I am currently spending this evening frantically trying to come up with an amazing English lesson for tomorrow. My assignment: teach two lessons about anything...which seems easy right? Cuz I can literally teach the students about ANYTHING...cool, right? Um..yes it is cool, but how am I supposed to decide what to teach. I have narrowed it down to wanting to teach them about American culture, and maybe even do a snippet on Tallahassee. So, I guess that narrows it down some, or does it? I mean what is American culture? I've come up with this list: Football (American...not soccer), Tailgating, House Parties (this is not so common in other parts of the world), Roadtrips, Churches, Rivers, Beaches, Boating, Baby Showers, Weddings, Universities, Parks, Fast Food, Mexican Food (love it!), Various Foods in general...ok so obviously this is not a comprehensive list, like at all...It's hard to do a lesson on American culture though because what should I focus on, how do I want to display our country? Anyway, once I get finished distracting myself with blogging :) I will get back to brainstorming...
So, since I have been getting more busy lately, I haven't been watching the days past as much, and so I looked up the other day and realized that I am leaving soon, yes very soon... 13 days in fact. I am eager to get back that is true, BUT I will miss a good few things here. Here is what I will miss:
The "cafe con leche"...love it.
The students at my school where I have been interning.
My supervisor, Diana-she's made my stay here so much better!
My roommates and the time in the afternoon that we spend eating together
Making coffee at home for myself, and my roomies
Walking in Valencia
The fresh food, and the local workers that have always been so nice
The teachers and their efforts to speak the few words of English they know
The families and random people who have showed me kindness
Speaking Spanish more, and just listening to Spanish everywhere
Have I mentioned the students? I will def. miss them...some of my favorites are the Seniors and the 12 year olds... :) Good times...
I am sure there are plenty more things...but that's all I can think of at the moment.
Well...I better get back to it!
See you all soon :)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
The Bullfight.
So, yesterday I went to my first ever bullfight. I was very nervous to see this all happen, because as many of you know, they kill the bull. I didn't know if I could handle seeing that, nor if I necessarily wanted to. So then why did I go right? Well, I went because bullfighting is a tradition in Spain that has been going on for hundreds and hundreds of years, and I felt like I should form my own opinion about it, and just see what it's all about. So, I went with my supervising teacher and her husband (they have been incredibly kind to me, and I am so grateful for them). We drove (it was so nice to be in a car!) to a city near to Valencia that is having a similar festival like Fallas in Valencia. So, my supervisor's husband is not an expert or anything about bullfighting, but he does know a good bit, so he was my "tour guide" to some degree through the whole thing. So, we arrived to the Plaza de Toros (The Bull Ring) which is a round, big building that has arched windows on the outside and looks like a stadium in the inside. There is a big circular area at the bottom with white lines going around it, which is where they fight the bulls. So, my "tour guide" explained that there would be six bulls killed (yikes! I was thinking) and that there are 3 toreros (that might not be the correct word, but the man that actually does the final dance/fight/killing of the bull.) With each torero there is a team of people who work with him. So there are three parts of the fight. First, the bull comes into the ring (the bull has never been there before, and there has never been training because before this the bull has lived a very nice life with great food and open fields). The first bull that came in was so disoriented, and this made me really sad because he seemed so confused, and you could tell he just wanted to go back to his pasture...I found out later that other bulls were much more aggresive and came out fighting...but anyway, moving on. Once the bull comes in, the first team of people work with him, with pink blanket-like things, and basically they get him angry, and then these men on horseback come out and poke the bull in the back of the neck, and make him bleed. So I was told that they do this, so that the bull does not lift up his head so far during the fight, and it reduces his strength to some degree. So, the second part is when a separate man comes out and takes two things and pokes it into the bulls back/neck. (So, during the time that the first bull was experiencing this, I saw the bull’s blood, and then I began to wonder if I could in fact handle seeing it) So, they do some more running around, and getting the bull more angry, but then the final part begins. The torero comes out, and it is just him and the bull. At this point the bull is bleeding, but still def. has some strength. So this is when the real dancing/fighting happens. It is pretty intense because the torero could literally die any second, but yet he is so confident, and seriously it is artistic and rather like a dance. It is not as violent as I had thought actually. The body of the torero has to be extremely straight and stiff, and he has to show no fear. As the bull gets more tired and more tired, the torero lets him rest some and then continues again. At this time the torero is not hurting him, the only injuries he has is the ones that were already given to him (One stab, and 2-6 smaller "pokes"). When the bull is energetic the bull will charge the man, and he will use his red cape (now it's red and not pink) and the bull will run through this. Again, this was not rehearsed, and so each bull is different, so depending on the bull, it could be more or less dangerous. So, as the bull gets tired, he doesn't run all the way through the red cape, so he might buck his body up when he is closer to the man, and that is when it is really dangerous. During one of the fights, the torero was struck in the leg (I didn't see any blood, but there was a hole in his clothes). So, then there is a signal, and the whole stadium is quiet, and the torero gets the bull towards the middle of the ring. Then there is a moment when the stadium is silent, and the bull and the man are facing each other, and the torero stabs the bull with a long sword-like thing, and if he does it right, the bull dies immediately. But, that is really hard to do, so it doesn't always happen that way. For the six bulls I saw killed, only one died immediately, so then if the sword actually doesn't go in, the torero has to try again (one of the guys had to try 3 times...which was hard to watch), but after they stab the bull, and if he doesn't die right away, the stab him in the neck and kill him quickly so he doesn't suffer.
After the bull is dead, the crowd cheers and waves their white rags and newspapers if they think the torero did a good job. If he did do a good job and the president of the bullfighting ring thinks so too, then the president will put out a white rag and the torero will have won an ear. The ear of the bull. So literally they go and take an ear of the bull, and the torero has that as a prize. If they do an excellent job, he may get two ears. Only one of the torero's in one of the fights got an ear while I was there.
Ok, so it was such a new experience for me. I wondered if I was going to cry or something because of it all, but what I had to tell myself was that this is a tradition that has gone on for so many years and that to these people, it is very normal. Like, very very normal. So like we go to a football game and scream and hoot for the players, and yell insults to the refs, they do that to the toreros and to the president. I think one of the most interesting things was looking at the people who go. There was a variety of ages, but I would say it is definitely more followed by the older generation. I smelled cigars, and I saw a lot of old, weathered faces...and that was interesting.
Did I really enjoy it? Hmm, I guess I feel undecided. I don't like that they kill them, but what my "tour guide" said was that the bulls live a great life up until then, and if they were just slaughtered in general for a butcher house, they would not have the chance to fight...and also, they do use the meat of the bull to eat afterwards. (I know this is true because I saw the raw meat in a truck as we were leaving, and the actual bulls being butchered in one of the rooms. So...that made me feel a little better. I was surprised that I didn't leave feeling completely disgusted, and maybe that is because of how it was all explained to me. I still don't feel like I would want to go every weekend or anything, but I am glad I went just to understand a little more about it.
After the bull is dead, the crowd cheers and waves their white rags and newspapers if they think the torero did a good job. If he did do a good job and the president of the bullfighting ring thinks so too, then the president will put out a white rag and the torero will have won an ear. The ear of the bull. So literally they go and take an ear of the bull, and the torero has that as a prize. If they do an excellent job, he may get two ears. Only one of the torero's in one of the fights got an ear while I was there.
Ok, so it was such a new experience for me. I wondered if I was going to cry or something because of it all, but what I had to tell myself was that this is a tradition that has gone on for so many years and that to these people, it is very normal. Like, very very normal. So like we go to a football game and scream and hoot for the players, and yell insults to the refs, they do that to the toreros and to the president. I think one of the most interesting things was looking at the people who go. There was a variety of ages, but I would say it is definitely more followed by the older generation. I smelled cigars, and I saw a lot of old, weathered faces...and that was interesting.
