I'm listening to "the way you make me feel" my Michael Jackson. if you want to join in!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPjfMSn4f6c
So. American University has been particularly unhelpful. It's been a really rough week and I'm going to vent a little. I came to Madrid with about 7 or 8 classes in mind that I could possibly take at ICADE (five max). The grading system works differently then in the states which means while the courses are probably about the same difficulty, we'll be graded harder. And the Spanish grade will not reflect the grade transferred to AU. To put it simply, if I was to get a 7 out of 10 in a class, that's considered a really good grade here. Hardly anyone ever gets a 10 out of 10 because a 10 would indicate you know more than the teacher does. So an A here would be comparable to a B+ or an A- I suppose. Unfortunately, when AU sees the 7, they will consider it a C.
Elena, who I've mentioned before and works with AU at the Mosaic institution offered to let D and myself take a class at Mosaic to sort of "cushion" our GPA while here, since they grade on the American scale. We were told this Wednesday that because we are directly enrolled into ICADE, we are not allowed to take a class through American University - Mosaic. Even though we'd already been to two classes.
This wouldn't be so bad if there is system with my major where I'm supposed to be taking a total of 4 classes in Spanish, at least 2 of which have to be business classes. This meant I had to drop the Spanish class I was taking at Mosaic and enroll myself in another Spanish class at ICADE, where there are almost NO cultural or history classes. The university mainly has business classes since there's no "general education" requirements of the students. I've e-mailed my advisers (yes plural) at American in DC but evidently they have Thursdays and Fridays off. Clearly I need to be an adviser in the future because they keep such convenient hours.
So right now here are my classes.
Operations Management (English)
Sistemas de Información de Marketing
Habilidades Directivas
Recursos Humanos
Historia Cóntemporanea de Español (literally all about Franquismo as far as I can tell)
The way I feel? Stressed. And I don't generally show how stressed I am until I start biting my nails. My nails are pretty stubby at this point.
Sorry to bum you all out! So on a lighter note we went to Plaza de España tonight to see the Argentine in Madrid exposition, which included a lot of food clothing and accessories for sale, as well as wine tasting and cultural stuff like art and dancing (although we missed the dancing by an hour). I got a tasty alfajore and tried some wine. Anddddd I finally got the bag I've been looking for. My mom is going to yell at me and say "i told you so" but whatever. Basically everyone in Spain carries these little brown and black bags that go over your shoulder and across your chest and hang at your hip. Mine is very very nice.
Also!! While walking around this place, this guy that was giving out free samples of some sort of sunflower seed goes "¿Ecuatoriana?" which was awesome if only half right, especially since I don't think I look that very Ecuadorian. He then proceeded to guess my friend J's ethnicity too but failed at D's thinking she was Chilean. 2/3 isn't bad though.
My whole family in general tells me I look more Spanish than Ecuadorian or Mexican, but that's not really what I've noticed either. The Spanish here actually brown haired and sometimes blonde and almost everyone has blue, green or hazel eyes. Then again Madrid is a little north so I'll update later on how the people I've encountered look. Although skin paleness wise, I may be lighter (of courseeee).
Next weekend a group of us are going to Valencia! Promising in pictures and a good time no doubt.
GG
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
First Day of Class, Sort Of
Hi all. Really short post right now. It's 6:20 AM here in Madrid and I've been up for an hour. I have to catch the bus at 7:15 to make it to school on time. First class of the day is Habilidades Directivas with Profesor Abel Minguez. I'm not all together sure what to expect because as of this minute I haven't had a class at ICADE, only the Mosaic institute which American University uses as a satellite school. I've been having a lot of problems signing up and finding classes that will a. fit my schedule and b. actually transfer as credits.
Sigh. To cheer myself up I shall listen to Waka Waka by Shakira. I haven't mentioned it in this blog but they literally play this song everywhere, including at clubs and bars. They're really proud to have won the world cup and add a star to their crest. Wish me luck!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRpeEdMmmQ0&ob=av2e
Sigh. To cheer myself up I shall listen to Waka Waka by Shakira. I haven't mentioned it in this blog but they literally play this song everywhere, including at clubs and bars. They're really proud to have won the world cup and add a star to their crest. Wish me luck!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRpeEdMmmQ0&ob=av2e
Monday, September 20, 2010
Toledo, los Matadors e ICADE
Firstly, I apologize for not writing in a whole week! Time flies very quickly here and we've all been running around going and seeing everything we can before classes start.
