Thursday was a big day of tests, my first two test here in Spain. I was pretty worried, but it ended up great. My hand was pretty dead after writing pages in Spanish for history and paragraphs for grammar but it was so satisfying to be able to do it! I have passed the three week mark here in Spain and “they say” after that everything starts to fall into place with language learning—I guess we'll see!
Friday I headed off to Lagos, Portugal with six of my friends. The bus left at 7:30am (still dark here in Spain) and was five hours. Needless to saw we were ready to be there. But it was so worth it, Lagos is preciosa, absolutely beautiful. Gorgeous blue water with giant rock formations jutting out from the land, palm trees, and lovely breezes. We spent about forty minutes wandering the cobble stone streets looking for our hotel getting very different directions from every person we asked. It was exciting that people in Lagos speak more English than Spanish so we had a mini-break from language learning as well. And thankfully Portuguese is close enough to Spanish that we could read most the signs!
Saturday we took a boat to take us out around the cliffs and caves. Our tour guide, Luis, was wonderful. He was pointing out all sorts of rock formations to make us laugh like elephants, camels, and even Michael Jackson's face! We spent about an hour an a half admiring the beauty! The water was magnificent blues and turquoise. We were even able to swim! I was the first to dive off the boat and find out just how cold the water was! A few of us swam to the rocks to climb up into one of the caves where we saw crabs, sea urchins etc. The water was so clear we could see our toes and a probably about 3 meters down. Luis jumped in too after taking pictures for us. It was wonderful.
I would like to say that we explored a lot of the town but really we were so captivated with the beach that most the time was spent there. Swimming, reading in the sand, looking for purple and orange shells, or just staring at the beautiful creation before us. If you get the chance go to Lagos.
27 September, 2010
16 September, 2010
Ill in Spain
I have come down with a terrible sore throat accompanied by a general achiness and strong headache. And though I feel pretty miserable this too has been a very interesting cultural lesson! Yesterday I told Isabel how I was feeling (I figured sitting on the couch for more than four hours needed an explanation) and she immediately began to tell me I needed to take some of her medicine. I told her I had taken ibuprofen to which she responded that she wanted to see the bottle. I show her and she told me those were way too weak and next time I needed to take hers. That night at dinner she said Amber (who by now was feeling sick as well) and I could not have ice since our throats hurt and could not drink cold water. We obeyed and only had lukewarm water. She also decided that we got sick because the previous weekend at the beach we had gone from the hot sand to the cool water too many times.
Before bed she opened my window to let the fresh air in but told me to leave my fan off because that also makes your throat worse. I took her stronger ibuprofen and fell into bed. In the middle of the night I woke up to Isabel standing over me telling me to “toma, toma!” I began to drink from the cup she held to my mouth. The hot sweet liquid burned. It was lemon juice and honey. She kept telling me to drink, drink, so I chugged the liquid and fell back asleep. In the morning she told me I was okay and didn't have a fever because she had checked on me twice during the night to make sure I didn't get one. I thanked her and took my shower. I really wanted milk so I went to the kitchen and poured myself a glass of milk to go with my magdelenas for breakfast. Isabel came in and said, “oh no! You cannot drink milk, you need to drink another lemon drink!” I gave her my cup of milk and sat down like a good girl and waited for another cup of the lemon juice and honey. This cup, drank while awake and more slowly, actually felt really good on my throat.
On the way to school Amber and I laughed sharing our stories about Isabel coming in during the night to make us drink the potion and feeling our necks for fever.
Isabel is so kind to us, caring for us as if we were her own daughters—even if it is a bit excessive!
Before bed she opened my window to let the fresh air in but told me to leave my fan off because that also makes your throat worse. I took her stronger ibuprofen and fell into bed. In the middle of the night I woke up to Isabel standing over me telling me to “toma, toma!” I began to drink from the cup she held to my mouth. The hot sweet liquid burned. It was lemon juice and honey. She kept telling me to drink, drink, so I chugged the liquid and fell back asleep. In the morning she told me I was okay and didn't have a fever because she had checked on me twice during the night to make sure I didn't get one. I thanked her and took my shower. I really wanted milk so I went to the kitchen and poured myself a glass of milk to go with my magdelenas for breakfast. Isabel came in and said, “oh no! You cannot drink milk, you need to drink another lemon drink!” I gave her my cup of milk and sat down like a good girl and waited for another cup of the lemon juice and honey. This cup, drank while awake and more slowly, actually felt really good on my throat.
