Vamos a la playa, a mi me gusta bailarrrr

This weekend the whole group went on an excursion to Nerjas, Almuñecar, and Alpujarras.  After hearing a few horror stories about the bus rides there, and how curvy the roads were I was a bit apprehensive before starting the trip.  Although the ride home was a bit vomity, the rest were not very bad at all. 

We first arrived at Almuñecar and had a short walk around the town and the castle.   Then we drove about 20 minutes to Nerjas and visited the caves.  It reminded me of the caves in Guatemala, except this time there was a path and I wasn’t slipping to my death every 15 seconds.  After the caves, everyone was starving so we all went to our buffet lunch.  I suppose the good thing about buffets is that you can get as much food as you want (or that might be a bad thing) But the real bad thing is that the food isn’t really that great, and its sort of a mystery… However, in the end there was ice cream, so I guess it was a good experience. 

After the lunch, everyone was forced to shove his or her buffet-fresh bodies into bathing suits and hit the beach! The beach we went to was small and had no sand, just little rocks.  We were able to get a spot, however the only spots left were by the toilets, it didn’t matter because the scenery was so beautiful.  And swimming a bit and talking with other members of the group, it was time to go to the hotel and get settled in.  I took the longest shower of the month, hands down.  It was the loveliest shower.  Big enough to turn around in warm water, not freezing cold and not boiling hot.  I didn’t have to hold the showerhead AND my towel didn’t smell like mildew! It was great.

After the glorious shower, we had yet ANOTHER buffet dinner.  These buffets were getting out of hand. Too much food.  My roommate and I considered going out afterwards, but after sitting down for a few, no one was really into it, so we stayed in and enjoyed a 4 euro bottle of wine. 

The next  day we set out for Alpujarras which is a town located way up in the mountains.  There, we ate lunch and took a walk in the countryside.  The walk was beautiful, but I couldn’t help but notice that there were tons of crickets hoping all over the trail.  Landing all over me.  I think nature knows I’m not a big fan so it sends the attack of the crickets to make me appreciate it.  After the walk we headed towards the bus for the ride home.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but I must have passed out on the bus because I woke up and it was my stop! So I climbed out the bus and schlepped my bag home. 

School these past two days has been interesting.  We learned about terrorism in Spain and the unemployment problem.  The programs that Spain has in order to deal with unemployment do not function very well and usually leave the Spaniards with temporary jobs that are degrading and with long and harsh hours.  the agency is called E.T.T. and in class we watched a funny video about them that is a popular song and clip in Spain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-qiEPk61pw

The video is basically saying that the jobs the people receive are garbage and in the end the man giving out the jobs gets fired and has to use the system himself. 

On a more uplifting note, I bought two dresses. 10 euro a piece! Wooo. AND lemon sorbet. It’s been a good day.

I hope the rain in the east coast isn’t too depressing!..It’s sunny and 80 degrees here.. hehehe.  Hasta luegoooo.

Tengo, Tengo La Camisa Negra..

The weather is finally cooling down a bit.  Now instead of it being 97 degree everyday its only 82.. phew…

The first test of the season wasn’t that bad, I’d have to say it was fair.. but honestly this whole test thing came as a big surprise.  I sort of thought I wasn’t in school, then I sit down at some desk and it gets real.  I think I did okay though, so its all good.  Following our test, the majority of the group decided to go to the bar that night for a few drinks.  The bar we went to was an Irish pub, and tonight, surprisingly filled with Irish people.  I think Irish people are just a crazier version of the English, because they were getting rowdy.  Dancing on stools, mooning people, so personally I decided to leave and get some rest for the next day of school.

What we are learning now is kind of interesting.  Mostly because class is filled with youtube clips and movies of dances and songs.  We learned that the flamenco music and culture is still present in Spanish media today, although now it is modified with different backbeats and such.  I don’t think the music is too bad, maybe my Moorish gypsy side is coming out.  I really want to see some sort of play and soccer game while I’m here.  I’m thinking La casa de Bernada Alba by Fredrico Garcia Lorca, but when I looked yesterday the theater was no longer playing it L I shall research this further and see if I can witness some real Spanish futbol!

