First off I just want to say thanks to everyone who reads my blog. I have gotten a lot of really nice comments from a bunch of people. I am glad you all enjoy it!
Last night we ended up going to a friend's apartment to play cards. We learned this game called Mao. It basically has the potential to make the strongest willed man cry and destroy friendships. It is very intense but fun! We basically just played that for awhile and talked. It was a nice Saturday night!
I went out with a friend Oxana for coffee this morning. She studied at WJ all last year and we had a class together. We spoke Spanish the whole time which was really good! She gave me a bunch of tips for traveling and places to go and she was just asking how everything was going. It has been nice knowing two people who go to la Universidad de Navarra before I even got here! They are really making my experience that much better! After that I went for a run. I ran at the lowest level of la ciudadela which is what I have pictures of from an earlier post. It is so cool! I can't get enough of it. And for the rest of the day Angela and I have just been sitting around watching episodes of The Office. We really need to find day trips that are close! Either that or actually have homework but preferably the traveling!! Other than that not much else to report. I can't believe tomorrow is the start of February!
Hasta manana!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
1/30/10
I have come to the conclusion that Pamplona is the Pittsburgh of Spain, possibly even Europe. It has rained the past 3 days. The temperature is mild though which makes it better! The rain just hinders our plans sometimes because we never feel like walking around town in the rain. I still did go for a run today though. I ran around the Plaza de toros and the old town. It really is a beautiful part of the city. Other than that I have accomplished few other things. I have read and watched stuff on my computer. It has only been Angela and I in the apartment all day. We watched an episode of The Office. We also went to the grocery store, a larger one than we usually go to. They have more selection there. I got some fresh vegetables, rice and a few other things. Then I made stir fry for dinner. I am getting the hang of making my own dinner and I am also getting used to really late dinners. I like late dinners. It feels like your day is super extended. It is nice to have a dinner with your friends that lasts awhile. I think that is what I like about it because it is a nice way to end your day. I have also discovered this amazing chocolate from Switzerland. The brand is Milka and the chocolate basically has air bubbles in it I guess. It is really airy and delicious! Hopefully I won't eat too much of it though. I believe this might be the find of the semester. I might have to sneak some home with me past customs so everyone can try some!! Well it has been a relaxing weekend so far and I hope it finishes that way.
Feliz dia!
Feliz dia!
Friday, January 29, 2010
1/29/10
Today was kind of a lazy boring day. I don't have class on Fridays which is awesome! I did have to finish my paper though and send it in but I only had to write a conclusion. After that I just sat around and watched stuff on my computer and read. I highly recommend reading any of Malcolm Gladwell's books if you haven't already. I already got one of my flatmates to read Outliers! And she asked to read the other book I have here of his but I told her to wait in line because I wasn't finished yet. I love recommending his books!
It is also rainy weather today so it hindered any plans that we would have concocted. I made some dinner, just pasta. I wanted to do stir fry but I didn't have rice and didn't want to venture out in the rain. So I was boring. I basically have been boring all day. I do have plans to go to Madrid though in February! So I am not boring all the time here. Anyway I think we are going to go out for a little bit tonight. I am tired so I don't think I will be up until 7 am like the Spanish usually do. I really am baffled that they actually do that but it makes sense when your world revolves around a daily 4 hour siesta.
Que tenga un buen fin de semana!
It is also rainy weather today so it hindered any plans that we would have concocted. I made some dinner, just pasta. I wanted to do stir fry but I didn't have rice and didn't want to venture out in the rain. So I was boring. I basically have been boring all day. I do have plans to go to Madrid though in February! So I am not boring all the time here. Anyway I think we are going to go out for a little bit tonight. I am tired so I don't think I will be up until 7 am like the Spanish usually do. I really am baffled that they actually do that but it makes sense when your world revolves around a daily 4 hour siesta.
Que tenga un buen fin de semana!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
1/27/10-1/28/10
So yesterday really wasn't blog worthy and by the time I got around to do it, it was 1 am so I thought I would do a double post today. I went for a run in the morning and it was super cold!! I should have gone to southern Spain. Oh well. I worked on my paper that is due for Global Communications for awhile and then went to have a coffee break with 2 of my roommates and another exchange student. We went to this really cool cafe which also has really good gelato. Also on the plus side it is open during siesta!! Then I had to go to class at 5 but no one was there. I think they changed the classroom on me and I don't know because I won't get on the class list until next week--so I don't get emails. I need to ask the professor on Monday. To make up for my missed class I bought some fresh bread on my way home at my favorite bakery. It always smells like fresh pastries when you walk in! It is amazing and a whole baguette is only 1€. Nice for the student budget. Oh and then I went to the movies to see Nine which is kind of like Chicago. It was ok not exactly my type of movie but it was cheap. And that was pretty much the end of my night.
Today we had off from classes. Not too sure why but I don't ask questions about that kind of stuff. I went to the old town with my roommate Angela this afternoon for awhile. She wanted to just walk around and maybe find some postcards. We walked around and saw the Plaza de toros where San Fermin ends and they do the bull fights. We looked around at shops and stuff. Then we went to one of the main plazas and found a group of older people dancing. It was so random but awesome to find around the corner and during siesta. Everywhere else was so quiet but right in the middle of this Plaza, this group from Sevilla, Spain circled around and stared to dance. They were doing Sevillanas which is a similar to Flamenco but you probably shouldn't say that to a native from Sevilla. Then two of the older men came over to us and explained that the dance wasn't native of Navarra and I told them I was familiar with it. It was really cool to just stumble upon! I took a picture, I haven't uploaded it on my computer yet but I will post it soon.
