Here's a list of commonly practiced customs, habits and Spanish sayings:
1. The siesta is observed religiously....places will shut down between 2 and 2:30 every day and sometimes not open back up until 5pm (1700)! Also kids get let out from school early to go home for lunch and the siesta. Aren't they lucky!
2. Spanish people know where they are going and don't like to be cut in front of or slowed down--so that means pick the side of the street, hallway, classroom, etc. you'll be on and stick to it! My first full day being here I was walking down the street and didn't know which side I should choose to pass this one guy and I hesitated so much that he said, "Quieres baliar?" "You wanna dance?" hahaha :)
3. There is no hot water in any sink in the entire country of Spain (at least I'm convinced of this)! Maybe the palace where the royal family lives, but not anywhere else I've been.
4. It's perfectly okay to be OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD in the hallways when classes are going on or when someone's clearly studying on a bench inside. I mean, Spain's all about socializing...right?
5. Food is the most important thing in your life and chocolate is better than sex--according to my very wise señora!!!
6. Your shoes, coat, bag and scarf all MUST match or you have to wear an outfit with matching colors...next to food, fashion is the other most important thing in the lives of Spaniards.
7. How you use utilities (water and electricity) and time reflect your character. There is no such thing as a long shower here and lights must always be turned off when not in use. This thing in particular has really opened my eyes to how wasteful and forgetful Americans are (myself included)...Time has definitely been a big issue for me since I am trying to get a routine down but still stay in touch with people and the culture at the same time. And if you're wondering....yes, I've been late to dinner two times and have gotten yelled at for it! NEVER AGAIN is the advice I have taken to heart.
8. Comparable sayings:
Hasta luego ('ta luego) = adiós
Hasta mañana = buenas noches
Fijate! = Lit. : You see! (in some contexts: Don't miss this!)
Hombre = Uh, huh or Duh...especially when used with claro, i.e. : Hombre, claro!
Vale = Okay (used A LOT...sometimes after every word)
9. Olive oil actually comes from Spain, but is manufactured and shipped in Italy cause it's cheaper...talk about a falso amigo there! I had NO IDEA either! haha But olives and olive oil are HUGE here and aceite de oliva is used in nearly everything...my friend Ashely even told me she saw the Spanish food group pyramid and they have a little section just for olive oil. All you need is at least one serving a day! haha :)
10. You can drink beer at 10 in the morning and not be judged for doing it!
11. Spain (and possibly Europe) is IN LOVE with purple....I see it everywhere and wish I could have everything I see! It's my absolute favorite color...teal is a very close second though. ;)
12. Spanish men have lots of confidence in themselves and their abilities to woo women...you either get asked to "spend the night" at their house or you get proposed to! There's also no, "We should go out some time in the future" kind of thing. It's more like, "Okay, I'll call you tonight and we'll go to [this tapas bar] at 10pm and then to [this club] at 12:30 for awhile and then I'll walk you home and we'll talk about tomorrow's plans." In other words, they move FAST! All you American guys out there: TAKE NOTE OF THIS! Girls actually don't mind you being a little more proactive but please know where you should draw the line. :)
Pues, estoy muy cansada...entonces mas costumbres por la mañana. 'Ta luego, mis amigos! :)
**Mas**
13. Aluminum foil is the new plastic wrap! All of my sandwiches are wrapped in it but they basically use it for everything!!
14. If you whip out a laptop anywhere at my school or at any place that has free Wifi (Weefee), you get stared at by everyone and then they whisper about you after they walk by...how inconsiderate right? I do bring my netbook to school sometimes because I have things I need to work on, but I'm so glad I have Internet at home now--so I don't get stared in public places anymore!
15. Greet everyone you meet or know with two fake kisses on the cheeks. Be warned that you may get real ones by certain people if you're lucky! ;)
16. Birthdays are a big deal here. People will still sing to you in the halls or classrooms even in college! And if you're lucky enough to celebrate your birthday in Spain, your señora will make a special tort or flan just for you!
17. Spanish women are in love with Pierce Brosnan. Yeah, I thought his popularity phase was gone too. haha
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Christians are everywhere!
So tonight my friend Colleen invited me to this contemporary Spanish church called "Encounter" that she went to last week. It was way far away from the neighborhood I live in but I can't tell you how worth the trek and the time I spent at the service was!!! Going to this church service was just what I needed today. I have been desperate for fellowship and God's presence lately. It's good that I can listen to the podcasts from my church back in Florida on Sunday mornings but actually being with other believers physically makes a big difference! I felt really welcome and comfortable almost right away.
