It's been a busy week. We were in Rome last weekend (which I'll get to in detail later) and when we came back we immediately had a big presentation for class and then a final exam for our 3-week intensive class. Busy busy busy! On top of that, I started work at Barcelona Ecología. So. This is going to be a long post. Thought I'd let you know in advance.
Rome
We left Barcelona eaaaarly Friday morning (I left my apartment at 4am) and caught one of the night buses to the airport. It was the luckiest morning we could have asked for. I clearly don't know how to read maps (and/or my brain wasn't firing at total capacity at 4am) so I almost got on the bus going the wrong way, but I ultimately figured it out. When I met up with Katie and Grace, the two girls I was traveling with, on the bus, we realized that the terminal we were supposed to get off at wasn't printed on our ticket. AND Ryan Air flies out of pretty much every terminal at El Pratt Airport. Nice. We just kind of guessed and luckily got off at the right terminal. So. Lucky.
After a short flight, we arrived in Rome. Katie had booked her room at the hostel on a different reservation and they ended up having to move her to their sister hostel. The inner pushy Greek woman in my was NOT having Katie stay in a different hostel than Grace and me, so I made a little bit of a scene and got us all moved to the other hostel AND got our room upgraded. The Greeks are the greatest people in the history of the world (ignore the current economic crisis).
We got settled in to our room and ventured to a neighborhood near Plaza Trilussa where we were told we could get a good lunch for a reasonable price. We were told correctly. We chose one of the first restaurants we saw and it was INCREDIBLE. As we walked in, an older woman started talking to us in rapid Italian. It was clear we had no idea was she was saying, but she kept plowing through. After a few minutes of her telling us about the restaurant, the menu, cracking various jokes, and probably explaining the current political atmosphere in Italy or telling us about her favorite vacation destination (she talked for a LONG time), we ordered. We decided to get a bottle of red wine (when in Rome...right?), but when we ordered a liter of the house wine (we had no idea how much a liter was), the old Italian woman, or Mama as we came to call her said, "Liter? No. Medio." and would only give us a half liter. Good to know we have mothers all over the world keeping an eye on us.
After lunch, we wandered around for a while, weaving through the streets of Rome and trying to find our way back toward our hostel. Our navigation tools could have been improved upon: a Rome guidebook in Spanish I borrowed from Nikki's homestay family and a VERY incomplete map. After a long walk (with a stop for gelato) and lots of picture taking, we finally made it back to the hostel. We took a quick nap, got dinner in the bar of our hostel where they served free pizza, and then went out exploring again. We made our way to a bar near some famous plaza (I know...I hate myself too for not remember the name) and chatted up some locals and tourists.
The next day, we got up early and set out to see the sights (with a plan and a better map!). We started at Villa Borghese, a museum housing Bernini and Caravaggio works. It was beautiful and a little overwhelming, but definitely one of the highlights of Rome. After spending a few hours in the museum, we tried to make our way over to the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Here's a riddle for you: How many college girls does it take to read a map?
Answer: 3. And an old Italian woman.
Obviously we had a little trouble navigating our way over to the sights, but once we did it was incredible. Trevi Fountain is iconic and seeing it in person leaves you awestruck. It's beautiful, huge, and entrancing. If the weather had been nicer (it was rainy) I feel like we could have sat and looked at it for hours.
After Trevi, we made our way to the Pantheon. Again, like most things in Rome, it was old, beautiful, and almost a little overwhelming. We read about the history in our Spanish guidebook and then decided to meander home.
One of the coolest things about traveling at this age is that there are so many other people our age traveling around. In our room in the hostel were two other girls. The first is a young Brazilian girl named Lana. Because Brazil is in the southern hemisphere, she's currently on her summer vacation spending two months traveling around Europe alone. She's only 19, but seems much older. She speaks four languages (including PERFECT English), is incredibly sharp, and obviously, very adventurous. The other is Brie, a college grad from New Zealand who is currently working as a stewardess on a Russian billionaire's yacht. No joke. She's on a vacation from work right now, so she's meeting up with friends around Europe. Again, another incredibly bright, adventurous girl. After our day of sightseeing, we had dinner with Brie and Lana and then the five of us all went out together. It was a wonderful night and we made close friends with Brie and Lana (both of whom are spending time in Barcelona during their travels!).
Katie left Sunday morning, so Grace and I went sightseeing with Lana. Even though she's younger than us, she planned the whole day and acted as our tour guide (even though it was her first time in Rome as well). We went all over: famous plazas including Plaza Venezia, the Forum, the Coliseum, Campo Fiori, the Spanish Steps, and I'm sure more places. We returned to the hostel for a little rest then went back to the restaurant we visited on the first day to get more delicious food and visit Mama.
Rome was wonderful. It was great to get to know Grace and Katie better and getting to meet two new friends in the hostel was a treat. Lana visited Barcelona last week and Brie is spending a couple weeks here during February when the yacht is getting some work done. How great!