Then we walked back home to finish our papers. Mine is just about done besides a conclusion. And I have just been relaxing for the rest of my day off. I may go to a goodbye party for one of the exchange students from last semester who is returning now since his classes are later at home. I think this weekend is going to be a lazy weekend. I will probably do some reading and stuff. Oh and skype :)
Echo de menos mi familia y mis amigos
Today we had off from classes. Not too sure why but I don't ask questions about that kind of stuff. I went to the old town with my roommate Angela this afternoon for awhile. She wanted to just walk around and maybe find some postcards. We walked around and saw the Plaza de toros where San Fermin ends and they do the bull fights. We looked around at shops and stuff. Then we went to one of the main plazas and found a group of older people dancing. It was so random but awesome to find around the corner and during siesta. Everywhere else was so quiet but right in the middle of this Plaza, this group from Sevilla, Spain circled around and stared to dance. They were doing Sevillanas which is a similar to Flamenco but you probably shouldn't say that to a native from Sevilla. Then two of the older men came over to us and explained that the dance wasn't native of Navarra and I told them I was familiar with it. It was really cool to just stumble upon! I took a picture, I haven't uploaded it on my computer yet but I will post it soon.
Then we walked back home to finish our papers. Mine is just about done besides a conclusion. And I have just been relaxing for the rest of my day off. I may go to a goodbye party for one of the exchange students from last semester who is returning now since his classes are later at home. I think this weekend is going to be a lazy weekend. I will probably do some reading and stuff. Oh and skype :)
Echo de menos mi familia y mis amigos
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
1/26/10
My morning started off with a nice run when I was reminded once again of the climate change between Pamplona and Valencia. I would like to remain in a mild climate. WJ should have an exchange with Valencia but I do love Pamplona!!!!
After my run, I had to hurry to class, Geografia Cultural, which is basically sociology. I like it because we talk about cultural influences like language and religion so it is right up my alley. I also have a "friend" in that class who once gave me a brief history of the world. He likes to ask me questions about the US. It kind of gets annoying after awhile but it is interesting to witness how people react to you when you are the foreigner. At least I can practice Spanish when he talks to me. This class is also for first year students. I feel like I am regressing in age in that class. I am definitely mature in comparison with these kiddies haha. But it is a fun course and it will improve my Spanish. After class, I just came back and hung around my apartment for siesta.
Around 3 I headed back to campus to hand in my matriculation form. It feels nice to finally have that in and now I will have access to all my course documents! Then I had Theory of the Organization at 4. This class is also great for me because it combines business theory, econ and probability. We did some equations though today that were a little confusing in Spanish but I believe that I have had them in previous classes so I just need to look back over the notes.
Then I had to go grocery shopping because my shelves were bare. I have stocked up though! For dinner I tried something new that I found online, Parmesan Chicken (not chicken parm). I had to make a few adjustments seeing as I didn't have all the ingredients that the recipe called for but I gave it the good old college try and it turned out pretty good! I am definitely going to be Mrs. Flay by May seeing as I didn't measure anything and I adapted the recipe myself. Anyway I am finishing my night by attempting to start a paper for my Global Communications class that is due Friday. I have plenty of time to do it because we have off this Thursday and I don't have class on Friday! Wow I just realized that I only have one class tomorrow for an hour and then I am done for the week! WOO! And then next week is February...Wow is all I have to say!
Buenas Noches :)
After my run, I had to hurry to class, Geografia Cultural, which is basically sociology. I like it because we talk about cultural influences like language and religion so it is right up my alley. I also have a "friend" in that class who once gave me a brief history of the world. He likes to ask me questions about the US. It kind of gets annoying after awhile but it is interesting to witness how people react to you when you are the foreigner. At least I can practice Spanish when he talks to me. This class is also for first year students. I feel like I am regressing in age in that class. I am definitely mature in comparison with these kiddies haha. But it is a fun course and it will improve my Spanish. After class, I just came back and hung around my apartment for siesta.
Around 3 I headed back to campus to hand in my matriculation form. It feels nice to finally have that in and now I will have access to all my course documents! Then I had Theory of the Organization at 4. This class is also great for me because it combines business theory, econ and probability. We did some equations though today that were a little confusing in Spanish but I believe that I have had them in previous classes so I just need to look back over the notes.
Then I had to go grocery shopping because my shelves were bare. I have stocked up though! For dinner I tried something new that I found online, Parmesan Chicken (not chicken parm). I had to make a few adjustments seeing as I didn't have all the ingredients that the recipe called for but I gave it the good old college try and it turned out pretty good! I am definitely going to be Mrs. Flay by May seeing as I didn't measure anything and I adapted the recipe myself. Anyway I am finishing my night by attempting to start a paper for my Global Communications class that is due Friday. I have plenty of time to do it because we have off this Thursday and I don't have class on Friday! Wow I just realized that I only have one class tomorrow for an hour and then I am done for the week! WOO! And then next week is February...Wow is all I have to say!
