BARCABARCABARCA.

I'm sure everyone has those places they have always dreamed about going, the places they constantly talk about and say "one day..." For me, that place was Barcelona. It was the original place I wanted to study abroad, unfortunately Loyola does not have a program there, and the place I have always wanted to go on vacation. Lucky for me, Loyola sponsored (paid) for a weekend trip for our whole group there :) And Barcelona fell not one bit short of my sky-high expectations.

Barca Beaches

We left early Saturday morning on the AVE high-speed train that got us to Barcelona in under 3 hours, a distance that would take 6 hours by car and 9 by bus, NO THANKS. As soon as we stepped off the train by our hotel, it was beautiful! It was so warm and sunny and beachy. There were palm trees everywhere and you could smell the salt of the Mediterranean in the air. The buildings were pretty similar to those in Madrid in Valencia - big, white, stucco and antique looking. Immediately though, you could tell Barcelona was much more modern and hip than Madrid, a more classical Spanish city. Barcelona is very much geared to our younger generations, with lots of trendy shops and restaurants and a beach shore lined with clubs and bars.

We spent the rest of Saturday just relaxing in our hotel (yay 4 stars, thanks Loyola) and walking around shopping, of course. After a nice big Italian dinner of PIZZA, we met up with the other Loyola kids that were visiting Barcelona and headed towards the beach/bars. Unfortunately, on the way down there, Rosie experienced something we had all been so carefully avoiding in our travels to each european city- pick-pocketing. Somewhere along the metro, Rosie fell victim to this and was out 150 euro cash and all of her credit/debit cards all weekend. However, being the such great friends we are, we lent her some cash and headed to the ICE BAR! It was so cool - everything is made out of ice there and they give you special coats and gloves to wear to keep you warm. We were only allowed to stay in for 45 mins because of the low temperature but it was so much fun! Then we went to another bar/club place and just hung out the rest of the night.

I survived IceBarcelona!

The next day, Maria Jose has a jam-packed day planned for us, starting at the ungodly hour of 830 am! We spent the day touring Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia  - two works of the well-known architect Gaudi. his style is VERY unique and can only be found in the structures of Barcelona and a couple of other Spanish cities. It is hard to explain his style, so here are some pictures to help (his architecture was the theme for Hansel and Grettle):

Me at Sagrada Familia!

Gina and I at Parc Guell by the Hansel and Grettle Houses

Parc Guell benches

We ended the day at the beach where we walked around for a while and eventually made our way to the Hard Rock Cafe where we had our first AMERICAN meal since being in spain. My potato skins and macaroni and cheese were PHENOMENAL! I couldnt have been happier. Then we headed back to the hotel to rest up for Halloween night!

Being the adventurous group we are, we decided to be futbol (soccer) players for Halloween. However not just any players, Real Madrid players, Barcelonas biggest rival. So, it was an interesting night to say the least, with a combination of people that loved our costumes and others that, given the chance, would have probably ripped the jerseys from our backs. Oh well, we had a blast and there was a ton of Loyola people there so it was a lot of fun!

The next day was a little less exciting. We went to the Picasso museum which was cool but excessively long of course and then went to Santa Maria Iglesia which was really pretty. It was nice to be able to walk around the Gothic Quarter, but we were all really tired and ready to head home at this point. We had a quick lunch and headed back to the hotel to grab our bags. Unfortunately, the night before some of our fellow group members from Alcala had a few alcohol issues in the hotel and the hotel and Maria Jose were both furious. Whoops. Anyways, we made our way to the train station and headed back to Madrid after a very exciting Halloween weekend in Barcelona.

It is hard to believe that we are now over halfway through and have almost only 6 weeks left in Spain!!!! Holy cow. This weekend we are going to a Real Madrid v. Atletico Madrid soccer game (!!!!!!!) and then next weekend ALLIE is visiting me here in Alcala :) I am SO excited for her to be here, my little piece of home. Then after that, some of us go to Portugal for Thanksgiving and then we have one more Loyola trip then FINALS. I cant believe it! Time is really flying! Ok well thats all for now, talk to you all soon! Love and miss you all at home and only 45 left TJP, love you!

ROMA!

