had me low, had me down-a! Just kidding, that was a feeble attempt at jazz. I do believe Frankie is rolling in his grave.
Greetings fellow earthlings! Last night the group decided to head out to some of the local discotecas...okay, before you get worried...no, I didn’t go; yes, I am, in fact, a huge party pooper; and no, I didn’t miss out on anything. According to my friends here, it was, at best, slightly awkward...
So, having said that, today I headed off solo early this afternoon to the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona in search of a section of the town my heart would throb over. I’m pretty sure I found it. Orgionally, I had intended to hunt down the illusive “la Sagrada Familia” by Gaudi, and Santa Maria del Mar, but instead I stumbled on two older and absolutely gorgeous Cathedrals built who knows when (no seriously, who knows? I want to...) and with free enterance and pictures allowed inside. Though I took an obnoxious amount of photos, like three turned out good, and the rest were super blurry. It was raining today, and the light was being testy. Meehhh.... However, I got to sit back and enjoy the somber poetry of an elderly spanish man pleading for the heath of his wife in front of Santa Maria, and feed some huge patos (quack) who were running around an inclosure inside one of the church courtyards. Its been a beautiful day so far, quite rainy but beautiful. Right now I’m just sinning in bed, snuggled up for a siesta, before I head out looking for more historic parts of the city. Hope you all have an excellent day! I think the sun is just starting to peak over the horizon on your end of the ocean (if my math is correct). I would say I send my love with it, but the sun and I didn’t meet up today, so this post will just have to do.
Love you!
here be the photos...the few that turned out well.
Enjoy!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=253241&l=46924&id=1323450019
oh! while I was getting some coffee at a shop today, I met a woman who need an english tutor, and she was willing to speak to me in Castillian. So, today I made a teacher, a student, and a friend. =)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Homestay
I have posted a series of poorly executed photos for your viewing pleasure. Its of the sights and sounds around my house. Unfortunately, the camera didn't quite get the sounds, so the sights will just have to suffice. Anyhoo...I put some captions on the photos to try and orient you guy around the house a bit better. Oh! non of the pictures I took of the bedroom really came out that great Sooo... two twins are side by side in the middle of the room. Its shaped a bit like a house the way a 4 year old would draw it...minus the chimney. If thats confusing-think pentagon without equal sides. Umm...there is a HUGE cabnet storage area thing on one wall that looks like it could be related to the wardrobe in Narnia, a huge squishy chair, a picture of Jesus in pain, and a desk...OH and two large bay windows. Its nice n cosy. Me gusta!
alright,
ciao
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15539&l=c667c&id=1323450019
alright,
ciao
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15539&l=c667c&id=1323450019
I have internet!
HORRAY! I found two internet service providers at the house that are unsecured, and therefore...FREE! Hit me up if any of you want to arrange times to get onto skype. Its an eight hour time difference SOO!
9 at night here is 12 noon your time
hope to hear from you soon!
9 at night here is 12 noon your time
hope to hear from you soon!
Moving day.
Alrighty folks! Two days of online silence are all I can handle. Update time! Huzzah!
Okay, yesterday we hopped on the ISA bus bound for Cataluña from Toledo. It took a whopping 8 hours, or was it 9?, point being...twas a long journey. I'm pretty sure everyone was more than ready to be done with traveling and settle down for a while. I know I was! During the drive we saw the many landscapes that Spain has to offer. Think the drive from Oregon to Nevada to Sac. and then to San Diego only condensed, and you've pretty much got it. Actually, at one point I decided to nod off for a while, and when I awoke, I saw a sign for Santa Cruz sitting in a desert that looked exactly like Yerington, and got really disoriented. For a second, I thought I was on a band trip...but luckily (sorry Bum!) that was not the case!
Observations form the trip: Spanish Truckers are some of the funniest people to watch. Oh! and not one of them is fat with a huge handlebar mustache. That stereotype aparently only resides in the states. I wonder how they stay so fot while driving...actually, most of them had another person in the front with them. They must switch off quite a bit...that and they have less of a journey to make...hmm still pondering...