Did I really enjoy it? Hmm, I guess I feel undecided. I don't like that they kill them, but what my "tour guide" said was that the bulls live a great life up until then, and if they were just slaughtered in general for a butcher house, they would not have the chance to fight...and also, they do use the meat of the bull to eat afterwards. (I know this is true because I saw the raw meat in a truck as we were leaving, and the actual bulls being butchered in one of the rooms. So...that made me feel a little better. I was surprised that I didn't leave feeling completely disgusted, and maybe that is because of how it was all explained to me. I still don't feel like I would want to go every weekend or anything, but I am glad I went just to understand a little more about it.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Buses, Cities, and Beaches
So...I am not sure why but the last few weeks have been very busy. Here are some of my overall thoughts of the places I have visited and just life in general:
Madrid:
-Big city with a lot to do
-AMAZING Art. I went to El Prado (Saw "Las Meninas," a lot of Goya's works, and just incredible art in general.) It was awesome to stand there and look at original paintings from 400 years ago...that blew my mind. I also went to another art gallery that had Monet, Van Gogh, and I enjoyed that so much because there were less people, and so I could spend more time looking at each painting. At El Prado there were SO many people that I had to come back to some paintings just to get a good look. I came to the conclusion that art really should be viewed by yourself and taken in for as long as you need. I personally would hate getting a group tour of an art museum...just my opinion.
-Saw the Royal Palace that was the home of previous Spanish kings...I thought that was impressive and just cool to think about the kings and queens living there.
-I saw the play "Les Miserables" which turned out to be incredible. I payed 21 Euro and was literally on the absolute back row of the balcony, and it was still cool.
-I got ripped off at a restaurant...which royally ticked me off...and made me angry at the people who take advantage of tourists (a word to any Americans that do that to foreigners)
-I was paranoid about my bag being stolen because I kept being told over and over to watch my stuff
-I took a day trip to Toledo (a very, very, very old city) and got to see a building that used to be a Mosque, then a Synagogue and then a Catholic church...and that just baffled me, and I found it fascinating. I LOVED Toledo. The people were friendly, the city was beautiful and the history was inspiring. I got to see one of El Greco's famous works and it could hardly compare to the picture in the art books.
Las Fallas:
Ok, so Fallas is the major, major, major festival in Valencia. It is an all-out party for like a week straight. I was gone for a few days of it because I wanted to make the trip to Madrid and Toledo, but I did get to see a good bit of it. So Fallas started as a tradition a long time ago with carpenters. The carpenters would throw out their left over wood from the winter and burn it outside of their houses, and then later they started forming the wood into something that was criticizing their community or neighbors. It ended up being a political or social statement, and it also served as symbol to burn the old or bad and start fresh. So, still today they celebrate Fallas and it has evolved into a giant festival. Instead of burning left-over scraps they make (take all year to make) giant dolls or monuments made out of wood, Styrofoam and other materials. They then burn them on the last night of Fallas. There are 300 Fallas in Valencia, so you can imagine how crazy that could be! Around each Falla is a Falla house made up of people who are “Falleros and Falleras” and these people are deeply rooted in the festival and actually pay a great deal of money every year towards the festival. The Falleros and Falleras have a “house” which is basically a private tent where they eat, dance, and drink together. So basically if you are not a Fallero or Fallera then Fallas is quite different for you. You would celebrate the festival, but you would not celebrate it to the degree that the other people would. The falleros and falleras also dress up and march in a parade in the streets with flowers in their hands. They then offer flowers to the Virgin Mary (a huge monument placed in the Plaza del Virgin,) and the people of Valencia decorate this monument with all the flowers…it was incredibly impressive. So, I could go on and on about the customs and happenings of Fallas, but that was just a snippet. I enjoyed it a lot…
Barcelona:
I just got back from Barcelona Sunday night and I had a great time!
-mountains, beaches, and old streets
-I met up with Estibaliz (my Spanish friend), and Royce and Hannah from the States who -Are currently living in France. We all walked around, talked, and just had a good time together.
-La Sagrada Familia was incredible (I recommend looking it up online, it was very cool)
In general, I thought Barcelona was very, very cool. Since it is on the beach it seems a lot more layed back than Madrid and I really enjoyed it. I felt like I was in Florida for a moment :)
Life:
So, my life has been getting better and better. I am less lonely because I have been busier lately, and I am enjoying being here. I still miss Lee, and home and all, but life is good :)
Hope all of you from Tally and elsewhere are good!
Vicki
Ps. I may see a bullfight this weekend.
Madrid:
-Big city with a lot to do
-AMAZING Art. I went to El Prado (Saw "Las Meninas," a lot of Goya's works, and just incredible art in general.) It was awesome to stand there and look at original paintings from 400 years ago...that blew my mind. I also went to another art gallery that had Monet, Van Gogh, and I enjoyed that so much because there were less people, and so I could spend more time looking at each painting. At El Prado there were SO many people that I had to come back to some paintings just to get a good look. I came to the conclusion that art really should be viewed by yourself and taken in for as long as you need. I personally would hate getting a group tour of an art museum...just my opinion.
-Saw the Royal Palace that was the home of previous Spanish kings...I thought that was impressive and just cool to think about the kings and queens living there.
-I saw the play "Les Miserables" which turned out to be incredible. I payed 21 Euro and was literally on the absolute back row of the balcony, and it was still cool.
-I got ripped off at a restaurant...which royally ticked me off...and made me angry at the people who take advantage of tourists (a word to any Americans that do that to foreigners)
-I was paranoid about my bag being stolen because I kept being told over and over to watch my stuff
-I took a day trip to Toledo (a very, very, very old city) and got to see a building that used to be a Mosque, then a Synagogue and then a Catholic church...and that just baffled me, and I found it fascinating. I LOVED Toledo. The people were friendly, the city was beautiful and the history was inspiring. I got to see one of El Greco's famous works and it could hardly compare to the picture in the art books.
Las Fallas:
Ok, so Fallas is the major, major, major festival in Valencia. It is an all-out party for like a week straight. I was gone for a few days of it because I wanted to make the trip to Madrid and Toledo, but I did get to see a good bit of it. So Fallas started as a tradition a long time ago with carpenters. The carpenters would throw out their left over wood from the winter and burn it outside of their houses, and then later they started forming the wood into something that was criticizing their community or neighbors. It ended up being a political or social statement, and it also served as symbol to burn the old or bad and start fresh. So, still today they celebrate Fallas and it has evolved into a giant festival. Instead of burning left-over scraps they make (take all year to make) giant dolls or monuments made out of wood, Styrofoam and other materials. They then burn them on the last night of Fallas. There are 300 Fallas in Valencia, so you can imagine how crazy that could be! Around each Falla is a Falla house made up of people who are “Falleros and Falleras” and these people are deeply rooted in the festival and actually pay a great deal of money every year towards the festival. The Falleros and Falleras have a “house” which is basically a private tent where they eat, dance, and drink together. So basically if you are not a Fallero or Fallera then Fallas is quite different for you. You would celebrate the festival, but you would not celebrate it to the degree that the other people would. The falleros and falleras also dress up and march in a parade in the streets with flowers in their hands. They then offer flowers to the Virgin Mary (a huge monument placed in the Plaza del Virgin,) and the people of Valencia decorate this monument with all the flowers…it was incredibly impressive. So, I could go on and on about the customs and happenings of Fallas, but that was just a snippet. I enjoyed it a lot…
Barcelona:
I just got back from Barcelona Sunday night and I had a great time!