Buenas Noches :)
Monday, January 25, 2010
some pictures from Valencia (that I forgot to post)
Valencia Catedral at night
La cuidad de las artes y ciencias (gardens)
The town hall
Gardens inside the silk market
Ceramics Museum (my favorite)
1/22/10-1/25/10
Friday (1/22)
We arrived in Valencia around 5 am after a 7 hour bus ride. What a lovely way to start the weekend. I had Spain's worst cup of coffee to which did not compliment the early arrival. After we had something to eat, we made our way to the hostel which was pretty easy to find. It was an old renovated church. The decor was pretty modern and they had a lot of extras like a kitchen, flat screen tv (which seemed to be used entirely too much seeing as the travelers staying in the hostel had plenty to see and do in Valencia) and computers with internet (which is nice to let everyone know that you are ok). We took a power nap and then had a little snack before going on a free walking tour. The tour was one of the best I have taken. We had a young tour guide who had a masters in history so we got to hear all the history of Spain and Valencia but it was still fun! The buildings are gorgeous in Valencia. My favorite is the ceramics museum which I believe originally was a home for nobility. The intricate design around the door was incredible. The artist must have gone insane from all the little details! After the tour, we did the tapas tour by the same company (Valencia Nonstop) which took us to a few restaurant/bars. At each we got a small drink or 2 and a few tapas. It was a really good deal (only 10€) for basically a full lunch. After that it was about 3 or 4 and we decided to go to the beach before it got dark. We wanted to get it in too on Friday because the weather was supposed to be a little rainy the next 2 days. So we took a taxi down and took some pictures and just walked around in the sand. Valencia's climate is milder than Pamplona. I could definitely tell the difference today when I got off the bus back in Pamplona's bus station. Then we took a well deserved siesta! We grabbed a quick bite and went on a pub crawl that was part of Valencia Nonstop as well. That probably was the least fun of the trifecta of activties of Valencia Nonstop. Eventually we made it to bed.
Saturday (1/23)
Saturday started off with some breakfast of course and then we took the bus down to La Ciudad de las artes y las ciencias (the City of Arts and Sciences). La Ciudad is a cluster of amazing architecture that houses several exhibits and museums. We went to the aquarium. Pretty much your typical aquarium. My favorite were the walruses though...unsuspecting I know but they just looked like they were purely enjoying being alive. We also got in to see a dolphin show. It was really cool, a little chilly, but worth it. We checked out a few more exhibits, eventually covering the whole aquarium and made our way out. We decided to stop at the mall which was across the street since it was still mid-afternoon. This mall is where I first was introduced to Spanish hot chocolate, later to be surpassed by chocolate con churros. Spanish hot chocolate is basically liquid chocolate. To purely drink it takes effort and skill. It is best to dunk in a pastry, this is where the churro comes in to play. It was the best pick me up ever! Then we took another well deserved siesta before we had a paella dinner. Paella is pretty famous in Valencia. The traditional Paella Valenciana has seafood and rabbit in it. Somewhat unfortunately, the restaurant was out of paella valenciana so I was unable to taste rabbit. Our paella was decent, I think I can find better though. Then we had chocolate con churros!!!! Heaven in a mug con churros is what the name should be! By the time we finished out amazing dessert it was after midnight so we made our way back to the hostel and slept soundly with chocolate con churro dreams (or at least I had those).
Sunday (1/24)
I had a nice bacon and cheese sandwich and fresh-squeezed Valencia orange juice to start my morning. Then we jumped on a bus and headed back down to La ciudad de las artes y ciencias. This time we went to the regular science museum. They had some strange stuff for an art museum like a superheros exhibit?? But it was pretty fun, I was exhausted though from all the stuff we had been doing! After we got some lunch and headed back for siesta. Then we decided to go to a flamenco show. My absolute favorite part of the weekend! I love watching flamenco because it is spontaneous and even though there is a singer, musicians and a dancer there is no sheet music. They all just basically do what comes to them from the beat of the music. I think I find it so amazing because logically it seems like the end result of no sheet music or anything like that would be chaos but the result is incredibly brilliant. I took some video but I don't think that it will give the show justice. I highly recommend that you all see a flamenco show if you get the chance especially if you are lucky enough to see it in Spain!! After a long long weekend we had some noodles from Wok to Walk which is a great idea for a restaurant-customized noodles to go. It was delicious and just what we needed! Then of course we slept!!
Monday (1/25)
I was on a bus for 7 hours so the highlight of my day was the pastry I had for breakfast.
We arrived in Valencia around 5 am after a 7 hour bus ride. What a lovely way to start the weekend. I had Spain's worst cup of coffee to which did not compliment the early arrival. After we had something to eat, we made our way to the hostel which was pretty easy to find. It was an old renovated church. The decor was pretty modern and they had a lot of extras like a kitchen, flat screen tv (which seemed to be used entirely too much seeing as the travelers staying in the hostel had plenty to see and do in Valencia) and computers with internet (which is nice to let everyone know that you are ok). We took a power nap and then had a little snack before going on a free walking tour. The tour was one of the best I have taken. We had a young tour guide who had a masters in history so we got to hear all the history of Spain and Valencia but it was still fun! The buildings are gorgeous in Valencia. My favorite is the ceramics museum which I believe originally was a home for nobility. The intricate design around the door was incredible. The artist must have gone insane from all the little details! After the tour, we did the tapas tour by the same company (Valencia Nonstop) which took us to a few restaurant/bars. At each we got a small drink or 2 and a few tapas. It was a really good deal (only 10€) for basically a full lunch. After that it was about 3 or 4 and we decided to go to the beach before it got dark. We wanted to get it in too on Friday because the weather was supposed to be a little rainy the next 2 days. So we took a taxi down and took some pictures and just walked around in the sand. Valencia's climate is milder than Pamplona. I could definitely tell the difference today when I got off the bus back in Pamplona's bus station. Then we took a well deserved siesta! We grabbed a quick bite and went on a pub crawl that was part of Valencia Nonstop as well. That probably was the least fun of the trifecta of activties of Valencia Nonstop. Eventually we made it to bed.
