made it home on Saturday :) met my parents and Ben at JFK!!! it was amazing <3 then we went to five guys on the way home! things have been pretty busy since then.
merry Christmas Eve!
super excited for the week to come.
I hope all of you have an absolutely amazing Christmas and enjoy the time you spend with your loved ones<3
I'm so happy to be home with my family and friends and to be able to have the opportunity to spend time with my parents.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Eating dinner, then it's off to the train station! My host brother is driving me and then I'll be taking the train to Madrid. Then tomorrow morning...USA!!!!!
I shall update you tomorrow (if I can). If not, my next blog post will be about reuniting with my parents, my cat, and two special guests meeting me at the airport!!!
<33333
I shall update you tomorrow (if I can). If not, my next blog post will be about reuniting with my parents, my cat, and two special guests meeting me at the airport!!!
<33333
Dinner with the Greeks!
Last night I had dinner with my friend and her mom and aunt from the US. They are all originally from Greece so it was such a fun dinner. Her aunt read my palm and was SPOT ON! And it was just great to be "a part" of an american family at the moment. It was bit hard seeing all of the families today but I am super excited to go home. In less than 24 hours I will be on the plane or maybe even in the US! (It's hard to do the math with the time difference and all.)
Woooo!
And apparently, my parents are bring two surprise people with them to JFK to come pick me up! I have no idea who they are!!!
And I can't wait to see Noodles :) !!!!!!
Woooo!
And apparently, my parents are bring two surprise people with them to JFK to come pick me up! I have no idea who they are!!!
And I can't wait to see Noodles :) !!!!!!
Clase de Canto
Yesterday I had my first voice lesson! Well technically it was just a test to see if she would be able to help me and teach me but she can and I had a little bit of a first lesson! My teacher is super nice and super awesome and I already learned a little (basically remembering what I had learned before and had forgotten pieces of it). I have a lesson every 15 days on Thursdays. Not great but better than nothing! The only thing is that I THINK they said it would be 71 euros per session and each session is only 30 min.. I'm hoping they meant 71 euros each month in that case it would be for an hour total and that isn't so bad. We shall investigate after break. But otherwise I'm really excited to start!
Amigos Invisibles
This week we did a school-wide secret santa. It lasted a total of three days of gift-giving. It was actually a lot of fun!
At the beginning of the week I wasn't in a very gift-giving mood but once I got started, I found it to be a whole lot of fun.
Tuesday and Wednesday were one gift each day both under 3 euros a piece. As a secret of course! Then for Thursday, it was a big present above at least 5 euros. I got my person tea from the Tea Shop. Thursday morning during assembly, the three American teachers (english, math, and the college counselor) all dressed up as the three "reyes magos" or the three "reinas magos". Otherwise known as the three kings. It was HILARIOUS. And a lot of fun to see everyone open their gifts in front of everyone else (because that's the Spanish tradition).
At the beginning of the week I wasn't in a very gift-giving mood but once I got started, I found it to be a whole lot of fun.
Tuesday and Wednesday were one gift each day both under 3 euros a piece. As a secret of course! Then for Thursday, it was a big present above at least 5 euros. I got my person tea from the Tea Shop. Thursday morning during assembly, the three American teachers (english, math, and the college counselor) all dressed up as the three "reyes magos" or the three "reinas magos". Otherwise known as the three kings. It was HILARIOUS. And a lot of fun to see everyone open their gifts in front of everyone else (because that's the Spanish tradition).
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Obra de Teatro!
Esta noche, tuvimos nuestra obra de teatro. Me gusta mucho hable en Español, lo siento padres :) Podéis traducirlo. Las obras eran tan fantásticas. Eran los mejores de todos los ensayos. ¡Estoy muy orgullosa de toda la clase! Yo estaba equivocada con la música en algún parte pero nadie sabía entonces todo estaba bien! Bien hecho, clase. Soló nos faltan dos días más antes que podemos descansar :)
¿Qué tal mi Español? ¡Estoy mejorando muchísimo y tengo ganas de fluidez! (Ni idea si está correcta pero ahora necesito hacer mis deberes para mañana!) Buenas noches :)
¡3 DÍAS!
¿Qué tal mi Español? ¡Estoy mejorando muchísimo y tengo ganas de fluidez! (Ni idea si está correcta pero ahora necesito hacer mis deberes para mañana!) Buenas noches :)
¡3 DÍAS!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
So yesterday my host mom and I were talking about learning different languages after learning Spanish and we started talking about Arabic. Then she starts ranting on how she doesn't like them and she said her daughter can marry whomever she wants except for "one of them". Everyone here also calls black people the negros which in translation is the blacks. So much racism here, it's still really hard to get used to.
Friday, December 14, 2012
RIP
Just got news today that my grandpa passed away yesterday. Luckily, my advisor/director of school and mom agreed to tell me after my last final. He had dementia very badly and was sick so it was more of a blessing. I am so hurt I can't be with my family right now but I will be home a week from tomorrow.
Stay strong family<3
Rest in peace, Papa<3
Stay strong family<3
Rest in peace, Papa<3
Well, some interesting news that we watched last night..
The Chinese Mob in Spain got busted! Had no idea it existed until watching the news last night.
Well, win for Spain!
Aaaaaand it's cold season. And my body has officially given in and gotten sick after fighting it off for about a month despite all of the veggies I eat. That's okay. I mean I don't think I've ever been in a performance in December WITHOUT being sick so why break that cycle this year?
8 Days!!!!!
The Chinese Mob in Spain got busted! Had no idea it existed until watching the news last night.
Well, win for Spain!
Aaaaaand it's cold season. And my body has officially given in and gotten sick after fighting it off for about a month despite all of the veggies I eat. That's okay. I mean I don't think I've ever been in a performance in December WITHOUT being sick so why break that cycle this year?
8 Days!!!!!
Monday, December 10, 2012
No more strike for December 21 and 22! Wooooo!
Also just got an email for Pace. After getting a callback, they told me that I basically won't be accepted because I can't make the in person callback. Like I have any control over this!!! I really don't think that's fair, but I guess I do understand why. If they want to pay for the $1200 flight, I would gladly go just so I would have a chance at getting accepted.
They always say that SYA will HELP you get into college... YEAH RIGHT
Also just got an email for Pace. After getting a callback, they told me that I basically won't be accepted because I can't make the in person callback. Like I have any control over this!!! I really don't think that's fair, but I guess I do understand why. If they want to pay for the $1200 flight, I would gladly go just so I would have a chance at getting accepted.
They always say that SYA will HELP you get into college... YEAH RIGHT
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Huelgas and more Huelgas
so I found out today that there is going to be an airport huelga (strike) on dec 21 and quite possibly on the 22 as well. I fly out the 22. crap, right? so I have to be at the airport at least 5 hours early.. which means I have to be there at the latest at 530 am.. well at least I'll be with a friend! we are coincidentally taking the same flight which I love and we are sharing a hotel the night before cuz it's so early.. and now earlier than we originally thought! wish us luck? worse case scenario is we are like 6 or 7 hours early and get all of our homework done before we get home so we don't have to worry about it! and possibly even sleep. that would be ideal. who knows.
tomorrow is 12 days!!!
tomorrow is 12 days!!!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Hellooo
Sorry there hasn't been much to update on lately. Just the normal dinner conversations with Julia about prostitutes, politics, and terrorists.
We have finals this week. Blech But I only have 5 because our play on the 19th which counts as our theatre final!
Aaaaaand I come home in 14 days!!! eeeek <3
We have finals this week. Blech But I only have 5 because our play on the 19th which counts as our theatre final!
Aaaaaand I come home in 14 days!!! eeeek <3
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
puente
so tomorrow is a holiday, which means no school.
then in Spain they have a really awesome thing where if there a fiesta on a Thursday the schools usually get Fridays off too so it's a long weekend!
therefore
I don't have school until Monday :)
and finals are Wednesday through Friday
then one more week of school and the play
THEN I COME HOME
then in Spain they have a really awesome thing where if there a fiesta on a Thursday the schools usually get Fridays off too so it's a long weekend!
therefore
I don't have school until Monday :)
and finals are Wednesday through Friday
then one more week of school and the play
THEN I COME HOME
Saturday, December 1, 2012
SO CUTE AHHHHHH
today at lunch we were talking about vacations and how parents have to find people to watch their kids when the kids have the day off but the parents don't. out of curiosity, I asked what that person is called, for example, the older kid or person watching the younger kid or kids when their parents aren't home.
Her answer: A KANGAROO
I ALSMOT DIED I THOUGHT IT WAS SO CUTE
Her answer: A KANGAROO
I ALSMOT DIED I THOUGHT IT WAS SO CUTE
Friday, November 30, 2012
The Sun Also Rises: Thoughts
Well for English I am supposed to journal about my thoughts on Hemingway's novel, The Sun Also Rises. Here you are..
