Birthdays and Grammar Lessons

So I've made it through my first week of classes and it is such a good feeling! When we had first arrived here in the beginning of September, we took a three week course which consisted of two classes, Lengua España and Conversación Y Redacción, which were classes intended on getting us accustomed to the language and helping to refresh certain topics which we may not have learned in a while. I haven't taken a Spanish class in about a year and a half, so at times, it can be a challenge. Nevertheless, I would like to remain optimistic and believe that my comprehension has been improving (even though it may be taking longer than I desire). But as my host mother says, "poco a poco," which translates to little by little. And it's true, you can't run before you walk, so I've just got to be patient with myself and realize that good things come to those who wait. 

On another note, the classes which have begun this week, which include an art class, Spanish culture, conversation, and language class, have all been interesting. It just strikes me as odd that even though these classes are taught completely in Spanish (and believe me, my Spanish to English dictionary has become my best friend), I am in class with students entirely from the United States. At first, it was a bit disheartening because I was looking forward to meeting students from other parts of the world. But I have come to accept it for what it is and many of the students are pretty good with Spanish. 

I also celebrated my 22nd birthday (ugh :p) this week and had to attend class that day. As a tradition here, they tug your ear the number of times that correspond with the age you are turning.  Up learning that I was turning 22, my profersora came over and proceeded to pull my ear! It hurt, but I know that it was all in good fun. Not many people can say that's happened to them (and while it was happening, I was wishing I were one of them). I only wish that my twin sister (and no, we aren't identical :p) were here to celebrate with me, but we'll celebrate our own way when I return. 

Everyday I feel as though I am learning not only in class, but outside the school's walls as well. I just have to remember to take nothing for granted and really appreciate my time here, because before I know it, it'll be over <3

How One Writer Generalized an Entire Nation

When I am on the internet, I have a difficult time just staying on one website for a very long time, and before I know it, I've got multiple tabs opened on one browser to the most random of sights. Well, during one of my instances of aimless internet surfing, I came across an article on Life.com titled "How Europeans Know You're American"(http://www.life.com/gallery/46721/how-europeans-know-youre-american#index/0). I clicked on it because I thought it would be funny to see if any of it actually were correct. Most of it, in my opinion, held no truths, but it was entertaining nonetheless. I'll let you guys be the judges. The points go as follows (and once again, these are NOT my beliefs, but those merely expressed by a writer at LIFE):

1) Americans Complain About Portion Size at Their Meals

• Okay, so this is slightly true. Coming here, the Spaniards love their tapas (which can be extremely small) and consider lunch time a huge deal (where the portions are ginormous!) but I think that this has just taken some adjusting. That's all.

2) Americans Constantly Say Stuff Like "We Saved Your Butts in the War"

• Absolutely untrue! I have never heard anyone say this to a European. Unless they were born before 1920. 

3) Americans, Especially the Men, Obsess Over Nude Beaches

• Yeah...true. BUT, in a note of defense (although slightly awkward), nude beaches are a rarity in the states. When a person is seen naked outside of their home, it may be slightly shocking for a person to digest.

4) Americans Display a Distinctly...Well...'American' Physique

• What the author meant was obese. Yeah, many people in the U.S. are overweight, but so are many Europeans. NEXT! 

5) Americans Exhibit a Slippery Grasp of Basic Geography

• I think that's typical for any place that you don't inhabit. Ask a European where North Dakota is and I don't think they'd be first to answer. 

6) Americans Are Scandalized by Bidets

• You know, the toilets the squirt water up at you? While I have yet to come across one, I don't know if I'd be first in line to try. But I am more interested than 'scandalized.' 

7) Americans Use Their 'Outdoor' Voices Everywhere

• Haha, okay this may be true. We do tend to be louder in groups, but isn't that the case everywhere?? (Definitely trying to defend myself here lol). 

8) Americans Don't Know How to Tip

• We were told not to...simply following orders. If I am told otherwise, that's when I'll change my ways

9) Americans and that Multilingual Problem

• Yeah, many Americans don't know loads of languages, but I think that this can go vice versa. Just walk down any street in NYC and you'll hear a plethora of languages coming at ya.  

10) Americans Talk Too Much About Money

• Uh...no (and this slightly contradicts the point above about not tipping...isn't that "talking about money?")

11) Americans Consider Old Glory a Fashion Statement

• I don't know what cities this writer has been visiting, but I don't recall loads of folks walking down the block wearing red, white, and blue before my departure

12) Americans Believe Air Conditioning is a Right

• I'll admit that this is another truth amongst me and my friends. But when you walk into H & M in the states and am greeted by cold air, am I completely in the wrong to think it would be the same here?