For one thing, this church could have been my church, "MissionWay" in Ponte Vedra, Florida...except just in a different building, at night, different people and, well, in Spanish. :) The similarities? A very laid-back, casual atmosphere, compelling worship, Hillsong songs (popular ones we sing in the U.S. just in Spanish), a pretty cool violinist and a church that has a heart for missions. And a missionary who lives in Cordoba (a well-known city about an 1 hr. southeast of Sevilla) but does mission work in Morocco spoke tonight. I had no idea that there was such a need for missionaries and volunteers in Morocco, so it was cool to hear what God is doing there and what they are believing He will do in the future. How did I get so lucky that the first church I visited seems like a good fit? That was definitely a God-thing I stumbled upon today. :)
I hope to go back next Sunday and talk to more of the members as I wasn't able to stay that long after the service.
The coolest thing was that I met other students like me who are studying here and looking for a church too. I actually saw half of the people I met tonight on the different buses I took to Ronda yesterday...but little did I know that they were believers! That was so encouraging to me. It just goes to show you that there are Christians everywhere you go, no matter what part of the world you're in! I hope that this will be the start of some fun and possibly lifetime friendships. :)
Oh, and I have officially been here for a month as of 6 p.m. (approx) Spain time today! Here's to many more wonderful days in this gorgeous country!
For one thing, this church could have been my church, "MissionWay" in Ponte Vedra, Florida...except just in a different building, at night, different people and, well, in Spanish. :) The similarities? A very laid-back, casual atmosphere, compelling worship, Hillsong songs (popular ones we sing in the U.S. just in Spanish), a pretty cool violinist and a church that has a heart for missions. And a missionary who lives in Cordoba (a well-known city about an 1 hr. southeast of Sevilla) but does mission work in Morocco spoke tonight. I had no idea that there was such a need for missionaries and volunteers in Morocco, so it was cool to hear what God is doing there and what they are believing He will do in the future. How did I get so lucky that the first church I visited seems like a good fit? That was definitely a God-thing I stumbled upon today. :)
I hope to go back next Sunday and talk to more of the members as I wasn't able to stay that long after the service.
The coolest thing was that I met other students like me who are studying here and looking for a church too. I actually saw half of the people I met tonight on the different buses I took to Ronda yesterday...but little did I know that they were believers! That was so encouraging to me. It just goes to show you that there are Christians everywhere you go, no matter what part of the world you're in! I hope that this will be the start of some fun and possibly lifetime friendships. :)
Oh, and I have officially been here for a month as of 6 p.m. (approx) Spain time today! Here's to many more wonderful days in this gorgeous country!
Friday, February 19, 2010
New York....where it all began!
A few of you knew that before I left for Spain I had this crazy long layover in Newark, NJ/New York. But what you don't know is how my trip into NYC went...so let me share what I saw and thought of the city!
First of all, let me back up and explain just how big of a deal visiting New York City is for me. Pretty much the only person who understands what New York means to me is my mom because we have talked about it a lot when I was a teen. I first heard about how big and famous it was when I was 8 or 9 and since then I have been learning all that I could about NYC. In 8th grade, I went through this New York phase and was even planning on going to college somewhere in the city. I would read guidebooks, web pages on the Internet and even write stories about living there and meeting people. I even had dreams that, I swear, were so real that it was like I was physically there. And, without fail, every time I saw the skyline, I could barely breathe because just looking at its magnificent skyline captivated me. I can't exactly explain what is was in particular, but just that it did something to me.
My family was never able to take a trip to the city due to how expensive it is and our schedules and interests. And besides, my dad doesn't like big cities anymore so he would have never suggested we visit it all together anyway. But I still kept hope alive that one day I would get to visit it. I even said that I wanted to see it alone because it meant so much to me...and what do you know I did! I def want to go back and have my mom or friends see the sights through my eyes, though. :)
However, I knew my time was coming when instead of buying a 365 Kitten-a-day calendar for 2009 I bought a New York calendar. Month after month I got to see one gorgeous sight after another and I just became even more obsessed with going to the city. I even had a dream over the summer that still sticks in my mind about traveling to NYC. My brother and I were hiking up this weird hilly mountain in robes and towels (lol) and we were so exhausted and just wanted to reach the top. When we finally did, we were rewarded with an out-of-this-world view of the island of Manhattan and it was awesome. I remember thinking, "Yes, the wait WAS worth it!"