The Week
As I mentioned, we had a busy week with school. We had a presentation for class and then our final. However, that didn't keep us from having a little fun. Lana was in Barcelona starting Tuesday, so Wednesday and Thursday night we met up with her and introduced her to two of our other friends on the program, Nikki from Wellesley and Shaun, a girl from Tufts. The first night we went to a famous bar in Barcelona called Bosc de les Fades, a fairy tale themed bar. As you walk in, magical (there's no other way to describe it) music is playing and there are trees and waterfalls everywhere. Lots of fun. The next night we had dinner in Plaza Real, a famous and beautiful plaza off of Las Rambla. Saying goodbye was hard. We'll probably never see her again, but she left such an impression on us. Smart, adventurous, and fun.
I started work on Wednesday which was...interesting. No one really speaks English and a lot of people in the office speak Catalan to each other so it was a little overwhelming. I spent my first day doing a small translation project and learning about the organization. I still don't exactly know what I'll be doing for them, but I believe in the agency's mission and what they do. From my understanding, here's what they're all about: BCN Ecología is a government agency that effectively acts as a think tank that focuses on sustainable development and the "greening" (in both senses) of the city. There are various initiatives and programs in Barcelona, ranging from public transportation to recycling programs, that this agency conceptualized and designed. Other cities throughout the world are starting to turn their sights to the BCN Ecología and asking for aid in implementing similar programs. That's where I come in. I'll be handling translation and correspondence in English to countries that don't use Spanish. Exciting stuff!
The Half Marathon
This morning was the Barcelona Half Marathon. I didn't register, so I was an unofficial runner. When I made my way to the start this morning, they were checking numbers and timing chips and since I didn't have one, I decided to hop in the race about 1K from the start. I jogged down to the 1K mark and waited for my pace group to come by. Fun fact about Libby: sporting events make me very emotional. The past two years in the Boston marathon, opening ceremonies of the World Cup, and sports movies...tears. TEARS. Today was no exception. As the lead pack went by, I felt that all too familiar wave of emotion hit me. It was a pack of Africans and then a few Spaniards trying to hang with. Unfortunately according to the results, they didn't last long. Once I got it back together, I saw my group and hopped in a little past the 1K mark. It felt fast, but I figured it's just because I'm a little out of shape. However I checked my watch as I went through the 6K (so my 5K). Shut the front door. 21:03?! I settled into a rhythm and started to feel pretty good. Then came the rain. At first it was just a little sprinkle that felt nice... then the downpour started. I was wearing a cotton t-shirt so I was SOAKED the rest of the race. I continued on through the 7, 8, 9, 10K feeling fine, but a little cold. I stuck w/ two guys in their 30's for most of it, and they started chatting with me (obviously not working hard enough, guys). They were pretty excited to be running the race. They had been running for most of their life and had never run a road race without the other. Cute right? The half today was their 75th race together. I managed to keep the tears down this time, mostly because it would have made breathing tough. However as we went through the 12ishK the lead pack was on their way to the finish and running the opposite direction as us. Everyone, runners included, cheered and clapped for the 4 Kenyans FLYING through their last few kilometers. Incredible.
The final part of the race was uneventful. I felt pretty awful the last 5K or so (3 miles...which feels really long when you don't feel great), but I managed to pull out a small kick for the last 200 or so. My finishing time was right around 1:40ish (give or take a bit) but remember I started 1K in. Still...that's a huge half PR for me. Pretty pleased. That said, the course was virtually totally flat and when the course turned, bottle necks occurred (especially during the beginning) so I cut a lot of tangents. Next on my running agenda: finding the running store in Barcelona that I've been searching for during the past few weeks and seeing if I can join a club or find some other races.
Well. I guess that's all for now. Siesta for me.
New obsessions: hostels, banditing road races (not new...but still obsessed), discovering cool spots around Barcelona, and my homestay mom's cooking.
Hasta!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Hasta pronto, Barcelona. Ciao Roma!
The past few days have been wonderful. I've been spending a lot of time exploring Barcelona and continuing to get oriented. I love this city. Yesterday I sat in a cafe for a few hours and did homework and wrote in my journal. It was a great afternoon.
One of the highlights of the past few days was last night. I decided to stay in and relax with Juan Antonio and Nene, my host parents. We had dinner together and then sat in the living room and talked. They are such wonderful people with good hearts. Additionally, they remind me so much of my parents which has kept me from feeling homesick. Nene is full of energy and incredibly caring. She's hilarious and constantly moving. Juan Antonio is pensive and calm, but also has a quick wit and is constantly cracking jokes. Their interactions are just like my parents. I feel SO lucky to have been placed with them. AND they offered to let me continue to live with them this summer. Could things be any better? Probably not.
Tomorrow I'm going to Rome with two girls from CIEE. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and write down lots in my journal. If anyone has suggestions for sites to see, EMAIL ME.
Not much to say. Hasta for now!
New obsessions: getting lost in the city, hanging out with my host parents, and not being able to read Catalan.