I'm not a huge fan of the book, to start off. I think Hemingway is a great writer but the book itself really isn't doing much for me.
There is an insane amount of alcohol being consumed in it. Like an INSANE amount. I don't know how they are still alive with the livers they were born with!
Also, Brett is really starting to bother me. She needs to pick a man and stay with him. She's in the process of getting divorced and she's already engaged to someone else and sleeping with a third guy and in love with a fourth! I just don't get it.
I like how it takes place mostly in Spain :)
I am scared for this upcoming paper just along with finals, the play, and going home!
But I'll be home for Christmas and that's all that matters at the moment (and my finals of course). But really, that's all I'm thinking about. I'm just really ready to go home for a rest.
I'm not a huge fan of the book, to start off. I think Hemingway is a great writer but the book itself really isn't doing much for me.
There is an insane amount of alcohol being consumed in it. Like an INSANE amount. I don't know how they are still alive with the livers they were born with!
Also, Brett is really starting to bother me. She needs to pick a man and stay with him. She's in the process of getting divorced and she's already engaged to someone else and sleeping with a third guy and in love with a fourth! I just don't get it.
I like how it takes place mostly in Spain :)
I am scared for this upcoming paper just along with finals, the play, and going home!
But I'll be home for Christmas and that's all that matters at the moment (and my finals of course). But really, that's all I'm thinking about. I'm just really ready to go home for a rest.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Last Night the Wind Blew My Socks Off!
Last night, I believe was the first time we left the heat on all night. I woke up this morning and saw Julia making up another bed, as she then explained to me how she was so cold she had to switch rooms! I was embarrassed but then told her how I was so hot I could barely sleep with more covers than a single sheet! Silly Julia. 46 degrees F is NOTHING!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Skype is a wonderful thing
Today I got the privilege to skype with Mae Mullen! People who also popped in were Molly Mullen and Nadrina :) It was quite a great day! I love skyping with people and feeling connected again with people and things back home. I miss Westy dearly, which I did NOT expect but it has happened so I am accepting it. I miss my friends, musical season, crazy long rehearsals, chamber choir, Mr. Chrzz's jokes, and Candlelight.
I'll be home for Christmas!
Which is so SOON!!
<3
I'll be home for Christmas!
Which is so SOON!!
<3
Windy
So I was all excited when I found out it doesn't snow here..but the wind is INSANE. I've never been in a place as windy as Zaragoza!
And it's crazy how the people here dress..they dress like it's 0 degrees outside! And when I say 0 degrees I mean like 0 degrees Fahrenheit! It's like they've never experienced the "true cold before". Although this is coming from a New Englander.. But still! Julia thinks it's crazy how I'm never cold because she doesn't believe me when I say it's colder in Connecticut! She thinks I'm insane. Oh well!
And it's crazy how the people here dress..they dress like it's 0 degrees outside! And when I say 0 degrees I mean like 0 degrees Fahrenheit! It's like they've never experienced the "true cold before". Although this is coming from a New Englander.. But still! Julia thinks it's crazy how I'm never cold because she doesn't believe me when I say it's colder in Connecticut! She thinks I'm insane. Oh well!
Independent Travel
Let's see..
I don't remember if I mentioned on my blog yet about Independent travel..
I currently do not have the opportunity to independent travel but that might change on Friday! Fingers crossed! Please send me some positive Spanish energy if you think of it :)
I am excited to hopefully be able to travel in the Spring. I am really looking forward to going to Sevilla and Granada with school and back to Barcelona with my parents. I also hope to maybe go to San Sebastian and maybe Pamplona on independent travel. There are so many places in Spain to go but I also want to save my money for when I travel Europe with my parents over Spring break! I'm super super excited to see more than just Spain, even though Spain is amazing! I don't know when I will get another chance to travel Europe as a European citizen!
I'm really not too upset about not being able to travel right now because a) I don't have any money! b) I want to spend the upcoming long weekend decorating the apartment with Julia and c) I kinda sort of don't have money because of all of the Christmas gift's I've been buying! And still have a lot more to get!
I don't remember if I mentioned on my blog yet about Independent travel..
I currently do not have the opportunity to independent travel but that might change on Friday! Fingers crossed! Please send me some positive Spanish energy if you think of it :)
I am excited to hopefully be able to travel in the Spring. I am really looking forward to going to Sevilla and Granada with school and back to Barcelona with my parents. I also hope to maybe go to San Sebastian and maybe Pamplona on independent travel. There are so many places in Spain to go but I also want to save my money for when I travel Europe with my parents over Spring break! I'm super super excited to see more than just Spain, even though Spain is amazing! I don't know when I will get another chance to travel Europe as a European citizen!
I'm really not too upset about not being able to travel right now because a) I don't have any money! b) I want to spend the upcoming long weekend decorating the apartment with Julia and c) I kinda sort of don't have money because of all of the Christmas gift's I've been buying! And still have a lot more to get!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Another Card!
Got another card today from my Great Aunt Sister Claire! Thanks for your wishes of a great Thanksgiving! It was pretty great for being in Spain without my family! <3
Mail is GREATLY appreciated! :)
Mail is GREATLY appreciated! :)
Friday, November 23, 2012
Thanksgiving Dinner..
Bought my dress three hours before the dinner, first off..
There were over 100 of us filling an entire room at a restaurant in Zaragoza.
It was so great to see everyone dressed up fancy, to see the faculty kids, and to meet peoples' parents and teachers' spouses! Everyone looked so beautiful!
When we finally sat down around 9-9:15, there were a few speeches from our two class representatives, and after we had watched the servers place the food down about twenty minutes before, no one had a problem just digging in! I ate. So. Much. Food. Good thing I was wearing a dress with a high waist line! The food was really great. Turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, mashed yams, green beans and almonds, stuffing, bread (of course), and then the desserts.
There were apple, pumpkin, pecan, and peach pies along with a cookie cake thing and a blueberry crumble. And vanilla ice cream!
It was a really fun night with my new friends and my new "family" here in Spain.
Then I still got to skype with my family back home at their Thanksgiving and see almost everyone :) It was a very rewarding night. I am so thankful for everyone in my life!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well! <3
OH! And our Thanksgiving present was that we don't have school tomorrow :) (well today technically speaking Spain time). Yay! Thanks SYA!
There were over 100 of us filling an entire room at a restaurant in Zaragoza.
It was so great to see everyone dressed up fancy, to see the faculty kids, and to meet peoples' parents and teachers' spouses! Everyone looked so beautiful!
When we finally sat down around 9-9:15, there were a few speeches from our two class representatives, and after we had watched the servers place the food down about twenty minutes before, no one had a problem just digging in! I ate. So. Much. Food. Good thing I was wearing a dress with a high waist line! The food was really great. Turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, mashed yams, green beans and almonds, stuffing, bread (of course), and then the desserts.
There were apple, pumpkin, pecan, and peach pies along with a cookie cake thing and a blueberry crumble. And vanilla ice cream!
It was a really fun night with my new friends and my new "family" here in Spain.
Then I still got to skype with my family back home at their Thanksgiving and see almost everyone :) It was a very rewarding night. I am so thankful for everyone in my life!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well! <3
OH! And our Thanksgiving present was that we don't have school tomorrow :) (well today technically speaking Spain time). Yay! Thanks SYA!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Wooo
THANK YOU to my wonderful family, Aunt Penny, Uncle Jay, and Shelly for my peanut butter (two tubs, it's like Christmas came early!) and my InTouch magazine (in English!)
Made my Thanksgiving so much better :)
Made my Thanksgiving so much better :)
Gobble Gobble
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you in the US or all of you who celebrate this wonderful holiday of giving thanks and lots and lots of fooooood. :)
Missing my family right now.
I will post later or tomorrow about our school Thanksgiving dinner that we are having tonight. Don't have very high hopes but I do hope this day turns around.
Missing my family right now.
I will post later or tomorrow about our school Thanksgiving dinner that we are having tonight. Don't have very high hopes but I do hope this day turns around.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Mail!
Got more mail today! Woo! I love getting mail, it makes my day ten times better.
I got a Thanksgiving card from Noodles which was SUPER CUTE.
Also got a very cute letter from Mrs. Childs, my junior year Spanish teacher at Westminster. Love you, señora!!! Loved getting her letter today. It's people like her that make me feel like I'm actually missed back home<3
I got a Thanksgiving card from Noodles which was SUPER CUTE.
Also got a very cute letter from Mrs. Childs, my junior year Spanish teacher at Westminster. Love you, señora!!! Loved getting her letter today. It's people like her that make me feel like I'm actually missed back home<3
Random thoughts
I'm really going to miss Spanish juice boxes..they are actually juice mixed with milk! SO YUMMY!!