And you know what? It really was. Not only was I on my way to Spain a month ago tomorrow, but I was on my way to New York City too! Thinking back on just this past month, I can't believe that I safely navigated my way around not one but TWO of the most famous cities in the world--NYC and Madrid. Crazyyy!
So how did I make it to the city? Well, I did more research over my long Christmas break and decided that the best and quickest way into the city was through Air Train via the NJ Transit. It was 15 dollars each way but it was definitely the best $30 I've ever spent on transportation. I was able to get to Penn Station in NY from the Newark Int'l Airport in approx 33 mins! (since there is a rail that connects the airport to the city--which was only 10 miles away!) The train itself was a little scary, but it was the most efficient way to get in and out of the city. And it was also my first time on a train so that was exciting!
I can't tell you how much I loved being in the city. Even though this sounds cliche, it was seriously everything I thought it would be and more! And the funny thing is I felt like I fit in...I don't know why that was. I think me and big cities just click and it just further proves that I really am a city girl. :)
New York brought me a lot of joy and it actually helped me recapture some of my childhood wonder from long, long ago. For example, when we were making our descent into the NJ/New York City area, I saw the city and all of its sky scrapers in the distance and honestly, I just started crying a little. I mean I had waited 12 years and finally, finally I was seeing the city of my dreams. But after a couple mins, I noticed a tiny little Statue of Liberty in front of the island and I was like, "Holy crap, it's real!!" I mean of course I'd seen pics of it, but to see it with my own two eyes...well, that was a whole 'nother story!
Oh, and that same mentality continued throughout the first--no, like the whole time I was in NYC--because I had another one of those moments when I exited the train station...and into the city itself. I was a little turned around in Penn Station after I bought a map but I found my way out and exited through the Madison Square Garden and 7th Avenue exit. And then...I was free to walk up the steps and into the city. I was such a tourist at that point. Map in hand and carry-ons on my shoulders I knew that this was a big moment. I even asked myself, "So like, wait...you can just walk out right into the city?!" It was all so foreign to me and I was definitely still in major disbelief that I was even there.
Oh, what a wonderful 5 hours I spent in the city that day. I didn't get to see everything on my list, but what I saw was enough. I can't wait to go back in the summer or some time this year and experience more of it.
And yes, those big lights (and sights) did inspire me. :)
First of all, let me back up and explain just how big of a deal visiting New York City is for me. Pretty much the only person who understands what New York means to me is my mom because we have talked about it a lot when I was a teen. I first heard about how big and famous it was when I was 8 or 9 and since then I have been learning all that I could about NYC. In 8th grade, I went through this New York phase and was even planning on going to college somewhere in the city. I would read guidebooks, web pages on the Internet and even write stories about living there and meeting people. I even had dreams that, I swear, were so real that it was like I was physically there. And, without fail, every time I saw the skyline, I could barely breathe because just looking at its magnificent skyline captivated me. I can't exactly explain what is was in particular, but just that it did something to me.
My family was never able to take a trip to the city due to how expensive it is and our schedules and interests. And besides, my dad doesn't like big cities anymore so he would have never suggested we visit it all together anyway. But I still kept hope alive that one day I would get to visit it. I even said that I wanted to see it alone because it meant so much to me...and what do you know I did! I def want to go back and have my mom or friends see the sights through my eyes, though. :)
However, I knew my time was coming when instead of buying a 365 Kitten-a-day calendar for 2009 I bought a New York calendar. Month after month I got to see one gorgeous sight after another and I just became even more obsessed with going to the city. I even had a dream over the summer that still sticks in my mind about traveling to NYC. My brother and I were hiking up this weird hilly mountain in robes and towels (lol) and we were so exhausted and just wanted to reach the top. When we finally did, we were rewarded with an out-of-this-world view of the island of Manhattan and it was awesome. I remember thinking, "Yes, the wait WAS worth it!"
And you know what? It really was. Not only was I on my way to Spain a month ago tomorrow, but I was on my way to New York City too! Thinking back on just this past month, I can't believe that I safely navigated my way around not one but TWO of the most famous cities in the world--NYC and Madrid. Crazyyy!
