Lisbon in a Minute

It's been a pretty busy week, and I'm just glad that it's almost over :) The weather changed dramatically this week, from warm and sunny to a little gray and rainy. I guess that's to be expected for October. I actually enjoy the rain though, it reminds me of home. I just don't like getting caught in it, haha. I honestly didn't know what to expect weather-wise before coming here. I wasn't sure if it got as cold as back in the U.S. or if it snowed or anything :p I have the weather on my laptop set for both New York and for Salamanca and the difference is really only a few degrees, so just like home. 

To update you guys on something a little more exciting than the weather, I went to Lisbon, Portugal last weekend. It was such a nice place to visit and sometimes I think that 3 days (well more like 2 :p) was just not enough. We visited el Castillo de San Jorge, el Barrio de Alfama, and la Plaza de Comercio the first day we arrived. The views from the top of el Castillo de San Jorge were just breathtaking. From way up there, I could practically see the entirety of Lisbon and the ocean as well. 

The view from El Castillo de San Jorge

La Plaza del Comercio is also a fun place to visit with amazing views as well. But I think I liked it even better at night! Many of the buildings, statues, and landmarks, including the bridge (Puente 25 de Abril) in the distance were all aglow and it felt really peaceful to be there. 

La Plaza del Comercio

On the way there, we ran into a street saxophone player. At first we didn't really think too much about him and continued on our way, but he started to play the theme from the Pink Panther and one of my friends turned around to listen. We spoke to him for a little bit and it turns out that he is actually from the United States, but traveled to Europe to play his saxophone on the streets in different countries across the continent. You just never know who you'll meet!

On the second day we paid a visit to El Monasterio de Los Jeronimos. There were many older ladies selling pretty scarves to the tourists (2 for 5 euros) and it was a beautiful day. The monastery is a sight to behold. It's very grand on the outside and the inside is even better. One part opens up into a courtyard with a fountain. It was a great experience to have had. 

                     The outside of El Monasterio de            The inside courtyard

                                 Los Jeronimos           

Right across the way from the monastery was what I believe to be the Tejo River. Many people were hanging out there and enjoying the sights. There was even a group who were practicing the Brazilian form of martial arts known as capoeira. More statues and very pretty sailboats completed the scenery. The peace was only disturbed for a bit when one of the members from our group actually fell into the water! He was being silly and got too close to the edge. His accident shortened our visit to El Torre de Belém, but at least he wasn't too hurt, just a few bumps and scratches!

My favorite part of the trip had to be the visits to la Boca do Inferno and the beach town of Cascais. I find man-made structures like monasteries, cathedrals, palaces, etc. fascinating, but I am always in awe by natural wonders and these two places were no exception. Just so beautiful, calm, and serene. I would go back there in a heartbeat.

                                    Cascais                             La Boca do Inferno

Finally, on the last day, even though I was super exhausted :p, we visited La Zona Medieval, a tiny preserved town and another monastery in a town known as Batalha. Once we got back on the bus and made the 7 hour journey back to Salamanca, I was so grateful to have gone on this trip. The beauty is unparalleled and the culture is extremely rich. I hope to return back someday! 

~Justine <3

Just thinking about the things that I miss back home and at the moment, I am definitely craving a cheeseburger! I know, you're probably rolling your eyes and thinking "typical American," but I just can't help it sometimes, I'm only human (haha)

 

Doesn't it look yummy?

I've definitely immersed myself within the cuisine of Spain and have tried loads of new foods and dishes that I had never encountered before. So far, I can say that the food is heavily potato, bean, and meat (but not burger :p) based. Definitely lots and lots of pork (carne de cerdo), beef (carne), fish (pescado), chicken (pollo), lamb (cordero) and so on. 

