I am really glad that it is spring break. I skyped with a few people last night which kept me up late but I was able to sleep in!! I had some breakfast and just relaxed. My friend Tash came over and hung out with Angela and I. Eventually I made it out for a run. It was nice. It was kind of cool but it felt good to get out of the apartment. I am glad that I went then too because it started pouring rain later on. After that, we just hung around some more. Quite an exciting day I know. I went out to get some groceries and stuff too. As I write this, my day seems very dull.
Tomorrow though Tash and I are going to bike to Logrono, right outside of Navarra which is the region that Pamplona is in (actually the capital of). It will take maybe 3-4 days to bike there and back. It is 100k. Hopefully we aren't setting our expectations too high. Neither of us have really biked before. We will see how it goes... It should be fun though. It is on the pilgrimage path that I talked about before called el Camino de Santiago de la Campostela. The end is a really beautiful cathedral. I wish I knew more of the history and the significance. I will have to look that up. Usually people walk it and it takes around a month but it depends on where you start. You can start in France or even Italy and you have to walk to almost Portugal. I think it is the perfect thing to do over Holy Week. We will be staying in places called albergues which are just places for pilgrims to stay along the camino. It may be a long few days because we aren't showering and well we just won't have all the luxuries in life. But I am still excited. Pray that we don't get any flat tires cause we don't know how to change them!! Knock on wood! I will have my Spanish phone on me if you need to reach me ( mom and dad and anyone else) it's +34 622 140 678. Have a great Holy week everyone and start to the weekend!
Les echo de menos a todos!!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Italy Trip
I can't possibly review each day. We did so much so I will put down some of the highlights of the trip and pictures of course!
-Finally getting to see Alan
-Walking through the streets of Venice was amazing. It is a beautiful city and so clean because there are no cars! It should have been less of a shock but to actually see that they have rivers instead of streets is pretty crazy.
-My favorite part of the whole trip I think was sitting by the water in Venice. It felt like the summer and that we were at the beach. We had really good weather in Venice and Rome the whole week.
-Our gondola ride was an unforgettable experience of course! Although our gondolier only hummed. He must have been shy about his singing or he only sings when you pay for the most expensive ride.
-The Doge's Palace in Venice was definitely a must see. You are able to go over the Bridge of Sighs during the tour. That was my favorite part!!
-We were mistaken as true Italians a few times.
-Seeing all of the monuments at night in Rome was also another favorite of mine. They look so beautiful lit up and I love the Trevi Fountain!
-We went to see the Pope's audience which is every Wednesday in Vatican City. To get the tickets I had to talk to one of the Swiss Guards. I looked super important and I am going to be in countless tourist photos seeing as everyone else was blocked from going up the steps to where they were. Don't worry Alan got a picture of me.
-We met some of Alan's relatives that live in a town directly across from Rome on the other coast of Italy. It was such an authentic experience and we got to have a true Italian dinner with them. By far one of the most unique things we did that I will never forget. It makes me think of my host family in Costa Rica.
-I really was amazed to see that I could understand some Italian. It is very similar to Spanish. I should just learn it at this point!
-The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill were incredible. I wasn't able to see them when I went to Italy in high school. I can't believe they weren't on the itinerary.
-Oh we got to see the Pope ride in the Pope mobile
-The food was amazing, mainly cheese and carbs a.k.a. the best types of food! My favorite meal besides the true Italian dinner was a calzone we had near our hostel. It was gigantic and delicious. Of course the gelato is indescribable.
There was so much we did but I will leave it at that. I will post pictures later when I get them on my computer and I will try and put up a lot! If you want to know more just email me.
Un beso
-Finally getting to see Alan
-Walking through the streets of Venice was amazing. It is a beautiful city and so clean because there are no cars! It should have been less of a shock but to actually see that they have rivers instead of streets is pretty crazy.
-My favorite part of the whole trip I think was sitting by the water in Venice. It felt like the summer and that we were at the beach. We had really good weather in Venice and Rome the whole week.
-Our gondola ride was an unforgettable experience of course! Although our gondolier only hummed. He must have been shy about his singing or he only sings when you pay for the most expensive ride.
-The Doge's Palace in Venice was definitely a must see. You are able to go over the Bridge of Sighs during the tour. That was my favorite part!!
-We were mistaken as true Italians a few times.
-Seeing all of the monuments at night in Rome was also another favorite of mine. They look so beautiful lit up and I love the Trevi Fountain!
-We went to see the Pope's audience which is every Wednesday in Vatican City. To get the tickets I had to talk to one of the Swiss Guards. I looked super important and I am going to be in countless tourist photos seeing as everyone else was blocked from going up the steps to where they were. Don't worry Alan got a picture of me.
-We met some of Alan's relatives that live in a town directly across from Rome on the other coast of Italy. It was such an authentic experience and we got to have a true Italian dinner with them. By far one of the most unique things we did that I will never forget. It makes me think of my host family in Costa Rica.
-I really was amazed to see that I could understand some Italian. It is very similar to Spanish. I should just learn it at this point!
-The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill were incredible. I wasn't able to see them when I went to Italy in high school. I can't believe they weren't on the itinerary.
-Oh we got to see the Pope ride in the Pope mobile
-The food was amazing, mainly cheese and carbs a.k.a. the best types of food! My favorite meal besides the true Italian dinner was a calzone we had near our hostel. It was gigantic and delicious. Of course the gelato is indescribable.
There was so much we did but I will leave it at that. I will post pictures later when I get them on my computer and I will try and put up a lot! If you want to know more just email me.
Un beso
Thursday, March 18, 2010
3/17/10-3/18/10
Yesterday I only had 45 minutes of lecture starting at 1. Beforehand I was touching up and loading my pictures from Granada. I seemed to not be able to keep my eyes open in a quite a few pictures. I am my father's daughter.