This past Saturday, my program at ICADE was welcomed to an outing sponsored by American University's "Madrid and the Mediterranean Program" (students that take classes in English and in an enclave program), to the beautiful city of Toledo, which is about an hour from Madrid.
Toledo is famous for many things, including being a "Warrior City". You can walk up and down the streets and most stores will sell handmade knives and swords. All very cool. It's also home to Catedral Primada Santa Maria de Toledo, which was made by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel back in the 13th century. It was supposed to be their final resting ground, but once they conquered Grenada, they switched their plans. Many of their offspring are buried in the tombs of the cathedral however, along with many bishops of the time. Over the buried bishops, the church flies their hat, which is really weird to see a bunch of red hats hanging around. The cathedral couldn't really fit into the frame of my camera, but this is the best I have to offer!
The Toledo region is also home to one of my favorite and probably one of the most well known Spanish stories! Don Quixote de la Mancha! Everywhere you look, you see his scrawny little body on top of his scrawnier horse, "Rocinante", and accompanied by his squire "Sancho Panza". The story is about an older gentleman of la Mancha (doesn't actually exist as far as I know) who after reading many stories of chivalry, decides to set off on his own adventures. He names the neighbor girl, his "Lady Love - Dulcinea", and takes on impossible (and slightly crazy) tasks. The famous quote from the story is "Dream the Impossible Dream", which is quite nice in my opinion, and part of a Frank Sinatra song. Below is an artist of Toledo hand engraving these little coins and plates with gold. It sits on a sort of clay substance so it doesn't move and they hammer quickly but in really small strokes into the plate / pendant.
And the bullfight. I knew I wasn't going to "enjoy" it but that I would at least appreciate going. I don't regret going. It's a big part of Spanish and Latin American culture. But I really don't think it's as pretty an art as people describe. Maybe I would have appreciated it more if the bull had more of a chance, let's say, just him and the matador. But the bull starts out already with something pinned into his neck, to weaken his neck muscles. And the banderilleros continue to poke at least 6 more little spears into the back of his neck. This is so that when the bull charges, his neck hangs down (I was told?).
Then, there's this guy called the picador. He comes in on a big armored horse with armored shoes and a giant ass spear. Here's a pic of the picador so you have a better idea. That's my friend R's head in the picture too.
The horse's eyes are covered so that he doesn't get spooked and toss the picador off, but what happens next is pretty intense. The bull charges and rams into the side of the horse, although the only thing the horse feels is that its getting shoved. Sometimes the bull is strong enough to lift the horse and the man off the ground, but in this case it didn't happen. The picador then viciously stabs the bull more with that spear he's got in his hand. It's very sad and kind of gross because I'm pretty sure this is what weakens the bull the most. He'll have this dark red stain down his front shoulders because of this attack.
Finally the matador comes in and does a lot of fancy cape work and with his sword, aims to strike the bull through his heart. If he's done it correctly, the bull dies instantly. Unfortunately I don't think any of the matadors I saw were that good, and therefore the bull walked around for a few minutes until a guy in all black comes out and strikes at his throat to put him out of his misery. The bull will generally sit down before that point, but even after the last strike from the man in black, he tries goring the matadors.
The entire stadium then rises to cheer on the matador, but really I just stood to honor the poor bull. I've read that in Latin America, the audience tends to cheer on the bull as opposed to the matador. I like this way a lot better.
Here's a relatively cool video where the bull is charging the matador's footmen, not the actual matador, and when the bull is still kicking it, no worries, no dead bull in this one, promise!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7ixvX9xS_c
I´m not going to say I can see why the Spanish like the bull fights. I imagine back in the day, it was a big deal and something to take pride in that you could take on a bull. Also because the sacrifice of the bull to the gods was common. But now it is a bloody sport that I don't appreciate and I can easily say that I've seen it once and I have no desire to go back.
But on a cheerier note! Today was my first day at ICADE, the business school of La Universidad Pontificia Comillas. I've met this one girl through a friend, and apparently all the really prestigious and "preppy" kids go to UPC. I can already see why. The first day there were so many polo ralph lauren shirts, it was like a convention. Needless to say it felt like the Kogod Business School at American University, so no problems there. Unfortunately my first class, Analisis del Consumidor, was canceled due to the professor's illness. My second class actually took place at the American University Enclave site, called Mosaic. It was my regular spanish class and it went along fairly decently.