One of the highlights of the past few days was last night. I decided to stay in and relax with Juan Antonio and Nene, my host parents. We had dinner together and then sat in the living room and talked. They are such wonderful people with good hearts. Additionally, they remind me so much of my parents which has kept me from feeling homesick. Nene is full of energy and incredibly caring. She's hilarious and constantly moving. Juan Antonio is pensive and calm, but also has a quick wit and is constantly cracking jokes. Their interactions are just like my parents. I feel SO lucky to have been placed with them. AND they offered to let me continue to live with them this summer. Could things be any better? Probably not.
Tomorrow I'm going to Rome with two girls from CIEE. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and write down lots in my journal. If anyone has suggestions for sites to see, EMAIL ME.
Not much to say. Hasta for now!
New obsessions: getting lost in the city, hanging out with my host parents, and not being able to read Catalan.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
It's real
So the fun is over (ha. just kidding!). We have our first exam today, and great news kids! The subjunctive WILL be on it. If anyone needs a rundown on the uses and conjugations, I'm a pro now. Andale!
Two funny things happened yesterday. First, while I was walking to class, I saw two of my parents friends. I couldn't remember names, but I'm POSITIVE I know them. So I went up to them with a big smile and said "hi!" hoping they'd remember me and I'd be able to piece it together. Instead, the woman hugged her purse tight to her body and RAN away. I then realized she probably thought I was a pick pocket. Good defense, mom and dad's friend.
Second: I went for another run yesterday and per usual, I got lost. Not quite as bad as last time, but I was still a little disoriented. I asked a cab driver for directions and he said, "ay dios. Estas muy lejos. Casi 20 kilometros" ("Oh god. You're really far. Probably 20 kilometers"). Then he gave me directions and sent me on my way. Turns out I was only about 10 blocks from my apartment and he sent me in the complete opposite direction. Thanks buddy.
Alright. Off to the exam.
Hasta.
New obsessions: teaching Spaniards "hella", coffee strong enough to fuel a car, and my boots of Spanish leather.
Two funny things happened yesterday. First, while I was walking to class, I saw two of my parents friends. I couldn't remember names, but I'm POSITIVE I know them. So I went up to them with a big smile and said "hi!" hoping they'd remember me and I'd be able to piece it together. Instead, the woman hugged her purse tight to her body and RAN away. I then realized she probably thought I was a pick pocket. Good defense, mom and dad's friend.
Second: I went for another run yesterday and per usual, I got lost. Not quite as bad as last time, but I was still a little disoriented. I asked a cab driver for directions and he said, "ay dios. Estas muy lejos. Casi 20 kilometros" ("Oh god. You're really far. Probably 20 kilometers"). Then he gave me directions and sent me on my way. Turns out I was only about 10 blocks from my apartment and he sent me in the complete opposite direction. Thanks buddy.
Alright. Off to the exam.
Hasta.
New obsessions: teaching Spaniards "hella", coffee strong enough to fuel a car, and my boots of Spanish leather.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
"We're in SPAIN!"
This is a pretty common exclamation you'll hear from the CIEE kids. Even after two weeks, it's still not entirely real.
I haven't been as good about writing every day as I'd like to be, so again, this post will be about the past few days.
Thursday: Pretty uneventful day. Class, run, out with the friends. Typicalllll day in Barca. Oh yeah...homework too :)
Friday: For the Spanish grammar class, we have "cultural excursions" on Fridays. This week, we visited the Boqueria, the market I visited w/ Nikki last weekend. It was a fun trip, but the most eventful part was almost getting pick pocketed on Passeig de Gracia. I felt a tug on my tote bag and I turned around to see a man pulling his hand away from my bag. I wasn't sure if he was able to grab anything, so I started screaming "DA ME LA! DA ME LA!" ("give it to me!"). Luckily he hadn't been able to get his hands on anything, so I didn't lose my wallet or camera. I've been told that everyone gets at least one pick pocket attempt while they're in Barcelona. Hopefully this was mine.
Saturday: We stayed in Friday night to rest up for a trip one of the CIEE girls planned. We decided to travel to Montserrat, a mountain monastery about an hour from Barcelona. We took a train to the base of the mountain and rode a cable car up. We started on a hike up the mountain, which ended up being a surprisingly ambitious trek. The views were breathtaking and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. About halfway up the mountain, we stopped and ate a picnic lunch, then continued up to the top. Again, beautiful views, great weather, wonderful company. We trekked down the hill and decided to go peek into the monastery, not really knowing what to expect. Like everything here, it was beautiful, old, and a little overwhelming. However, it was also an interesting experience. I've done most of my traveling with choirs (Piedmont Choir or PHS A Cappella), so typically whenever we walk into a church we'd line up and sing an "Ave Maria" or something. It was strange being a "civilian" in that experience and also made me very thankful for the wonderful experiences I was able to have with my choirs. And, no. I didn't break out into a Gregorian chant at the monastery. But I'll admit that it did cross my mind. (That was a preemptive strike to Crosby's sarcasm)
Sunday (Today): I went downtown and parked myself at a cafe to do some work and people watch. After sitting and working for a few hours, I went for a fairly long walk around the old part of the city, the port, and then back to my house. I finally feel like I'm figuring Barcelona out and cant get around pretty well. I also found a shoe store that I may go buy my "Boots of Spanish Leather" (Bob Dylan song, anyone?).
