July 3, 2011
Today was such an amazing day!! We got to sleep in for a little while because we went to Hard Rock Cafe last night at 1:30 and didn't get back until around 3! So we slept in a little bit and then we all got up and got ready. We drove the car and parked near the Sagrada Familia. We grabbed a couple pastries as we walked towards it which were delicious! And then I got to cross la Sagrada Familia off of my Places to See Before I Die List! It was incredible! It was so much bigger than I expected it to be! The architecture was amazing and it was beautiful! We got to take an elevator to the top of one of towers and look out over Barcelona. The view was gorgeous and it was so cool to be so high up! I'm so glad that we were able to go. It was definitely worth it!
After the cathedral, we went to a park that Gaudí designed. We wandered around there for a little while. As we were leaving, a girl came up to me and asked if she could interview me for a documentary class that she's in. There were two other girls with her with huge camera equipment that filmed while she asked me questions about why I take pictures, so that was kind of interesting.
Then we went and drove past an apartment building that Gaudí designed that is wavy and looks super cool!
Then we went and found La Rambla, which is a long street filled with shops. We just wandered around there, looking around and watching all of the different street performers. We also ate dinner on this street.
Afterwards, we drove past the FC Barcelona soccer stadium! It was huuuuuge! Barcelona is the current European champion of soccer. I was here for two of the games that they played in, so that was cool!
Then we came home and packed up our stuff. I can't believe I go home tomorrow. I have been in Spain for over 9 weeks and it feels like I just got here last week! I'm excited to go home, but I think I will miss Spain! Ahhhh!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
July 3, 2011
July 3, 2011
Today was such an amazing day!! We got to sleep in for a little while because we went to Hard Rock Cafe last night at 1:30 and didn't get back until around 3! So we slept in a little bit and then we all got up and got ready. We drove the car and parked near the Sagrada Familia. We grabbed a couple pastries as we walked towards it which were delicious! And then I got to cross la Sagrada Familia off of my Places to See Before I Die List! It was incredible! It was so much bigger than I expected it to be! The architecture was amazing and it was beautiful! We got to take an elevator to the top of one of towers and look out over Barcelona. The view was gorgeous and it was so cool to be so high up! I'm so glad that we were able to go. It was definitely worth it!
After the cathedral, we went to a park that Gaudí designed. We wandered around there for a little while. As we were leaving, a girl came up to me and asked if she could interview me for a documentary class that she's in. There were two other girls with her with huge camera equipment that filmed while she asked me questions about why I take pictures, so that was kind of interesting.
Then we went and drove past an apartment building that Gaudí designed that is wavy and looks super cool!
Then we went and found La Rambla, which is a long street filled with shops. We just wandered around there, looking around and watching all of the different street performers. We also ate dinner on this street.
Afterwards, we drove past the FC Barcelona soccer stadium! It was huuuuuge! Barcelona is the current European champion of soccer. I was here for two of the games that they played in, so that was cool!
Then we came home and packed up our stuff. I can't believe I go home tomorrow. I have been in Spain for over 9 weeks and it feels like I just got here last week! I'm excited to go home, but I think I will miss Spain! Ahhhh!
Today was such an amazing day!! We got to sleep in for a little while because we went to Hard Rock Cafe last night at 1:30 and didn't get back until around 3! So we slept in a little bit and then we all got up and got ready. We drove the car and parked near the Sagrada Familia. We grabbed a couple pastries as we walked towards it which were delicious! And then I got to cross la Sagrada Familia off of my Places to See Before I Die List! It was incredible! It was so much bigger than I expected it to be! The architecture was amazing and it was beautiful! We got to take an elevator to the top of one of towers and look out over Barcelona. The view was gorgeous and it was so cool to be so high up! I'm so glad that we were able to go. It was definitely worth it!
After the cathedral, we went to a park that Gaudí designed. We wandered around there for a little while. As we were leaving, a girl came up to me and asked if she could interview me for a documentary class that she's in. There were two other girls with her with huge camera equipment that filmed while she asked me questions about why I take pictures, so that was kind of interesting.
Then we went and drove past an apartment building that Gaudí designed that is wavy and looks super cool!
Then we went and found La Rambla, which is a long street filled with shops. We just wandered around there, looking around and watching all of the different street performers. We also ate dinner on this street.
Afterwards, we drove past the FC Barcelona soccer stadium! It was huuuuuge! Barcelona is the current European champion of soccer. I was here for two of the games that they played in, so that was cool!
Then we came home and packed up our stuff. I can't believe I go home tomorrow. I have been in Spain for over 9 weeks and it feels like I just got here last week! I'm excited to go home, but I think I will miss Spain! Ahhhh!
July 2, 2011
July 2, 2011
Today was a relaxing day. We got up and headed out to Nerja. We went to a different beach to try it out. It was nice, but crowded. And it had lots of topless ladies. Jill, Spence, and I went and got pizza for lunch and it was great! Then we went to the beach we were at earlier. We played a couple games and laid out for a while.
We got home and showered and then we packed up our suitcases. Then, we went to the airport. We boarded our flight to Barcelona, where we are now! I'm looking forward to spending the day here tomorrow! It's crazy, though, because they speak Catalan here. It's a dialect if Spanish but it is super different! We will have to see how that goes! We rented a car and its some sort of European Chevy crossover and we had to fit seven of us and our suitcases in the car! It was an adventure! Now I am just sitting in the car, waiting for my dad to check us into our hotel. It's after 1 AM and I am starving! Well, good night!
Today was a relaxing day. We got up and headed out to Nerja. We went to a different beach to try it out. It was nice, but crowded. And it had lots of topless ladies. Jill, Spence, and I went and got pizza for lunch and it was great! Then we went to the beach we were at earlier. We played a couple games and laid out for a while.
We got home and showered and then we packed up our suitcases. Then, we went to the airport. We boarded our flight to Barcelona, where we are now! I'm looking forward to spending the day here tomorrow! It's crazy, though, because they speak Catalan here. It's a dialect if Spanish but it is super different! We will have to see how that goes! We rented a car and its some sort of European Chevy crossover and we had to fit seven of us and our suitcases in the car! It was an adventure! Now I am just sitting in the car, waiting for my dad to check us into our hotel. It's after 1 AM and I am starving! Well, good night!
July 1, 2011
July 1, 2011
Today was a busy day! We woke up early and set out for Tarifa, where we caught our ferry to Morocco. As we left Tarifa, they stamped my passport and then as we were about to leave the ferry in Morocco, they stamped it again. They did the same thing on the way back so I got 4 stamps in my passport today!
Anyway... I HAVE NOW BEEN TO AFRICA! I can't believe it! I always thought that when I went to Africa it would be Ghana or Egypt and that it would be a ways in the future, but I got to go today! As we were getting off the boat, a man came up to us and offered to be our tour guide for the day for 20€. Because we had no idea what we were doing, we thought it would be a good idea to have him show us around. He took us through some streets and showed us some interesting shops. The. He took us to the market. It was very interesting. I had been to a couple fresh-air markets in Spain, but these were nothing like them. It was so unsanitary and it smelled disgusting! It really did give me a sense of how people in third-world countries live. Then he took us to a rug shop where we spent quite a bit of time. My parents and Deej and Whit both bought rugs. Then our guide took us into a little souvenir shop. We spent a little time in there, but I didn't buy anything.
When we came out of the shop, we were swarmed with little street vendors. Word must have gotten out that we were in there and that we had already bought some stuff because when we came out, they pounced on us. And they wouldn't leave us alone! We would tell them no but they would just keep following us! So we just walked back to the ferry. It was only around 3 in the afternoon, but we couldn't handle it.
Whitney wasn't happy that we were leaving so early but my family didn't feel comfortable eating the food there after seeing the market and everyone was hungry. So it was probably best that we left. We got a couple snacks on the ferry to tide us over until dinner.
Once we got in the car, we started driving to Júzcar. I had heard about it so I wanted to go see it. A new Smurfs movie was just made (Los Pitufos in Spanish) and it was filmed in Júzcar so the whole town is painted blue! The only problem is that it's up in the mountains so the drive there was kinda scary. But we found it and I was so cool to see! Then we drove to Ronda where we saw the bridge and ate dinner.
Then we drove home. We played lots of fun games in the car on the way home to keep dad awake. Well good night!
PS. There were stray cats everywhere today! Jill and I counted 16!!
PPS. There were so many boys today that would try and flirt with me and Jill and it was hilarious! Most didn't know a lot of English so I got "Lady! Do you love me?" and "Hi sweetheart" and "Bella, bonjour!" It was so hard not to bust up laughing!
Today was a busy day! We woke up early and set out for Tarifa, where we caught our ferry to Morocco. As we left Tarifa, they stamped my passport and then as we were about to leave the ferry in Morocco, they stamped it again. They did the same thing on the way back so I got 4 stamps in my passport today!
Anyway... I HAVE NOW BEEN TO AFRICA! I can't believe it! I always thought that when I went to Africa it would be Ghana or Egypt and that it would be a ways in the future, but I got to go today! As we were getting off the boat, a man came up to us and offered to be our tour guide for the day for 20€. Because we had no idea what we were doing, we thought it would be a good idea to have him show us around. He took us through some streets and showed us some interesting shops. The. He took us to the market. It was very interesting. I had been to a couple fresh-air markets in Spain, but these were nothing like them. It was so unsanitary and it smelled disgusting! It really did give me a sense of how people in third-world countries live. Then he took us to a rug shop where we spent quite a bit of time. My parents and Deej and Whit both bought rugs. Then our guide took us into a little souvenir shop. We spent a little time in there, but I didn't buy anything.
When we came out of the shop, we were swarmed with little street vendors. Word must have gotten out that we were in there and that we had already bought some stuff because when we came out, they pounced on us. And they wouldn't leave us alone! We would tell them no but they would just keep following us! So we just walked back to the ferry. It was only around 3 in the afternoon, but we couldn't handle it.
Whitney wasn't happy that we were leaving so early but my family didn't feel comfortable eating the food there after seeing the market and everyone was hungry. So it was probably best that we left. We got a couple snacks on the ferry to tide us over until dinner.
Once we got in the car, we started driving to Júzcar. I had heard about it so I wanted to go see it. A new Smurfs movie was just made (Los Pitufos in Spanish) and it was filmed in Júzcar so the whole town is painted blue! The only problem is that it's up in the mountains so the drive there was kinda scary. But we found it and I was so cool to see! Then we drove to Ronda where we saw the bridge and ate dinner.
Then we drove home. We played lots of fun games in the car on the way home to keep dad awake. Well good night!
PS. There were stray cats everywhere today! Jill and I counted 16!!
PPS. There were so many boys today that would try and flirt with me and Jill and it was hilarious! Most didn't know a lot of English so I got "Lady! Do you love me?" and "Hi sweetheart" and "Bella, bonjour!" It was so hard not to bust up laughing!
June 30, 2011
June 30, 2011
Today was a really slow day. First, we stopped at a supermarket to get some snacks and food so we don't have to buy every meal. I introduced my family to some of the foods that I have been eating for two months so that was fun.
Then we planned on driving to Tarifa to buy tickets and then go to the beach. But when we were half way there we remembered that we had forgotten our passports, so we had to turn around and get our passports. Then, we drove to Tarifa to buy our tickets for Morocco tomorrow. I'm soooo excited for Morocco! We got our tickets for the ferry that leaves at 10, so it's going to be an early day tomorrow.
Because it was already so late, we decided not to go to Morocco and go to Gibraltar instead. So, technically, I was in the United Kingdom today because Gibraltar is owned by the UK. So we got there and power-walked to the cable car station because we were afraid that it was going to close. Gibraltar is a little jut of land off of Spain and it is a little town surrounded by this tall mountain that is just straight up, called the Rock of Gibraltar. So we walked for forever and finally made it to the cable car station and got a cable car up to the top. The reason we wanted to go up was because they have monkeys up there. So here I am, thinking that it's going to be like Bear Park in Montana where you have to search to find what you're looking for. But oh no! There were monkeys EVERYWHERE! We were just wandering around and taking pictures and I actually got to pet a couple! There were a couple tiny babies with there moms and the babies were so cute! They were so small and just had black hair all over! You couldn't get too close though or else the parents would start making sounds at you. Whit was sitting next to one and it started playing with her camera case. Then it tried to steal it so she grabbed it and it was like they were playing tug-o-war! Then another monkey came up behind her and pulled her hair! Then, my dad was bending down by one to have my take a picture of him with the monkey and then it jumped onto his back and started unzipping his backpack! They warned us that they were good pickpockets, but I had no idea! Ha ha then Whit and I were taking picture of a mom and dad and a little baby and Spence was walking towards us. Whit got a little too close to the baby and the parents started making noises at her and then all of the sudden, a monkey swings out of the tree, runs up, and slaps and pinches Spence's leg!! It was hilarious! Then, just as we were about to leave, Whit and I were sitting on the little wall/bench and this monkey came up behind us and it just jumped up on my shoulder! I was so surprised! Then it started going through my hair, like they do to each other, looking for bugs! Luckily, the monkey didn't find any, so he hopped off my shoulder, onto Whit's head, and then into the tree! It was soooo cool! Then we took the cable car back down and got in the car.
My dad had made reservations for a Flamenco show so we went out in search of the theater. We couldn't find it so we just ended up eating at a restaurant and then driving home!
It was such a fun day! It started off super slow but the monkeys made it all worth it!
Today was a really slow day. First, we stopped at a supermarket to get some snacks and food so we don't have to buy every meal. I introduced my family to some of the foods that I have been eating for two months so that was fun.
Then we planned on driving to Tarifa to buy tickets and then go to the beach. But when we were half way there we remembered that we had forgotten our passports, so we had to turn around and get our passports. Then, we drove to Tarifa to buy our tickets for Morocco tomorrow. I'm soooo excited for Morocco! We got our tickets for the ferry that leaves at 10, so it's going to be an early day tomorrow.
Because it was already so late, we decided not to go to Morocco and go to Gibraltar instead. So, technically, I was in the United Kingdom today because Gibraltar is owned by the UK. So we got there and power-walked to the cable car station because we were afraid that it was going to close. Gibraltar is a little jut of land off of Spain and it is a little town surrounded by this tall mountain that is just straight up, called the Rock of Gibraltar. So we walked for forever and finally made it to the cable car station and got a cable car up to the top. The reason we wanted to go up was because they have monkeys up there. So here I am, thinking that it's going to be like Bear Park in Montana where you have to search to find what you're looking for. But oh no! There were monkeys EVERYWHERE! We were just wandering around and taking pictures and I actually got to pet a couple! There were a couple tiny babies with there moms and the babies were so cute! They were so small and just had black hair all over! You couldn't get too close though or else the parents would start making sounds at you. Whit was sitting next to one and it started playing with her camera case. Then it tried to steal it so she grabbed it and it was like they were playing tug-o-war! Then another monkey came up behind her and pulled her hair! Then, my dad was bending down by one to have my take a picture of him with the monkey and then it jumped onto his back and started unzipping his backpack! They warned us that they were good pickpockets, but I had no idea! Ha ha then Whit and I were taking picture of a mom and dad and a little baby and Spence was walking towards us. Whit got a little too close to the baby and the parents started making noises at her and then all of the sudden, a monkey swings out of the tree, runs up, and slaps and pinches Spence's leg!! It was hilarious! Then, just as we were about to leave, Whit and I were sitting on the little wall/bench and this monkey came up behind us and it just jumped up on my shoulder! I was so surprised! Then it started going through my hair, like they do to each other, looking for bugs! Luckily, the monkey didn't find any, so he hopped off my shoulder, onto Whit's head, and then into the tree! It was soooo cool! Then we took the cable car back down and got in the car.
My dad had made reservations for a Flamenco show so we went out in search of the theater. We couldn't find it so we just ended up eating at a restaurant and then driving home!
It was such a fun day! It started off super slow but the monkeys made it all worth it!
June 29, 2011
June 29, 2011
Today was another great day! We woke up relatively early and headed out for Granada. We got there in the morning and we just wandered around some shops and went to the fruit market. For lunch, we went to the same kebab place that I went when I was in Granada 2 and a half weeks. It was great. We wandered around some more shops and then took a bus ride up to the Alhambra. My family toured the Alhambra and they loved it. It was fun to see it again. We used our handy Rick Steves' book to learn more about it so it was really interesting.
Afterwards, we got our car, which we had parked up by the Alhambra. We moved it down towards the center of town. Then we got out and went to dinner. I directed us to the another one of the restaurants that I ate at when I was there last. It was fabulous.
Then we hurried up to the Plaza of St. Nicholas to see the Puesta del Sol, when the sunset casts an orange glow on the Alhambra. We got lemon-mint slushies and ice cream and watched the sunset. It was cool, but not as cool as I expected it to be. It was kind of hazy. But we did get to see it all lit up at night, so that was cool.
After we got down to the car, we set out to find the missionaries' apartment. The Petersons had given my mom a package to deliver to Craig while we were in Granada. So we found the apartment and got to talk to him for a while. It was fun to see him! It kinda made it more real to me. I imagine my friends on missions, but when I actually see someone that I went to school with out in the field with his his shirt, tie, and tag on, it all becomes so much more real. Once again, I am reminded of just how grateful I am that my friends are serving missions.
I slept the whole way home because I was exhausted!! Well, ciao!
Today was another great day! We woke up relatively early and headed out for Granada. We got there in the morning and we just wandered around some shops and went to the fruit market. For lunch, we went to the same kebab place that I went when I was in Granada 2 and a half weeks. It was great. We wandered around some more shops and then took a bus ride up to the Alhambra. My family toured the Alhambra and they loved it. It was fun to see it again. We used our handy Rick Steves' book to learn more about it so it was really interesting.
Afterwards, we got our car, which we had parked up by the Alhambra. We moved it down towards the center of town. Then we got out and went to dinner. I directed us to the another one of the restaurants that I ate at when I was there last. It was fabulous.
Then we hurried up to the Plaza of St. Nicholas to see the Puesta del Sol, when the sunset casts an orange glow on the Alhambra. We got lemon-mint slushies and ice cream and watched the sunset. It was cool, but not as cool as I expected it to be. It was kind of hazy. But we did get to see it all lit up at night, so that was cool.
After we got down to the car, we set out to find the missionaries' apartment. The Petersons had given my mom a package to deliver to Craig while we were in Granada. So we found the apartment and got to talk to him for a while. It was fun to see him! It kinda made it more real to me. I imagine my friends on missions, but when I actually see someone that I went to school with out in the field with his his shirt, tie, and tag on, it all becomes so much more real. Once again, I am reminded of just how grateful I am that my friends are serving missions.
I slept the whole way home because I was exhausted!! Well, ciao!
June 28, 2011
June 28, 2011
Today was a wonderfully relaxing day. We slept in until noon and then we all got up and put our swimsuits on. We all loaded into the car and headed out to Nerja, a beach on the Mediterranean. After a one hour drive, we arrived. We went to a lookout point where you can see the coast for miles in either direction! It was absolutely gorgeous! We made our way down to the beach and spent the whole day there. The beach had little, tiny, smooth pebbles instead of sand and I loved it! It was just as soft, but it didn't stick to you like regular sand does. It also made the water super blue and clear!
We spent the day swimming, laying out, and playing games. We went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner and then drove home. It was a wonderful day!