Class went pretty quick obviously since it is only 45 minutes long and thankfully that is all I had because it was the third consecutive day of beautiful weather. I went for a nice run and then just sat outside for awhile. I really hope that the weather has changed for good!! Then I wrote some more of my global communication paper. I had dinner and then Angela, Tash and I went out for a drink for St Patrick's Day. Their was a crowd at an Irish pub near us but other than that Spain doesn't really seem to celebrate like the Irish and Americans do. We came back to our place and a few friends came over to hang out for a bit then we went to another bar. We just hung out there for about 2 hours. There was only our group and another group of people in the bar. It was nice though to not be in a packed place with tons of smoke! After I just came back and went to bed.
Today I had my last class of the week. It seemed to go brutally slow near the end and then the prof kept us for a little extra time. I was not in the mindset for that! We also got assigned a group project but it isn't really a group project. We basically have to color coordinate our maps. I love taking first year classes. Since class I haven't really done much. I have been waiting for my laundry to finish so it can dry and I can pack for Italy!! I am really excited but not so excited to wake up at 5 tomorrow morning. But it is going to be a great trip! I am going out for a run with my friend actually in about 5 minutes. Then I will probably have some dinner and hopefully my clothes will be dry so I can pack and get to bed early! I am sorry to all my loyal (few) followers but there will be minimal updates for a week.
Hasta una semana
Class went pretty quick obviously since it is only 45 minutes long and thankfully that is all I had because it was the third consecutive day of beautiful weather. I went for a nice run and then just sat outside for awhile. I really hope that the weather has changed for good!! Then I wrote some more of my global communication paper. I had dinner and then Angela, Tash and I went out for a drink for St Patrick's Day. Their was a crowd at an Irish pub near us but other than that Spain doesn't really seem to celebrate like the Irish and Americans do. We came back to our place and a few friends came over to hang out for a bit then we went to another bar. We just hung out there for about 2 hours. There was only our group and another group of people in the bar. It was nice though to not be in a packed place with tons of smoke! After I just came back and went to bed.
Today I had my last class of the week. It seemed to go brutally slow near the end and then the prof kept us for a little extra time. I was not in the mindset for that! We also got assigned a group project but it isn't really a group project. We basically have to color coordinate our maps. I love taking first year classes. Since class I haven't really done much. I have been waiting for my laundry to finish so it can dry and I can pack for Italy!! I am really excited but not so excited to wake up at 5 tomorrow morning. But it is going to be a great trip! I am going out for a run with my friend actually in about 5 minutes. Then I will probably have some dinner and hopefully my clothes will be dry so I can pack and get to bed early! I am sorry to all my loyal (few) followers but there will be minimal updates for a week.
Hasta una semana
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
3/16/10
Today I had two classes. It was such a shame because it was so nice out and the last thing I wanted was over 4 hours of lecture to keep me held up inside. Also the professors like to keep the shades drawn during classes to supposedly see the projector better but I think they are just trying to keep us away from the sunlight. Classes went pretty fast though I guess. There was nothing too exciting.
I participated in my roommates focus group for a project for their Marketing class between my two classes. They had us talk about a fictional product. Their product was a database/guide that would helps exchange students get oriented with Pamplona and connect them with potential roommates and friends. It was easy and fun and we got ice cream after. Food is always a good incentive.
After night class I went out for a run. It was such a great night. I don't usually run in the evening/night but I really like it here. It seems to be the time when most people are outside walking around. I like running and watching people go about their day. I think I learn a lot from watching people just doing their daily routine. I observed a lot during my runs in Costa Rica and I really like doing it here too. I like to think that I am getting a whole new perspective of the country/culture while I am doing something I enjoy and that is normal to me. The weather is supposed to be just as great the next two days. I am so glad that I am able to run in such nice weather now! I hope the weather has finally stabilized. I really want to see Pamplona in the spring. When I got back I had some pasta for dinner even though I am probably going to eat way too much pasta this coming week when I go to Italy. I also finally went through my pictures of Granada. I will post some of them to today's blog. I should have done more of my paper but Tuesdays are busy days for me. Two pages is tomorrow's goal!
Buenas noches!
I participated in my roommates focus group for a project for their Marketing class between my two classes. They had us talk about a fictional product. Their product was a database/guide that would helps exchange students get oriented with Pamplona and connect them with potential roommates and friends. It was easy and fun and we got ice cream after. Food is always a good incentive.
After night class I went out for a run. It was such a great night. I don't usually run in the evening/night but I really like it here. It seems to be the time when most people are outside walking around. I like running and watching people go about their day. I think I learn a lot from watching people just doing their daily routine. I observed a lot during my runs in Costa Rica and I really like doing it here too. I like to think that I am getting a whole new perspective of the country/culture while I am doing something I enjoy and that is normal to me. The weather is supposed to be just as great the next two days. I am so glad that I am able to run in such nice weather now! I hope the weather has finally stabilized. I really want to see Pamplona in the spring. When I got back I had some pasta for dinner even though I am probably going to eat way too much pasta this coming week when I go to Italy. I also finally went through my pictures of Granada. I will post some of them to today's blog. I should have done more of my paper but Tuesdays are busy days for me. Two pages is tomorrow's goal!
Buenas noches!
