Hola amigos! Here I am again trying to catch up on these blog posts! To begin, I have a little story for you all from last week!
Here goes!
Everyday I wake up and go downstairs to eat breakfast. Most often I eat by myself because by the time I wake up my host family members are out doing other things...so as I walked into the kitchen I was surprised to find a woman ironing clothes right next to the table. I had never met her before but recalled seeing her outside sweeping the doorsteps once. We made eye contact but she didn't say anything.
I proceeded to get my breakfast until I just had to break the silence. I said, "Me llamo Brittany" and she broke out in a huge smile as she introduced herself. She asked where I'm from, and when I replied that I'm from the USA, I noticed a look of excitement on her face.
Here's a summary of our conversation...but keep in mind that this was all in Spanish!
She said, "Everyone from the US is rich, no?"
I immediately felt uncomfortable... "There are poor people and there are rich people, and the amount of money people have depends on where they live."
"But the US is such a strong, rich country, right?"
"Yes, there are many fortunate people in the US."
"I'm from Romania. I came here 8 years ago. You're the first person I've ever met from the US. This is so exciting for me! Do you have any kids?"
"Haha no, I'm only 20, but I have a little brother and sister. Do you have any kids?"
"Yes! Oh let me get my phone!" She then proceeds to show me pictures of her 3 adorable children who are all under the age of 6.
"How cute!"
"Ah, I'm so sorry! I shouldn't be bothering you. You're trying to eat your breakfast so you can go to class!"
"Oh no, it's okay! I have plenty of time before class."
"I'm just so excited to be talking to an American!"
"I'm really happy to talk to you too!"
Then abruptly..."So do people not like Obama because of his color?"
"I don't have any friends who tell me that they don't like Obama because of his color. I think most people respect the President regardless. There are some people who are racist in the US of course, but I do not have friends or family who mistreat others because of their race."
"Oh yes, there are people who are racist all over the world!"
"Yes, so do you work here in the house?"
"Yes, I've been working for Chario and her mother for years now. I am here Monday through Friday from 9:30am-2pm. What do your parents do?" (Just to clarify, Chario is the name of my host mom and Chario's mother lives in the apartment below)
"My mom cleans houses too and my dad works at a business."
"I bet your mom is really young, right? Like in her 30s?"
"No, my mom is 45."
"Oh really?! I'm 46."
**Somebody shouts from the apartment below--it is Chario's mom asking the Romanian woman to help her with something...
She shouts to Chario's mom, "I'm sorry! I'm talking to the chica from America! I'll be right there!" Then she turns in my direction again and says it was a pleasure to meet me. I tell her that we will see each other again sometime soon and she gives me a warm hug and kisses me on both cheeks as I walk out the door.
After our conversation, I really began to think. To start, I am fairly sure this Romanian woman helps Chario's mother most days, and just so happened to be ironing clothes in the kitchen this one time. From what I can tell, Chario manages the household on her own as far as cooking every meal, cleaning each room, doing the laundry, etc. What I find very different is that Chario cleans my bathroom, cleans my room, and even makes my bed for me every week. She also helps me with my laundry. I would never expect my real mom to do these things for me. Sometimes it makes me uncomfortable because I feel as though I should be taking care of these things myself, but Chario cleans her 24 year-old son's room every week as well. The cultural difference fascinates me, but for now I will simply be grateful for her help! I only have 2 more weeks of this! Haha!
Beyond that, I was so proud of myself for having this conversation entirely in Spanish! Especially in the morning...I am not much of a morning person...
But overall, this conversation triggered some self-reflection. Here I am studying abroad in Spain for 6 weeks...obviously a very fortunate young woman. As I discuss the USA with a Romanian woman who is not as well off as I, I feel very overprivileged. She is simply so excited to talk to me, a citizen of the USA, the most prosperous country in the world. I have never seen someone so excited to talk to an American...especially because I have heard about the "ugly American" stereotype...but this Romanian woman was just so impressed by me and my country!