On the spot we were told to pick random numbers that describe us and the others were to guess, through asking us questions in Spanish. Here were my numbers (numbered in the European version)
10.6 My birthday
23.5 Alyssa's birth, a day I will never get over.
5.5 Cinco de Mayo. Important day to Mexicans, although it is NOT their independence day. My teacher didn't actually know about it until we told her how even americans celebrate it too.
13.8 My quince años. Ugh. Surprisingly neither of the puerto rican girls had quinceaños. Thanks a lot mom.
716 Buffalo area code.
That was a LOT but that's all for now! I'll try to update more frequently but less so! Me and a classmate are headed to Parque Retiro tomorrow since we don't have class and after a week in Spain we have YET to see it!
Besos,
GG
This past Saturday, my program at ICADE was welcomed to an outing sponsored by American University's "Madrid and the Mediterranean Program" (students that take classes in English and in an enclave program), to the beautiful city of Toledo, which is about an hour from Madrid.
Toledo is famous for many things, including being a "Warrior City". You can walk up and down the streets and most stores will sell handmade knives and swords. All very cool. It's also home to Catedral Primada Santa Maria de Toledo, which was made by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel back in the 13th century. It was supposed to be their final resting ground, but once they conquered Grenada, they switched their plans. Many of their offspring are buried in the tombs of the cathedral however, along with many bishops of the time. Over the buried bishops, the church flies their hat, which is really weird to see a bunch of red hats hanging around. The cathedral couldn't really fit into the frame of my camera, but this is the best I have to offer!
And the bullfight. I knew I wasn't going to "enjoy" it but that I would at least appreciate going. I don't regret going. It's a big part of Spanish and Latin American culture. But I really don't think it's as pretty an art as people describe. Maybe I would have appreciated it more if the bull had more of a chance, let's say, just him and the matador. But the bull starts out already with something pinned into his neck, to weaken his neck muscles. And the banderilleros continue to poke at least 6 more little spears into the back of his neck. This is so that when the bull charges, his neck hangs down (I was told?).
Then, there's this guy called the picador. He comes in on a big armored horse with armored shoes and a giant ass spear. Here's a pic of the picador so you have a better idea. That's my friend R's head in the picture too.
The horse's eyes are covered so that he doesn't get spooked and toss the picador off, but what happens next is pretty intense. The bull charges and rams into the side of the horse, although the only thing the horse feels is that its getting shoved. Sometimes the bull is strong enough to lift the horse and the man off the ground, but in this case it didn't happen. The picador then viciously stabs the bull more with that spear he's got in his hand. It's very sad and kind of gross because I'm pretty sure this is what weakens the bull the most. He'll have this dark red stain down his front shoulders because of this attack.
Finally the matador comes in and does a lot of fancy cape work and with his sword, aims to strike the bull through his heart. If he's done it correctly, the bull dies instantly. Unfortunately I don't think any of the matadors I saw were that good, and therefore the bull walked around for a few minutes until a guy in all black comes out and strikes at his throat to put him out of his misery. The bull will generally sit down before that point, but even after the last strike from the man in black, he tries goring the matadors.
The entire stadium then rises to cheer on the matador, but really I just stood to honor the poor bull. I've read that in Latin America, the audience tends to cheer on the bull as opposed to the matador. I like this way a lot better.
Here's a relatively cool video where the bull is charging the matador's footmen, not the actual matador, and when the bull is still kicking it, no worries, no dead bull in this one, promise!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7ixvX9xS_c
I´m not going to say I can see why the Spanish like the bull fights. I imagine back in the day, it was a big deal and something to take pride in that you could take on a bull. Also because the sacrifice of the bull to the gods was common. But now it is a bloody sport that I don't appreciate and I can easily say that I've seen it once and I have no desire to go back.
But on a cheerier note! Today was my first day at ICADE, the business school of La Universidad Pontificia Comillas. I've met this one girl through a friend, and apparently all the really prestigious and "preppy" kids go to UPC. I can already see why. The first day there were so many polo ralph lauren shirts, it was like a convention. Needless to say it felt like the Kogod Business School at American University, so no problems there. Unfortunately my first class, Analisis del Consumidor, was canceled due to the professor's illness. My second class actually took place at the American University Enclave site, called Mosaic. It was my regular spanish class and it went along fairly decently.
