So, I just got home, it is about 4:30 and I should be going to bed, but instead I am going to write a quick blog!
I just got home from one of the events of this HUGE festival they have in Barcelona called La Mercé which is taking place all this weekend into next week. I am pretty sure that the Mercé is their patron saint, so what better way to celebrate a saint than by throwing parties fit for all the members of Korn and the Grandma down the street! Everyday there is a ton of stuff to do. For example, I just got back from this amazing concert (Calle 13) that I didn't even expect to see. They had labelled the event as Dominican Hip Hop and it ended up being an incredibly famous artist. Who woulda thunk it?
Anyway, other things that are happening this weekend include "Corre Foc" which means Fire Run in Catalan. Basically parents allow their small catalonian child run around the streets next to people dealing with large amounts of uncontained fire. Should turn out to be quite an event. All of my professors keep warning us that the health and safety codes in Spain are not at all similar to those in the US, so we should wear long pants, shirts, and closed to shoes, otherwise there is a large likelihood that an "estadounidense" will have third degree burn by the end of the weekend.
Also, every year they create a human pyramid which is mostly made of "professionals", and, from what I hear, volunteers can climb to the top of it. I am pretty sure this is only if you are ok with the idea of tumbling to your death. I have seen pictures of the pyramid pre and post collapse - doesn't look too pretty. I'll let you know though.
To continue, I have been having a great time in Barcelona:
I would like to start off this section by saying that Barcelona is the coolest city I have ever been to. The architecture, the people, and the culture are all beautiful. As I am sure many of you know, I was concerned about going to Barcelona because of how prevelant the Catalàn is, but now, I think it is part of the reason I have fallen in love with it. I don't know everything about the history of Barcelona (yet!), but the clash between catalonians and the rest of spain has become extremely apparent.
Ejemplo:
The other day, I was in a cab with my friend and we were speaking to the taxista and asking him about Barcelona and what-not, and he told us that he was a nationalist. I thought at first that he meant that he wanted Catalonia to be a part of the nation of Spain, then as he kept speaking I realized that it was quite the opposite. He told us that to him, speaking castellano (or espanol) is the same to him as speaking english or any other language, that it isn't his language or culture and would never be.
Even though, I thought that Catalàn would be hard for me to understand, or I wouldn't be able to practice my Spanish, I find that even though there is a seperation in the hearts of Catalonians between them and the rest of Spain, they still appreciate when you speak Spanish to them. I think this is only if the alternative is english though.
Two weekends ago, IES took us to Valencia and Peniscola (which I never wrote about because apparently I am a horrible blogger), and while it was incredibly beautiful, it didn't have the clash or struggle that makes Barcelona so influential to my being. The culture is so rich, that I really couldn't picture myself anywhere else right now.
Love from Barcelona!!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
They Call Me Baby Driver
(Mommy, that title was for you! :)
I am now back from Rome, and I had a truly terrific time. I think it was just what I needed. It is great being in Barcelona, but sometimes it is nice to see a familiar face. In this case, I saw two, Simone and Kathleen. :) (shout out to my romans!)
While I didn't get to see everything I wanted, i.e. the La Capella Sistina, La Fontana di Trevi e mia familia , I did get to see a side of Rome that I wouldn't have had I not had some contacts there. Most of the time we just walked around, and I feel like I got to know the real Rome, not just what I had pictured in my head, which I realize now is nothing like the real Rome. Some of my favorite moments include speaking with my cousin's friends, or other people I met, about the differences between American and European culture and politics.
I think what was most surprising was the juxtaposition of ancient buildings and that which is modern. For example,in my mind, the coloseo should have chariots and lions, not cheesy/sketchy "gladiators" pretending to be stabbed by tall german tourists. But alas, the world changes and expands and hear I am writing on a blog about ancient Rome.
Quintessential Roman Experience:
I was driving in the car with my cousin (and repeating "Our Father"s and "Hail Mary"s like none other) when he decided to take a u-turn in the middle of the road. Well, although this was clearly a brilliant idea, the policeman seemed to have a problem and shouted something like "eh! What do you think you're doing?!". My cousin simply explained that he didn't feel like going all the way to the end of the road to turn, and the police said, "eh, ok" and off we went. Afterwards I started to crack up, and my cousin didn't really understand how this was unusual, but after some explanation, we understood eachother.
I will be going back to Rome very soon and I think that I will be able to see more. If not, I might have to borrow the car. I don't know how to drive a standard car, but I am pretty sure the Romans don't either.
More posts to come :)
I am now back from Rome, and I had a truly terrific time. I think it was just what I needed. It is great being in Barcelona, but sometimes it is nice to see a familiar face. In this case, I saw two, Simone and Kathleen. :) (shout out to my romans!)
While I didn't get to see everything I wanted, i.e. the La Capella Sistina, La Fontana di Trevi e mia familia , I did get to see a side of Rome that I wouldn't have had I not had some contacts there. Most of the time we just walked around, and I feel like I got to know the real Rome, not just what I had pictured in my head, which I realize now is nothing like the real Rome. Some of my favorite moments include speaking with my cousin's friends, or other people I met, about the differences between American and European culture and politics.
