Today was a lazy day. Caroline and I woke up around 1 pm and our friends Mike and Nate wanted us to go with the beach with them. We met them at the metro station and then met up with more people once we got to the beach. It was very nice and relaxing, except that the beach was crowded, tourist-y, and a little dirty. A lot of vendors walk up and down the beaches selling water, soda, beer, massages, and food. I was talking with my friend Mike and all of a sudden we saw all the vendors take off running towards the water and ducking down. We looked behind us and we saw the police driving by. About a minute later we saw them peek their heads up and when they were in the clear, they began walking around again yelling, "Cerveza! Agua! Coca-Cola!"
After a few hours, Caroline and I walked home and got cleaned up and we met up with two friends, Kirtha and Kyra, at a local bar for karaoke. And we actually sang! The girls kept pestering me to go up there with them so I finally gave in. We all sang a Spice Girls song. (Lame, I know! I don't care though, I still love the Spice Girls!) It was a lot of fun to watch other people sing, some where really good, and others were horrible, which of course was hilarious. But it was all in good fun! We'll definitely be going back next week for karaoke again.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Saturday night!
Wow! What a day! Where do I even begin? Well, Saturday started out exploring the city, how we usually start out our days. Our resident advisor, Magda, called us and wanted Caroline and I to meet her for a drink (with the other girls she is a resident advisor to, about 12 of us total) so she could see how we are adjusting to everything and if we had any questions. She took us to an amazing little place called La Oveja Negra (The Black Sheep) and we had amazing sangria! It was also nice to meet more girls who are studying abroad and we all exchanged phone numbers.
Later on, Caroline, some of the girls in our group, and I met up with the only two guys that are in our group (Nate and Mike). Mike actually met a guy, Gustavo, from Barcelona that is about our age on his flight over here and they exchanged numbers. So, Gustavo brought his friend Boris to this bar where we all hung out and were able to practice our Spanish with them!
However, I did something very embarrassing. Gustavo and Boris are very good friends. They would graze each others arm and even rub the back of each others neck and run their fingers through the others hair. So, they had to be gay and dating each other right? WRONG! I asked them if they were boyfriends and they looked confused. Then they laughed at me (and gave me a little bit of a hard time) and said that is the norm in Spain with friends. I tried to tell them that the relationship between men in America is not quite as "intimate." They were very nice about it (probably because they could tell I was extremely embarrassed) and we all had a good laugh!
After that bar, they took us to a nightclub so we could really experience the Barcelona night life. Techno music is very popular in the European bars. After dancing and drinking for hours we finally left because Caroline and I were fighting to keep our eyes open. Being a little confused on where we were, Nate and Mike offered to walk us to our apartment to make sure that we got home safely. So we finally arrived home at 5 am and we collapsed on our beds!
We'll see what next weekend is like...!
Buenas Noches!
Later on, Caroline, some of the girls in our group, and I met up with the only two guys that are in our group (Nate and Mike). Mike actually met a guy, Gustavo, from Barcelona that is about our age on his flight over here and they exchanged numbers. So, Gustavo brought his friend Boris to this bar where we all hung out and were able to practice our Spanish with them!
However, I did something very embarrassing. Gustavo and Boris are very good friends. They would graze each others arm and even rub the back of each others neck and run their fingers through the others hair. So, they had to be gay and dating each other right? WRONG! I asked them if they were boyfriends and they looked confused. Then they laughed at me (and gave me a little bit of a hard time) and said that is the norm in Spain with friends. I tried to tell them that the relationship between men in America is not quite as "intimate." They were very nice about it (probably because they could tell I was extremely embarrassed) and we all had a good laugh!
After that bar, they took us to a nightclub so we could really experience the Barcelona night life. Techno music is very popular in the European bars. After dancing and drinking for hours we finally left because Caroline and I were fighting to keep our eyes open. Being a little confused on where we were, Nate and Mike offered to walk us to our apartment to make sure that we got home safely. So we finally arrived home at 5 am and we collapsed on our beds!
