Mi familia Granaina

This last weekend me and Jilli went on a day trip to Córdoba. First we went to La Mezquita, which is incredible!! Originally it was an Islamic mosque that was later used as a Catholic cathedral. It is filled with Arabic double arches and over the top baroque decorations. After we saw the arc de triumf and then went to the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. This was a fortress that was later converted into a prison, but my favorite part of it was the gardens. We had a traditional Spanish lunch after our site seeing, wandered around town for a little in the 100+ degree weather and then returned to Granada.

 (la Mezquita)

 (Arc de Triumf)

(Alcazár de los Reyes Crisitianos y jardines)

Sunday Jilli and I finally got to help Elba make paella... she makes it seem easy but I'll need a bit a practice! That afternoon I went to a Spanish friend's house to swim and have dinner, trying to fit in as much Spanish as I can before I'm out of here...

This was my last week of school, Monday I had to say bye to my friend Chelsea, who has been here the whole time I have. So we went out for some tapas, drinks, and Foosball. After she left there were only 3 students total in my class. Wednesday morning my teacher, Carmén,  invited us to get a drink and study at the café by our school. She's probably one of my favorite teachers I have ever had. It was hard at first because I had to forget about how I had learned Spanish before, but once I was able to do that her way of teaching was one that makes complete sense. She's friendly, outspoken,  and definitely a little kooky, but I always looked forward to going to her class and having her challenge us to participate and learn. That night we had our farewell event for my program... everything is starting to get wrapped up!

Today I had my final exams, and tomorrow is my last day of class. Tonight we're going out with our Spaniard friends for one last "intercambio" and to say our farewells.

When I first left at the end of June, I wasn't nervous at all. That was until I had to say bye to my mom and aunt at LAX, and knew there was no turning back. I was about to leave the country for my first time to live somewhere that they don't speak English, there is a 9 hours time difference, I'd have to make new friends, and adapt to a new way of life. And I didn't have my Mommy to help with any of this! ha sounds silly but I had a split second of panic waiting in line for security. I knew enough Spanish to get by, but whenever I needed to speak my mind was mush! Luckily flight attendants understand foreigners, and drink names are pretty simple (AGUA!). The first afternoon of being here was like day one on Spanish 1 (what's your name, where are you from, what do you study, etc) ...

... In these past 2 months I have learned so much. I knew this trip would be one to remember but I really had no clue how much I would love it here. I say that a lot, but Granada really does feel like home. Just now, I ran into my teacher Carmén in the Central part of Granada. I ran into her yesterday while out to tapas. I've ran into many familiar faces, whether it's in the Albaicín, on a run, out with friends, or walking through a random plaza. You're always greeted warmly and normally with a kiss on a each cheek (which at first, for me, led to some awkward encounters). Granada is full of life, whether people are out getting tapas with friends, taking advantage of the rebajas, walking slowly with their grandparents, running/ biking to work, or performing music or flamenco in the streets. The city is filled with people and I love it. There's always something to see and of course you have to watch out for the constant stopping of ALL Spaniards to talk to their friends in the middle of the streets. I've had great experiences with unfamiliar faces as well. Just earlier today, I was sitting in a plaza eating a pastry when this guy approached me asking advice of what to do in Granada, as he was from Salamanca. I gave him some advice and politely declined his invitation to join him. Looking back, this is something I could never have done when I first came here. The most exciting part was that he thought I was from Spain at first! (probably until our conversation went on for more than a minute). I love that I can blend in here now, and that's my favorite thing to be told, that I look like a Spaniard. I know I still mess up plenty, but I feel so much more comfortable having random conversations and interacting in Spanish now...