Oh also yesterday I finally found sushi! The gods came down from the heavans and presented me a lovely, yet expensive, sushi restaurant.  I think that was the best meal I’ve have since I’ve been here.  I must have a low mercury level because I have never craved a type of food that bad.  Although I wish it was Katana with all their special rolls… ah okay, I’m making myself hungry again. SUBJECT CHANGE

Juanes never gets old in Spanish classes.. will there be a day where one year we I wont hear Juanes in a class rooom setting.. I hope not, because it was a big blast from the past and smile on my face.   And he be looking FINE with that short hair, its better than his La Casmisa Negre days. I honestly believe that listening to Jaunes is the most effective way to learn Spanish. 

Here you go, you won’t be disappointed:CLICK HERE FOR JUANESSSSS.  See, wasn't that great?

Today I saw some little booths set up by the fountain and I think I’m going to go check those out now.. Hopefully they aren’t closed!

 OH and also. IT RAINED HERE FOR A BIT.   So weird. 

Heading to the beach and moutains this weekend with the whole group!  I still need to pack for the two different elements, comfortable walking shoes and beach gear. I heard the trip there is very curvy in the bus. .. I must find a bag..

And finally as parting words: A Spanish moment of zen:

George Clooney.. AND a puppy. Can life in Spain get better? 

Hola Germanyyyy.

Finally have some Internet! Hopefully the new router that my host mom bought will work a lot better! This weekend in Germany was great! It was nice to see my boyfriend and a country that actually has current technology.  After seeing Germany again it occurred to me how far behind Spain is in technology. 

But anyways, Germany was beautiful as always.  I spent two days at my boyfriend’s father’s house in the countryside, and the train ride there was amazing as I got to see the black forest and a lot of different German architecture.  Also experienced spaghetti ice cream.  It sounds weird but Marvin let me taste his and it was actually an amazing concept.  It’s ice cream in the shape of spaghetti with strawberry sauce to represent the tomato sauce, and white chocolate flakes to represent the cheese.  Amazing idea, thanks to the Germans who think they know Italian food!

The best thing about Germany though was the pizza we got at the train station.  Can’t even explain how much I missed pizza.  And there it was, ready for me to consume! After the long weekend with the boyfriend it was time to head back to Granada.  The other thing I’ve noticed is that all Iberia flights are late.  Like no matter what. My flight back to Madrid landed the same time my next one to Granada was suppose to take off, since it was an hour late.  So there I was hauling ass to switch terminals and get to my other plane, and by the time I get there sweaty, out of breath, been sprinting with my luggage for 20 min, that plane was late too.  And I ended up having to wait another hour for that Iberia plane to arrive.  I guess the Spanish are always late. 

Getting back into the swing of things at school was tough.  I didn’t speak a lick of Spanish all weekend and it was strange to have to go right back into it.  But after sitting through class and watching La Sexta, where they have 5 minutes every hour showing George Clooney accompanied with romantic music, I was beginning to understand again. 

I have my first test tomorrow, so I guess its time to study, Instead of enjoying the beautiful warm weather of Granada. Boo. 

HACE CALOR: Everything I write will relate to it being hot out..

I’m pretty sure that summer never ends here because it is so insanely hot, all the time.  It will be a miracle if I can make it to class one day without being drenched in sweat.  I can’t wait for the slightly cooler weather, and plus I barely brought any summer clothes, so I’m working with like 4 outfits here, but I suppose I’m not being judged too much, since I feel like Europeans wear the same four things anyway.  And heels! I can’t believe that everyone wear heels all the time.  The streets are straight up marble and sanded down stone so I’m surprised that the women don’t fall more often.  I trip AT LEAST 3 times a day wearing flats. 

