Hello again! This blog will be a bit shorter than my previous post, so if you have been following along and haven’t seen the Sevilla entry, I highly recommend it! And for today, as always… I’ll start off with the previous day’s events~!
Yesterday afternoon for lunch we had a chicken and potato soup, with large pieces of potato wedged in it. As always, delicious! I particularly enjoyed the chicken bit, very tasty!
Had a quick siesta yesterday afternoon as usual, and spent a good hour yesterday fixing my blog post and uploading all those Sevilla pictures! In the computer lab I met up with Scott, and we decided after finishing our respective internet messages, to go off somewhere!
Of course, that somewhere turned into where and how. As we didn’t have any planned trips until Wednesday, it was up to us to figure out something to do. (There’s a lot to do in Granada, so it’s pretty much figuring out what to tackle the day of.)
We decided perhaps, a walk to the western side of town? We had never been there before, as our school and our homestays are all on the east side of town, and I really wanted to see where the bullring was, despite no bullfights going on in the rest of June. So with that settled, and our plan of action laid out on a map, we left the language center.
We walked down the main street near the center of the city, and as soon as we were about to cross an intersection, Scott recognized a girl from his Spanish class, and we met up and started to chat. Apparently, she was going to meet a girl from her school group, and two other students that were in her class. She asked us where we were going, and we said for some "organized wandering." She then invited us to join her group for churros at a restaurant, and we decided, heck, why not?
So we went with her to the restaurant, which was back at a plaza had crossed. Her name was Beth, and she was from a university group from Louisiana. (LCU I think?) We then walked over to a large open area with tables, and grabbed a table for six. The outdoor waiter stopped by and gave us two menus, and we read over it while we waited for the others.
The others then arrived, a girl from Beth’s school and two students from her class, who were from Hong Kong, and spoke very good English and Spanish. We then ordered some churros and talked about our respective time and trips we had had this week in Granada! We then got churros, since I was the only one who had ever had some- and as before, they were really good, and very popular with the whole group!
After getting some churros and talking for a bit, we then all split our separate ways- however, me and Scott came to the conclusion that going to the west side of Granada at that point would have taken us way too long. The two students from Hong Kong, Janice and Zack, asked if we would join them to go get a sim card for Zack’s phone. So, since had no plans, we said, sure!
We then walked down a couple of streets from the restaurant to shop at a cell phone store. (the LCU girls had gone shopping in the other direction) Zack and Janice got onto buying a sim card, while me and Scott just browsed and looked at all the phones. After they got the sim card, we were then at the same problem as before: Where should we go next?
We decided check out the cathedral and see if there were times to visit inside, as I really wanted to go back and look around more, and did Scott. Janice said she had been inside before, so I wanted to see exactly where to enter, as the main doors had only been open on Sunday. So all four of us walked over to the Cathedral area, and Janice showed us where we could enter inside to tour the church! I am particularly happy to know where, as I am planning sometime this week to stop in and check it out!
Afterwards, we got on the topic of teahouses, and neither of the Hong Kong students had been to one before. Scott remembered where the tea house we went to last week was, so we all decided to walk all the way down the main road to go and revisit it! I checked the map while walking, and realized that the tea house was a little into the Albacin, or the Arab-influenced quarter of Granada, so I was very excited to discover that- as I have been very much wanting to explore that area!
We then showed the two students where the teahouse was, and suggested they go there, which they were quite interested in returning to visit! We then walked around and talked some more, until it started pushing 8:30, and we all went our separate ways to our home stays.
I then went back home for a 9 PM dinner, and my roommate (who I had tried calling earlier, but she had turned her phone off) suggested that we go out and go visit a tea house, as she hadn’t gotten to one in Granada! Of course, having such a great time last week, I lead her over back to the tea house I had just visited not an hour ago. We both got to sit, chat, and enjoy some good tea after a long day, so that was a lot of fun! After the tea house, we came home near 10:15, as bedtime for us is 11 PM!
Today was class in the morning, and for lunch was a delicious noodles with spinach! Our home mom was out on an urgent call, so we both had a quiet lunch at home that had been already set out for us to eat. Later today, us Abroadco kids are going to meet up with some Europeans and watch tonight’s futbol (soccer) game of Spain versus Russia in the European Cup, and maybe go for some tapas too! It sounds to be a lot of fun, and I am very excited to go.
Until next time!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Daytrip to Sevilla!
Another day, another entry- this time of my first trip with the university, to the city of los toreadors and the famous Cathedral…Sevilla!
That morning, I had to wake up at 6:15 AM to prepare myself for the trip. Breakfast had been already set out complete with sandwiches for lunch, which was tasty French bread with some spiced meat. I left the house about 6:45 AM, as I was going to meet Scott at the mail office at 7 AM to walk together to the bus station. (Stephanie has gotten better, but didn’t want to push herself, so she opted out of the trip.)
At 7 AM, us Abroadco students met up, and off we went down the street. Much like New York, the city was still active even in the morning- taxis lumbering down the road for a new day, trash services cleaning off the streets, and several groups of young people ambling down the streets from a full night of hanging out at the local discotecas. We had to walk a large portion of two streets to make it to the bus area, which Jaime and Inma had led us to the day before. We knew we were in the right spot when several large groups of Americans showed up at the same spot. 7:27 AM the bus arrived, and all of us hopped on in a mass mob, and at exactly 7:45 AM we left the city of Granada… for the city of Sevilla.
The trip itself was about 3 hours from Granada, including stopping at a small roadside restaurant. The sights along the road to Sevilla were also spectacular- several smaller cities spread out against long rows of agriculture, always in the background of the magnificent Sierra Nevada. I dozed for about a quarter of the trip, as the professor from the University began to explain the day’s events, then conceded to grouse at the continually talking Americans in the back of the bus. Finally, three hours later, we arrived at the Archaeological Complex, Italica.. site of an ancient Roman city.
When we first entered the ruins, all around were different replicas of sculptures that had been found on location. Later on we learned the original sculptures were being held in a museum for preservation, but these replicas were just as interesting had they been originals on display. Two were placed in the front garden, and they looked liked they’d always been there:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures082.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures083.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures086.jpg
Next, a large pile of rubble and ruins lay straight in front of our mass of people, and the professor began to speak (solely in Spanish!) about the history of the ruins. It was a bit difficult to understand the large words he used, but what I did get was that this place had been a Roman amphitheatre and center of culture in the town:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures085.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures084.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures087.jpg
We then walked into the center of the amphitheatre.....
