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!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
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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