I could honestly say that I did not fall in love with Spain until this weekend when I went to Madrid. Being in a city that was far different from any other city that I have seen was quite the experience. The architecture in the country’s capital is perfectly beautiful among the scenery of the fountains and parks. Those of you who of have facebook can see the pictures from the weekend.
Although we have all heard of the terror stories of pickpockets in Madrid, very few of us have experienced it firsthand. The trip to Madrid began Friday morning. Our school, La Fundación Ortega y Gasset paid for all 120 students to go to Madrid and visit the Palacio Real (it is the old castle for the King and Queen of Spain—they no longer live in it but receive guests from other countries there). As we were waiting in line in a group of 120 obvious Americans, I noticed some interesting looking women (clearly not Americans) standing behind us pretending to take pictures with their camera phones. All of a sudden, a girl in our group taps my friend Erica on the shoulder and tells her that she should be more careful with her wallet because it was hanging out of her purse. Erica replied and said that her purse was carefully zipped and held at her hip. She quickly looked through her wallet at noticed that her 85 euro had been stolen and that the women were quickly walking away. She grabbed the two men in charge of the students at the school, José Luis and Miguel, and the three of them chased after the ladies. When Erica confronted them, they said that they had found her money lying on the floor. Erica, who is part Cuban and speaks Spanish pretty fluently, replied “Alright sure, give me back my money,” and the ladies gave it back to her. They had unzipped her purse, taken out her wallet, unzipped it, taken out her money, and put her wallet back all without any of us noticing. Atleast Erica was able to catch them and save herself 85 Euro.
After the Palacio Real, we took a guided tour of the city and ate lunch at a famous restaurant called “Museo de Jamón” (Museum of Ham). The restaurant has pig legs hanging from the ceiling. Oddly enough, our school ordered us fried chicken at the Museo de Jamón.
Then we went to our hostel (which was actually very nice) and walked around the city some more. We came home to take a nap, then went to eat bocadillos (sandwiches) at a very local place where the waiter was not too pleased to serve Americans. Then we went to this infamous 7 story club call Kapital where they play different types of music on each floor ranging from rap to techno to salsa. Also, I think because of this night I will eventually become a brunette while living in this country.
The following day, a few of us went shopping, walking through Parque Retire (which is a big park in Madrid about the size of central park) and the Prado Museum. While at the park we rented rowboats and spent some time on the small lake in the park just paddling around. Seeing the artwork of famous painters such as El Greco and Velazquez was also well worth it.
Later that night, my friend Conor got the idea to do a pub-crawl in order to see the different types of nightlife the city had to offer. We were supposed to end up at this Irish pub that promised us they would show the Notre Dame vs. UConn basketball game, and we did, but the bar (called Dubliners) had made a false promise. Apparently they do not get ESPN in Spain—so the pub crawl continued.
Sunday morning we had to check out of our hostel and then we were supposed to attend the Rastro Market (which is the biggest flea market in all of Spain) but when we stepped outside of our hostel, it was pouring rain. While some people stayed to see the Real Madrid soccer game, a few of my friends and I were exhausted from the weekend and decided to go home to Toledo. I couldn’t go to the game anyway because I have five classes on Monday and the game started at 9 p.m. Sunday night. Those that stayed were returning to Toledo Monday morning.
On another note, my internet problem is going to be fixed. I found a somewhat pricey way to always have internet through a USB modem. I am going to get this internet thing instead of the membership to the gym. Don’t worry, I will not be a gordita—I am going to start running outside frequently because the weather is already nicer. Also, my friends Katie and Flannery are running a half marathon in Prague in April. Maybe if I am disciplined enough I can attempt to run with them. Wouldn’t that be quite the achievement?
Miss you all—
--Ellyn
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The first days of Classes
The fun has ended…for the four days of the week that we have class. Monday I have a pretty full schedule, but the rest of the week is not looking too bad. Today I was supposed to begin my internship, but the editor in chief of the newspaper where I am working (La Tribuna Diaria) had to cover some important noticias (news) at the courts. I am meeting with him tomorrow and I am super excited because interns are supposed to work 8 hours a week, but I have the only special case. I do not have to work 8 hours a week because my work is “en casa” (at home). I get to write my articles from home or the school or wherever I want. I don’t have to even write weekly articles and I get to write about whatever I want. My articles are going to published in the Sunday newspaper. I can send you all the link to the Tribuna later…you can try to read them, but they are going to be in Spanish. Even though he wasn’t there today, I went to the newsroom anyway and got to see them film the Spanish anchors doing the news. ‘Twas pretty neat.
