Vive Valencia

2010-05-07T19:11:00.007+02:00

"Remember what Bilbo used to say: It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."

Last night we met up with our good friend Zebra to say our goodbyes.

Now the suitcases are packed and the final tortilla is frying. This will be my last post I send to you from Spain. I thank you all so much for keeping up and commenting about my blog. It was a great way to feel like you guys were always close by throughout this year.

I hope you have enjoyed my posts. I have had the most incredible time this year and I really had a good time creating all of these blogs about my experiences.

Just a few more goodbyes to go, Amparo being the heart of them. I leave Valencia tonight but have a long travel route. I will be home Sunday Morning. I am excited to be back and with you all once again! See you soon. -Marli

My brain is in a million places. Though this morning it was confirmed that my head, at least, is still on tight.

2010-05-06T20:02:00.005+02:00

Last full day in Valencia. I woke up and decided that the day should be documented. Therefore it consists of many random pictures. Oddly, this turned out to be one of the best to portray the day. Tests are over, summer is here! We had our last meeting with ISA today and I met up with some professors to recieve my grades, which so far are all great. Everything is going by quickly, rapidly, insanely...so I gave myself the reminder to just take it all in, but also to breath, remain calm and keep my head.

Amparo made meatballs in Spanish sauce today. It was good and I wrote down the recipe (meaning ingredients, we don't believe in recipes here) So hopefully someday I master the dish.

Luggage is strewn about the bedroom. I have two out of three suitcases packed. This afternoon Kelsey and I went for a walk down through the center to see all of the plazas one more time. It was really fun. We sat in Plaza Reina at a Horchateria and had chufa icecream, which is delicious. The chufa is the nut from which they use to make horchata. Now we are home, just hanging out until supper.

I still plan to run to Mercadona tomorrow and buy a few ingredients and food items that I need to make some of these dishes. I Hope I will be able to find something comparable in the States.
Tonight at one of our favorite places they are celebrating "5 de May0" However on the 6th...?...Anyway they are serving Margaritas, Special brewn "Desperado beer" and serving variety of Mexican food as tapas; which mean they come free with a drink.
It should be fun.

HAPPY POST #140!

BUENOS DIAS VALENCIA

2010-05-05T08:38:00.016+02:00

"Can't close my eyes,

they're wide awake.

Ev'ry hair on my body

has got a thing for this place.

Oh empty my heart.

I've got to make room

for this feeling so much bigger than me.

It couldn't be any more beautiful

- I can't take it in."

-Imogen Heap

2010-05-04T11:33:00.003+02:00

"Tell me one last thing," said Harry. "Is this real? Or is this happening inside my head?" "Of course it is happening inside of your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean it is not real"

Yes, it was a quote in tribute to Harry Potter Status Day on Facebook. I felt the need to repost it on here for those of you who do not have facebook. A charactaristic in which I applaud. Also due to the fact that to its entirety, it explains the emotions about these closing chapters in my study abroad experience while I am looking back on this incredible year.

Furthermore I have no doubt that life is best expressed in relation to Harry Potter quotes.

Which reminds me of how someone, very special in my life, wanted me to explain Rugby. The serious first sport that they could think of to relate and use in comparision to rugby, was quidditch.

RABBIT!

2010-05-03T20:31:00.004+02:00

Yep, this was Amparo's response when I agreed to ease into the 'eating rabbit thing'. She made me feel how fresh it was. This picture WAS taken without her knowledge. I handled it well when she threw it at me and made me 'feel the freshness of the meat'. Tears welled but never poured, puke creeped but never spewed...

It did end up being delicious though, as guilty as I now feel looking at this picture. I just didn't know that the original agreement was leading to me, holding and seeing the bunny in whole!

Valencia's Weekday Forecast...

2010-05-03T20:28:00.003+02:00

60'S AND
RAIN!
Looks like 75% of my distractions from studying are out the window...

Two Finals & one paper down... four finals to go!

May 1

2010-05-01T15:16:00.001+02:00

Happy Labor Day to my friends across the European Union!

April - That's a WRAP!

2010-04-30T15:41:00.005+02:00

I don't really have any worthy updates. Everyone is freaking out about finals and all of this 'leaving Spain' jazz.

There is a Flamenco fair thing in the rio this weekend that I want to go check out. It isn't a whole day thing, I just want to go see what it is about and hopefully see some jam sessions. My friend Laura has a concert tonight that I want and should go to. She is in a punk-rock Christian band, I have seen her myspace page, they seem good. I am still sunburnt, but I am okay with it. A temporary souviner of Spain right? Today is a bit cooler, I hope to go for a run later, maybe that will get rid of some of this panic my body is feeling.

My professors are deciding to drop a lot of last minute papers for next week. No one seems happy to hear this news, but I guess they are professors, they can do what they want. So that sort of put a cabosch to my 'ideal' final weekend. (as this news would to any weekend in any location) I plan on making the most of this afternoon/tonight and then hope to be productive for the majority of Sat and Sun. My finals are over on Wednesday, so I will then have time to assemble emotions, luggage, souviners and brain. ha!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

What Is That Tantilizing Tune?

2010-04-29T14:17:00.005+02:00

Looking back through my blogs, I realized what a loser I am. I made a huge production about Karlos Argiñano and his cooking show that we LOVE. I also promised a video that never posted. So here it is. "The long, awaited for" Karlos Theme Song.

I recorded the first minute or so of the program, however if you are sick of it after the theme song, well the theme song is all I ask you to experience.

KEBAB

2010-04-25T02:12:00.005+02:00

I have never before blogged about a Doner Kebab, and I am sorry. Kebabs are the best fast food you can get. I don't even believe that is just my opinion, I think it is a true fact... ;)

They are Turkish food. When we first arrived in Spain, two girls and I ate at a Kebab restaurant in Madrid. I remember we thought we had found something unique and extraordinary. Unique was not true, they are all over Europe, however extraordinary IS the perfect description of this food.

I don't even know how to describe the heavenly taste of these sandwiches. It is sort of in Panini bread, but it is different. You can get either lamb or chicken or a mix of the two as meat. Then you pick toppings and sauce (just have them load it up). All I can say is if you ever see a Kebab restaurant GO IN and get a Doner.

We're Talking The Whole Enchilada

2010-04-22T14:54:00.010+02:00

I thought I should clarify that as of Wednesday, airports took a quantum leap in availability, and most are up and running. The ISA kids that were stranded have now made it back to Spain. My roommate Alex will be leaving us tomorrow. He is certainly ready to get out of here.

Other News: It is crappy weather out today. Warm yet rainy. That should force a bit of productivity out of me while I am avoiding the outdoors. However to my brain... this idea won't wash and I continue to do nothing. Oh well I suppose, even Homer nods...

We have only one more week of classes and then finals! I definitely need to find my spark of academic fire soon! A lot seems to troop across my brain. There are finals to prepare for, things I think I need to do for the first, and/or last time, before I put myself on a plane out of here. I continually eyeball my belongings in comparsion to the size of my suitcases; and pray I haven't acquired too much "stuff "while I have been here.

Lately home is the main channel on in the brain. Then, there are moments like today, where I met our new neighbors who moved into the 4th floor of our building. Four out of the four roommates are gorgeous, friendly, and male...and now I leave.

Anyway it will be a busy two weeks. I will try to keep myself as calm and collective as possible. I feel as though if any sort of tranquility is to be found in apartment 17, it will have to come from me.

Mercadona

2010-04-19T00:31:00.006+02:00

Have you ever stopped to think about how all home dwellers who do not own a car haul all of their groceries to and from the supermarket? Well you are looking at the answer...

"The Rolly Cart"

When I first arrived in Spain, and saw people rolling these carts up and down the streets. I thought that they had yet to hear of the latest version of rolly suitcases; but I was wrong.

These seem pretty handy. There are little cart stations inside the grocery stores where people can lock their carts up, and then go get their groceries. Or if they are shopping at the Center Market, you buy things from each booth and then you can just put it in your cart as you continue shopping.

Simple blog, for a simple creation.

"Eyjafjallajokull" :Europeans Scream Out:

2010-04-18T15:13:00.008+02:00

No, it is not a cover up for spitting curse words happening throughout Europe. It is the name of the Icelandic volcano that is now grounding travelers throughout the european continent. This volcano has been erupting four consecutive days now and travelers are stranded.

Air Travel through the majority of Europe has been paralyzed, leaving travelers stranded.

Airports in Northern Spain are closed. However airports, closed or not, are having backups and cancellations do to all of the destination's airways that are completely shutdown.

They are saying that these airlines are losing around $200 million a day. At the moment officials are saying that it could get better...and it could get worse.

It has been over 200 years since this volcano last erupted. When it did, it erupted on and off for over a year. We are all crossing our fingers to see things clear up. It would certainly be nice if officials give can us some sort of helpful response, good or bad.

News reports have been talking about Germany running test flights to see if there is any flight damage. We will see what sort of results those bring. I can't imagine the pandemonium that will unveil once airways re-open.

Everyone is still asking questions to undiscovered answers. There are two girls in our program who are stuck in Rome to do the eruption. They already know that they can't get back to Valencia before Wednesday. I don't know if it is due to the fact that they are affected by the ash, or if their airlines are just so affected by the backups and cancellations.

As of now, my roommate from Jersey Island is staying here an extra week. I have a friend in the program who went to Norway the day before the eruption. She is now stuck there, for who knows how long. They are just few examples, of the millions of people, who are waiting for the skies to clear.

Link to see an animation of how the ash spread throughout the weekend.
http://www.dmu.dk/International/News/vulcanicplume.htm

Que Será, Será

2010-04-14T23:46:00.005+02:00

Well chances of a rugby blog came spiraling downward as I found out that I cannot travel/play with them. My luck could be worse, however I am sad that I cannot go along and play. It is also upsetting that I spent these past two months training with them just to find out that I cannot play. At least I learned some new drills and spanish?

I don't have much reason to explain why I cannot play, due to the fact that I still don't really understand. Only that Spain surprisingly does have some deadlines that they stick too, and I failed to meet them. The coaches, as well, seemed sad to tell me this. They told me to sign up and play with them for the summer. Don't worry, the offer wasn't tempting enough.

So my Spanish rugby adventures have reached the end of their short path.

Jeri, Brooke, Bo and Brad sent me a box of Girl Scout Peanut Butter Patties! Upon their arrival, the office could have reminded you of that scene in the lunchroom from 'Mean Girls'. The one where they are all scrambling and fighting 'like a jungle', sort of. Truly, there were only five others in the office who maybe mentioned their Peanut Butter withdrawls. However to me, this was a form of attack on my box of patties. Don't worry in the end I did shared. They all loved them, but I am going to try to make the remaining last...at least through the weekend.

Thank you Jeri, Brooke and family!

I'd like to see some "Visi-oori-cism" Architecture please!

2010-04-10T21:33:00.006+02:00

I wish that we had the time to blog/read about all of the downtime of my Semana Santa week. However I do want to note a few of my favorite things I saw while visiting the city while the processions weren't going on. Out of all of the places I visited during the week, my favorite was the Cathedral in Cordoba.

This Cathedral, like many others is built on top of other destroyed cathedrals and historical sites of worship. First this Cathedral sits on top of ruins from the Visigoths. After the visigoths Cordoba was invaded by the Moors and the Muslims demolished the former church and started building a Mosque in 785.

Under moorish rule the Mosque went through four stages of contsruction, basically just so the four different kings that ruled throughout that time could show their power by building bigger and better. This mosque was considered to be the most important sanctuary of Western Islam, at the time when Cordoba was the capital of Al-Andalus. (Al-Andalus is what the province Andalucia was called during the Moorish rule).

Then when the Reyes Catolicos reconquered Cordoba in 1936 King Ferdinand eagerly 'purified' the mosque and reclaimed the Gospel to annouce the reconstruction in the belief of Christ. So basically they built a huge cathedral smack dab in the middle of this beautiful Mosque. Today it is still used as their Cathedral. Many of the Easter processions went through the Cathedral during their routes.

Paso

2010-04-08T19:56:00.004+02:00

It would be really hard for me to pick my favorite paso. I saw many in each city. In a lot of situations, once you see one it is hard to escape from seeing the others. The streets are covered with people waiting or walking to see a paso. I seemed to have good luck in catching them as they were approaching and getting good spots for photos.

The emotions you will feel when seeing it will vary between everyone. So I cannot tell you what you will think of them. Religous or not, if you ever witness these processions the wave of silence that will flood over the entire street as the sight of the floats come into view is something you won't be able to forget.

The idea that this holds such a high importance and meaningful significance to so many people is incredible, you can't help but get goosebumps as you watch the images of Christ and the Virgin Mary hover over the crowd of people in passing. They are accompanied with bands, silence or the 'saeta' which is song sung by only person to the 'float' of the virgin Mary.

(Saeta is the coolest/saddest...I think)

It was all really incredible. I guess one of the best parts for me was on Easter Sunday, I was walking to the Cathedral for Easter Mass in Sevilla and I heard the bands of a procession. I hadn't thought that they did any processions on Sunday because Jesus has risen, so I was hoping I would see it on my walk.

I heard it getting louder and as I turned the corner to reach the cathedral there was the procession all dressed in white carrying only Mary. Mary who was no longer weeping because her son is now with God. (It was also a good climax to my 'Jesus Christ Has Risen Today' church hymn I was singing).

An image that is will be impossible to forget.

Lucy, you've got some exSpaining to do...

2010-04-08T18:35:00.014+02:00

Nazarenos: Member of the hermanidad that are dressed in a robe and cone shaped hat to hide their identity. Many I guess aren't allowed to speak to anyone while wearing these garments. I saw plenty of the younger nazarenos with their parents or friends walking beside them giving them water breaks. Or saying a quick hello while the paso was at a standstill. The Nazarenos can be carrying candles, banners, crosses, incense...and walk along the procession. There are many in each brotherhood, on Thursday night, which is the most famous night there can be up to a thousand who march in each brotherhood.
Capirote: The name of the cone shaped hats that they wear. They are pointing to to heavens, and symbolic to repentance and grief.

Costalero: Is the term used for the men who carry the float. In Malaga these men were also dressed in robes and were visible under the floats. However in Cordoba and Sevilla they were hidden under the floats and are directed by other men called the...

Capataz, who direct the men underneath about turns and give commands about when to re-lift the float and to start/stop marching etc. All locations have these men, it was just neat to see how silent and calm he was, and how everything went so smoothly, expecially in those two cities where the men underneath cannot see anything.

Penitente: These are members of the brotherhood who are repenting their sins. They carry a wooden cross and normally go barefoot, some being in chains. I saw some carrying up to four crosses on their back.

Holy Week || Semana Santa

2010-04-08T16:55:00.009+02:00

Holy Week is called Semana Santa in Spain. The religious traditions of Easter are popular in all parts of Spain, and celebrated differently varying region to region. They the most popular in Andalucia. Easter is Spain's most important and most celebrated holiday. I decided to travel down south to experience the hype.

I was in Malaga, Cordoba and Sevilla to take part in the Easter celebrations and here is what I saw, the visual breakdown of my Semana Santa experience.

First I should say that each town has their own style and way of doing things, all over Spain. Malaga had a much less serious manner behind their Easter traditions whereas some people were weeping in Cordoba and Sevilla...

Festivities begin on Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) and go until Easter Sunday (Pascua).

Each town has many different brotherhoods (hermandades). The brotherhood traditionally consists of male members from a particular parish. Their purpose is to re-enact a specific theme or moment related to the suffering of Christ. They do so by carrying statues/floats/figures through the streets in processions (called pasos) during Holy Week. These processions go on for hours, many go well into morning.

There are about five or six processions going on each day. At tourist information you can find pamphlets of their routes, times and which passion it was etc. However if you think you are going to see them all, you are sorely mistaken.