So how did I make it to the city? Well, I did more research over my long Christmas break and decided that the best and quickest way into the city was through Air Train via the NJ Transit. It was 15 dollars each way but it was definitely the best $30 I've ever spent on transportation. I was able to get to Penn Station in NY from the Newark Int'l Airport in approx 33 mins! (since there is a rail that connects the airport to the city--which was only 10 miles away!) The train itself was a little scary, but it was the most efficient way to get in and out of the city. And it was also my first time on a train so that was exciting!
I can't tell you how much I loved being in the city. Even though this sounds cliche, it was seriously everything I thought it would be and more! And the funny thing is I felt like I fit in...I don't know why that was. I think me and big cities just click and it just further proves that I really am a city girl. :)
New York brought me a lot of joy and it actually helped me recapture some of my childhood wonder from long, long ago. For example, when we were making our descent into the NJ/New York City area, I saw the city and all of its sky scrapers in the distance and honestly, I just started crying a little. I mean I had waited 12 years and finally, finally I was seeing the city of my dreams. But after a couple mins, I noticed a tiny little Statue of Liberty in front of the island and I was like, "Holy crap, it's real!!" I mean of course I'd seen pics of it, but to see it with my own two eyes...well, that was a whole 'nother story!
Oh, and that same mentality continued throughout the first--no, like the whole time I was in NYC--because I had another one of those moments when I exited the train station...and into the city itself. I was a little turned around in Penn Station after I bought a map but I found my way out and exited through the Madison Square Garden and 7th Avenue exit. And then...I was free to walk up the steps and into the city. I was such a tourist at that point. Map in hand and carry-ons on my shoulders I knew that this was a big moment. I even asked myself, "So like, wait...you can just walk out right into the city?!" It was all so foreign to me and I was definitely still in major disbelief that I was even there.
Oh, what a wonderful 5 hours I spent in the city that day. I didn't get to see everything on my list, but what I saw was enough. I can't wait to go back in the summer or some time this year and experience more of it.
And yes, those big lights (and sights) did inspire me. :)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wait...what?!
I don't know if you've seen my list of observations about Spanish culture on Facebook, but I've been pretty observant here in Spain. I almost always see something that I didn't see the day before, I've been taking note of what's socially acceptable and what's not (don't speak English loudly while on the metro--haha). But at the same time there are just some things that I don't understand here...and some of those things end up being pretty easy in general, but I somehow miss them. And if you know me really well, you know that I either get something right away or I miss it completely (like song lyrics). Here's a short list of things I didn't understand or missed entirely these first four weeks:
1. It took me nearly two and half weeks to realize that the kitchen window in our apartment is right across from mine! The apartment itself kind of wraps around and takes up half of a side of the third floor, but that just didn't click in my mind for some reason. I didn't understand the layout of the other apartments so I just figured I could see into our neighbor's kitchen...even though it looked strangely familiar (haha). It's not something I'm proud to admit, but it's just something to laugh about to myself whenever I look over at the kitchen window from my room.
2. All the specialty stores here in Spain are named after what they sell. For example, if you need to buy a book, you go to the bookstore (la liberia). Need a watch? Just stop by the relojeria and see what's there and etc, etc. Well, there's this one store name that used to fool me every time I walked by one--la peluqueria. The hair salon. I knew full well what it was and what service they offered--I mean I saw them cutting people's hair and doing their nails done for crying out loud--but I still got the name confused!
The Spanish word for stuffed animal is 'peluche' and at first glance several times I thought a 'peluqueria' was a stuffed animal store! Even after I saw that it was a hair salon, I still asked myself, "Where are all the stuffed animals?!" I'm cracking up as I write this cause it's just too funny. I embarrass myself sometimes. haha
3. Lastly, but probably the most absurd thing I can't believe I misunderstood is the drink machines at my university. I saw people drinking from these little white cups in between classes and wondered where they got them. I came to the conclusion that their senoras made them a little drink to take along with them on their way to UPO (the nickname for my university). Yes, they took a 4 oz. cup of coffee from their apartment, to their metro stop, rode the metro, got off, and walked to their class with the cup still in hand! Uh, hello...or they just bought it from a drink machine here at the school! Doi! I can't believe I actually thought that to be true....but then again I have been getting information/cultural overload lately. :P
Anyways, I feel really dumb for sharing that with you, but can I really help it? I am an American living in a foreign country after all. :)
But yeah, there are these sweet little coffee, hot chocolate and tea machines here. I am enthralled with the way they serve your drink to you! You put your money in, select what you want and a cup is then dropped into the bottom of it, your drink is a dispensed and to top it off a little stirrer is dropped into your cup for complete customer satisfaction. :)
A video of this awesome process will be coming soon!