Sometimes situations with food can even be comical, especially because I don't understand everything that my host mother says. For instance, once she offered my a dish that consisted of some form of meat and onions. It looked harmless enough and when I asked what it was, she replied, "hígado" and pointed toward her ribs. I proceeded to believe that hígado meant ribs, so I accepted the offer. After it was on my plate, I knew right away that it was not what I thought, but it was too late to turn back. While I reluctantly ate it all (and had a slight idea of what it might be), it wasn't until after I had finished and rushed to my computer to Google translate what my host mother had told me that I discovered the dish had actually been onions and lamb liver! While I am definitely not knocking those who like liver and onions, it just isn't my thing. This just goes to show that I have definitely got to work on my Spanish (especially the organs!) to avoid situations such as these. 

~Justine <3

Enseñanza del Inglés (Teaching English)

A few weeks ago, I had found out through the director of my program that there was an opportunity to teach elementary schoolchildren English, and I became really interested in participating. So, today was the first time I was able to be in the classrooms with the students and help them out as well as the teacher. 

Another girl and I arrived around 9:00am and we entered into a class full of 10-year-old students. It felt like the first day of school again and we were asked to introduce ourselves (in English) and where we were from, etc. Then each of the students were asked to say their names and to also speak in English about themselves. They made a few mistakes, but overall I was fairly impressed with the amount of English they had learned. This task took up the majority of the 50 minutes we had in the class, but being able to see what level these students were at English-wise was a good way to assess what they most needed help with. 

We next went to a class where the students were 11-years-old and knew even more English. They too introduced themselves in English and this happened much quicker than in the previous class, so they took out the assignments they had been working on. I went around to each table to see what it is that they might need some help with, but these students were pretty self-sufficient! They didn't really need my help, even though some of the work was in English, so I pretty much just observed. Class soon ended, but the teacher, Rebeca (they call the teachers by their first names), who is also the same teacher from the previous class, was not satisfied with their behavior and made them explain what they had done wrong. I too had noticed that they were rowdy, but I just surmised that it was because of their age. Nonetheless, I also understood why the teacher felt the way that she did, and behavior like that shouldn't be tolerated in a school-setting for sure. 

Our last class was with a bunch of 6-year-olds. I was looking most forward to this class because I knew that they would need the most help with their English and are more enthusiastic to learn. We entered into a room with desks that reached up to my knees and colorful paintings hanging on the walls, and soon the very tiny students filed in. They seemed shocked to see us there and as their teacher, Dino, told us, they were shy to talk in English. But they were completely adorable and warmed up to us very soon. It was an effort to get them settled down, but when we could get some words in, we talked about parts of the body in English. They were fun, friendly, and eager to do well (they loved to receive compliments about their work). And to my slight embarrassment, we also sang the Hokey Pokey to help them learn the names of the body parts. The class soon ended, and we gave out stickers to those who demonstrated the best behavior. I felt like the bad guy when I didn't give a sticker to someone, but it was a good incentive to get them to behave better next class :)

After it was all over, I was happy to have had the chance to participate in this school. No, my Spanish is not the greatest, but I feel as though I can also learn while I am there. These students can help me with my Spanish and I can help with their English; it's all an exchange! I return again next Tuesday and I look forward to continuing my visits.

~Justine <3

Homesickness (Or lack thereof)

It's strange to think that from the moment I landed on Spanish soil, I haven't really felt homesick. It's not because I am some cold-hearted person! I just feel that because I had been preparing for this trip for sooo many months, I felt ready to take the leap by the time it finally approached, . Don't get me wrong, I was slightly apprehensive to go because I had never traveled such a distance on my own, but I knew that there was definitely no turning back. 

I think what freaked me out the most was definitely the unknown, all of the "what ifs" or "buts": "what if I get lost? What if my Spanish doesn't improve? What if I don't like the food? But what about this, that, or the other thing. etc." I kept trying to predict and plan everything before my arrival, but sometimes that just isn't possible, especially when you are thousands of miles away from a country you have never visited before! I learned from this experience to just be prepared for the "what ifs" that may happen, but also loosen the reins just a little bit. If I can give any advice to others who are also preparing for a similar experience abroad, it would be just that. 