These must be some of the biggest crowds ever. If you don't get their early enough, you won't have a good view of the procession, because besides the float that they are carrying on thier shoulders, everything else is at eye level. These processions are slow. You have to get their early and wait. When you finally see one coming into sight it stays in the distance for awhile because the men can only carry it so far at a time. Once it comes, it passes for about 15 to 30 minutes and then depending on how you have stationed yourself you can wait for another paso to come through, or you will have to go find another if you decided to view from a less popular street.

If you also plan out the route a bit, and try to hit up the less popular streets OR just have sheer luck, you can get fantastic views of these remarkable processions. There are areas in the town with prepaid seating. Many are blocked off with walls and panels so you can't even see what is going on. Others are just blocked off far enough back that your view is really crappy, or you will have the security guard in all of your photos (my night #1 in Malaga) So you have to think 'anti crowd' and you will be fine.

This is a paso in Sevilla that is entering the Cathedral. The crowd in their prepaid seats, and my camera arm... beautifully long enough to snap photos over the panel blocking the rest of us out.

Besides the float that is carried, there are many men and now also women, carrying flags and candles leading or following the floats. Each brotherhood has two floats; one for Jesus and one for Mary. Each of those floats are lead and followed by more hooded candle holders etc. and are accompanied by their own band. (besides the few that are in total silence)

There are members of the parish or family members who choose to follow their favorite procession through the streets. Many follow it throughout the entire night, others just go for as long as they can. These pasos, some go up to about 6 or 7 hours, others around 10 to 12 hours long!

A Float of the Virgin Mary. La Dolorosa en Córdoba: Paso de los Dolores

Another interesting thing about these processions is that whether it is a member for the brotherhood, or a nazareno, there are some people that choose to walk it barefoot and some that choose to walk it blindfolded while others who are walking aid them along. Those are people who are even more serious about their traditions and do these things as a type of sacrifice for Christ.

Each day they are different brotherhoods, different floats and different color of attire. On Friday they are all dressed/hooded in black to represent the death and the burial of Christ.

That in short is a summary of what they do/represent during Semana Santa in Spain. The two most important days in Spain during the Easter Season is Palm Sunday and late Thursday night -Friday. So it was weird that Easter Sunday isn't thought of as the most important day of the celebrations.

In short that is the outline of what happens during Holy Week in Spain. Details/Vocab to come!

TRIENTA

2010-04-07T23:16:00.004+02:00

We are at the thirty day mark until I leave Valencia. Add two days of travel time before I get to see my family. Some may think that I am jumping the gun on this 30 day countdown, because for 'you' it is 32, however this goodbye/hello journey is already starting.

I just got back from my Easter traveling this afternoon. I hope to blog about my trip and upload some pictures soon. I said goodbye to Ryanair which is the cheap airline through which I have mainly done all of my European traveling.

When I got home it was great to catch up with Amparo. She then gave me sponge seeds, of her own, so that I can try to grow natural sponge to remember her by. (odd-impressive-so fitting)

I also came home to a new housemate. His name is Alex, he is 18 and he is from Jersey. No, not New Jersey but Jersey Island...where Jersey COWS come from! haha He has told me some neat facts about his home in the Channel Islands. The island that can be driven across in 20 minutes. Also, he said he almost puked when putting the Spanish milk in his tea. I guess you have not tasted milk until you have tested it in Jersey...

Updates about Holy Week will hopefully be on their way soon. In short, I am back in Valencia and enjoying my remaining time in Spain.

I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn't know how to get along without it. -Walt Disney

2010-03-24T22:54:00.004+01:00

I have been trying all night to figure a way to express my discouragement in how befriending these ruggers is an epic fail. Life is SO MUCH easier without this language barrier crap.

198 days and I am still not up to the Spanish par.

However, do not read this and think I am in a panic, I am turning to Walt with this one. We are ready to face practice Friday by putting the sheer embarrassment of today behind us.

A Brief Interruption

2010-03-21T22:57:00.006+01:00

Well with Fallas over and done with, school starts again tomorrow. It will be weird to try to get back into routine. However we will only be getting a taste of our academic lives because then we have two more weeks of vacation off for the celebrations of Holy week & Easter.

Excuse me ladies and gentalmen, at this time may you please take a moment to pick up your jaw from off of the floor.

Thank you. -Blogger Maintenance Crew

Fallas: La Cremá

2010-03-21T02:23:00.009+01:00

La Cremá or the burning marks the end of the Fallas celebration.

If you remember back to my blog about the Fallas, and how they are built in honor of St. Joseph however I also mentioned that they symbolize faults or mistakes that could be improved in the years to come.

Well by burning these Fallas at the end of the festival, on the 19th of February, St. Joseph's Day, it symbolizes a clensing of the city and of the past years faults.

One of the Falla that I watched burn is this one of the grandparents and their grandchildren. Spain has a big concern about how children are being raised today. Meaning that they are upset that they can't take them away from their video games or movies to read or do other things.

Also in Spain, it is very normal for Grandparents to take care of their grandchildren. Amparo explained that it is normal for Spaniards to always live close to their family, and while the parents continue to work, they just push off the responsibilities to their parents.

So even though the fallas symbolize a problem that is occurring, they represent it in a way that gives their residents a laugh.

I saw in total four fallas be burned. It was a good end to all of the celebrations, today has been silent. My ears are trying to adjust to the lack of explosions, it was nice walking down the streets today without having to worry about dodging firecrackers or remaining tense in alarm about the chance of having to dodge them.

Fallas: Ofrenda de Flores a la Virgen de los Desamparados

2010-03-21T01:21:00.007+01:00

"La Ofrenda," The Offering is a procession that happens the 17th and 18th of March during Fallas. It is a procession of thousands of "Falleras" and "Falleros" from all over Valencia. They are dressed in traditional regional costumes, and offer flowers to a huge statue of the Virgin of the Forsaken; "Virgen de los Desamparados". It is a beautiful procession however it goes from 4pm to 1am both on the 17th and 18th. So it is something you can definitely come back to check up on after you have watched a good share of the offering.

The Falleros are just so beautiful in their outfits that it is hard to get bored. Falleros can be range from any age. These garments that they wear (mostly the womens) can range from the low to high thousands of dollars! The veils that they are wearing, they only wear during the offering, which is tradition.

So in these beautiful outfits they celebrate Fallas all week. They are involved in the festivities in many ways, however the offering is one of the most important/meaningful for them.

The thousands of flowers that these Faller@s offer, are used to create the dress of Valencia's patron saint. That itself is a slow and awesome process to watch. There are men climbing up and down the wooden planks filling in the dresses with the right color of flowers etc.

Many of the Falleras in the procession you will see crying for their Lady Patron Saint as they offer up their flowers. Each committee has a good number of faller@s that has their own band, and in addition to their bouquets of flowers that they offer up to complete the dress, they also offer a huge unique floral basket which gets placed in her plaza by the Basilica.

Fallas: Is a Battlefield

2010-03-19T15:10:00.004+01:00

Petardos, is the spanish word for firecrackers. They seem to be all age friendly in Valencia and constantly they are going off. EVERYWHERE. You always have to have an eye out for them. You are walking and people will throw them low in front of you, if you aren't paying attention you WILL be scared half to death...and half to DEAF because wow, this week I have experienced noise to an uncomparable extent. It is rediculous. 24/7 Petardos are being set off in all directions. There is one firework that they call 'Borrachos' and it is because when they go off they can spurt out in any direction. I warn you my friends, when you are walking the streets of Valencia during the week of Fallas; take cover...and fight back.

This is a picture of a trashcan on my block...or the remains of it. Someone must have let off a petardo inside.

Fallas: Wake Up Call

2010-03-19T12:49:00.005+01:00

Valencia has a sick sense of humor. They encourage you to celebrate Fallas into the wee hours of the morning. Go out and celebrate big. "VIVA LAS FALLAS" Then each morning during Fallas at 7a.m. they have a 'wake up brigade' that stroll around each barrio. There is a band, Falleros, and they let off a none stop supply of fireworks as they march around the barrio from 7-8am. What kind of cruel joke is this?

7:30 a.m. thank you yet again Valencia, I AM UP!

Fallas: Food

2010-03-18T16:26:00.014+01:00

BUÑUELOS Y UN TAZA DE CHOCOLATE

Fallas would be incomplete without signature specialties in food. There are stands up all over town. The most historical and famous treat that is offered is Buñuelos 'doughnuts' made from a pumpkin based dough to accompany your cup of chocolate. They are delicious.

Also you can find purros or churros to go along with your cup of hot chocolate, they all seem to be about the same. A type of fried dough, but buñuelos are the only kind I have sampled so far.

Other food stands I have seen around are for 'Patatas Asadas', so a fried potato stand (french fries). There are many icecream and drink stands. Many stands that are types of roasted nuts and corn. Many that have trays of candies set out that you can just go and fill a baggie and pay by the pound.

I have seen coconut to sell by the pieces, and tiger nuts. Horchata stands are a must.
Last night on our walk home Nikki and I saw a man grilling hotdogs, which I have also seen around. However besides hotdogs he was grilling Chorizo (sausage) and Murthia (blood sausage). I did try to picture anyone ordering Murthia as a hotdog and just chomping it down...which made me sick. At the same time, I was curious, but didn't try it.

There are also many paella stands and restaurants offering plates of paella to go. Last night there was a paella cooking competition.

Anyway here is a post to offer you some idea of what sort of things people are eating during the festivals. Also, you will see everyone with a tin foil wrapped sub sandwhich that they packed from home. It is so simple, but it is a sight I will miss when I go back home. Everyone uses tin foil to wrap their 'bocadillos' and people are always packing them, not only during Fallas.

Fallas: Fireworks "Nit del Foc"

2010-03-16T23:31:00.006+01:00

Each night this week there has been a fireworks display. Most are at midnight, tonights is at 1am. They are truly something else. Valencia is a land of protechnics, all of their celebrations seem to be accompanied by mass amounts of gunpowder. These fireworks are nothing but impressive. Here are a few pictures of the clearing in the river where they set off the fireworks each night and of an attempt to show their greatness. (doesn't compare)

Thursday at 1:30a.m. is the last firework display of Fallas. It is called "Nit del Foc" "Night of Fire", and goes off to celebrate the ringing in of the last day of the festivities. I don't know how anything can top the others from this week. I am eager to see what tonight will bring!

Fallas: A Tribute to St. Joseph

2010-03-16T17:22:00.011+01:00

Without a doubt the most interesting part of the Las Fallas Festival is The 'Fallas' themselves. The festival is celebrated in honor of Saint Joseph, patron Saint of workers and carpenters. These giant structures are created throughout the entire year by carpenters and artists around Valencia.

This morning at 8am the Fallas had to be completed and all of the finishing touches had to be made. There were people working on their Fallas throughout the night. These people have been working on these babies for an entire year, so you can imagine how they want everything to be just right for the judging that is to come throughout the week.

People walk around noting the artwork and talent of these artists that dedicate their work to Saint Joseph, however the Fallas also have a story. Falla is Spanish for fault. These different structures represent faults that have happened in the world throughout the past year. Each falla is a structure with many pieces (called Ninots) that when assembled together to make a story.

On all of these fallas there are signs saying what it represents or what it is symbolic to, or how it tells a story. Of course these are written in Valenciano...so it is sometimes hard to always get the true spirit of the Falla without being able to read the artists intensions.

There aren't just a few fallas up here and there, the city is COVERED in them. Amparo noted some of the sites on my map that normally have some really impressive structures, however it takes forever to get to them because you continue seeing one around each corner you walk. Naturally some are bigger and more impressive than others, it depends on which barrio they are in and how much money each barrio donates to the creation of their falla. I read that this year in total Valencia spent around 9 Million in donations toward the creations of these Fallas.

If there is a falla around, there are people, a band, and food stands in the plaza as well. Along with loads of people enjoying it.

From what I have explored in the last two days many fallas are in a running tie to be my favorite. These pictures are some of my favorite fallas that I have seen. However there have been loads more that are incredible as well. They are all wonderful with insane details. I don't know how the judges could choose a winner.

Fallas: Mascletas

2010-03-16T16:22:00.007+01:00

The Mascletas are rediculous. If you aren't in the plaza by 1:30...you are crammed on one of the streets leading to the plaza. It seems like everyone comes to the plaza to hear and see the mascleta.

All of the offices and apartments that surround the plaza will have their windows open and peoples heads sticking out to cheer on the noise.

You wait for it to begin for so long. Then after the first boom your ears are rumbling as the plaza gradually gets swallowed up by a dark haze of smoke from the firecrackers.

The mascletas are held at 2pm daily during Fallas week. They only lasts 5 minutes, but what a five minutes! Then the smoke clears, the cheering begins and the bands and music start up to continue celebrating These are pictures of Tuesday's mascleta. I was a block away from the plaza. Yesterday I was about the 3rd row away from the Fireworks, today my ears thanked me for arriving later :).

Fallas: Street Light Displays

2010-03-16T15:47:00.003+01:00

Monday's events were F-U-N. I attended a bookfair with a few girls from ISA before we headed to the mascleta. The mascleta was loud, as promised. The rhythm of the booms and blasts were timed and sometimes you could make out a specific beat, which was cool. Continuous explosions for 5 minutes straight, then leaving the plaza hidden in spoke and loud cheering.

Yesterday evening I went to the Ruzafa district where they have insanely beautiful lighting displays up and down thier streets. It was so gorgeous to walk underneath them, and it seemed amazing all of the work that they put into them.

Then I walked around to see all of the artists and carpenters working on their Fallas. They have to have everything finished by 8am Tuesday morning, so that the judging can start and so that everyone can enjoy the finished project. There were a few of the workers who I chatted with asking about the Falla etc. I saw a lot of impressive pieces but will need to go back now (while also seeing others) as they will be the finished product.

Then at midnight there was the first fireworks show of the week, which was incredible. So that is a short summary of day one. The pictures on this blog are all from the 'street light displays'.

http://www.fallasfromvalencia.com/

2010-03-15T18:45:00.003+01:00

Well Fallas has arrived! After an ear shattering mascleta today, we have nothing to do but continue ringing in the celebrations! I don't know how much or little I will be blogging about Fallas throughout the week, I hope to keep updated. If not here is a link that you can go to see all of the different aspects of this week and the celebrations.

Los Reyes Catolicos

2010-03-15T16:46:00.006+01:00

I don't know if you will remember to my blog from the first week I was in Spain. I visited El Escorial that is a monastary and also the holding place of the bones of all of the Kings and Queens since Carlos V. Meaning that all but the "Reyes Catolicos" are buried in El Escorial.

Fernando V and Isabel I along with some members of their family are buried in Granada at Capilla Real. Their tombs are very beautiful, marble, however you can also walk down to see their caskets, which was weird.

They had a museum attached that held books, jewels, tapeteries and clothing from Fernando and Isabel, along with artworks.

The Capilla Real is located right behind Granada's Cathedral. The Catedral is huge and I think its most impressive details were the Organs. It too, was built over a sight of a former Mosque.

After visiting these two sites I walked around taking pictures of the city. I saw men practicing for Holy Week. Where they will have processions carrying statues through the streets. These men were practicing with a platform and bricks layed out on top to equal the weight of the statues. It was interesting, and there were a lot of timing and commands that were being yelled out.

Then I went back to the hotel to rest before going out for tapas. To my surprise England v. Scotland Six Nations game was on, so I watched that before I got ready for supper.

Tapas = supper in Adalucia...at least for people on a budget. Tapas are fun, and you will find them the most fun in Andalucia. Tapas are appitizers. What they do in Andalucia is with every drink you order, you get a tapa, for free. In other reigons in Spain they have tapas, but they are ones available for you to purchase. When we went out on Saturday night some places they let you select which you would like with each drink order. In others it depends on what # of drink you are on, and they will have a 1st round tapa 2nd round tapa etc. So this was great, and a really cheap way to get fed. We went to 4 different places, and were our from 9PM-1:AM and I think I only spent 6 euro.