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures090.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures091.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures092.jpg
then the labyrinth of dark tunnels inside...
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures089.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures088.jpg
Our group then entered a small room structure, where we all gathered around and listened again to the professor speak:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures105.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures007.jpg
We then went inside the expansion of ruins, then we toured inside, and viewed original mosaics still intact, left over from when they gave the interior of the home’s floor a colorful flair:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures001.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures002.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures005.jpg
We viewed several different ones, the professor all the while explaining the different pictures and mosaics typical of the Romans:
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/?action=view¤t=SevillaPictures107.flv
We clambered through the area, enjoying the different mosaics that honored different things: birds, animals, gods, war- different situations for different tastes.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures008.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures021.jpg
Touring through the gardens, we then visited the main buildings, which hosted an impressive display of curving doorways and hand-carved decorations, complete with open airways, large doors, decorated ceilings, and simplistic centered fountains:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures048.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures052.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures053.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures050.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures061.jpg
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/
note-they are not in order! My camera decided to mix them up....
Until next time!
That morning, I had to wake up at 6:15 AM to prepare myself for the trip. Breakfast had been already set out complete with sandwiches for lunch, which was tasty French bread with some spiced meat. I left the house about 6:45 AM, as I was going to meet Scott at the mail office at 7 AM to walk together to the bus station. (Stephanie has gotten better, but didn’t want to push herself, so she opted out of the trip.)
At 7 AM, us Abroadco students met up, and off we went down the street. Much like New York, the city was still active even in the morning- taxis lumbering down the road for a new day, trash services cleaning off the streets, and several groups of young people ambling down the streets from a full night of hanging out at the local discotecas. We had to walk a large portion of two streets to make it to the bus area, which Jaime and Inma had led us to the day before. We knew we were in the right spot when several large groups of Americans showed up at the same spot. 7:27 AM the bus arrived, and all of us hopped on in a mass mob, and at exactly 7:45 AM we left the city of Granada… for the city of Sevilla.
The trip itself was about 3 hours from Granada, including stopping at a small roadside restaurant. The sights along the road to Sevilla were also spectacular- several smaller cities spread out against long rows of agriculture, always in the background of the magnificent Sierra Nevada. I dozed for about a quarter of the trip, as the professor from the University began to explain the day’s events, then conceded to grouse at the continually talking Americans in the back of the bus. Finally, three hours later, we arrived at the Archaeological Complex, Italica.. site of an ancient Roman city.
When we first entered the ruins, all around were different replicas of sculptures that had been found on location. Later on we learned the original sculptures were being held in a museum for preservation, but these replicas were just as interesting had they been originals on display. Two were placed in the front garden, and they looked liked they’d always been there:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures082.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures083.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures086.jpg
Next, a large pile of rubble and ruins lay straight in front of our mass of people, and the professor began to speak (solely in Spanish!) about the history of the ruins. It was a bit difficult to understand the large words he used, but what I did get was that this place had been a Roman amphitheatre and center of culture in the town:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures085.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures084.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures087.jpg
We then walked into the center of the amphitheatre.....
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures090.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures091.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures092.jpg
then the labyrinth of dark tunnels inside...
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures089.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures088.jpg
Our group then entered a small room structure, where we all gathered around and listened again to the professor speak:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures097.jpg
I couldn’t help but notice the words ‘Sala de Gladiatorias,’ and understand the significance. This room had been where gladiators, before performing, would wait for their turn in the ring. Along side the room held a plaque in Roman for the gladiators:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures096.jpg
I also took a picture of the translation next of it, in Spanish:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures099.jpg
We then left through the entrance, and my mind wandered to how it must have been like for gladiators to pass through this same doorway to their own battles.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures098.jpg
Next, we walked back through the gardens, several students snapping hasty photographs of more of the ruins, and out towards the larger, spread out ruins of mosaics and homes long gone. On the way there was a spectacular array of trees alongside the road, ruins hiding beneath their shade:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures101.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures102.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures103.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures104.jpg
The temperature was increasing all the while, cloudless skies illuminating the surrounding countryside-http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures105.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures007.jpg
We then went inside the expansion of ruins, then we toured inside, and viewed original mosaics still intact, left over from when they gave the interior of the home’s floor a colorful flair:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures001.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures002.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures005.jpg
We viewed several different ones, the professor all the while explaining the different pictures and mosaics typical of the Romans:
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/?action=view¤t=SevillaPictures107.flv
We clambered through the area, enjoying the different mosaics that honored different things: birds, animals, gods, war- different situations for different tastes.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures008.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures009.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures010.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures012.jpg
The homes themselves, according this sign, would have looked like this back in the day:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures018.jpg
We then walked down the road, heat ever increasing, to hop on the bus and ride to our next stop… Sevilla itself!
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures021.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures022.jpg
Our group, ever led by the professor, sped over to the Alcazar, a famous Moorish palace in the heart of Sevilla. Entering inside, you would see large expansions of gardens all around, complete with castle architecture:
http://284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures015.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures029.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures028.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures027.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures025.jpg
Touring through the gardens, we then visited the main buildings, which hosted an impressive display of curving doorways and hand-carved decorations, complete with open airways, large doors, decorated ceilings, and simplistic centered fountains:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures048.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures052.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures053.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures050.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures051.jpg
We then walked to the later modified part of the building, in which when the Christians had taken over the Moorish palace, they added in their own pieces of architecture to the sprawling palace:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures054.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures055.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures056.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures057.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures058.jpg
After touring the Alcazar, we left through a huge archway, which led us straight to the next part of the tour... the Cathedral!
Unfortunately, the day we picked to go wasn’t the best one- a religious ceremony was taking place that very day, and no one was allowed to go inside the massive church. However, we were given 2 hours of free exploration to walk around and view the gothic styled building ourselves:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures061.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures062.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures063.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures064.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures067.jpg
Finally, we were given a half an hour to walk around the large Plaza de Espana, which was a large building centered in the city, and our professor explained several different films have been shot in this historic area:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures078.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures077.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures075.jpg
We walked past different mosaics of different cities in Spain, and both me and Scott posed by our favorite cities:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures080.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/SevillaPictures081.jpg
And then, as fast as we had came, we all walked back onto the bus and slept 3 hours all the way back to Granada.