Okay, next: Spanish countryside functions very differently than its US counterpart. Instead of a single home living on its own land (placing it miles from other houses) They're clumped together in a small villege and surrounded by properties. We passed through one valley where there were about three villages in tight little clumps surrounded by miles of open space. The farmers had each driven out to their respective fields in white truck for the day surrounding little villages, each incased in a thick wall, and each with an ancient church steeple peeking out from the middle. Adorable! I wish we could have just gotten off there, but alas, we continued, and for that I am now very grateful.
Barcelona is amazing! Once we stepped off, each of our house parents were waiting to take us to our respective homes. My Señora's name is Rafaela. She is around 70 years old and lives in a quite but crazy ancient part of town. When she mentioned that she had set some house keys aside for us, I was thinking normal keys you get in the US. Nope! I am now the proud owner of a set of Skeleton keys...on a ring. Adorable!
For those of you that were wondering, the test went fine, I passed the most important part (over elementary level) and am waiting to see which inter. or adv. level they will place me in.
The school itself is really cool. Its the oldest university in Barcelona, and looks a bit like Hogwarts. For those of you that have no idea what I'm talking about... it looks like...um...that univeristy in Pride and Prejudice. The BBC version. Huzzah! Anyways, I'm really excited to get even more settled in. Hope you all had an excellent day. Pictures to some, hopefully sooner rather than later. Love you all, bye!
Okay, yesterday we hopped on the ISA bus bound for Cataluña from Toledo. It took a whopping 8 hours, or was it 9?, point being...twas a long journey. I'm pretty sure everyone was more than ready to be done with traveling and settle down for a while. I know I was! During the drive we saw the many landscapes that Spain has to offer. Think the drive from Oregon to Nevada to Sac. and then to San Diego only condensed, and you've pretty much got it. Actually, at one point I decided to nod off for a while, and when I awoke, I saw a sign for Santa Cruz sitting in a desert that looked exactly like Yerington, and got really disoriented. For a second, I thought I was on a band trip...but luckily (sorry Bum!) that was not the case!
Observations form the trip: Spanish Truckers are some of the funniest people to watch. Oh! and not one of them is fat with a huge handlebar mustache. That stereotype aparently only resides in the states. I wonder how they stay so fot while driving...actually, most of them had another person in the front with them. They must switch off quite a bit...that and they have less of a journey to make...hmm still pondering...
Okay, next: Spanish countryside functions very differently than its US counterpart. Instead of a single home living on its own land (placing it miles from other houses) They're clumped together in a small villege and surrounded by properties. We passed through one valley where there were about three villages in tight little clumps surrounded by miles of open space. The farmers had each driven out to their respective fields in white truck for the day surrounding little villages, each incased in a thick wall, and each with an ancient church steeple peeking out from the middle. Adorable! I wish we could have just gotten off there, but alas, we continued, and for that I am now very grateful.
Barcelona is amazing! Once we stepped off, each of our house parents were waiting to take us to our respective homes. My Señora's name is Rafaela. She is around 70 years old and lives in a quite but crazy ancient part of town. When she mentioned that she had set some house keys aside for us, I was thinking normal keys you get in the US. Nope! I am now the proud owner of a set of Skeleton keys...on a ring. Adorable!
For those of you that were wondering, the test went fine, I passed the most important part (over elementary level) and am waiting to see which inter. or adv. level they will place me in.
The school itself is really cool. Its the oldest university in Barcelona, and looks a bit like Hogwarts. For those of you that have no idea what I'm talking about... it looks like...um...that univeristy in Pride and Prejudice. The BBC version. Huzzah! Anyways, I'm really excited to get even more settled in. Hope you all had an excellent day. Pictures to some, hopefully sooner rather than later. Love you all, bye!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Toh-leh-doh
Greetings from Toledo (toh-leh-doh, I know, Jamie Farr messed me up too, anyways...)
Today I’m feeling much much better. I went to sleep in a warm bed around eight last night, and woke up around seven this morning, so! I’m feeling well rested. Oh! Speaking of rest, I must be part Spaniard...I normally get drowsy around 2 and feel much better by 5 in the afternoon; coincidentally, the Spanish close down shop at around 2 and re-open at 5 so that they can take a leisurely lunch and nap. Because of this practice, our directors have asked us to talk softly on the bus whenever we travel during that time. It’s perfect! Right, moving on...