-mountains, beaches, and old streets
-I met up with Estibaliz (my Spanish friend), and Royce and Hannah from the States who -Are currently living in France. We all walked around, talked, and just had a good time together.
-La Sagrada Familia was incredible (I recommend looking it up online, it was very cool)
In general, I thought Barcelona was very, very cool. Since it is on the beach it seems a lot more layed back than Madrid and I really enjoyed it. I felt like I was in Florida for a moment :)
Life:
So, my life has been getting better and better. I am less lonely because I have been busier lately, and I am enjoying being here. I still miss Lee, and home and all, but life is good :)
Hope all of you from Tally and elsewhere are good!
Vicki
Ps. I may see a bullfight this weekend.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
You Can't Help But Stare
So, as of late two different teachers at the school that I am interning recommended people that I could have an "intercambio" with. An "intercambio" as mentioned in one of my previous blogs is simply a friendship between two people who want to practice each other's language. So...I welcomed their suggestions and have met up with two different people this week. Today was particularly funny because I felt like I was on a blind date or something. I was waiting for the girl to arrive and I kept staring at everyone that came near the building where we were supposed to meet. I felt bad staring at everyone, but I was trying to figure out who the girl was. It's kinda a fun thing meeting a random person just because you never know how it will go- if you will have anything to say to each other....and it's especially interesting when it involves a second language. Today was great though. The girl is the daughter of one of the teachers at my school, and she and I are around the same age, so I think we can be friends (I'm pretty happy about that because I have been rather lonely lately).
So, the city of Valencia has been undergoing some major changes in the past week because "Fallas" is next week. Fallas is a giant festival involving street food, fireworks, and the burning of giant monuments....So, small shops are opening up on the streets, Christmas-like lights are being put up, and streets are slowly getting crowded. The most interesting thing I have seen so far is the 2:00 p.m. "Masclata'" which is a firework show (less lights and more sound) that lasts for about 5-10 min. So every day at 2:00 P.M for about two weeks this goes on, and so many people come out to watch and listen to it. I have gone twice and it's interesting, but not like amazingly awesome. What is awesome though, is the amount of people that show up! So...this festival is big...like BIG, and oddly enough I think I am going to go to Madrid and miss some of it :( but the problem is that I have time off next week and I really want to see other parts of Spain...so, I figured I would try to mix it up and see Madrid for the first part of the festival and come back to Valencia for the last part of the festival. I've heard if I see two days I will have seen Fallas....so as of today, at this moment, that's my plan. If anyone knows anyone in Madrid let me know cuz I am planning on being there next week for about 3 days...
So, as far as everything else in Spain...pretty much everything is fine, apart from my missing Lee. I keep telling myself that time will fly…it’s down to 7 weeks now…crazy right?
Well anyway…
Hope all is well in everyone's life, and see you sooner than later!
Vicki
So, the city of Valencia has been undergoing some major changes in the past week because "Fallas" is next week. Fallas is a giant festival involving street food, fireworks, and the burning of giant monuments....So, small shops are opening up on the streets, Christmas-like lights are being put up, and streets are slowly getting crowded. The most interesting thing I have seen so far is the 2:00 p.m. "Masclata'" which is a firework show (less lights and more sound) that lasts for about 5-10 min. So every day at 2:00 P.M for about two weeks this goes on, and so many people come out to watch and listen to it. I have gone twice and it's interesting, but not like amazingly awesome. What is awesome though, is the amount of people that show up! So...this festival is big...like BIG, and oddly enough I think I am going to go to Madrid and miss some of it :( but the problem is that I have time off next week and I really want to see other parts of Spain...so, I figured I would try to mix it up and see Madrid for the first part of the festival and come back to Valencia for the last part of the festival. I've heard if I see two days I will have seen Fallas....so as of today, at this moment, that's my plan. If anyone knows anyone in Madrid let me know cuz I am planning on being there next week for about 3 days...
So, as far as everything else in Spain...pretty much everything is fine, apart from my missing Lee. I keep telling myself that time will fly…it’s down to 7 weeks now…crazy right?
Well anyway…
Hope all is well in everyone's life, and see you sooner than later!
Vicki
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The North
So, I am sorta back into the swing of things since my fiancé left....but now I am counting the days. I am trying not to...but for some reason lately I have been sorta ready to get back home. Well, I am sure that partially that is because Lee is there, but also I have been just a wee bit homesick lately :( I know that seems weird because I am experiencing new things all the time, but I guess when you leave somewhere then you can see how good it is. Maybe it's the whole, "the grass is greener thing..." maybe...
Anyhoo, so I got to visit Estibaliz this past weekend in the north of Spain in an area called Navarra. I took the overnight bus (I would NOT recommend this) to Pamplona where she and her brother picked me up. I then slept for about 4 hours and got up and had the busiest, most random, fun day of my life. Ha. It started with breakfast at a little place near Esti's apartment, then Esti, her brother Rueben, and her sister Christina, and I went to a spa. It was one of those spas that have like cubes of hot water, cubes of cold water, pressured water, water with flowers in it, ice water ect ect. It was really fun :) and relaxing. So after the spa, we went site-seeing for a bit. I bought some shoes and we just wondered around Pamplona a bit. They showed me where the bulls run, and a fountain that crazy English men climb as an annual ritual. We also went to the old wall, and just saw a bunch of different things. Later we went for "lunch" but this was at about 4:30...and we ATE, omg, did we eat...like literally appetizers, a first plate, a second, a dessert, and then coffee... Such a good meal, but I swore I would never eat again. So, then we went shopping some more after that, and got ready to go out for the night. We ended up seeing a "Big Band" group that was one of Rueben's friends. I liked it, but by that time, I could have fallen asleep standing up. We ended up arriving to Esti's parent’s house in the country at 3:30 a.m. which is where I flopped into bed and didn't stir till 12 the next day.
The next day was completely different than the first. I was at Esti's parents house which is out in the country in a small town called, "La Ragga" I think. Ok, so it was a little town out of a movie. It had small streets, old, old buildings and a beautiful church that stood tallest in the town. Her dad and mom showed me all around, and it was such a fun day. We also went to two nearby towns, one called, "Olite" I think and the other I completely forgot the name. Each town was so unique and very cool. In Olite, they have a castle, and it looks like it was transplanted from another world. So, that day was also really, really busy, but what made it more exhausting was listening and speaking in Spanish....I have learned that Spaniards speak all at once, and they speak loud...ha. So, by the end of the weekend, my brain was so tired, and my stomach was sooo full, but I had the time of my life. I took the overnight train back, and started work the next day!
So, now I staying home today because I am sick...ha...not feeling too hot, but probably because I have been going non-stop for a good while now. I am hoping that with a couple days of recoup, I will be fine. :)
Anyway, hope you all are good, and see you in 10 1/2 weeks.
-Vicki
ps. I did try some random drink that consisted of wine and coke (sounds nasty) but was good, and also beer and lemonade...another random combination, but tasted pretty decent.