Today was a wonderfully relaxing day. We slept in until noon and then we all got up and put our swimsuits on. We all loaded into the car and headed out to Nerja, a beach on the Mediterranean. After a one hour drive, we arrived. We went to a lookout point where you can see the coast for miles in either direction! It was absolutely gorgeous! We made our way down to the beach and spent the whole day there. The beach had little, tiny, smooth pebbles instead of sand and I loved it! It was just as soft, but it didn't stick to you like regular sand does. It also made the water super blue and clear!
We spent the day swimming, laying out, and playing games. We went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner and then drove home. It was a wonderful day!
June 27, 2011
June 27, 2011
Today... MY FAMILY ARRIVED!! They had said that they would try to be there by ten so I woke up at 8 so that I could be ready when they got there. So we went to breakfast and then we had to move all of our things to Liliana's room so that we could check out of our rooms. I had already packed up my bags, so I just waited for everyone to pack up their bags. And I was just waiting...
At 12:30, my family finally arrived!! I ran out to the car and hugged my dad through the window because I was soooo anxious! I was so excited I started to cry! I just couldn't help it! So we went to the beach so that I could say goodbye and my family could meet everyone. It was sad to say goodbye, but I was just so happy that my family had finally come that it masked it. We went and collected all of my bags from Liliana's room and then headed out.
We drove for a few hours and arrived in Sevilla. I felt like I was back home!! I showed my family where my apartment was and where I went to school, where I ran into Marina from my class, and then we went to go see the cathedral. Unfortunately, there was some sort of church service going on so the cathedral was closed! I felt bad for the fam because I had seen it before but besides my dad, no one else had. So instead, we went to the Real Alcazar. The Alcazar has been one of my favorite things that I have seen in the two months I have been here so I didn't mind seeing it again.
Afterwards, my dad got the girls a carriage that took us on a little loop around Sevilla. It was so fun!
Once we got back, we started walking to the Plaza de España. On the way there, I ran into Rosa from my class! Once we got to the plaza, we wandered around for a while and then we wandered through a little neighborhood by the plaza. We ate dinner at a little restaurant where we just got lots of tapas and shared.
After some ice cream, we started driving home. Everyone was so tired and I got nominated to keep dad awake while we drove back. I was soooo tired and it was so hard to stay awake! When we were about thirty minutes from home, mom and DJ woke up so I fell asleep.
Now it's about three AM and I'm tired! Good night!
Today... MY FAMILY ARRIVED!! They had said that they would try to be there by ten so I woke up at 8 so that I could be ready when they got there. So we went to breakfast and then we had to move all of our things to Liliana's room so that we could check out of our rooms. I had already packed up my bags, so I just waited for everyone to pack up their bags. And I was just waiting...
At 12:30, my family finally arrived!! I ran out to the car and hugged my dad through the window because I was soooo anxious! I was so excited I started to cry! I just couldn't help it! So we went to the beach so that I could say goodbye and my family could meet everyone. It was sad to say goodbye, but I was just so happy that my family had finally come that it masked it. We went and collected all of my bags from Liliana's room and then headed out.
We drove for a few hours and arrived in Sevilla. I felt like I was back home!! I showed my family where my apartment was and where I went to school, where I ran into Marina from my class, and then we went to go see the cathedral. Unfortunately, there was some sort of church service going on so the cathedral was closed! I felt bad for the fam because I had seen it before but besides my dad, no one else had. So instead, we went to the Real Alcazar. The Alcazar has been one of my favorite things that I have seen in the two months I have been here so I didn't mind seeing it again.
Afterwards, my dad got the girls a carriage that took us on a little loop around Sevilla. It was so fun!
Once we got back, we started walking to the Plaza de España. On the way there, I ran into Rosa from my class! Once we got to the plaza, we wandered around for a while and then we wandered through a little neighborhood by the plaza. We ate dinner at a little restaurant where we just got lots of tapas and shared.
After some ice cream, we started driving home. Everyone was so tired and I got nominated to keep dad awake while we drove back. I was soooo tired and it was so hard to stay awake! When we were about thirty minutes from home, mom and DJ woke up so I fell asleep.
Now it's about three AM and I'm tired! Good night!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
June 26, 2011
June 26, 2011
Today was a fun, relaxed day. We got to sleep in and then we went down to breakfast. Then we went down to the beach. The waves today were HUGE! I got thrashed around so much and got so much salt water in my mouth but it was still so fun!
Around two, we went in for lunch. I wasn't very hungry so I didn't eat much. Afterwards, Alan, Daniel, Briana, and Kristin wanted to watch a movie. We started watching Stardust but I fell asleep. When I woke up, the movie was still going but I was cold so I went out to the balcony and read in the sun.
A little later, we went wandering down the boardwalk. We looked in a few shops but then we found a pizza shop so we ordered a couple pizzas to go and then went back to the balcony to eat it. It was fun.
Then we went and got ice cream and walked down to the beach and walked in the water. It was very enjoyable.
At 11:15, I got to Skype with my family! It's crazy because they are now in Spain!! I can't wait to see them!
Afterwards, we watched The Office on Briana's laptop until late! And now I'm tired! Adios!
Today was a fun, relaxed day. We got to sleep in and then we went down to breakfast. Then we went down to the beach. The waves today were HUGE! I got thrashed around so much and got so much salt water in my mouth but it was still so fun!
Around two, we went in for lunch. I wasn't very hungry so I didn't eat much. Afterwards, Alan, Daniel, Briana, and Kristin wanted to watch a movie. We started watching Stardust but I fell asleep. When I woke up, the movie was still going but I was cold so I went out to the balcony and read in the sun.
A little later, we went wandering down the boardwalk. We looked in a few shops but then we found a pizza shop so we ordered a couple pizzas to go and then went back to the balcony to eat it. It was fun.
Then we went and got ice cream and walked down to the beach and walked in the water. It was very enjoyable.
At 11:15, I got to Skype with my family! It's crazy because they are now in Spain!! I can't wait to see them!
Afterwards, we watched The Office on Briana's laptop until late! And now I'm tired! Adios!
June 25, 2011
June 25, 2011
What a day! We woke up this morning, got ready, got all of our things together and said goodbye. I can't believe that I have been here for four weeks! It was sad to say goodbye to Mercedes, but I am so excited to go to the beach and then see my family!
I loaded my bags on the bus (all four of them :)) and then we started driving. There was a crazy bus accident on the freeway so traffic was slow. Eventually, we made it to the monastery where Christopher Columbus left his child when he sailed to America. They also have life-size replicas of Columbus's ships that we got to walk around on. We took lots of pictures and had lots of fun.
Then we drove a little but longer to Lepe, where our hotel is. Lepe is a little beach town and the weather is wonderful! So much cooler than Sevilla, but it's still hot! I like it! Our hotel is a two star this time, so it's a nice upgrade. It's funny because I don't know if it has been on purpose but the 3 hotels that we have stayed in have all had single beds. I swear in the US, they are always double beds.
So we got to our hotel, and went to find a place to eat. We went to a little hamburger restaurant that was good. Then we went back to the hotel, changed into our swimsuits, and hit the beach. The beach is super shelly an the water isn't super clear, but it's a beach nonetheless. There was also a MASSIVE jelly fish that got washed up on the beach so we got to look at it up close. It was cool but freaky! We swam a little and played cards and just talked. It was fun.
Then we came back to the hotel, showered off, and went to dinner. The hotel has a dinner buffet, but it was sub par. But oh well. Afterwards, we went walking around the beach and took some pictures.
We came back and watched 17 Again in Alan and Daniel's room. They had never seen it, so it was funny. After the movie, I fell asleep on Alan's bed for forever! We finally came back to our room around 2 and now I'm dead tired! Good night!
What a day! We woke up this morning, got ready, got all of our things together and said goodbye. I can't believe that I have been here for four weeks! It was sad to say goodbye to Mercedes, but I am so excited to go to the beach and then see my family!
I loaded my bags on the bus (all four of them :)) and then we started driving. There was a crazy bus accident on the freeway so traffic was slow. Eventually, we made it to the monastery where Christopher Columbus left his child when he sailed to America. They also have life-size replicas of Columbus's ships that we got to walk around on. We took lots of pictures and had lots of fun.
Then we drove a little but longer to Lepe, where our hotel is. Lepe is a little beach town and the weather is wonderful! So much cooler than Sevilla, but it's still hot! I like it! Our hotel is a two star this time, so it's a nice upgrade. It's funny because I don't know if it has been on purpose but the 3 hotels that we have stayed in have all had single beds. I swear in the US, they are always double beds.
So we got to our hotel, and went to find a place to eat. We went to a little hamburger restaurant that was good. Then we went back to the hotel, changed into our swimsuits, and hit the beach. The beach is super shelly an the water isn't super clear, but it's a beach nonetheless. There was also a MASSIVE jelly fish that got washed up on the beach so we got to look at it up close. It was cool but freaky! We swam a little and played cards and just talked. It was fun.
Then we came back to the hotel, showered off, and went to dinner. The hotel has a dinner buffet, but it was sub par. But oh well. Afterwards, we went walking around the beach and took some pictures.
We came back and watched 17 Again in Alan and Daniel's room. They had never seen it, so it was funny. After the movie, I fell asleep on Alan's bed for forever! We finally came back to our room around 2 and now I'm dead tired! Good night!
Friday, June 24, 2011
June 24, 2011
June 24, 2011
Today was my las day in Sevilla! I can't believe that I have been here for four weeks! It has gone by so fast! I'll be home before I know it! Just ten more days!
My last day of classes went well. I took a test in my grammar class that went más o menos bien. I also had an interview with Liliana so she could test my communication skills. I think it went well. I got a picture with my class, so that's good.
After class, I had lunch with Adelay and Juan. Juan is the cutest kid ever! After we finished, I went into our room to pack and about fifteen minutes later, Juan came in and started talking to me and then he saw my iPod so I let him play games on my iPad while I packed. It was good to have some company while I packed :)
Then I went and bought some last minute souvenirs and then went to the school. I emailed my mom and then hung out on the roof for a while. Around 7, I came home. I put the citations in my paper and then emailed it to Liliana. Then Adelay and I walked around the house and took pictures of our apartment. I never did this in Salamanca and I am kinda upset!
Because it's our last night, Mercedes took us out to eat. She took us to this pizzeria that always smells so good when I walk by! We split a salad and 2 pizzas. It was delicious!
Then we came home and had chocolate natilla for dessert, which is basically chocolate pudding but better. Then we took pictures with Mercedes.
Now I'm all ready for bed. I can't believe that I'm almost done here. At first it was going really slow, but the last month has flown past! I can't believe that I get to see my family in 3 days and that I will be home in 10! Its unbelievable! I have had the most wonderful experiences here. Now I get to go relax at the beach for the weekend and then have fun with my family. I can't wait! Hasta mañana!
Oh and the demo derby is in one month! So excited!!
Today was my las day in Sevilla! I can't believe that I have been here for four weeks! It has gone by so fast! I'll be home before I know it! Just ten more days!
My last day of classes went well. I took a test in my grammar class that went más o menos bien. I also had an interview with Liliana so she could test my communication skills. I think it went well. I got a picture with my class, so that's good.
After class, I had lunch with Adelay and Juan. Juan is the cutest kid ever! After we finished, I went into our room to pack and about fifteen minutes later, Juan came in and started talking to me and then he saw my iPod so I let him play games on my iPad while I packed. It was good to have some company while I packed :)
Then I went and bought some last minute souvenirs and then went to the school. I emailed my mom and then hung out on the roof for a while. Around 7, I came home. I put the citations in my paper and then emailed it to Liliana. Then Adelay and I walked around the house and took pictures of our apartment. I never did this in Salamanca and I am kinda upset!
Because it's our last night, Mercedes took us out to eat. She took us to this pizzeria that always smells so good when I walk by! We split a salad and 2 pizzas. It was delicious!
Then we came home and had chocolate natilla for dessert, which is basically chocolate pudding but better. Then we took pictures with Mercedes.
Now I'm all ready for bed. I can't believe that I'm almost done here. At first it was going really slow, but the last month has flown past! I can't believe that I get to see my family in 3 days and that I will be home in 10! Its unbelievable! I have had the most wonderful experiences here. Now I get to go relax at the beach for the weekend and then have fun with my family. I can't wait! Hasta mañana!
Oh and the demo derby is in one month! So excited!!
July 23, 2011
June 23, 2011
Today was a fun day! Because it was Corpus Cristi, a Catholic holiday in Sevilla, we didn't have school. So, Liliana decided we would go to Ronda for the day. We met up in Plaza Nueva at 9 and then started walking to the bus station. They were having a HUGE procession for Corpus so we had to navigate through tons of people. Good thing the halls of LP taught me well. The procession was in front of the cathedral and they had chairs lining either side like a parade. The ground was covered in some green plant, it looked like rosemary or pine needles. Then the people participating were all in suits or dresses carrying candles. Some of the boys were good looking, but they aren't Mormon boys ha ha
We made it to the bus station just in time and board our bus. The ride there was an adventure. The road was super windy and bumpy. A few of us started to feel car sick, including me :( But we made it safely!
Ronda is a beautiful city! It had this crazy bridge that was soooo tall! Ronda is also one of the cities that has a ton of the little white houses on the hillside. It was beautiful! We made a big circle around the city and it was gorgeous! Ronda is an outcrop of land so on three sides, it's sheer cliffs for hundreds of feet! It's kinda scary!
Our bus to come home left at 6. The bus was crowded so Kristen and I had to sit in the very back, which was actually really nice. I started reading and I got tired, so I just put my head in the corner and fell asleep for an hour! It felt so good! When I woke up, we only had about ten minutes left!
When we got back, Mercedes had made us dinner and put it in the fridge. Her grandson was having a birthday so she wasn't here. So we ate and then I finished my paper. I got all ready for bed and studied and now it's after midnight and I'm not even tired because of my nap! But I will just read until I fall asleep! I leave Sevilla in a day and a half and I can't believe it! Then I get to see my family in 3 and a half and I will be home in 11 days!! Crazy stuff! Ciao!
Today was a fun day! Because it was Corpus Cristi, a Catholic holiday in Sevilla, we didn't have school. So, Liliana decided we would go to Ronda for the day. We met up in Plaza Nueva at 9 and then started walking to the bus station. They were having a HUGE procession for Corpus so we had to navigate through tons of people. Good thing the halls of LP taught me well. The procession was in front of the cathedral and they had chairs lining either side like a parade. The ground was covered in some green plant, it looked like rosemary or pine needles. Then the people participating were all in suits or dresses carrying candles. Some of the boys were good looking, but they aren't Mormon boys ha ha
We made it to the bus station just in time and board our bus. The ride there was an adventure. The road was super windy and bumpy. A few of us started to feel car sick, including me :( But we made it safely!
Ronda is a beautiful city! It had this crazy bridge that was soooo tall! Ronda is also one of the cities that has a ton of the little white houses on the hillside. It was beautiful! We made a big circle around the city and it was gorgeous! Ronda is an outcrop of land so on three sides, it's sheer cliffs for hundreds of feet! It's kinda scary!
Our bus to come home left at 6. The bus was crowded so Kristen and I had to sit in the very back, which was actually really nice. I started reading and I got tired, so I just put my head in the corner and fell asleep for an hour! It felt so good! When I woke up, we only had about ten minutes left!
When we got back, Mercedes had made us dinner and put it in the fridge. Her grandson was having a birthday so she wasn't here. So we ate and then I finished my paper. I got all ready for bed and studied and now it's after midnight and I'm not even tired because of my nap! But I will just read until I fall asleep! I leave Sevilla in a day and a half and I can't believe it! Then I get to see my family in 3 and a half and I will be home in 11 days!! Crazy stuff! Ciao!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
June 22, 2011
June 22, 2011
Today was another good day. I went to class, which was good. I'm nervousnfor my test on Friday, but hopefully I will do well.
After class, I was walking home and I passed this family and I glands over and saw that they had their Rick Steves book out and I heard them speaking English. As I passed, I was just laughing to myself because I know that is exactly what my family looks like when we travel. Well after about ten seconds, I felt like I should turn around and help them. I went back and told them that I heard them speaking English and I was willing to help them if I could. They told me that they had no idea where they were and that they were looking for the cathedral. I showed them where we were on a map and then I directed them how to get to the cathedral. I'm so glad I turned around because I felt so good to really help someone!
I had lunch with Adelay and Mercedes and we had my favorite rice! After we finished eating, I asked Mercedes how to make a few of the dishes that she has mad for us. It's hard because she doesn't use recipes, she just remembers how to make things. So she basically just told me ingredients. We will have to see how that goes when I get home :)
Then I read for a little while. I finished the second book in the series I am reading. It was the book that I paused reading 5 days ago because I realized I was reading the second book without reading the first. It turns out that I really only had about 30 pages left in the second book when I paused.
At 5, we met up at the Bellas Artes Museo de Arte. They had some beautiful paintings as well as some very strange paintings. It was fun though.
Afterwards, we went and got some ice cream and then just talked for a little while. When I got home, I did a little homework, and then Mercedes came in and said we could come watch her make dinner. So we watched her make soup. Then we ate and it was great.
After dinner, I continued to write my 3-5 page paper. I think I have enough right now, but I'm not sure because it's on my iPad right now, not in a word document. Liliana called a while ago and told me that we are going to Ronda tomorrow, so that will be cool to see. I'm excited. We don't have school because Sevilla has another holiday: Corpus Cristi.
Well I have to get up early and it's past midnight! Adios!
Today was another good day. I went to class, which was good. I'm nervousnfor my test on Friday, but hopefully I will do well.
After class, I was walking home and I passed this family and I glands over and saw that they had their Rick Steves book out and I heard them speaking English. As I passed, I was just laughing to myself because I know that is exactly what my family looks like when we travel. Well after about ten seconds, I felt like I should turn around and help them. I went back and told them that I heard them speaking English and I was willing to help them if I could. They told me that they had no idea where they were and that they were looking for the cathedral. I showed them where we were on a map and then I directed them how to get to the cathedral. I'm so glad I turned around because I felt so good to really help someone!
I had lunch with Adelay and Mercedes and we had my favorite rice! After we finished eating, I asked Mercedes how to make a few of the dishes that she has mad for us. It's hard because she doesn't use recipes, she just remembers how to make things. So she basically just told me ingredients. We will have to see how that goes when I get home :)
Then I read for a little while. I finished the second book in the series I am reading. It was the book that I paused reading 5 days ago because I realized I was reading the second book without reading the first. It turns out that I really only had about 30 pages left in the second book when I paused.
At 5, we met up at the Bellas Artes Museo de Arte. They had some beautiful paintings as well as some very strange paintings. It was fun though.
Afterwards, we went and got some ice cream and then just talked for a little while. When I got home, I did a little homework, and then Mercedes came in and said we could come watch her make dinner. So we watched her make soup. Then we ate and it was great.
After dinner, I continued to write my 3-5 page paper. I think I have enough right now, but I'm not sure because it's on my iPad right now, not in a word document. Liliana called a while ago and told me that we are going to Ronda tomorrow, so that will be cool to see. I'm excited. We don't have school because Sevilla has another holiday: Corpus Cristi.
Well I have to get up early and it's past midnight! Adios!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
June 21, 2011
June 21, 2011
Today was a great day! I had class, which was good. We got two new girls in our class so I now have 8 people in my class! Ha ha it's fun!
We had lunch with Mercedes, which was so good. I asked her if she has recipes for the food that she cooks and she said no. So that's unfortunate. She said that I can write down whats in them so I might do that.