Internet update: The lady I live with has WiFi, but she is 65 years old and her daughter set it up so she doesn’t know how to work it. I wrote her daughter a letter asking the questions I need answered (my host mother is going to visit her daughter this weekend when I go to Madrid) so hopefully the problem can be solved. Otherwise, I got this plan for 7 euro on my cell phone where I can call the U.S. after 8 pm for 15 cents a minute. Still kind of expensive, but atleast while I am traveling I can check in with you all for a little bit.
We have found a new place that we like to frequent. It is called Rincón de Boveda, which means corner bar/cafeteria. The owner is named Pablo and he always gives us free things: pastries, tapas, and when we ask for the check, we always get free shots. Oh yeah, and a bottle of wine costs 6 euro.
Since my friends, Katie and Conor, and I live in the center of the city (and pretty much everyone lives a 20 minute bus ride away) we have been trying to explore the city little every night. Even though Katie has been here the whole year, we keep discovering new rincónes (corners) with super neat things. I have discovered more tiny cafés and bars on these windy streets than I can imagine. I even found a shop that serves free café (coffee) between the hours for 5-7 pm, which is good for me because I am going through coffee withdrawals. I told my host mom that I like to drink coffee in the mornings, and she bought me instant decaffeinated coffee. It is suffice to say, I don’t think I will be drinking that any time soon.
We were supposed to go to the Real Madrid soccer game this weekend, but it turns out it starts far to late on Sunday night. Instead we are going to go the largest street market in Madrid.
I promise to put up photos after this weekend.
Miss and love you all,
Ellyn
Internet update: The lady I live with has WiFi, but she is 65 years old and her daughter set it up so she doesn’t know how to work it. I wrote her daughter a letter asking the questions I need answered (my host mother is going to visit her daughter this weekend when I go to Madrid) so hopefully the problem can be solved. Otherwise, I got this plan for 7 euro on my cell phone where I can call the U.S. after 8 pm for 15 cents a minute. Still kind of expensive, but atleast while I am traveling I can check in with you all for a little bit.
We have found a new place that we like to frequent. It is called Rincón de Boveda, which means corner bar/cafeteria. The owner is named Pablo and he always gives us free things: pastries, tapas, and when we ask for the check, we always get free shots. Oh yeah, and a bottle of wine costs 6 euro.
Since my friends, Katie and Conor, and I live in the center of the city (and pretty much everyone lives a 20 minute bus ride away) we have been trying to explore the city little every night. Even though Katie has been here the whole year, we keep discovering new rincónes (corners) with super neat things. I have discovered more tiny cafés and bars on these windy streets than I can imagine. I even found a shop that serves free café (coffee) between the hours for 5-7 pm, which is good for me because I am going through coffee withdrawals. I told my host mom that I like to drink coffee in the mornings, and she bought me instant decaffeinated coffee. It is suffice to say, I don’t think I will be drinking that any time soon.
We were supposed to go to the Real Madrid soccer game this weekend, but it turns out it starts far to late on Sunday night. Instead we are going to go the largest street market in Madrid.
I promise to put up photos after this weekend.
Miss and love you all,
Ellyn
Monday, January 19, 2009
Photos
Here are some pictures from the first days. I will add more later. One is of me and my friend Meghan in the Central Plaza of Toledo, and the other is of the group during our hike to eat wine and cheese.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The McBeer
The McBeer:
I think we have uncovered one of the weirdest things about Spain so far: The McBeer. Yes, they serve beer at McDonalds. Last night we decided to do a bar crawl to become acquainted better with the city’s nightspots. The rules were one drink per bar. Although McDonalds is NOT a bar, what Americans could pass up drinking a cheap beer in this famous hamburger joint? After McDonalds we went to this little place that serves the best sangria. They put cinnamon in it, which sounds weird, but gives it a great flavor. The owner’s name is Pedro and he loved us. He kept giving us free things: lomo (which is like some sort of bacon/ham) pastries, and shots of something that tasted like Kahlua. The whole one drink one bar thing died when we decided to stay there and get pitchers of sangria. Three of our friends, Kris, Rachel and Jim, had missed the bus into the city and were running late. When they got there, they had picked up a new Spanish friend who was our age named Alberto. We eventually continued on to O’Brien’s, which is this Irish pub we have been frequenting, and then Alberto took us to this discoteca where all the Spainards are at. After finally hitting a wall because I haven’t slept more than 4 hours a night since I’ve been here, I went home at 5. The kids that live in Poligono (which is the suburb that is a 20 minute bus ride outside of the city) had to stay until 7 am when the buses started running again. I told my host mom this when I woke up this morning, and she said the university was silly to put kids so far away. In this country, it is normal to stay out past 6 am, because that is when the discos close.