Saturday (1/23)
Saturday started off with some breakfast of course and then we took the bus down to La Ciudad de las artes y las ciencias (the City of Arts and Sciences). La Ciudad is a cluster of amazing architecture that houses several exhibits and museums. We went to the aquarium. Pretty much your typical aquarium. My favorite were the walruses though...unsuspecting I know but they just looked like they were purely enjoying being alive. We also got in to see a dolphin show. It was really cool, a little chilly, but worth it. We checked out a few more exhibits, eventually covering the whole aquarium and made our way out. We decided to stop at the mall which was across the street since it was still mid-afternoon. This mall is where I first was introduced to Spanish hot chocolate, later to be surpassed by chocolate con churros. Spanish hot chocolate is basically liquid chocolate. To purely drink it takes effort and skill. It is best to dunk in a pastry, this is where the churro comes in to play. It was the best pick me up ever! Then we took another well deserved siesta before we had a paella dinner. Paella is pretty famous in Valencia. The traditional Paella Valenciana has seafood and rabbit in it. Somewhat unfortunately, the restaurant was out of paella valenciana so I was unable to taste rabbit. Our paella was decent, I think I can find better though. Then we had chocolate con churros!!!! Heaven in a mug con churros is what the name should be! By the time we finished out amazing dessert it was after midnight so we made our way back to the hostel and slept soundly with chocolate con churro dreams (or at least I had those).
Sunday (1/24)
I had a nice bacon and cheese sandwich and fresh-squeezed Valencia orange juice to start my morning. Then we jumped on a bus and headed back down to La ciudad de las artes y ciencias. This time we went to the regular science museum. They had some strange stuff for an art museum like a superheros exhibit?? But it was pretty fun, I was exhausted though from all the stuff we had been doing! After we got some lunch and headed back for siesta. Then we decided to go to a flamenco show. My absolute favorite part of the weekend! I love watching flamenco because it is spontaneous and even though there is a singer, musicians and a dancer there is no sheet music. They all just basically do what comes to them from the beat of the music. I think I find it so amazing because logically it seems like the end result of no sheet music or anything like that would be chaos but the result is incredibly brilliant. I took some video but I don't think that it will give the show justice. I highly recommend that you all see a flamenco show if you get the chance especially if you are lucky enough to see it in Spain!! After a long long weekend we had some noodles from Wok to Walk which is a great idea for a restaurant-customized noodles to go. It was delicious and just what we needed! Then of course we slept!!
Monday (1/25)
I was on a bus for 7 hours so the highlight of my day was the pastry I had for breakfast.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
1/20/10-1/-21/10
Happy Birthday Mom!! I wish I had money to fly you to Spain to visit me :)
Yesterday I went to a few classes but nothing out of the usual there. Basically have my final schedule down, now to turn in my matriculation form.
Angela, my roommate, and I went to la ciudadela to take pictures and stuff. We ended up playing around there for awhile. We were acting like little kids it was so much fun. La ciudadela is the old fortress in Pamplona. Pamplona is in a really good strategic places because of the Pyrenees mountains and it is pretty close to the ocean. Hence building a fortress was a good idea but now it is basically a park. It reminds me a lot of Vallley Forge. We were climbing on the walls and jumping down into lower parts to take pictures. We took some pretty photos. It turned out to be a beautiful day! After that we went to a department store called Corte Ingles. It has a lot of American products. Then we went back because I have night class.
After class we went to some friends' apartment to have dinner. We had some lasagna, bruschetta and churrizo, which is Spanish sausage. That was really fun too because there was a bunch of people there. We were there until about midnight talking and hanging out. Then I just came home to sleep. I wasn't able to take a siesta.
Today I have one class and then I need to hand in an abstract. A short day! Then late tonight we are boarding the bus for Valencia!!! I am excited for our first weekend trip! I will have to write everything down so I remember to put it on here since I won't have access to the internet. So hopefully you all can handle a cliff hanger while I travel. (sarcasm)
Hasta lunes!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
1/19/10
I went to go to another Sociology class but I think they all pulled a joke on the silly American and changed the time of class. Oh well, I decided to make another change to my schedule and I am not going to take that class anymore. I actually really think I have classes figured out! I just need to go to an International Relations class tomorrow and make sure I like it and then I am done!!! Also if this schedule works out I will only have class Monday-Wednesday...4 day weekend!
So I was mainly at the university today. (Sidenote: A lot of the exchange students call college uni and I think it is hilarious). I went to the university's bookstore today and bought a t-shirt and then went to get a coffee with 2 friends. Then I went home for siesta but I actually tried to start a paper for my Global Communications course. The topic I am writing on is how cultural identity is defined by global media. The articles that I am finding are really interesting. After that I went to an evening class from 4-6:30 called Theory of Organizations. I liked it because it brought together a lot of econ, business, psychology and probability. It seems like it will be an exciting course and it only meets once a week!
For dinner, my flatmates and I had a fish night. We went to the market and tried to ask the woman who slices and dices the fish what was best and any recipes. She wasn't very creative and just told us to fry a fillet or bake it. So we just got a cheap one that she said was fine. Then we all cooked together. It was really fun! And it turned out pretty good! Then we had ice cream for dessert. Now I am trying to write my abstract for my paper that is due Friday. I'd like to get it done tonight or tomorrow because we are going to Valencia this weekend. It should be easy. It only has to be 500 words. I am tired though since I didn't get a siesta in today. I am definitely accustomed to my Spanish lifestyle!