I have more things on my unobservant list but I just wanted to share with you the big ones...and I hope you got a kick out of them!
Hasta la proxmia vez... o mañana! :)
1. It took me nearly two and half weeks to realize that the kitchen window in our apartment is right across from mine! The apartment itself kind of wraps around and takes up half of a side of the third floor, but that just didn't click in my mind for some reason. I didn't understand the layout of the other apartments so I just figured I could see into our neighbor's kitchen...even though it looked strangely familiar (haha). It's not something I'm proud to admit, but it's just something to laugh about to myself whenever I look over at the kitchen window from my room.
2. All the specialty stores here in Spain are named after what they sell. For example, if you need to buy a book, you go to the bookstore (la liberia). Need a watch? Just stop by the relojeria and see what's there and etc, etc. Well, there's this one store name that used to fool me every time I walked by one--la peluqueria. The hair salon. I knew full well what it was and what service they offered--I mean I saw them cutting people's hair and doing their nails done for crying out loud--but I still got the name confused!
The Spanish word for stuffed animal is 'peluche' and at first glance several times I thought a 'peluqueria' was a stuffed animal store! Even after I saw that it was a hair salon, I still asked myself, "Where are all the stuffed animals?!" I'm cracking up as I write this cause it's just too funny. I embarrass myself sometimes. haha
3. Lastly, but probably the most absurd thing I can't believe I misunderstood is the drink machines at my university. I saw people drinking from these little white cups in between classes and wondered where they got them. I came to the conclusion that their senoras made them a little drink to take along with them on their way to UPO (the nickname for my university). Yes, they took a 4 oz. cup of coffee from their apartment, to their metro stop, rode the metro, got off, and walked to their class with the cup still in hand! Uh, hello...or they just bought it from a drink machine here at the school! Doi! I can't believe I actually thought that to be true....but then again I have been getting information/cultural overload lately. :P
Anyways, I feel really dumb for sharing that with you, but can I really help it? I am an American living in a foreign country after all. :)
But yeah, there are these sweet little coffee, hot chocolate and tea machines here. I am enthralled with the way they serve your drink to you! You put your money in, select what you want and a cup is then dropped into the bottom of it, your drink is a dispensed and to top it off a little stirrer is dropped into your cup for complete customer satisfaction. :)
A video of this awesome process will be coming soon!
I have more things on my unobservant list but I just wanted to share with you the big ones...and I hope you got a kick out of them!
Hasta la proxmia vez... o mañana! :)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Europe is the CONTINENT of love!
I was just looking through some entries I had on my computer and thought you might like to read about what I think about the PDA and Spanish couples here...some of it's eye-opening, but then again some of it's not. Hope you get a good laugh out of this. :)
Well, this is officially my first time writing in Spain! And boy, do I have a lot on my mind. For one thing, I am forgetting to speak and write in English. It's a good thing, though, because that means I am making the adjustment--and I am adjusting well after not having a Spanish class for almost 9 months! Pero, que puedo decir, esta en mi sangre y corazon!
Anyway, I will get to writing about my experiences specifically, but I just wanted to write about something that has been on my mind since I left: will I meet someone here or is love back in Jacksonville? I have decided that even though Paris is called the city of love, Europe is the continent of love! People who are in relationships really love to show affection here in public--and lots of it! You can tell when a guy and a girl are dating because they hold hands or an older couple is married because the lady holds onto her husband's arm. It's nice to see men be affectionate with their significant others and it changes my opinion of American guys. After seeing how Europeans (Spaniards) act with their girlfriends I think all the guys I know in America are jerks! But I'm kidding though... It's really just nice to know that chivalry is still alive. :)
However I don't know what I want. My heart feels like there is someone for me in Jacksonville, but it might be good for me to have a Spanish boyfriend... After how I've seen them act, I would love to be loved and cared for by a Spaniard. And did I mention that they are HOT?! Well, they are! :D And they are very stylish and fashion conscious...and you know me, I love a well-dressed man. Some of them look gay, but I have not seen them walking with other men...but who knows. At least most of them look that way or else I would just peg the stylish ones as gay. haha It's kinda funny though and makes me really aware of how poorly American guys dress.