As for those who might feel homesick, that is definitely normal! I would just say that hopefully after no more than a week, you'll feel right at home in this new country. Also, there are loads of ways to communicate with loved ones. Emails, Skype, and buying an international calling card are just a few, and what's great (at least on your end) about phone calls is that when you receive an incoming call your minutes are not used. I also used the snail mail method, because I think it's fun to receive something in the mail the old-fashioned way, and sent some of my family and friends postcards with pictures of landmarks in Salamanca on them. It's fairly inexpensive and faster than expected to do: each stamp cost 0.80¢ and some of my family members received theirs in as little as four days. So no worries guys! The world is becoming more connected and if those methods don't satisfy you, you'll be home in no time. But don't spend time worrying, just do!

<3 Justine

City Girl on a Horse

I would like to admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for animals, so the moment I found out that I could go horseback riding while here in Spain, I jumped at the opportunity. I was not sure how to go about arranging it, but with the help of our guide here, Pilar, things quickly fell into place. With just a quick phone call (and a few reminder ones afterward) we were on our way.

The stable was only about 20 minutes outside of Salamanca and we rode on a very inexpensive public bus there. Because the bus was so cheap, I should've brought change with me instead of bills because the bus driver got a little peeved, but after this little mishap everything else went well. Once we arrived, one of the workers from the stable was at the bus stop waiting to drive us a little further to our destination. 

The stable is small, but surrounded by scenic views. They asked which one of us had ridden before, and out of the five of us, only two (including myself) had. I was actually a little shocked that the city girl had the most experience (meaning about 10 times or less over a span of years haha), but it wasn't a problem because they catered to all riding levels. They each gave us our horses based on our level and instructed us on how to ride them properly. I got a horse named Princessa, and the named seemed to suit her. She liked to do what she wanted (which is natural for anything that has a brain!) but I had to remain in control. It was also very important that she stay at the end of the line because she doesn't like to be very close to other horses. This made me slightly apprehensive, but I knew she had to be safe if they use her for horseback riding.

The weather was perfect and we rode next to yellowish-golden cornfields and a forest with tall, perfectly-lined trees. The entrance to it looked as though we literally were entering into some sort of fairytale. Once inside, we rode next to a small, winding river and actually into the river as well! That was a new experience for me and I was grateful for the rubber rain boots they provided for us all.

I also had quite a show taking place in front of me because my friend's horse did not want to follow her directions. It kept walking into the brush and through bushes, as well as stopping to constantly eat. It was funny for me to witness, but also a little frustrating because my horse loved to stop and eat as well when her horse stopped! Her horse also walked over and bent forward long branches that I was afraid were going to spring back and smack me in the face, but luckily none of that happened :)

We eventually made a U-turn back to the stables after about an hour and a half. The whole experience was very fun and I was happy to have been able to have done something like this. The horses were awesome and the people were friendly. I would definitely do this again!

A Step Back in Time: Toledo, Spain

Receiving the opportunity to visit Toledo, Spain, yesterday, was such an enriching and educational experience. From the moment we reached this destination, it was evident that it was steeped in an extremely rich history, with remnants of such times manifested within the facades of buildings, as well as what these architectural wonders housed inside. Although the trip from Salamanca took about three hours each way, it was well worth it. 

Our bus stopped by an overlook, which gave us the opportunity to see the entire town from above. The view was spectacular and was a very nice way to begin the tour, especially after having been sitting down for such an extended period of time. 

Finally being able to cross the bridge that led into Toledo and navigating the paths once walked on by important historical figures was so interesting. We first stopped at El Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes (Monastery of Saint John of the Kings). King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile founded it, with construction commencing in 1477. It was finally completed in 1504. It just amazes me that structures as old as this have managed to withstand the tests of time!

