Back "home"

Hola from The Best State (Dirty Jerz, obviously),
I made it home safely from Valladolid. We had to leave at 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, so we just stayed up all night long Friday into Saturday at La Negra Flor. Should you ever be in Valladolid, hit that place up. Carlitos, the bartender, made a special non-alcoholic drink for me each time I went. Our last night there, Kiko showed off his incredible dancing skills! He danced with all of us, and a random lady at the bar who knew she couldn't pass up an opportunity to dance with Kiko! I have never seen someone put their drink and cigarette down so fast. This lady was a good dancer, too, but Kiko's still better! The only bad part is that at this bar you can smoke...and I am highly allergic.

I got a 98 on my final paper for Grammar (creatively entitled "Vale")! The fairytale, "El pato y el perro negro" was also a big hit. The final exam was a little rough. I know all of the information, but putting everything in the correct place at the correct time in the correct form (and spelling/accentuating the vosotros form correctly) is not that simple. I teachnically got an 88.5 overall in Grammar, but my teacher bumped me up to an A- b/c of participation and effort!

I ended up with a 98% in Conversation!!!!! I really enjoyed that class and I miss laughing for an hour a day. Jess and I ended up being overly prepared for our oral exams. We brainstormed so many ideas to talk about, but we were cut off after 7 minutes.

Angela hasn't sent me the grade for Culture yet, but that's okay.

I really miss my host mom. I will never forget walking into her place and her walking out of the bano in her bathrobe. Mark my words, I thought the Easter Bunny was in front of me! That was the whitest, FLUFFIEST robe I have ever seen in 21 years of my life! To boot, it had pink lininaround the edge or whatever, which gave the impression of pink Easter Bunny ears. Maybe I was siesta-deprived, but just say "robe" and I still crack up. Anyway, Mama Dos is walking back and forth in this robe of hers. It turns out...she couldn't find her clothes!!! She kept asking me, "Alicia, where are my clothes?" And I was just like, "Mama Dos, I sure don't have them!" Fortunately, she fianlly found/remembered where she put her ropa. It was more of a "you had to be there" moment, but for real, just say the word and I'll be laughing so hard!

It's 1 a.m. Eastern time so I should probably hit the cama. More luego!

Zara!

Last night, in between studying for todayyy's upcoming culture exam (last one, Gracias a Dios) we hit up ZARA, which is the store here. I found this hot dress for 12 euros but not my size :(. Jess got a hot shirt for 4 euros!

Tomorrow is Mama Dos' birthday! We printed out four pics of us with her and got her a card. To print pics here is like .36 euro a pic. Jeez.

I have all my finals this week. Grammar is being skipped tomorrow, b/c it is our last exam so we don't need to learn any more. The conversation final is one in pairs...I think Jess y I will rock it. Grammar is cummulative, so who knows.

Unfortunately, I'm back in the States next week. I have had the greatest time here, despite my constantly messed up arms. I may be planning a return trip here for Christmas week. I wonder if Mama Dos will be at her beach house in Alicante? Mom and Dad, no worries...

I do miss my kiddos back in the USA and my Boomer. I'm nearly out of euros too, so it's better that I'm returning. I've got about 1000 pics so far.

P.S. - a straw here, is a VERYY different word in Mexico. Hahahaaa :)

Back to grammar,
ALICIA =)

Those brilliant americanos

Jess and I got the two highest grades on our Culture exams! We have a culture paper due Monday which I just printed out so I'm good for now.
Tonight we're planning on taking one of those tour busses all around the city with a bunch of our friends. We want to see Harry Potter too.
Tomorrow we are going to Segovia.
On Sunday we are either traveling to Santander (the beach...Cantabrian sea) or visiting museums. Not sure yet......

No joke everyone, I flooded the bathroom here at school. The flusher thing is different...to say the least. Well whatever I touched just caused some type of explosion of water. You know how it goes.

The other night we met up with our Texans and ate outside at a cafe/bar in Plaza Mayor. Turns out that it costs more to eat outside than inside. Whatev, good times.

Sorry so short, but I've gotta be a student first. CHAU!!!