Wow! It has been OVER month since my last post, whoops! Things have just been so hectic here lately between classes, midterms (even in Spain...), sickness and all of our traveling, I have barely had time to breathe, let alone write in my blog. Now that we are back in Alcala for a few weeks and I am cured (mostly) of my cough and cold, I finally have a chance to write!

We returned from Oktoberfest on Sunday and, thankfully, had off the following Monday which was great to recoup. We were all exhausted from such a whirlwind of a weekend. However, that next Saturday snuck up on us quicker than any of us expected and before we knew it we were on the plane to Rome! Unfortunately, the plane ride was horrifying, the worst I have EVER experienced. We departed Madrid as a mini-hurricane was approaching so we took-off during some thunderstorms which produced some THRILLING turbulence. While Gina, Maggie and Kelly-Ann were saying Hail Mary's in the row in front of us, me, Rosie and Ali were clutching eachothers' hands, white-knuckled, on the verge of tears as our plane was nose diving and shaking as if we were in a blender. Finally, we began to land and suddenly out of our windows we could see the lights of Rome and it was beautiful! We were all so excited to FINALLY be there, it was all of our first time's to Italy/Rome.

Teddy, Ali and I a little nervous on the plain ride over

On our cab ride to our quaint Italian hostel, next to us suddenly appeared a building that looked awfully similar to the Colosseum. However, Kelly-Ann, Ali and I were convinced it couldnt ACTUALLY be THE Colosseum. So with hesitation, we asked our cab driver what building it was and with a snort and laugh he said "Well, that would be the Colosseum..." Needless to say, we refrained from asking what any other buildings were for the rest of the cab ride.

That night we got there and met up with some friends from LOYOLA :) It was great to see everyone again and relax in Rome. The next day, we embarked on our sight seeing adventures! We managed to navigate the Roman metro system with ease all weekend - it is amazing how much simpler and easier to navigate the European metro's are than those of NYC or any other large American city. Our first stop was the Colosseum where we met some of the girls studying in Rome! It was surreal to actually be AT the Colosseum. For me, it was one of those things you see in movies and pictures of other people, but can never imagine yourself there. While we were there, I couldnt believe I was actually there and I dont think it was until we were back in Spain and I was looking at pictures that the reality of being at the Colosseum hit me. It was awesome to be able to go to such an ancient structure, something that our young country does not have to offer. From there, we went to the Spanish Steps which we also very pretty! Afterwards, we headed towards the Trevi Fountain and stopped for lunch on the way.

Before we left, we had been warned that in Rome they try to rip off tourists at restaurants, so we tried to be very precocious, however it didnt work out very well. To make a long story short, we ended up getting ripped of big time, spending 40 euro EACH on a meal that should have been less than 20 a person... It kind of put a damper on the mood for the rest of the day, but once we got to the Trevi Fountain, everyone seemed to forget about the meal from hell. Similar to the Colosseum was so surreal and breath taking. Its crazy to be able to say that I have now been there, something I never thought I would be able to say. It amazes me that so long ago, when these structures were built, the artists were so talents to construct them so beautifully. We all made our wishes at the fountain too :)

Tired from a long day, we went back to the hostel to nap and relax for a little while, then headed out to dinner which was FABULOUS. I got Cannelloni stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach, it was so yummy I did not want it to end. Then, trying to be very European, the 5 of us got some wine and headed to the Spanish Steps to drink and hang out and just chat. It was so relaxing and there was a man there singing and playing guitar. I literally felt like I was in a movie or dream, it was so great. After, we went to the Trevi Fountain to see it lit up at night and it was even more breathtaking than during the day. We were all pretty tired, so that night was mellow and we headed back to the hostel to get a good nights sleep for another day of sightseeing.

Trevi Fountain at Night!

We woke up the next day and headed straight to probably the most important thing in Rome: Vatican City. After waiting in line for an hour or so, we finally were inside with our tour group. The whole tour probably took around 3 hours, and we saw most of the Vatican. The whole time I felt like I was dragging my jaw along the floor at everything I saw. It was all so beautiful and old and just perfect. The tour concluded in the Sistine Chapel, something that words will never do justice to. It was an honor to be able to walk through the surprisingly small and narrow chapel. The walls and ceilings were covered with the story of creation. I must say Michelangelo did quite an amazing job on this. We then proceeded to St. Peter's Basilica, which was also beautiful.   Everything at the Vatican was so intricate and made with the utmost care and to perfection. The colors are brilliant and the designs are so complex. After we finished there, we got lunch near the Vatican - Gina and I got a Lobster risotto that was DEEEEEEEEEELICIOUS. Exhausted, we headed back to the hostel for naptime ETC. That night, we met up with Erica and Ariana near their homestay to have a girls night and just hang out. We all really got to bond that night and it was a blast to just be in everyone's company.