Before the McBeer, I had dinner with Maria Luisa and then we watched some TV together. All she kept saying (in Spanish, of course) was “Why do they put these ugly men on TV? This is why I never watch TV.” It was pretty hilarious.
Today we are going to drink wine and cheese outside the city walls (Note: Toledo is a walled city and it’s legal here to consume alcohol when you are outside of them. In fact, there is this big outdoor tailgate called Botellón every Thursday where the local University students drink before they go out. We went this past Thursday, but there were not many people there because it was probably about 15 degrees out. Katie says when its warmer there is a huge fiesta) and watch the sun set. Then the NFL play off game is going to be playing at O’Brien’s.
I cannot believe we start class tomorrow. This just feels like a big vacation.
I think we have uncovered one of the weirdest things about Spain so far: The McBeer. Yes, they serve beer at McDonalds. Last night we decided to do a bar crawl to become acquainted better with the city’s nightspots. The rules were one drink per bar. Although McDonalds is NOT a bar, what Americans could pass up drinking a cheap beer in this famous hamburger joint? After McDonalds we went to this little place that serves the best sangria. They put cinnamon in it, which sounds weird, but gives it a great flavor. The owner’s name is Pedro and he loved us. He kept giving us free things: lomo (which is like some sort of bacon/ham) pastries, and shots of something that tasted like Kahlua. The whole one drink one bar thing died when we decided to stay there and get pitchers of sangria. Three of our friends, Kris, Rachel and Jim, had missed the bus into the city and were running late. When they got there, they had picked up a new Spanish friend who was our age named Alberto. We eventually continued on to O’Brien’s, which is this Irish pub we have been frequenting, and then Alberto took us to this discoteca where all the Spainards are at. After finally hitting a wall because I haven’t slept more than 4 hours a night since I’ve been here, I went home at 5. The kids that live in Poligono (which is the suburb that is a 20 minute bus ride outside of the city) had to stay until 7 am when the buses started running again. I told my host mom this when I woke up this morning, and she said the university was silly to put kids so far away. In this country, it is normal to stay out past 6 am, because that is when the discos close.
Before the McBeer, I had dinner with Maria Luisa and then we watched some TV together. All she kept saying (in Spanish, of course) was “Why do they put these ugly men on TV? This is why I never watch TV.” It was pretty hilarious.
Today we are going to drink wine and cheese outside the city walls (Note: Toledo is a walled city and it’s legal here to consume alcohol when you are outside of them. In fact, there is this big outdoor tailgate called Botellón every Thursday where the local University students drink before they go out. We went this past Thursday, but there were not many people there because it was probably about 15 degrees out. Katie says when its warmer there is a huge fiesta) and watch the sun set. Then the NFL play off game is going to be playing at O’Brien’s.
I cannot believe we start class tomorrow. This just feels like a big vacation.
The Second Casa
Finally, after two nights at La fundación (the school) I have moved in with a host family. Well, it isn’t exactly a host family, it’s a host mother. The lady’s name is Maria Luisa, and she lives alone in this beautiful apartment next to the plaza. Her husband died 12 years ago, and she has 6 kids and 12 grandkids. Her father was a military man, so she has lived in places all over the world. I am her first foreign exchange student (many people have had SEVERAL). I would imagine she is about 60, but she loves to learn so she takes classes in anthropology and sociology at the local university. She’s pretty interesting so far. She is making me a tortilla (Spanish omelet) right now. This house is much better than the first…I have my own bathroom and my own balcony that over looks the streets of the city. My friend Katie lives around the corner, and the school and the bars are within walking distance. Still no internet, but atleast I live close enough to the school to use the wifi there.
I received the internship at the daily newspaper. While most internships here require that we work 8 hours a week, I do not have to work, but rather write weekly articles for the paper. I am not quite sure what the specifications are for the job…I find out next Wednesday.
While writing this, I am really struggling to write in English. It’s kind of weird because I keep writing things in Spanish and having to erase them. Tengo la mente Espanola…(I have the Spanish mindset) because I have to talk and think in Spanish all the time…unless I’m with my friends Erica or José (José is from Puerto Rico and Erica lives in Miami and is of Spanish and Cuban descent). Then I make them talk for me because they really know what they’re talking about.