For Sunday, I enjoyed sleeping in the first time this week. Our host family went for the day to visit family, and me and Stephanie took the opportunity to go out for churros for breakfast. It took us a while to find a churro-operating café, but eventually our efforts were rewarded! We found one very close to the house, and dined well for only 5.20 euros split between us! Churros are fried dough sticks served with a hot chocolate dipping sauce, and were very tasty!
We then ventured into a Chinese-owned dollar store, where I successfully bought a convertor for my computer, so that I may type my blog entries before I upload them online. Hurrah! (And the convertor was only 1,20 Euros, so I got one for a good price!) Afterwards, my roommate and I stopped home, where she took a nap and I went walking for a bit.
I had hoped to go see a corrida de toros, or a bullfight; however a stop to the tourist office and a quick inquiry told me there wasn’t one being held this week: only during special events! I’m going to make a point of talking with Jaime and Inma to figure out when an upcoming bullfight will be, because I really, really want to see one! (Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly, most of the students I’ve talked to don’t want to see one, but my host mom says it’s fine to go alone, so if I don’t find anyone to go with by the time one comes up, then off I shall go! :D)
After visiting the tourist office, I browsed through some tourist shops, as most of the regular stores were closed for Sunday. I then walked through my favorite part of town, the Cathedral square, and to my delight, the Cathedral was open! Traditional mass was taking place when I ventured inside, and only a few feet was allowed before the main part was gated off- as for tourists to watch, but not interrupt. We weren’t allowed to take pictures, but it was a gorgeous interior! Huge sculptures and paintings all around the entire church, and it was definitely eye candy. I will definitely go back when it’s open for touring to see all the front of the church, but what I saw on Sunday was definitely worth the stop!
Afterwards, I walked more around the city, mostly near the neighborhood where my home stay is. About 2:30 PM I came home for lunch and a nice, long siesta after a very busy week. I then got to try out my new convertor, and enjoy typing a blog leisurely, not as the typical rush at the school! After writing, I went wandering around Granada for a bit, as I had nothing else planned for the day, and enjoyed seeing some familiar sights and roads I had been on the week before. All in all, Sunday was pretty relaxing!
Today was back to school as usual, and I had to update my blog late as usual, as uploading pictures online takes a very long time! For the afternoon, I haven’t got a plan yet what to do, but maybe converse with my roommate to go out for tapas or something, or go exploring in Granada... there´s so much to see here!
As a final note, make sure to stop over and check out my photobucket, as I took so many pictures of Sevilla, I did not post all of them here!http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/
note-they are not in order! My camera decided to mix them up....
Until next time!
Friday, June 6, 2008
The east side of Granada
Hello once again! I´d like to start off by saying many, many thank yous to everyone who is commenting and reading this journal. I love reading them, and the suggestions and advice are very helpful! Many thanks again!
Yesterday, after being chased off the computer right after posting my last entry, (apparently the school is having some tests that are taken online, and since this is the only place to use computers, all the facebook surfers are chased out of here.)
I met up with Scott, my Abroadco buddy, as yesterday Abroadco didn´t have anything planned for us to attend, so we decided to make our own afternoon trip. Scott´s host family had mentioned a discoteca that played dance, techno, and trance music, so he really wanted to locate it' and it was in a place we´d never been, so it was uno bueno idea. My roomate is still under the weather, so she couldn´t come with us exploring. So off we went!
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3765.jpg
We walked for about little more than a half an hour from the school to the very eastern side of Granada, that is across a long, but not so wide river. It was pretty hot out as we walked along the busy streets.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3766.jpg
There were several large round-a-abouts, which I will definately have to remember to take a picture of, because they are enormous! We have several in Boca, but nothing on the size of these.
We passed a large park, which was called el Parque de los Ciencias. It was very large and spacious, with several buildings that I assume host a ton of different information on science. I marked that down to return to, as it is definately the mejor of the sciences of South Spain!
I couldn´t help but notice on our quest for the discoteca that, outside the city, (much like Laramie) the mountains are noticeably more visible. I got some great shots of these *huge* mountains:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3767.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3768.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3769.jpg
Magnificent!
After walking around the area for about an hour, (Scott´s family had marked a street down, but they were not sure where it was) we ventured into a grocery store. Scott recommended highly I purchase a chocolate spread for toast, and I decided to buy one:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3774.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3777.jpg
(I tried it this morning with my toast, and it was very good!)
After venturing the supermarket, we walked down a bit more of the main street to a huge superstore. Think Walmart, a grocery store, and a mall all together! Scott had been in one similar in Malaga, but I had never been, so we ventured inside for a bit and saw all the different things. One thing interesting I saw was large pigs legs, (hoof included) hanging in the meat section. Later on I found out it´s considered a delicacy in Spain. (For 70 plus Euros!) aa
After having ventured for 3 hours, me and Scott walked back to the main part of the city, where we parted ways for the night. Dinner was eggs and of a course a side of bread! I was a bit tired the night before, so right after dinner I headed to bed!
This morning got up at the same time, and went through my breakfast routine (with the tasty chocolate spread for my toast!) and off to class! I took some quick pictures of what my classroom looks like:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3781.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3782.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3783.jpg
(and my homework!)
After class, I met up with Scott and we ventured into the school bookstore, where we both bought notebooks for class with a university logo- so now I have something more than two pieces of computer paper to take notes on! After that venture I went for la comida, consisting of tasty sopa con pollo y pan! After lunch, I had my afternoon siesta and went exploring more of Granada, buying a university t'shirt to wear around. At 5:30 PM, Jaime and Inma met with me and Scott (Stephanie is still sick-but she is taking medicine a docotor in Granada prescribed her) and took us out for some ice cream! Que deliciosa!
But the main reason of today´s meeting was to show us the rally point for tommorrow´s trip...Seville! We leave Granada at 7:30 in the morning with a large group of students from el Centro de Lenguas Modernas on a tour bus, so I am definately going to bed early tonight. (Inma told me the bus ride will be three hours long, so maybe I will sleep on the way there.. though unlikely, since I´ll be too excited!) I am very excited to go, and of course, I will take lots of pictures during my trip este Sabado.
Well, time to hit the publish post button! Until next time!
Yesterday, after being chased off the computer right after posting my last entry, (apparently the school is having some tests that are taken online, and since this is the only place to use computers, all the facebook surfers are chased out of here.)