Granada holds some interesting history and some great memories. I definately am excited that I am going to see more cities in Andalucia during Holy Week.

Alhambra & Moorish Influence

2010-03-15T00:24:00.010+01:00

The Moors made such an impact on Spanish culture, they ruled for 8 centuries so I suppose that is expected. One of the great remaining sites of just how smart and advanced the Moors were lies in the walls of the Alhambra. Architectually, This thing is a gem. All the water in the fountains that lead into bedrooms etc. are powered by aquaducts.

There are plenty parts that have been ruined. After Spain was under Catholic rule they destroyed many mosques in all of Spain, and built over top of the site a cathedral or church. A significance of power I suppose, however it was weird to see remains of a village and palaces of Arab history and then also in the center of it a church and a monastary. We took our tour of the Alhambra on Saturday morning. It took about 4 hours to tour the entire thing.

The Muslim influence is also shown in the layout of many of Granada's barrios and also has a place called Sacromonte. They are caves built into the hillsides that used to be homes. Having plumbing and electricity these caves are places where they hold Flamenco preformences.

I really like this picture because it shows the idea of Muslim arcitecture. That the outside holds little importance, and is just of simple brick and stone. On the contrary, the inside is elaborate, for your family and friends to enjoy. In a way it is supposed to relate how they should try to live thier lives, not caring about the outside, but keeping the inside of yourself and others pure and beautiful.

After the Alhambra we looked around some neat shops, and stopped in a 'teteria' -tea shop to sample some flavors of Granada. Then I crossed Gran Via and spend the afternoon in the '15th century'... the Granada under the rule of "Los Reyes Catolicos".

Introduction to Granada

2010-03-14T22:05:00.006+01:00

Granada was an absolute blast. First, I got a hotel room to myself. Inserting my key and seeing the green light of 'access granted' was a silent joy. Followed by the sound of the tiny beep that seems to say... 'open, you comfort awaits'. The sight through the doors was an addition to my glee. There were twin beds pushed together to form one gigantic sleeping space. For those of you who are new to the space-significance ratio...that is an obnoxious amount of space for one person. A space, that needs to be; invaded, jumped on, summersalted across, while finishing the routine by a 'belly-flop, bounce-into-air...spin-onto-back-before-landing-on-bed' move, where one would be positioned to create the perfect sheet angel. I would say that deserves a 10 from the judging table.

After I got over the adventures of my hotel room, I ventured out to see what Granada had to offer.

Granada is located in Adalucia and at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. (gorgeous) Granada is argued to be one of Spain's most historicly important cities. It was colonized by the Romans. In 711 a.d. it was taken over by the Moors.

Granada was the last city to be ruled by the Moors. In the 15th century King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel conquered Granada. Granada marked one of the most important sights of the Moor's history and success in the Iberian Penninsula. It was also the foundation city marking that all of Spain was under the rule of the 'reyes catolicos' in 1942, after the explusion of the Moors.

So what was there to explore?

-Alhambra

-Albaicín

-Catedral

-Capilla Real

-Tapas

...detailed blogs to come...

Spring Break...#1

2010-03-11T23:54:00.003+01:00

I head out with ISA tomorrow morning at 8:00am. We are traveling to Granada. I am really excited to see the Alhambra and the historical moorish influence in this city. When the Moors ruled Spain, their strongest 'base' and absolute final city of which they reined control was Granada. Until in 1942 when Fernando and Isabell defeated the Moors and expelled all of the arabs from Spain who wouldn't convert to Catholicism.

Anyway I am really excited. The arabs ruled Spain for so long (711-1492) that they have a major influence on so many aspects of Spain today. From their medicines, math, astrology, language, clothing, foods, agriculture...it is super interesting. (or at least I think so)

I hope to get in a couple of great blogs after this trip, and hopefully some photos to go accompany them (or vise versa) It has been awhile since I have traveled anywhere exciting to tell you about. Then when we get back we will be in the week of FALLAS! So also I hope to get in some fun posts during that week too!

That is all from me, sorry that the video clip never loaded for my last post. I really want you to hear Arguiñano's theme song...

Happy weekend!

Weekdays 2:00 - 2:30

2010-03-10T14:52:00.007+01:00

I am not sure if I have told you much about the man of this household yet? His name is Karlos Arguiñano and he is simply marvelous. Okay, so he maybe not be the man of this household, but he certainly holds rein over our menu and if we are lucky our weekday lunch entertainment

He has a cooking show that are foods that are very simple and easy to make. They are all products found in the markets around, and some recipes are famous from the various regions in Spain. I put the video clip of his theme song, even if you can't understand it give it a listen, he knows how to throw down a catchy tune. At least I think so, it is the tune that I have been humming for quite some time now.

If I didn't love this man already, I'd love watching him just to experience Amparo watching him. She writes down the recipes on whatever scraps of paper she can find. It is like she never remembers to have paper ready until she hears his theme song come on. If the recipe sounds good, she will try making it. (Tomorrow we are trying patatas riojanas)

I am not certain what Amparo thinks of him, however it revolves somewhere in the terms of "a-m-o-r". She laughs at his jokes, blushes when he surprises us with new ingredients and sometimes talks back to the "him" (the television) if she is really impressed.

Without a doubt Arquiñano is the man... of the kitchen.

OLE!

2010-03-07T12:21:00.008+01:00

I have started to volunteer on Friday afternoons at Altius, which is a type of after school program. The kids are ages 5-12. They are split into two different age groups where we do activities, help them with their homework and let them use the computers.

It hasn't been too challenging to communicate with them. Monitoring computer time... I am really good at. They are all focused on music videos or zombie games, so I can just go around and if they see my watching they are excited to give me play by plays. I tried to help one boy with his science homework, however that lasted .5 seconds because his textbook was in Valenciano.

This place could also remind you somewhat of a jungle. This allows me to use a lot of new phrases that I wouldn't have thought of before, such as... "please get off of the table"..."dear, why are you underneath the chair?"..."we don't pull hair" etc.

There are also plenty more that I have to learn. All in all I will say it was fun. I do have a couple of 'favorites'. One girl, Alba who loves Michael Jackson...and watched his videos during her entire computer time. (I based my monitoring station behind her screen). Also while watching the younger group, I played a board game with one boy Daniel. After ever decent dice roll, meaning anything higher than a 3, he would say "OLE!" with quite the amount of enthusiasm...possibly too precious for words.

'Head Fake'

2010-03-03T23:09:00.003+01:00

Well, if I haven't told you yet, I have joined the rugby team. Tonight was the first practice I attended. The good news is that they actually want me to come back! The bad news is, I sort of looked like a deer in the headlights the entire practice (or at least felt like it).

I started understanding a lot of what the coach said. Then the more drills we did, the faster they were explained. The faster she talked the more I just nodded my head faking that I had an idea and made sure not to be first to demonstrate. By the end of practice I was in the rugby and spanish groove.

However, MSUM ruggers, (BACK LINE) if any of you still read this...you know how I am sometimes bad about shouting out Left and Right. (Thank God I have hands to point) To my brain left is right...meaning correct. (It is something I am working on, lay off)

So tonight we did a drill where we had to shout out 'left' or 'right' as everyone ran behind you in a line, and whatever you shouted they had to sprint out to beat the ball to the end of the line. I KNOW the words in spanish for left and right...but of course I was nervous, making the symbol "L" with my left hand doesn't help the brain remember "izquierda"....so I froze, and just pointed left screaming "ALLI" (THERE)...this caused a pause of cackling amongst the players, (thinking I didn't even know THIS vocabulary) I also do believe that I almost caused a heart attack with the coach. If she thought that I don't know the words for left and right, how was I understanding anything she said.

I stood defeated while they laughed and then pointed and yelled 'derecha' (right) so they all had to take off sprinting in the opposite direction. serves 'em right!

Anyway I had loads of fun tonight. I can't say I talked to too many people, besides continually apologizing, however I listened to a new atmosphere of vocab and I am excited to go back on Monday. Only one person seems to hate me and my shortage of spanish intelligence. I do know one thing, there is no other direction to go from here, but 'arriba'.

March 1st

2010-03-01T23:59:00.004+01:00

Today we had the first mascletá to celebrate Fallas. The mascletá is the firecracker show in the plaza ayuntamiento. It is at 2PM everyday starting today through March 19th. We will have school off for the 'true' celebration of Fallas March 15th-19th...However things are already starting to begin.

They have been selecting the court, who are people who will represent the Fallas festivals. The traditional gowns are being made. Also there is an exibit up of this years 'ninots' which are a small part of the grand fallas displays that are to be assembled and put up all over town during Fallas week. (many more details to come).

Anyway March 1st is exciting, and the noise of the mascletá was good, but they are supposed to build up each day until the 19th where everything is just a big-bag-boom-grand finale of it all. I CAN'T WAIT!

U.H.T. - ultrapasturized

2010-03-01T22:22:00.010+01:00

Have I mentioned that we never drink milk here? 99% of the time, we drink water with supper. I only have milk in my coffee and we have it here as an option for cereal (however we usually use yogurt). U.H.T. milk is sold on the non-refridgerated shelves in stores in 1 liter boxes.

After it is opened; it is then refrigerated. Fresh milk isn't too rare to come by in a supermarket. However fresh milk sold in large quantities IS hard to come by. I will say, that I would be surprised if I could find fresh milk in any fridge in my 'bario'. That being said, I have not had fresh milk since I have been in Spain. Nor have I had a glass of milk since September.

No, U.H.T. milk tastes absolutely nothing like fresh milk. However I do believe I have lost the taste of just how good fresh milk is... Also, I can only think of about three things that Amparo has cooked (I definately could be missing one) that uses cream or milk. That my friends, is kitchen culture shock.

The C.A.C.

2010-02-27T22:48:00.007+01:00

Today our group visited the City of Arts and Science center in Valencia. It's made up of all of those really pretty buildings designed by Calatrava. We got to watch a video on Egypt in the Hemispheric IMAX screen, (see picture for super snazzy headsets where you picked your language), and go to the aquarium (Europe's Largest). It was really neat. The aquarium had different buildings for each body of water, and it's native animals. So we got to take a trip through Mediterranean, Caribbean, and ocean waters all in one day! ;). Afterward to finish things up we got to see a Dolphin show. They and their trainers were really good. The whole C.A.C. was packed with people, which is understandable, I just had no idea. I enjoyed the day, but the architecture is definitely the coolest part of the whole center.

How do you peel your Orange?

2010-02-26T17:43:00.003+01:00

Here is the deal. Amparo is less than impressed that neither Kelsey or myself have used a knife to peel our oranges. We always use our hands. She never told us how strange it was until this week. I guess in Valencia it is acceptable to peel mandarines with your hands but not oranges. I also use a fork instead of a knife, to get it started...she goes wild.

I will give her props for staying quiet so long. This 'orange' conversation was on monday. Today for dessert she took away my fork, gave me a knife and an orange and told me to do it the right way. (Kelsey has decided she is in an apple kick for awhile, so I go at this alone) My orange got peeled, but my peeling turned into slicing, and the end result was an orange cube. (juice everywhere)

Tomorrow I don't think I even get options for dessert, I am having an orange and Amparo said she is going to show me, exactly how she taught her children. I tried to call it a cultural difference, but she said that we are crazy, and no other student has ever used their hands, OR a fork.

I mentioned the special plastic orange peal peeling tool (thing) that is plastic, that we have at home. It is only time until all of her friends will hear about this tool. I am going to have to mail it to her for a gift next year sometime. As evidence, that my fork idea is NOT crazy.

I could be embarrassed that Amparo thinks I eat oranges like a caveman, but I am too amused to be.

T-SHIRTS? IN FEBRUARY?

2010-02-23T16:23:00.002+01:00

I couldn't help it....

San Valentín

2010-02-22T22:10:00.004+01:00

Kelsey's mom sent us a packet of cookies that you just add an egg and butter to...so we had no choice but to make Valentine's Day cookies. She sent food coloring but didn't happen to send any form of frosting, so this is where the adventure began.

We looked in 3 types of 'supermarkets' for baking goods. Powdered sugar was found at all three locations, but only is sold in 2 cup quantities. They must not think we are serious bakers. We purchased two of them. Spain does not have Vegetable shortening. We just used more butter. We also failed to encounter vanilla extract, so we had to crush up some of Amparo's vanilla and add water...to create our own Vanilla extract. That also was interesting. It didn't turn out bad at all, we do have little black vanilla flakes in our frosting though.

Another thing is that we had to whip this frosting to our hearts desire, because from what we have observed, this country also lacks mixers. It was a lot of work and even more creativity, but these cookies turned out delicious. The plan was to give them to our directors and new students, however Kelsey and I have been taste testing them more than we have been handing them out. (We just made them this past Sunday, so we were late for the holiday) I hope you enjoy the detailed frosting decoration...

Also I want to say thank you to my family for their work on the Valentines they sent me. Mom, my ice cream card turned out amazing! Billie, Koda and Adok could not look more realistic, it is like they are popping out of the page, ha. I loved it. Bonnie, your Spanish hasn't tarnished...you are still bringing your A game! Kelly and Josh...the craftmanship is incredibly similar. ;). I miss all of you guys! XOX -Marli

The end of an era...or so it seems..

2010-02-22T21:59:00.004+01:00

My phone troubles have passed. (knock on wood) This isn't an exciting post (for you). However, I now I have a functioning mobile phone...and I can't wait to rack up my minutes. ;)

It took sweat, blood?, and almost tears....but ladies and gentalmen....we are a functioning NOKIA and proud of it! WOOOOO

My Pen Pals

2010-02-18T21:58:00.005+01:00

This year I have been receiving letters from my brother Josh's 7th grade class. I really enjoy reading their letters and answering all of their questions. They have written me asking about the differences of life in Spain compared to the U.S.A. They have asked many questions and asked how my adjustment is going while living abroad.

Then, they wrote to me over the Christmas holiday, to tell me about how they have been studying the Christmas traditions in Mexico. They asked how different it was to celebrate Christmas while living in Spain. I couldn't be more thrilled to have an excuse to tell people about my experiences. I have really enjoyed being their Pen Pal during these last couple of months.

To my surprise, on Valentine's Day I received an envelope full of creative poems and cards from my favorite Pen Pals! It was so nice to be thought of on Valentine's Day and their cards were so fun to read! I too, am hoping they had a Happy Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day in Spain isn't quite as big of a deal as it is in the U.S.A. There aren't rows of cards or pink packaged candy in the stores. However, I did see many of the nicer restaurants packed with couples that night.

I have really enjoyed receiving their letters. I hope that they enjoy their responses as much as I enjoy writing them.

Artic Monkeys

2010-02-15T19:24:00.006+01:00

This is picture is borrowed from Google. It shows the concert that I went to on Saturday night. Outside the City of Arts and Science center they held a free concert. 35,000 people attended, and then they shut the gates. I wish I could say I took this picture, however I didn't bring my camera to the event, and I was actually about eight rows from the stage. Was this by choice? No. Did I care? No. The crowds were crazy trying to push their way to the front, while others were rebelling and pushing them back. I got in the middle of one of these, not on purpose and was separated from everyone in my group...but was carried to the front.

ADVENTURES THAT IT HELD:
1. I befriended some crazy fans who wanted to be up close, I was up front, (I knew no songs, nor the group. Of course that is the concert I get up front to)

2. The night was chilly however I was not cold; I was packed in ever so tightly.
3. 'Moshing.' It happened.
4. Confetti shot out everywhere off the stage at the end. Confetti, never can find a down side.