Friday was a quiet night in due to our trip that was planned for the next day to Ronda.  The bus left at 8am, and thank goodness I was able to get my own seat! However, it still made sleeping difficult.  Sleeping on buses is always hard.  You want to put your head again the window but it keeps rattling you awake.  So I decided to check out the scenery of Spain, watching as we drove by mountains and hills.

Finally we arrived in Ronda where we took a small tour of the even smaller city.  The scenery was beautiful.  This town was built on top of a cliff and there were areas that you could look down and see how high you were.  The rock formations were beautiful, and many houses were built looking over the edge.  It was pretty, but it kind of scared me a bit.  Being so high up with only a metal guardrail to save you if you fall.  But then again, I guess heights just aren’t my thing.

We also toured an old bull-fighting arena and saw the history of bull fighting in Ronda. However, it was so hot out I personally couldn’t stay in the area for too long.  I wonder how Spanish people can deal with this heat.  Especially those bull fighters.  Wearing all those clothes and running away from a bull, seems crazy but I guess they are so used to it.  I even see people in the streets wearing sweaters and boots already.. like people, it’s still 90 degrees outside. I DON’T UNDERSTAND.

The free time we had in Ronda seemed nice, however it was around the time of the siesta, so a lot of the shops were closed, making it hard to waste 2 hours.  However, I found a park with another girl and we just ended up talking till it was time to get to the bus.  On the ride home, I actually fell asleep! Yay! After eating dinner and relaxing a little bit, it was time to go out. 

I think I prefer the club El Camborio.  I think the guys are less creepy, the atmosphere is nicer with the beautiful view, and there is an outside area you can just chill if you don’t want to dance anymore.  The night was overall great.  I think the whole group is turning into real Spaniards because by 6 am, no one was super tired.  The only complaint about the night was that there ere no taxis on top of the hill where El Camborio is.  So everyone had to walk down and search for a taxi.  After the night out I told my host mom not to make me breakfast because I was planning to sleep in.  And that I did.  Sleeping until 2 felt great. And I woke up and started on my project that I’m suppose to present with my group on Wednesday (boo for real homework in Spain!)

On a positive note, we only have class until Wednesday and then a super long weekend.  This weekend I’m going to Germany to see my boyfriend! It’ll be nice to get away from the hot weather for while! 

Ayyy diosss.

Ladies Night at Granada 10 was crazy. The club got so packed so fast.  Before we went to the club the whole group gathered for some drinks and tapas at a café.  For tapas the waiter brought some sort of Spanish potato salad.. filled with mayo and tuna.  Probably the grossest thing I’ve ever tasted. Its like my least favorite two foods mixed into one.  Today in class, we learned it’s called ensalada rusa.. so like a Russian salad.  I bet Russian food has a lot of mayo, so it’s probably pretty true to its name.  After tapas, we when to a bar and got free shots before heading to the club.  On the dance floor, people were dropping their glasses left and right.  The dance floor then turned into a  death trap, and it was a 60% chance you were going to leave with glass somewhere in your body.  I got tired pretty fast and decided it was time to leave before I ended up with glass in my foot. 

The next day in class was pretty rough.  For everyone.  No one was really talking and everyone could only think about how tired they were from the night before.  After returning home, I took the best and most needed siesta of the trip so far. 

Oh, one thing I’ve noticed from watching the equivalent to E! News here is that celebrities in Spain are their sports icons.  Messi, Pique, Nadal, oh, and George Clooney. They LOVE George Clooney.  And finally, that old famous lady that married the 40 yr old, Duquesa de Alba.  I have to see her oldness and her hot young husband on TV every single day rocking her clothes fit for a 20 year old.  Here’s a picture  of them for those who don't know her: 

Mmmmm. Get some! (Gold digger for suree)

Although, it looks like that boob job is beginning to drop! Yikes! 

Anywaysss.. the plan for today it to stop by the Arabic district and buy a tapestry for my apartment next semester! And no going out tonight, we have a trip to Ronda in Malaga first thing in the morning! 