I am going out again tonight…there is no reason I shouldn’t because I don’t have the internet or homework so there’s nothing I can do except write these journal entries. Supposedly there’s a drag queen party somewhere. I think I’ll bring my camera.
Tomorrow I am going to explore the city. Also, there is a public wireless network that I can see on my computer…but it is locked. Maybe tomorrow I can find the place and get the password, and then use the password from my room sometimes…we’ll see. No internet is tough…it means I can’t call dad or mike unless I am at the school, and even there the internet is shoddy.
Next weekend we are going to stay in Madrid. Or atleast that’s the plan.
Un beso,
Ellyn
Update: Since I don’t have internet, I wrote this yesterday and plan to send it later today at the fundación (the school). I am waiting for my friend Meghan to get here so we can go try and join a gym because at the rate we’re going with all this eating and drinking, I am going to gain about 50 pounds. This house is much better. I have a shower with HOT WATER instead of ice-cold water (except Lauren, it’s one of those shower heads that you had in Madrid, so it’s a little scary and hard to work at first) and she is a good cook. Last night she made me tortilla Espanola and it was delicious. It was like an omelet with onions and potatoes in it. And then (MY FAVORITE PART) she left a plate of bread and cheese out to nibble on. This morning she asked me if I wanted milk (I didn’t) but I asked for orange juice. She said she didn’t have it and would buy it. I thought she meant later, but apparently this is too good to be true. I went to brush my teeth and wash my face, and by the time I was done, she had gone down to the corner store and bought me orange juice. What a nice old lady.
I received the internship at the daily newspaper. While most internships here require that we work 8 hours a week, I do not have to work, but rather write weekly articles for the paper. I am not quite sure what the specifications are for the job…I find out next Wednesday.
While writing this, I am really struggling to write in English. It’s kind of weird because I keep writing things in Spanish and having to erase them. Tengo la mente Espanola…(I have the Spanish mindset) because I have to talk and think in Spanish all the time…unless I’m with my friends Erica or José (José is from Puerto Rico and Erica lives in Miami and is of Spanish and Cuban descent). Then I make them talk for me because they really know what they’re talking about.
I am going out again tonight…there is no reason I shouldn’t because I don’t have the internet or homework so there’s nothing I can do except write these journal entries. Supposedly there’s a drag queen party somewhere. I think I’ll bring my camera.
Tomorrow I am going to explore the city. Also, there is a public wireless network that I can see on my computer…but it is locked. Maybe tomorrow I can find the place and get the password, and then use the password from my room sometimes…we’ll see. No internet is tough…it means I can’t call dad or mike unless I am at the school, and even there the internet is shoddy.
Next weekend we are going to stay in Madrid. Or atleast that’s the plan.
Un beso,
Ellyn
Update: Since I don’t have internet, I wrote this yesterday and plan to send it later today at the fundación (the school). I am waiting for my friend Meghan to get here so we can go try and join a gym because at the rate we’re going with all this eating and drinking, I am going to gain about 50 pounds. This house is much better. I have a shower with HOT WATER instead of ice-cold water (except Lauren, it’s one of those shower heads that you had in Madrid, so it’s a little scary and hard to work at first) and she is a good cook. Last night she made me tortilla Espanola and it was delicious. It was like an omelet with onions and potatoes in it. And then (MY FAVORITE PART) she left a plate of bread and cheese out to nibble on. This morning she asked me if I wanted milk (I didn’t) but I asked for orange juice. She said she didn’t have it and would buy it. I thought she meant later, but apparently this is too good to be true. I went to brush my teeth and wash my face, and by the time I was done, she had gone down to the corner store and bought me orange juice. What a nice old lady.
So the journey begins
This is the entry I wrote on my computer the first day I arrived in Spain…I had no internet so I couldn’t post it then.
So the journey begins. Today was the longest day of my life. It is currently 8 pm here, and I haven’t slept in over 28 hours. I couldn’t sleep on the plane even though I drank a glass of vino tinto (red wine). We landed in Madrid around 9:30 and got to the school in Toledo around 11 am, but then sat around until 4 pm when our familias came to pick us up. My family seems very nice…the mother, Rosa, and the daughter (18) Laura came to pick me up at the school. They are both pretty funny. Rosa is a chain smoker and Laura is kinda emo-ish. She makes fun of her 15-year-old brother Diego, which is hysterical. Also, Laura is neither in school nor has a job. She sits at home all day everyday. I guess I’ll soon find out what she does with her life. She told me that Diego stands in the mirror ands says “Soy guapo” (which means I’m handsome). He also plays soccer for his high school team. I do not know much about him because he has only said ‘Hola’ to me. After Rosa and Laura picked me up from the school, they drove me to the house which is about 10 minutes away from the school on a bus ride…not too bad. Then they showed me how the bus system works and how to get to school. They took me to the cell phone shop to get my phone recharged and they took me to the stores to get some stuff I needed for showering etc. They have Internet, but it is not wireless, and I am not sure -how to connect. So as I am writing this I am internet-less. I think I might have to check out getting a wireless router or something like that. The family also has two dogs AND here’s the Ellyn bad-luck you all were waiting for. Currently I am having an allergy attack as bad as if I were around cats. SO I most likely am going to have to move anyway which will be a huge pain in the ass. In fact, it will probably have to be tomorrow. .