On the spot we were told to pick random numbers that describe us and the others were to guess, through asking us questions in Spanish. Here were my numbers (numbered in the European version)
10.6 My birthday
23.5 Alyssa's birth, a day I will never get over.
5.5 Cinco de Mayo. Important day to Mexicans, although it is NOT their independence day. My teacher didn't actually know about it until we told her how even americans celebrate it too.
13.8 My quince años. Ugh. Surprisingly neither of the puerto rican girls had quinceaños. Thanks a lot mom.
716 Buffalo area code.
That was a LOT but that's all for now! I'll try to update more frequently but less so! Me and a classmate are headed to Parque Retiro tomorrow since we don't have class and after a week in Spain we have YET to see it!
Besos,
GG
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Dictators and Gazpacho
Today was our first day meeting with the other ICADE / I.R. majors at Mosaic, which is where the American University office in Madrid operates. We met with Mari Carmen and Elena and we discussed getting around Madrid, what to do should we have problems. I won't go into details too much because it was pretty standard but Mari Carmen mentioned something really interesting about Spanish culture.
She claims that since the current adults in Spain spent their younger years growing up under a very repressed dictatorship, where husbands couldn't kiss their wives goodbye in public for fear of being arrested, adults now a days never took to discouraging their children from showing and enjoying that type of affection. Which would definitely explain the two Madrileños on the plane from JFK who acted like it was their honeymoon. So she warned us that while it would seem weird for people to kiss and hug as a greeting, and maybe be a little "freer" in the clubs discos and bars, to say the least, it's because they live to enjoy the freedom they have. Definitely a nice sentiment. It's definitely more welcoming here, where the first person you meet will call you their friend and kiss both your cheeks.
I had my first Gazpacho today too. It sounds gross and I think you have to appreciate it more for its cultural significance than for the way it tastes, no lie. It's about the same consistency as tomato soup, but slightly lighter in color because they add sweet pepper, cucumbers and a little garlic, and it's blended until smooth. You can eat it "plain" like that or you can add more vegetables to make it more interesting. Elena encouraged me to dunk bread in it. The weird thing about the soup is that it's served cold, because the Spanish eat it generally in the summer when it's 100 degrees. It's super healthy, think V8 juice, and it fills you up more than you would expect.
A siesta was def required after the meal (which second course consisted of Perch in a strange but super good sauce and flan...hey the big meal of the day is at lunch okay?!) but after the restaurant we were headed to El Museo del Prado. Acclaimed as in the top five best art museums in the world. We didn't spend a whole lot of time in there, but luckily AU did pay all our entrance fees.
There aren't any pictures from inside the museo, of course, but it was amazing amazing. I'm pretty sure 11th grade Spanish class was primarily focused on spanish art, as well as the first semester of my first Spanish class in college. We walked in and the professor at the American U school focused on 4 major artists: Raphael, El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez. After extensively studying the last three, I knew the importance of Las Meninas once I saw it. The painting itself is epic. Nothing in books or pictures compares to what I saw, hanging in front of me. Velázquez literally takes up the whole room but everyone´s eyes simply gravitate to Las Meninas. I´d learned so much about the painting, how not only it is a portrait of the princess Margarita, but also a self portrait of Velázquez, and interestingly enough, the King and Queen of Spain at the time are in it as well, but un-importantly featured in a mirror hanging on the wall in the back of the painting.
I also went to my first tapas bar! It was as wonderful and shady as I thought it would be! I ordered a "Tinto de Verano" which is pretty much Sangria in my opinion, only not as much fruit. Delicious obviously, and my friend R ordered a Mojito, which over course only reminded me of Tio B! Here be a lovely pic of me with said Mojito and also one of the bartender who was slightly surprised when I took his picture.
Adios amigos! Time for bed as I have to get up very early for my real orientation!
She claims that since the current adults in Spain spent their younger years growing up under a very repressed dictatorship, where husbands couldn't kiss their wives goodbye in public for fear of being arrested, adults now a days never took to discouraging their children from showing and enjoying that type of affection. Which would definitely explain the two Madrileños on the plane from JFK who acted like it was their honeymoon. So she warned us that while it would seem weird for people to kiss and hug as a greeting, and maybe be a little "freer" in the clubs discos and bars, to say the least, it's because they live to enjoy the freedom they have. Definitely a nice sentiment. It's definitely more welcoming here, where the first person you meet will call you their friend and kiss both your cheeks.