Monday, March 15, 2010
3/12/10-3/14/10
Thursday
Our bus was at 9:30 in the morning. We got into Madrid at 2:30ish. We went and walked around for a little because we had about 4 hours to kill. We went to the park el Retiro. It was a really nice day so it was good to be outside after the bus ride. Then we met up with a friend of Tash's. He took us to the most famous chocolate y churros place in Madrid. It was really good! I think they are open 24 hours a day too. People like to go there after they have been to bars and clubs at 5 in the morning. Spanish life is crazy. After that we tried to go to the convent of cloistered nuns who are famous for selling cookies. They have a revolving door that they can place the cookies in and you put your money in and they swing it so they won't be seen. It is supposed to be a really cool experience but sadly I have not partaken in it because the nuns apparently were out of cookies until Monday!? When I go back again for the half marathon I may try again. We stopped at the Templo again because Tash has never toured around Madrid. From the Templo we hopped on the metro to the airport. I took my first Ryanair flight and I hope I don't have to use it more. The owner wants to charge for using the bathroom so they can eventually remove one to reduce fairs by 5%. The flights are already 10€ so you are saving 50 cents. Not worth it... We got into Granada at 10. There was a shuttle bus to city center right outside waiting. I think we were the last flight. Basically the airport revolves around Ryanair. We found our hostel pretty easily too once we got off the bus. We went out to a restaurant for a late dinner because we were starving. We didn't really eat anything substantial all day. We found a Mediterranean/Granada cuisine place. We all ordered really cool pizzas. Mine came with a fried egg in the middle. We took home half so that we could have them the next day.
Friday
We got up and were at our free breakfast that consisted of toast, coffee, juice and cornflakes. It was free so I am not complaining. Then we made the trek up to la Alhambra. It is the biggest site in Granada. It was the Moorish palace. The palaces up there are so ornately detailed it is beautiful. The colors are really pretty too. There were a lot of places that you could look out onto Granada. You could see all the little white houses. They are all white so that they will reflect the sunlight. It gets really hot there since it is in southern Spain unfortunately we experienced only slightly mild temperatures but it was nicer than Pamplona so I will take it!! We were at la alhambra for about 3 hours touring. I am glad that we went during the off season because it looks like it would get crowded with people there. They highly suggest to make a reservation. We were lucky that we got in with little wait without a reservation. I would have liked to see all the gardens in full bloom though. We walked backed down to town and looked in some shops. They have a lot of Arabic shops and things for sale. They still have a lot of the Arabic influence. We eventually made it back to the hostel to eat our leftover pizza. Then we decided to walk around Alcaiceria which used to be the old silk market but now it is all touristy shops. Later when we were walking around we found my friend from high school and his friend. We went to get chocolate y churros which were amazing!! We sat in that cafe for about 2 hours until we decided to get dinner. Angela had written down a Lebanese restaurant that was supposed to be good and cheap. We found it and had a nice dinner. We were a little early for a Friday but it was good to have a relaxing dinner after touring all day. Then we went to a bar for a little bit and eventually went back to sleep.
Saturday
We slept in a little because we were just planning on walking around the Moorish quarter for the day. Of course we filled up on some free breakfast first! The Moorish quarter was really interesting. The houses are built along the mountains. We walked up through winding streets. Oh and this is after we found cloistered cooking selling nuns like those in Madrid. It was actually pretty cool! The cookies were good too. Anyway we were winding our way through the Moorish quarter up to a lookout point that was across from la Alhambra. We found a park before the lookout. We sat there for awhile because it was so nice. We had a few of our cookies and just layed in the sun. Then we walked around and found some plazas. I thought it was really interesting that they had plazas up in theses mountains where it looked like they were really lacking space. The roads were for pedestrians and cars. Whenever cars came we had to squeeze against the walls to get out of the way. After some more walking we found the lookout! You could see all of Granada and more. La Alhambra was right across. I wish we would have gone up at sunset so we could have seen it la Alhambra lit up at night. We walked a little bit into a neighborhood of Granada that is famous but then walked back down to the center. We sat in the plaza for awhile and people watched. There was an eco-friendly carousel. They used a bike to pedal it around. It was awesome. There were a lot of families in the plaza. We also saw a group go through that was practicing for Semana Santa (Holy Week). Semana Santa is world famous in Southern Spain. We went back to our hostel and had dinner there. It was only 5€ and they made paella right in front of us. It was pretty good. After we went out to tapas bars. I like tapas bars in Southern Spain because tapas are free with your drink! Pamplona needs to adopt that. Aroudn midnight we went back to the hotel We had to be up at 5:20 to catch the shuttle bus to the airport.
Sunday
We caught the bus. We thought we missed it because we were on the wrong side of the street but luckily there were some other people catching it so it stopped. We got our Ryanair flight back. Their landings are pretty rough. In Madrid we had some breakfast at a cafe right by the bust station. On the bus back I slept most of the time. When I got home I just had some dinner and a shower. I was pretty worn out from traveling.
Monday
This morning I caught up on my sleep. I had some breakfast and went to class at 12. We are still learning about the Spanish economy in Contemporary Economic History. I think we are about to switch topics though. After class I went for a nice run. The weather is finally like spring here!! It was really sunny and warm. It is supposed to be in the 60s for the rest of the week. I am glad that I will be able to get some good runs in because the half marathon is coming up!! I went to the store to get some snacks for the week and my trip to Italy on Friday and I just wanted to be outside some more. I am probably not going to do much else today. I need to start my paper since I won't have time to do it next week. Other than that just relaxing in Pamplona to my neighbor's super loud music.
Hasta luego!
Our bus was at 9:30 in the morning. We got into Madrid at 2:30ish. We went and walked around for a little because we had about 4 hours to kill. We went to the park el Retiro. It was a really nice day so it was good to be outside after the bus ride. Then we met up with a friend of Tash's. He took us to the most famous chocolate y churros place in Madrid. It was really good! I think they are open 24 hours a day too. People like to go there after they have been to bars and clubs at 5 in the morning. Spanish life is crazy. After that we tried to go to the convent of cloistered nuns who are famous for selling cookies. They have a revolving door that they can place the cookies in and you put your money in and they swing it so they won't be seen. It is supposed to be a really cool experience but sadly I have not partaken in it because the nuns apparently were out of cookies until Monday!? When I go back again for the half marathon I may try again. We stopped at the Templo again because Tash has never toured around Madrid. From the Templo we hopped on the metro to the airport. I took my first Ryanair flight and I hope I don't have to use it more. The owner wants to charge for using the bathroom so they can eventually remove one to reduce fairs by 5%. The flights are already 10€ so you are saving 50 cents. Not worth it... We got into Granada at 10. There was a shuttle bus to city center right outside waiting. I think we were the last flight. Basically the airport revolves around Ryanair. We found our hostel pretty easily too once we got off the bus. We went out to a restaurant for a late dinner because we were starving. We didn't really eat anything substantial all day. We found a Mediterranean/Granada cuisine place. We all ordered really cool pizzas. Mine came with a fried egg in the middle. We took home half so that we could have them the next day.