On the way to school Amber and I laughed sharing our stories about Isabel coming in during the night to make us drink the potion and feeling our necks for fever.
Isabel is so kind to us, caring for us as if we were her own daughters—even if it is a bit excessive!
13 September, 2010
Càdiz
Saturday I took a day trip to Càdiz, the oldest city on the Iberian Peninsula —over 3,000 years! It is about 2 hours outside of Sevilla by train on the very southwest bit on the Atlantic . Some classmates and I took a historic walk around the city through its tiny cobbled streets. We took pictures in giant magnolia trees and finally walked along the sea wall to Victoria
Yesterday, Sunday I made it to a church here in Sevilla called Prosperidad. It was so refreshing. I knew almost all the songs we sang (from going to church in Guate) and as I joined with the other believers in song my body shook with emotion and tears of thanksgiving filled my eyes. I had forgotten the joy and peace that come when as one body we lift our voices to worship our Lord. All the cultural differences, language barriers, and frustrations of a new country melt away when as one body we join in worship together. I think I am finally come to understand that my home is with the Lord and in His presence not in any earthly place.
10 September, 2010
We had girls night the other night and took paddle boats out onto the river. It was so beautiful to paddle down the river and see all the old buildings in the background and all the young people congregated along the edges of the river. The sun set as we were out on the water creating the perfect background for our evening. I feel so blessed to be in this beautiful place where I am daily amazed at God's creativity in His creation!
Walking home one day with my room mates we noticed a lot of locks on edges of the bridge over the river. We were confused wondering why there were so many locks. I noticed they were written on, two names actually. I asked Isabel at home what they were. She explained to me that novios, couples, will buy a lock together, write their names on it, lock it together, then throw the key into the river signifying their eternal love. I had to smile.
Walking home one day with my room mates we noticed a lot of locks on edges of the bridge over the river. We were confused wondering why there were so many locks. I noticed they were written on, two names actually. I asked Isabel at home what they were. She explained to me that novios, couples, will buy a lock together, write their names on it, lock it together, then throw the key into the river signifying their eternal love. I had to smile.
09 September, 2010
One Week in Sevilla
I have officially been in Sevilla one week! I can hardly believe that statement is true, so much has happened. This weekend included much needed rest, learning, and fun. Friday my room mates and I decided to go for a walk and do some shopping. Being the eager Americans we are we left right after siesta at 5:00 p.m. on the dot. Of course none of the shops had opened yet so which gave us plenty of time to find our way and we ended up stopping in a little bar/cafe called "Java Cafe." It wasn't very busy as we entered though it quickly became so. It is funny how something as simple as ordering a coke can be intimidating in a new country. We weren't sure if we should just sit down and someone would come to our table for our orders or if we should go order then sit. We sat. Someone came to take our order but we found out (through the wonderful teacher observation) that one person normally places the order at the bar while the others choose the table.
Afterwards we went went shopping and found some cute stores. It is wonderful living in a city where you can walk everywhere! I am not usually a person who enjoys shopping, but here in Spain it has been a lot of fun. My room mates and I have passed quite a few afternoons browsing through the stores on San Jaciento. We found one store we really liked which is ran by a chino. She was so sweet to us recognizing we were students, telling us about apartments in the area, and helping us figure out our European shoe size. We also found a cute jewelry/purse shop where everything was only 2 euros. I made my first purchase there- a cute yellow hand bag!
Saturday morning I went shopping with Isabel. First we went to the supermarcado. On the way we ran into a friend she knew so we of course stopped to talk for 20 minutes. Isabel introduces me as one of her niñas. I feel like a little girl with her grandmother as I waited while she talked to her friend from elementary school, then her cousin. In Sevilla almost everyone has lived here all their lives like there parents and grandparents before them. They have the same friends since pre-school and have probably married someone they grew up with. I love this community where people come first and time is a secondary factor.