Anyhoo, so I got to visit Estibaliz this past weekend in the north of Spain in an area called Navarra. I took the overnight bus (I would NOT recommend this) to Pamplona where she and her brother picked me up. I then slept for about 4 hours and got up and had the busiest, most random, fun day of my life. Ha. It started with breakfast at a little place near Esti's apartment, then Esti, her brother Rueben, and her sister Christina, and I went to a spa. It was one of those spas that have like cubes of hot water, cubes of cold water, pressured water, water with flowers in it, ice water ect ect. It was really fun :) and relaxing. So after the spa, we went site-seeing for a bit. I bought some shoes and we just wondered around Pamplona a bit. They showed me where the bulls run, and a fountain that crazy English men climb as an annual ritual. We also went to the old wall, and just saw a bunch of different things. Later we went for "lunch" but this was at about 4:30...and we ATE, omg, did we eat...like literally appetizers, a first plate, a second, a dessert, and then coffee... Such a good meal, but I swore I would never eat again. So, then we went shopping some more after that, and got ready to go out for the night. We ended up seeing a "Big Band" group that was one of Rueben's friends. I liked it, but by that time, I could have fallen asleep standing up. We ended up arriving to Esti's parent’s house in the country at 3:30 a.m. which is where I flopped into bed and didn't stir till 12 the next day.
The next day was completely different than the first. I was at Esti's parents house which is out in the country in a small town called, "La Ragga" I think. Ok, so it was a little town out of a movie. It had small streets, old, old buildings and a beautiful church that stood tallest in the town. Her dad and mom showed me all around, and it was such a fun day. We also went to two nearby towns, one called, "Olite" I think and the other I completely forgot the name. Each town was so unique and very cool. In Olite, they have a castle, and it looks like it was transplanted from another world. So, that day was also really, really busy, but what made it more exhausting was listening and speaking in Spanish....I have learned that Spaniards speak all at once, and they speak loud...ha. So, by the end of the weekend, my brain was so tired, and my stomach was sooo full, but I had the time of my life. I took the overnight train back, and started work the next day!
So, now I staying home today because I am sick...ha...not feeling too hot, but probably because I have been going non-stop for a good while now. I am hoping that with a couple days of recoup, I will be fine. :)
Anyway, hope you all are good, and see you in 10 1/2 weeks.
-Vicki
ps. I did try some random drink that consisted of wine and coke (sounds nasty) but was good, and also beer and lemonade...another random combination, but tasted pretty decent.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Traveling and Love
So, I don't think I have blogged in a bit...but that is because life, all of the sudden, got busy. My friend Estibaliz came to Valencia to visit me, and then the same weekend Lee came. I was a little sick the first day that Estibaliz was here, but we still ran around the city looking at different things. I showed her the center, the different plazas, a couple of coffee shops, and the beach. We also went to the City of Arts and Sciences (This is made up of 3 or 4 huge modern buildings...it contains an aquarium, a museum, a theater, and a place for fashion shows.) When Lee arrived, Esti, Lee and I went to the aquarium. I LOVED the aquarium. It had penguins, a dolphin show, walrus', seals, birds, sharks, giant fish, little fish, starfish, jelly fish ect. Like seriously SO many animals. It was such a cool experience. That night Esti left, and Lee and I started our vacation. I showed him where I work, and my life here. I thought it was very special that he could see where I am living, and how things are. We walked LOTS and just had a great time in Valencia. Then we decided to go to Italy. We flew from Valencia to Milan. We only stayed in Milan for about 5 hours, but we enjoyed walking around, watching people, checking out the fashion area, and seeing the Duomo (the most giant church I have ever seen). We were both sorta awestruck about the architecture in general. We left Milan and took a train to Florence, which is where we were for the rest of the time. In Florence we went sightseeing. We checked out the Duomo there, and decided to go to a couple of museums. We saw Michelangelo's famous "David" which was gigantic and rather amazing. Each place we entered we were amazed at how beautiful and detailed everything was. We saw the city from two different areal views and I think that was actually my favorite part of Florence. I LOVED seeing Florence from above just because it is so beautiful and it feels like it is out of a movie or from some other world. The day that we got engaged, Lee had bought me flowers, and so that was a wonderful way to begin the day :) We then went to a food market and actually ate Lasagna for breakfast that was pretty amazing...then we walked around a bit....had coffee, and then rented bikes. We ended up seeing a park and went for a really long walk (uphill) in order to see the city from a distance. We both LOVED the view there. We walked and walked...and biked and biked, and just generally enjoyed the day. Then we got ready to go out...I wore a dress, and he wore dress pants and a nice shirt. I didn't know he was going to ask me, but he was acting so weird...so I had my suspicions...So he took me to a nice restaurant on the river, and we had a light dinner, and a light dessert. Then as we were walking back to our hostel, he stopped on the bridge (Ponte Vecchio), got down on one knee and asked me to marry him :) :) :) I cried, and was like “really, are you serious? Omg!” We continued walking back, but it took us forever cuz we kept stopping and being like “omg!”
So, now we are happily engaged and have started talking about a date and all :)
So, to say the least, Italy was great!
I also wanted to write a little about my time in Spain as well:
So, I wanted to buy a wedding book...you know to organize my ideas and just sorta start planning. So literally, I went to 5 stores, and finally I realized that wedding preparation books, do not exist here....weird right? Like they do not exist. So, I decided I would buy a notebook that had a section where you could put stuff in it...like folders, but this was also impossible to find. They either have simply a notebook, or a calendar/agenda book...but they just don't have a book that is for organizing things...so I found this to be so strange. Ha. It's not a super big deal, but I just had a moment of cultural shock (though small) because it seemed like such a simple thing. Anyway, so I have concluded, from conversations with people, that Spanish people do consolidate things...they do not shop in one store for everything, and they do not expect 1 notebook to be everything you need....interesting right? It just made me think that Walmart is crazy and that it has created an attitude in me that I can get precisely what I want, when I want it....which is probably not good.
Anyway, so that was something not super positive, but on the more positive side... I am really enjoying my roommate, and I have just recently met the new roommate, and I think she is really cool. I feel really fortunate that I have the opportunity to speak Spanish everyday, and just chill out with local people. I have been invited to one of my roommates’' hometown, and also I am going to go and visit Estibaliz in Navarra soon, so I am pretty stoked about both!
I hope you all are doing well! Take care and God Bless!
Vicki
So, now we are happily engaged and have started talking about a date and all :)
So, to say the least, Italy was great!
I also wanted to write a little about my time in Spain as well:
So, I wanted to buy a wedding book...you know to organize my ideas and just sorta start planning. So literally, I went to 5 stores, and finally I realized that wedding preparation books, do not exist here....weird right? Like they do not exist. So, I decided I would buy a notebook that had a section where you could put stuff in it...like folders, but this was also impossible to find. They either have simply a notebook, or a calendar/agenda book...but they just don't have a book that is for organizing things...so I found this to be so strange. Ha. It's not a super big deal, but I just had a moment of cultural shock (though small) because it seemed like such a simple thing. Anyway, so I have concluded, from conversations with people, that Spanish people do consolidate things...they do not shop in one store for everything, and they do not expect 1 notebook to be everything you need....interesting right? It just made me think that Walmart is crazy and that it has created an attitude in me that I can get precisely what I want, when I want it....which is probably not good.
Anyway, so that was something not super positive, but on the more positive side... I am really enjoying my roommate, and I have just recently met the new roommate, and I think she is really cool. I feel really fortunate that I have the opportunity to speak Spanish everyday, and just chill out with local people. I have been invited to one of my roommates’' hometown, and also I am going to go and visit Estibaliz in Navarra soon, so I am pretty stoked about both!
I hope you all are doing well! Take care and God Bless!
Vicki
Monday, January 31, 2011
Frustration and Happiness
Today...was a stressful, interesting, frustrating, good day :) Ha. No, really it was exactly that. I arrived at school today thinking that I was going to administer a test for one of the classes where I am assisting, but I quickly found out that I was going to conduct an English lesson in which I was completely unprepared.....omg. So, I just ran with it, and jumped in, and it turned out ok. It's been since the summer since I have taught, but I was surprised that it went as well as it did. I did forget how draining it is to teach just for the simple fact of maintaining the student's attention for 50 min. as well as managing their behavior and conveying a concept. I do love it though, and I am realizing that I really enjoy working with middle and high school students...so I am thinking about looking into that in the future.
