (Gaudi's park, with the famous lizard and ceramics), las Ramblas, the Plaza Real and some beautiful beaches. The food was amazing, including our improptu picnic, tapas, and of course Sangria. Yet, the downside, or shall I say the tradeoff, was...
The hostel was relatively new and clean, with a family room area and computers. The first night we stayed with two nice UofM girls from Wisconsin, but at 10am the next morning, we were woken up to be told that we must move rooms due to some booking problems. So we moved into a room with two sleeping men and promptly left for the day. We came back to find these men just as we had left them, though they must have moved their smelly shoes toward the window by my bed b/c the room smelled of feet. These men lay in bed staring at us whenever we were in the room and not talking. So we stayed out of the room as best we could. Yet this posed problems as well... as I decided to take a shower and was not told of the separate men's and women's rooms. Assuming it was combined like the bathroom, I bravely walked into the shower room to find see-through shower curtains and a man already using the shower. I ran out but after my own pep-talk convinced myself that a shower was necessary and I would have to brave the elements. I walked back in but after standing in the shower fully-clothed, decided it would NOT happen. I ran out again to find my roommates who then informed me that there was a women's shower room... yes, a women's shower. Thank the lord, but wait, I left my shampoo in the men's room and had to sneak back in for that as the man still showering there looked at me strangely. Needless to say, I will think twice before showering next time...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Just another Jueves (Thursday) in Cafe elcaravan
We are going to Extremadura, a region just south of Castilla-Leon (the province where Salamanca is), this weekend to see some Roman ruins and sightsee. That should be fun... while classes aren't that difficult, Spanish 24 hours a day is becoming mentally draining. I will post more pictures after the trip!
A few European/Spanish oddities:
~ They do not eat the skin of their fruit: apples, pears, etc. (My host mom informed me that I apparently make strange faces as I try to emulate them and cut the skin off of my fruit.)
~ Dogs often roam freely around leash-less when their owners (who are often a block or two away) take them for walks.
~ The Simpsons are everywhere... We generally watch this juvenile comedy (which I despise, even in English) for about an hour every day over lunch time.
~ Castillans are quite proud of their region. (This pride tends to border on snobby-ness.) Example, "Could you even understand the Spanish in Seville? They do not speak the 'pure Spanish' of Castilla Leon."
A few European/Spanish oddities:
~ They do not eat the skin of their fruit: apples, pears, etc. (My host mom informed me that I apparently make strange faces as I try to emulate them and cut the skin off of my fruit.)
~ Dogs often roam freely around leash-less when their owners (who are often a block or two away) take them for walks.
~ The Simpsons are everywhere... We generally watch this juvenile comedy (which I despise, even in English) for about an hour every day over lunch time.
~ Castillans are quite proud of their region. (This pride tends to border on snobby-ness.) Example, "Could you even understand the Spanish in Seville? They do not speak the 'pure Spanish' of Castilla Leon."
Monday, February 11, 2008
Primer dia de clases
Translation: First day of classes.
Buenas tardes once again! After a week of orientation, matriculation and an excursion to visit a vineyard and castle, alas we are reminded of the reason we actually came to Salamanca... classes. I only had two classes today, but there are a few general tendencies emerging. First of all, all of the Spanish students take notes on loose-leaf computer paper and tote with them to class a trapper-keeper of sorts (more like an expandable file portfolio) which contains this paper. They also have a small zip pencil/pen case from which they withdraw two or three different colored pens and highlighters to begin taking rapid-fire notes. Most grades consist of one final in which (if you are smart) you will not think critically but rather re-iterate everything which the professor has spouted to you, as the fount of knowledge that he/she is, throughout the semester. Apparently, these classes aren't that difficult and there isn't much homework until finals arrive.
My host parents already think that I am muy estudioso (very studious) because I read in my room a lot (mostly to avoid awkward situations and because I'm not quite sure yet how to properly impose on another family). It is funny though, because I haven't been studying at all, unless you count the two John Grisham I promptly finished.
Don't get the wrong idea... I am not holed up like a recluse ALL the time. We did go out once again this weekend and found a cute, authentic Spanish bar/ dance club that played actual Spanish music (along with the obligatory Rhianna and other Americans with whom the Spanish are infatuated). This bar was ironically named, Harley Bar (as in Harley Davidson)... I called it an early night at 4:15 (yes, early) because the smoke was finally getting to me. It was a lot of fun, but the smoke is apparently an obligatory part of any good time. Worst of all, there is no such thing as Febreeze in Espana.
While, that is all for now... three more days of class this week and on to another weekend. Happy Valentine's Day and please, send FEBREEZE!!!
Buenas tardes once again! After a week of orientation, matriculation and an excursion to visit a vineyard and castle, alas we are reminded of the reason we actually came to Salamanca... classes. I only had two classes today, but there are a few general tendencies emerging. First of all, all of the Spanish students take notes on loose-leaf computer paper and tote with them to class a trapper-keeper of sorts (more like an expandable file portfolio) which contains this paper. They also have a small zip pencil/pen case from which they withdraw two or three different colored pens and highlighters to begin taking rapid-fire notes. Most grades consist of one final in which (if you are smart) you will not think critically but rather re-iterate everything which the professor has spouted to you, as the fount of knowledge that he/she is, throughout the semester. Apparently, these classes aren't that difficult and there isn't much homework until finals arrive.
My host parents already think that I am muy estudioso (very studious) because I read in my room a lot (mostly to avoid awkward situations and because I'm not quite sure yet how to properly impose on another family). It is funny though, because I haven't been studying at all, unless you count the two John Grisham I promptly finished.