It was really fun. I ended up enjoying a lot of the songs that they played. Do I think they were songs to 'mosh' to? No, not at all. However, by passing the night in 'mosh-like' manner with my other fellow groupies, whether it was during being bashed into one, or being thrown off of another, I realized I may be the only person to think this.

Requena

2010-02-15T13:38:00.005+01:00

Sunday me and some girls celebrated Valentine's day at Requena's wine & sausage festival. Requena is Spain's 2nd largest wine producing region, also they are famous for their sausage. (If that part wasn't obvious)

How it worked was that you payed 9 euros for 10 tabs. Then you would use your tabs at whatever food stand you would like. You would hand them your dish and they would fill it up with a tab's worth of their samples that their stand was offering. Options were types of saugage, paella, stew, wine, bread, etc. It was so fun.

We got to sample many different types of things.

FIRST UP: These are some of the famous types of sausage eaten all around Spain. The dark is Morcilla. It is a blood sausage that took some getting used to, but now I really like it. The slices in front are Longaniza sausage, a white sausage. They are what Requena is most famous for. Underneath on the right is a redder sausage called Chorizo. It is a spicey sausage and it is truly delicious. On the back piece of bread that has the orange spread on it is called Sobrasada. I have always enjoyed Sobrasada, however this is the best I have ever tasted. It too is a meat spread.
Later on I got these spreads over bread. (note the sweet plate/glass holder.) I do not know what these spreads were called, however I can't say that I really liked them. The yellow was a garlic and fish mix spread and the brown...I don't know. It tasted like an unsweetened ginger snap, or something. This stew is called Olla de Requena. "Pot of Requena" I wish I knew how to make it. It had potatoes and beans and pork in it. It also tasted a lot like peas, I know my family would have all enjoyed it.

Anyway the day was really fun, we hopped on the train and were back home around 7pm. Amparo was really glad we went but did mention we are going to eat lental soup for a week to get the grease out of our body. ha.

I am going to be putting up an album on flickr soon. However I think the most interesting pictures I got were the food ones I have shown you.

P. COLONIAL

2010-02-12T15:42:00.006+01:00

Well I survived my intercambio. It actually went really well. We met at a coffee bar that is really close to my house. I arrived first, and being the only person sitting in there without another friend at the table, I knew I would be easy to spot.

Our meeting time was at 6:00pm. He arrived about 15 minutes after our meeting time. "FIFTEEN MINUTES LATE?" Your thinking. No. No, no, we must remember we are on Spanish time my friends. So the 10 minutes late was more or less a given. Then he was '5 minutes late' from arriving 'on time'. Keeping in mind the history of my promptness, I didn't think anything of it.

He did apologize when he arrived. I obviously was just delighted that he had arrived. There is nothing like having to report home to my blog that I was 'stood up' on an intercambio.

His English is shy from terrible. He is in his higher 20's and is in advertising. He works as a freelancer, designing web pages for people. He has worked as a journalist; he takes a whole bunch of pictures and yes, has a blog.

I was excited to talk to him about advertising and writing until it turned into him with his pad and paper, and me feeling like I was reciting my mass communications resume. I was not at all ready for this. However he laughed it off and we changed the subject. We found fun things to talk about and also had plenty of those 'I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU SAID...but I will just laugh and nod anyway' moments. He told me he has another intercambio with a guy from Poland, who has been teaching him English. (?) He said ours already is going smoother.

I hope that we meet up again, and that I get the link to his blog. I am curious to see what sort of things he is working on. He says he wants to learn english so that one day he can offer his webpages in spanish and english, a similar idea to my own. We are still both very far from that goal.

Intercambio

2010-02-11T15:54:00.007+01:00

The great advantage of studying abroad for a year is that you truly get the best of both worlds. Last semester I had the time of my life. I traveled and trailed behind stories in words that have been gathered together on this blog. I got to experience a lot of Valencia and some of Europe through an interesting eye. Yet never denying that it was the eye of a foreigner.

Well this semester is under full swing I am looking out my window with a new idea in mind. This is a city I know well. These are the streets and corners that I take each day, always finding new things and still being surprised by all of its wonders. I now feel like a student here. The foreigner barrier is weakening as my spanish is improving. It is hard to find excuses to stay quiet at the supper table, because I truly can voice all of my thoughts with ease. It is an adjustment that didn't just take this long to happen, it is the adjustment of reality that I cannot think of myself as a scared foreigner anymore, because I don't feel like one. I am ready to be thrown the red cape, and take this bull down.

I am taking a class that will help me get certified to be a language tutor. I am hoping to advertise my english and maybe get a few people interested in paying for me to teach them English. Stay tuned for updates on this...

I am also participating in one on one intercambios (language exchanges) again. We tried these in groups in the beginning of the school year. Some went well, some turned creepy. It is sort of an odd setting. We were American's looking for a Spanish best friend and that is definitely not what you go into a language exchange looking for.

I have been talking with many of the students who are back home from studying with me fall semester, and they all have the same regret on giving up on intercambios. I am going to see if I can save myself from having this regret. I have my first one on one intercambio of this semester tonight at 6PM. I only know three things about him...

-his name is Juan Garcia
-he wants to learn english
-he will help me learn spanish

That is enough for me to sit through a cup of coffee. No matter how much or little we have in common, whatever we are talking about will always have a purpose, or an interest, and that is the opposite language. So I will give it a shot, and am ready for it to go good or bad.

If it is blog worthy, you bet your arse I will post it.

p.s. Amparo is cleaning the windows today...to welcome in spring!

33rd America's Cup "The Face Off"

2010-02-08T11:00:00.014+01:00

The 33rd America's Cup yacht race kicked off yesterday afternoon. The first boat to ever win this race (1851) was named America, thus being the race was named after the boat, not the country.

The first race starts today; there are three races throughout the week. For some court and trial issue, it has gone from a normal 12 competitors to the Swiss who are the defenders; and the challengers, America's Golden Gate Yacht Club.

The winning Yacht club gets to make the rules and host the challenge, trying to make it more difficult for the opposing team to take the cup home. It is in Valencia because the Swiss are hosting it, and Switzerland being a landlocked country, got to pick its waters.
Yesterday kicked off with fireworks and food stands from each of the countries traditional foods. Spain had a tapas stand, Switzerland had a cheese fondue stand and America, a hamburgers and hotdogs stand.

Spain Fireworks = noise.
(not everyone was a fan)

There was also a 'Grain for Haiti' Paella feed. There were two huge pans of Paella. It cost 5 euro per plate, which included a big serving of Paella, beverage and dessert. All of the profits are being donated to help Haiti. The serving lines were ridiculously long however the Paella kept up.

(Giant Paella)
This blog may be more pictures than words. I will not be attending the first race today. I have class in an hour. However, we do plan to keep up with the news all week, and hopefully go check out some of the free concerts that are playing each night.

6 Nations

2010-02-06T22:26:00.005+01:00

Today was the kickoff of the Rugby 6 Nations Tournament. It is a European tournament and includes the founding 6 teams of European rugby. England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy. It was fun to get to watch it on television. Kelsey and Nicole came with me downtown to watch the games.

The place was filled with everyone but Spaniards. It was fun getting to explain the game to the girls and getting some of the European history explained to me by others. I am cheering for Ireland, simply because I love everything about the Irish. However, they went through the tournament undeated last year, so I have to pick an underdog team as well, so I am rooting for Wales. Many people are rooting for England, because if someone will take the win away from Ireland they think it will be England.

Today Ireland beat Italy. England beat Wales, it was a really exciting game. The place was going crazy, many England fans and everyone else just rooting against them. Tomorrow Scotland plays France so we will see that outcome. It is a tournament that goes on through the middle of March. It would have been cool if I would have gotten to go to a match, however I feel as though we are making a little family there at Portland. We are all anxious to watch the games again next week. I don't think I even have to bribe the girls into coming with me again. They seemed to find rugby interesting, and the atmosphere was really fun.

ONCE

2010-02-04T17:36:00.004+01:00

These kiosks can be found in many streets all throughout Spain. They are ONCE lottery kiosks. ONCE (Organización Nacional del Ciegos Españoles) is the Spanish national Organization for the Blind. In the past, many places and jobs were not equipped to aid to the disabled. Spain's blind took the steps to fight for schools, work centers, medical attention and so on for the blind, until they had gained success and created the ONCE foundation. All of the money that people put toward spending on lottery at these Kiosks is put toward this foundation to help aid their disabilities.

The Spanish Armada and Me

2010-02-02T15:21:00.008+01:00

Here are some facts about the Spanish Armada, that I think you will find interesting. If not, by the end it will prove to be a necessary part of my story. So please, continue reading.

In 1588 The Spanish Armada left the Portugal shore with the determination to invade England. They were defeated in the 'naval battle of Gravelines' and attempted to return home through the North Atlantic. On their course they encountered strong storms and were driven off course and into the harsh coastline of Ireland, where many of the Spanish fleet perished. The idea of a Spanish landing alarmed the Dublin government. Harsh measures were to be given to the Spanish invaders and any Irish who might assist them.

About 1/3rd of the Spanish fleet were wrecked on the rocky coastline. The survivors, scarce that there were, were put to death. It is estimated that 5,000 members of the fleet died in Ireland.

However, not all of the men died. By the end of September 1588 the queen's deputy, Fitzwilliam, was able to report that the Armada alarm was over. Soon after, he mentioned only about 100 survivors remained in the Country. In 1596 England sent men to Ireland to make inquiries of survivors and was succesful in only eight cases.

More unsuccessful events happen in the Anglo-Spanish War, between Spain and England. In the end they reach a conclusion of peace in 1604. However this is the part of the story where I come in. Since I have arrived to Spain, Amparo has been determined that I have Spanish blood, and cannot believe that I have only Irish and German blood flowing through my Family tree.

This little history lesson that I have shared with you, I was informed of by her son Paco. Amparo, She is rejoicing because she thinks that this "IS" the answer to my ancestry. It has to be. I "AM" a decendant of one of the survivors from the Spanish Armada. My Irish ancestors were one of the kind families to take in and protect the poor stranded Spanish souls. Someone fell in love with him, and my family was created...with SPANISH blood.

I told you she was persistent. Either or, It is creative and I think I found a good plot for a book!

E-SPIN

2010-02-02T00:13:00.010+01:00

So if I haven't told some of you, I got up the nerve and joined this gym. There are two really close to where I live, however I chose the (cheaper/more character) looking one. Well I have only been a member since Thursday. This 'character' looking building happens to have all these plaques and hangings of these national champion body builders and gymnists etc. So this doesn't help my nerves to get going.

The first day was interesting. An American is joining their gym and is trying to figure out how to register/is socially awkward anyway. The guy was really nice and showed me around the place. I just did some treadmill and some medicine ball stuff and called it a day. I was informed on my way out that I was using the Kids sala for the medicine ball workout. No one else was in there, I don't really think he cared, but it now make sense how the yoga ball felt like it was too flat to support my weight. It is made for children who are the weight of my thigh.

I went back the next day, feeling like there is nowhere to go but up. Instantly I had an issue with the treadmill, a classic. There are enough people in the gym, no one is on the treadmills. I am new so people are staring. GREAT, just what I want to happen. So I get on, ready to get my butt kicked by this workout, or so I told myself.

The first 10 minutes went smoothly and I am up at a higher speed now. I decide to go 5 minutes hard and then ease down to a slower pace and alter the speed every five minutes. Sort of like 'sprint telephone poles' - 'jog telephone poles' etc. So soon after I go to sprint mode, the machine numbers turn to dashes and the 'PLEASE DEAR LORD LOWER THE SPEED BUTTON' (or so I have heard it be called) ...doesn't budge.

I try to hide my panic under my heaving of asthmatic breaths and continue. I am certain it will fix itself and that will be that. "Push yourself for a little longer WHILE you think of how to tell the trainer that you broke this machine" my Spanish isn't good enough to deal with lawsuits.

No...not what you're thinking, I do not fall off the treadmill. Eventually the speed is not budging and I step off and get the guys attention. He yells across the gym 'what do I need'. I yell very American like that 'this thing is broken' (do they call them tredmills IDK) He comes over...tells me to switch machines and so I decide a bike is safer.

ANYWAY Today was my 4th day back, and with the payment to use the gym you can also participate in whatever classes they offer throughout the month. So I decide to try a spin class today.

...sigh.

I walk into the locker room and see a girl getting ready. I ask her if she is in spin and she says yes. I tell her it is my first time and ask if she truly thinks I will die. She says "no, the first day might be rough but then you will catch on to the beat." While I am talking another girl walks in and asks if we are in spin and says it is her first time too so we can help each other out.

This "new girl" has a six pack and has nothing to worry about and my fears are NOT tamed in the least.

So 8:00 arrives and every bike is full. Spin class begins. The hour between 8:00 and 9:00 PM was a blur of Spanish commands, crazy spin music, sheer pain and intolerable shaking leg syndrome. I literally walked home hanging on to fences, light posts, people (not really people). I am telling you, these legs were ready to buckle at any minute.

The '6 pack' also died. There were three other girls who quit half way through, so I didn't feel like a COMPLETE fool in the class, but walking through the gym and out the front door was another story.

My New Year's resolution was to no longer take the elevator. The stairs are a good way to get in some exercise within your day to day routine. I just couldn't. So more or less I crawled home.

I will sleep tonight, with the ringing of Spanish commands in my ear...

Domingera

2010-02-01T21:33:00.021+01:00

Sunday Amparo, Kelsey and I packed a picnic and headed out to El Saler. It is a small town just outside of Valencia. They have a protected 'forest/hiking trail/sand dunes/natural beach' area that we spent the entire day in.

We left the house at 9:30, walked to the bus stop by 10. Paid 1:20 euro to take a half hour bus ride to El Saler and there we started taking trails.

It is forest/woods, so for the most part it is all pretty flat land. It was a great day for being outside. The trees helped block the wind and it was low low 60's. All of our faces got a good amount of sun.

We stopped around 1:00 and rested, ate and napped in the grass. I did roll my ankle a few times on the journey, but thanks to the meds, I didn't get embarrassing rash or sneeze attacks. I brought my literature book that is poems and legends by the poet Bécquer, so I read some of our assigned poems for the weekend while we rested.

I pretty much was jumping from rock to rock pointing and grabbing things, asking what they were in Spanish. Amparo didn't seem to get too sick of it, for the most, she generally just enjoys a reason to talk.

Some things she would talk about but only know the name of it in Valenciano, which I was equally impressed with. I calmed down though after lunch, since our 'break' was long enough for me to snooze, which got some laughs. Otherwise I snapped photos and just really enjoyed being outside.

I had been getting really homesick lately for the farm, and our yard and the free space and fresh air, so this helped. It was a lot different than SD, clearly, but in a way it was weird to think that 1.20 euro and a half hour later, I got the same joy that I get running around my backyard. It was only lacking one thing, Diez.

Anyway Amparo used to live in El Saler, so she knew the place very well. We walked past her old apartments and she told us about all of the times with her kids down there. Domingero's was a word in one of the story, because many people leave the city on the weekends to go to the 'forest'. So the people who actually live in El Saler, and by the forest refer to them as los domingero's 'The Sunday-er's.'

Another thing that is weird about this, is that winter is the best time to enjoy it. In the summer it gets too hot to be in the tree's where there is minimal breeze, so they all head to the beach.

That is just another thing very different about living in this climate. Biking and running and picnics in February!

http://news.scotsman.com/world/Spain-urged-to-put-the.6028405.jp

2010-01-30T15:13:00.001+01:00

I was going to write about this issue. However I found this article and I couldn't have done any better. So copy and paste the heading into your internet search bar and read on, read on.

Famous Face - Santiago Calatrava

2010-01-28T19:46:00.007+01:00

Santiago Calatrava is a spanish architect and engineer. He was born in Benimanet, which was once a seperate town than Valencia, but now is two metro stops over from mine, part of 'urban' Valencia. He has many famous monuments all over the world.