I met up with Scott, my Abroadco buddy, as yesterday Abroadco didn´t have anything planned for us to attend, so we decided to make our own afternoon trip. Scott´s host family had mentioned a discoteca that played dance, techno, and trance music, so he really wanted to locate it' and it was in a place we´d never been, so it was uno bueno idea. My roomate is still under the weather, so she couldn´t come with us exploring. So off we went!
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3765.jpg
We walked for about little more than a half an hour from the school to the very eastern side of Granada, that is across a long, but not so wide river. It was pretty hot out as we walked along the busy streets.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3766.jpg
There were several large round-a-abouts, which I will definately have to remember to take a picture of, because they are enormous! We have several in Boca, but nothing on the size of these.
We passed a large park, which was called el Parque de los Ciencias. It was very large and spacious, with several buildings that I assume host a ton of different information on science. I marked that down to return to, as it is definately the mejor of the sciences of South Spain!
I couldn´t help but notice on our quest for the discoteca that, outside the city, (much like Laramie) the mountains are noticeably more visible. I got some great shots of these *huge* mountains:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3767.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3768.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3769.jpg
Magnificent!
After walking around the area for about an hour, (Scott´s family had marked a street down, but they were not sure where it was) we ventured into a grocery store. Scott recommended highly I purchase a chocolate spread for toast, and I decided to buy one:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3774.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3777.jpg
(I tried it this morning with my toast, and it was very good!)
After venturing the supermarket, we walked down a bit more of the main street to a huge superstore. Think Walmart, a grocery store, and a mall all together! Scott had been in one similar in Malaga, but I had never been, so we ventured inside for a bit and saw all the different things. One thing interesting I saw was large pigs legs, (hoof included) hanging in the meat section. Later on I found out it´s considered a delicacy in Spain. (For 70 plus Euros!) aa
After having ventured for 3 hours, me and Scott walked back to the main part of the city, where we parted ways for the night. Dinner was eggs and of a course a side of bread! I was a bit tired the night before, so right after dinner I headed to bed!
This morning got up at the same time, and went through my breakfast routine (with the tasty chocolate spread for my toast!) and off to class! I took some quick pictures of what my classroom looks like:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3781.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3782.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3783.jpg
(and my homework!)
After class, I met up with Scott and we ventured into the school bookstore, where we both bought notebooks for class with a university logo- so now I have something more than two pieces of computer paper to take notes on! After that venture I went for la comida, consisting of tasty sopa con pollo y pan! After lunch, I had my afternoon siesta and went exploring more of Granada, buying a university t'shirt to wear around. At 5:30 PM, Jaime and Inma met with me and Scott (Stephanie is still sick-but she is taking medicine a docotor in Granada prescribed her) and took us out for some ice cream! Que deliciosa!
But the main reason of today´s meeting was to show us the rally point for tommorrow´s trip...Seville! We leave Granada at 7:30 in the morning with a large group of students from el Centro de Lenguas Modernas on a tour bus, so I am definately going to bed early tonight. (Inma told me the bus ride will be three hours long, so maybe I will sleep on the way there.. though unlikely, since I´ll be too excited!) I am very excited to go, and of course, I will take lots of pictures during my trip este Sabado.
Well, time to hit the publish post button! Until next time!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Two days worth of info, and PHOTOS!
Hola, amigos! Sorry for the lack of an update yesterday, but it was a hectic day, so I wasn’t able to make time for a post. However, that just means more stuff to talk about in this update! (and of course, PHOTOS!)
I’ll start off from Tuesday afternoon! After my last blog post and declaring my knowledge of the way around the city- ironically, I got lost. For about an hour. Que dia! However, using my map and managing to wander on the right street, I was able to find my way home. My host mom was extremely nice about the whole ordeal, and told me it was very typical of students to get lost in their first days. So I didn’t feel too horrible about it!
For lunch, we had a delicious vegetable soup and with some smaller meat slices on the side, always with a little dish of bread. The bread is so good here! I don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat bread from the United States again, the difference is incredible!
Afterwards of my exciting adventures in getting lost, I took my daily siesta until about 4:45 PM. Then, me and my roommate headed for our planned meeting with Abroadco for a tour of Granada.
We met up with Scott, the other Abroadco student, in front of the post office, el correo, which is our ‘rally point’ for everything! (Trips, meetings, etc). We chatted as we waited for Inma to come and take us on the tour, always watching the very heavy traffic of Granada. Granada reminds me of a smaller version of New York City- maybe like San Francisco- it’s definitely a city, but it is a lot smaller than NYC. My host mom told me it was the smallest city in Andalucía, so it makes sense. But don’t be fooled, even for being small, there is a lot going on!
Inma then arrived, and the tour began. We first headed over to the ‘Theatre’ which was an outdoor theatre. It was originally built by the Romans, and refurbished by the Moors- as you may see below, it definitely reflected the Arabian time period!
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3736.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3737.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3738.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3739.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3740.jpg
There was a show going on later tonight for all of the people to see, as it was a kind of city amphitheatre. The one thing I find really interesting about Spain is that, buildings may be centuries old, but if they work, they are still in use today!
(Walking down the road!)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3734.jpg
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/?action=view¤t=IMGP3735.jpg
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/?action=view¤t=IMGP3733.jpg
After visiting the outdoor theatre, my roommate Stephanie (who had been feeling ill earlier) asked if she could leave a bit early, as she felt very sick. She went back home to recuperate some more, which was sad that she missed out on the tour! (However, as soon as she feels back to normal, I’m going to take her on the tour myself! Can’t miss out on the excitement!)
After Stephanie went back to our house, we continued on our tour!
Next, we walked down an old Arab quarter- like a bazaar with items hung up everywhere, reflecting an extreme North African flavor. I found myself questioning whether I was in Spain or in Morocco! We walked down the narrow pathway through the shops, and saw all sorts of Arabian gifts and dress hanging up for sale. There were also some gypsies in the street that approached Inma with leafy branches, which she promptly responded with a ‘no’ when they tried to give them to her. She explained afterwards never to take their offerings- apparently, when you take the proffered items, they demand you give them money. If you don’t, they put a curse on you. Hmm…..
After walking down the Arab quarter, when then visited a Catherdal. Now, this isn’t your run of the mill Baptist Church. This place… was HUGE! Also of interest was this church is also the tomb of Isabella and Ferdinard, the King and Queen of Spain who paid Columbus to "discover" the new world. The funny thing was it has two sides as well- as it was worked on in both the Baroque and Reinassance period. It wasn´t finished, and today they are arguing whether or not to start again a 300 yeard overdue project. Who knows?