More

Last night, Jess and I made a valiant effort to experience Valladolid, since Carmen, our Spanish mom, thinks we don’t get out late enough or often enough. We called the UCas dorms, but apparently it was the main number, or something, so the guy told us to call a different number. Well, it turns out the dorm had dinnertime anyway. It is about a half hour walk to the dorms from our house, so after Carmen went to her daughter’s, we ate dinner and the headed to the dorms. We got there at 10:45, and we must have just missed everyone, because no one was there! We went to the Corte Ingles again for beach towels, lotion, and liters and liters of drinks.

Clase...back later

Salamanca and School and Gypsies

Buenos dias!
Lots to catch up on...
.Stamps are expensive
.You don't stretch in public
.We went to the mercadillo (like a flea market) and I saved a euro on Harry Potter in Spanish
.Salamanca was on Saturday. Sorry to the LVC kids who used to study there, but Valladolid is a lot better.
.I am going to go to Barcelona or Alicante if it's the last thing I do!
.We went to the beach again...hot like no other! And we didn't have towels b/c Carmen says they're only for bathing....
.Carmen came hot around 1215 a.m. b/c she was out looking for a boyfriend. For real.
.Our Spanish fariytales in Grammar today dominated!
.Unfortunately, Ruth's granfather died on Saturday, so we had Jorge for two hours of Grammar, and Ricardo for the hour of conversation. Ricardo took us to the market.
.Carmen doesn't have tissues. Or paper towels.
.The robe/lost clothing...more to follow!
.The students in my classes are great. I would LOVE to stay here longer. But I do miss the Boomer dog. I've seen quite a few Westies in Valladolid though, so it's better.
.Carmen says we're still too white haha/jaja
.Tengo sed.
.I started a paper for Convo and another one for culture. There's a test coming up but I dunno when.
.I *think* the San Fermin bull running thing ended today. Carmen is really into it, but seeing people get trampled by 7 bulls isn't really my style.
.Buy a drink, get a free tapa woooo...we went to Bambu in Salamanca.
.Sofas here, are not for sleeping on
.Oh yeah, so at the flea market on Sunday, Carmen pointed out how all the gypsy people sell the stuff. "Gitanos...gitanos..."
.Wherever Carmen took us for ice cream (after receiving her 100 euro traffic violation) was incredible.
.IN SALAMANCA, SOMEONE ASKED FOR DIRECTIONS!!! So I guess we blended in!!! The poor girl wanted "calle compan(tilde)ia" and asked for "cali" (like CALIfornia) "come-pan-ah"...oh dear, help us all.
Well, I've got culture in a few so...hasta luego!

Out in Spain and Wine!

Hola y’all! Classes have been totally fine. Two hours of grammar first thing in the morning is dry, but Ruth [root] lets us break for ten minutes in between the hour. Today at the break, Alex, Lauren, Jess, y I went to the café to get some coffee. It’s a good deal…1 euro! It’s half coffee half milk here, and they serve it in what can only be described as a teacup. I don’t drink coffee normally, but one can only go so long in a grammar class without a little boost. Today we reviewed the preterite versus the imperfect, which we all know, BUT all need a refresher. So, to practice, she asked for a fairytale, and I said CENICIENTAS (Cinderella). We all took turns telling part of the story. The homework was really easy except for a few irregulars, but they throw me off. Conversation (also with Root) continues to be a blast. Wellington, this guy from Brasil, cracks me up. We were talking about the food here, and ended up on beans. He couldn’t figure out what a kidney bean was (and has yet to get himself a dictionary) so finally she drew it on the board. He jumped out of his seat and had the biggest look of relief/comprehension on his face. Later on, Root was talking bout how she can’t remember anyone’s name (we all made signs for our desks). She knows Francisco and a few other names of Hispanic origin, and then she said she could remember Wellington b/c it was a king, or something. So Wellington stood up and bowed down. Kiko is also a lot of fun. He was raised in Tennessee but lives in Texas. Oh yeah! Everyone here is from Texas or Wisconsin. The Texans are a lot of fun…we were out with some of them for Carmen’s 24^th birthday last night.

