Im sorry the computers have become fewer and far between and were moving at light-speed. Im going to give you something to make you wait...
Pictures and updates to come from...
The mountains of Bilbao
The treck up to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
The beaches and pintxos of San Sebastion
CHRISTIANA!
Sangria and bulls of Pamplona
Metros and grooves in Barcelona
MADELYN!
Amaying views and fireworks in Paris
Rainy and relaxing Amsterdam
Tonight were off too...
Berlin
and then...
Czech Republic
Vienna
Budapest
and the good ol U S of A.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
You may want to grab a coffee.
Coke? Chocolate bar? As long as it's not Hersheys. They don't practice fair trade and utilize child slavery.
World issues aside, this is going to be a long one...
Our last night in Valencia was the Fiesta of San Juan, one of the biggest fiestas of the year. It was bitter-sweet because our host parents had gotten us excited for this festival starting our first week in Valencia, but in the back of our minds we all knew that although it was finally here, it was our last night together.
The tradition is to make a list of things you want do in the next year and a separate list of things you want to change or leave behind. The entire city posts up on the beach all night with a bonfire (wood supplied by the city!) and at midnight, you burn your list of what to change and run into the ocean and jump 9 waves for good luck. The beach was packed, but most importantly we were all there together :)
At the port there was a techno concert full of people. I felt like I was at Lollapalooza on the beach in Spain, fo free. 
The next day we said our goodbyes and most of the group traveled to Madrid by bus to fly back to the US. I went to Madrid and checked into a youth hostel for 2 nights. It was full of people my age with computers and bar downstairs. It was so easy to meet people and explore Madrid with new friends. Another set of goodbyes later, I was on the bus to Bilbao. I found my next hostal which is very nice and clean, although the demographic ranges more from 15-45 years old.
Today I ventured into the city sola, and spent most of my time in the Guggenheim. My favorite work was by Jenny Holzer. It is a permanent light installation designed for the museum. On the outside sayings about love, such as "i hear you" and "i remember you" scrolled the screens in English and then in Spanish.
If you walked to the other side of the screens, facing the wall, the same sayings scrolled in Vasco, the "forbidden language" (in her words) of the Basque Country. The Basque people are considered another nationality in Spain, there is a rich history of nationalism, including violence and terrorism in an attempt to take over the Spanish Government. I think that having a Basque flag in your house in Spain could be compared to having a Confederate flag on the wall in the U.S.
Another favorite exhibit was called the "Didactic Wall" which included popular songs of the 60s in europe and the US. It featured bands such as Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. I assume it´s called the didactic wall because of the progression the music industry and our societies found in the 60s, but it didn't explain. I stayed for awhile watching people ages 7-75 sit down, tap their feet, strum their fingers on an invisible air guitar, or get up and dance to the music.
I have 2 day-excursions to the mountains, and a weekend in San Sebastian before Christiana comes to Spain!
Thanks for reading! :)
World issues aside, this is going to be a long one...
Our last night in Valencia was the Fiesta of San Juan, one of the biggest fiestas of the year. It was bitter-sweet because our host parents had gotten us excited for this festival starting our first week in Valencia, but in the back of our minds we all knew that although it was finally here, it was our last night together.
The tradition is to make a list of things you want do in the next year and a separate list of things you want to change or leave behind. The entire city posts up on the beach all night with a bonfire (wood supplied by the city!) and at midnight, you burn your list of what to change and run into the ocean and jump 9 waves for good luck. The beach was packed, but most importantly we were all there together :)
At the port there was a techno concert full of people. I felt like I was at Lollapalooza on the beach in Spain, fo free. 
The next day we said our goodbyes and most of the group traveled to Madrid by bus to fly back to the US. I went to Madrid and checked into a youth hostel for 2 nights. It was full of people my age with computers and bar downstairs. It was so easy to meet people and explore Madrid with new friends. Another set of goodbyes later, I was on the bus to Bilbao. I found my next hostal which is very nice and clean, although the demographic ranges more from 15-45 years old.Today I ventured into the city sola, and spent most of my time in the Guggenheim. My favorite work was by Jenny Holzer. It is a permanent light installation designed for the museum. On the outside sayings about love, such as "i hear you" and "i remember you" scrolled the screens in English and then in Spanish.
If you walked to the other side of the screens, facing the wall, the same sayings scrolled in Vasco, the "forbidden language" (in her words) of the Basque Country. The Basque people are considered another nationality in Spain, there is a rich history of nationalism, including violence and terrorism in an attempt to take over the Spanish Government. I think that having a Basque flag in your house in Spain could be compared to having a Confederate flag on the wall in the U.S.
Another favorite exhibit was called the "Didactic Wall" which included popular songs of the 60s in europe and the US. It featured bands such as Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. I assume it´s called the didactic wall because of the progression the music industry and our societies found in the 60s, but it didn't explain. I stayed for awhile watching people ages 7-75 sit down, tap their feet, strum their fingers on an invisible air guitar, or get up and dance to the music.