Kelly-Ann and I waiting outside the Vatican (in the rain...)

Sistine Chapel - Illegal picture, whoops!

On Tuesday, our last day, we met up with them again and did a little shopping and had some yummy pizza and gelato. It was a nice relaxing last day. Until we got to the airport that is. Our flight, originally scheduled for 10 pm, was delayed until 1 am by the time we got there and then shortly after checking in, it was delayed AGAIN until 3 am. Of course, we had classes the next day, none of which we went to after getting back to Acala circa 7 am. And obviously after spending 8 hours in the airport, I did not only bring back many souvenirs to Spain but a severe cold that I am JUST getting over now, almost a month later. Fortunately, the flight back went MUCH smoother than our flight over. It was very sad to leave Rome however we were there for just the right amount of time and had a blast. It was an amazing trip. 

OKTOBERFEST

In America, we hold all day drinking events for various occasions - sports games, fraternity parties, and seasonal holidays- which, to the normal American, seem to be a great time. This is true, until you have had the pleasure of attending the WORLD'S largest drinking festival - OKTOBERFEST. Held in Munich, Germany, known for its beer drinking abilities, Oktoberfest was one of the most wild experiences I have ever had.

Our whirlwind of a weekend started Friday morning at 8 am, meeting at the bus stop in Alcala to take a series of buses to the airport in Madrid. A little tired and a little homesick that morning, wishing Ty could have been coming with me, I was very excited but slightly hesitant at the same time. Once we got to the airport and I woke up a little, my mood started to change and as we were waiting to board the plane I was so antsy to just get going! Unfortunately, the website we booked our flights through, apparently never booked Kelly-Ann's flights, even though they took her money...So, we spent a few hours at the airport trying to get her on flights last minute with us. After some nasty phone calls to the agency and some nice receptionists, she was able to get on our flight with us WOOHOO. Quick sidenote- do not EVER use edreams.com to book ANY trip, ever. This was quite the learning experience for us all - we have all called the airlines for our trip to Rome this weekend to confirm that we all have seats, gotta love Europe! Finally, at noon, together, we all boarded the plane! What made it even more exciting was that to board the plane, we got shuttled from the gate to the actual plane and got to board the plane outside, walking up the steps! This is something I've always wanted to do but never had so I was quite touristy making Rosie take pictures of me going up the steps!

After a standard, easy flight, we arrived in Munich around 2:30 on Friday! Then, we encountered the most interesting part of our trip. After taking a series of metro's around Munich and getting lost more than once in a city where we dont speak the language, we managed to find our "hostel." Normally, hostels in Europe are fairly nice and clean and WARM, however, when we arrived at our wooden, tent of a hostel, we were all appalled that an establishment as such was legal. However, we sucked it up, realizing we werent in America anymore and stayed in the hostel for the weekend, almost freezing to death every night and only showering once! Again, love europe!

Friday night, we went into the center of Munich and had a perfect dinner and AMAZING beers at a little pub. Most of us got steak, baked potatoes, salad and bread for our meals - obviously one of my favorites thus far and the FIRST baked potato I've had since being in Europe, quite a devastating fact. We all order these tall, half-liter wheat beers the were phenomenal! Brewed in house, they were absolutely delicious and did not even taste like beer, more like a dessert, a luxury we will only be able to find in Germany :( What a pity. Afterwards, Sean took us to the Hofbrauhaus!!!!!! This was quite the experience! We had to wait in a small line, but once we got inside we went upstairs to the main room and when we walked in it was a picture right out of Beerfest - there were long tables from corner to corner or the room with Beermaids delivering liters after liters of beer to drunk Germans, while an authentic German folk group provided the entertainment. It was insanity. We found a table in the back which was a little less noisy and had ourselves each a beer (well, liter) and chatted for a while. We went back to the hostel afterwards to get some rest for the long day we had ahead of us on Saturday.