Isabel and I ended up going to the supermarcado, the fish store, the butcher, the perfumería, and the bread store. She pointed out everything one the way and described why she went to each store. Everyone, I am told, knows her butcher is the best butcher in town because every day he sells out of meat and gets fresh for the next day. She told me you have to go before noon (2:00 p.m.) or there will be none left. Needless to say I learned a lot, not only about the neighborhood but about her.
I went with my room-mates, Margo and Amber, yesterday to buy train tickets. We decided to take the bus since is was about a 30 min. walk. So glad we did. Not only did we learn how to buy bus tickets, but we saw more of the city! We made it to the train station and bought our tickets for Cadiz quite successfully. It is exciting to be learning all these new things and managing them all in Spanish!
Afterwards we went went shopping and found some cute stores. It is wonderful living in a city where you can walk everywhere! I am not usually a person who enjoys shopping, but here in Spain it has been a lot of fun. My room mates and I have passed quite a few afternoons browsing through the stores on San Jaciento. We found one store we really liked which is ran by a chino. She was so sweet to us recognizing we were students, telling us about apartments in the area, and helping us figure out our European shoe size. We also found a cute jewelry/purse shop where everything was only 2 euros. I made my first purchase there- a cute yellow hand bag!
Saturday morning I went shopping with Isabel. First we went to the supermarcado. On the way we ran into a friend she knew so we of course stopped to talk for 20 minutes. Isabel introduces me as one of her niñas. I feel like a little girl with her grandmother as I waited while she talked to her friend from elementary school, then her cousin. In Sevilla almost everyone has lived here all their lives like there parents and grandparents before them. They have the same friends since pre-school and have probably married someone they grew up with. I love this community where people come first and time is a secondary factor.
Isabel and I ended up going to the supermarcado, the fish store, the butcher, the perfumería, and the bread store. She pointed out everything one the way and described why she went to each store. Everyone, I am told, knows her butcher is the best butcher in town because every day he sells out of meat and gets fresh for the next day. She told me you have to go before noon (2:00 p.m.) or there will be none left. Needless to say I learned a lot, not only about the neighborhood but about her.
I went with my room-mates, Margo and Amber, yesterday to buy train tickets. We decided to take the bus since is was about a 30 min. walk. So glad we did. Not only did we learn how to buy bus tickets, but we saw more of the city! We made it to the train station and bought our tickets for Cadiz quite successfully. It is exciting to be learning all these new things and managing them all in Spanish!
02 September, 2010
Spain!
So I am finally here in Spain. I have been long anticipating my semester abroad and am so excited it is finally upon me! I will update as frequently as I can but I'm not promising anything- too much to see and do!
These are some notes I have taken so far. *Disclaimer- I am an ignorant American trying to learn about a new culture- please forgive me for any comments which you know to be wrong. Let me know and I will change what I can!
Tuesday Aug 31
I am here safe. I have spent my first night in Sevilla. It is 5:00 here (still early afternoon here.) My travels all went well smooth connections, etc. I got a bit lost on my way to the actual apartment but found it in the end. My señora is great- very very kind. I am still very tired with the time change etc. but I am adjusting. The food is really good "y muy sano," very healthy, as my señora says. The other two girls from my school have arrived to the house so that is fun. Orientation starts tomorrow morning and is the next morning as well. I am excited to get started. The accent is hard to catch on to- I have been practicing "graTHias" instead of "graCias" all day! Its very hot here, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I hope I get used to the lay out of the city soon, I don't like feeling lost- but it's all part of the adventure right!?
Other observations:
Though the language here is Spanish it is such a different world from Guatemala and central America (duh!). I can see is a lot of Arabic influence in Spain, I can hear traces of Arabic in the Spanish accent, taste it in the food, and see it in the architecture. Of course the European influence can be seen too, hair, dress, physical appearance. I am excited to get to wander around on the streets some and observe things, once I get over jet-lag that is!
I am extremely pleased with my señora. In the past I have heard that students have had problems getting used to their señora, but not so with mine! She is a widow and though a small woman in stature is very full of life and energetic. I walked with her to get bread, watched as she prepared dinner, and she showed me the photos of her children's weddings. She loves to talk and tell me things, about culture, her political views, anything really. She walked Amber, Margo, and I to the school to make sure we din't get lost, and showed me very carefully (including practice time) how to lock and unlock the doors.