I just spelled bird as brid on my homework.. #spainprobs #forgettingmyenglish
I didn't get granted independent travel but a lot of people didn't so I'm not upset over it. Besides, then I have an excuse to NOT spend more money! They are doing more evaluations in two weeks so hopefully things will be more in my favor then. The teachers are just never around when I'm actually speaking Spanish, they are only around when I'm either having a bad day and can't think in Spanish or a lot of people around me are speaking English and I'm not really doing much of either. Oh well, just hoping for the best next time! Besides, you can't really go to Granada or Seville on a normal weekend and enjoy it!
I just spelled bird as brid on my homework.. #spainprobs #forgettingmyenglish
I didn't get granted independent travel but a lot of people didn't so I'm not upset over it. Besides, then I have an excuse to NOT spend more money! They are doing more evaluations in two weeks so hopefully things will be more in my favor then. The teachers are just never around when I'm actually speaking Spanish, they are only around when I'm either having a bad day and can't think in Spanish or a lot of people around me are speaking English and I'm not really doing much of either. Oh well, just hoping for the best next time! Besides, you can't really go to Granada or Seville on a normal weekend and enjoy it!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Giving Thanks
What am I thankful for? Let's see, that's a pretty long list..
My parents
Julia
My Grandparents
SYA
My friends at SYA
My teachers, especially Griffin, at SYA
My friends back home from WL, Red Door, Westy, Band Camp, Pageants, SCA, and the list goes on
My family
My school back home
Mr. Rasheed and Bill for obvious reasons
Ms. Deveaux, Mrs. Childs, and Mrs. Carlisle for getting me involved in SYA
My bosses, Lyle, Megan, and Marliene
Especially Lexi, Lauren, Bryan, Stephanie, Jelena, and Karlie
My cat!!!
My home in the US and my home in Spain
My blog followers!! (you should subscribe or post more comments or both!)
My education
The Red Door Theatre!!
The opportunities I've been given that have gotten me to where I am today
Marymount Manhattan College!
Theatre
The power of Music
My clothes
FOOD!!!!!!!!
Internet!
Macs!
iPhones!
Communication
Technology
NYC
Food, one more time
WATER
And there's probably more but I think you get the picture :)
My parents
Julia
My Grandparents
SYA
My friends at SYA
My teachers, especially Griffin, at SYA
My friends back home from WL, Red Door, Westy, Band Camp, Pageants, SCA, and the list goes on
My family
My school back home
Mr. Rasheed and Bill for obvious reasons
Ms. Deveaux, Mrs. Childs, and Mrs. Carlisle for getting me involved in SYA
My bosses, Lyle, Megan, and Marliene
Especially Lexi, Lauren, Bryan, Stephanie, Jelena, and Karlie
My cat!!!
My home in the US and my home in Spain
My blog followers!! (you should subscribe or post more comments or both!)
My education
The Red Door Theatre!!
The opportunities I've been given that have gotten me to where I am today
Marymount Manhattan College!
Theatre
The power of Music
My clothes
FOOD!!!!!!!!
Internet!
Macs!
iPhones!
Communication
Technology
NYC
Food, one more time
WATER
And there's probably more but I think you get the picture :)
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Sketchy, Creepy Man
When I was walking back from the beach to get a taxi back to the hotel, I went to a little corner store to buy saltines and gatorade.
At the store, there were two middle eastern men working there and it was fine. I got what I went for and was paying. He told me in English that I should take the bigger bottle because it was the same price as the smaller one so naturally I replied in Spanish and took the bigger bottle. He asked me what language I spoke and I said both. He started asking me where I was from and I thought he was just curious so I said the US but I'm currently living in Zaragoza. Then he asked me what my name was. I didn't want to tell him my real name so I told him the first name that came into my head. Chinasa, I replied. Then he asked me of my eyes were real. Of course they are. Thanks, bye. And I practically ran out the door. I got to the other side of the street and he had come outside and was calling my name so I turned around, said no quickly and loudly, and walked around the corner so I could find a cab. I got lucky and a guy was getting out so I hopped right in and told him where I was going. He had to think about where to go because of the strikes that were happening. As we turned the same corner as before, the guy was still standing outside of his store looking for me. Creeper!
At the store, there were two middle eastern men working there and it was fine. I got what I went for and was paying. He told me in English that I should take the bigger bottle because it was the same price as the smaller one so naturally I replied in Spanish and took the bigger bottle. He asked me what language I spoke and I said both. He started asking me where I was from and I thought he was just curious so I said the US but I'm currently living in Zaragoza. Then he asked me what my name was. I didn't want to tell him my real name so I told him the first name that came into my head. Chinasa, I replied. Then he asked me of my eyes were real. Of course they are. Thanks, bye. And I practically ran out the door. I got to the other side of the street and he had come outside and was calling my name so I turned around, said no quickly and loudly, and walked around the corner so I could find a cab. I got lucky and a guy was getting out so I hopped right in and told him where I was going. He had to think about where to go because of the strikes that were happening. As we turned the same corner as before, the guy was still standing outside of his store looking for me. Creeper!
Places We Went
Catedral de Barcelona
other churches and whatnot in or near the barrio gótico
Sagrada Familia (my favorite place)
Museo Picasso
4Gats
Park Guell (which I missed out on because I was sleeping)
Casa Batlló
La Pedrera (casa Míla)
Plaza Espanya
Old Plaza de toros
Teatro Museo Dalí
Parc Joan Miró
the beach
other churches and whatnot in or near the barrio gótico
Sagrada Familia (my favorite place)
Museo Picasso
4Gats
Park Guell (which I missed out on because I was sleeping)
Casa Batlló
La Pedrera (casa Míla)
Plaza Espanya
Old Plaza de toros
Teatro Museo Dalí
Parc Joan Miró
the beach
The Hotel
The hotel was awesome. Our room had a bath, shower, bidet, and tv! The keys had to be left at the front desk when we weren't at the hotel and inside the rooms you had to insert them into a little key hole for lights in the room. Very cool and very efficient, in my opinion!
Highly recommend this hotel
www.condadohotel.com
Highly recommend this hotel
www.condadohotel.com
Ave
Friday morning I ended up going back home on the train instead of the bus. It was only 1:40 minutes instead of 4 hours and so smooth and so comfortable. They even played a movie! I think it was In Time.
I would describe the Ave as a combination of a train, a metro, and a first class plane.
I would describe the Ave as a combination of a train, a metro, and a first class plane.
Day 4
Day 4 was Thursday..
I was better! or so I felt better.
We took a bus ride to the Dalí museum in a little town north of Barcelona. That wasn't so bad.
The museum was absolutely amazing. Definitely my second favorite place on the trip.
After we got back, we walked around a bit and ended up at the old plaza de toros which is now a super awesome mall! We also walked around plaza Espanya a bit because it was so beautiful.
We ended up eating at the top of the arena and the view was so fantastic.
On the way back, we took the metro as a group back to the hotel. On the metro, we met a group of Scottish guys who were speaking to us both in English and Spanish but we were with our art teacher so she was telling them to back off. I can't nearly describe how much fun that was so you'll just have to take my word for it.
When we got back to the hotel, we ended up going to a "club" which was just a bar with music and a little tiny place where we danced for like half an hour with our art teacher! It was great!
I was better! or so I felt better.
We took a bus ride to the Dalí museum in a little town north of Barcelona. That wasn't so bad.
The museum was absolutely amazing. Definitely my second favorite place on the trip.
After we got back, we walked around a bit and ended up at the old plaza de toros which is now a super awesome mall! We also walked around plaza Espanya a bit because it was so beautiful.
We ended up eating at the top of the arena and the view was so fantastic.
On the way back, we took the metro as a group back to the hotel. On the metro, we met a group of Scottish guys who were speaking to us both in English and Spanish but we were with our art teacher so she was telling them to back off. I can't nearly describe how much fun that was so you'll just have to take my word for it.
When we got back to the hotel, we ended up going to a "club" which was just a bar with music and a little tiny place where we danced for like half an hour with our art teacher! It was great!
Day 3
well, let's see now.
day 3 was probably the least exciting day for me
we went to la pedrera in the morning and then we walked down to the ocean. it was gorgeous. we went to the beach too!
then I went back and slept from 1-5, not realizing what time it was but also with little interruptions of calls from teachers checking in on me. then i went back to sleep until 7. they came back, I took a bath which was amazing because it was the first bath I had taken in Spain! then of course, went back to sleep until they got back which I realized afterwards was like 11:30!!
so Wednesday was basically a day of sleeping off a fever.
day 3 was probably the least exciting day for me
we went to la pedrera in the morning and then we walked down to the ocean. it was gorgeous. we went to the beach too!
then I went back and slept from 1-5, not realizing what time it was but also with little interruptions of calls from teachers checking in on me. then i went back to sleep until 7. they came back, I took a bath which was amazing because it was the first bath I had taken in Spain! then of course, went back to sleep until they got back which I realized afterwards was like 11:30!!
so Wednesday was basically a day of sleeping off a fever.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
day 2
so day one consisted of throwing up of course day two would consist of diarrhea and a fever! woo. not.