Saturday, we woke up bright and early (7 am) to make our way to the Ofest tents by 8 to get our drink on. We got there just in time and made our way to the Hofbrauhaus tent! Inside, it was an image straight out of a story book - everything about Germany was really. There were wreaths and decorations everywhere and the place was PACKED. We found our own table and sat down, impatiently waiting for our first beers and taking in all the scenery. We were all very excited to have finally made it to Oktoberfest! We had been waiting months to go there and it was surreal to finally be there, in the most popular tent, at the biggest drinking fest in the whole WORLD. It was hard to catch my breath at some points - Ty and Dad, you both would have DIED, we have to go back one day.

We spent a few hours sitting at the table having a couple liters each and some large pretzels then made our way to the tables outside when we were kicked out of the table inside (because it was reserved - whoops) by some policemen whom too closely resembled the Gestapo... Later in the day, we met up a lot of other Hounds which was LOVELY. It was so good to see everyone and have some familiarity for once this semester! We left the tent at some point in the after noon and went and got some schnitzel (hotdogs!!!) and they were PERFECT. They were footlongs and were served on some type of gourmet french bread, I have no idea but it was deeeeeeelicious. Afterwards, we walked around and did a little gift shopping, then some of us went back to the hostel to rest for a little. Around 8 we got up, went back to center city and found a nice little Italian place to have some pizzas and caprese salad which was pretty good but didnt sit well with all the beer in my belly, oh well. After a long day, we briefly went to another little pub for a beer then get a few more gifts and headed back to the hostel for the night. Our flight the next day was at 1135, sooo we had to LEAVE the hostel by 7, horrible idea. We got to sleep in the airport for a while which was nice but unfortunately, after our quick and crazy weekend, I brought back with me more than some gifts, mugs and steins - a nasty little cold. Oh well, it was well worth it! Now, during the European terrorism travel warning (great) we are waiting to go to Rome next Saturday-Tuesday! I am very excited but also VERY nervous now... I am sure everything will be fine though! We start some new classes this week which will be cool I guess. Thats all for now, talk to you after Rome!! XOXO 78tjp

The Best Adventure Yet

After being here for over a month, I have neglected to write about one of the most interesting and wild adventures I have been on thus far: love. Over the last few weeks, so much as changed for us, in both good ways and bad.  Obviously we have had our share of difficult days, nights and weeks, but of course that is expected. However, we have had more wonderful experiences together as well, even though separated by an ocean.

Before I left, people told me that we would either grow apart or closer these next four months. Since being in Spain it is amazing how much closer we have become. Through all of our rough times, we had grown closer and somehow find ourselves missing and loving each other more than the days past. It is astonishing to me how someone can remain such an integral part of one's life, thousands and thousands of miles away.

I am slowly (sorry Ty) learning that this is taking much more effort than I expected, but it is effort I want and need to put in. Relationships abroad cannot work with out a mutual understanding of your feelings and desires for one another AND without open lines of communication. You each have to be willing to tell each other whats on your mind and when. And yes, sometimes this means swallowing your pride to share your feelings. It is not always easy saying how you feel, but it is the easiest way to get heard. However, in my opinion, the most important part of this process, is being willing to be on the OTHER end of the line - being able to stand tall and take criticism and hurt feelings from your significant other. Even though you may not want to hear what the other person has to say, caring about them and loving them forces you to listen and change accordingly.

The hardest part for me so far, besides missing Ty with everything in me, is not being hypocritical. It is so easy to sit and make a list of demands for your partner to follow and to act accordingly, however, the hardest part is following that same list yourself. Unfortunately, I am still struggling with this. Fortunately, I have someone who doesn't give up easy and is willing to be patient and stand by me as I work on this :) It is unfair to ask your partner to act certain ways and do certain things, when you yourself cant even abide by the same requests. I will be the first to admit that in relationships, I crave and need attention from my partner constantly and when they forget to text or call me, I easily get offended and worry. However, I am also very independent and sometimes forget or fail to do the same things I am expecting. Over the last few weeks, I have come to learn that with being the one who chose to go abroad, not only is it unfair to ask Tyler to text me and call me at certain times of the day when I myself forget to do the same for him. At the same time, it is unfair for me to want to go out gallivanting through all of Europe and expect him not to worry and care, and then get upset when he has a simple college party in his apartment. I am, again slowly (sorry babe) learning to sit back and put myself in his shoes and relax, but as always, these things do not come with ease, with my emotions often getting the best of me. It really is an amazing learning experience.