... I have found my family here in the house of Elba and Juan Mi. Elba is caring, warm, and a GREAT COOK. Juan Mi is opinionated, educated, and we always get into interesting conversations (whether it be about how to say things in English the "correct way", politics, weather, culture, the world, the list goes on). Both of them have a great family, and I've had the privilege of meeting their son, his girlfriend, their nephew, and nieces (whom were adorable, and made me feel more at home). I've learned some of Elba's recipes, and about how life in Spain has changed over the years. I'm so grateful to them for opening their house to me, having patience when I just can't seem to find my words (or understand theirs), and most importantly being my family here in Spain. I look back on my experience here and can't seem to figure out where my time has gone. I will never be ready to leave here, but I'm so glad for all that I have had these past 2 months. Spain has awoken my desire to see more of the world, learn more about others, their languages, customs, cultures, everything. I can't wait to travel more, for my next journey and to see where my life takes me...

You've been great Spain, see you soon Cali

No puedo creerlo

I haven't written a blog in a while... and I'm having a hard time forcing myself to right now. So much has happened the last two weeks, and I can't believe that I only have 9 days left in my new home. Anyways Ill try and sum up what I've been up to:

Last Sunday (August 11th) and Monday my friends Matt and Lisa arrived in the Granada. They came here to complete and start their EuroTrips, respectively. This was definitely one of the highlights of my summer. Not only did I get to hangout with some people that I love to spend time with, but I also got to share the place that I have loved so much this summer. Monday I showed them around town, to some of the great views of the city and La Alhambra, and a local pub called Hannigan and Son's. Tuesday we went and got some tapas (which of course any one who visits is amazed by... buy a cheap beer, and get free food... who wouldn't want that?!) After, we went to find a karaoke bar, where we showcased our All-American songs while an old Spanish couple made out near by (guess we set the mood?). Wednesday, we went shopping at some of the Arabic markets, and had one of the best dinners of chicken with couscous and lamb made with prunes (AMAZING!!). That night we had a night tour of La Alhambra... I had been there before, but at night it is completely different. It's still amazing but in a slightly eerie way that I totally enjoyed.

Thursday Matt had to start his trip back to the good 'ol US of A, so we had to part ways. Fortunately it was also a holiday, so Lisa and I embarked on our trip to Madrid. We got in that afternoon and wandered around el Parque del Retiro. We got to see the Palacio de Cristal and Monumento de Alfonso XII. Pretty impressive! Friday was our day of Museums... first we went to El Prado. I've never been much for art, but for the first time I actually really enjoyed it all, I would even say I was moved by some. I got to see works by Velazquez, Goya, Picasso (all of which I learned about last month) and many more. Afterwards, we went to the Museum of Reina Sofia. Luckily right now they have an exposition of Dalí, so we got to see most of his work as well... awesome but REALLY STRANGE! I would have to say the most impressionable piece I saw in both museums was La Guernica by Picasso. Before I never understood cubism, and thought all art of that type was ridiculous and made no sense... but after learning about the history of Spain behind it, the meaning with in it, and seeing the immensity of the piece I was truly blown away!

That night Lisa and I flew to Barcelona. Everything went smoothly, until we tried to find our hostel from the bus stop... luckily two friendly Australians noticed our lost faces and assisted us the rest of the way. Since we hadn't eaten dinner yet, we hit the streets to find some food at 1AM and came upon a bocadillo shop (think those sandwiches may have been sitting out ALL day... oh yeah and its HOT there... YUM). It also started to rain a little on that late night expedition, which at least gave us relief from the humidity. Anyways we ate in a little plaza by our hostel and then rested up for the next day.

Saturday morning we hit the streets for a day of Gaudí. If you have never heard of Antoni Gaudí, you need to look him up right now (but for real... DO IT!). He's like the Dr. Seuss of architects in Spain, from the 19th and 20th century. We got to see La Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Casa Batlló, and La Padrera. I can't even begin to explain how amazing everything there is, but his work is breathtaking, visually stimulating, funky-awesome, and the list can go on and on... Later that night we went out with people from our hostel to la Festival de Grácia. They had crafted dragons, animals, insects and such filling the streets, as well as concerts going on at various stages. It was quite the experience, and we danced the night away to authentic Spanish music. Sunday morning Lisa had to leave to embark on the rest of her EuroTrip, so I wandered through Barcelona on my own. I walked down La Rambla (main touristy street in central Barcelona) and found myself at the port (which is ginormous, and also has a mall on the pier). I spent a couple hours there until I was hungry for lunch, when I got some pintxos (essentially tapas/ small servings of different foods). After I went to the Arc de Triumf and a park nearby it. It was a nice relaxing day to myself. That night I caught a plane back to Granada, but I was definitely not ready to leave, Barcelona was so awesome!!! and I can see myself returning someday...