I think what was most surprising was the juxtaposition of ancient buildings and that which is modern. For example,in my mind, the coloseo should have chariots and lions, not cheesy/sketchy "gladiators" pretending to be stabbed by tall german tourists. But alas, the world changes and expands and hear I am writing on a blog about ancient Rome.
Quintessential Roman Experience:
I was driving in the car with my cousin (and repeating "Our Father"s and "Hail Mary"s like none other) when he decided to take a u-turn in the middle of the road. Well, although this was clearly a brilliant idea, the policeman seemed to have a problem and shouted something like "eh! What do you think you're doing?!". My cousin simply explained that he didn't feel like going all the way to the end of the road to turn, and the police said, "eh, ok" and off we went. Afterwards I started to crack up, and my cousin didn't really understand how this was unusual, but after some explanation, we understood eachother.
I will be going back to Rome very soon and I think that I will be able to see more. If not, I might have to borrow the car. I don't know how to drive a standard car, but I am pretty sure the Romans don't either.
More posts to come :)
Friday, September 12, 2008
Roman Holiday
So, I know that it has been a while since I have written anything, so shame on me! I realize, however that it is much more difficult to keep track of my daily activities than I thought. I am creating memories practically every second and it starts to get overwhelming after a while (in a good way). For example, right now I am writing from my cousin's computer in Rome. If you had asked me a month ago if I had plans to go to Rome, I would say of course, but not really know when. The fact that I have the opportunities in my life that I do makes me truly thank God.
Anyway, I arrived last night after a horribly long day in the airport. After rushing to get to the airport because I thought that I would be late, it turns out that I had actually scheduled my flight for the following week. Yeah, I felt pretty intelligent as I was begging the skinny catalonian man with not much hair and even less patience, to not charge me the extra fee to change my flight. Well, anyway, things worked out, and I arrived at the airport in Rome many hours later (even though the flight from Barcelona is only 1:40). I told my cousin that I had arrived and he told me he would be there in 25 min. An hour later, we found eachother and left for his apartment.
Last night, we just hung out with some of his friends and today we ended up doing some touristy things like the coloseo and things around that area. I realize however, that Roman time is much different than what I am used to. Even me, who is always late, would probably never get used to it. Well, maybe...
Tomorrow I know that I am going to go visit some family outside of Rome and then tomorrow there is some thing in Rome, that is supposed to be cool, but I don't know what it is. So we shall see.
Anyway, I arrived last night after a horribly long day in the airport. After rushing to get to the airport because I thought that I would be late, it turns out that I had actually scheduled my flight for the following week. Yeah, I felt pretty intelligent as I was begging the skinny catalonian man with not much hair and even less patience, to not charge me the extra fee to change my flight. Well, anyway, things worked out, and I arrived at the airport in Rome many hours later (even though the flight from Barcelona is only 1:40). I told my cousin that I had arrived and he told me he would be there in 25 min. An hour later, we found eachother and left for his apartment.
Last night, we just hung out with some of his friends and today we ended up doing some touristy things like the coloseo and things around that area. I realize however, that Roman time is much different than what I am used to. Even me, who is always late, would probably never get used to it. Well, maybe...
Tomorrow I know that I am going to go visit some family outside of Rome and then tomorrow there is some thing in Rome, that is supposed to be cool, but I don't know what it is. So we shall see.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
1 American, 2 Americans, 3 Americans, 4
Last night after my blog, I tried to go to sleep, but little did I realize that there is a bar (like a little restaurant, not a "woo-hoo!" bar) underneath my window, so that was a wee bit difficult. However, I realize that it makes sense that somewhere back in my family I have spanish blood, because spaniards are LOUD! I mean, without regard to what time it is, where they are or anything. So, I pretty much love that. :)
Today I woke up at 4 to the sound of a couple breaking up and the smell of cigarettes, but then I fell back asleep and woke up around 11. I hope the Senora doesn't think bad of me because my roommate and I mostly hung around all day. I am not sure exactly what we did, but at some point I figured out that classes start tomorrow at 9 and then I have activities including a neighborhood visit with my RA and the other students who live in my neighborhood. I am looking forward to meeting other people in my program and start truly exploring Barcelona.
After that my roommate and I went to the beach by taking the bus, which was very easy. The one we went to was kind of small and kind of crowded, but really nice. I had never been to a beach in the city before so it is nice to see the juxtaposition of bustling city with calm beach. The water was beautiful and clear, and I made sure I dunked my hair in so that I would have mediteranean beach hair which is very important! (I figured a certain pair of sisters would be interested in this fact).
At the beach my roommate and I were looking to see who we thought were American and realized that there were a lot here. Therefore, I have come up with this list.