Weird things about Spain:
Lights are expensive so they turn the lights out and everything is pitch black in the house and you trip on a lot of things.
They pass out wine like water. And they mix water with Coca Cola
They smoke. A LOT. and EVERYWHERE.
Anyway my family says I’m speaking really good Spanish, and they liked their fanny may chocolates. The dad and brother so far are very rarely around.
TODAY: Anyway, Later that night, I couldn't breathe so the next day I had to move. I am have been staying at the school for a few days, but later tonight, I am moving in with another woman. She lives a five minute walk from the school whcih will be MUCH better that the 20 minute bus ride I had to take. IT is safe to say that she does not have any dogs that I will be allergic to.
Today it is freezing out. Like Chicago cold. We had to get up by 10 and take a 2 and a half hour tour of the city. It was beautiful, but it was also freezing. AND most of us had been out super late the night before. By 12:30 WE WERE STARVING. So we went to a bocadillo shop (sandwiches) and I had a smoked salmon bocadillo and a coke for about 3.50 Euro. It was very delicious.
Right now I am packing and getting ready to move to my family. The internet is very strange here, but I hope to be able to call you all later.
So the journey begins. Today was the longest day of my life. It is currently 8 pm here, and I haven’t slept in over 28 hours. I couldn’t sleep on the plane even though I drank a glass of vino tinto (red wine). We landed in Madrid around 9:30 and got to the school in Toledo around 11 am, but then sat around until 4 pm when our familias came to pick us up. My family seems very nice…the mother, Rosa, and the daughter (18) Laura came to pick me up at the school. They are both pretty funny. Rosa is a chain smoker and Laura is kinda emo-ish. She makes fun of her 15-year-old brother Diego, which is hysterical. Also, Laura is neither in school nor has a job. She sits at home all day everyday. I guess I’ll soon find out what she does with her life. She told me that Diego stands in the mirror ands says “Soy guapo” (which means I’m handsome). He also plays soccer for his high school team. I do not know much about him because he has only said ‘Hola’ to me. After Rosa and Laura picked me up from the school, they drove me to the house which is about 10 minutes away from the school on a bus ride…not too bad. Then they showed me how the bus system works and how to get to school. They took me to the cell phone shop to get my phone recharged and they took me to the stores to get some stuff I needed for showering etc. They have Internet, but it is not wireless, and I am not sure -how to connect. So as I am writing this I am internet-less. I think I might have to check out getting a wireless router or something like that. The family also has two dogs AND here’s the Ellyn bad-luck you all were waiting for. Currently I am having an allergy attack as bad as if I were around cats. SO I most likely am going to have to move anyway which will be a huge pain in the ass. In fact, it will probably have to be tomorrow. .
Weird things about Spain:
Lights are expensive so they turn the lights out and everything is pitch black in the house and you trip on a lot of things.
They pass out wine like water. And they mix water with Coca Cola
They smoke. A LOT. and EVERYWHERE.
Anyway my family says I’m speaking really good Spanish, and they liked their fanny may chocolates. The dad and brother so far are very rarely around.
TODAY: Anyway, Later that night, I couldn't breathe so the next day I had to move. I am have been staying at the school for a few days, but later tonight, I am moving in with another woman. She lives a five minute walk from the school whcih will be MUCH better that the 20 minute bus ride I had to take. IT is safe to say that she does not have any dogs that I will be allergic to.
Today it is freezing out. Like Chicago cold. We had to get up by 10 and take a 2 and a half hour tour of the city. It was beautiful, but it was also freezing. AND most of us had been out super late the night before. By 12:30 WE WERE STARVING. So we went to a bocadillo shop (sandwiches) and I had a smoked salmon bocadillo and a coke for about 3.50 Euro. It was very delicious.
Right now I am packing and getting ready to move to my family. The internet is very strange here, but I hope to be able to call you all later.
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