Monday, I went on a hike to Cahorros again with my program. Tuesday we went to the Arabic baths (still AMAZING), and that night I have an intercambio with another Spaniard that I met. Yesterday, we saw La Guerra Mundial Z (World War Z). I pretty much understood it all in Spanish, and was definitely really jumpy!! That night I did a group intercambio with a class of Spaniards. We went to tapas and I watched my first MLS game, no better place than Spain where all the angry Spaniard are cursing in Spanish every second of the game. We also went to a karaoke bar where we chose songs for each other in our target languages. Man are Spanish songs difficult (especially when you don't recognize them very well). Today, I am finished with school for the day, and am going on a bike ride later this afternoon. Right now I'm just trying to get my fill of everything Granada...

I have 9 days left here. I'm so thankful for the experiences that I have had so far, and am by no means ready to be done...

Time's flying by...

Last Wednesday, Jilli and I went to el Parque de las Ciencias. They had different exhibits that tested your brain, taught you something new, took you on a journey through the body or brain, and even a butterfly room! This place was pretty cool, and we even got a tour though the Spanish constellation in Spanish. The most interesting thing was seeing different food pyramids from different countries... and here in Spain olive oil has its own place on the food pyramid (everything here makes so much more sense now!)

Thursday I started my new classes on for the month of August. I have one class of Civilization and Culture of Spain and the other is a language class... (because I realized I still have a lot to work on with my grammar). I really am enjoying both classes, but my language class makes me realize the huge difference of a native teaching you Spanish and an American. Everything we are learning should be a review but I feel like I'm learning everything in a completely new way, and not trying to just grasp topics enough to get you onto the next class like in the US. So its difficult, but I really need the extra work. My teacher loves to point out stereotypes of students from other countries as well as the ridiculous things she's heard when verbs aren't used in the right way, needless to say she makes it entertaining!

One of my friends visited from Cádiz last Thursday so we got to have a little reunion before I went to Malaga for the weekend with my roommate and a couple girlfriends.  Saturday morning we left for Malaga and boy was it HOT and HUMID! We went to the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, where they have the Museo Casa Natal, as well as the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro. The Alcazaba was pretty impressive with amazing views of the Malaga port and Mediterranean sea. It is a Moorish structure built in the 11th century, with a Roman theater that sits in front of it. After we did a hike straight uphill to the Gibralfaro (an Arabic castle built in the 10th century), in what was around 95 degree weather (that felt like 110!!) Luckily there was a bus to take us back down :) After we cleaned up rested, and went to dinner at a restaurant called Pimpi, where they had delicious seafood and wine. The next day was our day of relaxation. We spent the day at Malagueta beach and had lunch at a Chiringuita, restaurant on the beach. After a long day in the sun and a successful weekend in Malaga, we returned to Granada.

Shout out to my sister Monday was her birthday!! Happy belated birthday again Bekah:)
That day Jilli and I went to the Plaza de Toros... it's no longer season, but we got to see an interesting display of 2 grown men practicing? playing? doing something? as a matador and bull. It was interesting and a little boy tried to trick us that there were bulls in the back. The ring was pretty impressive though, I can only imagine what it would be like to actually see una corrida de toros.

Tuesday, Jilli and I went to see Pitufos 2, which is Smurfs 2 in spanish. We needa stick to the kid movies because they're easier to understand ha, but it was cute. Later we got our first cooking lesson from Elba and made a tortilla española, an egg dish with potatoes and onions. Gotta practice, but its one of the easiest things they make here.