What this last month has really taught me the most though, is the lengths someone will go to for love. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined myself in Europe with a serious boyfriend across the pond back in States. Well, I never imagined myself with a serious boyfriend, ever. With confidence I can say that having someone by my side (in spirit) though all of this is invaluable. Despite our arguments and conflicts, I know he stands by me and supports me and what I am doing, and I can tell you that there is no better feeling in the world. I am learning, despite what I have always assumed (NEVER assume), that there IS someone out there who genuinely cares about me and loves me, no matter what. No matter how much my emotions inadvertently try to sabotage and test our relationship, he works through these things with patience and maturity to an extent I could never imagine.

So, my advice to everyone? If you find yourself so lucky to be in such a situation one day (despite the physical distance) hold on to it with all your strength. You are bound to have problems more frequently than not, but with the love you have for one another, you will be able to work these things out and grow closer. It is by no means going to be easy BUT I can guarantee you, in the end, it is all worth it. Such people only come along once-in-a-lifetime. Knowing this, it will make it easier to work on finding a groove that the two of you can fit into while you are apart for the longest 122 days of your life. NEVER EVER EVER take him for granted because I can also guarantee it is taking more out of him for you to be gone, than for you to be the one that has left. You too will come to realize these things, as I am still learning and working on changing. Enjoy every second of being abroad, but do not forget that the experience will one day (unfortunately) be over and it is who you have waiting for back at home that makes the most difference.

And Ty, words cannot thank you and love you enough. Even though I might forget to tell you sometimes, everywhere I go and everything I do, I wish more than anything that you were right there, physically by my side. Nothing means as much without you. I am working on making this easier for us and being better for you and am sorry it has taken so long. Thank you for having so much patience with me through these last few weeks and caring so much about me to stick by my side and not give up, even though I know I can be the most frustrating and difficult person in the world. I am blessed to have you waiting for me back at home and couldn't imagine anything else. I love you so much and can not wait for December 21 :)

Happiness

VALENCIA!

Hola! So, finally having a chance to write, I can tell you all about our FIRST TRIP out of Madrid to VALENCIA! Well by first trip I mean, no Maria Jose dragging us to all the GUAY (cool) places around town we could be going (but never do), no long hours without food, and most importantly, MORE SLEEP!

Valencia is on the east coast of Spain, right on the Mediterranean Sea! It is a beautiful city, and was a perfect first trip! It was our first time working the bus system in Spain, and I have to say overall, it was a bearable experience. We took the train from Alcala to Madrid, where we caught the 6 pm bus which got us to Valencia by 10! The bus was great (even though it had no bathroom, Mom and Dad you could only imagine my state after 4 hours...) and had some nice reclining leather seats for us to relax in the whole way. It was too bad they did vibrate or give massages though.

Anyways, after we arrived in Valencia and got situated in our hotel/hostel! It was an interesting experience to say the least! There were 8 people in one room with bunk beds and then we had a bathroom and kitchen we could use! I was a little skeptical about the open-ness but there were security lockers for all over our belongings and the place was really clean and friendly! We went out to a VERY late dinner (11 pm) and as you all know, I get VERY cranky when I am hungry. I was slightly disappointed with my meal but , whatever, food was food at that point. Unfortunately, during dinner it started to DOWNPOUR so we ventured to the nearest bar in the pouring rain. The bar was hip and trendy, definitely geared towards young people, thank God. There were two separate rooms, one more techno and the other more cozy, with roses hanging from the ceiling. It was a mellow night, but we still had a blast!