After lunch, I did some homework and then started reading. And reading. And I finished my book! Now I get to start on the second book that I am already half way through! So I'm excited!! I love reading!
At 6:30, we all met up at the school to practice for ourninterviews with Liliana. She is going to hold interviews with each one of us individually on Friday to see how well we can understand and speak. So that's kinds nerve-racking. I think I should do okay though.
We played cards for a little while afterwards and then came home for dinner. Mercedes made us try anchovies once we were done eating our meal. I don't think I have actually ever eaten plain anchovies. And I don't think I ever will again. The flavor was sooo strong and I did NOT like it! But that's alright. Now I know for sure that I don't like them.
Now, I have finished my homework and I am just going to get ready for bed and read!! Ciao!
6 days until I see my family! 13 days until I'm home! I miss everyone so much!
Today was a great day! I had class, which was good. We got two new girls in our class so I now have 8 people in my class! Ha ha it's fun!
We had lunch with Mercedes, which was so good. I asked her if she has recipes for the food that she cooks and she said no. So that's unfortunate. She said that I can write down whats in them so I might do that.
After lunch, I did some homework and then started reading. And reading. And I finished my book! Now I get to start on the second book that I am already half way through! So I'm excited!! I love reading!
At 6:30, we all met up at the school to practice for ourninterviews with Liliana. She is going to hold interviews with each one of us individually on Friday to see how well we can understand and speak. So that's kinds nerve-racking. I think I should do okay though.
We played cards for a little while afterwards and then came home for dinner. Mercedes made us try anchovies once we were done eating our meal. I don't think I have actually ever eaten plain anchovies. And I don't think I ever will again. The flavor was sooo strong and I did NOT like it! But that's alright. Now I know for sure that I don't like them.
Now, I have finished my homework and I am just going to get ready for bed and read!! Ciao!
6 days until I see my family! 13 days until I'm home! I miss everyone so much!
June 20, 2011
June 20, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WHITNEY!!! I miss you so much!
Today was a very good and relaxed day. I had class in the morning, which went well, as usual. We came home for lunch and realized two things (well more like I remembered two things the I have been meaning to mention): 1. Spaniards love mayonnaise. I swear everything has mayo in it and sometimes waaaay too much. They have commercials on TV of people just sticking their finger in the jar and then licking it off. It grosses me out. 2. Spaniards don't care about germs. They leave stuff out that should be refrigerated and they don't mind sharing plates. I haven't gotten sick yet, so I guess it's okay!
During siesta, I went to the school and did FaceTime with my mom for A while. We talked about our plans for when they get out here and I am so excited! Just one more week until I get to see my family! After doing FaceTime, I started on my 3-5 page paper that I have to finish by Friday. I have to research some part of Spanish culture and write about it. So it's not hard, it just takes time.
At 6:30, we had FHE on the terraza (roof) of the school. We had a good discussion, so that was enjoyable.
Afterwards, we went and got ice cream from an heladeria called Rayas that apparently has the best ice cream in Sevilla. It was delicious!! I think the place we always got ice cream in Salamanca was just as good, but it was still really good!
After ice cream, we went home for dinner :) now I'm tired and I need sleep! Hasta mañana!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WHITNEY!!! I miss you so much!
Today was a very good and relaxed day. I had class in the morning, which went well, as usual. We came home for lunch and realized two things (well more like I remembered two things the I have been meaning to mention): 1. Spaniards love mayonnaise. I swear everything has mayo in it and sometimes waaaay too much. They have commercials on TV of people just sticking their finger in the jar and then licking it off. It grosses me out. 2. Spaniards don't care about germs. They leave stuff out that should be refrigerated and they don't mind sharing plates. I haven't gotten sick yet, so I guess it's okay!
During siesta, I went to the school and did FaceTime with my mom for A while. We talked about our plans for when they get out here and I am so excited! Just one more week until I get to see my family! After doing FaceTime, I started on my 3-5 page paper that I have to finish by Friday. I have to research some part of Spanish culture and write about it. So it's not hard, it just takes time.
At 6:30, we had FHE on the terraza (roof) of the school. We had a good discussion, so that was enjoyable.
Afterwards, we went and got ice cream from an heladeria called Rayas that apparently has the best ice cream in Sevilla. It was delicious!! I think the place we always got ice cream in Salamanca was just as good, but it was still really good!
After ice cream, we went home for dinner :) now I'm tired and I need sleep! Hasta mañana!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
June 19, 2011
June 19, 2011
Today was a really slow day, but it was so nice to just relax. We got up and took the bus to church. We weren't able to go last week, so it was good to be back at church. I don't know if I mentioned it before, but the dress code at church here is a little more lax. There are women in tank tops and some in jeans and some men wear jeans or shorts. I'm sure some people just don't know any better or they don't have the means, but it just makes me smile. All of the women always great with un beso, or kissing each cheek. I honestly love that custom. Anyway, church went well. I love the church.
After church we rode the bus back home. We had lunch with Mercedes and then the rest of the afternoon was ours! I wrote 3 letters, sent some emails, and read my book. Like I said, it was nice to relax.
For dinner, we had a typical Spanish meal: tortilla and gazpacho. Coincidentally, these are the two things that we have learned how to make in our cooking classes, so I will probably make them when I return home. Speaking of home, in 2 weeks from now, I will be spending my last night in Spain before returning home. I can't believe how fast it has gone! I can't wait to see my family in 8 days and my friends in 15!
Well, I want to get a full nights sleep tonight so I'm off to bed! Adios!
Today was a really slow day, but it was so nice to just relax. We got up and took the bus to church. We weren't able to go last week, so it was good to be back at church. I don't know if I mentioned it before, but the dress code at church here is a little more lax. There are women in tank tops and some in jeans and some men wear jeans or shorts. I'm sure some people just don't know any better or they don't have the means, but it just makes me smile. All of the women always great with un beso, or kissing each cheek. I honestly love that custom. Anyway, church went well. I love the church.
After church we rode the bus back home. We had lunch with Mercedes and then the rest of the afternoon was ours! I wrote 3 letters, sent some emails, and read my book. Like I said, it was nice to relax.
For dinner, we had a typical Spanish meal: tortilla and gazpacho. Coincidentally, these are the two things that we have learned how to make in our cooking classes, so I will probably make them when I return home. Speaking of home, in 2 weeks from now, I will be spending my last night in Spain before returning home. I can't believe how fast it has gone! I can't wait to see my family in 8 days and my friends in 15!
Well, I want to get a full nights sleep tonight so I'm off to bed! Adios!
June 18, 2011
June 18, 2011
Today was a VERY fun day! We started off early: waking up at 5:30. We met up with the group at 6:45 and walked to the train station. At 7:55, we were off to Cadíz! The train ride was only an hour and a half, but it was MUCH more comfortable than any of the buses have been!
When we arrived in Cadíz, we walked around the city a little bit and saw the major sites: a couple cathedrals, a beach, and a park. I also had my first Napolitana, which was wonderful! Everyone has told me that they are so good, and now I can agree!
While we were in one of the cathedrals, I started missing Heritage Tours so much!! I'm so glad that I went on Heritage Tours. It strengthened my testimony so much. Also, there was a man in the cathedral that was just sitting and staring at Christ on the cross. It doesn't make sense to me that the Catholic church focuses so much on the crucifixion. I feel like it makes all of their buildings dark. I don't understand why they don't focus on the resurrection. It feel like church should be a place where you go to feel uplifted and comforted, but when I go into cathedrals, they never give me that feeling. I feel like they are trying to pry money out of you or chastise you into repentance. I'm just so glad that I am a member of the LDS church. I have been so blessed in my life and I am so grateful that I can have a positive spirit with me always.
Anyway, after site-seeing, we got on a bus to take us to the other side of Cadíz. Once there, we ate at a Mexican restaurant and then changed into our swimsuits!
We walked down onto the beach, and boy was it wonderful to walk barefoot in hot sand! It had been too long since I had been to the beach!
We laid out, played Hearts, made a sand castle, and, of course, went swimming. One funny thing about the beach: It follows all the rules of a typical European beach. This means that all of the boys are either in super short swimsuits or in speedos. Short-shorts are common for clothes, too, so I wasn't surprised when I saw their swimsuits. What did surprise me is how many women go topless at the beach! We were surrounded by them! I was stunned! Then of course they have their little girls running around topless, too! It was ridiculous! On a better note, there were LOTS of attractive boys on the beach. I was so tempted to start taking paparazzi pictures of some of them, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. It's so hard to be discreet with my camera!
At 6:15, we packed up our stuff and started walking to the train station. Kristen and I were a little behind everyone else, but we thought we were following them. Well eventually, we realized that we couldn't see them. We were running around frantically because we did not want to miss the train! Eventually, we asked someone for directions and they pointed us in the right direction and we ran the whole way to the bus station in swimsuits with backpacks on! But we made it!! It was stressful, though!
We rode the hour and a half home, then took a tram to Plaza Nueva, and then we walked home. I could feel that I was sunburned, but when I got home and looked in the mirror, I realized that I had gotten a lot more than I thought, but that's alright! It'll fade fast :)
I showered off and loaded on some lotion to all of my red skin because I do not want to peel!! Then we ate dinner with Mercedes! Now I'm tired and I want to go to bed! ¡Buenas noches!
Today was a VERY fun day! We started off early: waking up at 5:30. We met up with the group at 6:45 and walked to the train station. At 7:55, we were off to Cadíz! The train ride was only an hour and a half, but it was MUCH more comfortable than any of the buses have been!
When we arrived in Cadíz, we walked around the city a little bit and saw the major sites: a couple cathedrals, a beach, and a park. I also had my first Napolitana, which was wonderful! Everyone has told me that they are so good, and now I can agree!
While we were in one of the cathedrals, I started missing Heritage Tours so much!! I'm so glad that I went on Heritage Tours. It strengthened my testimony so much. Also, there was a man in the cathedral that was just sitting and staring at Christ on the cross. It doesn't make sense to me that the Catholic church focuses so much on the crucifixion. I feel like it makes all of their buildings dark. I don't understand why they don't focus on the resurrection. It feel like church should be a place where you go to feel uplifted and comforted, but when I go into cathedrals, they never give me that feeling. I feel like they are trying to pry money out of you or chastise you into repentance. I'm just so glad that I am a member of the LDS church. I have been so blessed in my life and I am so grateful that I can have a positive spirit with me always.
Anyway, after site-seeing, we got on a bus to take us to the other side of Cadíz. Once there, we ate at a Mexican restaurant and then changed into our swimsuits!
We walked down onto the beach, and boy was it wonderful to walk barefoot in hot sand! It had been too long since I had been to the beach!
We laid out, played Hearts, made a sand castle, and, of course, went swimming. One funny thing about the beach: It follows all the rules of a typical European beach. This means that all of the boys are either in super short swimsuits or in speedos. Short-shorts are common for clothes, too, so I wasn't surprised when I saw their swimsuits. What did surprise me is how many women go topless at the beach! We were surrounded by them! I was stunned! Then of course they have their little girls running around topless, too! It was ridiculous! On a better note, there were LOTS of attractive boys on the beach. I was so tempted to start taking paparazzi pictures of some of them, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. It's so hard to be discreet with my camera!
At 6:15, we packed up our stuff and started walking to the train station. Kristen and I were a little behind everyone else, but we thought we were following them. Well eventually, we realized that we couldn't see them. We were running around frantically because we did not want to miss the train! Eventually, we asked someone for directions and they pointed us in the right direction and we ran the whole way to the bus station in swimsuits with backpacks on! But we made it!! It was stressful, though!
We rode the hour and a half home, then took a tram to Plaza Nueva, and then we walked home. I could feel that I was sunburned, but when I got home and looked in the mirror, I realized that I had gotten a lot more than I thought, but that's alright! It'll fade fast :)
I showered off and loaded on some lotion to all of my red skin because I do not want to peel!! Then we ate dinner with Mercedes! Now I'm tired and I want to go to bed! ¡Buenas noches!
Friday, June 17, 2011
June 17, 2011
June 17, 2011
Today was a good day. First off, I had class. In my conversation class, we have been talking about art and how to describe art. So, for class today, we walked to an art museum! We got to wander around the exhibits and then we had to pick one painting and describe it. So that was fun.
After class, we had lunch with Mercedes, as usual. Then I began reading. I don't know what my problem is but for the second time this trip, I have gotten half way through a book and then realized that I am actually reading the second book in a series, not the first. So that was not fun. I fell asleep for a little bit, but didn't get much rest.
At 6:00, we all met up to go see the Torre del Oro again because it was closed last time. Well it was closed again today. So instead, we walked across the river to Triana and went into some ceramic shops. Afterwards, Briana, Kristen, and I went to the grocery store because I needed more shampoo and conditioner.
We came home for dinner, and then I got all of my things together for Cadíz tomorrow! We have to be to the train station by 7:30, which means we have to leave by 6:30. It's going to be an early start tomorrow, so good night!
Today was a good day. First off, I had class. In my conversation class, we have been talking about art and how to describe art. So, for class today, we walked to an art museum! We got to wander around the exhibits and then we had to pick one painting and describe it. So that was fun.
After class, we had lunch with Mercedes, as usual. Then I began reading. I don't know what my problem is but for the second time this trip, I have gotten half way through a book and then realized that I am actually reading the second book in a series, not the first. So that was not fun. I fell asleep for a little bit, but didn't get much rest.
At 6:00, we all met up to go see the Torre del Oro again because it was closed last time. Well it was closed again today. So instead, we walked across the river to Triana and went into some ceramic shops. Afterwards, Briana, Kristen, and I went to the grocery store because I needed more shampoo and conditioner.
We came home for dinner, and then I got all of my things together for Cadíz tomorrow! We have to be to the train station by 7:30, which means we have to leave by 6:30. It's going to be an early start tomorrow, so good night!
June 16, 2011
June 16, 2011
Today was both busy and relaxed. Class in the morning went well. I didn't think I would be able to keep up in my class, but I think it has been really good for me. I feel like my conversation skills have improved a lot.
After class, we went home and had lunch. Mercedes' daughter and grandson were there again, so that was fun.
At 4:30, we had a cooking class at the school. We made gazpacho, so that was fun. I like gazpacho, but it's not my favorite. Sorry, dad :)
Afterwards, we went up to the roof of our school and soaked our feet in the pool. Daniel said he was too hot, so he just got into the pool fully clothed! Ha ha then he pulled Briana in and then Alan got in. I was taking pictures, so I didn't get in. After they got out, we played cards until they dried off. Considering Briana was in jeans, we were playing cards for a very long time.
Around 8:30, I returned home. Mercedes came into our room and told us to come out to the balcony. We came out and there was a big parade/procession starting. She said it was part of Rocío, which I still don't really understand, but it was cool to watch. After the procession ended, we went back in our room and I read for a little while. Then, we had dinner with Mercedes. I wasn't really hungry, so I didn't eat much.
At 10:30 (well it was supposed to be 10:30 but everyone was late) I met up with Briana, Kristen, Jill, and Alan. We walked through the city to this really cool park. We hung out there for a while, took some pictures, and talked about the church. Can I just say that I am so glad that my group is all LDS. I love being able to talk about the church.
However, it is now very late and Adelay is already sleeping. Hasta mañana!
Today was both busy and relaxed. Class in the morning went well. I didn't think I would be able to keep up in my class, but I think it has been really good for me. I feel like my conversation skills have improved a lot.
After class, we went home and had lunch. Mercedes' daughter and grandson were there again, so that was fun.
At 4:30, we had a cooking class at the school. We made gazpacho, so that was fun. I like gazpacho, but it's not my favorite. Sorry, dad :)
Afterwards, we went up to the roof of our school and soaked our feet in the pool. Daniel said he was too hot, so he just got into the pool fully clothed! Ha ha then he pulled Briana in and then Alan got in. I was taking pictures, so I didn't get in. After they got out, we played cards until they dried off. Considering Briana was in jeans, we were playing cards for a very long time.
Around 8:30, I returned home. Mercedes came into our room and told us to come out to the balcony. We came out and there was a big parade/procession starting. She said it was part of Rocío, which I still don't really understand, but it was cool to watch. After the procession ended, we went back in our room and I read for a little while. Then, we had dinner with Mercedes. I wasn't really hungry, so I didn't eat much.
At 10:30 (well it was supposed to be 10:30 but everyone was late) I met up with Briana, Kristen, Jill, and Alan. We walked through the city to this really cool park. We hung out there for a while, took some pictures, and talked about the church. Can I just say that I am so glad that my group is all LDS. I love being able to talk about the church.
However, it is now very late and Adelay is already sleeping. Hasta mañana!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
June 15, 2011
June 15, 2011
Right now, I am sitting on the roof of my apartment watching a lunar eclipse. Crazy, right? Unfortunately, the moon wasn't even visible when it was a total eclipse, but some of it is still covered so it's still cool :)
Today I had class, which just went as normal. Subjunctive is getting a lot easier and I am learning a lot of vocabulary and phrases I can use! I'm really liking it!
We came home for lunch and then at 3:15, we met up to go on a tour of the cathedral. The cathedral is the third largest cathedral in the world after St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. I don't know what the fourth largest is, but I know I have at least seen the three largest ones! It was so cool! There is a really tall bell tower connected to it, La Giralda, that we climbed to the top of. It was 35 ramps and 17 steps to the top. There were spectacular views from the top!
Afterwards, we went back to the school and soaked our feet in the pool for a little while and then we played cards. It was about 98 degrees today, so we didn't want to do too many things in the sun. I came back later and had dinner with Adelay and Mercedes.
After dinner, Adelay and I walked down to the river to try and see the eclipse, but the moon was nowhere in sight! So we went back to our apartment and I read for a while and then at 11:20, I came up to the roof to see if I could see it, and I could. I have come inside since I began writing this entry because I was afraid of getting eaten alive by mosquitoes. Adelay came up to the roof around 11:35 and we talked for about and hour about lots of things. I feel like I get really frustrated with Adelay really easy so it was good to just sit and talk and realize that we really are really similar.
However, now it is 2 AM and I need to sleep! Hasta mañana!
Right now, I am sitting on the roof of my apartment watching a lunar eclipse. Crazy, right? Unfortunately, the moon wasn't even visible when it was a total eclipse, but some of it is still covered so it's still cool :)
Today I had class, which just went as normal. Subjunctive is getting a lot easier and I am learning a lot of vocabulary and phrases I can use! I'm really liking it!
We came home for lunch and then at 3:15, we met up to go on a tour of the cathedral. The cathedral is the third largest cathedral in the world after St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. I don't know what the fourth largest is, but I know I have at least seen the three largest ones! It was so cool! There is a really tall bell tower connected to it, La Giralda, that we climbed to the top of. It was 35 ramps and 17 steps to the top. There were spectacular views from the top!
Afterwards, we went back to the school and soaked our feet in the pool for a little while and then we played cards. It was about 98 degrees today, so we didn't want to do too many things in the sun. I came back later and had dinner with Adelay and Mercedes.
After dinner, Adelay and I walked down to the river to try and see the eclipse, but the moon was nowhere in sight! So we went back to our apartment and I read for a while and then at 11:20, I came up to the roof to see if I could see it, and I could. I have come inside since I began writing this entry because I was afraid of getting eaten alive by mosquitoes. Adelay came up to the roof around 11:35 and we talked for about and hour about lots of things. I feel like I get really frustrated with Adelay really easy so it was good to just sit and talk and realize that we really are really similar.