Wednesday I went to Aquaola with some friends from my program. Its a water park here in Granada with a few different slides, a river for intertubes, and a wave pool. It was fun and a nice way to escape the heat for the day!

I have been meeting with a girl named Vanessa to have a language exchange the last few weeks. So Thursday we went and got drinks at this really cute teteria. It had 3 stories and a tables and seats were on the ground. I got this delicious juice that was lemonade with mint in it, super refreshing! Afterwards, I went to an outside movie in the Sacramonte with her and her parents. The movie was "El vuelco del cangrejo", a Colombian independent film, and I lucked out because there were english subtitles! I hadn't eaten yet so I got a bocadilla and a beer to enjoy during the movie. AND BIG SURPRISE, half way through my drink I spill it on my lap... so I got to sit in through the rest of the movie with a beerbutt! Besides my clumsy accident, I enjoyed the movie, especially where we were watching it, which was above all of Granada.

Yesterday (Friday), we went out for some tapas and drinks because it was my friend Angela's last night in Spain. It was nice getting to hang out with everyone again because it seems like we've all been busy doing different things. Today was my first time sleeping in on a weekend here in Granada, and it was amazing! Now we just finished lunch so its time for a siesta :)

Until next time...

Al final de mi primer mes...

It's been a while since I've blogged, but Ill try to catch you up with all that's happened since last time...
Two weeks ago I got to go horseback riding with my program. We just walked past a lot of corn fields and buildings where they dry tobacco. My horse was named Chico, and he listened pretty well, as we slowly made our way from the back of the line to almost the front by the end of the hour (guess I'm not gunna be training horses anytime soon).

 

That Friday, I went out to dinner with a friend, and tried Moroccan food for the first time. We had some skewers, meatballs, and a chicken rice dish (as always I thought EVERYTHING was tasty)!

Saturday we went on an excursion to the Alpujarras mountains tasted some wild blackberries and cherries, and went to a telaría? (where they make carpets with a loom, "Wanted" style!). This was pretty cool, but I don't think the woman working there was any type of assassin... bummer

That night, Jilli, Zoe, Molly and I went to Sevilla on an impromptu turn around trip... The next day we saw ALL of Sevilla (Plaza de España, el Real Alcazar, la Catedral con la Giralda, y el Torre de Oro) needless to say I was exhausted after our less than 24 hrs of being there. Sevilla was pretty amazing though, and I must say the Plaza de España was my favorite (I guess a scene of Star Wars was filmed there!)

 (at our Hostal)

 

(Plaza de España)

 

(at Real Alcázar)

This next week was my last week of school, so I spent most of it getting ready for our tests on Friday, writing a paper (yeah I actually go to school here), and of course still having fun.
Monday we went to the Arabic baths, which were AMAZING!!!! They have 3 rooms with baths (cold, warm, and hot). We also got peppermint tea and a 15 minute massage, which I have been waiting for since I got here! (Don't have my mama here to ask for one). I will definitely be going back next month.
Wednesday we went to a Garcia Lorca performance. It was at la Alhambra, so a beautiful setting, but I could go without having to watch flamenco for 2 hours for a while...

Friday was the last day for most of the people in my program, so we all went to see Montruos University. Later we met up for drinks and went to a discoteca called Camborio that overlooks la Alhambra and all of Granada!! Sad to see them all leave but it was a great last night.

The next day (Saturday), I left for Cádiz to visit a friend for the weekend. Its a small beach town on the south west corner of Spain. I got to see the old and new town, and eat dinner overlooking the ocean. Definitely had my fair share of delicious seafood :) I also had my first experience in the Atlantic Ocean!! The temperature was perfect!!!, but a little too many dark shadows of seaweed for my liking, but I had a wonderful day beach side with a few sangrias.