Saturday was FABULOUS! With our map of Valencia in hand, we navigated ourselves to the bus stop, with ease, and were en route to the beach!!!!! I must admit, I was like a child at this point - I could NOT sit still in my seat and was smiling from ear to ear with anticipation. When we arrived, the view was breath-taking. I could not believe I was at the MEDITERRANEAN SEA. There were palm trees everywhere; soft, carpet-like sand, and crystal clear blue water. It almost brought tears to my eyes being so luck to have been there! I am proud to brag that I have now swam in the Mediterranean, something I have always wanted to do, thanks mom and dad :)

We hung out at the beach for a while, then our stomach's started getting hungry. We decided to stay at the beach and ate at a seafood restaurant right on the water! It was gorgeous! Despite the blustery wind that made it a little chilly, we all ordered and shared Paella, a traditional Spanish dish that originated in Spain! It is yellow rice, mixed vegetables and our had an array of seafood in it. They cook it in a huge pan that can serve 4-6 people and bring it out right from the oven! It is AMAZING! Definitely my favorite food in Spain so far!

We spent the rest of the day exploring the city and being your typical tourists, stopping every few feet to snap from pictures and drool over the hand-crafted, stunning architecture of this Mediterranean city. We saw the Plaza del Toros (where the Matadors have their red flags and the bulls run through them), but weren't able to go in due to construction. The outside, however, was incredible and I still cant believe I got to see a Plaza in real life! Some other spots we saw were the train station, post office, banks etc. It was is amazing how unique the architecture in Spain is. Every building is perfect and beautiful and restored so well from when it was originally built. The architecture in Valencia was much more Grecian and Mediterranean than Madrid where it is more majestic and palatial.  Also, Valencia was yet another city that they kept impecabley clean and put together! The sidewalks (made out of marble, may I add), barely had any scuff marks, let alone litter or cigarette butts! As you can tell, no matter how many Spanish cities I go to, they each continue to amaze me with their architecture and organization!

Plaza de Toros

After a little shopping we started making our way back, but Gina, Amanda and I decided to take a little detour at The Quart Towers, right down the road from where we were staying. These towers, now a tourist attraction, were originally part of the wall that surrounded Valencia during the 19th century. Fun fact: Most Spanish cities (including Madrid and Alcala) were surrounded by walls at one point. After lots of steps, some shaky knees and sweaty palms, we reached the top for a view that was DEFINITELY worth the hike! From the top we could see all of Valencia! It was beautiful!

After a long day, we needed a little R&R so of course we had to explore the night life of Valencia a little more! We made our way to a few bars, each a little different, one more of a pub, another more chic and the last one more club like! We had a blast together and met a group of Bristish men that were vacationing for one of their Bachelor parties - no weird costumes this time! The night life in Valencia was pretty similar to Madrid in the variety, but the attire was slightly different: in Madrid people wear more "club clothes" - more revealing, bold etc. In Valencia I would say it was more black-tie attire, with people wearing nicer, facnier, probably more expensive clothes. I am definitely more a fan of the Valencia scene over Madrid.

Sunday, before our bus at 5:30, we went to the Ciudad de Arte y  Ciencias (The City of Arts and Sciences), one of the things Valencia is most famous for! It is a complex of art museums, zoo's, science centers, an IMAX theater and aquarium! With only a few hours, we decided on the aquarium, something we knew we all would enjoy! The aquarium, THE largest in Europe was spectacular! It had 9 under-ground aquariums with animals ranging from sharks and whales to walruses to crabs, birds and fishies! It was amazing! Grace, you would have loved it there! The architecture of the outside of the complex is really what was most appealing to the whole place. It is quite futuristic looking, being mostly white buildings that are very modern and angular, something I have never seen in the States. The building are all different shapes and sizes and there are bright turquoise reflecting pools in the middle that add the beachy tone of Valencia to the place! It was quite different than any aquarium I have EVER been to in America between the architecture, cleanliness, accessiblity, SIZE and amount of animals! If any of you EVER have the chance to go, please please PLEASEEEE do! I can't wait to go back and go to all the other parts of it!

Glass tunnel of fish!

After a few hours at the Ciudad, we decided it was time for lunch and found our way to a DELICIOUS and much needed italian restaurant. We all got pizzas :) It is crazy how much I miss American food here! All these beans, potatoes and ham are really starting to get to me... Id give anything for chicken and sun dried tomatoes mom and dad.......!!! After a long day and weekend, we boarded the bus back to Madrid at 5:30 and were safely home in Alcala by 11! It was a wonderful weekend and great growing up experience traveling alone without an adult, a real adult that it. It made me even that much more excited for ours trips to Oktoberfest in Munich in ONE WEEK, and then to Rome the following weekend! I am finally getting to do all the traveling I've always wanted. Mom and Dad I really can't thank you enough for all of this, I wish you were both here with me. PS Can you all believe I've been here a MONTH already! Only three more, its really flying by! 89TJP, I love you!