So, after teaching I ended up being free so I decided to take care of a few things. I went to the study center and talked with my intern coordinator, and just took care of business. I looked into borrowing a book from the small library they have there, but realized that they really don't have many that are in Spanish...so I decided to look for the real library in Valencia and see if I could get a library card. So...I went to the library, and asked if I could get a card, but they said I needed two photos of myself. I thought...sure I have my license and my student I.D. card, but those would not suffice, they wanted basically passport pictures...so I had to leave and look for a place to either copy my license and then cut the picture out, or actually take a picture and make a print ( the library did not have a photocopy machine)...So, I left the library and went hunting for a place to make copies...but yeah it was Siesta time (literally they close SO many shops from the hours of 1:30-5:00!) Today, I realized how annoying that was, cuz I walked for like 45 min. looking for a place to simply make a copy, and everything was closed. It's hard for me to understand this...(I know, I know...culture shock...) So, needless to say I was frustrated, but finally I found a place to make the copies...so I stopped to have a bite to eat, and then returned to the library, but it was closed, why? Oh...because it's Siesta....argh. Anyway, so yes I think breaking in the afternoon is cool, but not when you are trying to get something done. I could def. see my (get something done) American attitude coming out today...So, the point is, I grabbed a coffee, studied some, and then returned to the library later, where I did get my library card and was able to rent a book and movie in Spanish...so, I left happy :)
I only share my experiences today with you all because I know that it is normal to be shocked by things in every culture, and I realized that things here will not be the same as in the US, and I just need to accept that :) :)
Alrighty, adios,
Vicki
So, after teaching I ended up being free so I decided to take care of a few things. I went to the study center and talked with my intern coordinator, and just took care of business. I looked into borrowing a book from the small library they have there, but realized that they really don't have many that are in Spanish...so I decided to look for the real library in Valencia and see if I could get a library card. So...I went to the library, and asked if I could get a card, but they said I needed two photos of myself. I thought...sure I have my license and my student I.D. card, but those would not suffice, they wanted basically passport pictures...so I had to leave and look for a place to either copy my license and then cut the picture out, or actually take a picture and make a print ( the library did not have a photocopy machine)...So, I left the library and went hunting for a place to make copies...but yeah it was Siesta time (literally they close SO many shops from the hours of 1:30-5:00!) Today, I realized how annoying that was, cuz I walked for like 45 min. looking for a place to simply make a copy, and everything was closed. It's hard for me to understand this...(I know, I know...culture shock...) So, needless to say I was frustrated, but finally I found a place to make the copies...so I stopped to have a bite to eat, and then returned to the library, but it was closed, why? Oh...because it's Siesta....argh. Anyway, so yes I think breaking in the afternoon is cool, but not when you are trying to get something done. I could def. see my (get something done) American attitude coming out today...So, the point is, I grabbed a coffee, studied some, and then returned to the library later, where I did get my library card and was able to rent a book and movie in Spanish...so, I left happy :)
I only share my experiences today with you all because I know that it is normal to be shocked by things in every culture, and I realized that things here will not be the same as in the US, and I just need to accept that :) :)
Alrighty, adios,
Vicki
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Eating, Walking, Working
So, life has become more routine now, which is a good thing I think. My only fear is that I won't travel enough throughout Spain because I am too comfortable here :) It's a daunting task (not bad though) to think about how to see it all in the 3 months that remain. Hmm, so I wanna see Madrid, Barcelona, Pamplona, the North of Spain, the Straight of Gibraltar, Seville, ect ect ect. Not to mention: Italy, Greece, Germany, the Czech Republic, and England...well and maybe some other places. :) So yeah...sadly I realize that I won't get to see it all, but that I am going to try to combine quality with quantity...I can't imagine coming home not having seen Madrid and Barcelona...so I think they are first on my list. This all just makes me think that I will HAVE TO come back, at some point.
So, GREAT NEWS!!!! Lee is coming to visit me! :) YAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!! I wasn't sure he would be able to, but he got the time off and will be coming very soon :) I am ecstatic. I love him so much, and so wish he could be here with me the whole rest of the time....but I think our time together will be awesome! :)
So, I am walking a decent amount everyday...it's 35 min. to work, and I am trying to avoid taking the bus, just because I really enjoy the walk and plus it's healthy. So, maybe you guys know that the Spanish eating schedule is a little different. They have virtually nothing for breakfast, but then eat a Bocadillo (a sandwich with a variety of things...either potatoes, cheese and ham, or tomatoes and cheese...something like that) for "lunch" at 10:30, then at 1 or 2 they have well "lunch" again...but this time it is a big meal. Like I have been having this predicament lately. I ask for the menu of the day at a restaurant, and I literally get a huge bowl of soup with bread, then the main course is like chicken and rice and veggies, and then a pastry and coffee...for about 8 Euros...so it's like too much food really. So I have been feeling like I am not going to loose weight if I keep eating like that. So on with the food schedule :) They then eat a "merienda" which is a light snack at like 5pm, and then dinner at 8 or 9...so yeah lots of eating :)
So, work. I am reallly enjoying my internship as I have mentioned in earlier blogs. My supervising teacher is a very good teacher and is really trying to use me in the classroom, and I really appreciate her. I am getting to observe, but also participate, which is what I enjoy most. So far, this experience has made me think about working with younger learners because previously I had just been focusing my energy on adult learners. The students who are like 12 and 13 are absolutely so cute, crazy yes, but so cute :) and so eager to participate. The 17 and 18 year olds are amazingly advanced (well some of them) at English, and I am really happy I get to interact with them. I am starting to think about where I would like to work after the internship is over.
Well, overall things are excellent. My brain is so tired by the end of the day because of trying to understand the Spanish around me. I am hoping that one day soon, I will just be amazingly able to understand everything and communicate with ease :)
Well... Good Morning Florida and take care :)
-Vicki
ps. I have taken a few pics, but not as much as I should...but will post them soon :)
So, GREAT NEWS!!!! Lee is coming to visit me! :) YAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!! I wasn't sure he would be able to, but he got the time off and will be coming very soon :) I am ecstatic. I love him so much, and so wish he could be here with me the whole rest of the time....but I think our time together will be awesome! :)
So, I am walking a decent amount everyday...it's 35 min. to work, and I am trying to avoid taking the bus, just because I really enjoy the walk and plus it's healthy. So, maybe you guys know that the Spanish eating schedule is a little different. They have virtually nothing for breakfast, but then eat a Bocadillo (a sandwich with a variety of things...either potatoes, cheese and ham, or tomatoes and cheese...something like that) for "lunch" at 10:30, then at 1 or 2 they have well "lunch" again...but this time it is a big meal. Like I have been having this predicament lately. I ask for the menu of the day at a restaurant, and I literally get a huge bowl of soup with bread, then the main course is like chicken and rice and veggies, and then a pastry and coffee...for about 8 Euros...so it's like too much food really. So I have been feeling like I am not going to loose weight if I keep eating like that. So on with the food schedule :) They then eat a "merienda" which is a light snack at like 5pm, and then dinner at 8 or 9...so yeah lots of eating :)
So, work. I am reallly enjoying my internship as I have mentioned in earlier blogs. My supervising teacher is a very good teacher and is really trying to use me in the classroom, and I really appreciate her. I am getting to observe, but also participate, which is what I enjoy most. So far, this experience has made me think about working with younger learners because previously I had just been focusing my energy on adult learners. The students who are like 12 and 13 are absolutely so cute, crazy yes, but so cute :) and so eager to participate. The 17 and 18 year olds are amazingly advanced (well some of them) at English, and I am really happy I get to interact with them. I am starting to think about where I would like to work after the internship is over.