We also made a quick stop at La Iglesia de Santo Tomé, which houses a very important painting known as El Entierro del Señor de Orgaz (The Burial of the Count of Orgaz) by the artist known as El Greco. It was extremely huge and filled with such intensity and emotion. We weren’t allowed to take photos, but I don’t think that they would have done justice to it anyhow. For those who visit Toledo, I do recommend taking a peek at this painting.

On the way to our next destination, we encountered a major demonstration in the center of town. What seemed like hundreds of people, all ranging in ages, wearing green t-shirts and holding banners and signs with sayings such as, “El defensa de la enseñanza pública: No a las recortes” which translates to, “In defense of public education: No to the cuts.” It was exciting to be able to witness such a spectacle and inspiring to see so many people band together for the same cause. I was just hoping that things did not get violent, but it remained very peaceful, although loud. These individuals were helping to create a part of Toledo’s history as well.

After making our way out of the crowd’s path, we continued on to La Catedral de Toledo (The Cathedral of Toledo), which was built between the years of 1226–1493. Here was another example of master craftsmanship and excellent attention to detail. Everything from the stained-glass windows way above our heads to the floors beneath our feet demonstrated that much care was put into its design.

Our final two stops were La Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca, built in 1180, and is believed to be the oldest synagogue still standing in Europe, and El Museo de El Greco. The visit to the synagogue did not last very long, but it was still nice to be able to take a look around. I am currently taking a Spanish art class, and although I couldn’t remember everything, it was nice to be able to see some of the techniques that we have spoken about in class being displayed. 

The museum is a recreation of El Greco’s home, and where many of his paintings were apparently done. I had mistakenly believed that it was his actual house! But it nonetheless is still an important part of his history and houses some of his paintings, including a collection known as Los Apóstoles (The Apostles).

Overall, visiting Toledo was like taking a step back into Spanish history. The fusion of various beliefs and customs, including Islam, Catholicism, and Judaism, is unlike anything I have seen before and helps visitors, such as myself, further understand what makes Spain so dynamic. I am glad to have received the opportunity to visit such a place and I recommend it to those who also plan on visiting Spain.

One Month Update

So it's officially been exactly one month since I've arrived here in Salamanca and it's definitely been one adventure. Getting accustomed to an entirely new culture and way of life, with a language that I am still trying to grasp, has been a time that I am entirely grateful for. Before this, I had never traveled alone and for those too afraid to do so, I would say that it is something you will never regret. Trying new foods, practicing (and mostly butchering lol) Spanish, interacting with the locals, seeing different parts of Spain, and so much more have been compacted in just four short weeks, and I can't believe that it has already been that long!

If I were able to go back in time to September 3rd, the day before I departed, there isn't much that I would change in terms of preparing for this trip. But some advice that I can provide is for starters bring only what is necessary. I know that I was given this same advice before I came here, but it really is true! I brought lots of little odds and ends, believing that I would be stuck in the middle of nowhere, but there are lots of places to find the essentials (and I'm sure that is the case no matter where you travel). Also, if you are planning to study in Spain, I would recommend exchanging your American dollars for Euros before you arrive or at the airport. It really is difficult to do here and the only way you can do it at a bank is to have a bank account there. The exchange rate unfortunately sucks, but it really isn't "all about the Benjamins" here. I also probably would've practiced my Spanish a little bit more. Not everything, simply the basics, like the past, present, and future. It really just sounds silly to talk about your childhood with your host mom solely using the present tense. She'll get the premise and probably nod and smile, but who knows what she's really thinking in her head. Also, try to plan what other destinations you would like to travel to prior to arriving. Nothing has to be booked or set in stone, but choosing your locations beforehand can't hurt. And last but not least, have an open mind! Don't be afraid to try new things or to look silly when trying to communicate in a language that is not your own. It is all a learning experience and one that should create the fondest of memories. Have fun, be safe, and take care ;)

~Justine <3