He is said to have studied numerous bones of animals and that is where he bases his ideas of many of his structures, in their formation. Some of his famous works in Spain include; the olympic communications tower in Barcelona located on Mount Juic, the airport in Bilbao, the Cities of Arts and Sciences here in Valencia and many more pieces.

He is currently working on designs for many projects including the future World Trade Center transportation hub that will be built at Ground Zero in New York.

Famous Face

2010-01-28T19:24:00.008+01:00

Lets take a moment to say hello to one of Valencia's favorite sons.
Who is this famous man, and what is he famous for?

Answer: To be revealed next blog

Deoterant.

2010-01-28T15:14:00.002+01:00

Valencia (Spain?) only has roll or spray deoterant. Does no one else think that it is odd?

A Spicy Situation

2010-01-27T23:43:00.004+01:00

If you remember a few posts back I wrote about how my friend Jesse, who I am studying with, made salsa. He had loads and gave some to Kelsey and I. Well, in everyone's attempt to be nice and share things with this house Amparo, God love her, has to take it to the next level. The extremist that she is...this friendly gesture turned into an uncomfortable brawl.

I'll explain.
1. Amparo see's salsa jar in fridge, wants to know what it is and if she can try cooking with it.
2. The jar is full, because Kelsey and I devoured the other jar we received the night she was at work.
3. The only reason we got this salsa, is because when you make salsa, it really just makes more than any one person wants or needs.

So, Amparo decides that we can just use the salsa, with chips or 'on bread' which is how she ate it...like we are accustomed to. She had ideas of how to cook with it, but I assured her it was perfect the way it was. So all was fine, she tells us that we need to ask our friend Jesse for the recipe so we can make it! (if you tell your señora you like something, you are going to eat it for sure twice a week. So be careful, we thought we would be safe ranting about Salsa, since it was a onetime deal. WRONG.) She presses on.

We finished the meal and there is still over half of the jar of salsa. She says that if we don't finish it by the next day, she will have to throw it, because since they are all raw veggies it will go bad. I expressed, maybe too strongly, (due to my love of salsa) how that is ridiculous. Spice is a preservative and it lasts longer than 3-4 days. I try to assure her it wasn't going to rot over the weekend. God love her, but that woman is stubborn and sure enough, it was tossed after the next day.

So, I keep my cool. We still had an ENTIRE bag of chips that Kelsey and I had bought, to use for this salsa...but, I don't say anything. After all, it is a minor issue, this lady IS letting me live in her house for a year. It is just her stubbornness that gets me and it is the same urging and stubborn side I have seen in other situations. (two nights ago we talked politics and the 'heath care bill' that didn't pass) uugghh.

So that next day (first meal after thrown salsa) she asks us if we have retrieved the recipe from Jesse. We say no, of course not, you asked us to do this like a day ago, why would we have done it/make salsa so soon? She gets upset and said she really wants to make it, but this time we should make less of it so it doesn't waste.

I express the truth...that it is honestly impractical and impossible to make a 1/2 of a jar of salsa. (that is the reason we recieved salsa in the first place, Jesse had 6 jars) So we bicker about this for awhile, until I know too little spanish and have to shut up. Also, this lady "Is never wrong". (...sigh...) so I just shut up.

That evening she presses again if we got the recipe, we say no we haven't seen him and she states the fact that, she has bought the ingredients she 'thinks' that it takes to make the salsa so we really should get this recipe.

So I come home tonight, she says she made us salsa for supper, how she thought it were to be made. She hasn't tried it because if it is too spicy she will 'die'. So I am already thinking that no matter WHAT the outcome is, we have to tell her it isn't as good as the other. She needs to learn to cool her jets! the only thing she had bought were tomatos (which we always have in the house) and a jar of peppers. Anyway, no lie is needed. Amparo's salsa = epic fail. If anything it tasted like a pizza sauce. It was tomato, swamped in olive oil and some sort of 'spicy' peppers in there.

Anyway...you just would get a kick out of this lady/pull your hair out with her. She is so loveable but she is intense. Also, her 'small' amount of salsa was a BOWL full....2 points for me. It is cute that she tried. It is, and my message maybe sounds really mean. It is nice that she cares enough to want to make us things that we really enjoy, but it was just a pain of a gesture...that is for sure.

Jesús

2010-01-27T18:30:00.002+01:00

Today I learned the history of why Spaniards say 'Jesús' when someone sneezes. I had always thought out of courtesy, however today I discovered (from my fantastic history of the language professor) that this saying dates back to the Middle Ages.

They believed that when you were sick, there was a 'demon' or 'bad spirit' inside. When one would sneeze, the others would say 'Jesús' to protect themselves and their body from the spirit that had 'escaped' through the sneeze.

It has been a saying that has been carried down since. I still think it sounds like a courteous thing to say. However, I give it two thumbs up if it is also meant to protect my health.

History of the Spanish Language

2010-01-25T20:18:00.006+01:00

I just got out of my final class of the day, History of the Spanish Lanuage. Although I think it may be one of my hardest classes, it is definately the coolest. Today we started learning how Spanish derived from Latin.

There were two forms of Latin, classic and vulgar. The classic Latin is what was used in scripts and writings. It was very proper filled with perfect rules. Vulgar, is the speaking/talking Latin.

Whatever language you speak, you know that when you talk with one another, it is more familiar, and has many more 'errors' than when people write letters or papers in the academic.

Well Vulgar latin was the same, filled with errors. This is the language that made it to the Iberian Peninsula, and of which Spanish was born. Error filled Latin? Of course it wasn't straight from Latin to the spanish they talk today. We learned about all the different ages and how it formed into the Spanish they speak today.

The change into Romance Language was the one of the most importment movements for Spanish. The Romance Laguages also include; Italian, Catalan, Portugese, and French. It was at this time when the texts started to be written in 'medieval spanish'. etc.

So naturally my professor impressed my socks off today, while showing us the changes in the contruction of the words from classic latin to vulgar. Also the formation of how they reached the spanish language today. She showed us how they evolved through time, and how the gramatic rules evolved.

I learned about .0001 of a morsal of Latin in class today, AND I AM PUMPED!

Fratinising With the Enemy

2010-01-25T15:43:00.006+01:00

Well the new kids have arrived. (You've known this.) Though I am not in a hurry to introduce myself to every last one of them, I am socializing. I feel like I am "fratinising with the enemy". It is hard to have everything back in full swing, yet not seeing anyone familiar. Also, being that it is only been about two months since I said goodbye to the first group, and it has been really hard to keep up contact with them. It is hard to find the desire to 'work' at forming new bonds this semester.

The majority of whom I am keeping in contact with, are just because I am their 'link' to Spain. They are all talking about how hard it is not to bring up Spain in every conversation because sadly, yet expectedly, they have accepted that no one wants to hear about it anymore.

This is a great experence, and truly one of a kind. It is hard to realize that these two groups of strangers are those of who I am sharing some of the coolest experiences. We won't ever be able to forget eachother, because we will always be thinking back to our "lives in Spain." The downside is, when we go home, we know nothing about eachothers lives there. It is really hard to 'keep in contact' when all you have to talk about is the times you had.

Anyway that is what my emotions are now. I am still pumped about Spain and so thankful that I get to be here until May! Here is just an insight to 'the downside' on my experience abroad.

It is just a part of reality to be missing those people I have met. The reality to accept that I have passed another niche, on this already too miniature timeline of life. It is better to go through life with company that without, no matter how long they may stay.

"I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it" -Mae West

2010-01-22T16:36:00.005+01:00

Thank you Melon's and ruggers! I received this FANTASTIC Christmas package from my friends at College. It was so thoughtful and filled with all sorts of delicious Christmas cheer. Last night Kelsey and I fixed our own supper since Amparo had to work. We used Kelsey's box of Kraft Mac and Cheese, and my bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch on salad. (Both of which we have been waiting for the perfect night to break out)

Also, our friend Jesse who is studying with us made homemade salsa. He had given us some that morning in class, so we had chips and salsa while we were cooking supper.

I would be disgusted by us and our lack of willpower, if I wasn't so impressed.

RALLY

2010-01-22T16:00:00.005+01:00

Last night we held a 'rally' for the new students. There were 5 of the famous historic sites marked on the map of the city for them, and in 3 groups they were to split up and with their maps find the sites where the directors and we students that have been here since fall, were waiting.

At each site we got to explain what site we were at, tell them the history and then give them a quiz of very 'obvious' Valencian culture. So, being that they more than likely wouldn't know the answers, they had to practice their Spanish by asking people walking around in the centers.
Once they completed the mini quiz and had the right answers I gave them their next clue to their next location.

It was really fun. They were all so pumped to win that when they found out they had to talk to people on the streets, they would be scared to, and then run at people screaming HOLA, and then just throwing their questions at them. I died a little of laughter, and reminded them for their next stop to maybe think about introducing their question with an "excuse me, can I ask you a quick question.."etc.

Anyway afterwards the final point was a famous Horchateria, where we had Horchata and Fartons. It seemed like everyone enjoyed the activity, but I do think that they ran through the sites to win....so they sort of missed the point on how it was supposed to help get them oriented in the city etc. Oh well.

San Vicente

2010-01-22T15:55:00.003+01:00

January 22nd is the day of Saint Vicente Ferrer. He is the Patron Saint of Valencia, who was martyred in Valencia in 304. Today we had classes off, making it a three day weekend which Spaniards call a 'puente'. There was a mass this morning for Saint Vicente and then a procession that followed. The procession walked a statue of the Saint through parts of the historic city where the martyring was held.

Class Schedule

2010-01-19T15:59:00.003+01:00

MONDAY
8:45-10:30 Grammar
12:30-2:15 History & Culture
5:15-7:00 History of the Spanish Language

TUESDAY
12:30-2:00 Phonetics

WEDNESDAY
10:40-12:15 Grammar
12:20-2:15 Literature
4:00-5:45 History of the Spanish Language

THURSDAY
12:30-2:00 Phonetics

Friday
10:40-12:15 History & Culture
12:30-2:15 Literature

Como Sardines en lata

2010-01-18T21:40:00.006+01:00

"Like Sardines in a Can"...

That is how I am going to sum up my first day of the new semester. At 10 we were to meet up at our university building for the introductory meeting. We four girls from the fall were waiting outside the room for our directors to arrive with the new group. When we heard the hallway thundering and the building was shaking; there around the corner came the visual of the stampede of 50 new students.

The meeting proved to be a rundown of last semester, plus the changes in the faculty. You will never believe that out of 50+ students, only 7 are in the level intermediate. SEVEN! All of the others are in the advanced classes.

So we had our meeting. Then we went to the classrooms and took a practice exam to see where our Grammar level is. I was happy to complete it pretty easily; minus those tricky irregular verbs I am sure. Then we headed to the ISA office to register for classes.

One professor reminds me of Dad, Solely for the fact that he held class today, on INTRODUCTORY day. This is a class on my schedule so at 12:30 I headed to class. The room is PACKED. I had to grab a desk from the other room (not the only person, just the last) and my desk made it inside the door, and the door DID make it shut, but that was it. LIKE SARDINES.

I really hope the rest of my classes aren't this full, but I have a feeling that they might be close.

Otherwise rumors have been going around that I am 'one of the students from fall semester' , and that I would love to answer any and all questions that they might have. So after class they caught me, and didn't let me escape the grasp of their questions. However I hope it helped.

That is all for today. I know that before I mentioned that my schedule was going to be early this semester, but luck has been on my side, and changes were made to the schedule, so now I only have Monday mornings at 8:45a.m. not ALL mornings. :) Tomorrow I only have one class and it is at 12:30.

Legendary 46

2010-01-16T22:28:00.003+01:00

I write this blog to you from piso 17. Where I am wrapping up my 46th day of Holiday break. (and one more day to go) This is a record people. It did go fast, but I enjoyed it. The only thing that would have made it better, is if my phone wasn't so troublesome. I enjoyed the traveling that I did during my vacation time and I also have enjoyed being in Valencia.

Tomorrow the new students arrive in Valencia in the afternoon, where they will meet their families and anxiously await monday morning, where we will have a meeting and get the semester started. I can remember how I felt when the bus pulled into Valencia and all of these strangers were standing outside the bus waiting to take us home.

I am excited to watch how a whole new batch experiences the city. Monday morning we will have an introductory meeting. We will meet our professors and the head of the department etc. Then we will take a grammar placement exam and sign up for classes. Tuesday morning we will get the ball rolling with classes. It looks like I am going to have a pretty early schedule this semester...but I understand how I am the only person who has pity on me. I also am going to be taking one more class than last semester, so I hope things go well.

I have been pretty bad these last few weeks about blogging, sorry. I plan to update you soon!

El Rastro

2010-01-10T10:52:00.006+01:00

"Rastro" translates to flea market. Every Sunday morning, outside of the Mestalla stadium, there is a 'rastro'. This flea market, has some families with old things, and some craft sellers, however 98% of it is stolen goods, and everyone knows it, which is why everything is so cheap.

This morning I went in search of a charger for my mobile phone. I found one, along with many other curious things. If I would have needed a replacement phone, there was some being sold for as little as 5 Euros, which included the charger. Not a ritzy phone, but for my budget and limited time that I actually need this thing, the rastro was a jackpot.

Here is where a lot of people buy bikes. Since bikes in the city are almost guaranteed to get stolen if you leave it out at night, you can find many here for really cheap. Like 10 Euros. People come and buy it on Sunday; if it disappears within the week, they just go back and buy it again the next Sunday. It is weird, the City Guards are monitoring it, and watching who enters and exits...yet they know it is all stolen goods. I suppose it is too late to do anything now, but let them vend it.

I am guessing that makes it so entertaining for people to hit up every week, you never know what you will find, it just depends...on what your venders 'find'.

2010-01-06T16:24:00.009+01:00

FATHER OF THE YEAR AWARD GOES TO...

A. Birds eye view of the entire parade with highest reach for falling candy.

B. No matter how soaked they may be getting, his kid WILL be recieving an umbrella full of Christmas candies. This could also be "last minute Magi shopping?"

Gaspar-Malchior-Balthasar

2010-01-06T16:12:00.004+01:00

The three Magi are in Valencia! Jan 5th is the night of the Three Kings in Spain, announcing that the wisemen have come to bring Jesus his gifts. Also meaning that during the night the Kings leave gifts for the children in Spain.

The city was full for the parade that was at 6, that announced the journey of the Magi and that 'they made it to Valencia'. Amparo said it is usually easy to get the kids in bed early that night in hopes that the kings come.

The parade was really fun, and it was excited to see kids all excited. Today, the 6th is Three Kings Day, all the stores are closed for the holiday, unlike many that were still open Christmas Day. They are closed and everyone is celebrating the Epiphany, the last of the 12 days of Christmas.

New Years Eve - La Noche Vieja

2010-01-03T13:52:00.012+01:00

New Years eve was very fun. I spent it with Amparo. We went to her friends house who also houses international students. She is housing a student from Korea, and also her daughter-in-law is from Korea so they and some of their friends prepared us some Korean food. Everything was delcious and they had 5 dishes total. Amparo and I brought Apple Crisp for dessert.

After that we were given 12 grapes to peel to eat with the 12 strokes of the New Year. This is a very old tradition in Spain I guess. Peel grapes? I am sure some of you thought that, as did I, but here everyone peels all of thier fruit.

We ate our grapes and cheers to 2010. Then afterwards we enjoyed the new year by changing into skirts and costumes to dance the night away. The party there ended around 3. I walked Amparo home and then went out with my friend Laura, to meet her friends and celebrate 2010. Like typical Spaniards, they were out til the sun came up.