We all met at the dorms for the University “at 9 p.m.” to go out for her birthday. Alex and Lauren found the place we were going to, but no one else knew where it was, and since all of them, minus Troy, are in dorms, we met there. I made the right move choosing to live with a host family! The dorms are basically a toddler-sized square and there are SO many steps. Plus, the dorm kids eat in the cafeteria. From what I’ve been told, the food there is awful. Glad I eat Carmen’s fabulous food! We got to the UCas dorms but Jen and Carmen were literally woken up when the security guy went to tell them we were here. So it took another hour or so before we actually left the building. I guess we’re turning into true Spaniards! We went to a restaurant called Herbes (I think)…yum!!! We got a 3 course meal for 12 euros each. I had the vino tinto that one of the profs. recommended. I've got great pictures!

Be good everyone!

Viva Valladolid!

My blistered up big toe area is covered in bandaids which is improving.

El doctor gave mi medicine and cream and Valium for the “good” arm.

Yesterday we went to the “beach” here and hung for a while. We ended up meeting Jennifer and Carmen, two girls who are Mexican but are from Texas, and laying out with them. There were all these OLD, UNSHAPLY men in Speedos/thonglike swimsuits. Oh man, it was a site. But that’s part of the culture...for real! Turns out the Spaniards are against tan lines. There’s a reason but I don’t completely recall it. Hence, also, the topless thing here in Valladolid. The worst are the old ladies cause everything...sags...hangs...you know. Alright so, at the beach, there was this older woman who apparently needed more sunscreen on her back but she couldn’t reach. SOOOO she came over to us and asked for help. Jess got stuck doing it. Well, every time this lady moved....she jiggled...like...like...like a turkey~! It was awkward. But, memories are memories. Poor Jess...but the lady WAS nice.

Last night was a blast! We met some students from Texas and went out for Carmen’s bday. She turned 24. Alex and Lauren found this FABULOUS Tapas bar and we ended up getting there after 10”30 p.m.. Nine of us went...Alex, Jess, Jen, Carmen, Lauren, Me, The Texas Prof, his wife, and Troy. Troy ended up at the wrong tapas bar but luckily it was just down the street.

Cultura now...with all of them and some other cool kids. Then Plaza Mayor to be a tourist. More later!!!!!

Doctor

Yesterday was not the greatest of days in Europe. I ended up at the doctor! It was some type of emergency care place. The "good" shoulder was severly messed up...from the neck down. It was really hard to write and it hurt to exhale...all around a bad time. And I have blisters like no other en mis feet...in between the big toe and the next one.
Mas luego!

7 July... :-(

Right now it’s 3:45 a.m. (in Spain) and I can’t fall asleep. Tengo DOLOR del estomago (cramps) and my arm is very sore. More than usual.
Mom and Dad—Here comes my list of complaints:
· As usual, myy arm/shoulder area is in pain. But it is worse because it’s that time of the mes.
· Myy “good” shoulder, aka the left one, is continuing to deteriorate. Something needs to be done about this. It trpezius/deltoid area has the mother of all knots b/c everything is carried around. Jess even carried my backpack part of the time and still, it’s sore.
· I walked straight into what I thought was an opening to enter onto the street. I was wrong. It turns out that space is, in fact, a glass window. Streakless. So it looks like there is nothing there. Well anyway, so I was off to shop this evening with Jess and WHAM! Right into the glass. It is fortunate for me that there are no marks on the glass.
· My lips are chapped to a whole new extreme. I have chapstick and I apply it practically hourly, but when I open my mouth all the way, it is dry/cracked and sore. That means it is annoying when I talk. THAT better heal soon cause I need to talk here. For my education J And speaking of not being able to talk, my gaping wisdom teeth holes are still not fully healed. The left jaw region is still tender.
· I was “plaza-ing” and there were some smokers. As you know I am more than allergic. Sooo now my throat is sore.
· My nose is still bleeding (like it has for over a week now).
· I can’t think of any other complaints. I tried to make this list as long as I could because I’m sure you miss my daily litany.


*** It's now 11:40 en Spain and I think I have a "good" shoulder emergencia. Don't worry, I'll figure it out. Anyway, turns out Sergio messed up our classes...he put us in Beginning Grammar. Jess almost fell asleep. So we're switching that. Thye advanced level will cover subjunctive...I think this will be fine.