Dear España,

Why must every article of clothing you sell in the cheap stores have the ugliest patterns I have ever seen? No, I am not going to buy your metallic jean jacket and matching pants.   It will make my ass look like a meteorite.  I guess that fact that I can’t find anything will save my finances for a bit.

Today I decided to get lost in the city for a bit.  I feel like the best way to find new parts is to wander into the different side streets.  As I was meandering my way about Granada I witnessed this terrible motorcycle accident.  I think the front wheel of the motorcycle hit something and the whole bike flipped throwing a young couple over the bike.  The girl was not moving at all, I seriously thought I witnessed someone’s death.  The male was bleeding and broke his leg with his bone sticking out.  Being the good American that I am, I called the ambulance and rushed over to help offering the bleeding couple tissues to control their bleeding (thank god for allergies) after about ten minutes when the ambulance arrived the girl finally woke up and they were taken away in the emergency truck.  This had me make up my mind that I actually don’t ever want to ride on a motorcycle, its way too dangerous. 

Afterwards, I continued to walk and I found a shopping district where I bought a new, and hopefully working, camera.  Then I headed home just in time for dinner.  I was on a mission to find this restaurant where my family and I ate when we visited Granada.  I think I was close, so I’ll go back tomorrow and see if I can find it this time. 

In regards to classes they are going fine.  Slightly boring though.  Our work basically consists of naming pictures that the professor puts on the board (what is this? OHH PALLEA)  The grammar class is a bit more difficult but today it was mostly review from what I’ve done in past years in Spanish.. I honestly think that the best way for me to learn here is not to be locked in a classroom going over the differences between ser and estar.  It’s when I walk around by myself and ask for things and shop around.  Hands on learning is by far the best when dealing with languages. 

Well, tonight is ladies night (and the feeling’s right) at Granada 10! And we are celebrating the birthday of one of the girls on the trip! So its time to get ready! I’ll fill you all in all about it!

Adios!

The return of ketchup noodles..

The weekends are crazy in Spain.  I honestly don’t know how Spanish people do this all the time.  Up all night without any sleep!  The club was completely gorgeous, and it overlooked the Alhambra, and part of it was in a cave.  Although I need to watch my mouth Well my roommates and I were planning on joining the rest of the group to go the beach that is one hour away.  However, keeping our hangovers in mind, we didn’t make it on Sunday.  Trust me, it’s hard to go to sleep at 6 and them have to wake up at 8.  So Sunday consisted of just sleeping all day. 

Today was the second day of class, and it seems like this first part of the semester wont be hard at all.  Our work consisted of finding errors in sentences, so it should be pretty easy.   In the other class we just listed the differences between the US and Spain, and listened to national anthems.  Muy abburidoooo. The other day I went to go buy a leg of jamon in order to send it to my brother.  However, the United States customs wont except the leg with the bone L so I must find another way to get jamon back to the states! Later tonight my roommates and I are going to try to get churros y chocolate.  Yayyy. It better make up for the return of the ketchup noodles that I experienced today for lunch.  I feel like our host mom just feeds us what she thinks that Americans eat.  Like fried chicken and fried pork and French fries… and other fried things. I want the authentic food!  Not ketchup noodles.  Europe should leave the pasta to Italy.. or La Tavola. 

Also hopefully hitting up some shoe stores.  I saw a lot of stores that have sandals between 3-13 euros!  And buy some vino! It’s crazy how wine is cheaper than buying 3 pens. 

Getting ready for a long week of classes! Jealous of everyone who had today off for labor day! Buuut I suppose we have off for like every saint’s birthday.. J

Hasta manana (or whenever I have internet again), its almost churro time! 

Una caña, por favor :)

Today was the first day of actual classes, and they were a lot more interesting than some of the other classes I have taken at Delaware.  The professors here seemed so much more excited to teach the class than most at Delaware (They usually turn on some power point then drone on about how they don’t really care how you do, as long as they are getting paid.) The classes are interesting and are very cultural based and seem to look semi-easy.. minus having to do everything in Spanish.  After class we sat down for a big lunch and an episode of Friends (Amigos?) in Spanish. 