The next day at 2pm they held a traditional Mascelta where they set off a thundering amount of fireworks. The entire town shook, I kid you not. It was a fun new years to say the least. If you think Spain knows how to celebrate on normal occations, New Years Eve is no exception.

For those of you who read my blog who want to keep practicing Spanish (or only understand Spanish) I have written it, or attempted to for you below. Good luck, and hopefully the posts will improve as my spanish improves. You can always let me know corrections if you want to take the time, otherwise, we will see how I improve on my own. For those of you who don't want to look at the Spanish, I get it, but look at the pictures. Tambien no esta exactamente lo mismo como en ingles. Porque no quiero tu a piensas yo uso el ordenador para traducir. Tambien todavia no puedo pensar lo mismo fragmentos en los idiomas. ¿Mi ingles es possible un poco mas divertido? Pero mas o menos, es lo mismo.

La Noche Vieja fue muy divertido.

Pasé con Amparo en la casa de su amiga, Isabella. Ella, tambien tiene estudiantes extranjeros. Seis Koreanas, cuatro españoles y yo celebramos la Noche Vieja junto. Primero los Koreanas, la una que vive con Isabella y la nuera de Isabella, quien es Koreana, cocinaron la comida Koreana por la cina. Todos fueron rico y mi favorito fue un plato de buey a la plancha, con tallarines, zanahorias y no sé que mas, pero fue delicioso.

Despues contamos 12 uvas por cada persona a pelar y esperar por la sonido del el reloj a medianoche. Es una tradiciona muy antigua en España. A medianoche comimos nos uvas y brindis para 2010!
Para disfrutar el noche, cambiamos la ropa a faldas y trajes raros para bailar y cosas como así.

La casa fiesta termino a las tres por la mañana. Yo caminé con Amparo a nos piso y despues yo y mi amigo Laura nos marchar para celebrar con nos amigos en los discotecas. Si vos pensáis que las fiestas en españa son loco, necesitáis las fiestas aquí de Noche Vieja. Esta increible.

A las 8 por la mañana volvé a casa para dormir, y me desperté a las dos porque de un sonido que fue demasiado fuerte! Fue el sonido de los fuegos artificiales a la mascleta tradicionale de el año nuevo. Me olvidé así no asistir, pero la sonido es una cosa por todo la ciudad.

La Dia de las Brumas

2009-12-28T15:13:00.003+01:00

Today is 'La Dia de las Brumas' is 'The day of jokes'. It is what Spain celebrates that is equal to our April Fools day. I have yet to play a joke on anyone, but I still have the afternoon to come up with something...

The Leppert's

2009-12-26T23:48:00.003+01:00

Today Kelsey's family came over for lunch. To meet Amparo and I, to see where Kelsey has been living and to sample the types of dishes that we now call 'everday food'.

With this Amparo and I were cooking by 10. I made this palmagranite dessert we really like. And another that was orange slices, sprinkled with sugar, then used a hot iron to glaze the top. (iron part, so cool)

We also made a cheese/lettuce appetizer. Arroz del Horno (Oven Rice) and Pollo Picante (Spicy Chicken) for the main meals. Don't the names just sound a lot more impressive in Spanish?Everything turned out delicious, and we barely got things made in time.

It was fun/weird getting to be translators for Kelsey's family. I can already tell how these last 3 days doing a lot of things with Amparo and her family has gotten me back into the groove and is already is improving my spanish so much.

I still have a lot of break left, but I also have a lof of plans on little projects to complete. I didn't envy Kelsey's position today, her parents had so many questions to ask Amparo and of course wanting to 'see their baby shine' were excited to get to listen to her speak spanish with Amparo.

Everyone was really patient with eachother. We were at that table from 2-5. I think her family got a good idea of our everyday life here in Valencia, and this just makes another plate of leftovers to add to the pile in the fridge, that Amparo and I will eat together...'campo style'?

Cookie Chaos

2009-12-26T23:22:00.009+01:00

We decorated the Christmas cookies! Amparo was more than impressed and a lot of her friends that called got to hear about what we were up to. It was funny to listen to her try to explain what all we were doing.

She thought that it was so neat that they were in cut out shapes, and all of the sprinkles and frosting we had to use to decorate them. Also she had no idea what a gingerbread man was. I tried my best to explain the story about them.

With the story of the gingerbread 100% unsuccessful, we continued to decorate. She thought this family tradition was pretty cool, and when I showed her a picture of our Christmas tree from the farm, decorated with the gingerbread hung on it, she about died. She thought it was the coolest idea ever. Tiny things like these are the cultural differences that seem to knock our socks off, odd as it sounds.

So of course, we need to hang our cookies! We found a needle and thread and made hooks to hang out gingerbread men. However with this, Amparo decided that the sugar cookies are equally JUST as beautiful, so why wouldn't these be hung for decoration as well? The snow man picture on top, is one of Amparo's cookies.

I tried to explain how sugar cookies are too soft, and even though it makes sense, it just isn't part of my families tradtions, and whatever. I tried to talk her out of it, but her mind was set and we soon found out where display our cookies and create 'Christmas Tree' of our own.

Paella del Campo

2009-12-26T05:24:00.003+01:00

When I got home from meeting Kelsey's parents. Amparo and I ate paella for Christmas lunch. We ate it 'country style'. She explained to me that when they have big parties in the country it is very typical to make huge pans of paella. In the country they cook a huge pan of paella and use wooden spoons and just all gather round the table, eating from the same pan.

I wanted to say, it like 'paella del college'...anyway that is what we did. We ate our leftover tapas and seafood salad and then had Paella, gathering around the paella pan for two. She thought it was a little sad, because usually this form is for big social gatherings, but I was thrilled.

Also apart from our Christmas Eve dinner, when it is just her and I we have been eating in the kitchen at a little table. Yes, probably because it is easier, but also because with the low 50 degree weather, Amparo is freezing in any other room in the house besides the kitchen, so we stay there.

You use wooden spoons so it doesn't scratch up the pan, and so it doesn't get hot. It takes a little talent to get the rice smooshed and scooped in there so you don't spill it over the edge 'like a child' says Amparo. My first few scoops were messy, but I learned quickly.

Also, apart from our Christmas Eve dinner, we have been eating in the kitchen at a little table. Yes, it is probably easier than in the dining room, but also because with the low 50 degree weather Amparo is freezing in any other room in the house besides the kitchen, so we stay there. So that added to a 'lonely, paella pan for 2, sitting by the stove Christmas lunch. ;)

Christmas Miracle

2009-12-26T04:11:00.014+01:00

Today I had plans to meet with Kelsey's parents at 1:00. So I meet Kelsey at Plaza Reina and we got meet her parents in their hotel. I go up and before I am introduced to them, Kelsey's Mom sees me and says "I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU. A hug from your mom!" -embrace- "and it is supposed to be 10 seconds, so that is what it will be" -end embrace-

I am a little confused, but that emotion sort of fits what I was expecting to feel with Kelsey's family. ha So I continue to be introduced to them and then sit down and start asking them about their trip so far.

Kelsey's mom was like "Oh Madrid was great, here let's move these pillows off the bed and I will lay out some of the souvenirs we bought..." guppy as I am, I reach for the pillows to help and that is when the screaming starts (by Kelsey and her Mom)

In a mixture of "WHAT IS THIS," "SANTA MADE IT TO SPAIN, "....I don't realize what they are saying...again 'overexcitement and screaming' are characteristics I was sort of preparing myself to get ready for when meeting Kelsey's family. However, that is until I see the candy cane wrapping paper, and Josh's little penmanship on an envelope.....and it hits yet again, that I have the best family in the world.

Needless to say, it clicks, I am in disbelief, and Kelsey's family's first impression of me is a bawling one...

In short, my family and Kelsey and her family had been plotting a Christmas surprise for me. To save on the ridiculous shipping costs, my family sent some things to Kelsey's family who were nice enough to bring over in their luggage for me, for Christmas.

I suppose it is fitting, that my first tears in Spain be on Christmas day...

Anyway, If that wasn't cool enough the thoughtful gifts that followed were spectacular. I received a mountain of cards from my family, Thank you all, I miss you and love you lots!

The Harry Potter 6 DVD -meaning I can FINALLY have movie nights in my piso.

Harry Potter/Hedwig/Hagrid Christmas ornament....am I this obsessed?...yes.

Packets of Hot Chocolate and mallows..thank you! thank you!

Rummikub!! If you guys don't know what board game this is, be ready!

Then, in our family it is tradition for us to always make and decorate gingerbread men and sugar cookies. Every year. It is almost obnoxious how big of a 'decorating competition' we can make it, and for this, I LOVE IT. Frosting abilities or not, I look forward to it every year, which I can say the same for the rest of my siblings (Billie that means you too)

Anyway my mother sent me home baked gingerbread men and sugar cookies along with some decorating supplies....if this doesn't mean Best Mom in the WORLD...tell me what does!

After this it is about 2 so I head home to have Christmas lunch with Amparo, and to tell her about my Christmas day miracle!

Noche Buena - Christmas Eve

2009-12-26T03:33:00.008+01:00

We were celebrating Christmas Eve here in the piso with Amparo's family. Her two son's Paco and Alex, Paco's wife Elena, and Amparo's sister and her boyfriend ( I should remember their names...) So during the day Amparo was up early and spent the entire day in the kitchen. She let me help with some of the preparing, but she soon learned how coordinated I am in the kitchen, and found less 'skillful' jobs for me to do.

After A full day in the kitchen (for Amparo) we had the table set and polished in her best dishware. (This was my contribution after I failed in the kitchen.) When everthing was ready we got ready for the guests to arrive.

They arrived around 9:00 and after greetings of hugs and kisses we sit up to the table ready for the first course around 9:30, normal Spanish supper time.

We made 2 types of 'tapas' or appetizers for the first course.
One type being a boiled egg sliced in half and filled with a guacamole type filling and then covered with a slice of smoked salmon. This sounds weird, I know...but it was delicious.

Another was cutting cooked then cooled pumpkin and squash into bite size pieces and putting this cheese dip on top with some garnish.

They were good, and the conversation was fast, but nodding, smiling, and concentrating hard on not spilling my food, got me through the first round of this Spanish Christmas.

Then Amparo brought out a seafood salad for the next course. Shrimp, crab, ...lots of stuff. I was impressed but her son Paco was not...and mentioned she 'forgot the apples'.
sidenote- Paco is huge into cooking, and not a jerk. I think of him sort of as a food critic because whenever he comes over he always talks about it....but if someone would have commented on this to my mother, on Christmas, after she had spent the ENTIRE day in the kitchen, I would have slapped them. Paco was out of reach, but it was kind of funny how Amparo wouldn't let it go (today when eating leftovers for lunch, it had apples...)

Anyway that course led to mocking my Spanish and talking in very.....slow....speeds....which they thought was incredibly funny, and it was. Also I did well by asking lots of questions to this new boyfriend of Amparo's sister. He has passed my inspection to say the least.

Then we get to the chicken. Which was 'butterflied' (Thanks Melons) That means during the day we cut it open down it's back and gutted it and continued to break and debone the ENTIRE thing...while still having it whole. I was SO impressed by this...floppy chicken, that in the end was stuffed and delicious.

Dessert was sort of 3 courses as well. (no one warned me or I wouldn't have had a 2nd piece of chicken) First it was a fancy slicing display of pineapple and melon. mmm.
Then after that they brought out a typical tradition of dates, figs and nuts....me trying to crack these open with the nutcracker....was a good 10 minute laugh...the nut kept escaping the cracker in rapid speed towards the ground, the walls, people...but finally I got the hang of it and proceeded to put it into the sliced fig and eat a 'traditional Christmas bocadillo'.

Naturally once I got the hang of it, I was excited and kept wanting to make them..so I kept eating them and made some for others...thinking this was it. That was when the turron and chocolates were brought out. UY Christmas Eve 'La Noche Buena' is a big display in Spain.

After dinner we exchanged a few gifts. I gave Paco and Amparo the Apple Crisp recipe and I also gave Amparo a few spices I bought in Morocco for her to try. I got a necklace and earrings from Amparo, and a painted star jewelry box from her sister.

Then Christmas carols 'villancicos' were sung. Tambourine, bell shaker, and lots of excited voices. They were singing some fun ones, and some slow ones, that I could catch on to the chorus for. Then they wanted to learn some english ones....so my screeching voice got to represent English Caroling...ppffftt.

Christmas Eve was very fun, and a very memorable experience. Even though now, it is a bit hard to be away from home, I know in the end looking back it will be an experience I am very greatful for. I hope next year I can show you some of these things I have learned about Christmas here.

Solo

2009-12-22T23:04:00.004+01:00

Alright so Kelsey flew out of Pisa on the 20th. I had a flight in the eve on the 21st from Bologna. So I said goodbye to her on the 20th and headed back to Florence. It figures that once Nikki and Kelsey leave me, things start working like normal.

My train from Pisa to Florence left and hour late. When it arrived in the Pisa station (35 minutes late, they had to stop and work on repairs) It wouldn't be that big of a deal, this happens, but in the peroid of me standing there 3 trains headed to Florence, I just chose to wait for the one that I originally planned. This is the thanks I get for being loyal.
So I arrive in Florence later than planned and decide it is just smarted to get a hostel in Florence, in the city I know well enough, instead of getting to Bologna in the dark, and since I didn't have a hostel booked. So I went back to our 1 star hotel and they had a single room open.

I thought this was great, and I wasn't mad at myself for deciding not to camp out at the cafe of the train station. They had an extra space heater in the room incase I thought it was cold (it was) so I plugged that in, grabbed the bar of soap I recieved from the hostel in Pisa and used the sink in my room/now 2 heaters to wash and dry my clothes.

I wanted to wash them since I was going to have to layer them on myself for when I boarded the plane. We are only allowed one carry on, including purse, camera, everything.

So this was great. I went to the euro store and bought a euro like travel size bottle of wine and a .50 cent loaf of bread. Perfect celebration for my last night in Italy. (my plan was to just read this book Nikki gave me anyway). So I got back to my room, folded the dried clothes, washed some more and lay them out on the heaters to dry. I open my bread and see that my wine, tiny cheap and only a euro has a cork. So I embarrassingly decide to go as the front desk if they have a wine bottle opener (of course they do)

I run back up, use too much force and break their wine bottle opener into pieces, (after also popping out the cork, after many tries) mortified, I throw on my tennies and cardigan and run to the euro store to buy them a new opener. They were pleased, but said it wasn't necessary...all for a few sips of Italian wine....UY!

SO I eat and then read my Book (mom) Nicholas Sparks The Last Song, Have you read it?
While continuing to scrub through my clothes. Around midnight my laundry is done, and I decide I should go to bed incase my phone died before the alarm went off (my charger quit working as well..)

Good news is, I didn't oversleep checkout time. Bad news is it was because I was woken up by water dripping on my head....seriously.

It happened to reach my head after it had already drenched the nightstand.....that had my pile of MY CLEAN CLOTHES ON IT! So I try to move the bed out of the way, as the water falls down harder, and I run down to the front desk and try to explain what is happening. English sort of worked, and then Spanish triggered more and we all dashed back up the stairs.

Pause (Italians not studying Spanish and vise versa can understand 40% of what eachother are saying/the language) because it is so simular....I thought that was neat.

Anyway, dashing back up the stairs they come into my room and by now lots more water/gravel is falling in and the floor is a giant puddle. It didn't help that they had to move my laundry out of the way, and what they didn't move they saw lying over the heaters....sort of embarrassing.

So they moved me to the room across the hall for the 2 hr remainder of my stay.

I check out, having a memorable stay and go to catch a train to Bologna. I sit by a woman who is from Texas and teaches in a college there, we talked a lot of the way. Also I sat next to a man who spoke only Italian and didn't seem to care that I told him I know zero (to 40% ;) ) Italian...So he had a lovely chat with me...or at least I think. ?