The Rest of 6 July

Back from shopping! Thanks to the major sales, I snagged a bright blue spaghetti strap for 6 euros and it was originally 20 (Actually I got that my first day with Carmen but I forgot to write about it). I also went into a bookstore and found a kiddie joke book J Dra. Iglesias—there was a copy of Cenicientas (Cinderella for you Anglos) as well. I was going to purchase it, but we both know that nothing beats my version from class. There was also a humongous book having to do with fairytales and the title had HADA in it. I was like, “Whatever.”

ATTENTION!!! WORLD!!! I must have blended into like a native while shopping because this saleslady at some clothing store liked either my sandals (blue y brown) or my toes (blue family). I don’t remember because she lost me after saying she liked ____________. All y’all know I was shocked. I wore that 6 euro tanktop with the tight dark denim jeans, slightly rolled up as per Carmen’s suggestion. Well, Mother, *sigh* I guess I should admit that you were right…getting the toes done was worth it. Padre—So the sandals, pedicure, and jeans I purchased courtesy of the Papa’s credit card was money well spent, huh? Y Dra.—como se dice, “Holla!!!”

Dinner was at 10 tonight. Carmen made us ham and cheese sandwiches along with the leftover pasta carbonara (with ham). I dunno if I ate ham as a baby, but I have NEVER touched it for as long as I can remember. I never liked the look nor the smell so I was convinced that it would taste bad. Dad—I really, really like it. Can you believe it? I try everything I’m served over here. It’s nearly impossible to clear my plate, but tell Mom that I’m eating more here than I do at home.

6 July

For breakfast today we had Cocoa Krispies en espanol and biscocho (like a sweeter bread). The cereal was in warm milk which I LOVED! Then, it was off to la universidad. I wore my (new) white and turquoise dress (for real) and my “snakeskin” blueish flip flops, to show off my blueish toenails. You know, when in Rome, be Roman. Except, in Spain, be Spanish. I also wore the $1 cross and—Mom, sit down—earrings. And makeup. I know, I know, you’re all shocked. Wellz, me too. So when I came out of our room and Carmen saw me, she hugged me and exclaimed “guapaaaa” which, in Spanish, means beautiful/pretty. It’s a 10-15 minute walk to Universitas Castellae from Carmen’s apartment, but everyone in Spain walks in nearly a run, so it was a little rough. Then again, I’m used to wearing sneakers, and I’m a slow walker by American standards, too. In typical W.D. fashion, I was tripping left and right. No worries, I noticed en route to UCast there’s a type of medical supply store!!! They probably knew I was coming. Speaking of medical supplies, good thing I bought brought took (which one, Chrissy?) all those Band-Aids with me. My elbow keeps splitting open. Don’t worry Mom and Dad, I’m sure it will heal eventually.

Okay, so! First day of classes! I signed up to take 2 hours of Language & Composition, an hour of Conversation, and an hour of Spanish Culture…the students at Universitas Castellae take four hours of classes, Monday through Friday. Well, let the adventures recommence…. Since our plane did not arrive until yesterday morning in Madrid, and we didn’t arrive at Carmen’s until after 1 p.m. (Spain time), we missed the “Orientation Meeting” thing. Sigh. Nobody ever told us that there even was a meeting before classes started! On the brighter side, it turns out we weren’t the only ones not present. A group of Texans also, missed, but that’s cause they missed their connecting flight in Atlanta. A couple of the girls lost their luggage! Fortunately, it’s supposed to arrive today.
Okay, pues, Carmen walked with us to the school, so we pretty much know how to get there. Since we weren’t at the meeting, we never took the placement test and weren’t on any class lists! So, after Grammar (turns out that’s what they mean by Lang & Comp) we had an hour break so we took the placement test. There were like 15 of us crammed into the computer lab and there weren’t enough tables/chairs/space en general, so some people wrote their answers leaning on the window ledge. Anyway, because a bunch of us had a break, but not everyone was testing, it was noisy! I was frustrated because I need it to be quiet in order for me to concentrate. But, no worries, cause I DID place into the Advanced/Superior level. Thank God, because I wouldn’t get credit at LVC if I wasn’t in that group.
This is what I have:
Gramatica (Advanced…quite the shocker) 8:30-10:20
Conversation J 10:30-11:20
Cultura 12:30-13:20