Then it was time for siesta where I got to catch up with my boyfriend for the FIRST time since Sunday.  J Then a quick nap before heading to a tapas place to get some coffee to energize up for the big and well-hyped walk of the Arabic district in Spain.  We were told that this walk was going to be a bunch of rocks and to wear tennis shoes and workout like clothes.  I was prepared for the worst.  Like I was about to go back into the Guatemalan rainforest and face death once again.  However once we got there it was just cobblestone sidewalks and streets.  The views were beautiful; I could see all of Granada and the clouds looked like they were perfectly placed.  I would LOVE to share pictures but I realized that my camera doesn’t really work (pawn shop J) so I’m out of luck. 

Some of the streets looked like they were straight out of Morocco, except they weren’t as crowded and the people weren’t as aggressive.  But they were selling the same things that I saw in the markets in Morocco, and while looking at the leather goods and tea sets; it started to feel a little bit like home. 

That night the roommates and I took quick showers and got ready to head to the dicoteca! Granada 10.  We got there around 2:30 and it wasn’t even crowded yet.  It only started to get really busy at 5am when we left to go back home.  Waking up today was a real challenge after only getting about 4 hours of sleep.  We took a tour of a shopping district and I scouted out places to visit later. 

Also, one new observation, sunscreen is hard to find and it’s expensive.  30 euro for one bottle! I’d rather take a risk with skin cancer than spend 30 euro for one SMALL bottle of sunscreen. 

I’m off to take a nap!

Miss everyone!

-Anais  

“It’s like a Spanish class that never ends!”

I think I found the place on Earth where the weather is always perfect.  Not too hot and not too cold, with nice warm summer breezes.  Granada is beautiful and today was particularly sunny and pleasant.  Today, we visited the university and met some of the professors that will be teaching us for the whole semester.  The university looks like an old villa, painted white with a brown roof and a huge patio in the middle.  For a second I thought I was back in the US, since there are so many American students studying abroad of the university.  It was nice too see that other schools were also participating in a study abroad like mine.

Days in Spain are very long.  Sort of like two days in one.  I woke up, ate a light breakfast, then went to school and went over all the rules and expectations for this semester.  Afterwards, my roommates and I bought some supplies (Did you know that students here write on graph paper and not lined paper? Super distracting) and headed home for a huge meal.  After the meal was SEISTA! Probably the best time of the day; this ends the first section of a typical Spanish day.  After the stores reopen people usually walk around and hang out until 10, then go home and eat and then go out until the early morning. And that’s day two.  Living as a Spaniard with these two days in one is very difficult.  As an American I am used to getting up and doing things straight through the day, not taking a long nap break and staying out super late.  But I realized it’s more relaxed.  The siesta is a good time to spend with your family without interruption of work or other professional obligations.  (It’s also a great way to catch up on sleep!)

Money goes pretty fast in Granada (..sorry parents…) Things are just so expensive here.  Face wash cost 7,40 euros and the same brand in the US is about $5! Also there are no big stores that carry everything.  There’s even a store that carries JUST paper and pens for notebooks and a printer.  I’m really itching for a Target where I can just buy everything at once.  Going to a paper store, then a soap store, then an appliance store for a blow dryer was so inconvenient.  But I guess these places stay open because they are the ONLY ones who sell paper.  They have a monopoly on the paper business in Spain.  The only place I personally could find a note book was the paper store..

Later tonight the whole group is meeting up and we are going on a walking tour of the historical part of the city, and tonight, we are planning to sit outside of have some late night tapas like all the locals J

Tomorrow we FINALLY get our blackberries! I am so excited, although I am anti-blackberry and I have almost no idea how to use one.  So if anyone has bbm.. send those pins my way! Oh and classes start.  I guess that’s also exciting.

The Internet in the house works, but it cuts out from time to time, so if you message me something and I don’t get back to you, then sorry about that!

Until next time I have Internet,

Anais