All in all I've had a busy last couple of weeks, but I could not be loving Spain MORE!!! I can't believe I've already been here a month and I miss everyone from home (SB and Rancho) but I'm so glad I still have one month left. These last couple day I got to rest, and today I met the 7 new students in this months program. Can't wait to get to know everyone better.  I start class again Thursday, and we're planning a trip for Malaga this weekend, so I'll be keepin busy!

Hasta la pasta ;)

Intercambio

At Centro de Lenguas Modernas they offer an intercambio (exchange with a student learning your native language/ native to the language you are learning). As much as I'm surrounded by it, its too easy to speak English with everyone in my program. So I decided to sign up for this. So last Thursday I met up with a Granada local named Amalia. She was really friendly and we ended up talking for way longer than I ever expected. I hope to continue doing this because its also great insight into the life of other Granadians. She's in her 30's and its amazing the different life experiences that we've had so far, it makes me thankful for the opportunities I have had to go off to college and now travel to different parts of the world. Life could be so different!

On Friday we had a tour of La Alhambra. La Alhambra is a palace built in the 14th century in muslim style. Its is enormous and amazing. I really enjoyed this because I have been learning a lot about it in my art history class and I finally got to see all that I had been hearing about! Parts of it are altered (made boring) or destroyed by the Christians that came later, but it unbelievable the rooms and parts that are still are intact. There is incredible detail wherever you look and even better views.

This weekend we went for a trip to Nerja beach. I can't tell you how excited I was to be back by the beach... if there's one thing I miss here its escaping to the beach whenever I want. I couldn't wait to relax in the (slightly cooler) sun and just SWIM! The beaches were beautiful, clear BLUE water that was refreshingly cool. We hung out there for a while until we have a delicious lunch of paella con marisco y pollo. It was pretty good... but not nearly as great as what Elba (my mom here) can make! That afternoon when I returned I had probably one of my biggest learning experiences since Ive been here. I knew Id be sharing a hotel room with 3 other girls, but I didn't expect to walk into a room with 4 little twin sized beds crammed together (almost wall to wall). Hey, I guess its like a slumber party that I always dreamed of as a little girl? Anyways, after a long day at the beach I just wanted to shower... but none of the lights worked. There were prolly about 10 switches that I walked around flipping on and off, NOT A ONE WORKED. So I ventured downstairs to the front desk to solve my problem.  I tried to politely explain in spanish that my lights didn't work, and needless to say the attendant wasn't very helpful. Eventually when my roomates returned they new the trick... aparently in Spain (and other parts of Europe) you have to put your key into this box to turn on the electricty, to cut down on wasting it... WELP atleast someone knew!

Sunday we left Nerja beach to visit Herradura beach. On the way we stopped in a little town called Frigiliana that wraps up a hill. It was really cute (apparently they filmed the smirfs there?) and had some awesome views...

That afternoon at Herradura we had a delicious lunch of Pescado Rosado, calamaris, pollo y migas (which is kinda like a cuscus/ stuffing/ grain thing, but tasty!). Later we had the opportunity to kayak and ride on a catamaran. Both were a lot of fun, but boy was I exhausted after this weekend!

Yesterday we had a free day, which I spent studying for my "midterm" for art history that I had today. I still managed to make it out to a trivia night with a few friends, (only things I could help with were about Spice Girls and The Backstreet Boys ha). Anyway, I had my first test today at CLM... I think it went pretty well (hoping for an A!). Tonight is friends bday, so all the girls are going for sushi and then to a discoteca. Maybe if im up for it I might even catch the All Star Game (2AM here), but if not...

GO NATIONAL LEAGUE!