I had my first Gazpacho today too. It sounds gross and I think you have to appreciate it more for its cultural significance than for the way it tastes, no lie. It's about the same consistency as tomato soup, but slightly lighter in color because they add sweet pepper, cucumbers and a little garlic, and it's blended until smooth. You can eat it "plain" like that or you can add more vegetables to make it more interesting. Elena encouraged me to dunk bread in it. The weird thing about the soup is that it's served cold, because the Spanish eat it generally in the summer when it's 100 degrees. It's super healthy, think V8 juice, and it fills you up more than you would expect.
A siesta was def required after the meal (which second course consisted of Perch in a strange but super good sauce and flan...hey the big meal of the day is at lunch okay?!) but after the restaurant we were headed to El Museo del Prado. Acclaimed as in the top five best art museums in the world. We didn't spend a whole lot of time in there, but luckily AU did pay all our entrance fees.
There aren't any pictures from inside the museo, of course, but it was amazing amazing. I'm pretty sure 11th grade Spanish class was primarily focused on spanish art, as well as the first semester of my first Spanish class in college. We walked in and the professor at the American U school focused on 4 major artists: Raphael, El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez. After extensively studying the last three, I knew the importance of Las Meninas once I saw it. The painting itself is epic. Nothing in books or pictures compares to what I saw, hanging in front of me. Velázquez literally takes up the whole room but everyone´s eyes simply gravitate to Las Meninas. I´d learned so much about the painting, how not only it is a portrait of the princess Margarita, but also a self portrait of Velázquez, and interestingly enough, the King and Queen of Spain at the time are in it as well, but un-importantly featured in a mirror hanging on the wall in the back of the painting.
I also went to my first tapas bar! It was as wonderful and shady as I thought it would be! I ordered a "Tinto de Verano" which is pretty much Sangria in my opinion, only not as much fruit. Delicious obviously, and my friend R ordered a Mojito, which over course only reminded me of Tio B! Here be a lovely pic of me with said Mojito and also one of the bartender who was slightly surprised when I took his picture.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Inquisition, A Siesta and a Tuna Salad
Hello all!
So I've arrived safe, sound and not all that sweaty in Madrid, Spain. It's a cool 91 degrees here and the sun is shining brightly. Barajas airport seems to be so big that it actually encircles Madrid and it's about a half hour from where my host family is located!
I was anticipating a full on Spanish inquisition when I arrived at customs and immigration. Since I got on the plane at JFK, I'd been running through possible questions that they might ask me and answering them accordingly, consulting my Webster English/Spanish dictionary so I didn't make a fool out of myself. Which my mom can tell you was probably the safer option than me trying to speak under pressure (i.e. Spanish Consulate; Where I was asked if I can speak Spanish and I responded "urgh....si? mas o menos" which roughly means "daflkjadgl yes? more or less" although not quite as graceful.) I got to immigration with my very heavy backpack behind the two Spanish lovebirds that spent the whole trip making out next to me, walked up to Alfonso (my immigration officer) and he politely smiled, inquired
"Estudiante?", to which I nodded.
"Y que estudias?" Alfonso asks.
"Negocios, Idiomas y Cultura" Go me.
He nodded, stamped my passport, smiled and waved me through. Not nearly as scary as Mexican or Ecuadorian immigration, that's for sure!
Elena, one of the coordinators for American University picked me up at the airport as well as fellow ICADE / American University student, R. We had coffee and tried to figure out my Sim Card which is still not working but I'm sure I'll figure out. I am a whiz with technology after all (not.)
I'm sure you're all very curious as to my homestay situation as well! Well I'm actually in a little apartment, very close to Retiro Park and Centro (central Madrid and ie where all the cool things) and about a block away from Campo de Moros. My homestay family consists of just one Señora. At this point I'm 80% sure her name is Aurelia (like in LOVE ACTUALLY!) because Elena told me her name very quickly and I haven't gotten the nerve up to ask her. As my dad suggested (who I just skyped with) I plan on asking her how she "spells her name". This method generally works. She loved the Truffalos (Buffalo Chocolates) and Yankee Candle candle I got her (Sweet Pea, already in her really cool bathroom).