Moreover, by studying in another country I feel as though I now have so much more insight as to how people view America. Each and every day I am reminded how lucky I am to be an American, but often find myself feeling uncomfortable at the same time. I sometimes don't like telling people I'm from the USA for fear of judgment. I've always been in the majority group, but here in Spain I am a minority. My skin is unbelieavably white (still workin' on that tan), my eyes are blue, my hair is light brown, I have freckles all over my face, I don't dress like the Spaniards...there are so many signs that I am a foreigner. I will never know what people are thinking when they look at me...and it simply makes me uncomfortable. Sure I have met MANY very nice, helpful people here in Spain...but now when I return to the US, I will be even more open-minded about foreigners. While stereotypes are prevalent and it's easy to judge based on first glance and nationality, I have a new appreciation for those who have the courage to leave their country.
To wrap up, I feel as though an experience like this allows me to self-reflect and to examine my own culture...and while there may be some things about Spain I like more than America...and while there may be some things about America that I like more than Spain...at the end of the day I am a fortunate American woman simply doing my best to remain open to new people, new ideas, new cultures, and new experiences. With that, adiós for now!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Ay Dios mio! (Oh my God!)
Hola amigos! As I mentioned in a previous posts, I'm far behind on my blog updates for various reasons...1) I'm traveling around Spain and it's hard to keep up! 2) I have tons of essays to write! 3) I've experienced several unexpected problems...
So let's begin with these unexpected problems, shall we?...
Sunday night I returned from La Piedra with a rash on my calf from accidentally rubbing up against some plant. Luckily I had anti-itch cream and it quickly got much better! Later on I found bug bites on my arms...I HATE bug bites...
That same night I became panicked about some lumps I found under my armpits and on my chest. I soon made an appointment to speak with the University doctor, although I felt embarrassed and afraid to do so. On Tuesday morning, July 1st, I walked downstairs to his office and he asked me what's going on. Firstly, I wanted a female doctor but knew there was no chance of that. Secondly, he only spoke Spanish. The University director came into the room to help serve as a translator as I explained to him my concerns. It was very overwhelming and nerve-wrecking. The doctor was reassuring; however, he asked that I get a mammogram to investigate the lumps and prescribed some type of anti-inflammatory to help the lumps under my armpits feel less painful. Let's just say it was an awkward, embarrassing, frustrating day.
So now, as I type this post a week later, I am pleased to say that I went to the doctor today and found out that everything is okay! The University director took me to a doctor's office where I had an ultrasound instead of a mammogram. I explained my concerns and then the doctor decided an ultrasound would be better. He discovered that I have 3 benign lumps but that this is completely normal and can occur because of hormonal changes. So pretty good news! And now I have a very unique souvenir...ultrasound pictures taken in Spain! How many people can say they have that?!
So without going into further detail about the awkward moments during all these doctors appointments...I'm simply going to be grateful that everything is okay and that I no longer need to worry about this while I'm in Spain! Just one more doctor's appointment tomorrow to discuss my results...then I hope that's the end of it!
Moreover, throughout this past week I did a little bit of therapy shopping...and had to work on self-constraint...I bought two leopard print shirts. But overall I'm happy with my purchases! Except I bought some horizontal zig zag European pants...those look terrible...what was I thinking?! Horizontal zig zag can't possibly be flattering on anyone, am I right?!
Additionally, the essays that I wrote turned out pretty well! My host mom looked over them and told me I wrote beautifully, so that was really reassuring! She was also very supportive when I told her about my strange lump problems haha so that was much appreciated!
As I wrap this up...one thing that has stuck with me during this trip is a little piece of advice my Dad gave me before I boarded my plane: I have to learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. And let me tell ya, I'm doing just that! There have been so many uncomfortable moments during this whole experience, but now I feel much more confident and self-aware. Once again, great advice from a loving father who rarely is ever wrong. So Dad, if you're reading this, take note! That's not always easy to say! Haha!
So let's begin with these unexpected problems, shall we?...
Sunday night I returned from La Piedra with a rash on my calf from accidentally rubbing up against some plant. Luckily I had anti-itch cream and it quickly got much better! Later on I found bug bites on my arms...I HATE bug bites...