However, now it is 2 AM and I need to sleep! Hasta mañana!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
June 14, 2011
June 14, 2011
Today was a slow day. Not too much happened. I went to class in the morning, which went by slow, but that's okay. I came home for lunch and then afterwards, I wrote a letter during siesta.
Around 4:30, I went to the school to do FaceTime with my mom. We ended up talking for an hour and a half about all kinds of things. We started making plans for when they come out! I cannot wait!
At 6:50, we met up with the group. This weekend we are going to Cadíz and we are taking the train, so Liliana wanted all of unto walk to the train station so that we know where it is and we know how long it will take us to get there. So this Saturday, I have to leave the apartment at 6:30. Yippee!
I returned home afterwards and did some homework, ate dinner, and read my book. Like I said, it was a slow day. But it's good because I need to get some good sleep tonight! Hasta mañana!
Today was a slow day. Not too much happened. I went to class in the morning, which went by slow, but that's okay. I came home for lunch and then afterwards, I wrote a letter during siesta.
Around 4:30, I went to the school to do FaceTime with my mom. We ended up talking for an hour and a half about all kinds of things. We started making plans for when they come out! I cannot wait!
At 6:50, we met up with the group. This weekend we are going to Cadíz and we are taking the train, so Liliana wanted all of unto walk to the train station so that we know where it is and we know how long it will take us to get there. So this Saturday, I have to leave the apartment at 6:30. Yippee!
I returned home afterwards and did some homework, ate dinner, and read my book. Like I said, it was a slow day. But it's good because I need to get some good sleep tonight! Hasta mañana!
Monday, June 13, 2011
June 13, 2011
June 13, 2011
Today has been a pretty slow day. I got a 7 on my test that I took on Friday, which is a notable/above average grade. So I am satisfied.
We had lunch with Mercedes and then I went up to the roof to lay out. It was sooo hot!! I checked the weather today and it is supposed to be high 90s here all week! I could only stand staying out for an hour because I was dying of heat! I came in and took a cold shower and it felt so good!
At 5:15, we met up and went to see the Torre del Oro, or the Tower of Gold, which is a very old landmark in Sevilla. It has had various uses throughout the years, but it's cupola is gold, which gives it its name.
After, I gave a little thought to the group for FHE. I used excerpts from Russell M. Nelson's and Boyd K. Packer's talks. Then we had a little discussion. It was nice. Then we went to go get ice cream as a group, so that was fun as well.
I went to the school for a little while to do some emailing and then I came home to do homework.
I ate dinner with Mercedes because Adelay was late getting home. She came home crying and said that she had to take a test for nursing school online that takes three hours and she has to have it done by tomorrow morning but the school closed so she didn't have Internet. Mercedes went upstairs and asked her neighbors if she could get the password for their Internet and so now we have Internet in our apartment! It's great!
So now I have just been doing homework while chatting with my mom. But it is now 1 AM and I need to get to bed! Good night!
Today has been a pretty slow day. I got a 7 on my test that I took on Friday, which is a notable/above average grade. So I am satisfied.
We had lunch with Mercedes and then I went up to the roof to lay out. It was sooo hot!! I checked the weather today and it is supposed to be high 90s here all week! I could only stand staying out for an hour because I was dying of heat! I came in and took a cold shower and it felt so good!
At 5:15, we met up and went to see the Torre del Oro, or the Tower of Gold, which is a very old landmark in Sevilla. It has had various uses throughout the years, but it's cupola is gold, which gives it its name.
After, I gave a little thought to the group for FHE. I used excerpts from Russell M. Nelson's and Boyd K. Packer's talks. Then we had a little discussion. It was nice. Then we went to go get ice cream as a group, so that was fun as well.
I went to the school for a little while to do some emailing and then I came home to do homework.
I ate dinner with Mercedes because Adelay was late getting home. She came home crying and said that she had to take a test for nursing school online that takes three hours and she has to have it done by tomorrow morning but the school closed so she didn't have Internet. Mercedes went upstairs and asked her neighbors if she could get the password for their Internet and so now we have Internet in our apartment! It's great!
So now I have just been doing homework while chatting with my mom. But it is now 1 AM and I need to get to bed! Good night!
June 12, 2011
June 12, 2011
Today was a very busy day! First of all, I got to bed so late and then I did not get much sleep! I woke up really early and I was freezing! Then there was all this screaming and yelling and drumming outside so that woke me up. Then Angie woke up around and started making all kinds of ruckus. At 7:40, I though it was time for me to get up so I got up and started to walk into the bathroom and realized that I didn't have to wake up for another hour! And then I could not fall back asleep! So, needless to say, I didn't get too much sleep last night.
Anyway, we all woke up and had breakfast in the lobby of the hotel. It was just bread and jam. Then, we got all of our things together and met down in the lobby again. We locked all of our stuff up in a room and then hit the streets.
We took a long walk through the city seeing all of the major parts of the city: plazas, a cathedral and some other things. We took a VERY long walk up to the lookout point to see the Alhambra from a distance. The view was gorgeous and we took lots of pictures. Up at the top, they had a little stand that was selling smoothies and I couldn't resist because I was burning! So I ordered a lemon slush with fresh mint! It was so good! It had lemon sorbet, lemon juice, a few fresh mint leaves, and ice. I will definitely be making it when I get home.
We began the walk down, which was much easier. At the bottom, we stopped at a Moroccan restaurant with the whole group for lunch. A quick sidenote: The owner of the hotel spoke 7 languages! Crazy, right? Anyway, he recommended the pastelas and the mint lemonade. Ironic, I thought, considering I had just bought a mint lemon slush. I ordered it anyway because Liliana was paying and Kristin and I were splitting pastela. If I can figure out how to make the pastelas, I am going to be making them when I get home! They have chicken, couscous, cinnamon, almonds, and some other things that I'm not exactly sure of, all wrapped in filo dough and sprinkled with cinnamon. It sounds so strange, but it was delicious!
After lunch, we went and wandered through the little allies with all of the vendors. I bought some earrings that I LOVE!
After shopping, we met back up at the hotel, grabbed our things, and loaded the bus. We then made the 3 hour bus ride home. I have been meaning to mention that just outside of Sevilla, there are fields and fields of sunflowers!! They are so gorgeous! It's so hard to capture the beauty in pictures because the bus is moving so fast, but I tried!
Unfortunately I didn't get to see Elder Peterson (Craig), who is serving in Granada right now, but we were probably really close to each other at some point during the day!
Today also marks the 2 week mark from when I get to see my family!! I can't wait! But I'm exhausted and I gotta get to bed! Good night!
Today was a very busy day! First of all, I got to bed so late and then I did not get much sleep! I woke up really early and I was freezing! Then there was all this screaming and yelling and drumming outside so that woke me up. Then Angie woke up around and started making all kinds of ruckus. At 7:40, I though it was time for me to get up so I got up and started to walk into the bathroom and realized that I didn't have to wake up for another hour! And then I could not fall back asleep! So, needless to say, I didn't get too much sleep last night.
Anyway, we all woke up and had breakfast in the lobby of the hotel. It was just bread and jam. Then, we got all of our things together and met down in the lobby again. We locked all of our stuff up in a room and then hit the streets.
We took a long walk through the city seeing all of the major parts of the city: plazas, a cathedral and some other things. We took a VERY long walk up to the lookout point to see the Alhambra from a distance. The view was gorgeous and we took lots of pictures. Up at the top, they had a little stand that was selling smoothies and I couldn't resist because I was burning! So I ordered a lemon slush with fresh mint! It was so good! It had lemon sorbet, lemon juice, a few fresh mint leaves, and ice. I will definitely be making it when I get home.
We began the walk down, which was much easier. At the bottom, we stopped at a Moroccan restaurant with the whole group for lunch. A quick sidenote: The owner of the hotel spoke 7 languages! Crazy, right? Anyway, he recommended the pastelas and the mint lemonade. Ironic, I thought, considering I had just bought a mint lemon slush. I ordered it anyway because Liliana was paying and Kristin and I were splitting pastela. If I can figure out how to make the pastelas, I am going to be making them when I get home! They have chicken, couscous, cinnamon, almonds, and some other things that I'm not exactly sure of, all wrapped in filo dough and sprinkled with cinnamon. It sounds so strange, but it was delicious!
After lunch, we went and wandered through the little allies with all of the vendors. I bought some earrings that I LOVE!
After shopping, we met back up at the hotel, grabbed our things, and loaded the bus. We then made the 3 hour bus ride home. I have been meaning to mention that just outside of Sevilla, there are fields and fields of sunflowers!! They are so gorgeous! It's so hard to capture the beauty in pictures because the bus is moving so fast, but I tried!
Unfortunately I didn't get to see Elder Peterson (Craig), who is serving in Granada right now, but we were probably really close to each other at some point during the day!
Today also marks the 2 week mark from when I get to see my family!! I can't wait! But I'm exhausted and I gotta get to bed! Good night!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
June 11, 2011
June 11, 2011
Wow! What a day! We got up and got our stuff together to come to Granada. We drove for 3 and a half hours and arrived in Granada around 12:30. We took all of our things to the hotel. Here in Spain, outside of every hotel there is a sign that has how many stars the hotel is. You can imagine our delight as we saw one star on the sign. So we got our keys and headed up to hour room. Surprisingly, our room was really nice! It had 2 twin beds and a bunk bed. We dropped our stuff in our room and headed back down to the lobby.
As a group, which is thirty students from the school, we walked to the main plaza. From there, we all broke off and went to lunch. Our UVU group went to this kebab place near the plaza. It was heavenly! The restaurant itself was decorated really cool! Granada has a ton of Arabic influence so there are a lot of Moroccan-like places. It had little sheer drapes everywhere and we sat on couches and stools that were all really low to the ground. It was fun.
Afterwards, we got to wander around some of the shops, which were way cool.
We met back up with our group and started walking towards the Alhambra. The Alhambra is on my list of places to see before I die so I was really excited! However, I had NO idea how high up it is! We were walking up hill for so long! If it had been 70 degrees and I wasn't carrying a bag, I wouldn't have minded. But unfortunately I was carrying a bag and it was probably about 85 degrees and humid! So that was an adventure! They also told us that the Alhambra is the most visited tourist attraction in the world. Crazy, right?
We got to the top and I realized just how big the Alhambra is. I had seen pictures of it, but they only ever show the palace, so I was surprised. First, we walked through the gardens, which were gorgeous! All of these beautiful gardens have made me want to have a pretty garden in my future house!
Then we went up to the tower. The tower gives you a view of the whole city. We were so high up and it was a beautiful view! We took some fun pictures and then headed to the palaces.
The Alhambra is a Moorish/Arabic palace that dates back to I believe the 14th century. Similar to the Arabic Mesquita that we went to last weekend in Cordoba, the intricate and ornate carving was incredible! I was in awe at how much time it would have taken to carve it all. It was amazing.
After we had spent three hours there, we walked back down and went to a few more shops. Daniel told us about the Puesta del Sol, which is when the sun sets and casts an orange hue over the Alhambra. You have to walk up a different parallel to the Alhambra to a little look out place, so we know if would take a while. We decided that we would leave at 8:45 so that we could be there at 9:30 when the sun sets. However, Jill and Daniel didn't get back to the hotel until 9, so we didn't go because we knew we would miss it. I was a little disappointed, but Liliana consoled us by saying that we saw the Alhambra itself, so we can just get pictures from Google of it at sunset ha ha
So instead, we walked to an Italian restaurant that the hotel recommended. There was 7 of us and we split 3 small pizzas between us. The pizzas were amazing! Then, to stick with the Italian mood, we went and got gelato!
We went back to the hotel and Kristen, Briana, Alan, and I played cards. We played Nerts for quite a while, and then we played hearts. Before we knew it, it was 1 AM! So Alan went back to his room and I got ready for bed. I don't know why, by it takes me so long to prepare for bed, so now its 2 and I am exhausted! Good night!
Wow! What a day! We got up and got our stuff together to come to Granada. We drove for 3 and a half hours and arrived in Granada around 12:30. We took all of our things to the hotel. Here in Spain, outside of every hotel there is a sign that has how many stars the hotel is. You can imagine our delight as we saw one star on the sign. So we got our keys and headed up to hour room. Surprisingly, our room was really nice! It had 2 twin beds and a bunk bed. We dropped our stuff in our room and headed back down to the lobby.
As a group, which is thirty students from the school, we walked to the main plaza. From there, we all broke off and went to lunch. Our UVU group went to this kebab place near the plaza. It was heavenly! The restaurant itself was decorated really cool! Granada has a ton of Arabic influence so there are a lot of Moroccan-like places. It had little sheer drapes everywhere and we sat on couches and stools that were all really low to the ground. It was fun.
Afterwards, we got to wander around some of the shops, which were way cool.
We met back up with our group and started walking towards the Alhambra. The Alhambra is on my list of places to see before I die so I was really excited! However, I had NO idea how high up it is! We were walking up hill for so long! If it had been 70 degrees and I wasn't carrying a bag, I wouldn't have minded. But unfortunately I was carrying a bag and it was probably about 85 degrees and humid! So that was an adventure! They also told us that the Alhambra is the most visited tourist attraction in the world. Crazy, right?
We got to the top and I realized just how big the Alhambra is. I had seen pictures of it, but they only ever show the palace, so I was surprised. First, we walked through the gardens, which were gorgeous! All of these beautiful gardens have made me want to have a pretty garden in my future house!
Then we went up to the tower. The tower gives you a view of the whole city. We were so high up and it was a beautiful view! We took some fun pictures and then headed to the palaces.
The Alhambra is a Moorish/Arabic palace that dates back to I believe the 14th century. Similar to the Arabic Mesquita that we went to last weekend in Cordoba, the intricate and ornate carving was incredible! I was in awe at how much time it would have taken to carve it all. It was amazing.
After we had spent three hours there, we walked back down and went to a few more shops. Daniel told us about the Puesta del Sol, which is when the sun sets and casts an orange hue over the Alhambra. You have to walk up a different parallel to the Alhambra to a little look out place, so we know if would take a while. We decided that we would leave at 8:45 so that we could be there at 9:30 when the sun sets. However, Jill and Daniel didn't get back to the hotel until 9, so we didn't go because we knew we would miss it. I was a little disappointed, but Liliana consoled us by saying that we saw the Alhambra itself, so we can just get pictures from Google of it at sunset ha ha
So instead, we walked to an Italian restaurant that the hotel recommended. There was 7 of us and we split 3 small pizzas between us. The pizzas were amazing! Then, to stick with the Italian mood, we went and got gelato!
We went back to the hotel and Kristen, Briana, Alan, and I played cards. We played Nerts for quite a while, and then we played hearts. Before we knew it, it was 1 AM! So Alan went back to his room and I got ready for bed. I don't know why, by it takes me so long to prepare for bed, so now its 2 and I am exhausted! Good night!
June 10, 2011
June 10, 2011
Today was a normal day. I had a test in my grammar class and I think I did relatively will. I don't find out my score until Monday. Its strange because here, a 6 is an average score, so if you get a 7 or 8, it's actually really good, so that's strange. We had a sub in my conversation class.
We had lunch and then Adelay and I laid out on the roof. I think something is wrong with my because I don't feel like I'm getting any color! It felt good though!
At 4:30, we met up to go on a little walking tour. We walked over the river to this ex-convent. It was cool, but we spent hours there! So needless to say, I was way past ready to go when we finally left.
We had dinner and then I fell asleep reading. At 10:30, I woke up and walked to El Corte Ingles to meet up with Kristin, Briana, Alan, and Daniel. We then went up to our roof and watched Tangled on my iPad because Briana had never seen it! So that was fun!
Then, I packed up all my stuff because we are going to Granada tomorrow and spending the night there! However, it as after 1 AM and I can't be late tomorrow! Good night!
Today was a normal day. I had a test in my grammar class and I think I did relatively will. I don't find out my score until Monday. Its strange because here, a 6 is an average score, so if you get a 7 or 8, it's actually really good, so that's strange. We had a sub in my conversation class.
We had lunch and then Adelay and I laid out on the roof. I think something is wrong with my because I don't feel like I'm getting any color! It felt good though!
At 4:30, we met up to go on a little walking tour. We walked over the river to this ex-convent. It was cool, but we spent hours there! So needless to say, I was way past ready to go when we finally left.
We had dinner and then I fell asleep reading. At 10:30, I woke up and walked to El Corte Ingles to meet up with Kristin, Briana, Alan, and Daniel. We then went up to our roof and watched Tangled on my iPad because Briana had never seen it! So that was fun!
Then, I packed up all my stuff because we are going to Granada tomorrow and spending the night there! However, it as after 1 AM and I can't be late tomorrow! Good night!
Friday, June 10, 2011
June 9, 2011
June 9, 2011
Today was a fun, but pretty lax, day. I had class in thebmorning, which was fun. They have this thing going on in Sevilla called the Rocío. I don't understand exactly what it is but it has something to do with the Virgin Mary and their religion. Anyway, every morning thisnweek, they have this huge processional of all of the people in their dresses or their big farmer hats. So today in my grammar class, we went and watched some of the processional. It was interesting. In my conversation class, we talked about drugs, which was quite interesting as well ha ha.
We came home and had lunch with Mercedes and she had made this delicious soup with rice, peas, and chicken in it. After lunch, I went up to the roof and laid out while I read my book. It's quite frustrating because I don't feel ANY darker!! Oh well. I'll just keep trying.
At 5:00, I went to the school to Skype with my mom for half an hour. It was wonderful to see and talk to her, as always.
At 5:30, we had our Sevillanas class again. It was fun, but I was so tired.
We chatted for a while afterwards and Jill, Kristin, and Alan helped me to understand subjunctive for my test tomorrow. They helped a lot.
I came home and read for a little while before dinner. Mercedes made something that is very similar to chicken cordon bleu. I don't know if that is spelled right, but it was really good!
Now, I just finished my book and got already to bed! I will do a little studying and then maybe/hopefully watch a little bit of Harry Potter before I go to bed. Good night!
Today was a fun, but pretty lax, day. I had class in thebmorning, which was fun. They have this thing going on in Sevilla called the Rocío. I don't understand exactly what it is but it has something to do with the Virgin Mary and their religion. Anyway, every morning thisnweek, they have this huge processional of all of the people in their dresses or their big farmer hats. So today in my grammar class, we went and watched some of the processional. It was interesting. In my conversation class, we talked about drugs, which was quite interesting as well ha ha.
We came home and had lunch with Mercedes and she had made this delicious soup with rice, peas, and chicken in it. After lunch, I went up to the roof and laid out while I read my book. It's quite frustrating because I don't feel ANY darker!! Oh well. I'll just keep trying.
At 5:00, I went to the school to Skype with my mom for half an hour. It was wonderful to see and talk to her, as always.
At 5:30, we had our Sevillanas class again. It was fun, but I was so tired.
We chatted for a while afterwards and Jill, Kristin, and Alan helped me to understand subjunctive for my test tomorrow. They helped a lot.
I came home and read for a little while before dinner. Mercedes made something that is very similar to chicken cordon bleu. I don't know if that is spelled right, but it was really good!
Now, I just finished my book and got already to bed! I will do a little studying and then maybe/hopefully watch a little bit of Harry Potter before I go to bed. Good night!