Friday
We got up and were at our free breakfast that consisted of toast, coffee, juice and cornflakes. It was free so I am not complaining. Then we made the trek up to la Alhambra. It is the biggest site in Granada. It was the Moorish palace. The palaces up there are so ornately detailed it is beautiful. The colors are really pretty too. There were a lot of places that you could look out onto Granada. You could see all the little white houses. They are all white so that they will reflect the sunlight. It gets really hot there since it is in southern Spain unfortunately we experienced only slightly mild temperatures but it was nicer than Pamplona so I will take it!! We were at la alhambra for about 3 hours touring. I am glad that we went during the off season because it looks like it would get crowded with people there. They highly suggest to make a reservation. We were lucky that we got in with little wait without a reservation. I would have liked to see all the gardens in full bloom though. We walked backed down to town and looked in some shops. They have a lot of Arabic shops and things for sale. They still have a lot of the Arabic influence. We eventually made it back to the hostel to eat our leftover pizza. Then we decided to walk around Alcaiceria which used to be the old silk market but now it is all touristy shops. Later when we were walking around we found my friend from high school and his friend. We went to get chocolate y churros which were amazing!! We sat in that cafe for about 2 hours until we decided to get dinner. Angela had written down a Lebanese restaurant that was supposed to be good and cheap. We found it and had a nice dinner. We were a little early for a Friday but it was good to have a relaxing dinner after touring all day. Then we went to a bar for a little bit and eventually went back to sleep.
Saturday
We slept in a little because we were just planning on walking around the Moorish quarter for the day. Of course we filled up on some free breakfast first! The Moorish quarter was really interesting. The houses are built along the mountains. We walked up through winding streets. Oh and this is after we found cloistered cooking selling nuns like those in Madrid. It was actually pretty cool! The cookies were good too. Anyway we were winding our way through the Moorish quarter up to a lookout point that was across from la Alhambra. We found a park before the lookout. We sat there for awhile because it was so nice. We had a few of our cookies and just layed in the sun. Then we walked around and found some plazas. I thought it was really interesting that they had plazas up in theses mountains where it looked like they were really lacking space. The roads were for pedestrians and cars. Whenever cars came we had to squeeze against the walls to get out of the way. After some more walking we found the lookout! You could see all of Granada and more. La Alhambra was right across. I wish we would have gone up at sunset so we could have seen it la Alhambra lit up at night. We walked a little bit into a neighborhood of Granada that is famous but then walked back down to the center. We sat in the plaza for awhile and people watched. There was an eco-friendly carousel. They used a bike to pedal it around. It was awesome. There were a lot of families in the plaza. We also saw a group go through that was practicing for Semana Santa (Holy Week). Semana Santa is world famous in Southern Spain. We went back to our hostel and had dinner there. It was only 5€ and they made paella right in front of us. It was pretty good. After we went out to tapas bars. I like tapas bars in Southern Spain because tapas are free with your drink! Pamplona needs to adopt that. Aroudn midnight we went back to the hotel We had to be up at 5:20 to catch the shuttle bus to the airport.
Sunday
We caught the bus. We thought we missed it because we were on the wrong side of the street but luckily there were some other people catching it so it stopped. We got our Ryanair flight back. Their landings are pretty rough. In Madrid we had some breakfast at a cafe right by the bust station. On the bus back I slept most of the time. When I got home I just had some dinner and a shower. I was pretty worn out from traveling.
Monday
This morning I caught up on my sleep. I had some breakfast and went to class at 12. We are still learning about the Spanish economy in Contemporary Economic History. I think we are about to switch topics though. After class I went for a nice run. The weather is finally like spring here!! It was really sunny and warm. It is supposed to be in the 60s for the rest of the week. I am glad that I will be able to get some good runs in because the half marathon is coming up!! I went to the store to get some snacks for the week and my trip to Italy on Friday and I just wanted to be outside some more. I am probably not going to do much else today. I need to start my paper since I won't have time to do it next week. Other than that just relaxing in Pamplona to my neighbor's super loud music.
Hasta luego!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
3/10/10-3/11/10
Yesterday I just had a 45 minute lecture. I thought my class wasn't going to show up because it was snowing out and pretty cold so I thought I would walk all the way down there and no one would be there. They were, thank goodness!! But yeah it was snowing yesterday?! Not cool. We apparently needed one last bit of winter. Thankfully the weather forecast says that next week it is supposed to warm back up! I can't wait! I did run even though it was snowing. I didn't fall. Weird that I fall on a nice day and I am fine when it is snowing and terrible weather.
I finished my abstract. I am really glad because now I can enjoy my trip to Granada. I actually have to be on a bus soon!! I am excite because it is warm down there. Everyone cross your fingers that we get in to see la Alhambra which is the biggest site in Granada. We didn't make a reservation and it is highly suggested. I guess we are banking on it not being touristy just yet. Here's hoping! It is going to be a long day of traveling but at least we aren't going all the way there on a bus. That would be torture!
I will be back Sunday at 5. I am glad that we are getting back at a reasonable time. I hope you all have a great weekend!
Feliz fin de semana!
I finished my abstract. I am really glad because now I can enjoy my trip to Granada. I actually have to be on a bus soon!! I am excite because it is warm down there. Everyone cross your fingers that we get in to see la Alhambra which is the biggest site in Granada. We didn't make a reservation and it is highly suggested. I guess we are banking on it not being touristy just yet. Here's hoping! It is going to be a long day of traveling but at least we aren't going all the way there on a bus. That would be torture!