I was still able to do anything partly because I refused to accept it. the only thing I missed out on was free time so it's ok. I know I'll be back to Barcelona at some point so I'm not too upset and I have participated in every school activity so far, just lost out on exploring time. I will post when we get back about all of the places we went with pictures attached!
buenas noches :)
I was still able to do anything partly because I refused to accept it. the only thing I missed out on was free time so it's ok. I know I'll be back to Barcelona at some point so I'm not too upset and I have participated in every school activity so far, just lost out on exploring time. I will post when we get back about all of the places we went with pictures attached!
buenas noches :)
Monday, November 12, 2012
Day one
wow. what a day so far. and it's only 4 pm! so let's see, I got to the bus station fine and ended up with another syaer so we stayed together to find the group and Julia left. she's so awesome. so we ended up finding the group and got on the bus (no excitement in between). I was seat 15 and was lucky enough to be sitting next to another girl from sya who is also in my advisee group! the first half of the bus ride I just slept which was nice because I had had a pounding headache and I had a little bit of a nervous stomach.
we stopped at a rest stop after about two hours of the ride and a good portion of the movie Hugo, and of course I got off to get some water and hacer pis before the rest of the ride. just standing in line no big deal and all of a sudden, I throw up. I won't get into too many details but it was nasty. luckily everyone around me from sya was so helpful and kinda during an event that could have been really easy to make fun of my for for the rest of the day.
so I washed up and bought some water and crackers that look like ritz and got back on the bus feeling fine! I was sipping on my water and trying to fall asleep but it wasn't really happening. with about 45 minutes left on the bus, the girl next to me asks me a question about broadway and all of a sudden I get really nauseous and sit up straight, hoping the feeling will just pass. a minute later, I throw up again all over the isle and my pillow and my shirt and the girl sitting across from me on the isle. yup, on the bus. with 45 minutes left. the teacher with us was so incredibly helpful; got me some towels and bags for my wet things and did everything she could to make me feel comfortable for the rest of the ride. people were really nice again about it too because instead of making fun they were telling me how I've left my mark on the bus and how I'm going to be legendary. we finally got to the dropping point and then had to fit four people in each taxi to get to the hotel. I was very nervous about this part because i was feeling I'll again and had proved myself wrong with the whole throw up once and you'll be fine for the rest of the trip. so I told the teacher and my group went first, me in the front with a really awesome, smart, and caring taxi driver!
he made sure every couple of minutes that I was okay, with previous knowledge of what had happened on the bus and the reason behind the plastic bag in my hand. we finally made it to the hotel! and I got to appreciate how gorgeous Barcelona is.
we met at the hotel, got our room assignments, and unpacked before a little meeting and presentation. then everyone went off to lunch and complete a scavenger hunt and I went to my room and slept which is currently where I am. my teacher came up about half an hour ago to tell me to meet her and the other teacher downstairs at 430 so I can take a taxi with them to our next destination which is the cathedral of Barcelona. hopefully I will get some awesome pictures!
I'm a little sad I missed out on time to see the city but I still have tonight and three more full days here and I knew I needed to rest. oh well. it's definitely been quite an adventure so far with so much more to go!
we did go to some really cool churches that I just can't remember at the moment because I'm still a bit exhausted from today in general.
and clearly I have Internet but I'm goin to try to limit my use to only blogging.
we stopped at a rest stop after about two hours of the ride and a good portion of the movie Hugo, and of course I got off to get some water and hacer pis before the rest of the ride. just standing in line no big deal and all of a sudden, I throw up. I won't get into too many details but it was nasty. luckily everyone around me from sya was so helpful and kinda during an event that could have been really easy to make fun of my for for the rest of the day.
so I washed up and bought some water and crackers that look like ritz and got back on the bus feeling fine! I was sipping on my water and trying to fall asleep but it wasn't really happening. with about 45 minutes left on the bus, the girl next to me asks me a question about broadway and all of a sudden I get really nauseous and sit up straight, hoping the feeling will just pass. a minute later, I throw up again all over the isle and my pillow and my shirt and the girl sitting across from me on the isle. yup, on the bus. with 45 minutes left. the teacher with us was so incredibly helpful; got me some towels and bags for my wet things and did everything she could to make me feel comfortable for the rest of the ride. people were really nice again about it too because instead of making fun they were telling me how I've left my mark on the bus and how I'm going to be legendary. we finally got to the dropping point and then had to fit four people in each taxi to get to the hotel. I was very nervous about this part because i was feeling I'll again and had proved myself wrong with the whole throw up once and you'll be fine for the rest of the trip. so I told the teacher and my group went first, me in the front with a really awesome, smart, and caring taxi driver!
he made sure every couple of minutes that I was okay, with previous knowledge of what had happened on the bus and the reason behind the plastic bag in my hand. we finally made it to the hotel! and I got to appreciate how gorgeous Barcelona is.
we met at the hotel, got our room assignments, and unpacked before a little meeting and presentation. then everyone went off to lunch and complete a scavenger hunt and I went to my room and slept which is currently where I am. my teacher came up about half an hour ago to tell me to meet her and the other teacher downstairs at 430 so I can take a taxi with them to our next destination which is the cathedral of Barcelona. hopefully I will get some awesome pictures!
I'm a little sad I missed out on time to see the city but I still have tonight and three more full days here and I knew I needed to rest. oh well. it's definitely been quite an adventure so far with so much more to go!
we did go to some really cool churches that I just can't remember at the moment because I'm still a bit exhausted from today in general.
and clearly I have Internet but I'm goin to try to limit my use to only blogging.
Barcelona Part 1!
On my way to the bus station. Leaving for Barcelona today and coming back Friday night! I won't have internet (I won't have my laptop but I might get wifi on my iPhone). I will still write a blog post every day but they might not get published until I get back.
Julia is so sweet; she's worried about me finding my way around the bus/train station by myself so she's coming with me because I told her I had a nervous stomach. Which I always have right before a trip of any sort!
Anyways, so I'm leaving for Barcelona today and I shall talk to you all this weekend! :)
Julia is so sweet; she's worried about me finding my way around the bus/train station by myself so she's coming with me because I told her I had a nervous stomach. Which I always have right before a trip of any sort!
Anyways, so I'm leaving for Barcelona today and I shall talk to you all this weekend! :)
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Skyping with beautiful people
Skyped with Lexi today. I can't believe how long we've been friends. I love how we've stayed friends through everything and I honestly love this chica with all of my heart! Te amo! And I know you'll still love me even when I do have the Spain theta lisp when I come home :)
Thursday, November 8, 2012
My Spain Chiropractic Experience
Today I had my first appointment with the chiropractor!! Thank goodness he is American!! So much easier to explain my past and my symptoms in English. But apparently, according to him and his secretary, my Spanish and accent are very good! Woo!
I got there and did the usual filling out the survey and whatnot and he came over to introduce himself to me and Julia. And he found out that she is his friend's mom! Had never met her, apparently. Small world.
He was super nice and spoke English the whole time, which I almost didn't like because I wanted to practice my Spanish! But it was super helpful and I'm very grateful for that.
The experience was pretty much the same as when I started going to Turning Point Wellness in Suffield. Techniques are pretty much the same, only slight differences that I can't even describe because it's basically just where they hold your head while adjusting you. He also has a lot of the same philosophies as Don, which is really nice because I am already accustomed and used to them!
Overall, I feel really good about this. I'm sad I won't be here next week to see him again! It's been two months since my last adjustment so it will be a little bit to fully get back on track but I know it's already starting to help me! His office is also in one of my favorite parts of the city, in Plaza del Pilar, which is awesome and inside its just so cool, almost like it's from a movie shot. So European to me! I love it. It was a good choice to go see him and I'm so happy everything worked out!
Afterwards, Julia and I went to "the best churreria in Zaragoza" and for the first time, I had churros and chocolate! OMG SO GOOD.
Oh right, so I don't think I mentioned this yet but I'm spending next week in Barcelona!!! Monday-Friday. I'll explain more tomorrow. Time for bed early tonight :)
I got there and did the usual filling out the survey and whatnot and he came over to introduce himself to me and Julia. And he found out that she is his friend's mom! Had never met her, apparently. Small world.
He was super nice and spoke English the whole time, which I almost didn't like because I wanted to practice my Spanish! But it was super helpful and I'm very grateful for that.
The experience was pretty much the same as when I started going to Turning Point Wellness in Suffield. Techniques are pretty much the same, only slight differences that I can't even describe because it's basically just where they hold your head while adjusting you. He also has a lot of the same philosophies as Don, which is really nice because I am already accustomed and used to them!