June 8, 2011
June 8, 2011
Today has been a pretty lax day. I went to class, which went well. After class, I did my homework at the school because I get distracted when I come home or I fall asleep.
We had lunch with Mercedes. It was penne pasta with red sauce, salad, and then a piece of ham rolled up, filled with cheese, then breaded and fried. It was actually really yummy.
After lunch, Adelay and I went up to the roof and laid out for an hour and a half. I can tell that I got a little sun, but not much. I'm slightly disappointed. Then I went for a run. It felt good to get some exercise.
At 6, we met up in the plaza and went wandering around some shops. I didn't buy anything, but I helped Alan pick out some shorts.
For dinner, we had hot dogs with mashed potatoes ha ha. While we were eating, Mercedes left so Adelay and I were just flipping through the channels on the TV. She has Disney Channel and we started laughing so hard becsuse they have shows that are Spanish! Not just dubbed over ones, real Spanish ones! It was so cheesy and so funny!
At 10:30 we met in the plaza and then we walked to the Plaza de España, where we did Zumba the first Monday we were here. There was hardly anyone there so it was fun to just take pictures and wander around. We hung out there until about 12:15, when the police came to close the gates.
So we left and came home! But it is late and I am very tired! Hasta mañana!
Today has been a pretty lax day. I went to class, which went well. After class, I did my homework at the school because I get distracted when I come home or I fall asleep.
We had lunch with Mercedes. It was penne pasta with red sauce, salad, and then a piece of ham rolled up, filled with cheese, then breaded and fried. It was actually really yummy.
After lunch, Adelay and I went up to the roof and laid out for an hour and a half. I can tell that I got a little sun, but not much. I'm slightly disappointed. Then I went for a run. It felt good to get some exercise.
At 6, we met up in the plaza and went wandering around some shops. I didn't buy anything, but I helped Alan pick out some shorts.
For dinner, we had hot dogs with mashed potatoes ha ha. While we were eating, Mercedes left so Adelay and I were just flipping through the channels on the TV. She has Disney Channel and we started laughing so hard becsuse they have shows that are Spanish! Not just dubbed over ones, real Spanish ones! It was so cheesy and so funny!
At 10:30 we met in the plaza and then we walked to the Plaza de España, where we did Zumba the first Monday we were here. There was hardly anyone there so it was fun to just take pictures and wander around. We hung out there until about 12:15, when the police came to close the gates.
So we left and came home! But it is late and I am very tired! Hasta mañana!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
June 7, 2011
June 7, 2011
Today has been a fun day! We woke up and went to class. We talked about movies in my conversation class, so that was fun. I'm always surprised at how well American movies are known all over the world!! And our teacher speaks English pretty well so he was looking up songs from movies and singing them like "You're the One that I Want" from Grease and "I've Had the Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing and he was just singing along and dancing! Ha ha
Then we came home for lunch. Mercedes had both of her daughters here, so we were able to talk to them during lunch. It was fun.
For siesta, I did homework, read a little bit, and took a nap.
At 4:30, we had a Sevillanas class at the school. The teacher was really nice, but because we had taken two Sevillanas classes in Salamanca, it was kind of repetitive. It was fun, though.
Afterwards, we went to a Chino/Bazar/really cheap convenience store. I got some snacks and some BiFruta drinks. The drinks are super popular here so I have been wanting to try them. It's milk and juice, which sounds gross, but I've heard that they are good, so we will see! Then we went into some clothing stores, but I'm trying to save my money so I didn't get anything.
On my way back home, I passed a book store and I couldn't resist the urge to go in! It had four levels and lots of books. Even though they were mostly all Spanish, I spent 45 minutes in the store! I don't know what my deal is with bookstores but I totally lose track of time when I go in!
I came home and had dinner with Adelay. We had tortilla Española, which was good. While we were eating, we watched the news. Apparently there has been a ton of flooding up in Barcelona. Hopefully it clears up in the next month! There has also been, for the past week or so, stories about E-Coli. There was a breakout in Germany (Alemania) and it has spread all over Europe! Crazy, right? I think there has been eleven deaths or something! They think it's coming from the cucumbers (pepinos). Who knows.
At 10:30, we met up in the plaza and just chatted until 12:15 and then I came home! But it's late! Good night!
Today has been a fun day! We woke up and went to class. We talked about movies in my conversation class, so that was fun. I'm always surprised at how well American movies are known all over the world!! And our teacher speaks English pretty well so he was looking up songs from movies and singing them like "You're the One that I Want" from Grease and "I've Had the Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing and he was just singing along and dancing! Ha ha
Then we came home for lunch. Mercedes had both of her daughters here, so we were able to talk to them during lunch. It was fun.
For siesta, I did homework, read a little bit, and took a nap.
At 4:30, we had a Sevillanas class at the school. The teacher was really nice, but because we had taken two Sevillanas classes in Salamanca, it was kind of repetitive. It was fun, though.
Afterwards, we went to a Chino/Bazar/really cheap convenience store. I got some snacks and some BiFruta drinks. The drinks are super popular here so I have been wanting to try them. It's milk and juice, which sounds gross, but I've heard that they are good, so we will see! Then we went into some clothing stores, but I'm trying to save my money so I didn't get anything.
On my way back home, I passed a book store and I couldn't resist the urge to go in! It had four levels and lots of books. Even though they were mostly all Spanish, I spent 45 minutes in the store! I don't know what my deal is with bookstores but I totally lose track of time when I go in!
I came home and had dinner with Adelay. We had tortilla Española, which was good. While we were eating, we watched the news. Apparently there has been a ton of flooding up in Barcelona. Hopefully it clears up in the next month! There has also been, for the past week or so, stories about E-Coli. There was a breakout in Germany (Alemania) and it has spread all over Europe! Crazy, right? I think there has been eleven deaths or something! They think it's coming from the cucumbers (pepinos). Who knows.
At 10:30, we met up in the plaza and just chatted until 12:15 and then I came home! But it's late! Good night!
June 6, 2011
June 6, 2011
Today was a very busy day! I had class inn the morning, of course, which went well. I got a new grammar teacher and she's really nice. I really liked Elena, but my new teacher, Mercedes, is good as well.
We came home for lunch and Mercedes' daughter and grandson were here for lunch. Juan, her grandson, is seven years old and he has a broken leg. He was so talkative and so cute!
After lunch, I did my homework, and then I went to the school to Skype with my mom for an hour. It was so good to see and talk to her and Jill. Just three more weeks until they are here with me! I can't wait!
At 5, I met up with the group in the plaza. Megan has been wanting to get a crepe, so we went off in search of cheap crepes. We found this place that she wanted to try, but they also had gofres. I had heard that gofres are delicious, so I thought I would try it. Gofre is basically a waffle that has Nutella (or just melted chocolate) on top with whipped cream, but I got a scoop of gelato on top. It was HEAVENLY!!
Afterwards, we met up at the school with lots of other kids from the school for a pasear, which is basically just a walk around the city. There is a boy at our school that is being filmed for some reality tv show/documentary on students studying abroad in Spain, so we had a camera person following us around on the walk. Alex, the boy there are filming, is twenty and he is from Brazil. And really good looking. So towards the end of the tour, Briana was joking around saying that we should ask to take a picture with him and then both kiss him on the cheek. We were just laughing and then she turned around and just said "Hey we were wondering if we could get a picture with you?" he was totally cool with it, but we couldn't get up the courage to kiss him. We were pretty disappointed in ourselves. Anyways, at the end of the door, we stopped at a bar because we had little coupons for free drinks. So we were just sipping on our Fanta, talking about how we were disappointed in ourselves, and Briana stands up and walks over to Alex and says, "So we actually wanted a picture of us kissing you on the cheek so can we take another one?" He just started laughing and said, "Yeah, of course!" So we did!!! It was hilarious! So now I have kissed a boy in Spain, just like I told my mom I would! Angie's face when she saw us do it was absolutely priceless! She started apologizing to Alex for us! Ha ha
Anyway... On the way home, we went into a few shops to look around. Then we got lost. Eventually, we found our way home. We had a hamburger and fries for dinner.
Now I'm tired and ready for bed because I did NOT sleep well last night! Buenas noches!
Today was a very busy day! I had class inn the morning, of course, which went well. I got a new grammar teacher and she's really nice. I really liked Elena, but my new teacher, Mercedes, is good as well.
We came home for lunch and Mercedes' daughter and grandson were here for lunch. Juan, her grandson, is seven years old and he has a broken leg. He was so talkative and so cute!
After lunch, I did my homework, and then I went to the school to Skype with my mom for an hour. It was so good to see and talk to her and Jill. Just three more weeks until they are here with me! I can't wait!
At 5, I met up with the group in the plaza. Megan has been wanting to get a crepe, so we went off in search of cheap crepes. We found this place that she wanted to try, but they also had gofres. I had heard that gofres are delicious, so I thought I would try it. Gofre is basically a waffle that has Nutella (or just melted chocolate) on top with whipped cream, but I got a scoop of gelato on top. It was HEAVENLY!!
Afterwards, we met up at the school with lots of other kids from the school for a pasear, which is basically just a walk around the city. There is a boy at our school that is being filmed for some reality tv show/documentary on students studying abroad in Spain, so we had a camera person following us around on the walk. Alex, the boy there are filming, is twenty and he is from Brazil. And really good looking. So towards the end of the tour, Briana was joking around saying that we should ask to take a picture with him and then both kiss him on the cheek. We were just laughing and then she turned around and just said "Hey we were wondering if we could get a picture with you?" he was totally cool with it, but we couldn't get up the courage to kiss him. We were pretty disappointed in ourselves. Anyways, at the end of the door, we stopped at a bar because we had little coupons for free drinks. So we were just sipping on our Fanta, talking about how we were disappointed in ourselves, and Briana stands up and walks over to Alex and says, "So we actually wanted a picture of us kissing you on the cheek so can we take another one?" He just started laughing and said, "Yeah, of course!" So we did!!! It was hilarious! So now I have kissed a boy in Spain, just like I told my mom I would! Angie's face when she saw us do it was absolutely priceless! She started apologizing to Alex for us! Ha ha
Anyway... On the way home, we went into a few shops to look around. Then we got lost. Eventually, we found our way home. We had a hamburger and fries for dinner.
Now I'm tired and ready for bed because I did NOT sleep well last night! Buenas noches!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
June 5, 2011
June 5, 2011
Today was a relaxed day. We woke up and met at the bus station at 9:00. The bus came at 9:05 so we were to the church by 9:20. Thus, we had forty minutes to spare. Better early than late, though! So we talked and I wrote some letters. The ward went in reverse so we had relief society first. There were more people in relief society than we had in the whole ward in Salamanca! So that was nice! Then we went to Sunday school and then Sacrament meeting. The most beautiful little girl sat in front of us. She kept turning around and looking at as, so needless to say, I was a little distracted. But the meeting was wonderful. It was fast Sunday so we got to hear testimonies from a lot of people. I love that wherever you go in the world and whatever language is being spoken, the spirit can still be felt. The church is true! They also used a tablecloth and a little flower arrangement in relief society, so apparently that is universal too ha ha!
After church, we made the long walk home. When we got home, Neeru, the girl from London that lived with us, was just getting ready to leave. She is done studying so now she is going to do some more touring around Europe. So we helped her down the stairs with her bags and said goodbye. She was so nice to have around and so friendly.
We had lunch with Mercedes, and then I just did some reading and writing during siesta.
At 4, I met up with the group. And by the group I mean Kristin and Briana because they were the only ones that showed up. Anyway, we played cards in the plaza for a while, but then we started to get bored. So we decided to go sit outside Alan and Daniel's apartment and see if we could get their attention. So we sat on the curb across from there apartment and would just quietly call their names every once in a while. Eventually, Alan opened his window (on the 3rd floor) because he said he heard Briana laughing. So then they came down and we decided to go up the the roof of my apartment and play cards! So we were playing Phase 10 for quite some time when the wind picked up. And blew the door closed. The door locks from the inside, so we were trapped. Luckily, there is a little room thing in our house that is just open all the way to the roof. So after a little while I heard clanking, so I ran over, got Mercedes' attention, and asked her if she could come open the door for us. So she did and then we just finished up our game.
So then we ate dinner and we just got ready for bed! So like I said, it was a pretty relaxing day. Ciao!
Today was a relaxed day. We woke up and met at the bus station at 9:00. The bus came at 9:05 so we were to the church by 9:20. Thus, we had forty minutes to spare. Better early than late, though! So we talked and I wrote some letters. The ward went in reverse so we had relief society first. There were more people in relief society than we had in the whole ward in Salamanca! So that was nice! Then we went to Sunday school and then Sacrament meeting. The most beautiful little girl sat in front of us. She kept turning around and looking at as, so needless to say, I was a little distracted. But the meeting was wonderful. It was fast Sunday so we got to hear testimonies from a lot of people. I love that wherever you go in the world and whatever language is being spoken, the spirit can still be felt. The church is true! They also used a tablecloth and a little flower arrangement in relief society, so apparently that is universal too ha ha!
After church, we made the long walk home. When we got home, Neeru, the girl from London that lived with us, was just getting ready to leave. She is done studying so now she is going to do some more touring around Europe. So we helped her down the stairs with her bags and said goodbye. She was so nice to have around and so friendly.
We had lunch with Mercedes, and then I just did some reading and writing during siesta.
At 4, I met up with the group. And by the group I mean Kristin and Briana because they were the only ones that showed up. Anyway, we played cards in the plaza for a while, but then we started to get bored. So we decided to go sit outside Alan and Daniel's apartment and see if we could get their attention. So we sat on the curb across from there apartment and would just quietly call their names every once in a while. Eventually, Alan opened his window (on the 3rd floor) because he said he heard Briana laughing. So then they came down and we decided to go up the the roof of my apartment and play cards! So we were playing Phase 10 for quite some time when the wind picked up. And blew the door closed. The door locks from the inside, so we were trapped. Luckily, there is a little room thing in our house that is just open all the way to the roof. So after a little while I heard clanking, so I ran over, got Mercedes' attention, and asked her if she could come open the door for us. So she did and then we just finished up our game.
So then we ate dinner and we just got ready for bed! So like I said, it was a pretty relaxing day. Ciao!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
June 4, 2011
June 4, 2011
Today has been fun, but long. We got up and met for our excursion at 9. We rode on the bus for an hour and forty five minutes to Córdoba. Córdoba is an absolutely gorgeous city, but it was so hot!! We started by just walking around the city and seeing a few sites. We went into a Jewish Synagogue which was cool. Then we walked through el Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. It was a big building with towers and stuff but what was amazing was the gardens. They were huge and beautiful!
Then we had lunch. We just sat on the side of the road in the shade. Because Córdoba is such a tourist city, there are beggars everywhere! And it's not like they just sit there with their hand out and mumble at you, they follow you around and they don't leave you alone! A woman came up to us today asking for money and she was just holding her child in her arms and breastfeeding her! The child looked like she was at least 3! There were also some that will go around trying to give you these little plants that look like rosemary, and then if you take it, they make you pay. Or they will try and read your palm and then make you pay. Crazy stuff.
So after lunch and some ice cream, we went into the Mesquita. It was beautiful! It is a cathedral, but it has a ton of Arabic influence. It was MASSIVE and so gorgeous! It got me all the more excited to see the Alhambra next weekend in Grenada.
After the Mesquita, we met up to come home. Jens was no where to be found so we just started walking to the bus, hoping that he would catch up. However, he never did. We all loaded the bus and we just left him! So hopefully he has some money to buy a train or a bus ticket back here.
So we got back and Adelay and I went back for dinner which was green beans, potatoes, and then the little fried mashed potatoes things.
Now, I'm sitting outside the school so I can get internet! But it's late and I need to get home! Good night! Oh and Happy birthday Perry!
Today has been fun, but long. We got up and met for our excursion at 9. We rode on the bus for an hour and forty five minutes to Córdoba. Córdoba is an absolutely gorgeous city, but it was so hot!! We started by just walking around the city and seeing a few sites. We went into a Jewish Synagogue which was cool. Then we walked through el Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. It was a big building with towers and stuff but what was amazing was the gardens. They were huge and beautiful!
Then we had lunch. We just sat on the side of the road in the shade. Because Córdoba is such a tourist city, there are beggars everywhere! And it's not like they just sit there with their hand out and mumble at you, they follow you around and they don't leave you alone! A woman came up to us today asking for money and she was just holding her child in her arms and breastfeeding her! The child looked like she was at least 3! There were also some that will go around trying to give you these little plants that look like rosemary, and then if you take it, they make you pay. Or they will try and read your palm and then make you pay. Crazy stuff.
So after lunch and some ice cream, we went into the Mesquita. It was beautiful! It is a cathedral, but it has a ton of Arabic influence. It was MASSIVE and so gorgeous! It got me all the more excited to see the Alhambra next weekend in Grenada.
After the Mesquita, we met up to come home. Jens was no where to be found so we just started walking to the bus, hoping that he would catch up. However, he never did. We all loaded the bus and we just left him! So hopefully he has some money to buy a train or a bus ticket back here.
So we got back and Adelay and I went back for dinner which was green beans, potatoes, and then the little fried mashed potatoes things.
Now, I'm sitting outside the school so I can get internet! But it's late and I need to get home! Good night! Oh and Happy birthday Perry!
June 3, 2011
June 3, 2011
Today was another fun day! Class went really well! Me teacher asked me how long I had studied Spanish and I told her that I studied it in school when I was 12, 13, and 14 but I hadn't studied since and she was very surprised! So that's a good sign! Angie fell asleep yet again, which was funny.
For lunch, Mercedes made us some ziti pasta with some pork and a salad on the side. It was really yummy.
After lunch, Adelay and I went up to the roof of our apartment building and laid out. It was super hot, but I'm disappointed because it doesn't even look like I got any sun and I was out there for a while! It's okay though. I've still got three weeks, a weekend at the beach, and then another week with the family! I think if I am remembering correctly, I should be getting back a month from today. Crazy stuff!
So after laying out, I went shopping with Briana, Kristen, and Megan. I bought a couple of cute things for cheap, so that's good.
After shopping, we met up with the rest of the group. Daniel had contacted the ward here and they were having a YSA activity so we decided to go to that. He said that church was about a half an hour on foot, so we started walking. Well an hour and fifteen minutes later, we finally made it to the church. We were late, but it was fun. It was more of just a family night. They had a little thought and then refreshments. The refreshments were marshmallows and Little Debbie cupcakes ha ha but it was fun. Instead of walking all of the way back, we took the bus, which was much quicker! That's what we will do on Sundays. Oh one more thing, when we got there, the missionaries were there so I asked them if they knew an Elder Pederson or an Elder Peterson. They for sure knew Tannon, but I don't know if they really knew Craig. They said Elder Peterson is getting transferred here, but they said he is super tall, so I don't know if it's Craig. I guess we will see.
Because we missed dinner, we went and got kebap for dinner. It was absolutely delicious. I will have to find a kebap place when I get home. After dinner, we went to the ATM and then we all went to our homes.
Well it is very late and I am tired! Hasta mañana!
Today was another fun day! Class went really well! Me teacher asked me how long I had studied Spanish and I told her that I studied it in school when I was 12, 13, and 14 but I hadn't studied since and she was very surprised! So that's a good sign! Angie fell asleep yet again, which was funny.
For lunch, Mercedes made us some ziti pasta with some pork and a salad on the side. It was really yummy.