Bologna was fine. I walked around the town for a bit, but it was too cold and my backpack was heavy...so I headed to the airport early and read more of Nicholas Sparks.

Plane ride was fine, but I am not sure my seat buddy believed me when I told him that, NEVER READ NICHOLAS SPARKS IN PUBLIC!

So Anyway I took a bus from Barcelona to Valencia. 10pm-3:00pm.
I am going to go ahead and say "bus ride from hell". 1:53am to 2:03am were the only consecutive minutes of silence on the ENTIRE ride. Between crying babies, the poor yet constantly barking/howling puppy that was down with the baggage. and the man and woman who sat diagnally behind me, perfect ear area who thought they were super interesting. They slept at 1:53 and even though they BOTH (imagine that) were snoring...I counted it as silence..

I finally arrived home and slept in late today. It is nice to be back in Valencia, as always.

PISA

2009-12-22T22:38:00.005+01:00

The 19th Nikki flew back to Spain early in the morning and Kelsey and I headed to Pisa.

It was fun to take the train and see all of the snow. I didn't know how hilly/mountainous Italy is. So I enjoyed the 1 and 1/2 ride a lot. Across from us on the train was a family. Mom, Dad, and a little girl. They were trying to keep her entertained etc, by singing songs with her and had paper and pen for her to draw on etc. What floored me was the songs they were teaching her were nursery rhymes in Italian, French, and English. I treated them with my rendition of Wheels on the Bus, which I think will be a new favorite. ;)

Pisa is nothing but a tourist trap. We took rediculous amounts of photos with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. and of course I had a piece 'a pizza in Pisa.

I also managed in between Christmas carols to belt Queen. "Defying the law of gravity" is exactly what this tower does, so I had reason to throw in "Don't Stop Me Now" after the sound of every shutter.

Florence

2009-12-22T21:57:00.008+01:00

Wednesday Morning we headed to Florence. We stayed 3 nights in Florence and had a blast. Our hostel was a 1 star hotel. So the three of us were in a room with an old fashioned sink etc. The bathrooms, well there were two and one was legit. However the other shower in the 2nd bathroom, the showerhead was over the toilet, ha it was interesting. I lucked out and got to used the good bathroom our whole stay, I am just mad that I forgot to take a picture of that 2nd bathroom.

The hotel was very clean, and you could tell it was people who are trying to fix it up, and made the most of what they had to work with. We had internet service, free coffee and tea, and there were free dvd's we could take up to the rooms to watch. The extra effort they put into our stay were appreciated.

Anyway besides this hostel we toured the Duomo. I finally found myself the perfect man, too bad he is made of marble. We climbed the mountain for the Panoramic view and toured the Pitti Palace which was filled with art. FILLED WITH ART. After that day I never need to see a gold frame again. Florence was great. In addition to the fun touristy sights, it seems like such a great town.

We ate at The Clubhouse, which we heard was the only place in Florence that makes their pizza crust from scratch. It was good, but I am not sure I could tell too much of a difference in crusts. We had GELATO! On waffle...At first it only sounded good because the waffle ment something warm to the cold..but boy, it was worth the extra euro, SO GOOD. (we made sure to repeat this tradition again on our last night)

We found the restaurant where Kelsey has some sort of Iowa connection (friend of a friend...) anyway we ate there, it was nice. We got our picture taken with the guy (friend of a friend) she was supposed to meet. Small world?

Also in Florence we window shopped a lot. Went into a bunch of cool journal and stationary stores. Book stores everywhere. Kelsey had to find a new outfit for her New Years plans in Germany, so we spent an afternoon doing this, after the Palace gallery, deciding our eyes were Renaissanced out for the day.

Also Florence was much colder than Rome. So being that my 'winter gear' was lacking from the start, you may notice in my photo albums that my beautiful scarf turned into a head scarf. Also I snagged one of my mittens in Rome, so it had been unraveling quickly, but I was determined to make it last the trip.

While picking out Kelsey clothes to try on in H&M I was followed around by the security guard. Seriously followed, so that is a sign I was looking good...and homeless. However I was warm!

I really liked Florence, it has a lot of Character. They had fun Christmas markets up in the streets. One day we decided to buy some of the Christmas pastries in the market and took them to the cafe to have with our hot chocolate, which was a great idea. We sang plenty of Christmas carols during our walks throughout the city. The gelato was incredible. If you are going through Florence is definately worth a stop. Our days were efficient, yet lazy so you can cover Florence in less time, but it was nice that we had the time to spare. On our last night there, it SNOWED. It was beautiful, and I thought this was going to be my first year without seeing snow, however Florence, you killed that dream, ;) but it was beautiful and peaceful, and I can't lie, I didn't mind seeing it.

Ancient Rome

2009-12-22T19:07:00.006+01:00

Not only do my post seem backwards on the history timeline..but that is how we toured Rome, from Modern-Renaissance-Medieval-to Ancient. All being cool in their own ways.

On Tuesday we were surprised by our friend from Valencia, John and his friend who came to visit Europe/fly back home to New Jersey with John before Christmas. So they came to Rome and they joined us in the Colosseum, Paletine Hill, and the Roman Forum.

It was fun to have them along. I played guide and used the guidebook to walk us through the rooms of the ancient Palace of Augustus, and the huts of Remus and Romulous.

I enjoyed the ruins a lot, and using your imagination to place yourself back to 753 BC when Rome was first founed....so sweet. I had fun, but then again, maybe I was the only one enjoying me being guide?

The idea of the Colosseum made me sick, one fact being that within the first 100 days of it being used 2,000 men and 1,000 animals died. They used to pass out perfume like today we do peanuts to vend to cover the sent of blood...EW. However we put together a little video of our version of a gladiator, which was comical. Also there was a man there 'preaching' about how It was a business, and you do what the people want such as today's cigarette companies etc...I didn't let him have a piece of my mind, but I did give him the evil eye.

Palatine Hill I enjoyed more than the Forum. However the Forum WAS cool, I think maybe by that time, I was cold, dreaming of liquid love, and had passed on the guidebook which wasn't being used to its full potential, since I think we were all in the same boat cold wise.

By the time we got done it was 3. So we spent over 4 hrs Between the 3 sites.

We went and ate, then headed to The Holy Steps "Scala Sancta" Where according to the 15th century tradtition, the staircase is that pa Pilate's palace, up which Jesus walked to Roman judgement. Today people climb these steps on their knees, saying prayers up each of the steps.

We walked towards Plaza Navona and stopped for some hot chocolate to warm up.

Showing the boys the plaza and heading over to show them the Trevi we decided to find somewhere to eat. We lucked out at a cheap and yummy place that gave us a free bottle of wine with our meal!

Vatican City...will get you thinking...

2009-12-22T17:55:00.010+01:00

Monday morning we were up bright and early to get to the Vatican for out 10:30 tour. Our tour started with an overview of Vatican city, and the work behind the Sistine Chapel.

With that we headed through the museum, her pointing out important pieces, and sculptures that influenced the bodies in many of Michelangelo's and Raphael's works. Our tour also included the Papal headquarters which houses many famous fresco artworks. In the room of the Segnatura, Raphael's most famous is his paintings "Philosophy" and so much more.
Symbolism! Symbolism! Symbolism! I get floored after I head about each painting, about how crazy smart, crazy symbolic, frankly just how crazy talented these religious painters were.

If you ever have the chance to go to the Vatican/Rome I suggest to spend the money on the guided tour on the Vatican. The rest of the trip we were lucky to get our hands on a guide book about Rome, so we just took turns reading to eachother the history of the places we were at. Very fun way to do it, I thought...
Back to focus.

The Sistine Chapel is incredible. That, too, I had pictured completely different. Michelangelo's ceiling IS something to talk about. I did buy a sweet book on the art history of Rome that has a fold out picture of the whole ceiling, that I can't wait to show those of you who haven't seen it.

Saint Peter's Basillica, is obnoxiously lavish. It is beautiful and so huge. It has so many sculptures that deserve to be centerpieces, not just in one 'nook' of this giant Basillica. It was quite a sight to say the least. Beautiful, impressive, I really am at a loss of words how to discribe how detailed and intricate this place was, but you won't leave there able to forget about it or how it came to be.

We had spent the entire day at the vatican, so we walked back towards the hostel, took abreak at Alex's, this little coffee bar. Then that night we went out to eat with two girls from our hostel. We went to this fantastic restaurant, which is as welcoming, family orientated and DELICIOUS as you would picture Italy. The food in Italy was great, but I didn't think I had things too great or splendid from what I my mom or others have cooked. BESIDES this one dish I had at Pisciapiano Pizzaria Giora Mia. It is close to the Trevi fountain, but on a back road, if anyone goes to Rome EAT THERE and order Pappardelle alla Gran Duca. (they will suggest it, I was the only one indecisive enough to take the suggestion..best pasta ever)

ROME

2009-12-22T17:24:00.004+01:00

Rome was fun. It holds insane amounts of history that I became very happy we had 3 1/2 days of exploring it.

We arrived Saturday night and checked into our hostel (which turned out to be a fantastic one). We headed out with our Rome guide books to create a more set itinerary over some Pasta, then because it was close, we walked to check out he Colosseum at night. It was very pretty.

On Sunday we headed to the Pantheon. We walked past Capital Hill, which is impressive. Also all the streets are decorated for Christmas, so it was very fun to see huge trees up in the piazzas and lights up and down all of the streets in Italy.

I don't know how much or little to say about Rome, being that more of these places are more commonly heard of. The Pantheon is awesome, and it's columns/front part was the first BC architecture I had ever seen. Then, on our quest to see the Bernini sculptures and fountains from Dan Brown's Angels & Demons we headed to Piazza Navona to see the Fountain Of the Four Rivers, by Bernini. (WATER, check) In the piazza they were having a Christmas market/carnival, which was fun to look around in.

We left the piazza and headed to the Trevi Fountain...the great thing about Rome is that it isn't very big. It is really simple to walk everywhere. You truly do hear the fountain before you see it. Trevi is one hefty beast that now is home to my one cent piece.

It had been raining on and off all morning, by now it is 2ish and the rain is on. So we head off the beaten tracks 'aka expensive tracks' and stop for lunch. I got a Panini and Hot chocolate.

I can't tell you much about the Panini, because after a sip of that fondently think mix of a drink, I was hooked, mesmorized, and the world became a bit fuzzy....we have decided that it is love, in liquid formation, easily put as LIQUID LOVE.

Liquid love and I climbed the spanish steps to get a view of all of the umbrellas rushing about on the streets, and also my first view of St. Peter's Basillica.

We walked and found the walls of Rome and through a park down into Piazza del Popolo. Though it was closed we saw the House of EARTH. However not inside it :(. (Angels & Demons)

Then we walked down the shopping district back to our hostel, which was located by Maria Maggiore, which I found out is where Bernini is buried. We went inside there, and then headed back to our hostel where they fed us supper. It was fun talking to all of the other people from our hostel and the meal was delicious.

Italy Itinerary

2009-12-12T11:17:00.005+01:00

I leave for Italy today I haven't begun to pack so I don't really have time to type the Itinerary.
I am not sure when I get back to Valencia. My flight to Girona, Spain is on the 20th and then I might see a bit of north Spain before making my way back to Valencia.
I am sort of playing that part by ear.
Love you all and Happy Holidays! Hopefully we will be in touch before Christmas. If not... Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Bon Nadal!

DESERT

2009-12-11T20:18:00.005+01:00

Here is a clip showing how the Berbers liked to keep us entertained while we were in the desert. Their dancing it very different, and very much like nothing I have seen before. It is said to resemble many of the animals that they are thankful for. The one in front, when the man is leading the other around with the cloth, is supposed to be tribute to them showing how they lead and care for the camels. It is very neat, and I just saw that this video actually uploaded to the blog, so even though it is late, I am going to post it. Press play, and turn up your speakers... unless you are reading this at your job. ha

Methods of Transportation

2009-12-11T17:34:00.005+01:00

These are what I took to get to/experience Morocco.

Metro. Plane. Taxi. Bus. Ferry (across Gibralter). It was actually pretty cool. This ferry is huge, like the size of a football field+. Bus. Jeep. Camel. Train.

BERBER CAMP

2009-12-11T16:22:00.002+01:00

1. Like bread, because it is the main part of every meal

2. Learn Berber phrases about the desert and about food.

3. Not caring if you can't shower for a couple days

4. There was a toilet that flushed....I am just not where it flushed to

5. There also was an outside shower, that I didn't take the time to use

6. Wake up to see the sun rise and make sure you get yourself fed before the sunset

7. From our campsite it takes 52 days by camel to reach TimBukTu

8. Learn Camel dance, it is all about the stiff leg

9. RAAAAAKKKKK -means 'laugh/relax' in Berber...and will be said ALL THE TIME

which can also be put it into song. RAK ATTACK

10. Euker, don't fight it, you are going to play, and if you are on my team, you are going to win. ;)

11. Generator stops at midnight, so lights go out...they didn't tell us this the first night...whereabouts were debateable.

12. Not everyone can survive the cold of the desert night

13. Berber sliding....

14. aqui no hay playa solo la arena y las estrellas.

Turbins are optional but suggested.

The Sahara

2009-12-11T14:35:00.010+01:00

I can't say enough good things about the desert, the Berbers who live there or of my experience there. The desert is beautiful. It is so easy to pretend like it takes talent to get good photos of the desert, but seriously, open up your lens...and it does it for you.

We woke up to our 'clapping berber' alarm clock. Bundled up (even though I think we all slept in all of the clothes we own to stay warm) and headed out to pick out dunes to watch the sunrise.

After breakfast, which was 3 types of bread, yogurt, jam, an egg and coffee...we got ready to go on our camel ride through the dunes to a small town. Which, to the Joshes out there we actually rode. "dromedaries" one hump, not two.

It. was. AMAZING. I love dromedaries. I shamelessly obsessed with taking photos of them. Kelsey and I rode on one together. Nona, we named her. (A moment of silence for the world's best fish once named Nona).

We rode them to the "Grand Kahuna Duna". There we gave the camels a break, and we climbed the dune to see the view from the top. Dune climbing...is a story in itself. My legs will tell you about it later, they still haven't caught their breath...This Kahuna duna was amazing. The view from the top was fantastic. We were only 30 miles from Algeria. So from the top of the dune we could see into Algeria...(so close, yet so far)

Anyway we got back on Nona and rode to the small village. Here, again, it just hit. These homes were literally made of mud and straw. The women were working to feed the family for the day, the young girls from 8+ were in charge of their little brothers and sisters. Most of them having a baby on their hip because their mom is busy getting the food for the day. These children were so fun, so loveable, but so worldly and mature for not having ever left their village.

If they were 10. They knew 3 languages. Arab. Berber and French. Most of the older kids and the berbers knew 6 minimum. All learned from tourists and television, none of the ones that I met had ever gone to school. So Spanish pulled through and was the 4th language they knew. Only a handful of them knew English well.

Anyway we played some soccer with the kids, and went 'Berber sliding' down the dunes. They had one sand board between the entire town. For people who have nothing, they definately weren't selfish with the gifts they did receive. Some of us took turns doing that.

That day we played ueker on the dunes, (card game) and just hung out. The sunset was gorgeous, and that night after supper they played the drums and guitars and had a dance. Berber style which was...intriguing. I attempted to learn the camel dance.

They defineatey feel the music and interpret it through moves that are symbolic through animals and other things. Other things meaning, moves I didn't understand and have never seen before however I am sure that is what people think when they see me dancing.

Other things that happened over my time in the desert

-Learning Berber (I only know like 6 words)

-A Berber song..but it is in Spanish...and a song that you can't get out of your head. We had it sung to us the first night around a fire off in the dunes.