Overall, I feel really good about this. I'm sad I won't be here next week to see him again! It's been two months since my last adjustment so it will be a little bit to fully get back on track but I know it's already starting to help me! His office is also in one of my favorite parts of the city, in Plaza del Pilar, which is awesome and inside its just so cool, almost like it's from a movie shot. So European to me! I love it. It was a good choice to go see him and I'm so happy everything worked out!
Afterwards, Julia and I went to "the best churreria in Zaragoza" and for the first time, I had churros and chocolate! OMG SO GOOD.
Oh right, so I don't think I mentioned this yet but I'm spending next week in Barcelona!!! Monday-Friday. I'll explain more tomorrow. Time for bed early tonight :)
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Daisy Miller: Geography and Identity
I definitely believe that who you are has something to do with where you are from but it isn't the only thing that defines you as a person. Everything in your life helps define who you are: location, friends, family, upbringing, education, life events, etc. One thing alone cannot define you because everything helps mix together to create you and everything that you consist of: emotions, physical appearance, ways and means of thinking, habits, etc.
A place can shape your identity, sense of self, and relation to the larger world. It influences your habits and how you adapt to certain customs and can really have an impact on who you are because of how you grew up in a certain environment.
I don't really know how to give examples but I think you can get a sense of where I'm coming from. (Ha! Get it?!)
A place can shape your identity, sense of self, and relation to the larger world. It influences your habits and how you adapt to certain customs and can really have an impact on who you are because of how you grew up in a certain environment.
I don't really know how to give examples but I think you can get a sense of where I'm coming from. (Ha! Get it?!)
Daisy Miller: American's vs. Europeans
(Foe English class as an assignment so don't pay these next two posts any mind if you aren't interested.)
In Henry James' novel, Daisy Miller, there is definitely a repeated comparison of Americans vs. Europeans. I have noticed that the Americans, especially while in Europe, are the tourists of the two. The Europeans are usually more immersed and more willing to immerse themselves into the culture around them whereas Americans usually want to be reminded of America and hold on to the homeland with all of their might. I have definitely experienced some of this in Spain because, of course, I miss my home. But I also know that I am not completely opposed to immersing myself in the Spanish culture and trying to live as best as I can as my host mom lives. I'm not going to give up everything that reminds me of my home in America but I am trying to choose my moments as to when I will do something as a true American or if I will choose to try to do it as an up and coming European or Spaniard. It's a balance and definitely a struggle most days. For example, in Spain I have to make my bed every day. Now this isn't a huge problem but it was definitely something to get used to. I didn't want to anger or upset Julia so of course I followed the rule of having to make my bed every morning and it really isn't so bad. However when I go back to the US, there is a good 98% chance I won't be making my bed every day. Sorry mom :)
Of course I'm going to want to experience more American things when I am homesick but the rest of the time I am willing to try to be more Spanish and more European because while I'm here why not immerse myself?!
In Henry James' novel, Daisy Miller, there is definitely a repeated comparison of Americans vs. Europeans. I have noticed that the Americans, especially while in Europe, are the tourists of the two. The Europeans are usually more immersed and more willing to immerse themselves into the culture around them whereas Americans usually want to be reminded of America and hold on to the homeland with all of their might. I have definitely experienced some of this in Spain because, of course, I miss my home. But I also know that I am not completely opposed to immersing myself in the Spanish culture and trying to live as best as I can as my host mom lives. I'm not going to give up everything that reminds me of my home in America but I am trying to choose my moments as to when I will do something as a true American or if I will choose to try to do it as an up and coming European or Spaniard. It's a balance and definitely a struggle most days. For example, in Spain I have to make my bed every day. Now this isn't a huge problem but it was definitely something to get used to. I didn't want to anger or upset Julia so of course I followed the rule of having to make my bed every morning and it really isn't so bad. However when I go back to the US, there is a good 98% chance I won't be making my bed every day. Sorry mom :)
Of course I'm going to want to experience more American things when I am homesick but the rest of the time I am willing to try to be more Spanish and more European because while I'm here why not immerse myself?!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
100!
Woooooo post 100! Remember this day, it is monumental.
This afternoon I went to teatro principal with a friend and we thought we might be going to see Rent in Spanish. Turns out it only looked like Rent from the posters. It was basically like Blue Man Group meets Stomp. It was really cool! And the theatre was gorgeousssssssss.
Definitely going back there again sometime very soon!
Although now I miss theatre and performing so much!!! <3
This afternoon I went to teatro principal with a friend and we thought we might be going to see Rent in Spanish. Turns out it only looked like Rent from the posters. It was basically like Blue Man Group meets Stomp. It was really cool! And the theatre was gorgeousssssssss.
Definitely going back there again sometime very soon!
Although now I miss theatre and performing so much!!! <3
Successful Saturday
Yesterday was a very productive and fun day! The sequence of events:
SAT Subject test= last standardized test ever!
Breakfast at VIPS kind of equal to Denny's except like five times better quality food.
Mall- Puerto Venecia= bought a lot and spent a lot of money but got sooooo much for the amount that I spent!
Lunch at an amazing Chinese Buffet in the mall. So heavenly.
Started Christmas shopping!
Tried finding our way to the movie theatre that was showing Skyfall in English but somehow we took the bus going the wrong way so we missed the earlier showing, ended up in my neighborhood, and decided to just go to the later showing.
Saw Skyfall= sooooooooooo fantastic. Highly recommend seeing it when it comes out in the US! Shocked it came out here first!
Then had dinner with 5 other girls from SYA at an Italian place in the same mall as the movie theatre. Pretty good food!
Walked home afterwards, ended up by myself which I didn't mind at all and decided to grab a cup of coffee at my favorite café before going home.
Overall a really decent day!
Today a friend and I are going to see some live theatre, finally!!!! The show is called Racconto but I'm not really at all sure what it's about so I guess I'll just have to wait and see! Hopefully they will still have tickets!
SAT Subject test= last standardized test ever!
Breakfast at VIPS kind of equal to Denny's except like five times better quality food.
Mall- Puerto Venecia= bought a lot and spent a lot of money but got sooooo much for the amount that I spent!
Lunch at an amazing Chinese Buffet in the mall. So heavenly.
Started Christmas shopping!
Tried finding our way to the movie theatre that was showing Skyfall in English but somehow we took the bus going the wrong way so we missed the earlier showing, ended up in my neighborhood, and decided to just go to the later showing.
Saw Skyfall= sooooooooooo fantastic. Highly recommend seeing it when it comes out in the US! Shocked it came out here first!
Then had dinner with 5 other girls from SYA at an Italian place in the same mall as the movie theatre. Pretty good food!
Walked home afterwards, ended up by myself which I didn't mind at all and decided to grab a cup of coffee at my favorite café before going home.
Overall a really decent day!
Today a friend and I are going to see some live theatre, finally!!!! The show is called Racconto but I'm not really at all sure what it's about so I guess I'll just have to wait and see! Hopefully they will still have tickets!
Friday, November 2, 2012
Heather's First Haircut!
I can't really explain or describe to you why but today was just a really great day. the sun was out and it was fairly warmer than any of us expected! I had to change out of my double layers to short sleeves! my host mom thought I was crazy but I was still hot when I hit the pavement and started heading towards the hair salon. before hand, I went to a cafe with a friend from school and had great coffee and they had awesome spoons! (see picture below.) then I was walking home and as I passed the gorgeous park I love near with the fountains, I decided to find a quiet spot in the shade and did some homework and college apps. it was so beautiful and serene. it was then that I remembered to get my hair cut and that's where the beginning of this post comes into play. the people at the hair salon were really nice and I think semi understood my broken Spanish while asking them if they could cut my ends, not entirely sure how to ask them to only cut the dead ends and nothing more. I could tell she was frustrated with how horrid my hair was and how incredibly difficult it was to put a brush all the way through it. we ended on a good note and while I was paying I said I would come back another time for my roots, commenting on her remark from earlier. she asked if I lived close and I said yes in torrero! but I said I'm American. apparently she thought I was Romanian... that's a first! she commented on how she's Moroccan and welcome to españa! she exclaimed very eagerly. I told her how I'm studying here for a year and she was suddenly very interested in my story. until next time she said with a smile.
I continued my journey of the day back home to grab some things to then journey back to the park for a serene environment to read some Daisy Miller. the park was more populated than it was before and I was a little surprised! there was a super cute little boy there who kept smiling at me and tried climbing up to crawl on the ledge of the fountain to be like me. I was waving to him and then realized that was probably provoking him so I stopped and instead tried telling him no by wagging my finger at him. so cute though! I got a decent amount of homework done before the sun went down, then headed to my favorite super artsy cafe in my neighborhood. it's so artsy I love it so much! and the coffee is amazing. but then again I think almost all coffee here is amazing. it overlooks the canal and the lighting and overall setup inside is so cosy. while I was enjoying my first cup of coffee, debating about a second (which I ended up getting, of course) I noticed some lady staring at me. she finally came over after I glanced at her multiple times and clearly noticed she was staring at me. apparently she thought I was someone she knew! I must look extra Spanish today! another plus on my good day!
it really was overall a good afternoon. I got a little done, not tons, but the sun and great weather just put me in an awesome mood. and I finally got my haircut, yayyyy!
time for my last SAT tomorrow! then some shopping to celebrate and possibly skyfall? we'll see. for now, I'm just soaking up the fact I'm in Spain and have so much freedom and independence. except I need to stop spending money.