I have 2 day-excursions to the mountains, and a weekend in San Sebastian before Christiana comes to Spain!
Thanks for reading! :)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Kitchens in the Chicken
A Valenciano student learning english told me that she always confuses the words chicken and kitchen :)
Monday, June 20, 2011
"Lend me your eyes I can change what you see"
- Awake my soul, by Mumford and Sons.
When we first arrived in Valencia I asked my host-mom where I could buy a cheap, beach towel; She told me there were many stores owned by the Chinese in Valencia, and that's where you could find the most affordable... well, anything you want.
Other ISA students heard the same from their host parents and we thought it was funny, a little forward, and maybe even racist. We knew our host parents meant nothing disrepectful by it, but in comparison to America it probably would not be respectful to direct a friend to any store run by a Chinese person for the best deal.
Although, these stores do have everything you could possibly need for one euro.
One aisle inside: plant-pots, baskets, hardware, paint, pots & pans...
So I'm wondering who is more racially tolerant.. the Spaniards who feel comfortable pointing out that the Chinese have found a niche in a country without Target or Walmart super-stores or the Americans who might consider that ¨racially profiling.¨
Just a thought...
When we first arrived in Valencia I asked my host-mom where I could buy a cheap, beach towel; She told me there were many stores owned by the Chinese in Valencia, and that's where you could find the most affordable... well, anything you want.
Other ISA students heard the same from their host parents and we thought it was funny, a little forward, and maybe even racist. We knew our host parents meant nothing disrepectful by it, but in comparison to America it probably would not be respectful to direct a friend to any store run by a Chinese person for the best deal.
Although, these stores do have everything you could possibly need for one euro.
Before you walk in: childrens clothes, post cards, the outdoor section
One aisle inside: plant-pots, baskets, hardware, paint, pots & pans...So I'm wondering who is more racially tolerant.. the Spaniards who feel comfortable pointing out that the Chinese have found a niche in a country without Target or Walmart super-stores or the Americans who might consider that ¨racially profiling.¨
Just a thought...
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
We´ll sleep when we're in America.
A photographic essay of a weekend in Valencia
Saturday: The city of Albufera for surfing, wind-surfing, kayaking, and sailing
Saturday night: Las Animas, the largest night club in Valencia, located under the stars on the beach
Continued to the sunrise on the beach
Good morning friends.
Sunday morning: 2 hour train to Peniscula to see a historic castle and the most beautiful beach I have ever seen.
Success.
Good morning friends.Sunday morning: 2 hour train to Peniscula to see a historic castle and the most beautiful beach I have ever seen.
Success. Friday, June 10, 2011
Green light, yellow light, yellow light!
There are no red lights in Valencia. When drivers have a green light, pedestrians have a "no walk" sign - which also includes a red bicycle because there are so many bikes here! 
According to Yahoo, there are 6 million car accidents in America each year.
Drivers have flashing yellow "yield" lights when pedestrians & bikers have a walk sign.
According to Yahoo, there are 6 million car accidents in America each year.Spain had 350 car accidents in Summer 2010, the most popular season of pedestrains. It´s easy to tell which city is a safer bet for a pedestrain.
After observing cross-cultural driving, I have come to the conclusion that International drivers are much more aware of their surroundings than American drivers. Que pena nosotros americanos.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Shots & Cucumbers.
Every night at dinner we watch the news. Therefore, every night at dinner we watch an update about the mysterious E. Coli found in Spain´s cucumbers. This was first time I learned that ¨pepino¨is the word for cucumber.
We were sitting at dinner, and the cucumber update came on, and I, absent-mindedly, said "Oh, los chupitos!" Mistaking my new vocubulary word, and saying "Shots!" (as in a shot of whiskey), opposed to a healthful, green vegetable.
We laughed :)
We were sitting at dinner, and the cucumber update came on, and I, absent-mindedly, said "Oh, los chupitos!" Mistaking my new vocubulary word, and saying "Shots!" (as in a shot of whiskey), opposed to a healthful, green vegetable.
We laughed :)
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Madrid a Valencia
Two days in Madrid is not a sufficient amount of time to get to know the capital of Spain; but we made it to the Prado art musueam, the Reina Sofia contemporary art museum, and various plazas (where scary box men reside) as well.
There was a huge protest held by young-unemployed-Spaniards that we watched grow exponentially throughout our two days. The first day the main plaza Puerta Del Sol (sun-gate) was full of people with tables and tents and signs protesting, by the second day all the billboards and street lamps, essentially every surface from the ground to the sky had a message. Los rebeldes have named themselves ¨los idignados," the angry ones.
¨Madrid will not be the tomb of neoliberalism"
"There isn´t enough bread for all of the chorizo"
Chorizo is a colloquial term for theif.