After lunch, Adelay and I went up to the roof of our apartment building and laid out. It was super hot, but I'm disappointed because it doesn't even look like I got any sun and I was out there for a while! It's okay though. I've still got three weeks, a weekend at the beach, and then another week with the family! I think if I am remembering correctly, I should be getting back a month from today. Crazy stuff!
So after laying out, I went shopping with Briana, Kristen, and Megan. I bought a couple of cute things for cheap, so that's good.
After shopping, we met up with the rest of the group. Daniel had contacted the ward here and they were having a YSA activity so we decided to go to that. He said that church was about a half an hour on foot, so we started walking. Well an hour and fifteen minutes later, we finally made it to the church. We were late, but it was fun. It was more of just a family night. They had a little thought and then refreshments. The refreshments were marshmallows and Little Debbie cupcakes ha ha but it was fun. Instead of walking all of the way back, we took the bus, which was much quicker! That's what we will do on Sundays. Oh one more thing, when we got there, the missionaries were there so I asked them if they knew an Elder Pederson or an Elder Peterson. They for sure knew Tannon, but I don't know if they really knew Craig. They said Elder Peterson is getting transferred here, but they said he is super tall, so I don't know if it's Craig. I guess we will see.
Because we missed dinner, we went and got kebap for dinner. It was absolutely delicious. I will have to find a kebap place when I get home. After dinner, we went to the ATM and then we all went to our homes.
Well it is very late and I am tired! Hasta mañana!
June 2, 2011
June 2, 2011
Today was another good day. Class went well. I really like both of my teachers. I have a woman for grammar and a man for conversation. Both are really helpful and nice. Angie fell asleep for the second time. She is a little strange, but she is really nice. In my conversation class, we talked about music. It was a fun class. I got some good artists to look up when I get home!
For lunch, we ate two different soups. One was blended tomatoes and cream and the other was just a broth with potatoes. Both were good.
For siesta, I read for a while in my book which is wonderful! I actually finished it tonight! I absolutely loved it!! Then I fell asleep for a little bit.
After siesta, we met at the school and walked to the Flamenco Museum. I LOVED it! When we first got there, a woman named Judy Fulton talked to us for a while about bull fighting. I really enjoyed it because it made it so I wasn't quite as opposed to bull fighting as I was. She is actually from the states, but her husband, John Fulton, is the only American matador to ever fight in Sevilla, so she lives here now. She explained the history of bull fighting and the significance of parts of it. It was very interesting. Then we got to walk through the rest of the museum and see videos of the different types of flamenco, dresses, and read some history about it. Then, at the end, we got to watch a flamenco show! It was really fun!
Afterwards, Adelay and I walked back for dinner. She had prepared fish. I had told her when I first arrived that I didn't like fish, but she said that until I tried her fish, I couldn't say that I don't like fish. Then, if I didn't like it, then she wouldn't make it anymore. Surprisingly, it wasn't that bad! It didn't have much of a fishy flavor and it was really flaky. I asked her what kind of fish it was, but I didn't really understand what she said.
After dinner, I went to meet up with some people from our group in the plaza. It's a good thing I live so close because Adelay flakes out on going every night. But when I got there, only Briana was there and after a little while, Kristin showed up. The three of us just talked for about an hour and then I was just getting up to go home when Alan and Daniel showed up. So we ended up staying for a while longer and I didn't get home until after midnight! While we were in plaza, there was a group of people roller blading all over and doin tricks. It was fun to watch. A lot of people roller blade here! Instead of walking or riding a bike, they roller blade! They are also super crazy about keeping the city clean. There are cleaning trucks everywhere that suck up trash and then spray and scrub. It's nice, but they do it all time!
Well it's late! Good night!
Today was another good day. Class went well. I really like both of my teachers. I have a woman for grammar and a man for conversation. Both are really helpful and nice. Angie fell asleep for the second time. She is a little strange, but she is really nice. In my conversation class, we talked about music. It was a fun class. I got some good artists to look up when I get home!
For lunch, we ate two different soups. One was blended tomatoes and cream and the other was just a broth with potatoes. Both were good.
For siesta, I read for a while in my book which is wonderful! I actually finished it tonight! I absolutely loved it!! Then I fell asleep for a little bit.
After siesta, we met at the school and walked to the Flamenco Museum. I LOVED it! When we first got there, a woman named Judy Fulton talked to us for a while about bull fighting. I really enjoyed it because it made it so I wasn't quite as opposed to bull fighting as I was. She is actually from the states, but her husband, John Fulton, is the only American matador to ever fight in Sevilla, so she lives here now. She explained the history of bull fighting and the significance of parts of it. It was very interesting. Then we got to walk through the rest of the museum and see videos of the different types of flamenco, dresses, and read some history about it. Then, at the end, we got to watch a flamenco show! It was really fun!
Afterwards, Adelay and I walked back for dinner. She had prepared fish. I had told her when I first arrived that I didn't like fish, but she said that until I tried her fish, I couldn't say that I don't like fish. Then, if I didn't like it, then she wouldn't make it anymore. Surprisingly, it wasn't that bad! It didn't have much of a fishy flavor and it was really flaky. I asked her what kind of fish it was, but I didn't really understand what she said.
After dinner, I went to meet up with some people from our group in the plaza. It's a good thing I live so close because Adelay flakes out on going every night. But when I got there, only Briana was there and after a little while, Kristin showed up. The three of us just talked for about an hour and then I was just getting up to go home when Alan and Daniel showed up. So we ended up staying for a while longer and I didn't get home until after midnight! While we were in plaza, there was a group of people roller blading all over and doin tricks. It was fun to watch. A lot of people roller blade here! Instead of walking or riding a bike, they roller blade! They are also super crazy about keeping the city clean. There are cleaning trucks everywhere that suck up trash and then spray and scrub. It's nice, but they do it all time!
Well it's late! Good night!
Friday, June 3, 2011
June 1, 2011
June 1, 2011
Today has been pretty average. We got up in the morning and went to class, which went well. I feel like I can understand and speak a lot better so that's good! I'm not where I hope to be yet, but I'm getting there!
After class, we came back for lunch. Lunch was amazing! Mercedes made us a paella-like dish. It was rice with a brownish-yellowish sauce and it had chicken, peas, and artichoke hearts in it! It was wonderful!
After lunch, I read all through siesta, once again. I'm currently reading The Book Thief and it is amazing! I only have a little bit left so I should be able to finish it tomorrow. I would suggest it to anyone! It's about a girl that is living with a foster family in Nazi Germany and it is told from the point of view of death. It's super interesting. I love it!
At 4:45, we met at the school for a cooking class. Not everyone was there yet so I checked my email and I had the coolest experience! I had an email from my mom and attached was a letter from Matt that I had received. Now for the past few days, I have been feeling really homesick. So I'm reading the letter and Matt asks me how Spain is and what the family I am staying with is like. Then he just says, "If you are homesick in any way, which I hope you don't have that feeling, but just in case you are, just know that God loves you and will comfort you." I honestly just started crying. I have no doubt that God loves me, but it is just so amazing to me that my best friend, half way around the world, can know how I'm feeling and comfort me with exactly what I need to hear. I know that missionaries are inspired to bless the lives of those that don't have the gospel along with those that do. I know this was random, but I want to remember it.
Anyway, we had our cooking class and we made tortilla de patatas or tortilla Española. It was very good! Unlike the cooking classes at Mester, we actually got to learn how to cook it and help cook it! It was a lot of fun!
Afterwards, we just went wandering down the streets and in and out of shots. Everything here is a lot more expensive than Salamanca. And they don't even have my favorite grocery store, El Árbol. I'm a little bitter. However, I have been wanting to mention some of the fashion trends I have seen here! I have noticed a lot of people wearing green skinny jeans. Also, a ton of people where slightly opaque tights with shorts. There's also these pants that are honestly like MC Hammer pants with the really short inseam and elastics around the ankles. They are super popular and super weird looking.
Then we came home for dinner. She made us these fried ham and cheese things and French fries. I didn't even finish all of my food.
At 10:30, I left to go meet up with some people in the Plaza Nueva. Unfortunately, the streets here arenas as active at night as they were in Salamanca, which took me by surprise. Anyway, Alan, Briana, Daniel and I played some card games and talked until I left and came home. It's so nice living so close to the school and the plaza!
It is really late and I need to get some sleep! Adios!
Today has been pretty average. We got up in the morning and went to class, which went well. I feel like I can understand and speak a lot better so that's good! I'm not where I hope to be yet, but I'm getting there!
After class, we came back for lunch. Lunch was amazing! Mercedes made us a paella-like dish. It was rice with a brownish-yellowish sauce and it had chicken, peas, and artichoke hearts in it! It was wonderful!
After lunch, I read all through siesta, once again. I'm currently reading The Book Thief and it is amazing! I only have a little bit left so I should be able to finish it tomorrow. I would suggest it to anyone! It's about a girl that is living with a foster family in Nazi Germany and it is told from the point of view of death. It's super interesting. I love it!
At 4:45, we met at the school for a cooking class. Not everyone was there yet so I checked my email and I had the coolest experience! I had an email from my mom and attached was a letter from Matt that I had received. Now for the past few days, I have been feeling really homesick. So I'm reading the letter and Matt asks me how Spain is and what the family I am staying with is like. Then he just says, "If you are homesick in any way, which I hope you don't have that feeling, but just in case you are, just know that God loves you and will comfort you." I honestly just started crying. I have no doubt that God loves me, but it is just so amazing to me that my best friend, half way around the world, can know how I'm feeling and comfort me with exactly what I need to hear. I know that missionaries are inspired to bless the lives of those that don't have the gospel along with those that do. I know this was random, but I want to remember it.
Anyway, we had our cooking class and we made tortilla de patatas or tortilla Española. It was very good! Unlike the cooking classes at Mester, we actually got to learn how to cook it and help cook it! It was a lot of fun!
Afterwards, we just went wandering down the streets and in and out of shots. Everything here is a lot more expensive than Salamanca. And they don't even have my favorite grocery store, El Árbol. I'm a little bitter. However, I have been wanting to mention some of the fashion trends I have seen here! I have noticed a lot of people wearing green skinny jeans. Also, a ton of people where slightly opaque tights with shorts. There's also these pants that are honestly like MC Hammer pants with the really short inseam and elastics around the ankles. They are super popular and super weird looking.
Then we came home for dinner. She made us these fried ham and cheese things and French fries. I didn't even finish all of my food.
At 10:30, I left to go meet up with some people in the Plaza Nueva. Unfortunately, the streets here arenas as active at night as they were in Salamanca, which took me by surprise. Anyway, Alan, Briana, Daniel and I played some card games and talked until I left and came home. It's so nice living so close to the school and the plaza!
It is really late and I need to get some sleep! Adios!
May 31, 2011
May 31, 2011
Today has been a good day!! We woke up and went to class. My grammar class was half way through learning subjunctive, which I haven't learned since ninth grade, so I have a little catching up to do, but that's okay. It will be good for me to push myself.
We returned home for lunch and had lentil soup with some chicken and then these little fried mashed potato balls that were super delicious.
For siesta, I read for a while and then fell asleep. We had a late night last night so I we really tired. Our room is really dark so it's perfect for an afternoon nap.
At 5, we went to the school to watch a movie they were showing. It was called Pan Negro and it was super weird. I didn't understand much, but no one really seemed to. After about an hour of the movie, we decided to leave and go up to the roof of our school. I had never been up there, but it is gorgeous! It has all these trees and plants, lots of tables and chairs, and then a little pool that you can just stick your feet it. It's about the size of a hot tub, but the water only comes up to your knees. So we sat there for about 45 minutes and just talked while we soaked our feet in the cool water. It felt so good!
Then I came back and just hung out and read until dinner. For diner we had a vegetable soul with ham and cheese sandwiches. It was good. After dinner, I met up with Alan, Briana, Jill, and Kristin in the Plaza Nueva. Alan taught us how to play all these different kinds of poker. I'd never played poker and we weren't betting anything, but it was a lot of fun!
Well, hasta mañana!
Today has been a good day!! We woke up and went to class. My grammar class was half way through learning subjunctive, which I haven't learned since ninth grade, so I have a little catching up to do, but that's okay. It will be good for me to push myself.
We returned home for lunch and had lentil soup with some chicken and then these little fried mashed potato balls that were super delicious.
For siesta, I read for a while and then fell asleep. We had a late night last night so I we really tired. Our room is really dark so it's perfect for an afternoon nap.
At 5, we went to the school to watch a movie they were showing. It was called Pan Negro and it was super weird. I didn't understand much, but no one really seemed to. After about an hour of the movie, we decided to leave and go up to the roof of our school. I had never been up there, but it is gorgeous! It has all these trees and plants, lots of tables and chairs, and then a little pool that you can just stick your feet it. It's about the size of a hot tub, but the water only comes up to your knees. So we sat there for about 45 minutes and just talked while we soaked our feet in the cool water. It felt so good!
Then I came back and just hung out and read until dinner. For diner we had a vegetable soul with ham and cheese sandwiches. It was good. After dinner, I met up with Alan, Briana, Jill, and Kristin in the Plaza Nueva. Alan taught us how to play all these different kinds of poker. I'd never played poker and we weren't betting anything, but it was a lot of fun!
Well, hasta mañana!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Mailing Address
This is my mailing address while here in Sevilla for the next 3 and a half weeks!
Jessica Rose
CLIC
c/ Albareda, 19
41001 SEVILLA
ESPAÑA
Jessica Rose
CLIC
c/ Albareda, 19
41001 SEVILLA
ESPAÑA
May 30, 2011
May 30, 2011
Today was a very full day! It's actually a holiday here today so we didn't have school. It was the day of San Fernando. I don't even know exactly what he did, but he was alive sometime around the 1300s (I think) and they still have his body perfectly preserved. Unfortunately, they only display the body once a year, on this day, from 8-11. Liliana thought it would be on display all day, so we went at one, so we missed it. So that was unfortunate. Earlier, though, we had to take a placement test at the school. I was actually really surprised because I got put in a class with a girl in our group that is basically fluent in Spanish, so I'm a little nervous that I won't have a clue what's going on, but I will give it my best effort and move down if absolutely necessary. I was also surprised because Adelay and Briana, who were both placed in the class above me in Salamanca, are now in the class below me. I guess that means I am improving!
So after our test, as I mentioned, we went to the cathedral to see San Fernando's body. But they were having a mass inside and said we would be able to come back at one and see the body. But when we came back, we were actually informed that they no longer had it on display. So we just wandering around and we ran into this girl that said she heard us speaking English so she asked us where we were from. We talked with her for a while and she told us where all the good restaurants and bakeries and heladerias (ice cream places) are! She also told us that she is a certified Zumba instructor in the states, so when she got here, she starred teaching at a gym here. Because the gym is closed for the holiday, she told us that she are her friends were going to do Zumba in the Plaza de España at eight. I have been missing Zumba, so I told her that I would try my hardest to come, at least for a little while. After she left, we all just meandered back to our apartments for lunch.
When we returned to our apartment, the girl from London that is also living in our apartment was here. I forgot her name, but she is really nice! She goes to our same school and has already been here for a month. She also speaks Spanish really well, so that's nice because she can help us to understand words we don't know.
So we had lunch, which was alfredo pasta with chicken and a yummy tomato and green pepper salad. It tasted similar to bruschetta and was really yummy. Mercedes had her sister over and he sister is quite hard to understand! But we did our best!
After lunch, I read for a while and then took a thirty minute nap. At 4, we met up with our group at Real Alcazar, which is a very old palace that the sultans lived in! It was massive and absolutely gorgeous! It had a lot of Arabic influence so it was really colorful and very ornate. The gardens were perhaps the biggest gardens I have ever seen. It was honestly like central park! They also had this labyrinth thing of hedged that you can go through, so Alan and I found a stick and ran through yelling quotes from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It was hilarous and so fun!
We left the palace around 7 and walked over to Plaza de España. The plaza is huge!!! There is a little river thing where you can rent row boats and they had bike rentals and... surry rentals! I don't know if they are really called surries, but when I went to Montana/Canada with Kenz a few years ago, we rented one in Waterton, so I was so excited to see them here! So we walked around the plaza and took pictures, and then we ran into the girl we had met earlier. She said her friends were on their way with the speakers so we had to stay for a little while! So they showed up and set up the sleakers in the middle of the plaza and started doing Zumba! We danced a couple of songs with them, but everyone was staring at us and taking pictures, so we didn't stay long. It was way fun though! And I can now say that I have done Zumba in the biggest plaza in Sevilla!
After Zumba, we walked home for dinner. On the way, I found myself just thinking of random memories from home and it made me miss my family and my friends so much! But I am still so grateful for this opportunity that I have to be here in Spain. For dinner, Mercedes made us tortilla Española, which I love, and we had a little salad to go with it. It was yummy. She is really easy to talk to and so nice, so I'm very relieved!
At 10:30, we met up with our group again. It's Megan's birthday today so we went and got ice cream and sang happy birthday to her! So now it's almost 12:30 and we start school tomorrow so I must get to bed! Good night!
Today was a very full day! It's actually a holiday here today so we didn't have school. It was the day of San Fernando. I don't even know exactly what he did, but he was alive sometime around the 1300s (I think) and they still have his body perfectly preserved. Unfortunately, they only display the body once a year, on this day, from 8-11. Liliana thought it would be on display all day, so we went at one, so we missed it. So that was unfortunate. Earlier, though, we had to take a placement test at the school. I was actually really surprised because I got put in a class with a girl in our group that is basically fluent in Spanish, so I'm a little nervous that I won't have a clue what's going on, but I will give it my best effort and move down if absolutely necessary. I was also surprised because Adelay and Briana, who were both placed in the class above me in Salamanca, are now in the class below me. I guess that means I am improving!
So after our test, as I mentioned, we went to the cathedral to see San Fernando's body. But they were having a mass inside and said we would be able to come back at one and see the body. But when we came back, we were actually informed that they no longer had it on display. So we just wandering around and we ran into this girl that said she heard us speaking English so she asked us where we were from. We talked with her for a while and she told us where all the good restaurants and bakeries and heladerias (ice cream places) are! She also told us that she is a certified Zumba instructor in the states, so when she got here, she starred teaching at a gym here. Because the gym is closed for the holiday, she told us that she are her friends were going to do Zumba in the Plaza de España at eight. I have been missing Zumba, so I told her that I would try my hardest to come, at least for a little while. After she left, we all just meandered back to our apartments for lunch.
When we returned to our apartment, the girl from London that is also living in our apartment was here. I forgot her name, but she is really nice! She goes to our same school and has already been here for a month. She also speaks Spanish really well, so that's nice because she can help us to understand words we don't know.
So we had lunch, which was alfredo pasta with chicken and a yummy tomato and green pepper salad. It tasted similar to bruschetta and was really yummy. Mercedes had her sister over and he sister is quite hard to understand! But we did our best!
After lunch, I read for a while and then took a thirty minute nap. At 4, we met up with our group at Real Alcazar, which is a very old palace that the sultans lived in! It was massive and absolutely gorgeous! It had a lot of Arabic influence so it was really colorful and very ornate. The gardens were perhaps the biggest gardens I have ever seen. It was honestly like central park! They also had this labyrinth thing of hedged that you can go through, so Alan and I found a stick and ran through yelling quotes from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It was hilarous and so fun!