I've got my own room (for once in my life!) with two full beds and more closet space than I could have ever asked for. Evidently she normally takes two students, but there weren´t as many as there have been in the past so it´s just me. As per my mother's regulations, all my clothes are already stashed and hung up and toiletries are put away. I'll be posting pictures asap, no worries!
"Aurelia" is really sweet, luckily! She's probably about 60, but still pretty spunky, and she enjoys her Spanish soap operas. But what Latina woman doesn't? Currently the cable is out so she is fretting around waiting for the cable guy and keeps asking if I want any food or something to drink. She made me a really healthy salad for dinner, and although I despise tuna and think it smells and assume it to taste a bit like cat food, it was really good on top of peppers, cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes. She was really funny about trying to help with my phone and the internet. She's not really all too good with technology, I assume ICADE set her up with the internet for the students she hosts, as she doesn't have her own computer. I was trying to figure out the wireless and she guiltily just watched and reaffirmed she wouldn't even know how to plug it in.
Tomorrow all the ICADE kids are going to a small orientation (not the official one), lunch and to Museo del Prado. For now I'm just chilling out in the apartment and listening to the radio with "Aurelia"
Paz!
So I've arrived safe, sound and not all that sweaty in Madrid, Spain. It's a cool 91 degrees here and the sun is shining brightly. Barajas airport seems to be so big that it actually encircles Madrid and it's about a half hour from where my host family is located!
I was anticipating a full on Spanish inquisition when I arrived at customs and immigration. Since I got on the plane at JFK, I'd been running through possible questions that they might ask me and answering them accordingly, consulting my Webster English/Spanish dictionary so I didn't make a fool out of myself. Which my mom can tell you was probably the safer option than me trying to speak under pressure (i.e. Spanish Consulate; Where I was asked if I can speak Spanish and I responded "urgh....si? mas o menos" which roughly means "daflkjadgl yes? more or less" although not quite as graceful.) I got to immigration with my very heavy backpack behind the two Spanish lovebirds that spent the whole trip making out next to me, walked up to Alfonso (my immigration officer) and he politely smiled, inquired
"Estudiante?", to which I nodded.
"Y que estudias?" Alfonso asks.
"Negocios, Idiomas y Cultura" Go me.
He nodded, stamped my passport, smiled and waved me through. Not nearly as scary as Mexican or Ecuadorian immigration, that's for sure!
Elena, one of the coordinators for American University picked me up at the airport as well as fellow ICADE / American University student, R. We had coffee and tried to figure out my Sim Card which is still not working but I'm sure I'll figure out. I am a whiz with technology after all (not.)
I'm sure you're all very curious as to my homestay situation as well! Well I'm actually in a little apartment, very close to Retiro Park and Centro (central Madrid and ie where all the cool things) and about a block away from Campo de Moros. My homestay family consists of just one Señora. At this point I'm 80% sure her name is Aurelia (like in LOVE ACTUALLY!) because Elena told me her name very quickly and I haven't gotten the nerve up to ask her. As my dad suggested (who I just skyped with) I plan on asking her how she "spells her name". This method generally works. She loved the Truffalos (Buffalo Chocolates) and Yankee Candle candle I got her (Sweet Pea, already in her really cool bathroom).
I've got my own room (for once in my life!) with two full beds and more closet space than I could have ever asked for. Evidently she normally takes two students, but there weren´t as many as there have been in the past so it´s just me. As per my mother's regulations, all my clothes are already stashed and hung up and toiletries are put away. I'll be posting pictures asap, no worries!
"Aurelia" is really sweet, luckily! She's probably about 60, but still pretty spunky, and she enjoys her Spanish soap operas. But what Latina woman doesn't? Currently the cable is out so she is fretting around waiting for the cable guy and keeps asking if I want any food or something to drink. She made me a really healthy salad for dinner, and although I despise tuna and think it smells and assume it to taste a bit like cat food, it was really good on top of peppers, cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes. She was really funny about trying to help with my phone and the internet. She's not really all too good with technology, I assume ICADE set her up with the internet for the students she hosts, as she doesn't have her own computer. I was trying to figure out the wireless and she guiltily just watched and reaffirmed she wouldn't even know how to plug it in.