The excursion was fun and exciting; getting to know the capital of Spain and meeting the (wonderful) group who I will be taking classes with (consisting of 30 girls and 7 boys, per usual). Although, I was so anxious to get to Valencia to meet my host mom and the city where I had chosen to study!
We arrived in Valencia on a gorgeous Sunday, there wasn´t a cloud in the sky. Everyone was dressed up and put together to meet all of the host families. My host mother, Susanna, is a retired woman who takes her dog, Ninnett, on 2 hour walks twice a day. Every surface of our home has a picture, or statue of a different animal. We have an entire cabinet full of, I would guess, 200 small owl statues. The fridge is also covered in different owl-magnets. Pictures to come, once she knows I´m not taking them to show the pawn shop what I can profit on. In all seriousness, I love her and I love all the animals.
I apologize for the delay, also causing a longer post (which I don´t plan on frecuenting). Stay tuned for lighter, dinner table banter.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Once a Scaredy Cat...
Always a Scaredy Cat.
-A two-part series documenting adventures in Madrid-
Scary Box Man: Eres de Madrid?
Chica Americana: No, los estados unidos
Scary Box Man: oh eres muy... voice trals off
Chica Americana takes a step forward
Chica Americana: ¿como?
Scary Box Man: Es muy... voice trails off
Chica Americana edges closer
Chica Americana: ¿como?
Scary Box Man: Eres muy GUAPA!
ALL BOX HEADS JUMP FORWARD.
Chica Americana runs away.
Yup, it was me.
-Stay tuned for the next episode...containing actual information-
-A two-part series documenting adventures in Madrid-
Scary Box Man: Eres de Madrid?
Chica Americana: No, los estados unidos
Scary Box Man: oh eres muy... voice trals off
Chica Americana takes a step forward
Chica Americana: ¿como?
Scary Box Man: Es muy... voice trails off
Chica Americana edges closer
Chica Americana: ¿como?
Scary Box Man: Eres muy GUAPA!
ALL BOX HEADS JUMP FORWARD.
Chica Americana runs away.
Yup, it was me.
-Stay tuned for the next episode...containing actual information-
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I'm not bringing a computer to Spain.
So I decided to make a blog.
For those of you who know me: You're probably not surprised that I took a very illogical idea and fashioned it to be, what I think, the most logical plan. My theory is that because I will not have a computer it's going to be very difficult to keep in touch with each and every one of you that I love. Therefore, I am going to write to you all on here.
For those of you who don't know me: You've probably stopped reading, but I will continue anyway. I just returned from Semester at Sea. A study abroad program where you live on a ship, taking 12 credit hours of class, and travel around the world. When we were not sailing on the ship taking classes, we stopped in Dominica, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Taiwan, and Hawaii. Needless to say, it was a wonderful whirlwind of adventure. I met the most amazing people and I loved every minute of it. Due to minimal access while traveling last semester, I did not create a blog.
Now, I will be writing about my studies in Valencia, Spain. Where I will be finishing my Spanish minor, living with a host family, and trying to volunteer at the Arts Institute.
For all: If you're wondering what "soundtracks&comebacks" means... it's a song by a band called Gold Fish that I discovered in Cape Town. I like it; and I think the lyrics have some relevance to my life right now.
I took the photo pictured in my background at Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia; one of the highlights of my trip. It goes without saying, I am elated to have been given the opportunity to see all these beautiful places and meet so many fantastic people. I thank all of you reading for... well, caring, sharing in my experiences, bearing my myriad of stories, and being wonderful, as you all are.
For those of you who know me: You're probably not surprised that I took a very illogical idea and fashioned it to be, what I think, the most logical plan. My theory is that because I will not have a computer it's going to be very difficult to keep in touch with each and every one of you that I love. Therefore, I am going to write to you all on here.
For those of you who don't know me: You've probably stopped reading, but I will continue anyway. I just returned from Semester at Sea. A study abroad program where you live on a ship, taking 12 credit hours of class, and travel around the world. When we were not sailing on the ship taking classes, we stopped in Dominica, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Taiwan, and Hawaii. Needless to say, it was a wonderful whirlwind of adventure. I met the most amazing people and I loved every minute of it. Due to minimal access while traveling last semester, I did not create a blog.
Now, I will be writing about my studies in Valencia, Spain. Where I will be finishing my Spanish minor, living with a host family, and trying to volunteer at the Arts Institute.
For all: If you're wondering what "soundtracks&comebacks" means... it's a song by a band called Gold Fish that I discovered in Cape Town. I like it; and I think the lyrics have some relevance to my life right now.
I took the photo pictured in my background at Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia; one of the highlights of my trip. It goes without saying, I am elated to have been given the opportunity to see all these beautiful places and meet so many fantastic people. I thank all of you reading for... well, caring, sharing in my experiences, bearing my myriad of stories, and being wonderful, as you all are.
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