Next up this week: starting work at BCN Ecologia, midterm #1 (WHAT), Rome next weekend, and more STRONG coffee.
Hasta.
I haven't been as good about writing every day as I'd like to be, so again, this post will be about the past few days.
Thursday: Pretty uneventful day. Class, run, out with the friends. Typicalllll day in Barca. Oh yeah...homework too :)
Friday: For the Spanish grammar class, we have "cultural excursions" on Fridays. This week, we visited the Boqueria, the market I visited w/ Nikki last weekend. It was a fun trip, but the most eventful part was almost getting pick pocketed on Passeig de Gracia. I felt a tug on my tote bag and I turned around to see a man pulling his hand away from my bag. I wasn't sure if he was able to grab anything, so I started screaming "DA ME LA! DA ME LA!" ("give it to me!"). Luckily he hadn't been able to get his hands on anything, so I didn't lose my wallet or camera. I've been told that everyone gets at least one pick pocket attempt while they're in Barcelona. Hopefully this was mine.
Saturday: We stayed in Friday night to rest up for a trip one of the CIEE girls planned. We decided to travel to Montserrat, a mountain monastery about an hour from Barcelona. We took a train to the base of the mountain and rode a cable car up. We started on a hike up the mountain, which ended up being a surprisingly ambitious trek. The views were breathtaking and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. About halfway up the mountain, we stopped and ate a picnic lunch, then continued up to the top. Again, beautiful views, great weather, wonderful company. We trekked down the hill and decided to go peek into the monastery, not really knowing what to expect. Like everything here, it was beautiful, old, and a little overwhelming. However, it was also an interesting experience. I've done most of my traveling with choirs (Piedmont Choir or PHS A Cappella), so typically whenever we walk into a church we'd line up and sing an "Ave Maria" or something. It was strange being a "civilian" in that experience and also made me very thankful for the wonderful experiences I was able to have with my choirs. And, no. I didn't break out into a Gregorian chant at the monastery. But I'll admit that it did cross my mind. (That was a preemptive strike to Crosby's sarcasm)
Sunday (Today): I went downtown and parked myself at a cafe to do some work and people watch. After sitting and working for a few hours, I went for a fairly long walk around the old part of the city, the port, and then back to my house. I finally feel like I'm figuring Barcelona out and cant get around pretty well. I also found a shoe store that I may go buy my "Boots of Spanish Leather" (Bob Dylan song, anyone?).
Next up this week: starting work at BCN Ecologia, midterm #1 (WHAT), Rome next weekend, and more STRONG coffee.
Hasta.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Adios EEUU...Hasta Agosto.
It's been a crazy few days. The weekend was wonderful; full of exploring the city, visiting Barcelona's beautiful markets, dancing all night, and shopping. I'm more settled in now and more familiar and oriented to the city. The weekend was pretty low key. On Saturday, Nikki and I went to La Boqueria, Barcelona's food market. It was beautiful and bustling, full of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, candy, eggs, and I'm sure other tasty treats. Sunday was our "recovery" day. After 4 late nights in a row, the group decided to take it easy. We all slept in, worked out, then rested a little more. We started our intensive classes on Monday, which have been pretty, well...intense. We meet for 3 hours a day doing intensive Spanish grammar and composition. My goal is essentially to perfect my Spanish and learn the subjunctive (which I found out I don't know after reviewing my placement test. Ouch.). The class ends on January 28, so since everything's accelerated, we'll have a midterm next Monday and final presentations and exams the following week. Woo...
I went for my first long run in Barcelona yesterday. I only intended to go run for about 30-40 minutes, but I ended up getting pretty lost, so...long run, right? However, it was a blessing in disguise. I realized my house is close to EVERYTHING: Monjuic, the mountain in the city where the Olympic Venues are, Las Rambla, the Port, Downtown...EVERYTHING. It made the city seem less huge and intimidating. Every new street, building, and taxi that almost runs me over makes me fall in love with Barcelona a little more.
Exciting news! As part of my program, we had the option of participating in an internship while we're here for the semester. I was offered an internship at Barcelona Ecología, a government agency that focuses on systemic sustainable development initiatives in Barcelona. The program has been existing for a while (not exactly sure how long) and they've been incredibly successful. Other cities around the world are starting to adopt the Barcelona model and the agency needs someone who can handle English language correspondence. I met with the head of the agency today and it sounds like it's going to be a lot of responsibility, but I think I'll learn a lot. The best part though? They want me to stay THROUGH THE SUMMER. I told you guys...I'm never coming back.
Well...that's all for now. Hasta.