(Baroque side)
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/?action=view¤t=IMGP3741.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3742.jpg
(Reinassance side)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3744.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3743.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3746.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3745.jpg
As you can see from the photos and size comparison to people, this place was incredible! I was truly blown away, as I’ve never seen anything like it up close and personal. Inma told us that there were bigger churches in Seville, so I’m really looking forward to seeing those- I mean, insanity!
After the adventure to the huge Church, we then walked over to yet another large, old building that was the law school of Granada! It apparently had been built by the Romans as a palace, and of course, was converted into a school! We walked up a large staircase to discover a library full of students, who were studying for their own finals this week! The library was a new addition to the school, (new being around 1700s-1800s).
After visiting the law school, we then walked down the streets to visit a nearby hospital, which was once a Moorish palace. The definite influence was hard to miss in this old building:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3747.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3750.jpg
However, a Spanish flair was to be found in the many paintings that adorned the walls:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3748.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3749.jpg
And, the most recent repair of some tiles, was dated to be 1763, Que viejos los edificios! (How old are the buildings!)
It’s more of a recuperative center now than a hospital, but still in use today!
We then walked down a long calle (Spanish for road) to visit our last stop of the day, a huge park for all of the people, and specifically the students, to go and play sports. A lot of people were there when we went, and Inma said if we wanted to play sports, as students, we were more than welcome to participate in weekly sports as long as we had a student id! (Which, as a thought, I did receive one for the University of Granada before the tour. Here’s the picture: Soy un estudiante!)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3729.jpg
After the tour of the sports complex, we then walked back to the Post Office. From there, I decided to visit again all of the places we had visited today! I walked back to the bazaar and the Cathedral, and visited a local gift shop, where I bought my first cosa! (Spanish for thing)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3764.jpg
Que bonita!
After a bit more exploring, I headed home for a 9 o’clock dinner of ham sandwiches. I was very tired after all the excitement of my first day of class and my tour, so I promptly headed to bed.
And now, for yesterday’s events:
The morning started off with a wakeup at 7:30 AM, as usual! I get up and take a quick shower, and get ready for the day- about 8:15, I eat breakfast of some tea, toasted bread, and some cookies. This is what my everyday breakfast looks like:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3751.jpg
I’m growing fonder day by day of tea!
After breakfast, I leave the house at about 8:30 AM for my 9 o’clock class. It takes me about 23-25 minutes to walk all the way there, but it’s also because I take the longer, more linear route. (As a precaution, I’ve been lost already!) As the days grow on and I know my way around better, I will most likely try taking shortcuts. But for now, main roads only!
At 9 AM started my second day of class! Today we had a substitute, because my teacher, Susanna, had hurt her arm and was seeing a doctor. We went over different forms of grammar and verb conjugation, and answered different questions in Spanish for two hours. Afterwards, for the second 2 hours, our regular teacher returned and we went over pronunciation of different verbs, regulars and irregulars.
I’m really enjoying class, despite the long hours, as I learn something new everyday! Today’s learning of interest was El bote, which means if you are going out with friends and you all give your share of money to pay to one person, it is called ‘un bote!’
After class, I walked home for a 2:20 PM lunch. It consisted of rice with a cooked egg, with pasta sauce around the egg. As everything else I’ve eaten here, it was delicious! Afterwards, I took my afternoon siesta, where I finished reading The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. I’m pretty sure it had deeper meaning, but it was okay by my standards. Much better than Old man and the Sea, for sure.
After the siesta, yesterday’s viaje (trip!) was to go to a Tea shop! My roommate is still under the weather, so she wasn’t able to participate- however, she has been to one before, so she wasn’t too disappointed! I met up with Inma and Scott once again, and off our adventure began.
We walked up the most central street and veered off into yet another Arabian quarter, and found a small Arabian themed tea shop. Inside, we ordered te calientes (hot tea!). Scott ordered a tea with mint, and I had the house special tea. It was AMAZING! The tea is made with real herbs, (I inspected the mini teapot to be sure) and that’s what makes it so delicious- I’m definitely planning a return trip!
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3759.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3758.jpg
After the viaje, me and Scott both headed our separate ways for home. Dinner was at 9PM, and I got to chat with my mom and dad at 9:30 local time, 3:30 PM EST. It was really great to hear their voices again! After talking, I worked on mi tarea (homework) and went to bed.
This morning was class as well, and later today I am planning to go with Scott to visit more of Granada, and hopefully go to a Discoteca! I am very excited to go, as if you say the word ‘discoteca’ to a Spaniard, they always get excited- it’s a big thing to do in Spain! It sounds much a hangout for young people and dancing, so I’m excited to get to meet new people- It should be fun!
Also, I have lots of more pictures from my days past. I have notes tagged to each ones, so if the photos weren’t mentioned in today’s journal, they will say what they are for your enjoyment! :) Here’s the link to find my entire album, browse at your leisure!
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/
Until my next entry, Hasta luego!
I’ll start off from Tuesday afternoon! After my last blog post and declaring my knowledge of the way around the city- ironically, I got lost. For about an hour. Que dia! However, using my map and managing to wander on the right street, I was able to find my way home. My host mom was extremely nice about the whole ordeal, and told me it was very typical of students to get lost in their first days. So I didn’t feel too horrible about it!
For lunch, we had a delicious vegetable soup and with some smaller meat slices on the side, always with a little dish of bread. The bread is so good here! I don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat bread from the United States again, the difference is incredible!
Afterwards of my exciting adventures in getting lost, I took my daily siesta until about 4:45 PM. Then, me and my roommate headed for our planned meeting with Abroadco for a tour of Granada.
We met up with Scott, the other Abroadco student, in front of the post office, el correo, which is our ‘rally point’ for everything! (Trips, meetings, etc). We chatted as we waited for Inma to come and take us on the tour, always watching the very heavy traffic of Granada. Granada reminds me of a smaller version of New York City- maybe like San Francisco- it’s definitely a city, but it is a lot smaller than NYC. My host mom told me it was the smallest city in Andalucía, so it makes sense. But don’t be fooled, even for being small, there is a lot going on!
Inma then arrived, and the tour began. We first headed over to the ‘Theatre’ which was an outdoor theatre. It was originally built by the Romans, and refurbished by the Moors- as you may see below, it definitely reflected the Arabian time period!