Toledo is absolutely beautiful. It is thought to be well over 2000 years old, and is as rich in architecture as it is in history. It is referred to as the city of three religions, and expresses all at the exact same time; for example: in the ninth century, the Muslims built a synagogue (no mistake) for the Jewish population of the city. Later, the Christians converted it to a church. So! you can see Muslim architecture, the intricate geometric carvings by the Jews, and the gaudy gold-leaf alter by the Christians occupying the same 50 square foot building. Amazing! Unfortunately, pictures weren’t allowed to be taken inside any of the churches. I did, however, take some stealth shots inside of another cathedral built in the 1300’s...enjoy! I wasn’t brave enough to get the sanctuary, but the halls are amazing as well, and will just have to suffice.
The people here are incredibly warm and friendly. Our tour guide was hilarious! He literally new everyone he passed! When he kissed the fifth woman he passed on the street, he turned to us, blushing, and said “when its sa smull town, you ghet to knooo eh-veh-ery one, emmm, bery well! ¡sí!
I wish we could stay here a little longer, but we pack up for Barcelona tomorrow. I can’t wait to finally get settle in and start classes. Its been a long time coming, but totally worth it! Hope you are all doing well and to hear from you soon! Love you lots, Michelle.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15361&l=b14ac&id=1323450019
Today I’m feeling much much better. I went to sleep in a warm bed around eight last night, and woke up around seven this morning, so! I’m feeling well rested. Oh! Speaking of rest, I must be part Spaniard...I normally get drowsy around 2 and feel much better by 5 in the afternoon; coincidentally, the Spanish close down shop at around 2 and re-open at 5 so that they can take a leisurely lunch and nap. Because of this practice, our directors have asked us to talk softly on the bus whenever we travel during that time. It’s perfect! Right, moving on...
Toledo is absolutely beautiful. It is thought to be well over 2000 years old, and is as rich in architecture as it is in history. It is referred to as the city of three religions, and expresses all at the exact same time; for example: in the ninth century, the Muslims built a synagogue (no mistake) for the Jewish population of the city. Later, the Christians converted it to a church. So! you can see Muslim architecture, the intricate geometric carvings by the Jews, and the gaudy gold-leaf alter by the Christians occupying the same 50 square foot building. Amazing! Unfortunately, pictures weren’t allowed to be taken inside any of the churches. I did, however, take some stealth shots inside of another cathedral built in the 1300’s...enjoy! I wasn’t brave enough to get the sanctuary, but the halls are amazing as well, and will just have to suffice.
The people here are incredibly warm and friendly. Our tour guide was hilarious! He literally new everyone he passed! When he kissed the fifth woman he passed on the street, he turned to us, blushing, and said “when its sa smull town, you ghet to knooo eh-veh-ery one, emmm, bery well! ¡sí!
I wish we could stay here a little longer, but we pack up for Barcelona tomorrow. I can’t wait to finally get settle in and start classes. Its been a long time coming, but totally worth it! Hope you are all doing well and to hear from you soon! Love you lots, Michelle.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15361&l=b14ac&id=1323450019
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Today's trips...but no falls.
Buenas Noches everyone!
Today was a busy day of travel after a long night (well, for me) of exploring Madrid. We packed up early this morning and headed off the La Valle de Los Callidos (a cathedral/tomb/something indescribable) and then stopped by Esquitorial (a lovely little town in the mountains (freezing and covered in snow, but nice) that houses a royal monestairy/university/royal hunting lodge all rolled into one. Though the scenery was breath taking, it was freakishly cold (I think I saw a negative degrees sign somewhere) and we arrived during the middle of the day (which meant that all the smoke free shops were closed and it was either sit in a smoky cafe (like, thick smoke!) or freeze outside. Even when I walked out to get some air, people would be smoking! (feeble attempt to keep warm?) Now, I know, I know, I shouldn’t be such a whiner, and normally I really don’t have a problem with it, but there was literally no escaping it! After a while, a headache, sore throat, and stuff nose took up residence in my body...SO! I’ll make this quick. I’m going to hit the sheets (that smell like smoke, kid you not!) early tonight to try to sleep some of this off. Oh! I think I’m dehydrate too, water is not freely available in public fountains, and every time I ask for it in restaurants, they bring me bottles...I just want icy tap water! A jumbo glass of icy tap water! I’m sure its fine! I drank out of the tap in my hotel room without a problem...