Que descansa bien!!
Monday, January 18, 2010
1/18/10
I had one class today and it was kind of a bust. I wish I had not even gone. The teacher didn't even come in. We learned how to use a search engine that the library uses to find journal articles, basicaly EBSCO host, which I have used many times. But whatever I tried to listen to all the Spanish being spoken. Although, I got a headache because everyone was talking instead of paying attention. Oh well, we did get out early so I just went home, had lunch and took a siesta. I am soo tired from the weekend!
After I pulled myself from my bed, I went on a walk to Casco Antiguo with some friends. They wanted to look at a tea shop so I went along to have something to do. We walked around for awhile and then I called it quits because I was exhausted!! I came home to 3 flatmates cooking up a storm. They give me motivation to improve my cooking skills. They want to have a fish dinner tomorrow night. I am not too sure how I feel about that...but I always like to try new things.
I am going to a few different classes tomorrow. Hopefully one of them will complete my schedule. It will give me peace of mind to have my classes all set. It is a lot of work looking through the programs and the hours they are offered. I am crossing my fingers that everything goes well tomorrow and I get all my courses approved. Then maybe I can have cooler things to write about.
Chao bella!
After I pulled myself from my bed, I went on a walk to Casco Antiguo with some friends. They wanted to look at a tea shop so I went along to have something to do. We walked around for awhile and then I called it quits because I was exhausted!! I came home to 3 flatmates cooking up a storm. They give me motivation to improve my cooking skills. They want to have a fish dinner tomorrow night. I am not too sure how I feel about that...but I always like to try new things.
I am going to a few different classes tomorrow. Hopefully one of them will complete my schedule. It will give me peace of mind to have my classes all set. It is a lot of work looking through the programs and the hours they are offered. I am crossing my fingers that everything goes well tomorrow and I get all my courses approved. Then maybe I can have cooler things to write about.
Chao bella!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
1/16/10-1/17/10
Pamplona is my kind of city. I love being able to walk everywhere!! This is my dream come true...not having to drive! I like being able to walk and get groceries, go shopping, go to school or anywhere else. Pamplona is small but more compact. Everything you need is only a short walk away.
I went for a run and it was really nice out. The weather here seems to be mild on average. I just checked the weather and it is going to be in the 50s for the next week! That is awesome! I am going to take my camera out for my next run to because Pamplona is soo beautiful. My favorite view is at the edge of the Old Town where you can see Pamplona city limits and the surrounding mountains. It really takes your breath away. Pamplona is in a really interesting area. I also really like that a lot of people are active here. I always see people walking in the park or biking. Although smoking is probably just as popular. I am not sure if that is a cultural thing or if it is just cheap but it really makes you appreciate the laws in the US that ban smoking in restaurants and other public places.
My roommates and I just bought bus tickets to go to Valencia, Spain next weekend! I am really excited! After that we met had a coffee and ice crea, for a snack before a late dinner. We met some people around 9 and tried to find a restaurant but everything was packed and didn't have space for our group so we ended up just getting take-out and eating at someone's flat. It was still a lot of fun. Then we went out to some bars but came back early than usual...around 3 am!! It is crazy! But then I just tried to sleep in today.
We went out to get pinxos for lunch today, just a few of us. We walked around Casco Viejo (Old Town). I took some more pictures of it since it is by far my favorite spot. A lot of people were out walking today and eating pinxos. That is about all they do on Sunday since not much else is open besides some restaurants. Now I am back at my flat and just relaxing. I have some homework to read. Tonight is definitely going to be an early night for me!!
Hasta luego
I went for a run and it was really nice out. The weather here seems to be mild on average. I just checked the weather and it is going to be in the 50s for the next week! That is awesome! I am going to take my camera out for my next run to because Pamplona is soo beautiful. My favorite view is at the edge of the Old Town where you can see Pamplona city limits and the surrounding mountains. It really takes your breath away. Pamplona is in a really interesting area. I also really like that a lot of people are active here. I always see people walking in the park or biking. Although smoking is probably just as popular. I am not sure if that is a cultural thing or if it is just cheap but it really makes you appreciate the laws in the US that ban smoking in restaurants and other public places.
My roommates and I just bought bus tickets to go to Valencia, Spain next weekend! I am really excited! After that we met had a coffee and ice crea, for a snack before a late dinner. We met some people around 9 and tried to find a restaurant but everything was packed and didn't have space for our group so we ended up just getting take-out and eating at someone's flat. It was still a lot of fun. Then we went out to some bars but came back early than usual...around 3 am!! It is crazy! But then I just tried to sleep in today.
We went out to get pinxos for lunch today, just a few of us. We walked around Casco Viejo (Old Town). I took some more pictures of it since it is by far my favorite spot. A lot of people were out walking today and eating pinxos. That is about all they do on Sunday since not much else is open besides some restaurants. Now I am back at my flat and just relaxing. I have some homework to read. Tonight is definitely going to be an early night for me!!
Hasta luego
Friday, January 15, 2010
1/15/10
I did not do too much today. I had another art history class today but I am thinking I may try and make it so my Fridays are free of class. This would make it easier to take weekend trips. Plus I think it would be a lot easier for me to do art history in English. I am really going back and forth with it but it does make sense to have Fridays free. I think I found a course as a substitute already anyway. So I'll go to that and then decide. I keep saying I almost have everything figured about but apparently not. Oh well eventually I'll get there.