An American Circus

AH! Finally, I have a chance to talk to you all again! I know its been a while (weeks) since the last update but with classes starting and us finally getting into the swing of things here in Alcala, its been a very busy time! Anyways, it's been quite an interesting time here so far.

This should be a familiar image to all: being in a public space, a train for example, and having a family, or group of people speaking another language. Yes, we may look at them a little funny, curious as to what they are talking about, this only lasting a mere 5 seconds. But it is RARE that an American approach the group, harassing them and shouting obscenities.

Well, true to their blunt and honest culture, the Spaniards (more specifically, the men) are relentless when it comes to interacting with us Americans. EVERYWHERE we go, and yes, I mean EVERYWHERE, people are constantly staring at us, shouting lovely things such as "Oh, las americanas quapas" (pretty americans), "Hola rubia' (hello blondie) and one my favorites that we heard most recently for the first time, "Ah Americanas Borrachas!" (drunk americans...). Additionally, not only are these things shouted across parks and plazas and on public transit, but there are SOUND EFFECTS that naturally go along with them. It is common to hear men making kissing noises and whistling at the group of us 7 girls that walk around. Really, it is quite a pleasant experience...

Fortunately, as the locals get used to seeing us around more, the comments and noises have been lessening (phew). HOWEVER, everywhere we go, still, as a group, we are a spectacle. We walk into a bar, and everyone, and yes I mean every single person there turns and stares at us. We get mixed reactions, some places and people loves us, treating us like celebrities. Then there are the "others." It would be fair to say that not everyone in Spain loves us. When we walk into a restaurant, or shop, it is typical of the employees to roll their eyes and fight over who has to deal with us. It sucks, but I honestly don't blame them. We are a rowdy bunch, loud and VERY American wherever we go. It takes us hours to decipher the menu at restaurants, and then more hours to actually decide what we want and communicate this to the camarero (waiter). By the end of the meal, the whole restaurant usually hates us and we are scurrying out of there, heads down, back to class.

More recently on a train ride into Madrid, we were all, boys AND girls, sitting as a group, casually sharing some Sangria and wine :) About 20 minutes into our unusually mellow ride, a group of about 15 bachelors board the train of course, in our car. Immediately upon their entrance we know we are doomed. They get on, take one look at us and sit themselves down on either side of us, immediately harassing and attempting to flirt with the girls. Not only is it one of their Bachelor parties, but it is tradition in Spain (Mom and Dad please look away) for the Bachelor himself to wear a hmm lets estimate 2 foot "plush p****" around his waist...You can only imagine what the rest of our train ride was like. Thankfully I was sitting against one of the windows and most of the harassment was geared at the girls lining the aisles - Kelly-Ann in particular.


So, as you can tell, its a little harder for us to blend in here than it is in America. None of us are really used to the attention and honestly, I think I speak for the group when I say, none of us really like it. After being here three weeks (!!!!!) already, I dont really pay attention to the comments and stuff anymore but it would be nice to be able to blend in for once, to be a local. I am already looking forward to coming back to the States and fitting in, not having to worry about interpreting the menus, communicating my needs and not having men act like wild animals around a group of girls! Anyways, here are some pictures from the last few weeks for you to enjoy!! Miss you all, 99TJP.

At Kapital (a discoteca) in Madrid!

Out to dinner!

Banco de Espana (National Treasury)

Madrid! (and the one below!)

Verde, verde, verde.

Hola amores! What a weekend! After four beautiful, yet long days in Asturias in the north of Spain, I have returned to the unbearable heat of central Spain with a new appreciation for the beauty of our Earth (and a cold).
Asturias is one of the sections of Spain, equivalent to states in America, that runs along the northern coast of Spain right under Great Britian. Because it is in the north, it experiences more precipitation, none of which we saw, than central Spain where Alcala is. It was slightly colder and MUCH greener and mountainous than flat, brown Alcala. On our never-ending 8 hour bus drive up Thursday morning, the only GOOD part of the drive was the marvelous views of the Pyrenees Mountains we experienced as we entered Asturias. Other than that, the drive was long, uncomfortable and of course, I felt sick for all eight hours. In Spain I am not sure they even know what speed limits are and spanish drivers are what Americas would call "balls to the wall"; they are CRAZY. Jose Luis, our driver for the next for months, took hair pin turns in, up and around the mountains at what seemed like 80 mph....