I will be back Sunday at 5. I am glad that we are getting back at a reasonable time. I hope you all have a great weekend!
Feliz fin de semana!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
3/9/10
I had to get up early than normal this morning to meet with my Geografia Cultural prof. It was quite a task to get out of bed an hour early but I made it to the meeting on time. I guess my prof is a kind of mentor while I am at Navarra. She gave me a free planner from the university. I was pretty stoked even though half the semester is over but who doesn't love free stuff!! Anyway she is super nice and asked me about why I came to Pamplona and what I study. I think she was prepared for me to be a younger student because when I told her I was in my third year she didn't say too much about how to prepare for a test and take notes. I like to think that I have that all down by now. After the meeting I had a little time before actually Geografia Cultural class. I went to the library and read the homework that we are going to discuss soon. Class went pretty quick. We are talking about world health and illness.
When I got back to the apartment, Angela, Tash and I went to buy bus tickets to Madrid for Thursday. We are going on a trip for the weekend to Granada which is in southern Spain and are flying out of Madrid. I am excited to go because the weather in Granada is a lot warmer than Pamplona. We are having terrible weather right now well it could be worse. The sun is out but it is really cold and super windy. I don't know what happened to all of our good weather. And Helen came back from a visit home and she flew into Barcelona, she was telling me that it had snowed there. I was surprised because when I left it was actually pretty warm there. I would not have guessed that it was going to snow the next day. Back to my day: I came back and took a short siesta before my night class.
Night class was ok. We started a new chapter that is about hiring employees and stuff. This is very new stuff for me so it is interesting and I need it for international business. It was nice to be done though. I have been pretty tired today. I am excited to sleep in tomorrow!! I have been trying to do some work tonight. I need to do an abstract before we leave Thursday for Global Communication. I think I am going to write about Media Evolution vs. Revolution. I can't really think of a better topic that has a lot of resources. My goal tomorrow is to get that done!! But for now I am going to get a good night's sleep!
Un cordial saludo!
When I got back to the apartment, Angela, Tash and I went to buy bus tickets to Madrid for Thursday. We are going on a trip for the weekend to Granada which is in southern Spain and are flying out of Madrid. I am excited to go because the weather in Granada is a lot warmer than Pamplona. We are having terrible weather right now well it could be worse. The sun is out but it is really cold and super windy. I don't know what happened to all of our good weather. And Helen came back from a visit home and she flew into Barcelona, she was telling me that it had snowed there. I was surprised because when I left it was actually pretty warm there. I would not have guessed that it was going to snow the next day. Back to my day: I came back and took a short siesta before my night class.
Night class was ok. We started a new chapter that is about hiring employees and stuff. This is very new stuff for me so it is interesting and I need it for international business. It was nice to be done though. I have been pretty tired today. I am excited to sleep in tomorrow!! I have been trying to do some work tonight. I need to do an abstract before we leave Thursday for Global Communication. I think I am going to write about Media Evolution vs. Revolution. I can't really think of a better topic that has a lot of resources. My goal tomorrow is to get that done!! But for now I am going to get a good night's sleep!
Un cordial saludo!
Monday, March 8, 2010
3/5/10-3/8/10
(Friday)
We arrived in Barcelona at 7ish in the morning. Luckily we were able to check into our hostel so we could catch up on a little sleep before we went touring. Those night buses are killer!
We got out around 10 and had some breakfast. Breakfast in cafes was really cheap. You could get a coffee and a pastry for 2 euros or less easy! Then we headed down Travesia de Gracia where two of Gaudi's houses are located. They stand out so much. I love Gaudi's stuff because it is so different and he was very innovative. He recycled a lot of materials and came up with so many useful functions of his designs. He got a lot of inspiration from nature and what he saw around him. I can't imagine his creative process! Anyway we toured on of his houses, Casa Batllo. It was constructed for the Batllo family hence the name. I think it is interesting that rich families lived in his house because his style is very different and many people probably didn't appreciate it. But the house was beautiful! There were so many colors throughout the house. There was a central area that let in all this natural light. It was amazing! We were allowed access to the roof. I think they just added that. It was amazing up there too! Gaudi spared no expense and designed every nook and cranny of that house. It was gorgeous.
After we headed to La Sagrada Familia which is a church designed by Gaudi. I think many of of you would recognize it if you saw it even if you don't know the name. It is breath taking. It is a shame because it is still under construction. I have heard that is has been said that they will never finish it since Gaudi died. There is so much detail to Sagrada Familia. I think it rivals the Eifel Tower. When we first walked up it reminded me of the Eifel Tower because it is a well known piece of architecture from around the world and it is in a similar set-up as the Eifel Tower ( I am sure many people would hate me for saying that especially the French but it's true!). It has its own area and small park around it. They actually had a ping pong table for public use in the area around Sagrada Familia. Definitely the first time I have seen that.
Then we made our way to Parc Guell. The park was first meant to be luxury homes designed by Gaudi ( yes the day was basically devoted to Gaudi) and then transformed into the park. It was bigger than I thought and the luxury homes looked like ginger bread houses! I think maybe the luxurious people didn't want to live in the ginger bread esque houses so they turned it into a park. There was a large plaza in the park. There were a lot of people and families there. It seems like a nice place to spend the day. You can also walk to the top of the park and there is a lookout. You can see all of Barcelona and La Sagrada Familia stands out! Basically Gaudi owns Barcelona.
At this point it was getting close to dinner. We just went to the super market and got food there for dinner so we could save money. We were going to watch a movie at the hostel but it had been such a long day and we were wiped out! We went to bed early.