I went for my first long run in Barcelona yesterday. I only intended to go run for about 30-40 minutes, but I ended up getting pretty lost, so...long run, right? However, it was a blessing in disguise. I realized my house is close to EVERYTHING: Monjuic, the mountain in the city where the Olympic Venues are, Las Rambla, the Port, Downtown...EVERYTHING. It made the city seem less huge and intimidating. Every new street, building, and taxi that almost runs me over makes me fall in love with Barcelona a little more.
Exciting news! As part of my program, we had the option of participating in an internship while we're here for the semester. I was offered an internship at Barcelona Ecología, a government agency that focuses on systemic sustainable development initiatives in Barcelona. The program has been existing for a while (not exactly sure how long) and they've been incredibly successful. Other cities around the world are starting to adopt the Barcelona model and the agency needs someone who can handle English language correspondence. I met with the head of the agency today and it sounds like it's going to be a lot of responsibility, but I think I'll learn a lot. The best part though? They want me to stay THROUGH THE SUMMER. I told you guys...I'm never coming back.
Well...that's all for now. Hasta.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Getting oriented
Wednesday morning, the group met at the hotel we had been staying at to take a bus tour of the city. I assumed the tour would help orient me and give me a better understanding of the city. I was completely wrong. The tour highlighted some of the main sights in the city: Monjuic, La Ciutadella, La Sagrada Familia, the Statue of Cristobál Colón, and La Rambla. This city is so beautiful and SO huge. I feel like that even in a semester, I won't be able to see it all. That's okay thought, because as I've mentioned to many of you, I'm never leaving.
In my last post, I was mistaken. Wednesday was not Three Kings Day. However, the festivities for el Día de Los Reyes started Wednesday night. After the bus tour we were able to break off on our own and explore as we wanted. A group of us ended up going to the Barra Gotica, an old neighborhood with narrow, Venice-style pedestrian streets. We wandered around, took pictures, and continued to get to know each other. We intended to finish up our stroll in Plaza de L'Angel, a small square in time to catch the Three Kings Parade, however we lost track of time and ended up getting there too late. I headed home to have dinner with my host dad, Juan Antonio. My friend, Nikki, a student from Wellesley who is also studying in Barcelona, has a less than ideal living situation right now (crowded apartment, crying babies, pretty unsafe neighborhood) so she came over to my apartment for dinner. Juan Antonio was delighted to have another student over. At dinner, I mentioned to him I took a class studying the history and the current culture in Spain. I had specific questions to ask a Spaniard about the culture and the political system. He spoke to us for a good half hour about the Transition from oppressive Francoist Spain to the current Democratic system. He seems to have a very interesting perspective because he was a young adult when the Transition occurred. Having studied the Spanish government and having formed opinions about the system, it was fascinating to hear a Spaniard's perspective. After dinner, Nikki and I met up with Samantha, another Wellesley girl and Rose, a girl on our program in the Plaza de Catalunya to go to a bar near downtown called Chupitos. Like the first night we went out, CIEE took over the bar and we mingled and got to know each other. A pretty uneventful night, but it was great to start to get to know more people.
Yesterday I didn't get out of bed until around noon. I had an incredibly relaxing morning. I brought a copy of Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" with me, so I sat in bed reading and cuddling with Manolo (the cat/my new boyfriend). Once I became a functioning human being around 1, Nikki came over and we headed to meet up w/ two friends from the program in the Born neighborhood. We walked around and ended up getting tapas in a restaurant on the boardwalk. Favorite item? Little octopus (octopi?) in a delicious sauce. After we wrapped up "lunch", we realized it was almost 5:30. We headed home to take naps before going out. I woke up to my host mom, Nene, having a conversation with the cat; asking him what he wanted for dinner and telling him how "gordo" he is.
Juan Antonio was out for the evening, so I had dinner with Nene and her sister, Vergonia. It was wonderful to get to know Nene better. I learned that Juan Antonio is an architect but because of the tough economy in Spain and the slow development, he only works periodically. However, they live a very comfortable life. Nene doesn't work. Most of her family (11 siblings!) lives in Barcelona and she cares for her mother who has Alzheimer and her sister who is disabled. She is incredibly kind and caring, but also fiery and hilarious. I feel so fortunate to have been placed with such wonderful, interesting people.
After dinner, I met up w/ the CIEE girls at a club near the beach. My group of friends here is becoming more defined. We're having a great time!
Today, I met up with Nikki and another girl on our program, Cherie, to go shopping downtown (sorry Mom!). The day after Three Kings Day is the big sale in Spain, so there were incredible markdowns but also insane crowds. Downtown was a zoo; the stores were packed and people were literally arguing over merchandise. We were only able to handle it for a few hours before we called it quits. Cherie, Nikki, and I all live in the same neighborhood, so we headed back there, got lunch, then walked around for about an hour. The neighborhood I live in is BEAUTIFUL. The architecture is amazing, there are lots of interesting shops and restaurants, and there are little parks tucked into the neighborhoods. Again, I'm so lucky.