okay, focus on the positive Michelle! (its the cold speaking) umm... . Thank you Mom for convincing me to bring so much cold medicine. okay, right! Today:
La Valle de los Callidos is a Cathedral carved into a mountain near Madrid. It was commissioned by Franco (“please turn to pg. 539 in your history books. General Francisco Franco was a member of the Spanish Republican party when he assumed control of Spain during the Spanish Civil war. Due to the periodical proximity of the war to WW2 and remaining resistance by Democratic party members and tribal warfare in the Basque country, Spain was unable to participate in Hitler’s Axis (of evil), as the country’s fighting age men were part of the resistance, attempting to control the resistance, wounded, sick (with Spanish influenza) or dead. Times were, as some scholars would deem it “hard and/or messed up”. (oh! side note, Spain’s Republicans are the progressive party much like USA’s Democrats, and the Democrats are like Republicans...)) Okay, where was I? Right! So, due to the Civil War, Franco had a lot of POWs and corpses on his hands, So! he built the cathedral at La Valle de Los Callidos (the valley of the fallen) to house the thousands of caskets, and put his POWs to use. Now, when you look (please!) at the pictures, its hard to get a good idea of just how huge this place is. On one of them, you can actually get some perspective because some visitors happened to be standing in the “entrada” when I snapped the photo. Now, the reason why I mention the size has to do with the fact that it is a Catholic Cathedral. According to belief, no cathedral is allowed to be bigger than the Vatican in Rome; however, Franco’s complex was considerably larger (hehe, double meaning! anyone? okay...) By the time the Church announce that it would not recognize the church, the inside had already been completed (carved into a mountain). At that point, it was a bit convenient to change the inside, so he halved the size of the courtyard making the ...massive...thing just under the size of the Vatican while keeping his enemies busy for just a little while longer. Now, no pictures were allowed inside, so I’ll attempt to describe it to you: it was a cave, so there was no natural light and little of any other form. Several dark themes played into the construction and style of the building. If you’ve ever seem the Sound of Music and they run through the dark convent at night with the Nazis chasing them? Oh! and they sang at the concert hall? Yep, exactly like that. Angles took overly-masculine stances and held incredibly large swords. The crowning piece of art work was the “ Angel of Death” Due to the amount of light in the cave, you couldn’t see his face at all, just a dark hooded figure. I went into one of the chapels, lit a prayer candle and hummed “this little light of mine” just to make for a slightly more positive atmosphere. The walk through ended and several members of the group ran for the exit (myself included).
After that, we headed for the picturesque mountain town of El Esquitorial, which houses a huge Monestairy/University/Cathedral/Mausoleum for the Royal Family/ and Hunting lodge for the kings. The place is literally 9 acres of hallways, staircases, perfectly manicured gardens, fountains, and everything a gouty king (hehehe) could wish for. It was AMAZING! To boot, we had one of the funniest guides I’ve every encountered (Like the Spanish version of Cowboy Mike). Anyways, the place was absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed to preserve the artifacts and the privacy of the monks and students.
Whelp, you’ve heard about the rest of my day, so I’m headed out! I love you all! Have a great rest o the week! bye!
here's the link for the photos
enjoy!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15279&l=1740d&id=1323450019
Today was a busy day of travel after a long night (well, for me) of exploring Madrid. We packed up early this morning and headed off the La Valle de Los Callidos (a cathedral/tomb/something indescribable) and then stopped by Esquitorial (a lovely little town in the mountains (freezing and covered in snow, but nice) that houses a royal monestairy/university/royal hunting lodge all rolled into one. Though the scenery was breath taking, it was freakishly cold (I think I saw a negative degrees sign somewhere) and we arrived during the middle of the day (which meant that all the smoke free shops were closed and it was either sit in a smoky cafe (like, thick smoke!) or freeze outside. Even when I walked out to get some air, people would be smoking! (feeble attempt to keep warm?) Now, I know, I know, I shouldn’t be such a whiner, and normally I really don’t have a problem with it, but there was literally no escaping it! After a while, a headache, sore throat, and stuff nose took up residence in my body...SO! I’ll make this quick. I’m going to hit the sheets (that smell like smoke, kid you not!) early tonight to try to sleep some of this off. Oh! I think I’m dehydrate too, water is not freely available in public fountains, and every time I ask for it in restaurants, they bring me bottles...I just want icy tap water! A jumbo glass of icy tap water! I’m sure its fine! I drank out of the tap in my hotel room without a problem...