The funniest thing I have seen people do in Sevilla er, Spain in general, is make-out--anywhere and everywhere! For example, as I was waiting to cross the street to get to our meeting place (el Cajasol) for orientation, I saw this guy lean over in the car and start making out with his girlfriend AS HE WAS MAKING A TURN! Like seriously, dude?! He made the turn perfectly --probably because he is a pro at doing that now--but did he really need to do that then and at 10:30 in the morning?! It was definitely an experience just watching that play out though. :)
That was just the beginning (and what I saw today definitely won't be the end) of those make-out sessions! I also saw people on the streets doing that and as I came down the steps outside my apt building tonight (Sat. 1-23, I think) there was a young guy and his girl practically laying all over the steps and kissing. Hopefully they got a room or something because they were not there when I got back, but in this love-crazy city who knows. haha
After some thought and talking to my roommate about things these past few weeks, I'm not really that open to getting a Spanish boyfriend right now. Yes, they're caring and sweet, but a lot of them don't have any money, they SMOKE (which I loathe) and have loose morals. BUT, if I can find a guy with a bright future, doesn't smoke and is a Christian....well, it was nice knowing you, my American friends! ;) I don't really know what will happen in these next three months...
I could tell you story upon story of all the gross PDAs I've seen here but that would take awhile. This is pretty much the gist of what I see on a daily basis...so be a LITTLE glad you're not here!
Well, this is officially my first time writing in Spain! And boy, do I have a lot on my mind. For one thing, I am forgetting to speak and write in English. It's a good thing, though, because that means I am making the adjustment--and I am adjusting well after not having a Spanish class for almost 9 months! Pero, que puedo decir, esta en mi sangre y corazon!
Anyway, I will get to writing about my experiences specifically, but I just wanted to write about something that has been on my mind since I left: will I meet someone here or is love back in Jacksonville? I have decided that even though Paris is called the city of love, Europe is the continent of love! People who are in relationships really love to show affection here in public--and lots of it! You can tell when a guy and a girl are dating because they hold hands or an older couple is married because the lady holds onto her husband's arm. It's nice to see men be affectionate with their significant others and it changes my opinion of American guys. After seeing how Europeans (Spaniards) act with their girlfriends I think all the guys I know in America are jerks! But I'm kidding though... It's really just nice to know that chivalry is still alive. :)
However I don't know what I want. My heart feels like there is someone for me in Jacksonville, but it might be good for me to have a Spanish boyfriend... After how I've seen them act, I would love to be loved and cared for by a Spaniard. And did I mention that they are HOT?! Well, they are! :D And they are very stylish and fashion conscious...and you know me, I love a well-dressed man. Some of them look gay, but I have not seen them walking with other men...but who knows. At least most of them look that way or else I would just peg the stylish ones as gay. haha It's kinda funny though and makes me really aware of how poorly American guys dress.
The funniest thing I have seen people do in Sevilla er, Spain in general, is make-out--anywhere and everywhere! For example, as I was waiting to cross the street to get to our meeting place (el Cajasol) for orientation, I saw this guy lean over in the car and start making out with his girlfriend AS HE WAS MAKING A TURN! Like seriously, dude?! He made the turn perfectly --probably because he is a pro at doing that now--but did he really need to do that then and at 10:30 in the morning?! It was definitely an experience just watching that play out though. :)
That was just the beginning (and what I saw today definitely won't be the end) of those make-out sessions! I also saw people on the streets doing that and as I came down the steps outside my apt building tonight (Sat. 1-23, I think) there was a young guy and his girl practically laying all over the steps and kissing. Hopefully they got a room or something because they were not there when I got back, but in this love-crazy city who knows. haha
After some thought and talking to my roommate about things these past few weeks, I'm not really that open to getting a Spanish boyfriend right now. Yes, they're caring and sweet, but a lot of them don't have any money, they SMOKE (which I loathe) and have loose morals. BUT, if I can find a guy with a bright future, doesn't smoke and is a Christian....well, it was nice knowing you, my American friends! ;) I don't really know what will happen in these next three months...
I could tell you story upon story of all the gross PDAs I've seen here but that would take awhile. This is pretty much the gist of what I see on a daily basis...so be a LITTLE glad you're not here!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Hola desde España!