My roommates and I are planning a trip to Valencia, Spain next weekend. I am really excited to go on my first trip for the semester! I can't wait to go on a bunch of trips since it is sooo cheap to travel once you are in Europe. There are several benefits to being part of the EU. The trip isn't going to be expense at all so that is also exciting! I have a few trips in mind and am working on a special trip to Italy.
It is crazy that we are halfway through January. This semester is going to fly by. Going to school here seems so different than at home. I think it is the different attitudes and lifestyles. They just seemed a little more relaxed with studying. They have a lot less papers, work, exams...etc. Which may be more difficult because things are weighted more but it is nice because you aren't super busy all the time and at the library until 2 am a few times a month. But the scheduling here for exchange students should be made easier even though that probably isn't possible.
I went shopping today at a mall with my roommates. It was pretty similar to ones in the US. They seem to have a lot of sales after the holidays that they get worked up about. It seems almost like a tradition.
We are going out for a few drinks with some friends tonight. I don't think it is going to be a very late night for me though. I would really like to sleep in tomorrow!! And today's weather was beautiful. It was about 50 degrees and sunny! It had rained the past 2 or 3 days. It was starting to feel a lot like Pittsburgh. It is perfect running weather! I'm glad I am going to have a relaxing weekend after my first week of school.
Chao!
My roommates and I are planning a trip to Valencia, Spain next weekend. I am really excited to go on my first trip for the semester! I can't wait to go on a bunch of trips since it is sooo cheap to travel once you are in Europe. There are several benefits to being part of the EU. The trip isn't going to be expense at all so that is also exciting! I have a few trips in mind and am working on a special trip to Italy.
It is crazy that we are halfway through January. This semester is going to fly by. Going to school here seems so different than at home. I think it is the different attitudes and lifestyles. They just seemed a little more relaxed with studying. They have a lot less papers, work, exams...etc. Which may be more difficult because things are weighted more but it is nice because you aren't super busy all the time and at the library until 2 am a few times a month. But the scheduling here for exchange students should be made easier even though that probably isn't possible.
I went shopping today at a mall with my roommates. It was pretty similar to ones in the US. They seem to have a lot of sales after the holidays that they get worked up about. It seems almost like a tradition.
We are going out for a few drinks with some friends tonight. I don't think it is going to be a very late night for me though. I would really like to sleep in tomorrow!! And today's weather was beautiful. It was about 50 degrees and sunny! It had rained the past 2 or 3 days. It was starting to feel a lot like Pittsburgh. It is perfect running weather! I'm glad I am going to have a relaxing weekend after my first week of school.
Chao!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
1/14/10
Last night was a late night. It is really crazy that the Spanish go out at 2 am and stay until sometimes 7 am. I met someone last night and saw him today after a class. He is Spanish and he said that he hasn't slept at all. That part of the culture I will not be partaking in.
I met a lot of people last night from the exchange program and natives as well. It was really fun because everyone is really nice and excited to meet as many people as possible. I think it is going to be a fun semester.
I met up with another WJ student who was here last semester and decided to come back because he liked it soo much. We went to a class called Comunicacion Institucional. It seems really interesting but we went to introduce ourselves at the end of class and the teacher made it seem like the class will be hard for us. I just sent her an email to clarify. I want to know her opinion on if I should take a different class. But other than that I think my schedule is pretty well worked out. I hope the classes won't require me to do a lot of supplemental reading to make up for any language barriers. Even so that is what I am here for. Plus I think I am going to have plenty of free time to study.
I am really glad that I am understanding a lot of my professors. It is really rewarding to see the progress of my Spanish. Today I had a pretty long conversation about my rent and the complications that WJ adds to the mix. We went back and forth without me having to ask him to repeat anything. And he understood me!! I felt really accomplished after the conversation. It is funny that a stressful conversation about how my rent is going to be paid can make me feel that I have achieved something. I am really glad that I am challenging myself to live somewhere and use another language. I hope I can show all of you who read this that I can speak Spanish when I come home. It is one thing to tell you the stories but another to show you directly. Maybe I should videotape the next convo with Fernando my landlord because I am shore ther will be difficulties with WJ. I hope you all can tell that I am enjoying it over here! I wish you could all experience it with me!
And now to siesta...
I met a lot of people last night from the exchange program and natives as well. It was really fun because everyone is really nice and excited to meet as many people as possible. I think it is going to be a fun semester.
I met up with another WJ student who was here last semester and decided to come back because he liked it soo much. We went to a class called Comunicacion Institucional. It seems really interesting but we went to introduce ourselves at the end of class and the teacher made it seem like the class will be hard for us. I just sent her an email to clarify. I want to know her opinion on if I should take a different class. But other than that I think my schedule is pretty well worked out. I hope the classes won't require me to do a lot of supplemental reading to make up for any language barriers. Even so that is what I am here for. Plus I think I am going to have plenty of free time to study.
I am really glad that I am understanding a lot of my professors. It is really rewarding to see the progress of my Spanish. Today I had a pretty long conversation about my rent and the complications that WJ adds to the mix. We went back and forth without me having to ask him to repeat anything. And he understood me!! I felt really accomplished after the conversation. It is funny that a stressful conversation about how my rent is going to be paid can make me feel that I have achieved something. I am really glad that I am challenging myself to live somewhere and use another language. I hope I can show all of you who read this that I can speak Spanish when I come home. It is one thing to tell you the stories but another to show you directly. Maybe I should videotape the next convo with Fernando my landlord because I am shore ther will be difficulties with WJ. I hope you all can tell that I am enjoying it over here! I wish you could all experience it with me!