(this was my view from where I was sitting while I was doing my homework in the park!
(my favorite café!)
I continued my journey of the day back home to grab some things to then journey back to the park for a serene environment to read some Daisy Miller. the park was more populated than it was before and I was a little surprised! there was a super cute little boy there who kept smiling at me and tried climbing up to crawl on the ledge of the fountain to be like me. I was waving to him and then realized that was probably provoking him so I stopped and instead tried telling him no by wagging my finger at him. so cute though! I got a decent amount of homework done before the sun went down, then headed to my favorite super artsy cafe in my neighborhood. it's so artsy I love it so much! and the coffee is amazing. but then again I think almost all coffee here is amazing. it overlooks the canal and the lighting and overall setup inside is so cosy. while I was enjoying my first cup of coffee, debating about a second (which I ended up getting, of course) I noticed some lady staring at me. she finally came over after I glanced at her multiple times and clearly noticed she was staring at me. apparently she thought I was someone she knew! I must look extra Spanish today! another plus on my good day!
it really was overall a good afternoon. I got a little done, not tons, but the sun and great weather just put me in an awesome mood. and I finally got my haircut, yayyyy!
time for my last SAT tomorrow! then some shopping to celebrate and possibly skyfall? we'll see. for now, I'm just soaking up the fact I'm in Spain and have so much freedom and independence. except I need to stop spending money.
(this was my view from where I was sitting while I was doing my homework in the park!
(my favorite café!)Thursday, November 1, 2012
Día de Todos los Santos
So today is All Saint's Day. We don't have school! Most people even don't have work tomorrow but sadly, we have school.
I am home alone (pretty much) today because Julia went to her pueblo to spend the day with family and to pick olives. Her daughter and her boyfriend came over for lunch and her daughter will be coming back for dinner. They are so cute! It's like they don't want me to be alone at all!
Basically today is the day that everyone spends the day with family and they visit the gravestones of their loved ones. It's kind of like the day of the dead in Mexico except not as elaborate.
I am home alone (pretty much) today because Julia went to her pueblo to spend the day with family and to pick olives. Her daughter and her boyfriend came over for lunch and her daughter will be coming back for dinner. They are so cute! It's like they don't want me to be alone at all!
Basically today is the day that everyone spends the day with family and they visit the gravestones of their loved ones. It's kind of like the day of the dead in Mexico except not as elaborate.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
A Spanish Halloween
First off, Happy Halloween!
Halloween in Spain isn't nearly as popular as it is in the US. If you have little kids in your family, you MIGHT go out or sometimes teenagers go out (I believe) but since it's just my host mom and I, I don't think I will be going out tonight. I'm okay with that. I need to do homework, relax, and study for my last standardized test on Saturday! Huzzah! I also think that here it is less scary of a holiday. Not as many creepy or gory decorations.
Besides, I was afraid I would go out and have expectations to be like it is in America and I don't really want to be disappointed. I mean really what's two years in a row without Halloween? I think, I mean I guess I can manage. It'll maybe be a nice bonding night with my host mom or I can sleep!!!
Tonight's movie marathon with me myself and I includes:
Wizard of OZ
Hocus Pocus
11-11-11 (never seen it and it looks interesting)
Young Frankenstein
V for Vendetta
Halloween in Spain isn't nearly as popular as it is in the US. If you have little kids in your family, you MIGHT go out or sometimes teenagers go out (I believe) but since it's just my host mom and I, I don't think I will be going out tonight. I'm okay with that. I need to do homework, relax, and study for my last standardized test on Saturday! Huzzah! I also think that here it is less scary of a holiday. Not as many creepy or gory decorations.
Besides, I was afraid I would go out and have expectations to be like it is in America and I don't really want to be disappointed. I mean really what's two years in a row without Halloween? I think, I mean I guess I can manage. It'll maybe be a nice bonding night with my host mom or I can sleep!!!
Tonight's movie marathon with me myself and I includes:
Wizard of OZ
Hocus Pocus
11-11-11 (never seen it and it looks interesting)
Young Frankenstein
V for Vendetta
Clarification
Well looking back on my entry from last night I feel like I
need to clarify something. I am so incredibly thankful that everyone if safe
and sound in the US after Sandy. I feel so bad I wasn’t there to experience it
with my family, but I know they are safe and that’s all that matters. I want to
make it clear that I’m not taking anything for granted, including being here
and the fact that my house in the US is in tact and didn’t lose power once. I
highly doubt any of you will understand why this is having such an impact on me
but just imagine you lost your good luck charm or your one connection to your
childhood. I don't want to sound like I'm having first world problems and I don't care about the bigger things, because I mean I am technically having first world problems and I definitely do care about bigger things but it was a moment of weakness for me and just added to a bad day.
Sorry for my rant, just didn't want to make anyone upset with me!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
My Quilt
I have had this specific quilt since before I was born, technically. My grandma and her friends all combined efforts to paint it for me. I have been sleeping with it every night, even when I go to camp. It has been wearing out slowly and even had to get a new back a few years ago. But tonight, something on my laptop caught onto it and put a huge rip in it. Now I had been planning on bringing it home at Christmas and leaving it there so I can save it for when I am older and have kids of my own so for some reason this one larger rip just put me off edge. I told my mom, "I don't think I have cried this hard since my first night here." I am so attached to this quilt I can't bear to see it fade to nothing. It's also a very strong connection to home that I feel like I have already been losing but this just makes it worse. I know it will be okay and I'm going to ask my host mom tomorrow if she will be able to mend it so it can last until I find a replacement quilt here in Spain, but I don't know how much more it can be repaired.
Hoy
Today it a girl's birthday at school and her parents came to see her! Like her US parents! I think they were at some sort of convention or something in Barcelona and then came to Zaragoza today! It was so cute and they were so nice! There was like a receiving line to meet the parents haha It was really cute though. Made me miss home a bit more <3 But I'll be home so soon! Crazyface! (for Bryan.)
Arguments..
I hate the fact that I can hear absolutely everything that happens in the apartment right above me...a man and a woman are currently having a very loud argument. But I have no idea what they are saying because it is an even faster-paced Spanish than I am used to trying to understand. Now it got quiet..I think they moved rooms. Yay for me, I can study now!
Henry Dang
For those of you reading my blog and don't know who Henry Dang is, here is a little piece of his story.
Henry was a classmate of mine. We went to 7th and 8th grade together and we were locker buddies in 8th grade because our lockers were next to each other. He would give me a hug every morning. On October 29, 2012, he was riding his bike home from a friend's house close to midnight and at the intersection of West and Spring street in Windsor Locks, was hit by a drunk driving police officer and killed at the scene. I consider the accident to be a hit and run but he eventually came back with his father and they tried to cover up the drinking so his son wouldn't get in as much trouble as he deserved. He was finally convicted and sentenced to 5 years in prison for second-degree manslaughter and tampering with evidence.
We all miss him so much. He brought everyone together but it's an absolutely shame that it took his death to bring people together. He was a friend to everyone and wasn't restricted to a specific "friend group". He always had a smile on his face and was ready to give anyone a hug that needed it or just wanted one. He always knew how to make you smile and very often could make you feel better if you were having a bad day. He was 15 when he died. And he will always be remembered and loved. He will never be forgotten. Please help keep his memory alive by sharing his story and praying for his family.
RIP Henry HDTV Dang. We love you <3
Henry was a classmate of mine. We went to 7th and 8th grade together and we were locker buddies in 8th grade because our lockers were next to each other. He would give me a hug every morning. On October 29, 2012, he was riding his bike home from a friend's house close to midnight and at the intersection of West and Spring street in Windsor Locks, was hit by a drunk driving police officer and killed at the scene. I consider the accident to be a hit and run but he eventually came back with his father and they tried to cover up the drinking so his son wouldn't get in as much trouble as he deserved. He was finally convicted and sentenced to 5 years in prison for second-degree manslaughter and tampering with evidence.
We all miss him so much. He brought everyone together but it's an absolutely shame that it took his death to bring people together. He was a friend to everyone and wasn't restricted to a specific "friend group". He always had a smile on his face and was ready to give anyone a hug that needed it or just wanted one. He always knew how to make you smile and very often could make you feel better if you were having a bad day. He was 15 when he died. And he will always be remembered and loved. He will never be forgotten. Please help keep his memory alive by sharing his story and praying for his family.