FINALLY able to get off the bus, we arrived in Oviedo, the capitol of Asturias. As we began to venture around the city, the architecture is light years different and more beautiful than American cities. With old, hand built and well preserved buildings the city was flawless. We sat down for lunch and embarked on a feast of carne (steak, chicken, lamb and pork), mariscos (fish, clams, and shrimp), patatas (potatoes) and SIDRA (the local drink of choice, a cross between wine and cider). Unfortunately our stay in Oviedo was only for a brief few hours but nonetheless was perfect! Here is what one of the streets was like!

We then continued our journey to Gijon, a coastal surfing city in Asturias, where we stayed the weekend! Literally a beach within a city, Gijon was a perfect combination of everything, beach and city, relaxation and activity. It had EVERYTHING. With bottles of Sidra in hand, we embarked on a night on the town.

Friday morning we joined Jose Luis back on the bus, and headed to Ribadesella, or as I'd prefer to refer to it, paradise. Mom - you would have DIED. A breathtaking coastal vacation town east of Gijon, Ribadesella had the brightest aqua and clear water I have EVER seen. It was amazing. The green mountains and cliffs went right up to the ocean and dropped off, disappearing into the ocean. With gorgeous Spanish architecture the hotels and restaurants were marvelous. It was a picture perfect place that I vowed I would one day return to. Having to leave and get back on the dreaded bus, which was growing to become the enemy, brought tears to my eyes. Here are a few pics of the landscape and ME!

Unfortunately, the rest of the day Friday was subpar to say the very least. After many more painful hours of travel on the bus, we arrived in Llanes. The afternoon was filled with educational (yuck) information on the Spanish civil war, a VERY late lunch (4pm - which none of us Americans are used to) and a three and a half hour lecture in Spanish which not one of us paid attention to. Finally, at 11, we had DINNER and got back on the bus (again) to return to Gijon.
Thankfully, Saturday was a 180 from Friday. In the morning, we traveled to los Picos de Europa! In the Pyrenees, Los Picos are a group of mountains that have beautiful glacier lakes on the tops. At the base, there was a 19th century Basilica and una cueva (cave) which contained a mass area. After walking around and taking some photos we boarded smaller buses (8 people each) and began our ascent to the top! Again, the driving had my stomach flipping and palms sweaty but the views made every second worth it. Never have I seen more natural cows, tall mountains and vast views. The lakes were gorgeous and every place we stopped looked as though it was straight out of post cards. Because we were almost 3000 feet up, it was misty and foggy, but here is a picture of the Basilica and a lake!

Another long bus ride down the mountains and we arrived in Covadonga, another beach, very similar to Ribadesella where we spent the duration of the afternoon playing in the waves and laying on the beach :) As you assumed, I was in heaven.
Finally, Sunday arrived and we had to depart but not after a 4 hour kayak trip up the Ria Sella (which ends in Ribadesella...) Two people per kayak, Maggie and I were very hesitant for this activity BUT with open minds we made it! One of the cleanest rivers in the world, Ria Sella's water was drinkable (yes I tried it) and was crystal clear, as you could see tens of feet down to the bottom the whole time. About 2/3 of the way through we stopped at a cliff area and you could only guess what we did... CLIFF JUMPING! Never in my life did I think I would jump off a 30 foot cliff into the river below, but with the help of a little peer pressure and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I jumped twice! It was the most thrilling experience ever! Unfortunately, no one brought their cameras on the kayak trip for obvious reason but it was spectacular! Between the perfect water, cliff diving and wild horses along the banks, the strain of the ride on my weak body somehow disappeared. At 4 o'clock when we finally  made it to the end, we embarked on our bus ride home which I slept about 5 hours of, very unusual. All in all, the weekend was a blast! The breath taking landscape of Asturias is one that has no competition in America thus far and is a place I suggest all you nature lovers get to! I am thoroughly exhausted at this point so that's all for now! Hasta luego!
112TJP.