It's still weird for me to think that I am here and all of you are way across that little pond I like to call the Atlantic Ocean! :) I'm still in a little disbelief of where I actually am every morning I walk outside my apartment. Each day is a brand new one and I have no idea what will happen or who I will encounter...it's quite a rush if you ask me. Most days I keep this at the forefront of my mind, but with school and the pressure to fit in here I tend to lose sight of that very quickly.
My adjustment to living in Spain has been a tough one. I knew before I even came that I would be the only one from my school going to this particular city, but it doesn't really sink in until you step off the plane. Granted I have grown and changed a lot since high school, but whenever I go off to a new place I do what I usually do--become very quiet and reserved and extremely independent. Even though back at school I am more outgoing, I think that that is just how I adjust to new places. I don't mind spending time by myself, but I don't like to be alone 24/7....and that's how my first few days here in Spain were like--minus time spent with my homestay parents. :)
If I did anything or went anywhere outside of the house I went by myself. And to be honest, it was pretty depressing. Yes, the city is gorgeous and it's fun to look at all the stylish Spanish people, but to see the sights all by yourself? It's just not that fun.
Thank goodness after 4 days of being in Sevilla by myself my roommates from Texas Christian University moved in and we have been getting along well. As for doing things with them or going out, I still feel like an outsider because they all know each other from their program but they don't know me and I don't know them. I am getting sick of having to ask if I can do things with them cause they don't invite me and I don't have anyone who lives near me. But, I tell myself every day that they don't know what I'm like or what I used to be like so the possibilities are endless. It's challenging but I'm doing the best I can. Some days have been tougher than others like yesterday but I'm trying to stay positive. It's still early in the semester and I don't want my time to fly so quickly.
Yesterday was almost a really bad day for me--my knee hurt, it rained all morning, became super windy in the afternoon, I wasn't prepared to give a presentation in my literature class and overall I just felt like I was doing everything wrong. After my literature class, though, I talked with a girl from my program about our crazy night on Saturday and ate lunch with her. We went to Carnaval en Cadiz and it didn't turn out as we had thought it would--if you don't want to drink yourself into a drunken stupor, I would suggest not going to it. Yeah, it was fun to see all the costumes and meet some new Spanish people but all they really wanted was our phone numbers and kisses.
Anyway, she was telling me how the past two weeks have gone for her and I could relate on all levels practically. We both feel like we're swamped all the time, always do things alone, can't do anything right, etc. That was very encouraging for me to hear cause it just reminds me that I'm not alone. She does have it a little better than I do cause she and her family have been talking a lot and I have barely talked to mine (due to the time change and our schedules it's difficult to get ahold of each other). I think the lack of communication with back home is what's affecting me and every other part of my life here in Spain. I can handle being apart from my family for awhile now but I mean I went from seeing them every day over my break to not talking to them hardly at all...that's bound to affect anyone no matter which way you look at it. But that will all change soon as we are working out schedules and calling times cause we have to stay in touch.
Despite all the challenging and frustrating things that have been happening, I don't want to say that I hate Spain (although my hair does) because it has been my dream for so long to come and live here. I don't want to wish my time away either cause it's already starting to fly. I'm just taking it one day at a time and keeping an open mind. I have a really nice intercambio (a Sevillano who is helping me practice my Spanish and I'm helping him with his English) named Santiago and I met more Spanish people (guys and girls) at an intercambio meet and greet yesterday at my school. I even met an older guy who has his own plane and offered to take me and some other girls flying some time!!!!! I'm pretty excited about that! :)
I will try to post more often and catch you guys up on all that I've been experiencing so far. I'm keeping a list of interesting things that happen to me daily so I might post a few of those every now and then...but I will leave you short list of some new things about me:
1. I'm eating sliced tomatoes!!! The tomatoes grown in Spain are very sweet and flavorful...and I like them! My senora told me that the girls in her house must always try something first and see if they like it and they usually do. The key thing I've learned in Spain is to keep an open mind. :)
2. After almost a month of being here, I am reaching fluidity in my spoken Spanish! If I told you before that I was fluent in Spanish I meant I was fluent in understanding not speaking. I speak Spanish with my senora, my roommates, professors, hear it on TV, on the streets, on the metro, etc. so it's becoming second nature to me. I can probably tell you how many hours of English I hear and speak per week. :) But at this rate, who knows where I'll be come May!
3. I'm afraid of bikers, bike paths and European drivers....they all drive really crazy here but bikers are the worst! And every time I cross one of the bike paths I practically get hit.