Tomorrow all the ICADE kids are going to a small orientation (not the official one), lunch and to Museo del Prado. For now I'm just chilling out in the apartment and listening to the radio with "Aurelia"
Paz!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Buffalo International Airport
A while back my brother made an interesting observation about the Buffalo International Airport. Literally whenever you stroll by a certain section, "Slide" by the Buffalo born band, the Goo Goo Dolls, is always playing. Some things for sure never change, especially in the small city I'm from. Just as I was trying to shove my computer back in my backpack, the lyrics started up almost as if on cue...
"Do you wake up on your own? And wonder where you are?"
Other than that line, the song holds no other parallel to what I'm feeling, but I'm more than excited to write that I'll probably be experiencing that sung sentiment tomorrow morning, 8:30 am Madrid time. Until then it's a long 18 hour trip (7 and a half hour flight from JFK to Barajas) in a cozy aisle seat on my first jumbo jet.
"Do you wake up on your own? And wonder where you are?"
Other than that line, the song holds no other parallel to what I'm feeling, but I'm more than excited to write that I'll probably be experiencing that sung sentiment tomorrow morning, 8:30 am Madrid time. Until then it's a long 18 hour trip (7 and a half hour flight from JFK to Barajas) in a cozy aisle seat on my first jumbo jet.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
GG
Hi.
Let me explain the name first off. I have a very English name that my very Mexican mother chose for me. To this day, my extended family mixes up my name and always sends me very caring birthday and Christmas cards to a Julian...or a Julianne, or a Jilian. Never mind being able to pronounce it.
From the time I was a baby my grandmother dubbed me "Gigi". Obviously so she didn't have to mangle her favorite granddaughter's name every time and because I have noticed that most Hispanics will give nicknames to their offspring and fellow family members. My sister's pseudo name is Isha. My mother's Chabela or Chabe. Consider it a sign that they like you if a Hispanic ever gives you a nickname...but don't forget it's probably because they can't pronounce your real name.
But now that I've either bored or enthralled you with that little story, I thought I'd set up the "big picture" here.
In five days I leave for Madrid, Spain. I will be fully enrolled in a Spanish university, taking all of my business and artsy fartsy classes in Spanish. Excluding the one class I opted to take. Elementary French.
My friend B, who's going to be in Italy for the semester, and I have booked plane tickets to Paris for a long weekend in November. I'm under the impression she knows enough to get us around, whereas I can ask for a grilled cheese sandwich and I know how to solicit a lover for the night (Thanks Lady Marmalade).
And while I'm embracing my ancient Spanish roots, I will also embrace those of the French. (although not foi gras. No gracias.)
Eventually I'm sure this blog will make sense. Although I'm aware at times, I don't. It'll be easier if I choose a topic a day to tell you about, mon ami(e).
For tonight I think I'll stick with my name and my curious desire to learn how to order a French baguette.
GG
Let me explain the name first off. I have a very English name that my very Mexican mother chose for me. To this day, my extended family mixes up my name and always sends me very caring birthday and Christmas cards to a Julian...or a Julianne, or a Jilian. Never mind being able to pronounce it.
From the time I was a baby my grandmother dubbed me "Gigi". Obviously so she didn't have to mangle her favorite granddaughter's name every time and because I have noticed that most Hispanics will give nicknames to their offspring and fellow family members. My sister's pseudo name is Isha. My mother's Chabela or Chabe. Consider it a sign that they like you if a Hispanic ever gives you a nickname...but don't forget it's probably because they can't pronounce your real name.
But now that I've either bored or enthralled you with that little story, I thought I'd set up the "big picture" here.
In five days I leave for Madrid, Spain. I will be fully enrolled in a Spanish university, taking all of my business and artsy fartsy classes in Spanish. Excluding the one class I opted to take. Elementary French.
My friend B, who's going to be in Italy for the semester, and I have booked plane tickets to Paris for a long weekend in November. I'm under the impression she knows enough to get us around, whereas I can ask for a grilled cheese sandwich and I know how to solicit a lover for the night (Thanks Lady Marmalade).
And while I'm embracing my ancient Spanish roots, I will also embrace those of the French. (although not foi gras. No gracias.)
Eventually I'm sure this blog will make sense. Although I'm aware at times, I don't. It'll be easier if I choose a topic a day to tell you about, mon ami(e).
For tonight I think I'll stick with my name and my curious desire to learn how to order a French baguette.
GG
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