That same night I became panicked about some lumps I found under my armpits and on my chest. I soon made an appointment to speak with the University doctor, although I felt embarrassed and afraid to do so. On Tuesday morning, July 1st, I walked downstairs to his office and he asked me what's going on. Firstly, I wanted a female doctor but knew there was no chance of that. Secondly, he only spoke Spanish. The University director came into the room to help serve as a translator as I explained to him my concerns. It was very overwhelming and nerve-wrecking. The doctor was reassuring; however, he asked that I get a mammogram to investigate the lumps and prescribed some type of anti-inflammatory to help the lumps under my armpits feel less painful. Let's just say it was an awkward, embarrassing, frustrating day.
So now, as I type this post a week later, I am pleased to say that I went to the doctor today and found out that everything is okay! The University director took me to a doctor's office where I had an ultrasound instead of a mammogram. I explained my concerns and then the doctor decided an ultrasound would be better. He discovered that I have 3 benign lumps but that this is completely normal and can occur because of hormonal changes. So pretty good news! And now I have a very unique souvenir...ultrasound pictures taken in Spain! How many people can say they have that?!
So without going into further detail about the awkward moments during all these doctors appointments...I'm simply going to be grateful that everything is okay and that I no longer need to worry about this while I'm in Spain! Just one more doctor's appointment tomorrow to discuss my results...then I hope that's the end of it!
Moreover, throughout this past week I did a little bit of therapy shopping...and had to work on self-constraint...I bought two leopard print shirts. But overall I'm happy with my purchases! Except I bought some horizontal zig zag European pants...those look terrible...what was I thinking?! Horizontal zig zag can't possibly be flattering on anyone, am I right?!
Additionally, the essays that I wrote turned out pretty well! My host mom looked over them and told me I wrote beautifully, so that was really reassuring! She was also very supportive when I told her about my strange lump problems haha so that was much appreciated!
As I wrap this up...one thing that has stuck with me during this trip is a little piece of advice my Dad gave me before I boarded my plane: I have to learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. And let me tell ya, I'm doing just that! There have been so many uncomfortable moments during this whole experience, but now I feel much more confident and self-aware. Once again, great advice from a loving father who rarely is ever wrong. So Dad, if you're reading this, take note! That's not always easy to say! Haha!
Soon there will be more posts to come! Adiós for now!
Photo credits:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/98445941824471627/
Feliz cumpleaños a Hailey!
Hola amigos! Still catching up on my blog so now I'd like to recount last Tuesday, July 1st, better known as Hailey's birthday! As a reminder, Hailey is the girl from Tennessee who lives with me in my host family. She has to be one of the sweetest people I know! During my time in Spain I have not only learned about Spanish culture, but also Tennessee culture!
What are some Tennessee phrases that I've now adopted as my own you ask?! Well....I have now decided to say "Bless it!" more often in response to cute or comical people, events, etc. My accent isn't especially good for this, but I love the phrase! In addition, Hailey likes to say "[insert word] is a mess and a half!" That's also a personal favorite. To all my Ohio friends and family, don't be surprised if these words leave my mouth when I return! I here 'em just about everyday!
So back to the point...Hailey turned 23 and we had a lovely birthday celebration. Paula and I worked very hard to make Hailey a beautiful birthday card. Of course Hailey loved it! And our host mom had a special dinner with Spanish tortilla (much different from Mexican tortilla...Spanish tortilla is an egg omelette with added potatoes and fried in vegetable oil), San Jacobos (like chicken cordon bleu but with only ham and cheese on the inside of the breading), and the best part...CHEESECAKE! Unfortunately our host mom didn't have many candles, but she did find two #2 candles. We all joked because it was like Hailey had never turned 23...instead #22 candles stood prominently in the middle of the cheesecake. Regardless, it was so sweet how our host mom did her best to make Hailey's birthday great! Dinner was wonderful!
I then gave Hailey a Spanish cookbook for her present! She loves to cook and has been gathering plenty of recipes so she can cook for her family and friends when she returns to the States!
Overall, I'm so glad to have met Hailey! She's part of the reason why my experience in Spain has been so great! I've loved making new friends and becoming so close in such a short time period...it has to be one of my favorite aspects of studying abroad! So to Hailey and all of my new friends: thanks for the fun times so far!