Sure signs that you are American:
-You are wearing a baseball cap
-You are wearing anything with a label across the chest or butt (ejemplo: Juicy)
-You have a full head of braids from your recent mediteranean cruise and you are not black
-You have a clunky camera around your neck and you are taking a picture of your blonde girlfriend who is swinging her purse around, giving easy access to basically anyone tempted
Sure signs you are Catalonian:
-You have a mullet and/or rat tail
-You carry doughnuts on your head and sing in order to attract customers
-You have no tan lines i.e. you wear no top at the beach
-You smoke like a chimney, at the beach, in the water
-You are wearing a bright purple speedo
-Your daily food intake consists of ham, bacon, chorizo, and pork with a bit of cheese and carbs on the side.
I am sure I will have more to add/change to those lists at time goes on, but this is so far what I have gathered data-wise.
On the way home from the beach, we saw a couple of the famous streets of Barcelona and two of the apartment buildings made by Gaudi (one of them being the house that is made to look like a dragon). I did not pull my camera out fast enough to get a snapshot, but if I figure out how, I will put up pictures of the apartment where I am staying.
Well, now I am going to get ready for bed and tomorrow, my first day of classes!!
Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Bienvenidos a Barcelona!!
Although this entry is not the "Barcelona Bound" that I had promised myself and others, I am so glad that I have not written until now because my expectations have been surpassed and recreated. I am not sure if it is due to exhaustion or excitement, but I feel like I have been here for days exploring the neighborhood and getting to know my roommate and host mother.
I will begin with the plane ride over:
So I was really nervous walking through security because 1. I was positive that I had overpacked and 2. I did NOT want to lose anything.
Well, thank God neither of those turned out the way I feared they would, instead I got on the plane, fumbled with my chunky carry-on, and while trying to place it in the overhead compartment, nudged a disgruntled Catalonian woman who then changed her seat (causes of this change in seat have yet been determined, though suspects have been named). This then left me with a free seat next to me which would have been much more exciting if my "backside" had not fallen asleep 2 hours into the 8 hour flight which was delayed 1 hour. But I will pay that no mind because next to the empty seat was someone who was going to Barcelona with the same program as me. We talked a little and when we got off the plane we walked to get our luggage along with a girl he knew on that flight who went to his school who was also in the program with us. Then, in a fashion that was not at all similiar to Jason Bourne we barely found the statue of the black horse and the IES representatives.
After all that was done, I had to try to help the taxista figure out where the heck "Carrer Rubinstein" was and I got there in one piece.
My roommate greeted me and told me that our host was sick and in bed, and I went inside. The apartment is seriously awesome. It is beautiful inside with lots of art and huge bookshelfs. It is close to everything that I need to get to and the metro stop is right at the end of the tiny little street (I can see it from my window). (Strange fact - the metro system is split into two, one half is owned by the Catalonian government and the other by the spanish gov't, i think or maybe barcelona, but either way it is confusing)
After I unpacked my roommate and I explored the neighborhood, bought cellphones, and ate lunch. Which, I feel proud of myself for because I did not expect that I could purchase and negotiate the terms of a cell phone in Spanish. So far, I have not been faced with any Catalan related problems. Everyone has been really easy to understand and converse with including my host. She has been really sweet and easy going.
Well, I am exhausted and my roommate is already asleep, but I will write again soon. Hopefully I am going to the beach tomorrow!
I will begin with the plane ride over:
So I was really nervous walking through security because 1. I was positive that I had overpacked and 2. I did NOT want to lose anything.
Well, thank God neither of those turned out the way I feared they would, instead I got on the plane, fumbled with my chunky carry-on, and while trying to place it in the overhead compartment, nudged a disgruntled Catalonian woman who then changed her seat (causes of this change in seat have yet been determined, though suspects have been named). This then left me with a free seat next to me which would have been much more exciting if my "backside" had not fallen asleep 2 hours into the 8 hour flight which was delayed 1 hour. But I will pay that no mind because next to the empty seat was someone who was going to Barcelona with the same program as me. We talked a little and when we got off the plane we walked to get our luggage along with a girl he knew on that flight who went to his school who was also in the program with us. Then, in a fashion that was not at all similiar to Jason Bourne we barely found the statue of the black horse and the IES representatives.
After all that was done, I had to try to help the taxista figure out where the heck "Carrer Rubinstein" was and I got there in one piece.
My roommate greeted me and told me that our host was sick and in bed, and I went inside. The apartment is seriously awesome. It is beautiful inside with lots of art and huge bookshelfs. It is close to everything that I need to get to and the metro stop is right at the end of the tiny little street (I can see it from my window). (Strange fact - the metro system is split into two, one half is owned by the Catalonian government and the other by the spanish gov't, i think or maybe barcelona, but either way it is confusing)
After I unpacked my roommate and I explored the neighborhood, bought cellphones, and ate lunch. Which, I feel proud of myself for because I did not expect that I could purchase and negotiate the terms of a cell phone in Spanish. So far, I have not been faced with any Catalan related problems. Everyone has been really easy to understand and converse with including my host. She has been really sweet and easy going.
Well, I am exhausted and my roommate is already asleep, but I will write again soon. Hopefully I am going to the beach tomorrow!
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