13) Americans Love Hand Sanitizer

• Yes and no, depending on the person 

14) Americans Want to Drive Everywhere

• Once again, depending on the person. I love walking though 

15) Americans Are Frightened of Tap Water

• Sometimes it has to be that way depending on the country that you are inhabiting. But so far I've had no problems with the water here

 I am definitely not taking in personally in the least, and I'm sure that this was written in good fun, but either the writer has a major vendetta against the U.S. or they aren't American. Nonetheless, this article was made to entertain, not to educate, and I hope those Europeans who are about to venture into America don't take this as gospel. But what do I know, I'm just American, right? ;p

The Flavors of the World

I did not have much experience with the food of Spain prior to my arrival here. Back home, there are loads of restaurants that cater to the many differing pallets of the world, including those whose primary language is Spanish. This would include obviously Mexican food (burritos, fajitas, and my all-time favorite, Chipotle!), food from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, and many other countries within the same region. But I don't recall ever coming across a restaurant whose cuisine was based solely on that of Spain. 

So tonight, a group of friends and I decided to go back to familiar territory and indulge ourselves with the cheesy, meaty, and bean-y (?) deliciousness from Mexico. Now, some people may think that the food from Spain shares some similarities with that of Mexico, but I would have to say that the likenesses basically stop at the language (and there are even major differences with that). Food here is heavily meat based; chicken, beef, and lots and lots of pork seem to be their favorites. From my experience so far (and believe me, I am no food expert by any means, so don't quote me lol) it seems as though the flavors are also a lot less on the savory side and a lot more salt, vinegar, and oil based (sounds like I just described a bag of potato chips).

Anyhow, I really wasn't sure what to expect.  Actually, I was afraid it was going to be some version of what resembled the food from back in the states, but was really nothing like it.First off, its name is Van Dyck, which I took to be one of the most "un-Mexican" sounding names ever, however, I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the chicken fajitas and a coke. Even though there were a total of 10 of us at the table, the waiter was always cordial and very quick. When the fajitas finally arrived, they actually were not so bad! Instead of chicken strips, it was more like pulled chicken in some type of sauce, with onions and peppers. Although it was not like the fajitas I was accustomed to, they satiated my hunger and almost made me feel like I was back home. One of the funniest surprises tonight was when another one of us ordered the burrito, but just one, instead of the four-piece platter. Instead of receiving the really huge 5-pounder loaded with rice, beans, meat, vegetables, and sauces, she received an extremely tiny "burrito" (and I put in quotes simply because what I was looking at looked nothing like burritos I have seen before) almost about the width of possibly two fingers put together. I wasn't even sure if that would be enough food to satisfy a baby, but she was definitely a good sport about it, and hey, lesson learned. 

Eating out in Spain is always an experience and it's enjoyable to see the differences in foods from different parts of the world. I'll definitely stick to mostly Spanish food while I am here, but it's always fun to go back home for just a little while.

Differences in Etiquette

I have to say that I find it amusing when I travel to other places and am sometimes offended by their manners (or lack thereof) or mannerisms. It's a very dominating (almost imperialistic, eek!) mentality to have, but I almost feel when the locals don't act or do things the way that I am accustomed to back in the U.S., then they are the rude ones. Nevertheless, once I jump off my high horse, I remember that this is their turf, and no matter how irked I may get, I suppose (in a begrudging sort of way) that I have to accept things as they are. As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do (or push them out of the way as they do back in the states O:)).

I am totally not condoning violence in any way, but adjusting to a new way of life can take some time. Nevertheless, there are times when I enjoy taking part in the Spanish lifestyle. For instance, back in the U.S., neighbors (unless you knew them) rarely said hello to one another. Even if the person has known me since I was a child, 9 times out of 10 a 'hello' would be left unsaid. In Spain, people seem to be a lot more friendly in this aspect. I hear 'hola' all of the time and it seems to make plain sense to be cordial to people that you live within close proximity to (but there are those few exceptions o.O). Young and old, they never fail to throw the greeting my way. Once, as I was entering the elevator, and the door was closing, a woman quickly opened it up in order to say it to me. Could've been a case of mistaken identity, but it still felt nice. 

Nonetheless, nothing lasts forever, and in other instances, such as eating in some restaurants, the service is not really what you’d expect. Now, I’m not trying to sound like some snooty snob, because that’s not me at all, but dining out can be an experience. The waiters often take their time when coming to your table and I am not used to the waiter not coming to the table mid-meal to ask “is everything okay with your food?” It probably has something to with the fact that they don’t get tipped (no rule of mine) and therefore aren’t relying on your money in order to pay next month’s rent…but a little smiling wouldn’t kill ya (uh oh, back on the high horse again lol). Just because I think it’s right doesn’t necessarily mean it’s so. It just means that it’s different from what I am accustomed to.

Another apparent difference is the level of PDA displayed! Couple after couple professing their love for one another, sometimes stopping in your path in order to steal a kiss. While my mush-meter can almost reach its limit sometimes, I also find it refreshing to see people actually “into” one another. You can even find loads of old men and women still holding hands (with the other hand tightly gripped on their walking canes) strolling down the block and hopefully still feeling young at heart. They can at least attest that love is a real thing ::sigh:: (haha, okay, mush-meter is about to break, let’s stop here).