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3736.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3737.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3738.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3739.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3740.jpg
There was a show going on later tonight for all of the people to see, as it was a kind of city amphitheatre. The one thing I find really interesting about Spain is that, buildings may be centuries old, but if they work, they are still in use today!
(Walking down the road!)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3734.jpg
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/?action=view¤t=IMGP3735.jpg
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/?action=view¤t=IMGP3733.jpg
After visiting the outdoor theatre, my roommate Stephanie (who had been feeling ill earlier) asked if she could leave a bit early, as she felt very sick. She went back home to recuperate some more, which was sad that she missed out on the tour! (However, as soon as she feels back to normal, I’m going to take her on the tour myself! Can’t miss out on the excitement!)
After Stephanie went back to our house, we continued on our tour!
Next, we walked down an old Arab quarter- like a bazaar with items hung up everywhere, reflecting an extreme North African flavor. I found myself questioning whether I was in Spain or in Morocco! We walked down the narrow pathway through the shops, and saw all sorts of Arabian gifts and dress hanging up for sale. There were also some gypsies in the street that approached Inma with leafy branches, which she promptly responded with a ‘no’ when they tried to give them to her. She explained afterwards never to take their offerings- apparently, when you take the proffered items, they demand you give them money. If you don’t, they put a curse on you. Hmm…..
After walking down the Arab quarter, when then visited a Catherdal. Now, this isn’t your run of the mill Baptist Church. This place… was HUGE! Also of interest was this church is also the tomb of Isabella and Ferdinard, the King and Queen of Spain who paid Columbus to "discover" the new world. The funny thing was it has two sides as well- as it was worked on in both the Baroque and Reinassance period. It wasn´t finished, and today they are arguing whether or not to start again a 300 yeard overdue project. Who knows?
(Baroque side)
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/?action=view¤t=IMGP3741.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3742.jpg
(Reinassance side)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3744.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3743.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3746.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3745.jpg
As you can see from the photos and size comparison to people, this place was incredible! I was truly blown away, as I’ve never seen anything like it up close and personal. Inma told us that there were bigger churches in Seville, so I’m really looking forward to seeing those- I mean, insanity!
After the adventure to the huge Church, we then walked over to yet another large, old building that was the law school of Granada! It apparently had been built by the Romans as a palace, and of course, was converted into a school! We walked up a large staircase to discover a library full of students, who were studying for their own finals this week! The library was a new addition to the school, (new being around 1700s-1800s).
After visiting the law school, we then walked down the streets to visit a nearby hospital, which was once a Moorish palace. The definite influence was hard to miss in this old building:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3747.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3750.jpg
However, a Spanish flair was to be found in the many paintings that adorned the walls:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3748.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3749.jpg
And, the most recent repair of some tiles, was dated to be 1763, Que viejos los edificios! (How old are the buildings!)
It’s more of a recuperative center now than a hospital, but still in use today!
We then walked down a long calle (Spanish for road) to visit our last stop of the day, a huge park for all of the people, and specifically the students, to go and play sports. A lot of people were there when we went, and Inma said if we wanted to play sports, as students, we were more than welcome to participate in weekly sports as long as we had a student id! (Which, as a thought, I did receive one for the University of Granada before the tour. Here’s the picture: Soy un estudiante!)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3729.jpg
After the tour of the sports complex, we then walked back to the Post Office. From there, I decided to visit again all of the places we had visited today! I walked back to the bazaar and the Cathedral, and visited a local gift shop, where I bought my first cosa! (Spanish for thing)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3764.jpg
Que bonita!
After a bit more exploring, I headed home for a 9 o’clock dinner of ham sandwiches. I was very tired after all the excitement of my first day of class and my tour, so I promptly headed to bed.
And now, for yesterday’s events:
The morning started off with a wakeup at 7:30 AM, as usual! I get up and take a quick shower, and get ready for the day- about 8:15, I eat breakfast of some tea, toasted bread, and some cookies. This is what my everyday breakfast looks like:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3751.jpg
I’m growing fonder day by day of tea!
After breakfast, I leave the house at about 8:30 AM for my 9 o’clock class. It takes me about 23-25 minutes to walk all the way there, but it’s also because I take the longer, more linear route. (As a precaution, I’ve been lost already!) As the days grow on and I know my way around better, I will most likely try taking shortcuts. But for now, main roads only!
At 9 AM started my second day of class! Today we had a substitute, because my teacher, Susanna, had hurt her arm and was seeing a doctor. We went over different forms of grammar and verb conjugation, and answered different questions in Spanish for two hours. Afterwards, for the second 2 hours, our regular teacher returned and we went over pronunciation of different verbs, regulars and irregulars.
I’m really enjoying class, despite the long hours, as I learn something new everyday! Today’s learning of interest was El bote, which means if you are going out with friends and you all give your share of money to pay to one person, it is called ‘un bote!’
After class, I walked home for a 2:20 PM lunch. It consisted of rice with a cooked egg, with pasta sauce around the egg. As everything else I’ve eaten here, it was delicious! Afterwards, I took my afternoon siesta, where I finished reading The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. I’m pretty sure it had deeper meaning, but it was okay by my standards. Much better than Old man and the Sea, for sure.
After the siesta, yesterday’s viaje (trip!) was to go to a Tea shop! My roommate is still under the weather, so she wasn’t able to participate- however, she has been to one before, so she wasn’t too disappointed! I met up with Inma and Scott once again, and off our adventure began.
We walked up the most central street and veered off into yet another Arabian quarter, and found a small Arabian themed tea shop. Inside, we ordered te calientes (hot tea!). Scott ordered a tea with mint, and I had the house special tea. It was AMAZING! The tea is made with real herbs, (I inspected the mini teapot to be sure) and that’s what makes it so delicious- I’m definitely planning a return trip!
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3759.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3758.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3760.jpg
All music of Saudi Arabia, of course!
After visiting the tea house, Inma led us up to another road leading to the Sacromonte. The road was alongside the Alhambra, the huge castle that is the most famous of Granada, and offered an excellent view from our pathway to take some snapshots:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3761.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP3762.jpg
The road’s name was Paseo de los triestes, or the walk of the ‘sad ones’. Inma explained that in Spain’s history, women were not allowed to visit graveyards- only men. There is a graveyard 30 minutes down the road near the Alhambra, and the men used to walk down there alone, leaving the women behind on the road. Since women were not allowed to mourn at the graves, they would mourn along the road- hence the name. The walk’s about 30 minutes to visit the graveyard, so I didn’t get a chance to visit, but I have definitely marked it down to remember!