RIP Henry HDTV Dang. We love you <3
Monday, October 29, 2012
English Class Today
Today in English I think I had some sort of revelation that I am definitely on a journey to changing and it's already started! We were all sharing our views on getting lost and how we will changing and already are changing. Also, let me just say how incredibly intelligent my classmates are! I did get homesick during class but these past two days have been like that for me with the storm and everything. I really wish I could be home with all of you but then again I am safe and sound here and praying for you all! But you also all have Henry Dang watching over you after being gone for two years today. So much going on all at once!
Daylight Savings!
So I think this is weird, but I guess it technically makes sense if you really think about it..
This past Saturday night we had daylight savings! Huzzah! An extra hour of sleep..but for some reason that's always the night when I can never sleep so it doesn't really help me out at all.
So for all of you on the East coast, it's only a 5 hour time difference instead of 6 until you set your clocks back. Exciting! But chances are I'm going to forget because I was only just starting to get used to subtracting 6 hours! Oh well. Yay for daylight savings!
I also think it's interesting that Portugal doesn't get their clocks back at all. Silliness.
This past Saturday night we had daylight savings! Huzzah! An extra hour of sleep..but for some reason that's always the night when I can never sleep so it doesn't really help me out at all.
So for all of you on the East coast, it's only a 5 hour time difference instead of 6 until you set your clocks back. Exciting! But chances are I'm going to forget because I was only just starting to get used to subtracting 6 hours! Oh well. Yay for daylight savings!
I also think it's interesting that Portugal doesn't get their clocks back at all. Silliness.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Missed my first family gathering in the US last night.. It feels a little weird, but I think it felt weird just knowing they were getting together without me. I was going to have my mom ask my cousin to skype me in on his phone but I didn't really want to stay up till 4 or 5 AM talking to my family. Love you guys and all but that's just too late even for a weekend!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Dinner Conversations..
So at dinner tonight these are most of the topics Julia and I talked about:
eating fast (which we do every night even though the doctor said to eat slowly..)
Marta (one of the teachers) being pregnant
If Marta had a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband
Why she's pregnant if she's not married
How did she get pregnant if she doesn't have a boyfriend
Insemination in people
Why would she want a child if she doesn't have a husband
Eating deer, rabbits, and horses (in France)
The fact that I'm not super excited but willing to try rabbit
How did a group of bunnies get created in the mother if there wasn't a male rabbit around
Insemination in bunnies
Then she asked, where does the semen come from?
Eating fish and how some vegetarians are particular about what types of fish they eat
All fish have to die or be killed to be cooked anyways
Then it got more graphic but I'm not exactly sure how to translate it to English
And THAT was dinner! All 25 minutes of it hahahah so fantastic.
eating fast (which we do every night even though the doctor said to eat slowly..)
Marta (one of the teachers) being pregnant
If Marta had a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband
Why she's pregnant if she's not married
How did she get pregnant if she doesn't have a boyfriend
Insemination in people
Why would she want a child if she doesn't have a husband
Eating deer, rabbits, and horses (in France)
The fact that I'm not super excited but willing to try rabbit
How did a group of bunnies get created in the mother if there wasn't a male rabbit around
Insemination in bunnies
Then she asked, where does the semen come from?
Eating fish and how some vegetarians are particular about what types of fish they eat
All fish have to die or be killed to be cooked anyways
Then it got more graphic but I'm not exactly sure how to translate it to English
And THAT was dinner! All 25 minutes of it hahahah so fantastic.
Fire Drill
So today, we had a fire drill. Except I wasn't there. I had a free block and was lagging, so I decided to go out and get a quick cup of coffee before math and the long night of homework I have ahead of me. So, naturally as we are allowed to do, I got my money (exactly 1,40 euros because I'm starting to become a regular) and walked out the front door and on the way passed both secretaries and the director of the school. None of them stopped me to tell me we were going to be having a fire drill! So when I got back, I rang the bell two times and no one opened the door. Then a guy with a ladder came up and I tried explaining to him that no one was opening the door so we tried it again. After nothing the third time, he called the school. As he was hanging up due to no answer, I saw the school walking up the stairs. "Heather, where were you?! We had a fire drill!" Oops. All I wanted was coffee! I explained to the secretary with the list of names that I went to get coffee and I couldn't really get in trouble because I had done nothing wrong and all she said was oh I'm glad you're not dead! And the director (my advisor and teacher as well) said the same thing when I told him later! So hilarious. All for coffee. I think I'm becoming addicted. It's so good here!!!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Lunch
Today I took three of my senior girls out to lunch to celebrate my wonderful news! We had burgers and fries and of course amazing waffles! Some had just dark chocolate and others of us has dark chocolate with fresh strawberries :) Love you girls! <3 You are my support system here!
Math
So much work (way too much work for one week) + already having gotten accepted into college = a lazy Heather who doesn't want to work at all and just wants to sleep all of the hours of the day.
NOT GOOD.
I'm trying to focus as much as possible but it's just not working out for me as much as I would like it to.
NOT GOOD.
I'm trying to focus as much as possible but it's just not working out for me as much as I would like it to.
Monday, October 22, 2012
COLLEGE
I JUST FOUND OUT I GOT ACCEPTED INTO MY FIRST CHOICE COLLEGE, MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN!!!! SO EXCITED! actually had trouble breathing at one point. no way I'm
going to sleep now! I only found out about the college acceptance and I'm still waiting on the theatre department decision but I'm halfway there now!!! thank you to everyone for your support and congratulations! it means a lot to have all of you there for me and on my side!! 🙏<3
going to sleep now! I only found out about the college acceptance and I'm still waiting on the theatre department decision but I'm halfway there now!!! thank you to everyone for your support and congratulations! it means a lot to have all of you there for me and on my side!! 🙏<3
Dinner
I love spending an entire dinner with my host mom just talking about boobs and push-up bras hahahahaha best dinner yet! It was also super cute how she couldn't pronounce push-up and had to show me what she was trying to say. Love her!
Card
Got another card today! It was from my amazing cousin, Carrie! Loved hearing from you, it definitely made my day ten times better! Congrats on grad school! I'm so proud of you!! <3
THANKS!
We are officially past 2000 views! THANK YOU! YOU GUYS ROCK! Now y'all can start commenting :)
Assignment!
So in theatre class today we got a new assignment before we start on the play we will perform in December! We each randomly chose a character from a classic tale. I happened to choose the Queen of Hearts.. weird, right?! I always end up as her! Which I don't mind at all because she is my favorite!!!! But we have to come up with our own scene and dialogue using that character and their personality but it can't be a scene from the actual story. I was thinking of placing her in like a mental hospital but having like the white rabbit be her therapist..any suggestions would be fantastic! I have to write up my own script in Spanish, of course, and memorize it by Wednesday..this is the challenge I must accept! Please comment if you have any suggestions! It has to be 2-3 min long.
I still can't get over how weird it is that I got her out of everyone else! I could have been Wendy, Geppetto, Cinderella's shoe, or even the prince from Sleeping Beauty! A coincidence? I think not.
I still can't get over how weird it is that I got her out of everyone else! I could have been Wendy, Geppetto, Cinderella's shoe, or even the prince from Sleeping Beauty! A coincidence? I think not.
SYA Video
One of the guys from my SYA Spain class made this video and basically everyone that is on it is a friend of mine. I think it is really well-made and definitely a good and accurate representation of how I feel about SYA, too! Definitely recommend checking it out!
http://vimeo.com/51884730
http://vimeo.com/51884730
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Another Family Lunch
Nothing particularly special happened at yet another family lunch. It was very enjoyable company. I was able to place myself in more conversations because I am more comfortable with my Spanish now, and they felt they could ask me more questions because I can understand and respond more than I could the last time!
I also started the trend of cafe and rum with this group of family :) They were so funny when I first accepted their offer of wine and then when Julia told them about how I like rum in my coffee and later proved it to be true!
Such a sweet, friendly family. It's going to be so hard to leave.
I also started the trend of cafe and rum with this group of family :) They were so funny when I first accepted their offer of wine and then when Julia told them about how I like rum in my coffee and later proved it to be true!
Such a sweet, friendly family. It's going to be so hard to leave.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Churros
Today I came home after pants shopping and my host mom surprised me with the ingredients to make churros! It was so exciting! They were pretty good, too! We made soo many and ate most of them. And after all of the batter was gone, we made coffee, and had some coffee and rum with churros :) So awesome and unexpected!
We aren't in Spain anymore?
Last night my friend and I went out to eat around 10:30. While I was waiting for her to meet up with me, there was this random guy walking down the street belting some song but all he ended up singing for lyrics was America and then started singing/talking to people waiting for the bus and was saying stuff like Buenas noches and buen viaje. It was HILARIOUS, especially because I think he was completely sober!
