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."
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
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! :)
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