(Saturday)
We grabbed another cheap breakfast first thing in the morning and then headed down a path called Las Ramblas. There were tons of restaurants lining it and a lot on it. There were vendors and people dressing up as statues for pictures. A great activity for the weekend! We walked around the Gothic area for a little. It is more or less like Casco Viejo in Pamplona. Similar structure of small alleys and tall buildings. We looked in a few stores but thought it was a smart idea to take advantage of the nice weather.
We walked to the Cathedral. It was really beautiful inside and big! There was some construction going on too though. Then Shannon, one of the girls I went with, had us meet up with a friend from school's sister. That was complicated to explain. It was really nice to have her hang out with us because she is from Barcelona and obviously knows what to see and do. She took us to another church and then to the harbor. It was nice to be by the beach. It was such a nice day to be down there. We had a long lunch by the harbor too. We had a 3 course Spanish style lunch. I had some kind of egg, ham, tomatoey thing, paella, and what can be best described as a Spanish style cream puff.
After we headed to Montjuic which literally translates to "Mount of the Jews." It is Catalan which is a mix of Spanish and French. It is the language of Barcelona. We met someone who knew Catalan, English and absolutely no Spanish. So it is possible to be Spanish and live in Spain and not know Spanish. Who knew? So back to the touring, the Olympic buildings from 1992 were located there. We saw the track and the museum but not much else. We then went to the Art History Museum of Catalunya. There was a free exhibit there that we walked around. Then we sat hung around that area until 7 because there was a light and water fountain show. It was a great show but the music was from Disney movies. We found that interesting and the songs were all translated in Catalan.
Then we grabbed some chocolate and pastries at an awesome little bakery. We were happy we stopped in! Then we met back up with Shannon's friend and she took us to a bar to watch the Barcelona soccer game. It was a tie. A good game though! After we went back to sleep!!!
(Sunday)
We got up to go to the Picasso Museum. It is free the first Sunday of the month!! I liked it and we did it in about an hour and a half. Then we had some lunch. Oh and the Barcelona marathon was occurring during all of this!!! It was so cool! Mainly for me. We watched the marathon for a little while right outside of where we ate. Then Shannon and I met up the her friend and went to a mass at the Cathedral. It was in Spanish. I was trying to learn all the responses. It was nice to go to mass in the Cathedral because it is so pretty.
Shannon's friend took us for coffee after church. We went to a really cute place. From there we went back to the hostel to pick up our bags. Then we went to the bus station. Our bus left at 3:30. It was such a good weekend!! Conclusion: Barcelona totally trumps Madrid!
(Today-Monday)
I woke up around 9 to study a little because I had a midterm at 12. It wasn't that difficult. The worst part was that it was 2 questions on 6 chapters of the book plus the lectures. Just a lot of material for a small midterm.
I did some much needed grocery shopping after. Then Angela and I went to the mall. We didn't get that much it was more for something to do. When I got back I went for a run. During my run I completely wiped out on the sidewalk in the middle of town. It was a good run otherwise! Now I am exhausted! Sadly I have to get up early tomorrow. Busy week this week! But a short one!!!!
Que le vaya bien!
We arrived in Barcelona at 7ish in the morning. Luckily we were able to check into our hostel so we could catch up on a little sleep before we went touring. Those night buses are killer!
We got out around 10 and had some breakfast. Breakfast in cafes was really cheap. You could get a coffee and a pastry for 2 euros or less easy! Then we headed down Travesia de Gracia where two of Gaudi's houses are located. They stand out so much. I love Gaudi's stuff because it is so different and he was very innovative. He recycled a lot of materials and came up with so many useful functions of his designs. He got a lot of inspiration from nature and what he saw around him. I can't imagine his creative process! Anyway we toured on of his houses, Casa Batllo. It was constructed for the Batllo family hence the name. I think it is interesting that rich families lived in his house because his style is very different and many people probably didn't appreciate it. But the house was beautiful! There were so many colors throughout the house. There was a central area that let in all this natural light. It was amazing! We were allowed access to the roof. I think they just added that. It was amazing up there too! Gaudi spared no expense and designed every nook and cranny of that house. It was gorgeous.
After we headed to La Sagrada Familia which is a church designed by Gaudi. I think many of of you would recognize it if you saw it even if you don't know the name. It is breath taking. It is a shame because it is still under construction. I have heard that is has been said that they will never finish it since Gaudi died. There is so much detail to Sagrada Familia. I think it rivals the Eifel Tower. When we first walked up it reminded me of the Eifel Tower because it is a well known piece of architecture from around the world and it is in a similar set-up as the Eifel Tower ( I am sure many people would hate me for saying that especially the French but it's true!). It has its own area and small park around it. They actually had a ping pong table for public use in the area around Sagrada Familia. Definitely the first time I have seen that.
Then we made our way to Parc Guell. The park was first meant to be luxury homes designed by Gaudi ( yes the day was basically devoted to Gaudi) and then transformed into the park. It was bigger than I thought and the luxury homes looked like ginger bread houses! I think maybe the luxurious people didn't want to live in the ginger bread esque houses so they turned it into a park. There was a large plaza in the park. There were a lot of people and families there. It seems like a nice place to spend the day. You can also walk to the top of the park and there is a lookout. You can see all of Barcelona and La Sagrada Familia stands out! Basically Gaudi owns Barcelona.
At this point it was getting close to dinner. We just went to the super market and got food there for dinner so we could save money. We were going to watch a movie at the hostel but it had been such a long day and we were wiped out! We went to bed early.
(Saturday)
We grabbed another cheap breakfast first thing in the morning and then headed down a path called Las Ramblas. There were tons of restaurants lining it and a lot on it. There were vendors and people dressing up as statues for pictures. A great activity for the weekend! We walked around the Gothic area for a little. It is more or less like Casco Viejo in Pamplona. Similar structure of small alleys and tall buildings. We looked in a few stores but thought it was a smart idea to take advantage of the nice weather.