Afterwards, Inma departed and we walked down the Sacromonte. We didn’t realize it was the Sacromonte until walking for about 30 minutes and asking Inma by cellphone if we were lost. What we didn’t understand was Sacromonte wasn’t a specific location, but all of the houses along the road that we were walking along. All of the houses were attached to the mountainside- they look like regular houses, but inside they are caves! Studying these houses on the walk back, we were able to see where the house began and where the rock attached ended! How interesting!
After the viaje, me and Scott both headed our separate ways for home. Dinner was at 9PM, and I got to chat with my mom and dad at 9:30 local time, 3:30 PM EST. It was really great to hear their voices again! After talking, I worked on mi tarea (homework) and went to bed.
This morning was class as well, and later today I am planning to go with Scott to visit more of Granada, and hopefully go to a Discoteca! I am very excited to go, as if you say the word ‘discoteca’ to a Spaniard, they always get excited- it’s a big thing to do in Spain! It sounds much a hangout for young people and dancing, so I’m excited to get to meet new people- It should be fun!
Also, I have lots of more pictures from my days past. I have notes tagged to each ones, so if the photos weren’t mentioned in today’s journal, they will say what they are for your enjoyment! :) Here’s the link to find my entire album, browse at your leisure!
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/
Until my next entry, Hasta luego!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
2nd day in Granada- more details, por favor!
Okay, so I definately have a bit more time to write on the computer! (Yesterday was in between classes, today I´m writing after class!)
I´ll start off with yesterday then! Yesterday, we took placement exams to see which class we would be placed in. I am in the intermediate level of Spanish, my roomate advanced level, and our other student, Scott, in intial! My class is in a different building than the central one, and is about another 7-8 minute walk from the main one, and it is a very pretty, kinda rustic building.
After my placement exam, me and my roomate went back to our apartment! It took us a while to get back, because we still didn´t really know the way too well! (I´m pretty sure at one point we walked in a circle!) but we made it in time for lunch, which is about 2:30 pm. Surprisingly, I have adjusted well to the Spanish food times- Many Americans do not like eating so little or so late, but it agrees well with me! I might have to make it permanent, jajaja!
On another note, name confusion from the previous blog- Jaime is a guy, he is the director and in charge. His assistant, Inma, helped me move in on Sunday. They are both very friendly and helpful, and are always willing to listen to requests and such- So cool!
Anyway, yesterday for lunch we had a spanish tortilla? (I really need to start writing these names of these cultural foods!) It was a keesh (sp?) -like pie with potates and ham. It was very good! There were also some fish sticks and bread, and despite my dislike of fish, I gave the sticks a try, and they were very good! Afterwards, me and Stephanie had a siesta, which I have adjusted to very well. It´s a period during the day for relaxing and napping, and so far ours have been anywhere from 1 hours to 3!
After our siesta, we then decided to walk around town. We were looking for a hardware store that sold converters, because the new converter I brought doesn´t work. (However, I have an old one that my mom used in her travels, which works perfectly-however, the slots are too small for my computer to fit, but I can charge my camera and Ipod!) We weren´t able to find a store that sold them, though we did ask around! We also looked into video game stores, as Stephanie is a big gamer, and wanted to buy games in Spanish. Neither of us bought anything, as we were mostly content to walk around and see all the different sights. When we decided to head back for dinner, we stopped and bought small little ice cream cones. They were delicious! They remind me of gelato- they are very good!
I have been taking lots of pictures, and tommorrow I will bring my USB port and see if I can´t upload some pictures up tommorrow for you all to see! I notice the computer I am on now is able to support usb ports! (as my homestay doesnt have wireless, and I cant use my laptop yet, so I am using the school computers, which is awesome!)
Today, I got up this morning and went to my morning class. (on today´s note, I walked by myself to my class using a map, as me and Stephanie have different classrooms and am a bit proud I found my way around! ;D ) It´s four hours long, and it´s really intesting! The teacher only speaks spanish, and we are learning a lot of new things. For example- jugo isn´t juice in Spain, they call it zumo. Jugo means the juice of the fruit, not fruit juice! (It reminds me how English and American-English use different words to mean different things.) After my class, I walked over to the central building to hop online and write a more detailed post.
We have a tour today at 5 pm which will show us all around the city- I am very excited! After this post, I´ll head home for a 2:30 lunch, then a siesta, then off to the tour! (Our weekend trip is going to be visiting Seville- Ill write more when I know more, but I am very excited to go!)
Until next time, ciao!
I´ll start off with yesterday then! Yesterday, we took placement exams to see which class we would be placed in. I am in the intermediate level of Spanish, my roomate advanced level, and our other student, Scott, in intial! My class is in a different building than the central one, and is about another 7-8 minute walk from the main one, and it is a very pretty, kinda rustic building.
After my placement exam, me and my roomate went back to our apartment! It took us a while to get back, because we still didn´t really know the way too well! (I´m pretty sure at one point we walked in a circle!) but we made it in time for lunch, which is about 2:30 pm. Surprisingly, I have adjusted well to the Spanish food times- Many Americans do not like eating so little or so late, but it agrees well with me! I might have to make it permanent, jajaja!
On another note, name confusion from the previous blog- Jaime is a guy, he is the director and in charge. His assistant, Inma, helped me move in on Sunday. They are both very friendly and helpful, and are always willing to listen to requests and such- So cool!
Anyway, yesterday for lunch we had a spanish tortilla? (I really need to start writing these names of these cultural foods!) It was a keesh (sp?) -like pie with potates and ham. It was very good! There were also some fish sticks and bread, and despite my dislike of fish, I gave the sticks a try, and they were very good! Afterwards, me and Stephanie had a siesta, which I have adjusted to very well. It´s a period during the day for relaxing and napping, and so far ours have been anywhere from 1 hours to 3!
After our siesta, we then decided to walk around town. We were looking for a hardware store that sold converters, because the new converter I brought doesn´t work. (However, I have an old one that my mom used in her travels, which works perfectly-however, the slots are too small for my computer to fit, but I can charge my camera and Ipod!) We weren´t able to find a store that sold them, though we did ask around! We also looked into video game stores, as Stephanie is a big gamer, and wanted to buy games in Spanish. Neither of us bought anything, as we were mostly content to walk around and see all the different sights. When we decided to head back for dinner, we stopped and bought small little ice cream cones. They were delicious! They remind me of gelato- they are very good!