And now to siesta...
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
1/13/10
Today I went to History of Art IV at 9. It was hard to get up but I need the class for an arts credit for WJ. The prof was speaking a little fast but I feel if I do some supplemental reading (probably in English) I will do fine. The class only went until 11 and then I went to get some things at the grocery store to add to my base level of food. Then of course I took a siesta! I like having 2 hours in the middle of the day to just lay around but it is annoying to get up and go back to the university for evening/night classes. But I don't really mind my new lifestyle.
I had someone ask me for directions today. I felt proud that I could pass as a Spaniard at least before I started speaking. And I hope he got to the right place.
I went to contemporary history of economics again. We went over some info that was in a prerequisite called modern economics. The prof said it was necessary to take that course so I should still be ok. I need to get out and buy the book for that class actually!
I made myself some pasta tonight for dinner. I am going to be a master chef when I return home abouts the level of Bobby Flay. I just don't like to do the dishes. There is a party tonight at a club called Marengo. It doesn't start until midnight and my flatmates said people don't go until 2 am...this will be a rare occasion to go out during the week. It is crazy to go to a party until anywhere between 4-7 am and then have class in the morning!! I think that is why they have siesta. It is necessary. But this is the first party of the semester so my flatmates and I are going so we can get to know some new people. Hopefully it will be fun!
It is about 7 in the evening now so I have some time to siesta a little more before the extravaganza begins!
I had someone ask me for directions today. I felt proud that I could pass as a Spaniard at least before I started speaking. And I hope he got to the right place.
I went to contemporary history of economics again. We went over some info that was in a prerequisite called modern economics. The prof said it was necessary to take that course so I should still be ok. I need to get out and buy the book for that class actually!
I made myself some pasta tonight for dinner. I am going to be a master chef when I return home abouts the level of Bobby Flay. I just don't like to do the dishes. There is a party tonight at a club called Marengo. It doesn't start until midnight and my flatmates said people don't go until 2 am...this will be a rare occasion to go out during the week. It is crazy to go to a party until anywhere between 4-7 am and then have class in the morning!! I think that is why they have siesta. It is necessary. But this is the first party of the semester so my flatmates and I are going so we can get to know some new people. Hopefully it will be fun!
It is about 7 in the evening now so I have some time to siesta a little more before the extravaganza begins!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
1/10/10-1/12/10
So for everyone wondering I have found an apartment!!! I am living with an American girl and two British girls. They are really nice and I think it is going to be really fun to live with them.
My first day of classes went well. I got up before 7 though to bring the rest of my stuff to my apartment and then went to the university to look at the class schedules. It is weird to say this but I actually miss the stressful scheduling of W&J. At least then I knew my classes weren't conflicting and that they would count for the credits that I needed. The European university system is interesting. It would be extremely easy if I had been enrolled here from my first year but since I am an exchange student I have to take a lot of time to pick the classes that will transfer for what I need, make sure they don't conflict with other courses and ensure they have enough credit hours. It is extremely stressful!! It is hard to take classes here from different subject matters and different years because the schedule are set-up so that a student in year 2 in the business faculty already has a finalized schedule without needing to do a thing. Even with all this crazyness I think I have most of my schedule figured out. I should have a final schedule by next week.
I am taking an economics course that integrates contemporary history into economics. It seems really interesting and I really like the professor. I introduced myself to him so he would know that Spanish is my second language and he said he would help me whenever and he would speak English with me if I ever needed clarification. I have introduced myself to all the profs I have had so far and they all seem to be very excited to have me and helpful!
I went out to dinner last night with my roommates and some other friends. We went to an Italian place (I know I should be eating authentic Spanish food but everyone chose). We ate really late, about 9:45. Getting used to this daily schedule will be interesting. I never actually thought about how it would be to live in Spain where they have siestas! Almost all stores close around 1 or 2 in the afternoon and then open again at 5. Restaurants open at 9. Once I get used to it I'm sure I will love the break because there aren't classes offered then either but it can be a little inconvenient especially when you are hungry and have no food. I speak from experience. I hadn't bought food by the time my classes were done yesterday around 2 so I got back to the apartment and was starving! I barely ate anything all day and then I tried to go out and get a coffee and a snack. There were barely any places open but I found a bar/cafe and they said the kitchen was closed. But don't worry I stocked up on food later that night. Now I just need to learn to cook. Also the chinos (stores owned by Chinese people) are open during siesta and later then Spanish stores. So I have those as a back-up. Anyway now that I am settled into an apartment I am really starting to enjoy the culture and lifestyle here! I like living on my own for the first time. I feel like a real grown-up!
I think that is about it for now...Un saludo!
My first day of classes went well. I got up before 7 though to bring the rest of my stuff to my apartment and then went to the university to look at the class schedules. It is weird to say this but I actually miss the stressful scheduling of W&J. At least then I knew my classes weren't conflicting and that they would count for the credits that I needed. The European university system is interesting. It would be extremely easy if I had been enrolled here from my first year but since I am an exchange student I have to take a lot of time to pick the classes that will transfer for what I need, make sure they don't conflict with other courses and ensure they have enough credit hours. It is extremely stressful!! It is hard to take classes here from different subject matters and different years because the schedule are set-up so that a student in year 2 in the business faculty already has a finalized schedule without needing to do a thing. Even with all this crazyness I think I have most of my schedule figured out. I should have a final schedule by next week.