Tonight the CIEE girls are going to a few bars in L'Exaimple, my neighborhood. We wanted a low key, less touristy scene.
Tomorrow, we're going to two of Barcelona's open air markets. Stories and photos to come.
Hasta!
In my last post, I was mistaken. Wednesday was not Three Kings Day. However, the festivities for el Día de Los Reyes started Wednesday night. After the bus tour we were able to break off on our own and explore as we wanted. A group of us ended up going to the Barra Gotica, an old neighborhood with narrow, Venice-style pedestrian streets. We wandered around, took pictures, and continued to get to know each other. We intended to finish up our stroll in Plaza de L'Angel, a small square in time to catch the Three Kings Parade, however we lost track of time and ended up getting there too late. I headed home to have dinner with my host dad, Juan Antonio. My friend, Nikki, a student from Wellesley who is also studying in Barcelona, has a less than ideal living situation right now (crowded apartment, crying babies, pretty unsafe neighborhood) so she came over to my apartment for dinner. Juan Antonio was delighted to have another student over. At dinner, I mentioned to him I took a class studying the history and the current culture in Spain. I had specific questions to ask a Spaniard about the culture and the political system. He spoke to us for a good half hour about the Transition from oppressive Francoist Spain to the current Democratic system. He seems to have a very interesting perspective because he was a young adult when the Transition occurred. Having studied the Spanish government and having formed opinions about the system, it was fascinating to hear a Spaniard's perspective. After dinner, Nikki and I met up with Samantha, another Wellesley girl and Rose, a girl on our program in the Plaza de Catalunya to go to a bar near downtown called Chupitos. Like the first night we went out, CIEE took over the bar and we mingled and got to know each other. A pretty uneventful night, but it was great to start to get to know more people.
Yesterday I didn't get out of bed until around noon. I had an incredibly relaxing morning. I brought a copy of Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" with me, so I sat in bed reading and cuddling with Manolo (the cat/my new boyfriend). Once I became a functioning human being around 1, Nikki came over and we headed to meet up w/ two friends from the program in the Born neighborhood. We walked around and ended up getting tapas in a restaurant on the boardwalk. Favorite item? Little octopus (octopi?) in a delicious sauce. After we wrapped up "lunch", we realized it was almost 5:30. We headed home to take naps before going out. I woke up to my host mom, Nene, having a conversation with the cat; asking him what he wanted for dinner and telling him how "gordo" he is.
Juan Antonio was out for the evening, so I had dinner with Nene and her sister, Vergonia. It was wonderful to get to know Nene better. I learned that Juan Antonio is an architect but because of the tough economy in Spain and the slow development, he only works periodically. However, they live a very comfortable life. Nene doesn't work. Most of her family (11 siblings!) lives in Barcelona and she cares for her mother who has Alzheimer and her sister who is disabled. She is incredibly kind and caring, but also fiery and hilarious. I feel so fortunate to have been placed with such wonderful, interesting people.
After dinner, I met up w/ the CIEE girls at a club near the beach. My group of friends here is becoming more defined. We're having a great time!
Today, I met up with Nikki and another girl on our program, Cherie, to go shopping downtown (sorry Mom!). The day after Three Kings Day is the big sale in Spain, so there were incredible markdowns but also insane crowds. Downtown was a zoo; the stores were packed and people were literally arguing over merchandise. We were only able to handle it for a few hours before we called it quits. Cherie, Nikki, and I all live in the same neighborhood, so we headed back there, got lunch, then walked around for about an hour. The neighborhood I live in is BEAUTIFUL. The architecture is amazing, there are lots of interesting shops and restaurants, and there are little parks tucked into the neighborhoods. Again, I'm so lucky.
Tonight the CIEE girls are going to a few bars in L'Exaimple, my neighborhood. We wanted a low key, less touristy scene.
Tomorrow, we're going to two of Barcelona's open air markets. Stories and photos to come.
Hasta!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Barcelona!
I'm pretty sure I'm never leaving here. I hope you'll come visit me.
I arrived in Barcelona yesterday and I LOVE it. The city is beautiful and exciting. We've been getting oriented and ready to start classes. The jet lag in addition to the huge amount of information that's being thrown at us all at once is making the past two days a huge blur, but here are a few highlights.
When CIEE, my abroad program, first met up, everyone was exhausted after traveling but also extremely excited to finally be here and meet everyone. After a 'welcome' info session, we broke off into smaller groups led by our "Guardian Angels", Spanish students at the local universities who help us figure out the city and the school. My GA, Marta, walked us around the surrounding area, El Centro (downtown). We were able to see where the CIEE offices are, walk through the shopping district on the street Les Cortes Catalanes, and begin to get to know the city. However, we were all too excited, jet lagged, and a little overwhelmed to really soak it all in.
That night, a group of about 15 us met up to go out to a club on near the beach. At the club, we ran into more CIEE people. All said and done, there were about 40 CIEE students all huddled together dancing and getting to know each other. We kept bringing up that we can't really believe we're here. It's still not entirely real.