We walked to the Cathedral. It was really beautiful inside and big! There was some construction going on too though. Then Shannon, one of the girls I went with, had us meet up with a friend from school's sister. That was complicated to explain. It was really nice to have her hang out with us because she is from Barcelona and obviously knows what to see and do. She took us to another church and then to the harbor. It was nice to be by the beach. It was such a nice day to be down there. We had a long lunch by the harbor too. We had a 3 course Spanish style lunch. I had some kind of egg, ham, tomatoey thing, paella, and what can be best described as a Spanish style cream puff.
After we headed to Montjuic which literally translates to "Mount of the Jews." It is Catalan which is a mix of Spanish and French. It is the language of Barcelona. We met someone who knew Catalan, English and absolutely no Spanish. So it is possible to be Spanish and live in Spain and not know Spanish. Who knew? So back to the touring, the Olympic buildings from 1992 were located there. We saw the track and the museum but not much else. We then went to the Art History Museum of Catalunya. There was a free exhibit there that we walked around. Then we sat hung around that area until 7 because there was a light and water fountain show. It was a great show but the music was from Disney movies. We found that interesting and the songs were all translated in Catalan.
Then we grabbed some chocolate and pastries at an awesome little bakery. We were happy we stopped in! Then we met back up with Shannon's friend and she took us to a bar to watch the Barcelona soccer game. It was a tie. A good game though! After we went back to sleep!!!
(Sunday)
We got up to go to the Picasso Museum. It is free the first Sunday of the month!! I liked it and we did it in about an hour and a half. Then we had some lunch. Oh and the Barcelona marathon was occurring during all of this!!! It was so cool! Mainly for me. We watched the marathon for a little while right outside of where we ate. Then Shannon and I met up the her friend and went to a mass at the Cathedral. It was in Spanish. I was trying to learn all the responses. It was nice to go to mass in the Cathedral because it is so pretty.
Shannon's friend took us for coffee after church. We went to a really cute place. From there we went back to the hostel to pick up our bags. Then we went to the bus station. Our bus left at 3:30. It was such a good weekend!! Conclusion: Barcelona totally trumps Madrid!
(Today-Monday)
I woke up around 9 to study a little because I had a midterm at 12. It wasn't that difficult. The worst part was that it was 2 questions on 6 chapters of the book plus the lectures. Just a lot of material for a small midterm.
I did some much needed grocery shopping after. Then Angela and I went to the mall. We didn't get that much it was more for something to do. When I got back I went for a run. During my run I completely wiped out on the sidewalk in the middle of town. It was a good run otherwise! Now I am exhausted! Sadly I have to get up early tomorrow. Busy week this week! But a short one!!!!
Que le vaya bien!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
3/4/10
This morning I had Geografia Cultural. After I had a delicious bowl of cereal I walked down to class. I was super tired for some reason today but thankfully we got out of class a half hour early! The other kids in my class were mad that our prof didn't give us a 15 minute break but we get out early if she goes straight through. It is because they are all smokers and need a break. For some reason smoking is picked up very early in life for the Spanish. I miss being able to go to a restaurant and not choke on all the smoke. I never realized how lucky we are to have that law.
So yeah when I got back I took a nap because I was just exhausted! Then around 3:30 I went for a run with my friend Isa. We did a long run for an about an hour and a half. I am really glad I have Isa making me do long runs with her because I probably would have little motivation to do them by myself.
I made some dinner not too long after I got back. I was so hungry before I left for the run so I was super hungry after. I have been having pasta all week because it is all I have. I don't like going to the store before I go away for the weekend. I am leaving on a night bus tonight for Barcelona. I am just about all packed. I am really excited. I can't wait to see the city!! This is probably my top place to see while I am here. I really hope I can sleep on the bus. I am tired now but I have trouble sleeping on these buses. It is not good to start off a weekend trip sleep deprived. I really hope I have enough to really experience Barcelona!
Chao! Hasta lunes
So yeah when I got back I took a nap because I was just exhausted! Then around 3:30 I went for a run with my friend Isa. We did a long run for an about an hour and a half. I am really glad I have Isa making me do long runs with her because I probably would have little motivation to do them by myself.
I made some dinner not too long after I got back. I was so hungry before I left for the run so I was super hungry after. I have been having pasta all week because it is all I have. I don't like going to the store before I go away for the weekend. I am leaving on a night bus tonight for Barcelona. I am just about all packed. I am really excited. I can't wait to see the city!! This is probably my top place to see while I am here. I really hope I can sleep on the bus. I am tired now but I have trouble sleeping on these buses. It is not good to start off a weekend trip sleep deprived. I really hope I have enough to really experience Barcelona!
Chao! Hasta lunes
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
3/3/10
I unwillingly dragged myself out of bed this morning around 9 to go for a run. And not much to my surprise it was an overcast day. What happened to the beautiful weather?! It was inevitable though. We had three days in a row of sunshine and warmth so naturally that means we can't wait another day for rain! I will stop complaining though since it is better than snow.
I had some breakfast and then went to class. I need to get my class lists fixed because I think I am signed up for the English version of a class while I am actually taking the Spanish. Hence I don't receive messages if class is canceled. Which is exactly what happened today. I had another class in 45 minutes so I just stayed on campus and studied a little.
Then I went to the last day of lecture for Global Communication. Today seemed to drag on even though it is an interesting topic. Apparently Google just came out with a social networking function on gmail called Google Buzz. I had no idea!! It would be so awesome to work for Google except all the long hours. After class, Angela and I went to a cafe and had coffee and a croissant. It was delicious!! We went back home after.
I have been studying most of tonight since I can't study this weekend. I am slowly losing motivation but I think everything is sinking in so I am satisfied. I can't wait for Barcelona tomorrow night though!!
Suerte o Justicia! A elegir!! jaja
I had some breakfast and then went to class. I need to get my class lists fixed because I think I am signed up for the English version of a class while I am actually taking the Spanish. Hence I don't receive messages if class is canceled. Which is exactly what happened today. I had another class in 45 minutes so I just stayed on campus and studied a little.