When we were walking to the restaurant, we passed three British ladies saying things like "That's really cheap!" and "Where's the hotel?" When we got to the restaurant, after passing it and going back, there were four more British people sitting outside talking in English too! Then inside the restaurant, there was a really drunk guy talking to some Spanish ladies and we are pretty sure he was American! He was speaking English and a tiny bit of Spanish to the ladies and he was saying things like "When it's your birthday you make other people treat you!" and then started talking to some random boy sitting with his parents but I don't think he understood because I'm not sure how much English he spoke. So we started speaking in Spanish for a good portion of that ordeal so he didn't bother us too. Then as we were finishing up our amazing meal, (homemade, fresh pasta at an Italian restaurant) a group of five or six MORE British people and one Spaniard walked in! That kind of sounds like the start to a joke.. "Five Brits and a Spaniard walk into a bar.." Anyways, one Brit was talking English to the waitress and the Spaniard was assuring her he spoke Spanish. As we were leaving, we were talking a bit louder than we normally would in English so they would notice and all of a sudden as we passed their table saying something like "Yeah that was definitely good" or something like that (I don't exactly remember), the table got silent and one guy just started staring at us and was frozen in a position with his beer in his hand! So funny! On our way home, we passed three more American girls who weren't from SYA. We thought we had been transported to another country or it was invasion of the English-speaking people in an episode of Doctor Who!
When we were walking to the restaurant, we passed three British ladies saying things like "That's really cheap!" and "Where's the hotel?" When we got to the restaurant, after passing it and going back, there were four more British people sitting outside talking in English too! Then inside the restaurant, there was a really drunk guy talking to some Spanish ladies and we are pretty sure he was American! He was speaking English and a tiny bit of Spanish to the ladies and he was saying things like "When it's your birthday you make other people treat you!" and then started talking to some random boy sitting with his parents but I don't think he understood because I'm not sure how much English he spoke. So we started speaking in Spanish for a good portion of that ordeal so he didn't bother us too. Then as we were finishing up our amazing meal, (homemade, fresh pasta at an Italian restaurant) a group of five or six MORE British people and one Spaniard walked in! That kind of sounds like the start to a joke.. "Five Brits and a Spaniard walk into a bar.." Anyways, one Brit was talking English to the waitress and the Spaniard was assuring her he spoke Spanish. As we were leaving, we were talking a bit louder than we normally would in English so they would notice and all of a sudden as we passed their table saying something like "Yeah that was definitely good" or something like that (I don't exactly remember), the table got silent and one guy just started staring at us and was frozen in a position with his beer in his hand! So funny! On our way home, we passed three more American girls who weren't from SYA. We thought we had been transported to another country or it was invasion of the English-speaking people in an episode of Doctor Who!
El Castillo and Albarracín
Yesterday we went to a super old castle in the south(?) of Aragón that I believe used to be the border beween Aragón and Valencía (but I'm not 100% positive if that's what Álvaro said). It was super guay! So many cool little rooms leading to other cool places; I could have stayed there for hours and just explored!
Then afterwards, we went to a beautiful Pueblo called Albarracín. There we found this really cool wall and after exploring the town a bit, we decided to hike up and look at the view from the top of it. It was unbelievable. Such an amazing, eye-opening, and just incredible view.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Presidents, anyone?
So today the prensa class went to this all day affair about the US elections because a lady from the US government works here in Spain who also did SYA in like 1997. After school, everyone went to what was supposed to be a debate about the US Presidential candidates but it wasn't supposed to start until 730. Most of us stayed from 6-730 and listened to the open speeches and some interesting things but it was just way too boring. I was grateful for the opportunity to be there and be exposed to US politics even more abroad than I am in the US but I'm not a politics person at all, especially when everything is in Spanish too.
That was pretty much the most exciting thing that happened to me today.
Tomorrow is another mini viaje!
That was pretty much the most exciting thing that happened to me today.
Tomorrow is another mini viaje!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Fall
I absolutely love this time of year. The smell of the air, the clothing, the scenery, all just so beautiful.
I also love the aspect that we have here of the heavenly waffle stand on Independencia (the street next to school, kind of like 5th ave?) and the little stands all over the center of the amazing smell of chestnuts roasting :)
Love it!
Such a gorgeous day today! I wish every day was like today! Not too warm or too cold, it was perfect!!
I also love the aspect that we have here of the heavenly waffle stand on Independencia (the street next to school, kind of like 5th ave?) and the little stands all over the center of the amazing smell of chestnuts roasting :)
Love it!
Such a gorgeous day today! I wish every day was like today! Not too warm or too cold, it was perfect!!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Yay!
Got a card from Bana today! (my grandma on my mom's side) She's so cute! Love you too, Bana; thanks so much!
Also, I went to buy nail polish today. And the lady forgot to ring it up at the beginning so I was only paying like 9 euros for like four things. Then she remembered and rang it up and it went to like 24 or something euros! The nail polish was almost 17 euros! No thank you! Ridiculous!
No school tomorrow! It's the PSAT and I've already taken it twice so all of the ten seniors have the day off! So great! And we have a mini day trip on Friday! Woooo! Love it here :) I hope to have a nice relaxing day tomorrow to buy some jeans, work on my three remaining supplements, and SLEEP IN! :D
Also, I went to buy nail polish today. And the lady forgot to ring it up at the beginning so I was only paying like 9 euros for like four things. Then she remembered and rang it up and it went to like 24 or something euros! The nail polish was almost 17 euros! No thank you! Ridiculous!
No school tomorrow! It's the PSAT and I've already taken it twice so all of the ten seniors have the day off! So great! And we have a mini day trip on Friday! Woooo! Love it here :) I hope to have a nice relaxing day tomorrow to buy some jeans, work on my three remaining supplements, and SLEEP IN! :D
Monday, October 15, 2012
Packages!
I LOVE getting packages!! They are awesome!
Today I got a card from my great aunt Sister Claire and a package from my parents. The package contained icy hot, People magazine in Spanish, and PEANUT BUTTER! YAYYY!!!!
Thank you all!
Feel free to send me cards and such! You don't have to spend $50 on a package! Chances are I will eventually return you a postcard of some sort.
My address is:
Paseo Pamplona 2
Zaragoza, Spain 50004
Today I got a card from my great aunt Sister Claire and a package from my parents. The package contained icy hot, People magazine in Spanish, and PEANUT BUTTER! YAYYY!!!!
Thank you all!
Feel free to send me cards and such! You don't have to spend $50 on a package! Chances are I will eventually return you a postcard of some sort.
My address is:
Paseo Pamplona 2
Zaragoza, Spain 50004
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Pilares: Rosario de Cristal
The Rosario de Cristal is probably my favorite part of Pilar. It is a parade of these gorgeous floats of lit up stained class on the original 18th century carts pulled by and surrounded by people in traditional clothing of every region that celebrates Pilar. As they go through the streets, they also project the saying of the mass on loudspeakers throughout the city so you can listen to the mass while watching these floats go by. It's truly so moving. I was on the verge of tears at one point just because it was so pretty! It lasts about 2 hours (I think. Maybe longer.) but its so pretty to see, especially with the restorations that they make every year. The saying of the mass is also a very beautiful and sacred part of the parade. If you ever make it to Spain, come to Zaragoza to see this. You won't be disappointed.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Pilares: La Ofrenda de Fruta
La ofrenda de fruta is a parade that goes to la plaza del Pilar of people in traditional clothing carrying fruit to offer to the virgin and the fruit that is given and put at the statue of the virgin is all given to the poor people of Zaragoza. It was a really cool procession! And all of the traditional clothing from different places is so cool and so pretty. Something you definitely wouldn't see anywhere, not even anything like it, in the states.
Pilares: Vaquillas!
This morning, I woke up at 630, after 3 hours of sleep from partying last night, missed the bus, took a taxi, then went to see the vaquillas (mini bulls) run with crazy people. They just run around the ring and the people try to provoke the bull and try to run away from it. A couple of people got pretty hurt. There was a guy with a blue wig afro, a guy in a santa suit, a guy with a stuffed cow toy, a guy with a huge stuffed snake, and a fat guy who didn't wear a shirt. The crowed LOVED the shirtless guy he was hilarious. It was so much fun to watch. We sat next to a peña, which is a group of people who just played instruments the whole time and partied. The first hour was all about the bulls and the second was more about people watching and eating and drinking and partying. A quote that came to mind to describe this is one from The Princess and the Frog, "It brings folks together from all walks of life". That's exactly how I would describe it. The people we sat next to were so friendly, just like every other Spaniard I have encountered, pretty much. We laughed together, they offered us food and drink, they helped us find seats, and they took our picture for us without us having to ask! So considerate and just nice, unlike everyone in the states. It's such a different vibe here, I love it!
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