We'll see what next weekend is like...!
Buenas Noches!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Orientation- Day 2
Friday was our second day of orientation. It wasn't much of an orientation though, it lasted about two hours which was spent just walking around the city. It was still fun though, we got to see some of the old medieval buildings and Roman buildings in the area. We also have two guys in our group now! It would be nice to have more though, some of the areas around here can get pretty dangerous at night and it would be better if we had more guys with us.
After orientation, Caroline and I had lunch again with Veronica and Calli. After we ate, they had to return home because their host mom was taking them to the beach, so Caroline and I walked around for rest of the afternoon. A few hours later we were starting to get really hungry so we went to the grocery store and bought bread, wine, prosciutto, and cheese. We walked to one of the plazas and made sandwiches and basically people watched. It was funny trying to buy wine though... we obviously didn't have a wine opener on us so we were able to find little tiny boxes of red wine (they came in packs of three), it basically looked like a juice box!
We kept walking around and then had dinner with our host dad. Over dinner we talked about music, the Spanish language, and what life is like in America. He doesn't like big cities, he said he didn't like Los Angeles or New York when he visited America. He doesn't even like Barcelona! It was nice practicing our Spanish with him because he corrects us more than our host mom does, which I like a little better.
After dinner, Caroline and I went to the same Irish pub! (Sad, I know). Our host dad was telling us about some of the fun areas to go to at night, but since we didn't exactly know where we were going (and we would have to walk around some of the more dangerous areas) we didn't think it was a good idea for two girls to try and find a bar in the area he recommended at night. So we just walked the block and a half to the pub. We were hoping to meet some locals there, wanting to practice our Spanish. Well, we didn't. But we did meet some guys from Australia and Denmark! The guys from Australia were traveling around all of Europe for a few months, just basically having a good time. The three guys from Denmark are living here for a few months, trying to become fluent in Spanish. (One lived here permanently, while the other two were friends of his only staying here until the end of October). It was fun talking with them, but after awhile we started to get tired (we stayed out 'til three!) and decided to go home.
I hope everyone is doing well and I miss you all!
After orientation, Caroline and I had lunch again with Veronica and Calli. After we ate, they had to return home because their host mom was taking them to the beach, so Caroline and I walked around for rest of the afternoon. A few hours later we were starting to get really hungry so we went to the grocery store and bought bread, wine, prosciutto, and cheese. We walked to one of the plazas and made sandwiches and basically people watched. It was funny trying to buy wine though... we obviously didn't have a wine opener on us so we were able to find little tiny boxes of red wine (they came in packs of three), it basically looked like a juice box!
We kept walking around and then had dinner with our host dad. Over dinner we talked about music, the Spanish language, and what life is like in America. He doesn't like big cities, he said he didn't like Los Angeles or New York when he visited America. He doesn't even like Barcelona! It was nice practicing our Spanish with him because he corrects us more than our host mom does, which I like a little better.
After dinner, Caroline and I went to the same Irish pub! (Sad, I know). Our host dad was telling us about some of the fun areas to go to at night, but since we didn't exactly know where we were going (and we would have to walk around some of the more dangerous areas) we didn't think it was a good idea for two girls to try and find a bar in the area he recommended at night. So we just walked the block and a half to the pub. We were hoping to meet some locals there, wanting to practice our Spanish. Well, we didn't. But we did meet some guys from Australia and Denmark! The guys from Australia were traveling around all of Europe for a few months, just basically having a good time. The three guys from Denmark are living here for a few months, trying to become fluent in Spanish. (One lived here permanently, while the other two were friends of his only staying here until the end of October). It was fun talking with them, but after awhile we started to get tired (we stayed out 'til three!) and decided to go home.
I hope everyone is doing well and I miss you all!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Orientation
Today was our first day of orientation! It was really nice to meet some of the other students in our group. However, there is one small problem... It's all girls! It's like being at St. Kate's again! It's not that big of a deal though... Caroline and I were discussing earlier that it would be nice to have some guys in our group so when we would go out at night we would have some extra "protection" at bars and clubs.