El espectáculo flamenco

     Monday our activity was flamenco dancing... This meant not only were we going to see a show but we also were going to "learn". Needless to say that was quite the experience! This flamenco restuarant is in the gypsy area of el Albaicín and parts are in las cuevas (caves).We started with some easy toe-heel steps (punto-tacon), and then slowly went on to a more complicated step, and also added the hands. Yeah, I'll leave to flamenco to the professionals. It was fun to watch all of us Americans struggle with our coordination though. After our lesson we had algunas tapas y tinto de verano (summer drink here the has wine, juice, and soda water) as we waited for el espectáculo (with the real dancers). Once the show started I was in awe. They make all the movements seem so simple (fancy hands and feet), and everyone is dressed beautifully as well. There is a singer, guitarist and drummer. And boy could these singers belt! Afterwards I went with some friends for drinks and tapas, where I saw more street gypsies performing flamenco. I must say, the culture and life here in Granada never gets old.

     Tuesday our activity was "Spanish Cuisine Tasting Classes". Now this is right up my ally! We started off with trying different types of olive oil (with bread). Then we moved onto different types of meats, tomatoes, and cheeses (ALL WITH BREAD). And ended our tasting with different types of nuggets. Everything was delicious, but there  may be a little more of me when I come back to the US! Afterwards I went for a drink with some of the girls from my program. Everyone's really friendly and I look forward to hanging out more and getting to know them all better.
     Tuesday nights, this pub called Hannigan & Sons has open mic night (and baseball games on the tv!). One of my friends wanted to perform so I went to support. So far all the music I hear here is American. This open mic night was no exception... I've never heard so many remixs of our classics. This one girl from Finland loved the stage (they couldn't get her off!). But all was fun, and I even got to hear a little of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
    Today were supposed to go on a bike ride at 530 (about the hottest part of the day)... and its been around 40 degrees Celsius (=100+ in Fahrenheit). Hopefully I don't melt too much! But I look forward to it (get some exercise besides walking a gajillion miles).
-Until next time...

Estadounidenses tontas...

     This Friday we had a free day, so some friends and I decided to go wander around. We found ourselves at Café Futbol (suggested to us for their chocolate[melted chocolate not hot chocolate] y churros). Anyway, we figured no better time to try it than the present so we sat down and 3 of us ordered a churro each (and some waffle with con chocolate). The waiter comes out and brings us this tower of churros... little did we know that ONE churro is meant for 2 people! We did the best we could, but after sugar-coma started kicking in we threw in the towel and brought the rest back for a roomate... (lesson learned: ask about portion size!) Needless to say I slept great that night with a belly full of chocolate y churros :)

     The next day we went on a hike to Cahorros. This place was amazing! There are waterfalls and creeks that come from snow runoff (super cold!), and it was so green! Germán loves to point out different plant for us to smell/ try (lavender, sage, mint, figs, among many others) Though I thoroughly enjoyed it, this hike was definitely challenging... and I'm not talking about the uphill mile or so it took us to get to the hike. Thoroughout the hike we are walking on a skinny path along the mountain (which at times we have to scale or crawl under). However the hardest part of it for me was crossing the puente colgante (suspension bridge). Anyone who knows me, know heights are NOT my favorite, but I did IT! and have pictures to prove it :) Anyway I would love to go back to this place because its truly one of the most amazing hikes Ive ever been on.

     We came home that day and I took a 3.5 hr nap (I was pooped). That night we went to a show put on by the city of Granada (que se llama Les Amants du Ciel). It was this couple that danced up in the sky on the side of the Ayuntamiento. It was pretty cool, but we left early to go get some tapas for dinner. Jilli and I ordered a sample plate to share with some sangria, all of which was delicious!

     Sunday I woke up late and met a friend for lunch. We wondered around Granada, and he showed me a view point near where he lives (pretty spectacular, but quite a climb fro the center of the city where I live). We got some Alhambras (la cerveza de Granada), and went shopping around (most all stores are closed on Sunday except those that are like department stores).

     Now its Monday morning, and I accidentally slept through my first class of the day (atleast Im allowed 2 ausiencios). Tonight we get to learn to dance Flamenco. We'll see if I have any coordination, but it should be fun! I'll have to tell you later how that goes...

¡Hasta Luego!