Stay tuned for more updates! I'm workin' hard on them! Adiós for now!
Photo credits:
http://madridfoodtour.com/what-is-a-spanish-omelette/
http://www.congelatsreixach.es/producte/index.php?lg=es&accio=mostrar_producte&id=97
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| Michaela, Molly, Hailey, and me! All of us live together with our Spanish host family! |
So back to the point...Hailey turned 23 and we had a lovely birthday celebration. Paula and I worked very hard to make Hailey a beautiful birthday card. Of course Hailey loved it! And our host mom had a special dinner with Spanish tortilla (much different from Mexican tortilla...Spanish tortilla is an egg omelette with added potatoes and fried in vegetable oil), San Jacobos (like chicken cordon bleu but with only ham and cheese on the inside of the breading), and the best part...CHEESECAKE! Unfortunately our host mom didn't have many candles, but she did find two #2 candles. We all joked because it was like Hailey had never turned 23...instead #22 candles stood prominently in the middle of the cheesecake. Regardless, it was so sweet how our host mom did her best to make Hailey's birthday great! Dinner was wonderful!
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| Spanish tortilla--one of my personal favorite foods here! |
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| San Jacobos--in the running for my #1 favorite food in Spain! Spaniards love love LOVE their ham! |
Overall, I'm so glad to have met Hailey! She's part of the reason why my experience in Spain has been so great! I've loved making new friends and becoming so close in such a short time period...it has to be one of my favorite aspects of studying abroad! So to Hailey and all of my new friends: thanks for the fun times so far!
Stay tuned for more updates! I'm workin' hard on them! Adiós for now!
Photo credits:
http://madridfoodtour.com/what-is-a-spanish-omelette/
http://www.congelatsreixach.es/producte/index.php?lg=es&accio=mostrar_producte&id=97
Don't count the days, make the days count!
Hola! As mentioned, I'm a little far behind with the blog updates so I'll pick up where I left off!
After visiting El Escorial and El Valle de los Caídos on Friday, June 27th, my friends and I decided to spend the weekend in Toledo instead of traveling. We wanted to relax a bit and explore more of the city!
First on our list...La Colección Catedral for lunch! The Spaniards take their lunches VERY seriously...lemme tell ya! Lunch is the most important and longest meal of the day...and luckily is right before siesta!
So for the first course I had delicious risotto! For the second course, pork. AND then chocolate cake! We were probably eating at this restaurant for a good couple hours. It was definitely the best food I've had thus far!
After visiting El Escorial and El Valle de los Caídos on Friday, June 27th, my friends and I decided to spend the weekend in Toledo instead of traveling. We wanted to relax a bit and explore more of the city!
First on our list...La Colección Catedral for lunch! The Spaniards take their lunches VERY seriously...lemme tell ya! Lunch is the most important and longest meal of the day...and luckily is right before siesta!
So for the first course I had delicious risotto! For the second course, pork. AND then chocolate cake! We were probably eating at this restaurant for a good couple hours. It was definitely the best food I've had thus far!
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| Risotto! |
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| Pork! |
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| Chocolate cake! |
After lunch we took a bus to the centro comercial (mall) in a nearby city. The mall was absolutely huge and had so many great stores!
Then on Sunday we continued to explore the city, but unfortunately many places we wanted to go were closed. We walked to the Cathedral...closed. Then we walked all the way to the El Greco museum...closed. Sunday hours are just too hard to figure out sometimes! Besides that, many places close for siesta, which we sometimes forget to think about because it's so different from the States!
After walking for hours on end, I went back to my host family's house to rest before we made the journey to La Piedra del Rey Moro. La Piedra (the Stone) is a giant rock that takes about 40 minutes to walk to, but has one of the prettiest views of the city. Many legends have been told about La Piedra, but the most famous describes a Muslim prince who falls in love with the Moorish King's daughter. The prince was killed and buried in the spot of La Piedra because he was trying to reconquer Toledo from the Christians. Because he didn't wish to remain buried, he begged Allah to let him observe Toledo, upon which he was transformed into what La Piedra is today.