I am taking an economics course that integrates contemporary history into economics. It seems really interesting and I really like the professor. I introduced myself to him so he would know that Spanish is my second language and he said he would help me whenever and he would speak English with me if I ever needed clarification. I have introduced myself to all the profs I have had so far and they all seem to be very excited to have me and helpful!
I went out to dinner last night with my roommates and some other friends. We went to an Italian place (I know I should be eating authentic Spanish food but everyone chose). We ate really late, about 9:45. Getting used to this daily schedule will be interesting. I never actually thought about how it would be to live in Spain where they have siestas! Almost all stores close around 1 or 2 in the afternoon and then open again at 5. Restaurants open at 9. Once I get used to it I'm sure I will love the break because there aren't classes offered then either but it can be a little inconvenient especially when you are hungry and have no food. I speak from experience. I hadn't bought food by the time my classes were done yesterday around 2 so I got back to the apartment and was starving! I barely ate anything all day and then I tried to go out and get a coffee and a snack. There were barely any places open but I found a bar/cafe and they said the kitchen was closed. But don't worry I stocked up on food later that night. Now I just need to learn to cook. Also the chinos (stores owned by Chinese people) are open during siesta and later then Spanish stores. So I have those as a back-up. Anyway now that I am settled into an apartment I am really starting to enjoy the culture and lifestyle here! I like living on my own for the first time. I feel like a real grown-up!
I think that is about it for now...Un saludo!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
1/7/10-1/9/10
Ok so it has been about 2 and a half days in Pamplona and I have been very busy! My flights went well. I was a little nervous to be on such a long flight by myself but it was fine. They had on demand movies on the plane...awesome! My flight from Madrid to Pamplona was ridiculous since we basically were on a charter plane. I met some girls who were part of the exchange at the University of Navarra too and we shared a cab because we were staying at hostels that were on the same street. I walked around a little the night I arrived because I needed shampoo and stuff for the next day. It was freezing outside so I tried to quickly find what I needed.
The next day was the first day of orientation. The campus is bigger than W&J but that isn't really hard to accomplish. There are students from all over the world but I would say that the majority are american. We did some logistical stuff and then we got to eat lunch in one of the cafeterias. The food was pretty good. After we went on tours of the campus and Pamplona. My absolute favorite part of the city is Casco Viejo which is the old part of town. The buildings are amazing there...I will have to post pictures. We also went up to this lookout point and were able to see everything!! I have to find that spot again to get a picture (my camera was dead). Also they showed us where the bulls run for the San Fermin Festival (The Running of the Bulls) and the stadium where they have the bull fights. They also have a year round countdown to the festival. Sidenote: No need to worry I won't be here for The Running of the Bulls sadly. Anyway we finished the day by going to a bar and having pinchos which is the word they use here for tapas which for people unfamiliar with Spanish culutre are little snacks eaten with wine usually or beer. It was fun to have pinchos with everyone from the exchange! After that, I went to see 2 apartments of girls I had met. I really hope to move in somewhere before classes start Monday.
Today, we were supposed to go to San Sebastian, which is a beach town about 2 hours away I think maybe closer. But the trip was cancelled because it is snowing like crazy here!! I have taken a ton of pictures of Pamplona snow-covered. It is really pretty and I have heard that they haven't gotten snow here in a long time. And they are definitely getting a lot to make up for that. Oh and I also bought a phone today and I think I can send cheap international texts and anything I receive is free so if any of you are interested my number is 622140678. I am going to see another apartment later so everyone cross your fingers it is nice and I can move in quick! Alright I think I am going to take a nap...I still am not used to the time change.
Besos!!
The next day was the first day of orientation. The campus is bigger than W&J but that isn't really hard to accomplish. There are students from all over the world but I would say that the majority are american. We did some logistical stuff and then we got to eat lunch in one of the cafeterias. The food was pretty good. After we went on tours of the campus and Pamplona. My absolute favorite part of the city is Casco Viejo which is the old part of town. The buildings are amazing there...I will have to post pictures. We also went up to this lookout point and were able to see everything!! I have to find that spot again to get a picture (my camera was dead). Also they showed us where the bulls run for the San Fermin Festival (The Running of the Bulls) and the stadium where they have the bull fights. They also have a year round countdown to the festival. Sidenote: No need to worry I won't be here for The Running of the Bulls sadly. Anyway we finished the day by going to a bar and having pinchos which is the word they use here for tapas which for people unfamiliar with Spanish culutre are little snacks eaten with wine usually or beer. It was fun to have pinchos with everyone from the exchange! After that, I went to see 2 apartments of girls I had met. I really hope to move in somewhere before classes start Monday.
Today, we were supposed to go to San Sebastian, which is a beach town about 2 hours away I think maybe closer. But the trip was cancelled because it is snowing like crazy here!! I have taken a ton of pictures of Pamplona snow-covered. It is really pretty and I have heard that they haven't gotten snow here in a long time. And they are definitely getting a lot to make up for that. Oh and I also bought a phone today and I think I can send cheap international texts and anything I receive is free so if any of you are interested my number is 622140678. I am going to see another apartment later so everyone cross your fingers it is nice and I can move in quick! Alright I think I am going to take a nap...I still am not used to the time change.
Besos!!
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