okay, focus on the positive Michelle! (its the cold speaking) umm... . Thank you Mom for convincing me to bring so much cold medicine. okay, right! Today:
La Valle de los Callidos is a Cathedral carved into a mountain near Madrid. It was commissioned by Franco (“please turn to pg. 539 in your history books. General Francisco Franco was a member of the Spanish Republican party when he assumed control of Spain during the Spanish Civil war. Due to the periodical proximity of the war to WW2 and remaining resistance by Democratic party members and tribal warfare in the Basque country, Spain was unable to participate in Hitler’s Axis (of evil), as the country’s fighting age men were part of the resistance, attempting to control the resistance, wounded, sick (with Spanish influenza) or dead. Times were, as some scholars would deem it “hard and/or messed up”. (oh! side note, Spain’s Republicans are the progressive party much like USA’s Democrats, and the Democrats are like Republicans...)) Okay, where was I? Right! So, due to the Civil War, Franco had a lot of POWs and corpses on his hands, So! he built the cathedral at La Valle de Los Callidos (the valley of the fallen) to house the thousands of caskets, and put his POWs to use. Now, when you look (please!) at the pictures, its hard to get a good idea of just how huge this place is. On one of them, you can actually get some perspective because some visitors happened to be standing in the “entrada” when I snapped the photo. Now, the reason why I mention the size has to do with the fact that it is a Catholic Cathedral. According to belief, no cathedral is allowed to be bigger than the Vatican in Rome; however, Franco’s complex was considerably larger (hehe, double meaning! anyone? okay...) By the time the Church announce that it would not recognize the church, the inside had already been completed (carved into a mountain). At that point, it was a bit convenient to change the inside, so he halved the size of the courtyard making the ...massive...thing just under the size of the Vatican while keeping his enemies busy for just a little while longer. Now, no pictures were allowed inside, so I’ll attempt to describe it to you: it was a cave, so there was no natural light and little of any other form. Several dark themes played into the construction and style of the building. If you’ve ever seem the Sound of Music and they run through the dark convent at night with the Nazis chasing them? Oh! and they sang at the concert hall? Yep, exactly like that. Angles took overly-masculine stances and held incredibly large swords. The crowning piece of art work was the “ Angel of Death” Due to the amount of light in the cave, you couldn’t see his face at all, just a dark hooded figure. I went into one of the chapels, lit a prayer candle and hummed “this little light of mine” just to make for a slightly more positive atmosphere. The walk through ended and several members of the group ran for the exit (myself included).
After that, we headed for the picturesque mountain town of El Esquitorial, which houses a huge Monestairy/University/Cathedral/Mausoleum for the Royal Family/ and Hunting lodge for the kings. The place is literally 9 acres of hallways, staircases, perfectly manicured gardens, fountains, and everything a gouty king (hehehe) could wish for. It was AMAZING! To boot, we had one of the funniest guides I’ve every encountered (Like the Spanish version of Cowboy Mike). Anyways, the place was absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed to preserve the artifacts and the privacy of the monks and students.
Whelp, you’ve heard about the rest of my day, so I’m headed out! I love you all! Have a great rest o the week! bye!
here's the link for the photos
enjoy!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15279&l=1740d&id=1323450019
Monday, January 26, 2009
pictures, part 2
Some pictures of my explorations today in Madrid. I'm really sorry I'm leaving it, actually. Hope to be back soon and love Barcelona as much, if not more. Enjoy!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15215&l=9ee96&id=1323450019
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15215&l=9ee96&id=1323450019
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