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!)