I have been taking lots of pictures, and tommorrow I will bring my USB port and see if I can´t upload some pictures up tommorrow for you all to see! I notice the computer I am on now is able to support usb ports! (as my homestay doesnt have wireless, and I cant use my laptop yet, so I am using the school computers, which is awesome!)
Today, I got up this morning and went to my morning class. (on today´s note, I walked by myself to my class using a map, as me and Stephanie have different classrooms and am a bit proud I found my way around! ;D ) It´s four hours long, and it´s really intesting! The teacher only speaks spanish, and we are learning a lot of new things. For example- jugo isn´t juice in Spain, they call it zumo. Jugo means the juice of the fruit, not fruit juice! (It reminds me how English and American-English use different words to mean different things.) After my class, I walked over to the central building to hop online and write a more detailed post.
We have a tour today at 5 pm which will show us all around the city- I am very excited! After this post, I´ll head home for a 2:30 lunch, then a siesta, then off to the tour! (Our weekend trip is going to be visiting Seville- Ill write more when I know more, but I am very excited to go!)
Until next time, ciao!
Monday, June 2, 2008
The first days in Granada
Its Monday, and Ive finally found a computer lab, haha! I´m currently writing this from the Centro de Lenguas Modernas, in between exams. This morning we are taking placement exams. Theres a line of Americans for the computers, so I won´t take too long!
Got in yesterday about 12:50 local time. Jaime, my director, met me at the aiport! She was very friendly and immediately started conversing with me in Spanish, which was cool! She told me about what was going to happen Sunday and Monday, as we waited for a cab! Then, we went to my homestay!
My homestay is -very- friendly! The oldest, Sergio, helped me with my things as soon as I arrived! The little one, Dario, was very excited to see all of us there! My roomate came at the same time I did with another Abroadco guidea- She is from New York! No one speaks English (Ive only spoken english to my roomie maybe 1 or 2 times!) so I am getting a lot of practice! We had lunch at about 3, and then a 2 hour siesta! (Lunch was a traditional chicken with yellow rice and vegetables , very tasty!) I slept the whole siesta, I was very tired!ç
Afterwards, Sergio took us on a tour of the city, and me and Steph walked around a bit and saw many different things! We then went home, and I gave gifts to the family- a big success! I also showed my pictures, they really enjoyed looking at them all! (Eloisa, the middle child, was particularly interested in my picture of Disney World) Then we ate a 9pm dinner, and then went to bed! I was so exhausted, I pretty much passed out!
Got up this morning at 7, showered and changed, then ate a small breakfast of a toasted bread and tea. Headed out at about 8:10 with Steph and met up with Jaime! And now am here!
Will update more when I get more time - now I´m off to take the last part of our placement exam!
Got in yesterday about 12:50 local time. Jaime, my director, met me at the aiport! She was very friendly and immediately started conversing with me in Spanish, which was cool! She told me about what was going to happen Sunday and Monday, as we waited for a cab! Then, we went to my homestay!
My homestay is -very- friendly! The oldest, Sergio, helped me with my things as soon as I arrived! The little one, Dario, was very excited to see all of us there! My roomate came at the same time I did with another Abroadco guidea- She is from New York! No one speaks English (Ive only spoken english to my roomie maybe 1 or 2 times!) so I am getting a lot of practice! We had lunch at about 3, and then a 2 hour siesta! (Lunch was a traditional chicken with yellow rice and vegetables , very tasty!) I slept the whole siesta, I was very tired!ç
Afterwards, Sergio took us on a tour of the city, and me and Steph walked around a bit and saw many different things! We then went home, and I gave gifts to the family- a big success! I also showed my pictures, they really enjoyed looking at them all! (Eloisa, the middle child, was particularly interested in my picture of Disney World) Then we ate a 9pm dinner, and then went to bed! I was so exhausted, I pretty much passed out!
Got up this morning at 7, showered and changed, then ate a small breakfast of a toasted bread and tea. Headed out at about 8:10 with Steph and met up with Jaime! And now am here!
Will update more when I get more time - now I´m off to take the last part of our placement exam!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Made it to Madrid!
A bit fuzzy due to the time change, but I made it to Madrid! The flight from Miami wasn't too bad- it didn't feel that long, but maybe it was because I watched the in-flight movie, hahaha! Sat next to a lady from Italy, which was cool. Plane made it off smooth and it was an 8 hour flight from there! Had beef and mashed potates dinner, which was pretty good. I read about half of my book, 'The Sun Also Rises." Didn't sleep at all on the flight, when I actually felt like sleeping they turned on the airplane's lights, so that definately didn't happen. Very full plane. Landed at about 8 AM, went through customs and another security gate.
So I now I am waiting for my gate to show up on the televised screen, for what I understood the international informacion desk told me that the flight wasn't listed yet. My spanish skills are very useful in communicating- so glad I have spanish speaking background, or this might be a bit more difficult figuring stuff out.
The airport here is very big and very retro-looking. It's very nice, and there's lots of little shops to walk around and look out. Didn't see the coast of Spain because of the clouds, but saw the countryside flying into Madrid, and it is very beautiful- lots of green and hills. The weather outside in Madrid is very overcast. I sit in a chair, listening to the sounds of a father having his little girls dance around in the airport. It's very cute- the dad's counting in time in spanish, and the little girls are stomping around. Not a bad way to spend the morning.
Bought 30 minutes worth of internet, and am running on the laptop battery, which probably will shut off before the internet does!
Ok, signing off from here before my internet (or battery) does it for me!
So I now I am waiting for my gate to show up on the televised screen, for what I understood the international informacion desk told me that the flight wasn't listed yet. My spanish skills are very useful in communicating- so glad I have spanish speaking background, or this might be a bit more difficult figuring stuff out.
The airport here is very big and very retro-looking. It's very nice, and there's lots of little shops to walk around and look out. Didn't see the coast of Spain because of the clouds, but saw the countryside flying into Madrid, and it is very beautiful- lots of green and hills. The weather outside in Madrid is very overcast. I sit in a chair, listening to the sounds of a father having his little girls dance around in the airport. It's very cute- the dad's counting in time in spanish, and the little girls are stomping around. Not a bad way to spend the morning.
Bought 30 minutes worth of internet, and am running on the laptop battery, which probably will shut off before the internet does!
Ok, signing off from here before my internet (or battery) does it for me!
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