Orientation was a little boring though. We basically discussed expectations, rules, and safety. However, the safety part really freaked out me and Caroline! The director of our program talked to us about going out with a group of people at night (night just two) and that it's important to take the bus or a taxi once it gets really late into the night. He told us a story of how a young man and his girlfriend were exchange students and they were coming out of the metro station and the girl got robbed! The boyfriend chased after the thief and started to beat him. However, the thief had about 4 other "thief friends" in the metro station and the boyfriend got stabbed! (He ended up being okay though). I know our professor was just trying to tell us it's all about common sense... but it really did scare us!
After orientation, Caroline and I had lunch with two of the girls in our group. They were really nice. We spent most of lunch getting to know each other and talking about our families and our hometowns. We all really want to go to Paris so we are going to try to plan a weekend when we can all go together!
After lunch, Caroline and I walked around more then we returned home for dinner. We talked about safety with hour host mom too and she gave us tips on what to do and what neighborhoods to stay away from once it gets dark out.
Caroline and I went to that Irish pub again for drinks tonight after dinner. The pub is only about a block and a half away from our apartment... and after our "safety talk" today at orientation we did not want to venture out further! It was a lot of fun though, we stayed for a few hours and got to know each other even more.
Tomorrow is our second day of orientation and our director is going to take us around the city. Goodnight and I miss you all very, very much!!
Orientation was a little boring though. We basically discussed expectations, rules, and safety. However, the safety part really freaked out me and Caroline! The director of our program talked to us about going out with a group of people at night (night just two) and that it's important to take the bus or a taxi once it gets really late into the night. He told us a story of how a young man and his girlfriend were exchange students and they were coming out of the metro station and the girl got robbed! The boyfriend chased after the thief and started to beat him. However, the thief had about 4 other "thief friends" in the metro station and the boyfriend got stabbed! (He ended up being okay though). I know our professor was just trying to tell us it's all about common sense... but it really did scare us!
After orientation, Caroline and I had lunch with two of the girls in our group. They were really nice. We spent most of lunch getting to know each other and talking about our families and our hometowns. We all really want to go to Paris so we are going to try to plan a weekend when we can all go together!
After lunch, Caroline and I walked around more then we returned home for dinner. We talked about safety with hour host mom too and she gave us tips on what to do and what neighborhoods to stay away from once it gets dark out.
Caroline and I went to that Irish pub again for drinks tonight after dinner. The pub is only about a block and a half away from our apartment... and after our "safety talk" today at orientation we did not want to venture out further! It was a lot of fun though, we stayed for a few hours and got to know each other even more.
Tomorrow is our second day of orientation and our director is going to take us around the city. Goodnight and I miss you all very, very much!!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
September 2nd
Today, Caroline and I explored the city more. It was really nice, we walked more "downtown" Barcelona and saw where all the designer shops are. We stopped in H&M so she could buy a pair of sunglasses (and may I say, it is a lot better than the one we have back home!).
After walking around for a few hours, we stopped at a small cafe and had cappuccinos and we split a sandwich. It's really fun to people watch here. I've noticed a lot of the men carry "man-bags" or "satchels" and also, people who are dating are very much into PDA! We saw a few couples making out on some of the benches!
We sat there for awhile and then came back home and had dinner with our host mom. We talked about religion, our families, and some of the history of Spain. She is really helping us with our Spanish, she is very patient and likes us to figure out words on our own.
After dinner, Caroline and I walked about a block and a half away to an Irish Pub and had a drink (we don't know where all the "cool" bars are yet!). We both had Heineken on tap... and it was amazing! It was so good that it upsets me that we are unable to have it on tap in the U.S.!
Tomorrow we start our orientation and I am eager to meet the other students in our group. Caroline and I want to try to make it to the beach tomorrow afternoon sometime. I hope you are all doing well, and I'll try to post some pictures soon!