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| La Piedra! |
So with that we determined to get there, climb to the top, and watch the sunset. Before doing so, my host mom packed me an egg & ham sandwich with some fruit so I could eat with my friends on top of La Piedra! How sweet!
Before long we made it to the top! As my friends and I watched the sunset, we told each other stories and bonded over this short time we have together in such a beautiful city. It was a breathtaking view and a perfect time for a little self-reflection! I simply couldn't believe I was there...I felt so very lucky!
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| Finally made it to the top! |
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| Now I'm on top of the world, hey! |
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| We're on top of the world, hey! |
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| Such a beautiful view! |
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| We had all the time in the world... |
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| Good night Toledo...sleep tight! |
More posts to come! Adiós for now!
Photo credits:
http://mtogetafe.blogspot.com.es/2012/01/la-pena-del-rey-moro-lugar-magico-en.html
Visit to El Escorial y El Valle de los Caídos!
Hola amigos! Unfortunately it's been awhile since I have posted! I have been extremely busy traveling on the weekends, writing essays during the week, and attending to some unexpected problems...soon I will update about these lovely unexpected problems...but for now I'd like to recount my trip to El Escorial y El Valle de los Caídos!
On Friday, June 27th we left early in the morning to visit El Escorial, a historical residence of the King of Spain in the city of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The residence serves as a royal palace, monastery, library, school, and museum. Phillip II had the residence built in 1559!!!
Upon entering, we first saw the Courtyard of the Kings and the Basilica. The Basilica is in the form of a cross and is the central building of El Escorial. I was most amazed by the reliquaries inside the Basilica! It is one of the largest reliquaries in all of Catholicism. The collection consists of 7,500 relics (including bones and clothing items of saints!)
Under the Basilica is the Royal Pantheon, the burial site for most of the Spanish kings and queens of the last 5 centuries. It was so amazing to see!
We also saw the Courtyard of the Evangelists, which is a gardened patio. Around the courtyard are galleries decorated with frescoes!
Next we went inside the Palace/House of the King. We saw their original beds--so crazy to think that they have been preserved for hundreds of years! We also saw the Hall of Battles which contains frescoes of important Spanish victories.
Finally we visited the library that holds over 40,000 volumes! It has marble floors and carved wooden shelves! The ceiling is decorated with frescoes depicting liberal arts. Simply beautiful!
After our trip to El Escorial, we drove less than 30 minutes to arrive at El Valle de los Caídos (The Valley of the Fallen), a Catholic basilica and monumental memorial erected by Francisco Franco, dictator of Spain from 1939-1975, to honor and bury those who fell during the Spanish Civil War. The monument is built around woodlands and granite boulders across the Sierra de Guadarrama hills. On top of the monument is the tallest memorial cross in the world and can be seen from over 20 miles away! Overall the monument took 18 years to complete--laborers had to cut into the mountain to build the basilica underground!
In the valley surrounding the basilica, over 40,000 Nationalists and Republicans are buried. Franco claimed that this monument is meant to be a "national act of atonement"; however, El Valle de los Caídos is extremely controversial. Firstly, convicts constructed the monument in exchange for a reduction in time served. Secondly, Franco, who died of health problems, is buried inside the basilica opposite of José Antonio Primo de Rivera, who was executed by the Spanish Republican government during the Spanish Civil War. It was very unsettling to see their tombs within 10 feet of each other in a Catholic basilica....they fought on opposite sides throughout the war. Also, Franco received help from Hitler's Nazi Germany to defeat the Nationalists...unsettling yet again. Moreover, Franco won the war after leaving 500,000 dead...he organized concentration camps, forced labor, and executions after the war...leaving hundreds of thousands dead yet again.
When I entered the basilica, I felt uncomfortable. It didn't feel like a regular Catholic basilica...I sensed the pain...I felt the tension. It didn't seem to be a true memorial to me, but rather a monument for Franco himself.
After leaving the basilica, we had a bit of a photo shoot on a cliff overlooking the valley! It was one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen!