Then I went to the last day of lecture for Global Communication. Today seemed to drag on even though it is an interesting topic. Apparently Google just came out with a social networking function on gmail called Google Buzz. I had no idea!! It would be so awesome to work for Google except all the long hours. After class, Angela and I went to a cafe and had coffee and a croissant. It was delicious!! We went back home after.
I have been studying most of tonight since I can't study this weekend. I am slowly losing motivation but I think everything is sinking in so I am satisfied. I can't wait for Barcelona tomorrow night though!!
Suerte o Justicia! A elegir!! jaja
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
3/2/10
Today was a marathon kind of day. I was at university from 11 until 7. I had Geografia Cultural first. We have moved on from the exciting topic of maps and atlases. The new topic was hunger and malnutrition and everything that goes along with that. It definitely was a lot more interesting.
After class I had a little break so I went to see my Contemporary Economic History teacher so that he would approve of my essay topic. I am going to write about the Cuban Revolution and how the sugar industry played a role. My prof said it sounded good so I am all set. He also said I could write it in English but I said are you kidding my Spanish is better than my English! Not really but I can dream...
I had Global Communication at 2. It was the second day of lecture (obviously if you are reading my blog religiously). Her topic is really interesting. At the end of class she showed us a video that basically showed how the website SecondLife, which creates avatars that live in a virtual world, would basically become our actual reality. It was a stretch but we got into a discussion of the possibility of the internet replaces tv. There were a couple of really good points. I think one won't replace the other but rather they will be integrated. We will see but if I am right I have this blog as evidence!
Right after Global Communication I had teoria/business theory. We started a new topic because we just had our quiz last week. It was a lot of microeconomics so I liked it. It was a relief to get out of class though finally and head back home. It was such a nice day and I was barely outside. Anyway I came back and had some dinner and I am just relaxing because I haven't found any motivation to do anything else. I will have to study tomorrow. I wrote a lot of notes for my midterm in between classes. By my theory class I was so sick and tired of writing. It was getting so boring and tedious! But it was a very productive day! I do like being busy.
Feliz dia!
After class I had a little break so I went to see my Contemporary Economic History teacher so that he would approve of my essay topic. I am going to write about the Cuban Revolution and how the sugar industry played a role. My prof said it sounded good so I am all set. He also said I could write it in English but I said are you kidding my Spanish is better than my English! Not really but I can dream...
I had Global Communication at 2. It was the second day of lecture (obviously if you are reading my blog religiously). Her topic is really interesting. At the end of class she showed us a video that basically showed how the website SecondLife, which creates avatars that live in a virtual world, would basically become our actual reality. It was a stretch but we got into a discussion of the possibility of the internet replaces tv. There were a couple of really good points. I think one won't replace the other but rather they will be integrated. We will see but if I am right I have this blog as evidence!
Right after Global Communication I had teoria/business theory. We started a new topic because we just had our quiz last week. It was a lot of microeconomics so I liked it. It was a relief to get out of class though finally and head back home. It was such a nice day and I was barely outside. Anyway I came back and had some dinner and I am just relaxing because I haven't found any motivation to do anything else. I will have to study tomorrow. I wrote a lot of notes for my midterm in between classes. By my theory class I was so sick and tired of writing. It was getting so boring and tedious! But it was a very productive day! I do like being busy.
Feliz dia!
Monday, March 1, 2010
3/1/10
I can't believe it is March! The other day Angela and I were talking about the stuff we would miss from Spain. I feel like the end of the semester is going to come real quick which means I need to make the best of it now.
Due to a communication error I did not attend my Econ class today. I was prepared and raring to go but it seems like I always get the shaft. Oh well. It is never a big deal to miss class here. They always post the lectures online.
I have global communication this week for the month of May. I love telling people that I have a class that meets once a month. It is such a strange concept being from the US or at least a small college in the US. Our lecturer this month is a German woman who speaks very good English. Her lecture is on the internet and things like podcasts and how they affect identity and so on. She had some interesting ideas. Some of today's lecture was repeat from past speakers but the next two days seem new and drastically different. I hope this means exciting topics for our papers.
After class I just did some work. I have a midterm next week and I need to study before the weekend because I am going to Barcelona this weekend with two friends. I can't wait. Barcelona is the one place I am dying to go at least in Spain. I really want to see all of Gaudi's architecture. I feel like three days won't be enough but I am going to try and get as much in as possible. Oh and at 7 we went and got our bus tickets to Barcelona. We are taking the Thursday overnight bus because the Friday buses leave too late and we would miss out on a half a day of touring. Hopefully I won't start the weekend off sleep deprived. I might be too excited to sleep! But now I am off to bed after I studied for awhile.
Tengo suenos
Due to a communication error I did not attend my Econ class today. I was prepared and raring to go but it seems like I always get the shaft. Oh well. It is never a big deal to miss class here. They always post the lectures online.
I have global communication this week for the month of May. I love telling people that I have a class that meets once a month. It is such a strange concept being from the US or at least a small college in the US. Our lecturer this month is a German woman who speaks very good English. Her lecture is on the internet and things like podcasts and how they affect identity and so on. She had some interesting ideas. Some of today's lecture was repeat from past speakers but the next two days seem new and drastically different. I hope this means exciting topics for our papers.
After class I just did some work. I have a midterm next week and I need to study before the weekend because I am going to Barcelona this weekend with two friends. I can't wait. Barcelona is the one place I am dying to go at least in Spain. I really want to see all of Gaudi's architecture. I feel like three days won't be enough but I am going to try and get as much in as possible. Oh and at 7 we went and got our bus tickets to Barcelona. We are taking the Thursday overnight bus because the Friday buses leave too late and we would miss out on a half a day of touring. Hopefully I won't start the weekend off sleep deprived. I might be too excited to sleep! But now I am off to bed after I studied for awhile.
Tengo suenos
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