-I was given a Berber name, Fatima....which is a common Arab name

-I tried to impress others with my knowledge of the constellations, of which I received through Astronomy last year, (Heidi, you may be the only one who knows how far this knowledge extends)

-Learning the camel dance...or attempting to. (I have a video of them demonstrating it)

- Found the 'desert rose' or something, that is a cluster of wet sand-something...idk but it is pretty and the Berbs were excited for me, yet upset, because they usually find it and sell it to us for some dirham.

- Euker, and lots of card games

- Dune meditation

-Henna

- and more.

The desert was incredible. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to go. The 8 other ISA Valencia students who traveled with me, all agree that it is maybe one of the coolest, most unique things we have gotten to experience. It was sad to leave the desert behind, however I was happy to pass back onto Spanish territory.

Terrain

2009-12-11T13:58:00.007+01:00

Group overlooking the Valley of Ziz

It took us practically an entire day from Fes to reach the desert. One thing I never thought about Morocco is that had nothing but dessert, however I was poorly mistaken. It changes from hills of mint to the Atlas Mountains where there is snow and monkeys then changes to clay and valleys of orange to palm trees, and only thing that breaks up the orange from the sky is if you come across an oasis, which means now a town has developed. Then finally and gradually it changes into the desert where there are just mounds and mounds of beautiful sand dunes.

We arrived after sunset to our campsite. Our bus took us to Jeeps where we hopped in and 'off-roaded' for 2 hrs to reach our campsite. The driver of my jeep was crazy. Blasting Arab music, and turning off the jeep lights so he can be guided by the stars...we went up and down bumps etc and the car was full of screams and giggles of 6 giddy girls.

When arriving the first thing after hopping out of the jeep was my eyes immediately were drawn towards the stars. Oddly enough, the desert was the closest place I have felt like home in awhile. The sky was incredible. Then we were greeted by the Berbers, who are an entirely different kind of people than those that we dealt with in Fes. Berbers....I love you. They were kind, and welcoming and of course greeted us with hot mint tea.

We ate supper of cous cous and vegetables and then wrapped up in our blankets and set out to star gaze. It is SO COLD in the desert at night. Also it was so weird arriving to the desert in the dark. Because we were climbing up and down mounds of sand....seeing dunes that are only lit by the moon, but it would wait until morning for the sun to hit, before we could truly see that we were SURROUNDED in nothing but sand.

Satellite Fes

2009-12-11T12:36:00.010+01:00

I am back from my trip to Morocco. I want to tell you each and every detail of my time there and I am going to try. However I don't know how to give this trip justice, with words or even pictures.

I am going to split up this blog, as of how things affected me...the moments that made me jolt into reality or question it.

I will start with crossing the Moroccan boarder. Seeing the flags of red and green and knowing that hundreds of eyes are watching your tour bus stick out like a sore thumb. It was an instant change from European atmosphere to one that is completely foreign to me. Going from women in heals and the latest flashy fashion, to seeing people with just the clothes on their back and many of the women only revealing their eyes.

FES
Fes was a chaotic city and is hard to describe. We spent an entire day in the Medina of Old Fes. It is the largest maintained Islamic medieval city in the world. The most you will find for electronics in this place is a radio and calculators. It would be so easy to stay lost inside it's walls. When the bus dropped us off a ways away, we had to go through alleys around corners, through doors, up and down stairs before actually reaching the entrance to this medieval city. Around each corner is a different scene and a completely different smell. My nostrils were having a field day with all of the variation of smell.

In the medina we saw bazaars crammed with shops of all sorts from fruit stands, to butcher stands, spices, carpets, jewelry, snails, leather, tanneries, cafe stops and hidden restaurants.

What is insane about The Medina and all of Moroccan architecture is that how all of these buildings look like a much unloved building from the outside, but stepping across the threshold indoors is like an entirely different building. Palaces are what the inside of these places look like. The architecture is symbolic to their beliefs and style of dress as well. That beauty is found on the inside. It is a cultural tradition that I think is neat. Even outside the medina, with some of the 'modern houses' it is still just simple on the outside.

This is another reason why Fes is so hard to describe. The skyline is covered in satellites. You look and see traditional clothing, and houses that look ancient, and people still using carts and mules etc, so you feel like you could be back in time..but then you look at every rooftop and the skyline of fes, and it is covered in satelite dishes.

So that covers the city.

THE PEOPLE
First, let me just say...that no matter how much you hear or read about how you will get hustled and nagged and cornered by venders. Small children, old men, store vendors, your tour guides of the medina...each and every one of them....will know where your wallet is at all times, each and every one of them ARE working together to get you to buy things, to get you to show them where your wallet is, and to split the profit of your purchase, or if your aren't careful, the profit of their quick 'you won't notice until it is gone from your purse' hands.

I didn't enjoy the sales people in fes. I had some trouble with pick pocketers, and also trouble with getting stringed away from the group and cornered into buying something. Honestly I have always wondered how those court cases work, people confess because 'cops mess with their minds' or whatever, but then they are found innocent, and I always had wondered HOW ON EARTH could they be fool and give up so easily to commit to a crime they didn't do.

I of course, am using an extreme example, however now me and my new Moroccan bartering purchases, can relate to caving.

THE FOOD
This category can be duplicated to every site I visited in Morocco...because the meal selection didn't really change much. First off, my director had chosen carefully places we can stay that we won't get sick from the food. Meaning places where they don't use Moroccan water. In Fez we ate most meals at our hotel, and one in the Medina. Cous Cous, chicken and veggies and 3 forms of bread is basically what I ate every day. Moroccans and their idea of always eating bread, and here I thought Spain was bad...

THE HOTEL
Our hotel was nice, for Morocco it was 4 stars and pretty extravagant. Compared to places I have stayed in the past...it somewhat compared to the 6 euro hostel we slept at in Seville, but It was nice, we slept well and the beds were comfortable.

We spent the day in the Medina and went to a dance and traditional music show that night. It was very interesting. Lots of noise, lots of odd forms of dance, belly dancing, fake marriages...
and of course mint tea. Everywhere, we were served mint tea.

RELIGION

After our day in Fes and all that I had experienced and seen in one day, I had a lot I wanted to pray for and be thankful for with God. Again, that is when that electric jolt when through my body. Morocco was just a surreal experience and as I remembered things I had seen throughout the day the Arab prayer that we heard many times that day came into my head. It took an extra sort of concentration to pray. For the first time in my life God never seemed so far away and so foreign. Yet, at the same time I was so thankful he was there with me and watching my closer than ever.

Morroco Itinerary

2009-11-29T16:38:00.008+01:00

I am officially on day 1 Christmas Vacation! 'Only' 46 days left.....oh boy. It started off saying a lot of goodbyes last night. A lot of my group are flying back to the States early. It was weird to say goodbye, but I can't say it is sad. It will be weird to be around here without them, but I suppose that just means that the next adventure is a step closer.

Anyway my first day of break will be spent packing for my trip to Morocco. My plane leaves tonight at 8PM to Seville, Spain. From there we meet our group bus at 3am and leave Seville by 4am for Morocco. There are 9 of us from my ISA group going. I have attached on sort of an outline of the itinerary for the week, incase anyone is curious.

Be in touch when I return! -Marli

December 3rd: Gibralter by Ferry-arrive in Ceuta (Spain) to stop and eat etc. Cross Moroccan Boarder and continue to Fez. Fez for afternoon/evening.

December 4th Spend day in the market (La Medina) in Fez. Seeing how they make/dye clothing, rugs, foods, pharmacy, etc. That night a traditional Moraccan celebration.

December 5th Head to Erfound. Stopping in the Oasis Ziz . Once in Erfoud find Jeep place and take Jeeps to Merzouga where we will take camels the rest of the way into the Sahara. Camping/desert fun.

December 6th Take camels to check out the small village for the day. Return to campsite for the night, by camel, and sunsets/camping/desert fun. I promised my friend Val we can do some dune mediation. :)

December 7th Take camels back to Merzouga, Jeeps back to Erfoud where we head on To Meknes. traveling through Morocco's High Atlas Mountains along the way. In Meknes, there we will hopefully meet up with some ISA students studing in Meknes to show us around the town. Possibly check out the Arab baths.

December 8th Meknes/start the journey back to Spain.

December 9th Leave from Seville at 8:30 a.m. by train to Valencia.

December 10th A few of us having lunch with our Grammar Professor. The 'official' last night of Fall Semester friends in Valencia.

Decemeber 11th Fall students head to Madrid. 3 of us here for break, out of the 5 of us students who are studying here for the year. I was talking with my directors yesterday, and I guess spring semester there will be a total of 52 of us studying here. WOW.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-11-29T11:33:00.004+01:00

Thanksgiving was fun, different, but fun. I guess we made such a huge deal about it, that the people who knew us here, couldn't ignore this holidiay.

The day started by testing out my new alarm clock at 7:00am. At 8am, while I was hunched over a bowl of cereal in the kitchen, my roomate Joelle opened her bedroom door, threw her hands in the air and shouted "HAPPY THANKSGIVING."

I almost had a heart attack, however after the initial shock, I was tickled and beaming. She had to ask a couple times to make sure that is what we said in America, because she googled it to see.
Then I had CLASS. Which was lame. However when I returned home for lunch, Amparo had shut the door to the kitchen and had the house smelling delicious. She surprised us with turkey, roasted potatoes, a new 'style' of stuffing that included peppers and bacon (really good). It was very nice of her to make a festive lunch, and you will bet I held tradition by taking a Thankgiving nap afterwards.

After taking a trip to El Saler to shop, and finding nothing, we came back home and got ready for our ISA Thanksgiving dinner that was at 9:00, at a restaraunt, Diablito. There us students, our guests, the directors and thier families lined the tables to share in a Thanksgiving meal.

It was so fun, they served us turkey, a big piece of light and dark meat, mashed potatoes and gravy, cooked carrots, and brussel sprouts, and for dessert carrot cake. I thought everything was really good. I sat by Taylor and Shonda, and then by the directors and thier familes, which led me to be speaking spanish the entire night (not a bad thing, just scary).

Mom you will be proud, that I started the "round of thanks" and everyone took turns to say what they were thankful for, my directors liked that part of Thanksgiving, maybe more than the food.

Friday I went to the Fallas museum with my friend Jessica, which was really neat, and makes me glad that I will be here for the festival in the spring. Then we played on the "Gulliver playground" in the Rio. Which is super fun and it won't be as easy now to just run/walk past, I will want to go in and play.

Then I hung out in the ISA office for awhile waiting for some people to go to the MUVIM museum. I was taught how to play Yuker, a cardgame, my partner and I won, so that was fantastic.

Then we went to the MUVIM museum which was....odd. It is about the Enlightenment period, the 18th century. It was sort of like a 'haunted house/wax museum/time machine.' We were led through this huge building with these silent tour guides in costumes from the different periods we were walking through. Everything was dark and when we reached an 'exhibit' it was like a stage set up of these 'wax figures' and there would be audio booming about the history, and then different voices for these important men in history that were 'talking' and 'explaining' their work. etc.

It was very cool, very deep, very makes your brain hurt, but nothing like I was expecting.

Then on Saturday we rented bikes and toured the 'juertas' (fields) north of Valencia, and also another part of the coast that is north of Valencia a ways. It was a beautiful day for biking and the things we saw were really pretty and neat. A lot of chufa, onion, cabbage, artichoke and orange fields. When I say fields, picture more like the size of a yard. There was lots of land, but it was divided by shin high cement walls (part of irrigation system of the moors) and in side each 'field' was a differnt variety of agriculture. It was very neat, I saw how the chufas are cultivated, and saw that onions are still picked by hand, there were a lot of workers out there loading crates. Also, there were many horses being trained, and horses being ridden.
The coast was pretty, a lot of fishing docks, and colorful houses.

So our Thanksgiving/last week of fall semester, was a very fun one. Today is going to be spent studying for my last three finals. I hope you all enjoyed your long vacations.

Lady of Sealand?

2009-11-24T18:43:00.003+01:00

Have you ever researched the Principality of Sealand?

I just did today, for about two hours trying to decide if this little micronation is worthy to be called a country of it's own. I have maybe never been more blown away and yet frankly just pissed off about something.

Also, I may now be in search to find something out of country boundries...just to call it my own. I am not sure if it is needed to say... that finals have arrived, and procrastination is in full gear.

Seriously though, I am so worked up about this, I have no idea what to think.

Sealand, do it!

Finals

2009-11-22T00:09:00.004+01:00

Ten days left of my first semester! After these 10 days I am on vacation until the January 17th. I know, lucky! During the break I will be traveling to Morocco, Italy, Northern Spain and Portugal. I think that I will post my itineraries on here before I take off. That way if my computer access is limited, you can still have a good guess of where I am during the holidays. I miss you all and hope that you have a Happy Thanksgiving! -Marli

Luna Nueva

2009-11-20T17:36:00.002+01:00

Q. Did seeing New Moon in spanish ruin it for me?
A. Not at all.
Five of us went to it on to see New Moon on Wednesday night, and the theater was crazy. there was appplausing at the first sight of Edward and then again for Jacob... and then again for Jacob's new muscles.
It was strange to hear some of my favorite book quotes being said in a 'Spanish', so like I knew what was coming... but didn't? That is how all movies are I suppose, when you have read the book first. You know what is going to happen, you anticipate it, yet you have no idea how they 'created the scene'. It was that. Also in a new language.

I guess it was good that I wasn't so lost and I actually could understand a lot of my favorite quotes. Good sign I suppose.

Anyway Twightlight lovers, I hope you find your seats to this movie soon.
A lot of people entered the theater on one team...and left on the other.

Team Edward!

Tip of the day

2009-11-17T17:05:00.004+01:00

Today Amparo told me to use men like tissues...
I love her more each day.

Also,
Kelsey also tried to tell Amparo that a guy we know has eyes like 'a puppy dog'. (Or whatever our saying is) We found out quickly... that isn't a common saying in Spanish, nor is it a compliment... it didn't go over well.

Lastly yesterday we were in town center and hopped on a bus, that we thought would take us home. We ended up in the outskirts south of town, and had to find a bus back in (took over an hour to get home) it was a sign to tell me not to be lazy, and to continue walking everywhere. However, all that bad news behind us, I saw a boy that was identical to brother Josh.
It took all my might/some of Kelsey's for me not to smother him with love...

:D

COMIDA AMERICANA

2009-11-15T18:05:00.008+01:00

This week Amparo let Kelsey and I prepare an American meal for her. Actually it was more like Kelsey and I were talking with Amparo about some of our favorite foods from home, and she said we were drooling out our eyes so we best have a night to show her some cooking from back home.

It turned out really well, considering it was poor/last minute planning. We made potatoes, baked breaded chicken and then apple crisp (thank you mom for that recipe). Well good thing we bought quantity in 'Marli guesstimates' because we bought too much for the 4 of us, and then her sons Paco and Alex called and so we ended up cooking for 7.

While cooking Amparo helped where she could but mostly just 'danced' around the kitchen with us to our American music. It started off with my Beatles and Jack Johnson music...which was fun because she knew a lot of the Beatles songs but then it drifted into "3" by Britney Spears and whatever other Whoo Haa mess Kelsey was playing. However knowing the words or not we all seemed to enjoy them equally.

Anyway everyone loved our food. Amparo was so surprised that it was a 'tart' that doesn't take milk or eggs or anything. I am supposed to give her and Elena (Paco's wife) the recipe.

We felt sort of bad because out of everything we made, our Swiss girl could only have the potatoes and corn, due to allergies. So Amparo warmed her up some leftovers and gave her some fruit as we downed apple crisp and ice cream.

Things to think of before you cook a meal in spain.
1. ingredient availability
2. OVEN SIZE
3. metric system

4. Just because the three things you miss are made from butter, doesn't mean you should indulge in them all in the same meal...