Today we had our Spanish language placement test to determine what language class we'll be taking. Remember the subjunctive? Yeah. Me neither. It ultimately turned out fine, but it made me realize my goals for my Spanish while I'm here. Adelante, as they say. After the test, we broke up into our GA groups and went to lunch. It was so great to get to sit down and talk to my group. There are so many nice, fun people here. I'm certain we're all going to have a great semester and come out with some good friends.
The real highlight of the time in Barcelona has been meeting my homestay family. My homestay mom, Nene (a nickname for Virginia) and my homestay dad, Juan Antonio, live in a beautiful old building in the Eixample neighborhood. The inside of the apartment is exactly how I pictured a Barcelona home: beautiful bright colors on the walls, orange brick arched ceilings, and full of interesting art. I unpacked while Nene made dinner for Juan and me. Over dinner we got to know each other. Nene mentioned that she's a huge Rolling Stones fan and that she saw them play in the Olympic Stadium a few years ago. Incredible. After dinner, I gave my family the host gift I brought them, a big box of Jelly Bellys. They loved trying each flavor. However when we came across the toasted marshmallow bean, I struggled to think of the Spanish word for marshmallow. Instead I tried to describe a marshmallow, which also didn't go so well. All I could say was "un dulce blanca que si pone en un fuego, es deliciosa" ("a white sweet that if you put in a fire, it's delicious"). Not helpful, Libby. After dinner we sat and chatted on the couch while Manolo, their ENORMOUS cat cuddled with me. I'm loving my living situation so far!
I'm going to bed (finally at a normal hour!) because I'm getting up early tomorrow to run around my neighborhood and explore. Also, tomorrow is Three Kings Day which is apparently a really big deal here. From what Juan Antonio told me, there's a big parade and lots of festivities and the day afterward there are huge sales. I may have a new favorite holiday.
As I said, I'm probably never leaving Barcelona.
Hasta!
I arrived in Barcelona yesterday and I LOVE it. The city is beautiful and exciting. We've been getting oriented and ready to start classes. The jet lag in addition to the huge amount of information that's being thrown at us all at once is making the past two days a huge blur, but here are a few highlights.
When CIEE, my abroad program, first met up, everyone was exhausted after traveling but also extremely excited to finally be here and meet everyone. After a 'welcome' info session, we broke off into smaller groups led by our "Guardian Angels", Spanish students at the local universities who help us figure out the city and the school. My GA, Marta, walked us around the surrounding area, El Centro (downtown). We were able to see where the CIEE offices are, walk through the shopping district on the street Les Cortes Catalanes, and begin to get to know the city. However, we were all too excited, jet lagged, and a little overwhelmed to really soak it all in.
That night, a group of about 15 us met up to go out to a club on near the beach. At the club, we ran into more CIEE people. All said and done, there were about 40 CIEE students all huddled together dancing and getting to know each other. We kept bringing up that we can't really believe we're here. It's still not entirely real.
Today we had our Spanish language placement test to determine what language class we'll be taking. Remember the subjunctive? Yeah. Me neither. It ultimately turned out fine, but it made me realize my goals for my Spanish while I'm here. Adelante, as they say. After the test, we broke up into our GA groups and went to lunch. It was so great to get to sit down and talk to my group. There are so many nice, fun people here. I'm certain we're all going to have a great semester and come out with some good friends.
The real highlight of the time in Barcelona has been meeting my homestay family. My homestay mom, Nene (a nickname for Virginia) and my homestay dad, Juan Antonio, live in a beautiful old building in the Eixample neighborhood. The inside of the apartment is exactly how I pictured a Barcelona home: beautiful bright colors on the walls, orange brick arched ceilings, and full of interesting art. I unpacked while Nene made dinner for Juan and me. Over dinner we got to know each other. Nene mentioned that she's a huge Rolling Stones fan and that she saw them play in the Olympic Stadium a few years ago. Incredible. After dinner, I gave my family the host gift I brought them, a big box of Jelly Bellys. They loved trying each flavor. However when we came across the toasted marshmallow bean, I struggled to think of the Spanish word for marshmallow. Instead I tried to describe a marshmallow, which also didn't go so well. All I could say was "un dulce blanca que si pone en un fuego, es deliciosa" ("a white sweet that if you put in a fire, it's delicious"). Not helpful, Libby. After dinner we sat and chatted on the couch while Manolo, their ENORMOUS cat cuddled with me. I'm loving my living situation so far!
I'm going to bed (finally at a normal hour!) because I'm getting up early tomorrow to run around my neighborhood and explore. Also, tomorrow is Three Kings Day which is apparently a really big deal here. From what Juan Antonio told me, there's a big parade and lots of festivities and the day afterward there are huge sales. I may have a new favorite holiday.
As I said, I'm probably never leaving Barcelona.