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| El Escorial courtesy of Wikipedia...couldn't help myself! It's gorgeous! |
Upon entering, we first saw the Courtyard of the Kings and the Basilica. The Basilica is in the form of a cross and is the central building of El Escorial. I was most amazed by the reliquaries inside the Basilica! It is one of the largest reliquaries in all of Catholicism. The collection consists of 7,500 relics (including bones and clothing items of saints!)
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| Modeling in the Courtyard of Kings just as we casual Europeans do ;) |
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| Collection of relics in the Basilica |
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| Royal Panetheon. This picture doesn't do it justice unfortunately! |
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| O-H-I-O in the courtyard! |
Finally we visited the library that holds over 40,000 volumes! It has marble floors and carved wooden shelves! The ceiling is decorated with frescoes depicting liberal arts. Simply beautiful!
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| Beautiful library! |
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| Valley of the Fallen! Thank you Google Images! |
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| My dear friend Sasa took this beautiful picture! Here is the entrance to the basilica. |
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| Franco's tombstone. They change the flowers daily! |
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| Basilica entrance. Everything is very dark and somber. |
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| Looking over the valley! |
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| Can't believe we sat on this cliff! |
Overall, we had a great day visiting these historical places! I learned so much and am so appreciative to have had this opportunity! Like I said, I'm far behind on my blog posts but am working hard to keep up! There will be more coming soon! Adiós for now!
Picture credits:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Escorial
http://bestwesternhotelarosa.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/6-cosas-que-no-sabias-sobre-el-monasterio-de-san-lorenzo-de-el-escorial/
http://www.unofficialroyalty.com/royal-burial-sites/spanish-royal-burial-sites/spanish-royal-burial-sites-of-the-kingdom-of-spain-1516-present/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Escorial
http://turismo-sostenible.net/2011/12/02/report-valle-de-los-caidos-valley/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/8147133/Demonstrators-demand-destruction-of-Francos-tomb.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valle_de_los_Ca%C3%ADdos
Monday, June 30, 2014
Como un Jefe! AKA "Like a Boss!"
Hola! I'd like to take a couple minutes to simply recount my experience living with a 6 year-old Spanish girl...so here goes!
The other day when I arrived to my host family's house, Paula (6 year-old daughter) asked Michaela, Molly, Hailey, (the girls from America) and me to play with her in her room. She decided she would be the teacher and we would be the students. Everything sounds cute right now, right?
Well...then she made us read a book out loud. That was okay. All of a sudden she decided that I was a bad student and needed to stand in the "rincón" (corner) of the room. I played along with her and tried to creep out of the corner a couple times, but each time I went to move, she would point and yell at me to get back! Meanwhile, Michaela, Molly, and Hailey sat comfortably on her bed!
She then demanded that we sing like Violeta, a popular Disney Channel star in Spain. I began to sing and she yelled "para!" demanding that I stop! Apparently my voice does not resemble that of Violeta's....
Finally I was permitted to sit down on the floor. At this point we were all watching Paula sing with her microphone. Molly and I tried to get a picture of Paula, (she looked so cute!) but Paula got mad and stole our phones. We yelled "Paula, no eres mi madre!" AKA "Paula, you're not my mom!" and again continued to play along. Before long we became simply too overwhelmed with this game!
Then...several days later Paula decided it would be fun to lift my dress up multiple times right next to the kitchen. She wanted to see what color my underwear was...believe me...I tried to resist. Just after, she wanted to look through my closet to see what other clothing items I brought! This child is just so curious!!!
We then proceeded to playing house. She was the mom and I was the child. I could only refer to her as "madre." She began making eggs for me in her play kitchen, but I demanded chocolate instead! As a result, she served me up a little plate of ice cream and chocolate on top of eggs. How lucky was I?!
Then a day or so later, I explained to Paula that Hailey (from Tennessee) would be celebrating her birthday on Tuesday, July 1st. Paula got especially excited and suggested that we make a card...and so we did! She got all of her markers out and began working diligently. Then, all of a sudden, she told me to grab the green marker...then the red marker...then the blue marker...as if I were her personal assistant! I asked if I could help with the coloring...she wouldn't allow it. I told her I could draw really pretty roses...and she finally gave in! While I had to beg and beg and beg...and stoop down to a 6 year-old's level...in the end we had created a beautiful birthday card!