Well, overall things are excellent. My brain is so tired by the end of the day because of trying to understand the Spanish around me. I am hoping that one day soon, I will just be amazingly able to understand everything and communicate with ease :)
Well... Good Morning Florida and take care :)
-Vicki
ps. I have taken a few pics, but not as much as I should...but will post them soon :)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Cozy and Comfortable
So, yesterday I moved into my new place...you know loaded all of my bags up, and lugged all of my stuff out of the grand apartment of 9 people, and moved into this antique apartment with two other girls. One girl, the German, is moving out in a week to be replaced by a Spaniard, but Rebecca lives here and is from Spain. I have had SUCH a good time since I got her yesterday. I have felt ridiculously welcome, and I feel SO comfortable in my room and in the house in general. Rebecca has decorated in the cutest, warm way ever, and I am just happy. I am so happy that I have warm blankets, that I am in more of a home than just an apartment, and that I can become friends with Spanish people....well and that I am going to have to speak Spanish everyday. So far we went shopping with Rebecca's friends, and just chilled at the house...last night I slept amazingly well, and I am just relieved, and pretty much stoked for the next few months. I will yet again need to learn how to get to work from here, and will need to learn what shops ect. are around me, but that I can do. It's been a CRAZY two weeks for starting out in a new country, but I can tell something has changed, and definitely for the better :)
As far as my Spanish...I feel like an idiot...omg. I am having a hard time spitting out what I want to say, and I am realizing that I am really understanding more and more when people are speaking, but that I can't express myself very well. I wish I could go back and sit in a Spanish I class and soak up everything that is elementary and simple. For whatever reason some things that I learned like 8 years ago, did not stick...and now I am like how do I say, "how much is that?"...wait, "yesterday or tomorrow?"... how do I say, "she ate that yesterday..."
I am determined though. I really, really want to learn more and become more comfortable with the language. So...I am hoping that at the end of this adventure, I will feel more confident in teaching English...and in speaking, writing, listening, and reading in Spanish.
So...basically things are good, and I am so grateful :)
-Vicki
As far as my Spanish...I feel like an idiot...omg. I am having a hard time spitting out what I want to say, and I am realizing that I am really understanding more and more when people are speaking, but that I can't express myself very well. I wish I could go back and sit in a Spanish I class and soak up everything that is elementary and simple. For whatever reason some things that I learned like 8 years ago, did not stick...and now I am like how do I say, "how much is that?"...wait, "yesterday or tomorrow?"... how do I say, "she ate that yesterday..."
I am determined though. I really, really want to learn more and become more comfortable with the language. So...I am hoping that at the end of this adventure, I will feel more confident in teaching English...and in speaking, writing, listening, and reading in Spanish.
So...basically things are good, and I am so grateful :)
-Vicki
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Chocolate makes all things smile :)
So, have I mentioned their little pastry shops with loads of good stuff? I love them, and I love the fact that you can literally just pop in on any random one. As far as food in general, I like most of everything I have tried. The only thing I didn't like too much was some anchovie sandwich....eww, but besides that, food has been good.
So, today marks exactly two weeks here. Two weeks...it's been such a blur. I literally feel like it has been so long. I have realized though that the time here is going to go uber fast so I need to be learning, understanding, participating, traveling as much as I can because before you know it, I will be back, and will be looking for work.
Today, I am tired. I am not tired from staying up too late, or from strenuous activity, it's just that my brain is tired. I've tried to explain this to some people, but it's basically because I have been constantly trying to understand people and be understood in another language. The most challenging thing that I have done was my search for an apartment. Yet again, I am moving...lol. The process has been comical because here I am calling random people who only speak Spanish, and I have been negotiating a time to meet, prices, availabilities ect. I have seen a lot of places, and met A LOT of people, so in a way it's been kinda interesting. I guess when else would you have the opportunity to see the inside of so many different people homes? So, though the process has been exhausting, I am kinda glad I've had to do it because it's helped me understand the city better, and interact (in Spanish) with so many people. So, I am moving from a fun, big, crazy apartment of 9 people into an apartment with only 3 girls...so I am excited. I think I have realized a lot about myself through this whole "moving extravaganza"...I like pretty chilled out apartments with few people. I love to come home and just know that the atmosphere will be semi-quiet, and kinda predictable...maybe I am getting old? Ha... so, I move in on Saturday, so I will yet again get to know another area of town, and get to know two new people. I'm pretty stoked.
Life in general here is good, and I am LOVING my internship. I feel like it really is such a cool placement. My internship supervisor is very good, and I have the opportunity to observe and assist in so many different classes.
pues, quiero dormir ahora...
take care everyone.
Vicki
So, today marks exactly two weeks here. Two weeks...it's been such a blur. I literally feel like it has been so long. I have realized though that the time here is going to go uber fast so I need to be learning, understanding, participating, traveling as much as I can because before you know it, I will be back, and will be looking for work.
Today, I am tired. I am not tired from staying up too late, or from strenuous activity, it's just that my brain is tired. I've tried to explain this to some people, but it's basically because I have been constantly trying to understand people and be understood in another language. The most challenging thing that I have done was my search for an apartment. Yet again, I am moving...lol. The process has been comical because here I am calling random people who only speak Spanish, and I have been negotiating a time to meet, prices, availabilities ect. I have seen a lot of places, and met A LOT of people, so in a way it's been kinda interesting. I guess when else would you have the opportunity to see the inside of so many different people homes? So, though the process has been exhausting, I am kinda glad I've had to do it because it's helped me understand the city better, and interact (in Spanish) with so many people. So, I am moving from a fun, big, crazy apartment of 9 people into an apartment with only 3 girls...so I am excited. I think I have realized a lot about myself through this whole "moving extravaganza"...I like pretty chilled out apartments with few people. I love to come home and just know that the atmosphere will be semi-quiet, and kinda predictable...maybe I am getting old? Ha... so, I move in on Saturday, so I will yet again get to know another area of town, and get to know two new people. I'm pretty stoked.
Life in general here is good, and I am LOVING my internship. I feel like it really is such a cool placement. My internship supervisor is very good, and I have the opportunity to observe and assist in so many different classes.
pues, quiero dormir ahora...
take care everyone.
Vicki
Saturday, January 15, 2011
I gave in....
I had been trying to avoid Starbucks because there are so many local places that have amazing coffee, and sell it for pretty cheap....but today, I gave in....I just wanted to feel the comfort of home, and get free internet :) So, I am currently sipping on a Vanilla Latte, and it's pretty satisfying.
As for life in Valencia, most things are going pretty well. I started my internship at a Catholic school here, and have really loved meeting the students, and just being involved in the classes. My supervising teacher is great, and I am really thinking that the time spent in the school will be wonderful.
As far as the other areas of my life? Well, as mentioned in my last blog, I have been a little lonely (which is to be expected), and I am not completely comfortable at the apartment that I have just paid a lot of money to live at.... so what does that mean? Not sure quite yet...
I talked to my mom today, and I don't know what moms have, but they just have this incredible ability to make you feel that all things will work out, and that I can just trust God in all things :). I love my mom and I so appreciate her :) So, I am sure, absolutely confident, that in a short time, I will feel comfortable here, and find my niche. I am trying out a church tomorrow, and am excited to see how that goes.
Other thoughts:
-I love trying to use Spanish, and am stoked about how much I will be able to learn while here.