We left the palace around 7 and walked over to Plaza de España. The plaza is huge!!! There is a little river thing where you can rent row boats and they had bike rentals and... surry rentals! I don't know if they are really called surries, but when I went to Montana/Canada with Kenz a few years ago, we rented one in Waterton, so I was so excited to see them here! So we walked around the plaza and took pictures, and then we ran into the girl we had met earlier. She said her friends were on their way with the speakers so we had to stay for a little while! So they showed up and set up the sleakers in the middle of the plaza and started doing Zumba! We danced a couple of songs with them, but everyone was staring at us and taking pictures, so we didn't stay long. It was way fun though! And I can now say that I have done Zumba in the biggest plaza in Sevilla!
After Zumba, we walked home for dinner. On the way, I found myself just thinking of random memories from home and it made me miss my family and my friends so much! But I am still so grateful for this opportunity that I have to be here in Spain. For dinner, Mercedes made us tortilla Española, which I love, and we had a little salad to go with it. It was yummy. She is really easy to talk to and so nice, so I'm very relieved!
At 10:30, we met up with our group again. It's Megan's birthday today so we went and got ice cream and sang happy birthday to her! So now it's almost 12:30 and we start school tomorrow so I must get to bed! Good night!
May 29, 2011
May 29, 2011
I made it to Sevilla and wow is it hot! The weather says it will be high eighties all week and it's pretty humid! Woo hoo!
This morning, we woke up early and got all of our stuff in our suitcases and got ready. We ate breakfast and then took pictures with Ana. Ana has been the most wonderful mom while I have been here in Spain. She took just wonderful care of us and wanted us to have the best time possible in Salamanca. We were definitely spoiled. So after we took a few pictures and gave us our keys, we put our luggage in the elevator and we were off to the bus stop!
We loaded all of our things and got on the bus. We drove for a few hours and then stopped in Merida, which is a town that used to be occupied by the Romans in the first century. They had a ton of cool ruins that we got to look at and we went through a museum of things they have found and preserved like statues and tools and stuff. Way cool!
Then we drove for another three hours and arrived in Sevilla around 5:30. This time, we just had to find our place by ourselves. Liliana also warned us that Sevilla is a lot more dangerous than Salamanca and there is a lot more theft here so I will have to be really careful with my things. Anyways, Adelay and I started walking towards our apartment and a woman came up to us and told us that she was Mercedes and that we were staying in her house. The apartment complex that we live in now doesn't have an elevator so we had to lug our huge bags up two flights of stairs. I don't mind taking the stairs, but my bags were soooo heavy!
So anyways, she brought us in and showed us to our room. It has two little twin beds, a small armoire and a desk. That's all. So it's s little small, but I don't mind. Fitting all my stuff into the armoire was an adventure, but I like the room. The apartment itself is very large. Unfortunately, however, we do not have Internet here. I actually found myself getting really homesick. It's hard because at the beginning, the craziness of being in a new country masked the homesickness. But now, that has kinda of worn off and I still have 4 weeks to go! It's just when I'm not doing anything, though, that I get homesick, so I just need to keep myself busy.
At 7, we left to go find the school and walk around Sevilla. The school is only about a 5 minute walk from our house so that's nice. We walked around the plaza and down to the river. Sevilla looks a lot more like what I imagined Spain would be like. It has a lot of Arabic influence, so that is interesting. They also have orange trees growing everywhere! Too bad it's illegal to pick the oranges. While we were across the river, we heard these loud drums playing a pretty steady beat so we went to go see what was going on. There was this procession going on with all of these people playing instruments and then at the front there was a few people holding up this huge decorated thing. I don't even know how to describe it, but it was strange.
We returned home and had dinner of French fries and some breaded chicken. We were able to sit and talk about Mercedes and we found out that her niece lives in Utah! She didn't know where in Utah, but then she said that her niece was a Mormon so she asked if we were Mormon, too! So that was cool! She also complemented us on our Spanish, so that was comforting!
Now, we are exhausted, so we are calling it an early night! Good night!
I made it to Sevilla and wow is it hot! The weather says it will be high eighties all week and it's pretty humid! Woo hoo!
This morning, we woke up early and got all of our stuff in our suitcases and got ready. We ate breakfast and then took pictures with Ana. Ana has been the most wonderful mom while I have been here in Spain. She took just wonderful care of us and wanted us to have the best time possible in Salamanca. We were definitely spoiled. So after we took a few pictures and gave us our keys, we put our luggage in the elevator and we were off to the bus stop!
We loaded all of our things and got on the bus. We drove for a few hours and then stopped in Merida, which is a town that used to be occupied by the Romans in the first century. They had a ton of cool ruins that we got to look at and we went through a museum of things they have found and preserved like statues and tools and stuff. Way cool!
Then we drove for another three hours and arrived in Sevilla around 5:30. This time, we just had to find our place by ourselves. Liliana also warned us that Sevilla is a lot more dangerous than Salamanca and there is a lot more theft here so I will have to be really careful with my things. Anyways, Adelay and I started walking towards our apartment and a woman came up to us and told us that she was Mercedes and that we were staying in her house. The apartment complex that we live in now doesn't have an elevator so we had to lug our huge bags up two flights of stairs. I don't mind taking the stairs, but my bags were soooo heavy!
So anyways, she brought us in and showed us to our room. It has two little twin beds, a small armoire and a desk. That's all. So it's s little small, but I don't mind. Fitting all my stuff into the armoire was an adventure, but I like the room. The apartment itself is very large. Unfortunately, however, we do not have Internet here. I actually found myself getting really homesick. It's hard because at the beginning, the craziness of being in a new country masked the homesickness. But now, that has kinda of worn off and I still have 4 weeks to go! It's just when I'm not doing anything, though, that I get homesick, so I just need to keep myself busy.
At 7, we left to go find the school and walk around Sevilla. The school is only about a 5 minute walk from our house so that's nice. We walked around the plaza and down to the river. Sevilla looks a lot more like what I imagined Spain would be like. It has a lot of Arabic influence, so that is interesting. They also have orange trees growing everywhere! Too bad it's illegal to pick the oranges. While we were across the river, we heard these loud drums playing a pretty steady beat so we went to go see what was going on. There was this procession going on with all of these people playing instruments and then at the front there was a few people holding up this huge decorated thing. I don't even know how to describe it, but it was strange.
We returned home and had dinner of French fries and some breaded chicken. We were able to sit and talk about Mercedes and we found out that her niece lives in Utah! She didn't know where in Utah, but then she said that her niece was a Mormon so she asked if we were Mormon, too! So that was cool! She also complemented us on our Spanish, so that was comforting!
Now, we are exhausted, so we are calling it an early night! Good night!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
May 28, 2011
May 28, 2011
Today was a very busy day! I forgot to set my alarm last night because I was so tired, but because I have been waking up pretty close to the same time everyday for the past 4 weeks, I just woke up at 8:30! So I got up and got ready and met Alan to do some shopping at 10. We went to a few stores and I got a few things that I needed.
At 11, we met up with the group and went to this rock thing. The were cutting stone and sculpting it and stuff. It was cool, but I burned out pretty quick.
We got back and walked back home for lunch. We had my favorite salad so I was very happy! Then we had to pack. All I can say is it's a good thing my family is coming out and can put some of my stuff in their bags to fly home. I think it's safe to say that I overpacked. I have been here for 30 days and I have only worn one outfit twice and I think I probably have another 10 outfits I could wear for the first time. Maybe a few too many clothes :)
At 3, we met up and just wandered around Salamanca. We went and saw a few things that we hadn't seen yet and went to a couple of shops. Then we went to get ice cream at our favorite place for the last time. The place is called Don Mavr and I wish I could explain how wonderful their ice cream is. It is honestly the best ice cream I have ever had. I got different flsvors every time I went and they were all delicious!
Then, we wandered around for a little bit longer. At 7:30, we went to get dinner at a Chinese restaurant. It was really yummy! After we finished eating, we went over to Briana and Kelsey's to watch the FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United soccer game. It was way good! I love watching soccer! This game determined the European champion so it was a big deal! We also played scum, which was also way fun. Then we had to say goodbye to Kelsey, Devin, and Andrew, who fly back to Utah tomorrow.
While I was walking home, there were still a ton of cars driving around just laying on their horns and yelling and screaming and holding FC Barcelona flags and scarves out the window! It was crazy! It's fun that I got to be in Spain for it though!
Now, I need to go to bed! It's late and I have to get up at 5:15 tomorrow because we leave for Sevilla at 7 AM! So it may be a while before I post again depending on if my home has Internet. Good night!
Today was a very busy day! I forgot to set my alarm last night because I was so tired, but because I have been waking up pretty close to the same time everyday for the past 4 weeks, I just woke up at 8:30! So I got up and got ready and met Alan to do some shopping at 10. We went to a few stores and I got a few things that I needed.
At 11, we met up with the group and went to this rock thing. The were cutting stone and sculpting it and stuff. It was cool, but I burned out pretty quick.
We got back and walked back home for lunch. We had my favorite salad so I was very happy! Then we had to pack. All I can say is it's a good thing my family is coming out and can put some of my stuff in their bags to fly home. I think it's safe to say that I overpacked. I have been here for 30 days and I have only worn one outfit twice and I think I probably have another 10 outfits I could wear for the first time. Maybe a few too many clothes :)
At 3, we met up and just wandered around Salamanca. We went and saw a few things that we hadn't seen yet and went to a couple of shops. Then we went to get ice cream at our favorite place for the last time. The place is called Don Mavr and I wish I could explain how wonderful their ice cream is. It is honestly the best ice cream I have ever had. I got different flsvors every time I went and they were all delicious!
Then, we wandered around for a little bit longer. At 7:30, we went to get dinner at a Chinese restaurant. It was really yummy! After we finished eating, we went over to Briana and Kelsey's to watch the FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United soccer game. It was way good! I love watching soccer! This game determined the European champion so it was a big deal! We also played scum, which was also way fun. Then we had to say goodbye to Kelsey, Devin, and Andrew, who fly back to Utah tomorrow.
While I was walking home, there were still a ton of cars driving around just laying on their horns and yelling and screaming and holding FC Barcelona flags and scarves out the window! It was crazy! It's fun that I got to be in Spain for it though!
Now, I need to go to bed! It's late and I have to get up at 5:15 tomorrow because we leave for Sevilla at 7 AM! So it may be a while before I post again depending on if my home has Internet. Good night!
May 27, 2011
May 27, 2011
Today was great! I got my grade for my exam and I did alright. I got Notable, which is above average, so I'm satisfied. I took a picture of my class and I got a picture of me with 2 people from my class. I love the custom here of kissing on the cheek! At the end of my classes today, my professors both said "Buen viaje! Un beso!" Which means, "Have a good trip. A kiss!" So then you do the 1 kiss on each cheek! It's wonderful! Ha ha I'm adopting it when I get home, so watch out!
After class, we went home and had lunch and siesta. I read and texted my mom during siesta. I'm missing out on going to the cabin this weekend with the whole family, but I just keep reminding myself that I'm in Spain :)
At 5, we met up and had a YouTube party at the school ha ha we watched some of our favorite YouTube videos, so that was fun. Then we went and got chocolate con churros at Valor, which is the most amazing place! So yummy!
Then I went and got a few more gifts, then came home for dinner.
At 9:45, we left again to go to El Cielo de Salamanca at the Plaza de Torros. It was a bunch of people reading random poems in Spanish as some artists painted. Kinda strange.
Afterwards, we went to the plaza and got some ice cream and just sat in the middle of the plaza just talking for a while. We talked about some really cool stuff and time flew by! When I looked up at the clock tower, it was 1 AM!! So we came home and now I need to sleep!
Oh but I wanted to mention really quick that here, instead of boys whistling at you, they make kissing sounds! Ha ha so when we walk down the street, random men, young and old, roll down their windows and make kissing sounds as they drive by! It makes me laugh every time!
Today was great! I got my grade for my exam and I did alright. I got Notable, which is above average, so I'm satisfied. I took a picture of my class and I got a picture of me with 2 people from my class. I love the custom here of kissing on the cheek! At the end of my classes today, my professors both said "Buen viaje! Un beso!" Which means, "Have a good trip. A kiss!" So then you do the 1 kiss on each cheek! It's wonderful! Ha ha I'm adopting it when I get home, so watch out!
After class, we went home and had lunch and siesta. I read and texted my mom during siesta. I'm missing out on going to the cabin this weekend with the whole family, but I just keep reminding myself that I'm in Spain :)
At 5, we met up and had a YouTube party at the school ha ha we watched some of our favorite YouTube videos, so that was fun. Then we went and got chocolate con churros at Valor, which is the most amazing place! So yummy!
Then I went and got a few more gifts, then came home for dinner.
At 9:45, we left again to go to El Cielo de Salamanca at the Plaza de Torros. It was a bunch of people reading random poems in Spanish as some artists painted. Kinda strange.
Afterwards, we went to the plaza and got some ice cream and just sat in the middle of the plaza just talking for a while. We talked about some really cool stuff and time flew by! When I looked up at the clock tower, it was 1 AM!! So we came home and now I need to sleep!
Oh but I wanted to mention really quick that here, instead of boys whistling at you, they make kissing sounds! Ha ha so when we walk down the street, random men, young and old, roll down their windows and make kissing sounds as they drive by! It makes me laugh every time!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
May 26, 2011
May 26, 2011
Today was another average day. We got up and went to school, which went well. In my grammar class, our teacher asked if we were ready for our exam. I said that I had studied, but I still didn't feel ready. Then she started saying that in the last four weeks, I have improved the most in the class!! That doesn't mean that I speak the best, because there are people in my class that still speak better than me, but they also started off speaking much better than me. So that was music to my ears! But then, at one, we had our exam, and it didn't go as well as I would have hoped. It's okay though, because Liliana determines our grade for the class and the exam is only part of it. Our teachers give us a grade, she looks at the exam, we have been turning in homework to her that she has assigned, the homework in our classes, and our comments that our teachers give us. So hopefully I will be able to pull a grade this month.
Then I came home and we had lentil soup with lasagna for lunch. I have decided that I actually really like lentils! Then, I wrote another letter and uploaded pictures to Facebook!
At five, I went shopping. We wandered in and out of a few shops in our way the El Corte Ingles. We had heard that is was a department store, so I was expecting something like a Dillards or a Macy's. But oh no. The area of one floor is probably the same, however, El Corte has 8 LEVELS! It was absolutely crazy!
Then we met up with our group and played soccer for a little while and then PIG. It was fun.
Then we came home and had a dinner of a ham, egg, and lettuce sandwich and rice.
Now, I am exhausted. My feet have been doing pretty well up to this point. I actually haven't worn heels in a little over two weeks I think! Crazy, right? But today, I did so much walking that my feet just hurt! My whole body is tired! Well I want to go to bed, so good night!
Today was another average day. We got up and went to school, which went well. In my grammar class, our teacher asked if we were ready for our exam. I said that I had studied, but I still didn't feel ready. Then she started saying that in the last four weeks, I have improved the most in the class!! That doesn't mean that I speak the best, because there are people in my class that still speak better than me, but they also started off speaking much better than me. So that was music to my ears! But then, at one, we had our exam, and it didn't go as well as I would have hoped. It's okay though, because Liliana determines our grade for the class and the exam is only part of it. Our teachers give us a grade, she looks at the exam, we have been turning in homework to her that she has assigned, the homework in our classes, and our comments that our teachers give us. So hopefully I will be able to pull a grade this month.
Then I came home and we had lentil soup with lasagna for lunch. I have decided that I actually really like lentils! Then, I wrote another letter and uploaded pictures to Facebook!
At five, I went shopping. We wandered in and out of a few shops in our way the El Corte Ingles. We had heard that is was a department store, so I was expecting something like a Dillards or a Macy's. But oh no. The area of one floor is probably the same, however, El Corte has 8 LEVELS! It was absolutely crazy!
Then we met up with our group and played soccer for a little while and then PIG. It was fun.
Then we came home and had a dinner of a ham, egg, and lettuce sandwich and rice.
Now, I am exhausted. My feet have been doing pretty well up to this point. I actually haven't worn heels in a little over two weeks I think! Crazy, right? But today, I did so much walking that my feet just hurt! My whole body is tired! Well I want to go to bed, so good night!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
May 25, 2011
May 25, 2011
Today was another fun day! School went well, but I'm super nervous because we have our exam tomorrow that helps determine our grade for the class. So that's kinda stressful. My grammar teacher was making me laugh so hard today because she, like every other Spanish woman, is obsessed with Brad Pitt. So we randomly started talking about how we say different names in America. She asked how we say Penélope and I said it and then she asked how we say Belén, which is her name, and I told her that we don't have a different name for it. So then she said that the only reason we know Penelope is because Penélope Cruz is famous. Then she started saying that once she marries Brad Pitt, Belén will become a popular name. Then she said she would be the favorite teacher at the university because she would bring Brad to class with her! Ha ha we were all laughing so hard! She always says that she will marry him, but Angelina gets to keep all the kids.
We came home for lunch and had bean and potato soup, pork, and salad. Then, I started to study for my exam tomorrow. Our teach says it won't be very hard, but of course that's easy for her to say. Then I took a little nap. When I woke up, I studied a little more and then walked to the post office to buy some more stamps. I'm always stressed when I have to go to places and just speak Spanish when it's important stuff that's being said, but I was just fine :)
Then I met up with the group and we went and saw Pirates of the Caribbean (Piratas del Caribe)!! It was quite an adventure! It's all just voiced over and translated into Spanish. I've been surprised at how many American movies they have here! I would be so frustrated if I lived here though because it's all just voiced over so the lips don't match with what's being said. But whatever. I didn't understand the movie very well, but it was fun anyways! Afterwards, we all went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant! It was soooo good! It had been so long since I had eaten Mexican food so I was in heaven! Then I went to a book store and bought... Harry Potter y el Prisionero de Azkaban!! I'm excited!
Then we walked down to the plaza and hung out there for a while. But now I'm back home and I need to get studying! Buenas noches!
Today was another fun day! School went well, but I'm super nervous because we have our exam tomorrow that helps determine our grade for the class. So that's kinda stressful. My grammar teacher was making me laugh so hard today because she, like every other Spanish woman, is obsessed with Brad Pitt. So we randomly started talking about how we say different names in America. She asked how we say Penélope and I said it and then she asked how we say Belén, which is her name, and I told her that we don't have a different name for it. So then she said that the only reason we know Penelope is because Penélope Cruz is famous. Then she started saying that once she marries Brad Pitt, Belén will become a popular name. Then she said she would be the favorite teacher at the university because she would bring Brad to class with her! Ha ha we were all laughing so hard! She always says that she will marry him, but Angelina gets to keep all the kids.
We came home for lunch and had bean and potato soup, pork, and salad. Then, I started to study for my exam tomorrow. Our teach says it won't be very hard, but of course that's easy for her to say. Then I took a little nap. When I woke up, I studied a little more and then walked to the post office to buy some more stamps. I'm always stressed when I have to go to places and just speak Spanish when it's important stuff that's being said, but I was just fine :)
Then I met up with the group and we went and saw Pirates of the Caribbean (Piratas del Caribe)!! It was quite an adventure! It's all just voiced over and translated into Spanish. I've been surprised at how many American movies they have here! I would be so frustrated if I lived here though because it's all just voiced over so the lips don't match with what's being said. But whatever. I didn't understand the movie very well, but it was fun anyways! Afterwards, we all went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant! It was soooo good! It had been so long since I had eaten Mexican food so I was in heaven! Then I went to a book store and bought... Harry Potter y el Prisionero de Azkaban!! I'm excited!