Anyhow, I am sure there are loads more differences, but I’m not here to complain, I’m merely here to share a perspective. I just have to remember to be open-minded and respectful and who knows…maybe when I return back to the states I’ll think their ways are backwards ;)

 

Seeing the Sights

After being in Spain for just a little over a week, we finally had our first organized tour of the town. Although we had walked pass some of these places on various occasions, it was really nice to be able to hear the history behind each. We made stops at Catedral Nueva de la Asunción de la Virgen (New Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin), which was anything but new. It was built between the 16th and 18th centuries, with its completion in 1733. It is only called 'new' because it is newer than La Catedral Vieja de Santa María (The Old Cathedral of Santa Maria) built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Inside it is very beautiful, with it's high ceilings, stain-glass windows, organ, carvings, and statues. It was designed in the beautiful Late Gothic and Baroque styles. There are also several small capillas or chapels throughout dedicated to different saints. In one of the capillas, there was a sign which stated, "En la urna está el antebrazo izquierdo del Beato Julián Rodríguez S." which means, "In this urn in the left forearm of the Blessed Julian Rodriguez S." It was slightly strange to see a preserved arm so close, but also really interesting to witness.

 

Another interesting aspect about this cathedral is the fact that on the outside, right next to one of the exits, are carved an astronaut (a contemporary element incorporated during restoration) and a smiling devil holding an ice cream cone (who, according to the tour guide, is very happy because it is very hot in hell. Haha.) 

The other places we visited included La Casa de Las Conchas and La Universidad Detalle de la fachada, which was also very beautiful inside. In the past, many students, all men and very wealthy, would come here to study entirely in the language of Latin. On the facade is a hidden frog, which according to legend will give anyone who sees good luck. It is pretty difficult to find, without a little help. Can you find it??

Any luck yet?

The tour was very informative and it was nice to be able to hear a little bit about the city I'm inhabiting. I learn something new everyday and it's only just begun!

Spanish Mercados

Today, I felt as though I took a step back in time when I visited El Mercado Romano. When we first arrived, the afternoon siesta was still taking place, so it was quite funny to see people behind their booths sleeping on folding chairs and blow up mattresses. However, once their naps were over, the market came back to life. Stands full of jewelry, soaps, perfumes, toys, clothes, food, candy, art, and lots of other odds and ends could be found throughout. Many of the vendors were dressed to fit the theme and musicians toting flutes and drums entertained the customers as they shopped. The smell of food roasting on a giant barbeque was also heavy in the air. My Spanish isn't so great, so I couldn't use my negotiating skills, but the prices for much of the merchandise was pretty fair. Some things are one-of-a-kind or handmade and would make great gifts for friends and family.

All in all, it felt like a Renaissance fair in the middle of modern-day Spain and it was very enjoyable to have been able to take part.

Spain in a Word (well a few words)

Spain, at least the part that I am in, is a very nice place. One thing which reminds me of home is the ability to be able to walk anywhere, even to class in the mornings. It helps to not only save a few euros, but your waistline as well. Spaniards definitely love their food! And lunch is the most important meal of the day. People return home from work and other places in order to eat together and to have a siesta. Dinner also usually isn't till about 9:30 or 10, so much later than the normal time back in the states. It's a wonder here that people aren't obese, but their meals also seem to be a little healthier. Lots of soups, fruits, and vegetables.

The people here also like to stay out very late, sometimes till 7 in the morning. It's so weird for me to see kids and old folks out at 3 or 4 am, but that's totally the norm here. Especially because the fair (or la feria) has been happening almost all week, which includes a very important holiday, La Natividad de la Virgin Maria. Outside bars and food stands can be found all around town, and lots of activities have been going on like musicals, street performances, concerts, fireworks, and so much more. El Plaza Mayor is also very beautiful at night and so far the people have been very friendly. In addition, I've been working on my Spanish and last night without even realizing, I slipped up and started talking in it. I don't know how accurate I was, but it surprised even me.

Anyhow, just woke up kind of late (the time difference is still kicking my butt), but I'll definitely keep updating!

Destination reached!

I'm finally in Spain! It took a somewhat long flight to get here, lots of waiting around in airports (or los aeropuertos), and even getting lost in one for about 15 minutes before I completed my journey. I haven't seen too much of the area, but so far what I have seen is pretty beautiful. The town seems to be a mixture of very old and very modern and it's an interesting combination to see. I'm also getting the opportunity to work on my Spanish. It's a little bit broken and my embarrassment of flubbing the language has made it difficult for me very comfortable conversing, but I know this will change with time. Speaking of time, the time difference from here to the U.S. is a whopping six hours! And because of that, I'm wide awake while the rest of Europe is settling down for bed. This trip is definitely going to take a lot of adjusting to, but I am ready to tackle what comes my way! Nighty night (or if you're in the states, good afternoon).

P.S. Packing was not fun (even though they warned to pack light) and I ended up with two full suitcases. When will I learn??