-Did I mention that there is another language spoken here? It's called Valenciano, and literally it is a completely different language. It's I guess a mix of Spanish, Italian, and French or something like that. One of the teachers at my school teaches Valenciano, and I am hoping that one day, I can sit in his class just to learn a little about it. I am so curious how languages come about... In Spain there are a few other non-standard languages spoken. Spanish is the national language, but these others are strong as well and have many speakers who use them daily.
-Around every corner here there is another cute cafe or restaurant, and it just makes me feel like I am in one of those European movies where the cool people are eating in a trendy restaurant :) lol...but true.
So, yeah...I think that is all for now. Love you all.
-Victoria (or pronounced Bictoria here :)
As for life in Valencia, most things are going pretty well. I started my internship at a Catholic school here, and have really loved meeting the students, and just being involved in the classes. My supervising teacher is great, and I am really thinking that the time spent in the school will be wonderful.
As far as the other areas of my life? Well, as mentioned in my last blog, I have been a little lonely (which is to be expected), and I am not completely comfortable at the apartment that I have just paid a lot of money to live at.... so what does that mean? Not sure quite yet...
I talked to my mom today, and I don't know what moms have, but they just have this incredible ability to make you feel that all things will work out, and that I can just trust God in all things :). I love my mom and I so appreciate her :) So, I am sure, absolutely confident, that in a short time, I will feel comfortable here, and find my niche. I am trying out a church tomorrow, and am excited to see how that goes.
Other thoughts:
-I love trying to use Spanish, and am stoked about how much I will be able to learn while here.
-Did I mention that there is another language spoken here? It's called Valenciano, and literally it is a completely different language. It's I guess a mix of Spanish, Italian, and French or something like that. One of the teachers at my school teaches Valenciano, and I am hoping that one day, I can sit in his class just to learn a little about it. I am so curious how languages come about... In Spain there are a few other non-standard languages spoken. Spanish is the national language, but these others are strong as well and have many speakers who use them daily.
-Around every corner here there is another cute cafe or restaurant, and it just makes me feel like I am in one of those European movies where the cool people are eating in a trendy restaurant :) lol...but true.
So, yeah...I think that is all for now. Love you all.
-Victoria (or pronounced Bictoria here :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Intercambio
En un momentito mi vida cambia.
Ok, so today was a rather frustrating day. A. I found out the room that I am staying in used to have bed bugs (yay!...not so much right?) and B. I felt pretty lonely and crappy today. I miss everyone. I thought today...why the heck did I leave everyone I love so much to come to Spain. Although the city is fascinating, and the restaurants are cute, and the coffee is amazing...I am missing my friends in Tallahassee. I am missing Lee, so so so so so so much. :( I am missing hanging out with friends and just chillen...but such is life when you are adjusting to a new city, a new group, a new language ect. ect. I kept telling myself today, "it has only been less than a week...it will get better." It is not that it is bad here, or that I want to turn and run back to home, but I just miss my wonderful, comfortable, good life in Tallahassee. There is something that is draining about having to speak in a foreign language a lot. Like you want to talk about something deeper, or you just want to explain yourself, pero no se la palabra, or no se la phrase... anyway...those who have lived abroad or have encountered this situation, will understand. I love Spanish, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it is so nice to speak in English and just be in a comfortable situation.
So, as mentioned above, my day was NOT that great...but such is life, not just while living abroad, but this is life right...good days and bad days. Anyway, so I had gone for walk earlier and ended up at the study center where I thought I might run into some people that wanted to hang out, but nothing came of that so I started to walk back to my apartment...but then ended up right where I started, so I decided to take a bus, and while I was on the bus, I saw a store that I thought might sells towels (did I mention I so need a towel, but they are expensive and hard to find)...so I got off the bus only to realize that the store does not sell towels...so then I had to wait...again....for the next bus. Finally, I got back to the neighborhood where I live, and I decided to grab something to eat, and ended up meeting this American couple and their friends who invited me to sit with them. So, I ended up going with this thing called, “Intercambio” and it is where people who want to practice English and those who want to practice Spanish can kinda help each other. I ended up having so much fun, and was able to meet so many people. I loved it because I met both locals and people from other countries who are living in Valencia. It was so much fun for me to talk with them, and just have a chilled out night. I know that I have to remember that it takes time to meet people, and just because one day is not fabulous, it really can turn around in a moment.
Pues, voy a escribir mas manana o otra dia.
-Vicki
Ps. I know I need accents on my Spanish words, but I haven’t figured out how to put them on through the computer.
Ok, so today was a rather frustrating day. A. I found out the room that I am staying in used to have bed bugs (yay!...not so much right?) and B. I felt pretty lonely and crappy today. I miss everyone. I thought today...why the heck did I leave everyone I love so much to come to Spain. Although the city is fascinating, and the restaurants are cute, and the coffee is amazing...I am missing my friends in Tallahassee. I am missing Lee, so so so so so so much. :( I am missing hanging out with friends and just chillen...but such is life when you are adjusting to a new city, a new group, a new language ect. ect. I kept telling myself today, "it has only been less than a week...it will get better." It is not that it is bad here, or that I want to turn and run back to home, but I just miss my wonderful, comfortable, good life in Tallahassee. There is something that is draining about having to speak in a foreign language a lot. Like you want to talk about something deeper, or you just want to explain yourself, pero no se la palabra, or no se la phrase... anyway...those who have lived abroad or have encountered this situation, will understand. I love Spanish, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it is so nice to speak in English and just be in a comfortable situation.
So, as mentioned above, my day was NOT that great...but such is life, not just while living abroad, but this is life right...good days and bad days. Anyway, so I had gone for walk earlier and ended up at the study center where I thought I might run into some people that wanted to hang out, but nothing came of that so I started to walk back to my apartment...but then ended up right where I started, so I decided to take a bus, and while I was on the bus, I saw a store that I thought might sells towels (did I mention I so need a towel, but they are expensive and hard to find)...so I got off the bus only to realize that the store does not sell towels...so then I had to wait...again....for the next bus. Finally, I got back to the neighborhood where I live, and I decided to grab something to eat, and ended up meeting this American couple and their friends who invited me to sit with them. So, I ended up going with this thing called, “Intercambio” and it is where people who want to practice English and those who want to practice Spanish can kinda help each other. I ended up having so much fun, and was able to meet so many people. I loved it because I met both locals and people from other countries who are living in Valencia. It was so much fun for me to talk with them, and just have a chilled out night. I know that I have to remember that it takes time to meet people, and just because one day is not fabulous, it really can turn around in a moment.
Pues, voy a escribir mas manana o otra dia.
-Vicki
Ps. I know I need accents on my Spanish words, but I haven’t figured out how to put them on through the computer.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Get lost :)
That's been my philosophy so far in Valencia. I just sorta start walking in one direction or another, but generally towards the city center. I've found the city relatively easy to navigate...it's more of a circle...I guess it was surrounded by walls a long, long time ago, so if you know a couple landmarks it tends to be ok. Today though, I took the line 5 bus that circles the city with hopes of getting closer to where I am staying, but I ended up circling the whole city...lol. I did feel like I got a better grasp of the city as a whole though, and I found out that to circle the city only takes about 25 min. I really am loving walking the streets, and just watching people. Since I have arrived, almost all of my interaction with locals has been good. They really seem to be kind people that are willing to stop and help when needed. The Spanish spoken here is of course different, and I have been told I sound like I am from Latin America....lol.
Here are a few of the things I have noticed so far:
-Lots of people have dogs, which I find to be really interesting because most of the people live in apartments. These dogs are not small, and are allowed to "go" anywhere...which is not the most pleasant thing ever...