I’m glad Sergio (the guy who helps coordinate this) got us into our correct classes and gave us the info from the other day. We have movie nights every Wednesday so that should be neat. Oh and SPEAKING of MOVIES!!! Harry Potter comes out 15 July here, too! Jess and I are definitely going to see it! I’m going to try and get a group of UCast students together so we can all watch it. I know one girl in conversation said her favorite movie was Harry Potter, so I’ll start by asking her. J

Aight, well, tengo calmares y es como un oso en el estomago (and the first day of classes, too!) so I’m off to take some medicina! Shopping later!

Spain from Day 1 (4-5 julio)

We got to the airport and finally figured out where to go.
· Security check
· Flight
· We arrived in Madrid around 7:45/8:00 a.m. Spain time, which is 2 a.m. normally. Madrid is so busy! But then again, it’s the country’s capital. I think 98% of people in Madrid smoke. I was coughing up many a lung.
· Info booth…out of luck.
o Well Thank Goodness we Espeak Espanish (Hi kiddos from Phonetics!). It wasn’t in its normal location (it “moved”)—but at the “new” location, it was closed! Hello?!
· Calls to the USA…no luck!
o I called my “house” in the States. Our normal number resulted in a lady saying Dime into the phone. I was like, Whoa. Wrong number! I learned after many mistaken numbers that you need to dial 001 and then the number to have success. Not sure if it’s the same thing with texts.
· We called Carmen. Actually, Jess was like, “Maybe you should call Carmen?” So I did. And she understood me!!! (Well duh, or else I wouldn’t be here, ya know?)
· Bus ride and the snoring guy (video to follow).
· Carmen’s place
· El almuerzo J
· Stop signs…are universal. As in, STOP signs in Spain say STOP on them (as opposed to PARA or ALTO). However, they are red and round here.
· Boomer dog…I’ve seen two on my first day here. Pictures of course J My porkchop dog (a Westie) appears to be livin’ a dog’s like in Spain, as well as in The Jerz. However, these Westies were not in the “porkchop” category like my Boomer. Possible cause—they eat DOG food. Not McDonald’s.
· El parque
· Playgrounds
· The beach
· ETA
· Michael Jackson
· New favorite Spanish word – REBAJAS!!!!!
o For the uninformed, my two favorite Spanish words have always been zambullir (to dive. No surprise.) and mujeriego (a womanizer. It excites my mouth.). Well, this new word is…rebajas!! REBAJAS basically is like a major discount season! I’m in luck b/c rebajas take place in July and January! Spain’s economy is also in luck.
· Beer…Carmen treated us to a cerveza with lemon. Apparently this “beer” is ¾ lemon and ¼ beer. Turns out the beer isn’t even alcoholic. It’s similar to O’Doul’s in the US. Then again, I don’t have anything to compare it to since I’ve never had a drink before. Paul and Nancy—sorry to disappoint but the beer thing is just not my style. I couldn’t even drink the cerveza con limon and it was non-alcoholic beer! Carmen and Jess finished their drinks, but I drank less than one-quarter. Carmen asked if I didn’t like it. I felt bad so I said it was just different, and with all my drugs I’m not supposed to drink, anyway. That’s when I found out it wasn’t even real alcohol! Maybe I’ll like the wine?
· Dinner
· TV
· I think I’d like to move here.

More later…(dos) besos desde Espana

I'm HERE!

HOLA from VALLADOLID, SPAIN!
More later, sorry...class in a few. Stay tuned!

Expert packer

Hello Cyberspace!
I am nearly all packed for my Spanish adventure! Everything fit into a carry on, and all of my electronic stuff is going in my backpack. I'm surprised that I fit everything in, but there's no way I could maneuver a regular luggage piece on my own. Plus, you have to pay for checked baggage. Jess said that she just found out that on international flights checked baggage is free!
Aw well. I'm still only bringing my carry on.
I got info about the airport that we arrive at in Madrid, and info on buses, trains, taxis, and the metro that can get to Valladolid (where Universitas Castellae is located). I've already got some euros so I'm good to go.
...I think.
Hasta luego!