Don't get the wrong idea... I am not holed up like a recluse ALL the time. We did go out once again this weekend and found a cute, authentic Spanish bar/ dance club that played actual Spanish music (along with the obligatory Rhianna and other Americans with whom the Spanish are infatuated). This bar was ironically named, Harley Bar (as in Harley Davidson)... I called it an early night at 4:15 (yes, early) because the smoke was finally getting to me. It was a lot of fun, but the smoke is apparently an obligatory part of any good time. Worst of all, there is no such thing as Febreeze in Espana.
While, that is all for now... three more days of class this week and on to another weekend. Happy Valentine's Day and please, send FEBREEZE!!!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Las fotos :)... por fin
Translation: The photos... finally.
I was going to download photos directly here... but, alas, after waiting 10 minutes for 3 photos to download, I shall simply send you the public facebook photo link:
http://georgetown.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2101413&l=0b89d&id=1410721
Tomorrow, we leave at 8:30am for Penafiel, a vineyard and castle to the Northeast of Salamanca. More pics to come... and a few postcards are finally in the mail. :)
Hasta luego
I was going to download photos directly here... but, alas, after waiting 10 minutes for 3 photos to download, I shall simply send you the public facebook photo link:
http://georgetown.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2101413&l=0b89d&id=1410721
Tomorrow, we leave at 8:30am for Penafiel, a vineyard and castle to the Northeast of Salamanca. More pics to come... and a few postcards are finally in the mail. :)
Hasta luego
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Note to self:
1. In Spain, it is not considered a good night if you go home before 5 am. (Granted lunch is 2-4pm, dinner is at 10pm and nobody goes out until 12- 12:30...This is still a challenge for me.)
2. Spaniards watch dubbed American tv and movies... and apparently only have about 3 different voices for all of the characters (including children).
3. Do not just smile and nod when you don't understand something... everyone will know you don't understand and you will only appear to be more of a fool for pretending you do.
*Pictures soon. I promise!*
2. Spaniards watch dubbed American tv and movies... and apparently only have about 3 different voices for all of the characters (including children).
3. Do not just smile and nod when you don't understand something... everyone will know you don't understand and you will only appear to be more of a fool for pretending you do.
*Pictures soon. I promise!*
Saturday, February 2, 2008
First Three Days
Hola a todos from Salamanca!
The city is beautiful, old and historic with many churches. I have reunited with the Georgetown group and live close to a few of them. My host family is wonderful and their apartment is across from an elementary school and a nice park. Communication is a challenge, but it´s becoming easier.
One example: My host mom and dad kept asking me ¨¿conoces a Bryan?¨(do I know Bryan, the student that lived with them before)... and I heard ëntonces, subrayan¨(which means then, they underline). I was thoroughly confused.... so, yes, it will take some time... haha
Though I don´t have internet access at my house, there are many cyber cafes and I will try to get some pictures posted soon. I will be getting my cellphone on Monday and will post my number up here then. Text messaging is the cheapest way to communicate unless you all have a long distance plan on your phone, then I can receive your calls for free! :)
The city is beautiful, old and historic with many churches. I have reunited with the Georgetown group and live close to a few of them. My host family is wonderful and their apartment is across from an elementary school and a nice park. Communication is a challenge, but it´s becoming easier.
One example: My host mom and dad kept asking me ¨¿conoces a Bryan?¨(do I know Bryan, the student that lived with them before)... and I heard ëntonces, subrayan¨(which means then, they underline). I was thoroughly confused.... so, yes, it will take some time... haha
Though I don´t have internet access at my house, there are many cyber cafes and I will try to get some pictures posted soon. I will be getting my cellphone on Monday and will post my number up here then. Text messaging is the cheapest way to communicate unless you all have a long distance plan on your phone, then I can receive your calls for free! :)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
At the airport...
So, I am waiting in Denver to board my flight to the wonderful city of Philadelphia (well, who knows how wonderful it is, but I have to believe it is at least better than Newark, NJ...). From there I am flying to Madrid at 8:35pm; I will arrive at 10:10am Madrid time. For those who were wondering, Madrid is 6 hours ahead of Washington, DC and 8 hrs ahead of Denver. (That means since it is 12:30 in Denver now it is 8:30 in Madrid). And, yes, Dad, it is still the same day there. I'm pretty awful at remembering that sort of thing, so I set three clocks on my computer to avoid excessive math at all costs.
Anyways, I'm really excited, a little nervous, but mostly... I just want to be in Salamanca getting started with my semester abroad. I want to meet my family and get settled (the address, for those who care and maybe want to send a few cards ;) is: Paseo de la Alamedilla, 14-16, 2 A; 37003, Salamanca, Spain).
The worst part is cellphone withdrawal. It's a little disconcerting to not be able to call anyone at any time. I guess I'll have to wait until Saturday when we will get our Spanish cells (at exorbitant costs, might I add). Thank God for email and the internet :)
!Hasta pronto!
Anyways, I'm really excited, a little nervous, but mostly... I just want to be in Salamanca getting started with my semester abroad. I want to meet my family and get settled (the address, for those who care and maybe want to send a few cards ;) is: Paseo de la Alamedilla, 14-16, 2 A; 37003, Salamanca, Spain).
The worst part is cellphone withdrawal. It's a little disconcerting to not be able to call anyone at any time. I guess I'll have to wait until Saturday when we will get our Spanish cells (at exorbitant costs, might I add). Thank God for email and the internet :)
!Hasta pronto!
Monday, January 7, 2008
And then there were 23 days left...
Greetings from Denver, CO... in 23 days, just over 3 weeks, I will be in Spain studying at the Universidad de Salamanca and living with my host family there. I decided to start a blog (following the brilliant lead of Emily Atkinson and Beth Kenefick) to keep in touch with family and friends in the states. So stay tuned for the real excitement starting January 30th!!
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