Then we walked down to the plaza and hung out there for a while. But now I'm back home and I need to get studying! Buenas noches!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
May 24, 2011
May 24, 2011
Today was such a fun day! The first half eas pretty average. Breakfast and school were just normal. Then we came home and had rice and tortilla for lunch. Then we had siesta. I wrote another letter, did some homework, and took a little nap. Then, at 5, I met up with Kelsey and we went shopping. I got a few things that I have been wanting to get like these darling earrings that are the symbol of Salamanca. And then i got some souvenirs! It was a wonderfully successful shopping day!
After shopping, I came back home and did some more homework. At 9:15, we had a dinner of pizza, fries, and salad. When our English boys were here, they always sprinkled vinegar on their fries, so I decided to try it tonight. It is so good! Much better than I expected it to be!!
At 9:30, we left to go meet up with Devin and Andrew. Because they weren't there on time, I ran to Kelsey and Briana's apartment to see if they wanted to come with us. So they came with me back to meet up with the boys. Then we walked over to this huge plaza. I don't know if it's a holiday or something, but it was like a carnival in this plaza! They had a merry-go-round, food, big blow up slides, a big stage with live music, and a roped off section with lots of fireworks. So we listened to the music, and then they said the fireworks were going to start. So we sat down abou 15 feet from where all of the fireworks were, not thinking anything of it. The fireworks started and easily lasted 20 minutes without stopping, if not 25. The fireworks were directly over our heads and we had ash raining down on us the whole time! They were so loud, so bright, and so close! I took lots of videos! I didn't realize, but they had this rope strung along the railing of the blocked off fireworks section. Well at the very end, the lit it on fire and it was like a million firecrackers!! And we were so close to them! I was so terrified!! It was so much fun though! Definitely one of the best fireworks shows I have ever seen, if not the best!
Then Andrew and Devin walked us home! Now I need to go to bed because it's after 1 AM!
Today was such a fun day! The first half eas pretty average. Breakfast and school were just normal. Then we came home and had rice and tortilla for lunch. Then we had siesta. I wrote another letter, did some homework, and took a little nap. Then, at 5, I met up with Kelsey and we went shopping. I got a few things that I have been wanting to get like these darling earrings that are the symbol of Salamanca. And then i got some souvenirs! It was a wonderfully successful shopping day!
After shopping, I came back home and did some more homework. At 9:15, we had a dinner of pizza, fries, and salad. When our English boys were here, they always sprinkled vinegar on their fries, so I decided to try it tonight. It is so good! Much better than I expected it to be!!
At 9:30, we left to go meet up with Devin and Andrew. Because they weren't there on time, I ran to Kelsey and Briana's apartment to see if they wanted to come with us. So they came with me back to meet up with the boys. Then we walked over to this huge plaza. I don't know if it's a holiday or something, but it was like a carnival in this plaza! They had a merry-go-round, food, big blow up slides, a big stage with live music, and a roped off section with lots of fireworks. So we listened to the music, and then they said the fireworks were going to start. So we sat down abou 15 feet from where all of the fireworks were, not thinking anything of it. The fireworks started and easily lasted 20 minutes without stopping, if not 25. The fireworks were directly over our heads and we had ash raining down on us the whole time! They were so loud, so bright, and so close! I took lots of videos! I didn't realize, but they had this rope strung along the railing of the blocked off fireworks section. Well at the very end, the lit it on fire and it was like a million firecrackers!! And we were so close to them! I was so terrified!! It was so much fun though! Definitely one of the best fireworks shows I have ever seen, if not the best!
Then Andrew and Devin walked us home! Now I need to go to bed because it's after 1 AM!
May 23, 2011
May 23, 2011
Today has been a pretty chill day as well. I told Adelay this last weekend that we should make it a goal to not be late once this week, however, we were 5 minutes late today. Luckily my class hadn't started, but we are living together next month too, so we really need to break her habit of being late. We also live the closest to the school in Sevilla, so if she is going to be late, it won't be as bad for me to just leave without her. I will be careful, though. Don't worry, Mom :)
Anyways, school went well. In my conversation, we were talking about characteristics of good parents. I have the best parents in the world and I miss them both very much.
For lunch, we had spaghetti, salad, and chicken. It was delicious!
For siesta, I wrote another letter, did some homework, and took a nap.
At 7, we had family night at the school at seven and we talked about how we can learn from Laman and Lemuel's example. we decided that they are a good bad example :) then we played the game where you all sit in a really tight circle with your knees bent and you pass an object underneath your legs and the person in the middle is trying to find and grab the object. It was fun.
Then we had Ruta de Tapas. We went to 4 different bars and got 4 different drinks and 4 different tapas. Don't worry, everything was non-alcoholic for me :) the tapas were okay, but not the greatest. It was included in our budget so we didn't have to pay extra, but I'm sure they try and keep it super cheap. But it was still fun.
Then, we hit up Camelot again! The music wasn't as good this week as it was last week, but that's alright. There is this one song that they played that it just techno and then every once in a while, it will just randomly say Barbara Streisand! Super crazy! Ha ha we were laughing so hard! Then Erik invited me to go to a bar, but I didn't go with him. After we left, we just walked around for a little while and then Andrew, Devin, and Kristen walked me home. Now I need to go to bed because it's almost 2 AM! Good night!
Today has been a pretty chill day as well. I told Adelay this last weekend that we should make it a goal to not be late once this week, however, we were 5 minutes late today. Luckily my class hadn't started, but we are living together next month too, so we really need to break her habit of being late. We also live the closest to the school in Sevilla, so if she is going to be late, it won't be as bad for me to just leave without her. I will be careful, though. Don't worry, Mom :)
Anyways, school went well. In my conversation, we were talking about characteristics of good parents. I have the best parents in the world and I miss them both very much.
For lunch, we had spaghetti, salad, and chicken. It was delicious!
For siesta, I wrote another letter, did some homework, and took a nap.
At 7, we had family night at the school at seven and we talked about how we can learn from Laman and Lemuel's example. we decided that they are a good bad example :) then we played the game where you all sit in a really tight circle with your knees bent and you pass an object underneath your legs and the person in the middle is trying to find and grab the object. It was fun.
Then we had Ruta de Tapas. We went to 4 different bars and got 4 different drinks and 4 different tapas. Don't worry, everything was non-alcoholic for me :) the tapas were okay, but not the greatest. It was included in our budget so we didn't have to pay extra, but I'm sure they try and keep it super cheap. But it was still fun.
Then, we hit up Camelot again! The music wasn't as good this week as it was last week, but that's alright. There is this one song that they played that it just techno and then every once in a while, it will just randomly say Barbara Streisand! Super crazy! Ha ha we were laughing so hard! Then Erik invited me to go to a bar, but I didn't go with him. After we left, we just walked around for a little while and then Andrew, Devin, and Kristen walked me home. Now I need to go to bed because it's almost 2 AM! Good night!
May 22, 2011
May 22, 2011
Today was a really relaxed day, which was wonderful! We went to church in the morning, which went well. They all talk so fast, so it's hard to understand everything, but I'm able to pick out bits and pieces and mostly make sense of it. We sang Oh My Father, God Our Father Hear Us Pray, There is Sunshine in My Soul Today, and Glory, Laud, and Honor. It was wonderful. I hadn't sung Oh, My Father since Jared's grave dedication, so it brought back some memories. It is just as beautiful in Spanish.
After church, we came home for lunch. We had the AMAZING salad again! I will definitely be making it when I get home. It's so simple, but so good!
Then we collected our things and headed off to the park! Adelay, Jill, Briana, Kristen, Kelsey and I just laid out in the sun and did homework! It was so wonderful! I love the sun! There were also a big group of Dutch. Oys playing soccer with their shirts off, so that was pleasant, too ha ha just kidding. They weren't even attractive.
We stayed at the park for about three hours, and then Adelay and I walked to the school to get Internet. The Internet at our house randomly stopped working, so she wanted to email her family. As we were leaving, it started to get cloudy and by the time we got to the school, it was sprinkling! I felt like I was back in Utah's ever-changing weather!
When we got home, our new students had arrived. The English boys left yesterday, and now we have two thirteen year old French girls. They don't speak. I think the only things I have heard them say are Si, No, and Gracias ha ha
We stayed home for the rest of the night. I wrote a letter and did some homework and then we had dinner, which was ham and cheese sandwiches. When we finished, there was tons of lightening and thunder outside so we just opened our window and watched and listened. Then we watched Fever Pitch. As I said, it was a really relaxing day.
Today was a really relaxed day, which was wonderful! We went to church in the morning, which went well. They all talk so fast, so it's hard to understand everything, but I'm able to pick out bits and pieces and mostly make sense of it. We sang Oh My Father, God Our Father Hear Us Pray, There is Sunshine in My Soul Today, and Glory, Laud, and Honor. It was wonderful. I hadn't sung Oh, My Father since Jared's grave dedication, so it brought back some memories. It is just as beautiful in Spanish.
After church, we came home for lunch. We had the AMAZING salad again! I will definitely be making it when I get home. It's so simple, but so good!
Then we collected our things and headed off to the park! Adelay, Jill, Briana, Kristen, Kelsey and I just laid out in the sun and did homework! It was so wonderful! I love the sun! There were also a big group of Dutch. Oys playing soccer with their shirts off, so that was pleasant, too ha ha just kidding. They weren't even attractive.
We stayed at the park for about three hours, and then Adelay and I walked to the school to get Internet. The Internet at our house randomly stopped working, so she wanted to email her family. As we were leaving, it started to get cloudy and by the time we got to the school, it was sprinkling! I felt like I was back in Utah's ever-changing weather!
When we got home, our new students had arrived. The English boys left yesterday, and now we have two thirteen year old French girls. They don't speak. I think the only things I have heard them say are Si, No, and Gracias ha ha
We stayed home for the rest of the night. I wrote a letter and did some homework and then we had dinner, which was ham and cheese sandwiches. When we finished, there was tons of lightening and thunder outside so we just opened our window and watched and listened. Then we watched Fever Pitch. As I said, it was a really relaxing day.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
May 21, 2011
May 21, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE BROTHER-IN-LAW! I miss you, Spence!
Today has been a really tiring day! We had to get up at 6 to be to the bus stop by 7:30! So needless to say, I'm a little sleepy right now.
After a three hour bus ride, our first stop was León. In León, we went through this museum that was interesting, but not my favorite. Then we went to one of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever been to! It had so many stained glass windows and they were all so beautiful! I wasn't totally sure if I was allowed to take pictures, but a ton of people were, so I started to take pictures too! Anyway, this old man came up to me and started saying something in Spanish fast and all I picked out was photos and eyes so I was thinking shoot! He's totally telling me only to look, not take pictures! Then he told me to follow him and so Kristen and I walked over to the wall and he was telling me to take a picture of this face carved into the wall that had three eyes. It was hilarious! Ha ha
After we got out of the cathedral, Liliana told us that we had 2 hours until we had to be back to the bus, so we could do whatever we wanted. So Kelsey and I wandered through a couple of shops and then we decided to go find a bench and get some sun! So we were both laying there for a while and then I opened my eyes because I could hear birds and I totally had this feeling that I was going to get pooped on so I started to sit up and then right then, I got pooped on! It was DISGUSTING! Luckily, it was only on my arm and we were right by a fountain so I went over to the fountain and rinsed off my arm and then put on some hand sanitizer. Then, we decided to go lay on an open patch of grass, which was much safer :) It felt so good to just soak in some sun and now I finally have some color in my cheeks!
For lunch, Ana packed us each an apple and a chicken and pepper sandwich that was delicious!
So then we drove to Astorga. First, we went to a building that was designed and built by Gaudi, who also did the Sagrada Familia and sweet apartment building in Barcelona. It was cool, but not the best. Then, we went to yet another cathedral. Once again, it was cool, but not as awesome as the one in León. Afterwards, we went to the Museo del Chocolate. It wasn't exactly, but still cool. They let us sample chocolate at the end and it was delicious! Even though it was pricier than grocery store chocolate, I bought some because the cacao came from Ghana! But I'm saving it for you, Deej, and the rest of the family, because it's delicious!
We then loaded the bus and came back to Salamanca. I ran to the school while everyone ran home to drop their stuff off before dinner. I got to talk to my mom for a little while and to Perry, who got his call to Sierra Leone, which is AWESOME!
We then met at a place that I have been wanting to try since we arrived in Salamanca. It's a kebap place, and it has always looked so good to me. I had my first kebap in Segovia and I LOVED it, so I have been dying to try this place. It was so delicious! I don't know if it's the same thing that Ray mentions in his emails every once in a while, but if it is, I totally understand why he loves it! The kebap that I get is called durüm kebap and it's basically a big tortilla filled with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced hot beef, and a really yummy ranch dressing-like sauce. I love it! While we were eating, Alan just randomly said, "Jessica, I think you're black." ha ha ha SO RANDOM! I just busted up laughing! He says because I like rap and because I have to dance when music comes on that I'm black. I don't exactly understand his reasoning, but I thought it was kinda funny.
After dinner, we walked over to the park and played a version of Never Have I Ever that was fun and then we played Mafia. I was the first one to be killed, though, so that was too bad. I totally knew I was going to die first, too! Before Alan told us who died, I leaned over to Kelsey and said, "It's probably me." And I was totally right! That's the second time I had premonition today! First the bird poop and then mafia!
Then we came back home, where we are now. It's 1 AM and I need sleep. Oh really quick: My arms are bright red from laying in the sun for an hour and a half and I have the worst farmers tan because I forgot to roll me sleeves up! Anyway... Hasta mañana!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE BROTHER-IN-LAW! I miss you, Spence!
Today has been a really tiring day! We had to get up at 6 to be to the bus stop by 7:30! So needless to say, I'm a little sleepy right now.
After a three hour bus ride, our first stop was León. In León, we went through this museum that was interesting, but not my favorite. Then we went to one of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever been to! It had so many stained glass windows and they were all so beautiful! I wasn't totally sure if I was allowed to take pictures, but a ton of people were, so I started to take pictures too! Anyway, this old man came up to me and started saying something in Spanish fast and all I picked out was photos and eyes so I was thinking shoot! He's totally telling me only to look, not take pictures! Then he told me to follow him and so Kristen and I walked over to the wall and he was telling me to take a picture of this face carved into the wall that had three eyes. It was hilarious! Ha ha
After we got out of the cathedral, Liliana told us that we had 2 hours until we had to be back to the bus, so we could do whatever we wanted. So Kelsey and I wandered through a couple of shops and then we decided to go find a bench and get some sun! So we were both laying there for a while and then I opened my eyes because I could hear birds and I totally had this feeling that I was going to get pooped on so I started to sit up and then right then, I got pooped on! It was DISGUSTING! Luckily, it was only on my arm and we were right by a fountain so I went over to the fountain and rinsed off my arm and then put on some hand sanitizer. Then, we decided to go lay on an open patch of grass, which was much safer :) It felt so good to just soak in some sun and now I finally have some color in my cheeks!
For lunch, Ana packed us each an apple and a chicken and pepper sandwich that was delicious!
So then we drove to Astorga. First, we went to a building that was designed and built by Gaudi, who also did the Sagrada Familia and sweet apartment building in Barcelona. It was cool, but not the best. Then, we went to yet another cathedral. Once again, it was cool, but not as awesome as the one in León. Afterwards, we went to the Museo del Chocolate. It wasn't exactly, but still cool. They let us sample chocolate at the end and it was delicious! Even though it was pricier than grocery store chocolate, I bought some because the cacao came from Ghana! But I'm saving it for you, Deej, and the rest of the family, because it's delicious!
We then loaded the bus and came back to Salamanca. I ran to the school while everyone ran home to drop their stuff off before dinner. I got to talk to my mom for a little while and to Perry, who got his call to Sierra Leone, which is AWESOME!
We then met at a place that I have been wanting to try since we arrived in Salamanca. It's a kebap place, and it has always looked so good to me. I had my first kebap in Segovia and I LOVED it, so I have been dying to try this place. It was so delicious! I don't know if it's the same thing that Ray mentions in his emails every once in a while, but if it is, I totally understand why he loves it! The kebap that I get is called durüm kebap and it's basically a big tortilla filled with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced hot beef, and a really yummy ranch dressing-like sauce. I love it! While we were eating, Alan just randomly said, "Jessica, I think you're black." ha ha ha SO RANDOM! I just busted up laughing! He says because I like rap and because I have to dance when music comes on that I'm black. I don't exactly understand his reasoning, but I thought it was kinda funny.
After dinner, we walked over to the park and played a version of Never Have I Ever that was fun and then we played Mafia. I was the first one to be killed, though, so that was too bad. I totally knew I was going to die first, too! Before Alan told us who died, I leaned over to Kelsey and said, "It's probably me." And I was totally right! That's the second time I had premonition today! First the bird poop and then mafia!
Then we came back home, where we are now. It's 1 AM and I need sleep. Oh really quick: My arms are bright red from laying in the sun for an hour and a half and I have the worst farmers tan because I forgot to roll me sleeves up! Anyway... Hasta mañana!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
May 20, 2011
May 20, 2011
Today was a really fun day! I still have a sore throat, but it's okay. I had class in the morning, which went well. For lunch, we had the weird salad (olives, potatoes, corn, onion, and mayo) and some grilled chicken. For siesta, I took a nap because I was so tired! We had a tour of a cathedral here at 4, but I didn't wake up until five! At 5:30, we had planned to meet up to go play tennis. So Adelay and I walked down the the school and only Jill was there. She said that she didn't go on the tour either, and the group that went hadn't come back yet. Since it was a hot day, we decided to just sit outside in the sun and wait for them. Well after an hour, we decided that maybe we should just leave. So we left and walked over to the market. I bought a darling shirt and a couple things for my mom. We also ran into the missionaries, which is always fun.
Then, we returned home for dinner. We had Cream of Vegetable soup and pizza. It was really good. At 10, we left to go meet up with our group. Irina, a German girl in my class, invited me to meet her at a bar because her friend was singing, so we were all going to go find her. However, we couldn't find the place, so we ended up just wandering around and going down to the river. It was fun, but I am so tired! We didn't get back until one and we have to get up at six! Good night!
Today was a really fun day! I still have a sore throat, but it's okay. I had class in the morning, which went well. For lunch, we had the weird salad (olives, potatoes, corn, onion, and mayo) and some grilled chicken. For siesta, I took a nap because I was so tired! We had a tour of a cathedral here at 4, but I didn't wake up until five! At 5:30, we had planned to meet up to go play tennis. So Adelay and I walked down the the school and only Jill was there. She said that she didn't go on the tour either, and the group that went hadn't come back yet. Since it was a hot day, we decided to just sit outside in the sun and wait for them. Well after an hour, we decided that maybe we should just leave. So we left and walked over to the market. I bought a darling shirt and a couple things for my mom. We also ran into the missionaries, which is always fun.
Then, we returned home for dinner. We had Cream of Vegetable soup and pizza. It was really good. At 10, we left to go meet up with our group. Irina, a German girl in my class, invited me to meet her at a bar because her friend was singing, so we were all going to go find her. However, we couldn't find the place, so we ended up just wandering around and going down to the river. It was fun, but I am so tired! We didn't get back until one and we have to get up at six! Good night!
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