-Have I mentioned the coffee? I am IN LOVE with the coffee. I order a "cafe con leche" and it's just about heaven every time. It's basically espresso with steamed milk...like a latte from Starbucks, but better (GASP!), I know...I can barely admit it, but yes it is better than Starbucks. It's just fresh and good, and smaller so it stays hot, so that's awesome:) Oh, and as a side-note, they do have Starbucks here, and although I am a fan, I am going to try to avoid it for a while just so I can experience more of the local stuff.
-Food...so far I have eaten Paella which is a very Spanish thing...it's rice with pork, seafood, and veggies and it's pretty dang good. I have also eaten at a Japanese place, and for some reason it made me feel at home...go figure. They have tons of Panaderia's here... which are basically pastry shops, and they are yummy and cheap...but I fear for my flab if I eat too much! Oh, and today I ate at a Turkish place, random I know...but it really just shows me that so many places in the world have international food, things, and people.
-I have seen a McDonalds, a United Colors of Ben., Diesel, and other stores I recognize.
-I am still having trouble converting the money, so when it says 3.20 Euros I think yippie! When really I should be like, "dang" that's more than I am thinking... (I did just look it up and it was only $4.12, so that makes me feel a little better :)
In general, I like the city, and am excited to get settled and live life here for a bit. I am missing home some, especially my sweet, wonderful, awesome boyfriend, but other than that I am good :) So far I haven't taken a single picture yet, so that has gotta be a crime or something, so as soon as I do...I will upload at least one soon :)
-love you all :)
-Vicki
Here are a few of the things I have noticed so far:
-Lots of people have dogs, which I find to be really interesting because most of the people live in apartments. These dogs are not small, and are allowed to "go" anywhere...which is not the most pleasant thing ever...
-Have I mentioned the coffee? I am IN LOVE with the coffee. I order a "cafe con leche" and it's just about heaven every time. It's basically espresso with steamed milk...like a latte from Starbucks, but better (GASP!), I know...I can barely admit it, but yes it is better than Starbucks. It's just fresh and good, and smaller so it stays hot, so that's awesome:) Oh, and as a side-note, they do have Starbucks here, and although I am a fan, I am going to try to avoid it for a while just so I can experience more of the local stuff.
-Food...so far I have eaten Paella which is a very Spanish thing...it's rice with pork, seafood, and veggies and it's pretty dang good. I have also eaten at a Japanese place, and for some reason it made me feel at home...go figure. They have tons of Panaderia's here... which are basically pastry shops, and they are yummy and cheap...but I fear for my flab if I eat too much! Oh, and today I ate at a Turkish place, random I know...but it really just shows me that so many places in the world have international food, things, and people.
-I have seen a McDonalds, a United Colors of Ben., Diesel, and other stores I recognize.
-I am still having trouble converting the money, so when it says 3.20 Euros I think yippie! When really I should be like, "dang" that's more than I am thinking... (I did just look it up and it was only $4.12, so that makes me feel a little better :)
In general, I like the city, and am excited to get settled and live life here for a bit. I am missing home some, especially my sweet, wonderful, awesome boyfriend, but other than that I am good :) So far I haven't taken a single picture yet, so that has gotta be a crime or something, so as soon as I do...I will upload at least one soon :)
-love you all :)
-Vicki
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Mis primeras dias en Valencia.
Hola!
Ahora vivo en Espana por 4 meses...y voy a escribir sobre mi vida aqui. My Spanish is NOT that good, and that has been ridiculously obvious as I stand blank faced in front of soooo many shopkeepers here. I keep telling myself that I won't always sound like such an idiot...
So, yes I am in Valencia for 4 months to intern as an English Teacher. I'm pretty stoked about the whole thing, and after today I feel a bit more relaxed about my "housing situation" (lol). Before arriving, I tried to find a homestay or something like that...and basically found nothing that worked, until I found a family on a homestay website (www.bedycasa.com) which worked well for me. The family actually existed, and they don't appear to be robbers or anything. :) Although the home is fine, and the family is nice, I don't feel super comfortable, so I actually went searching for apartments today....lol (lol because try looking for apartments when your Spanish is barely “fair”.
The Search: Randomly this girl at a hostel told me the website called www.valencia.loquo.com, and basically it is the Craig's list of Valencia. So, literally I emailed random people, and tried to call them from my skype number to arrange a time to see the different apartments. Today, I went to see one where I would be living with una chica colombiana y otras chicas...their apartment is located in the "foreign area" of Valencia. I found this area to be fascinating. Chinese, Arab, Colombians ect. live there and it seems cool...it ended up being a little far from the school I will be working at, and I wasn't sure about the safety of the area...so, I ended up finding another apartment. I called this guy up, and pieced together my words so I could ask him about the place, he ended up texting me (on my new phone!!! #622437592, but you have to dial (011) + 34 first.) Call anytime, cuz incoming calls are free :)Anyway, so I ended up really liking this place and I will be moving in next week when the time with the family is finished. I will be living with MILLIONS of people (not millions, but literally 10!), but it seems like loads of fun, and the people are from all over PLUS the rent is only 370 a month-everything included...for those of you who know how much I have been worrying about housing, you will know, this is a great find! (hopefully anyway :)
So, the last few days since my arrival on Thursday have been filled with orientations, amazing coffee and apartment hunting...I am glad to relax a little now, and maybe spend some time with the family that I am staying with.
I hope you all are doing well, and I will try to update this thing as much as I can :) Keep in touch as much as you can. Love you all.
-Vicki
Ahora vivo en Espana por 4 meses...y voy a escribir sobre mi vida aqui. My Spanish is NOT that good, and that has been ridiculously obvious as I stand blank faced in front of soooo many shopkeepers here. I keep telling myself that I won't always sound like such an idiot...
So, yes I am in Valencia for 4 months to intern as an English Teacher. I'm pretty stoked about the whole thing, and after today I feel a bit more relaxed about my "housing situation" (lol). Before arriving, I tried to find a homestay or something like that...and basically found nothing that worked, until I found a family on a homestay website (www.bedycasa.com) which worked well for me. The family actually existed, and they don't appear to be robbers or anything. :) Although the home is fine, and the family is nice, I don't feel super comfortable, so I actually went searching for apartments today....lol (lol because try looking for apartments when your Spanish is barely “fair”.
The Search: Randomly this girl at a hostel told me the website called www.valencia.loquo.com, and basically it is the Craig's list of Valencia. So, literally I emailed random people, and tried to call them from my skype number to arrange a time to see the different apartments. Today, I went to see one where I would be living with una chica colombiana y otras chicas...their apartment is located in the "foreign area" of Valencia. I found this area to be fascinating. Chinese, Arab, Colombians ect. live there and it seems cool...it ended up being a little far from the school I will be working at, and I wasn't sure about the safety of the area...so, I ended up finding another apartment. I called this guy up, and pieced together my words so I could ask him about the place, he ended up texting me (on my new phone!!! #622437592, but you have to dial (011) + 34 first.) Call anytime, cuz incoming calls are free :)Anyway, so I ended up really liking this place and I will be moving in next week when the time with the family is finished. I will be living with MILLIONS of people (not millions, but literally 10!), but it seems like loads of fun, and the people are from all over PLUS the rent is only 370 a month-everything included...for those of you who know how much I have been worrying about housing, you will know, this is a great find! (hopefully anyway :)
So, the last few days since my arrival on Thursday have been filled with orientations, amazing coffee and apartment hunting...I am glad to relax a little now, and maybe spend some time with the family that I am staying with.
I hope you all are doing well, and I will try to update this thing as much as I can :) Keep in touch as much as you can. Love you all.
-Vicki
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