In sum...Paula is curious, adorable, sweet, ridiculous, funny, fascinating, LOCA (crazy), y COMO UN JEFE (like a boss)!!!
P.S. If you're wondering about the 24 year-old Spanish son who lives with me...he recently told me his favorite basketball team is the Miami Heat. I tried to explain how Cleveland fans tend to feel about Lebron James....enough said.
Picture credits:
http://www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/positive-discipline/timeouts
The other day when I arrived to my host family's house, Paula (6 year-old daughter) asked Michaela, Molly, Hailey, (the girls from America) and me to play with her in her room. She decided she would be the teacher and we would be the students. Everything sounds cute right now, right?
Well...then she made us read a book out loud. That was okay. All of a sudden she decided that I was a bad student and needed to stand in the "rincón" (corner) of the room. I played along with her and tried to creep out of the corner a couple times, but each time I went to move, she would point and yell at me to get back! Meanwhile, Michaela, Molly, and Hailey sat comfortably on her bed!
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| Basically this is what I looked like... |
Finally I was permitted to sit down on the floor. At this point we were all watching Paula sing with her microphone. Molly and I tried to get a picture of Paula, (she looked so cute!) but Paula got mad and stole our phones. We yelled "Paula, no eres mi madre!" AKA "Paula, you're not my mom!" and again continued to play along. Before long we became simply too overwhelmed with this game!
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| Cute and innocent ;) |
We then proceeded to playing house. She was the mom and I was the child. I could only refer to her as "madre." She began making eggs for me in her play kitchen, but I demanded chocolate instead! As a result, she served me up a little plate of ice cream and chocolate on top of eggs. How lucky was I?!
Then a day or so later, I explained to Paula that Hailey (from Tennessee) would be celebrating her birthday on Tuesday, July 1st. Paula got especially excited and suggested that we make a card...and so we did! She got all of her markers out and began working diligently. Then, all of a sudden, she told me to grab the green marker...then the red marker...then the blue marker...as if I were her personal assistant! I asked if I could help with the coloring...she wouldn't allow it. I told her I could draw really pretty roses...and she finally gave in! While I had to beg and beg and beg...and stoop down to a 6 year-old's level...in the end we had created a beautiful birthday card!
In sum...Paula is curious, adorable, sweet, ridiculous, funny, fascinating, LOCA (crazy), y COMO UN JEFE (like a boss)!!!
P.S. If you're wondering about the 24 year-old Spanish son who lives with me...he recently told me his favorite basketball team is the Miami Heat. I tried to explain how Cleveland fans tend to feel about Lebron James....enough said.
Picture credits:
http://www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/positive-discipline/timeouts
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Livin' the Spanish Vida!
Hola! The last few days I've really been embracing the Spanish lifestyle!
Monday I went to my first flamenco class! Of course it was taught in Spanish and there seemed to be at least 100 people in the room...so let's just say it wasn't the most productive. However, I HAD A TON OF FUN! I learned some of the basic steps, but struggled for the most part. There were only 2 teachers and it was very difficult to hear--let alone understand them--in a gym full of so many people! Before long I began putting my own spin on the flamenco! Instead of the beautiful hand movements (which are actually very hard to master), I began to utilize the forever graceful dinosaur arms. The girls outnumbered the boys of course, so the lovely Mary Nemer (Ohio State) was my partner. We stared deeply into each other's eyes and were definitely the best at making eye contact in comparison to all the other pairs. My host mom says it's a very difficult dance and that most people practice for years...I'm thinkin' I'll be a pro by the end of this trip ;)
After class I returned to my host family's house and found Paula (the 6 year-old daughter) watching Camp Rock on Disney Channel! I immediately began to explain the Jonas Brothers, referring to them as "muy guapos" (very good-looking). She giggled and I tried to explain High School Musical and other Disney Channel shows that our popular in the U.S. Moreover, Tuesday morning when I walked into the kitchen, Paula whispered something into her mom's ear. According to Rosario, my host mom, Paula thought that I looked "guapa!" Haha how sweet is she?! My relationship with my Spanish sister is progressing! YAY!