Buenas Noches!
After walking around for a few hours, we stopped at a small cafe and had cappuccinos and we split a sandwich. It's really fun to people watch here. I've noticed a lot of the men carry "man-bags" or "satchels" and also, people who are dating are very much into PDA! We saw a few couples making out on some of the benches!
We sat there for awhile and then came back home and had dinner with our host mom. We talked about religion, our families, and some of the history of Spain. She is really helping us with our Spanish, she is very patient and likes us to figure out words on our own.
After dinner, Caroline and I walked about a block and a half away to an Irish Pub and had a drink (we don't know where all the "cool" bars are yet!). We both had Heineken on tap... and it was amazing! It was so good that it upsets me that we are unable to have it on tap in the U.S.!
Tomorrow we start our orientation and I am eager to meet the other students in our group. Caroline and I want to try to make it to the beach tomorrow afternoon sometime. I hope you are all doing well, and I'll try to post some pictures soon!
Buenas Noches!
Hace calor!= It's hot!
Wow, I can't believe how hot it is! It is very humid here and my hair is super curly! I really don't think I'll be able to straighten it until November! (Not that anyone cares...).
Anyway! I just spent my first night at my host family's house and I hate to say it, but I did not get much sleep. There really isn't air conditioning or a fan in my room, but we do have a small balcony.
Caroline and I were debating whether we should keep the doors to the balcony open to get a breeze flowing through the room, or keep them closed because we live in a condo on the third floor in downtown (I don't know if we are "technically" in downtown) Barcelona because it is so noisy outside! Well we kept the doors open and I kept having cycles of sleeping for an hour, then being awake for an hour, sleeping for an hour, etc. All night I could hear the buses, cars, and noisy people coming home from the bars outside! I learned that the buses keep running all night long, which is good to have I guess. Well, Caroline and I are going to venture out again and try to get cell phones! I miss you all and the cooler weather!
Anyway! I just spent my first night at my host family's house and I hate to say it, but I did not get much sleep. There really isn't air conditioning or a fan in my room, but we do have a small balcony.
Caroline and I were debating whether we should keep the doors to the balcony open to get a breeze flowing through the room, or keep them closed because we live in a condo on the third floor in downtown (I don't know if we are "technically" in downtown) Barcelona because it is so noisy outside! Well we kept the doors open and I kept having cycles of sleeping for an hour, then being awake for an hour, sleeping for an hour, etc. All night I could hear the buses, cars, and noisy people coming home from the bars outside! I learned that the buses keep running all night long, which is good to have I guess. Well, Caroline and I are going to venture out again and try to get cell phones! I miss you all and the cooler weather!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
September 1st, Barcelona
Hello all!
I have finally made it to my host parent's house! But getting here was not fun, from my hotel I had to go to the IES Study Abroad Center and my taxi driver dropped me off at the wrong place. I asked for directions and luckily where I needed to be was only two and a half blocks away, however carrying my two big suitcases were no fun. My roommate, Caroline, is very nice, and so is my host family. They have two young children, Lilian and Niel. After Caroline and I unpacked and got settled in a bit, we played "Uno" with the kids. Afterwards, we walked around the city and visited just a few of the shops. Orientation doesn't start until Wednesday, so tomorrow I'll explore the city more and try to get a cell phone.
I miss you all very much and I hope everything is going well back home!
I have finally made it to my host parent's house! But getting here was not fun, from my hotel I had to go to the IES Study Abroad Center and my taxi driver dropped me off at the wrong place. I asked for directions and luckily where I needed to be was only two and a half blocks away, however carrying my two big suitcases were no fun. My roommate, Caroline, is very nice, and so is my host family. They have two young children, Lilian and Niel. After Caroline and I unpacked and got settled in a bit, we played "Uno" with the kids. Afterwards, we walked around the city and visited just a few of the shops. Orientation doesn't start until Wednesday, so tomorrow I'll explore the city more and try to get a cell phone.
I miss you all very much and I hope everything is going well back home!
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