I was a little worried about the food, but so far it has been great! Yummy salads, chicken, etc. She does eat a lot of seafood, white fish and shrimp, so I am going to do my best to adjust to that. She said I can tell her if I don't like something, but I want to give everything a try. Yesterday for lunch she gave me a tasty red drink, I late found out was wine mixed with club soda! Since then I have suck with "agua por favor." haha!
Since I was so tired yesterday we just mostly watched tv. It was good listening to Spanish, getting more familiar with the accent.
Okay, I think that's all for now.
Wednesday Sept 1
Well yesterday Margo, Amber, and I walked around a little bit- but we hope to do so more today. We sat by the river and the plaza de oro (which apparently Columbus stored his gold from the "new world.") It is really pleasant outside when there is a breeze. I didn't sleep well at all last night but I think my body is still just getting used to everything. We had orientation this morning, talking about safety, living with our senora etc. It was okay but just a lot of information (a lot of which anyone who had traveled knew, but a good reminder I guess) Tomorrow we sign up for classes!
Dinner was wonderful tonight. Isabel, my señora, told us about her family history and about life as a Sevillian.
I'm sure most these notes are incoherent. I hope I will return to normal soon and my posts will be more interesting!
These are some notes I have taken so far. *Disclaimer- I am an ignorant American trying to learn about a new culture- please forgive me for any comments which you know to be wrong. Let me know and I will change what I can!
Tuesday Aug 31
I am here safe. I have spent my first night in Sevilla. It is 5:00 here (still early afternoon here.) My travels all went well smooth connections, etc. I got a bit lost on my way to the actual apartment but found it in the end. My señora is great- very very kind. I am still very tired with the time change etc. but I am adjusting. The food is really good "y muy sano," very healthy, as my señora says. The other two girls from my school have arrived to the house so that is fun. Orientation starts tomorrow morning and is the next morning as well. I am excited to get started. The accent is hard to catch on to- I have been practicing "graTHias" instead of "graCias" all day! Its very hot here, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I hope I get used to the lay out of the city soon, I don't like feeling lost- but it's all part of the adventure right!?
Other observations:
Though the language here is Spanish it is such a different world from Guatemala and central America (duh!). I can see is a lot of Arabic influence in Spain, I can hear traces of Arabic in the Spanish accent, taste it in the food, and see it in the architecture. Of course the European influence can be seen too, hair, dress, physical appearance. I am excited to get to wander around on the streets some and observe things, once I get over jet-lag that is!
I am extremely pleased with my señora. In the past I have heard that students have had problems getting used to their señora, but not so with mine! She is a widow and though a small woman in stature is very full of life and energetic. I walked with her to get bread, watched as she prepared dinner, and she showed me the photos of her children's weddings. She loves to talk and tell me things, about culture, her political views, anything really. She walked Amber, Margo, and I to the school to make sure we din't get lost, and showed me very carefully (including practice time) how to lock and unlock the doors.
I was a little worried about the food, but so far it has been great! Yummy salads, chicken, etc. She does eat a lot of seafood, white fish and shrimp, so I am going to do my best to adjust to that. She said I can tell her if I don't like something, but I want to give everything a try. Yesterday for lunch she gave me a tasty red drink, I late found out was wine mixed with club soda! Since then I have suck with "agua por favor." haha!
Since I was so tired yesterday we just mostly watched tv. It was good listening to Spanish, getting more familiar with the accent.
Okay, I think that's all for now.
Wednesday Sept 1
Well yesterday Margo, Amber, and I walked around a little bit- but we hope to do so more today. We sat by the river and the plaza de oro (which apparently Columbus stored his gold from the "new world.") It is really pleasant outside when there is a breeze. I didn't sleep well at all last night but I think my body is still just getting used to everything. We had orientation this morning, talking about safety, living with our senora etc. It was okay but just a lot of information (a lot of which anyone who had traveled knew, but a good reminder I guess) Tomorrow we sign up for classes!
Dinner was wonderful tonight. Isabel, my señora, told us about her family history and about life as a Sevillian.
I'm sure most these notes are incoherent. I hope I will return to normal soon and my posts will be more interesting!
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