Hasta!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Rapperswil
After another run through the vineyards this morning, Margaret and I visited Rapperswil, a small town on Lake Zurich. January 1 is a national holiday, so not much was open, but it was still very exciting. The main attractions in Rapperswil are a castle and church that overlook the lake. Despite the clouds obstructing the view of the Alps, it was incredibly beautiful. Most of the buildings are restored originals, so Rapperswil looked exactly like how I've pictured Switzerland: buildings with shutters, shingled roofs, Julie Andrews singing from the hilltops. All of that.
Adjusting to the jet lag is still not going well. It's after 3am here and I'm wide awake.
Barcelona is getting closer and closer. I can't wait.
Hasta.
Adjusting to the jet lag is still not going well. It's after 3am here and I'm wide awake.
Barcelona is getting closer and closer. I can't wait.
Hasta.
2011
Happy New Year!
Yesterday was a wonderful day in Switzerland. Jet lag hit me HARD so I didn't end up waking up until around 1pm, which most of you know is VERY unlike me. After forcing myself to be a functioning human being, I had a late breakfast/lunch of yogurt and a roll shaped like a pig face (a Swiss sign of good luck!). Margaret, my aunt, suggested we go for a walk over to the vineyards in her town where I could go for a run. The walk over was short and once we got there, Margaret suggested a route for me to take. I started at the base of a hill where the roads took a series up loops, going up then back down. Though it was gray and cold, it was absolutely beautiful. There wasn't much snow on the ground, but it was a beautiful winter country scene; lots of small farm houses, rows of vineyards, and flocks of sheep grazing on the still-green grass. I wish I'd brought a camera.
One thing was very striking during the run. Though I was out in the countryside and it was COLD out (around 32 degrees F), there were lots of people out walking with friends and family. It was clear it wasn't people's mode of transportation, but rather a leisure activity. I would pass most without even making eye contact, but some would greet me in Swiss German (to which I would awkwardly reply "hi").
Later in the evening, I had dinner with Margaret (my cousin Maggie met my uncle for dinner in Zurich) who made cheese fondue for dinner. What a treat! Maggie came home shortly after we finished dinner and we all shared black forest cake and prosecco. As it neared midnight, we put out warm clothes on and walked a few blocks to the Zurich lakefront to watch fireworks. It was amazing to see all the fireworks shows that the towns along the lake put on as well as the smaller displays that families (and probably groups of teenagers) set off. After we'd had enough of the cold, we returned home. Maggie and I called our grandmother, Prissy, to wish her a happy new year, but once she realized what time it was here she told us to go to bed.
Margaret took Maggie to the airport this morning, so I've been sitting around the apartment reading and stretching (it was icy on the run yesterday and I slid a little and tweaked my hamstring. nbd). As corny as it sounds, I think being in Europe for the new year has been very appropriate. I'm starting this new adventure in a new country. Let's go for the hat trick and add on 'new year' as well.
That's all for now.
Hasta.
Yesterday was a wonderful day in Switzerland. Jet lag hit me HARD so I didn't end up waking up until around 1pm, which most of you know is VERY unlike me. After forcing myself to be a functioning human being, I had a late breakfast/lunch of yogurt and a roll shaped like a pig face (a Swiss sign of good luck!). Margaret, my aunt, suggested we go for a walk over to the vineyards in her town where I could go for a run. The walk over was short and once we got there, Margaret suggested a route for me to take. I started at the base of a hill where the roads took a series up loops, going up then back down. Though it was gray and cold, it was absolutely beautiful. There wasn't much snow on the ground, but it was a beautiful winter country scene; lots of small farm houses, rows of vineyards, and flocks of sheep grazing on the still-green grass. I wish I'd brought a camera.
One thing was very striking during the run. Though I was out in the countryside and it was COLD out (around 32 degrees F), there were lots of people out walking with friends and family. It was clear it wasn't people's mode of transportation, but rather a leisure activity. I would pass most without even making eye contact, but some would greet me in Swiss German (to which I would awkwardly reply "hi").
Later in the evening, I had dinner with Margaret (my cousin Maggie met my uncle for dinner in Zurich) who made cheese fondue for dinner. What a treat! Maggie came home shortly after we finished dinner and we all shared black forest cake and prosecco. As it neared midnight, we put out warm clothes on and walked a few blocks to the Zurich lakefront to watch fireworks. It was amazing to see all the fireworks shows that the towns along the lake put on as well as the smaller displays that families (and probably groups of teenagers) set off. After we'd had enough of the cold, we returned home. Maggie and I called our grandmother, Prissy, to wish her a happy new year, but once she realized what time it was here she told us to go to bed.
Margaret took Maggie to the airport this morning, so I've been sitting around the apartment reading and stretching (it was icy on the run yesterday and I slid a little and tweaked my hamstring. nbd). As corny as it sounds, I think being in Europe for the new year has been very appropriate. I'm starting this new adventure in a new country. Let's go for the hat trick and add on 'new year' as well.
That's all for now.
Hasta.
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