Also, the last few days have been difficult as far as classes go; therefore, I've been going to office hours like a beast! My professors are very encouraging and supportive! I feel like I'm really improving and definitely doing my best to learn!
FUN FACT: The other day in my Spanish architecture class I learned that the university at which I am studying used to be a monastery! It has existed since the 17th century! HOW CRAZY IS THAT?!
Also, Tuesday we had a dinner called "Cena de los Rompehielos," in which we met people ages 18-30 who live in Toledo, Spain. Rompehielos means icebreaker! We mingled with them and exchanged contact information in order to become "intercambios." This means that we will meet up once a week and will talk in Spanish for 1 hour and English for 1 hour!
After cena, I came home to find Hailey (the girl from Tennessee who lives with me) and Paula playing in Paula's pink princess bedroom! Paula said she would make us bracelets, and I immediately jumped around the room excitedly! Then...Paula said, "Estás loca!" You guessed it...she called me crazy. Her castigo (punishment) was a major tickling session! Haha we had fun playing and I can't wait until she finishes that bracelet for me! :)
I'm sure you're dying to hear how my Wednesday went....am I right?! Well...let's just say that my friends and I have determined that "we cannot live off of bread alone." Wednesday's lunch was not the best...so I filled up on bread. Also, the flan (typical dessert) was way too "eggy" so we decided to call it a flamelette. Thankfully dinner was much better; however, I am missing American food!!! More about Wednesday to follow in my next post, but adiós for now!
Picture credits:
http://www.holabarcelonatours.com/flamenco.html
http://khakisandcarryout.com/2011/05/12/shrinking/
http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-and-come-to-office-hours/
Monday I went to my first flamenco class! Of course it was taught in Spanish and there seemed to be at least 100 people in the room...so let's just say it wasn't the most productive. However, I HAD A TON OF FUN! I learned some of the basic steps, but struggled for the most part. There were only 2 teachers and it was very difficult to hear--let alone understand them--in a gym full of so many people! Before long I began putting my own spin on the flamenco! Instead of the beautiful hand movements (which are actually very hard to master), I began to utilize the forever graceful dinosaur arms. The girls outnumbered the boys of course, so the lovely Mary Nemer (Ohio State) was my partner. We stared deeply into each other's eyes and were definitely the best at making eye contact in comparison to all the other pairs. My host mom says it's a very difficult dance and that most people practice for years...I'm thinkin' I'll be a pro by the end of this trip ;)
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| What the flamenco is supposed to look like... |
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| What I look like doing the flamenco... :) |
Also, the last few days have been difficult as far as classes go; therefore, I've been going to office hours like a beast! My professors are very encouraging and supportive! I feel like I'm really improving and definitely doing my best to learn!
 |
Also, Tuesday we had a dinner called "Cena de los Rompehielos," in which we met people ages 18-30 who live in Toledo, Spain. Rompehielos means icebreaker! We mingled with them and exchanged contact information in order to become "intercambios." This means that we will meet up once a week and will talk in Spanish for 1 hour and English for 1 hour!
After cena, I came home to find Hailey (the girl from Tennessee who lives with me) and Paula playing in Paula's pink princess bedroom! Paula said she would make us bracelets, and I immediately jumped around the room excitedly! Then...Paula said, "Estás loca!" You guessed it...she called me crazy. Her castigo (punishment) was a major tickling session! Haha we had fun playing and I can't wait until she finishes that bracelet for me! :)
I'm sure you're dying to hear how my Wednesday went....am I right?! Well...let's just say that my friends and I have determined that "we cannot live off of bread alone." Wednesday's lunch was not the best...so I filled up on bread. Also, the flan (typical dessert) was way too "eggy" so we decided to call it a flamelette. Thankfully dinner was much better; however, I am missing American food!!! More about Wednesday to follow in my next post, but adiós for now!
Picture credits:
http://www.holabarcelonatours.com/flamenco.html
http://khakisandcarryout.com/2011/05/12/shrinking/
http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-and-come-to-office-hours/
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