4. I have a crush on my British Economics teacher and every other Spanish guy that I see.
5. I want to have just as much, if not more, fun as Lola had when she was in Sevilla! :)
My adjustment to living in Spain has been a tough one. I knew before I even came that I would be the only one from my school going to this particular city, but it doesn't really sink in until you step off the plane. Granted I have grown and changed a lot since high school, but whenever I go off to a new place I do what I usually do--become very quiet and reserved and extremely independent. Even though back at school I am more outgoing, I think that that is just how I adjust to new places. I don't mind spending time by myself, but I don't like to be alone 24/7....and that's how my first few days here in Spain were like--minus time spent with my homestay parents. :)
If I did anything or went anywhere outside of the house I went by myself. And to be honest, it was pretty depressing. Yes, the city is gorgeous and it's fun to look at all the stylish Spanish people, but to see the sights all by yourself? It's just not that fun.
Thank goodness after 4 days of being in Sevilla by myself my roommates from Texas Christian University moved in and we have been getting along well. As for doing things with them or going out, I still feel like an outsider because they all know each other from their program but they don't know me and I don't know them. I am getting sick of having to ask if I can do things with them cause they don't invite me and I don't have anyone who lives near me. But, I tell myself every day that they don't know what I'm like or what I used to be like so the possibilities are endless. It's challenging but I'm doing the best I can. Some days have been tougher than others like yesterday but I'm trying to stay positive. It's still early in the semester and I don't want my time to fly so quickly.
Yesterday was almost a really bad day for me--my knee hurt, it rained all morning, became super windy in the afternoon, I wasn't prepared to give a presentation in my literature class and overall I just felt like I was doing everything wrong. After my literature class, though, I talked with a girl from my program about our crazy night on Saturday and ate lunch with her. We went to Carnaval en Cadiz and it didn't turn out as we had thought it would--if you don't want to drink yourself into a drunken stupor, I would suggest not going to it. Yeah, it was fun to see all the costumes and meet some new Spanish people but all they really wanted was our phone numbers and kisses.
Anyway, she was telling me how the past two weeks have gone for her and I could relate on all levels practically. We both feel like we're swamped all the time, always do things alone, can't do anything right, etc. That was very encouraging for me to hear cause it just reminds me that I'm not alone. She does have it a little better than I do cause she and her family have been talking a lot and I have barely talked to mine (due to the time change and our schedules it's difficult to get ahold of each other). I think the lack of communication with back home is what's affecting me and every other part of my life here in Spain. I can handle being apart from my family for awhile now but I mean I went from seeing them every day over my break to not talking to them hardly at all...that's bound to affect anyone no matter which way you look at it. But that will all change soon as we are working out schedules and calling times cause we have to stay in touch.
Despite all the challenging and frustrating things that have been happening, I don't want to say that I hate Spain (although my hair does) because it has been my dream for so long to come and live here. I don't want to wish my time away either cause it's already starting to fly. I'm just taking it one day at a time and keeping an open mind. I have a really nice intercambio (a Sevillano who is helping me practice my Spanish and I'm helping him with his English) named Santiago and I met more Spanish people (guys and girls) at an intercambio meet and greet yesterday at my school. I even met an older guy who has his own plane and offered to take me and some other girls flying some time!!!!! I'm pretty excited about that! :)
I will try to post more often and catch you guys up on all that I've been experiencing so far. I'm keeping a list of interesting things that happen to me daily so I might post a few of those every now and then...but I will leave you short list of some new things about me:
1. I'm eating sliced tomatoes!!! The tomatoes grown in Spain are very sweet and flavorful...and I like them! My senora told me that the girls in her house must always try something first and see if they like it and they usually do. The key thing I've learned in Spain is to keep an open mind. :)
2. After almost a month of being here, I am reaching fluidity in my spoken Spanish! If I told you before that I was fluent in Spanish I meant I was fluent in understanding not speaking. I speak Spanish with my senora, my roommates, professors, hear it on TV, on the streets, on the metro, etc. so it's becoming second nature to me. I can probably tell you how many hours of English I hear and speak per week. :) But at this rate, who knows where I'll be come May!
3. I'm afraid of bikers, bike paths and European drivers....they all drive really crazy here but bikers are the worst! And every time I cross one of the bike paths I practically get hit.
4. I have a crush on my British Economics teacher and every other Spanish guy that I see.
5. I want to have just as much, if not more, fun as Lola had when she was in Sevilla! :)
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