Hurricane Season

Hello everyone.

Last night after my blog I met a lovely German lady that stayed in our room. She told me that the first time she came to Barcelona with a group of 30, 14 of their wallets got stolen. This has not happened to us. Unfortunately, she had to leave this morning to go back to work in Munich.

Today was a long day. We got up relatively early again, but the day was cold and dreary. The sun was no where to be seen and rain drops would pelt us occasionally. We walked to the tourist buss again, since we bought 2 days, and we rode it throughtout the city. The first stop we visited was the Plaza de Espana, where the fountain show was the night before.

Across the Plaza there was this large, circular building and we bought a 1 euro pass to go to the top and get panoramic views of Barcelona. It was gorgeous, but it didn't have as good of views as the Parque Güell. When we returned to the bottom, we discovered the rest of the building was a huge mall, and we spent some time shopping. Well, really the other 3 girls shopped and I looked around. It was a huge mall with about 4 stories and a lot of very popular stores.

Then, we got back on the bus and took it to the top of the hill, right nest to the art museum. We hiked farther up to this very large sculpture that towered over Barcelona from the top of the hill. It was humungous and I took lots of pictures. There was a baseball games going on down below it and we could here the announcer. There was a bus stop very close to the sculpture, so we jumped on the bus there and took it down to the port.

We got off and there was a little market. It had a lot of little antiques and some very pretty jewelry, but once again I did not buy anything. We then went and bought crepes. I got mine with nutella and whipped cream; it was delicious. We took some pictures by the water before getting back on the bus again.

We got off at the shopping mall on Port Vell. We then shopped for another several hours before settling in at McDonald's for some food. While we were eating, a massive storm hit. I am just reading an article about it. It said we got a maximum 58 liters of water per square meter in some places, some 50 trees fell down (not to mention parts of trees I'm sure), streets were severaly flooded, and the metro was shut down for the duration of the storm due to flooding. We were sitting on the second floor of McDonald's and water started coming in under the door and flooded half the room, then water started running down the posts. We sat it out and made our break for the bus as soon as the rain stopped.

We rode the bus until we got to downtown Barcelona. Our route was diverted several times due to flooding, however. There was another little market in the Plaza that we looked through before getting some fabulous tasting ice cream. I know, I know a crepe and ice cream on the same day, but I'm on vacation! We started practicing out awkward looks, in case a guy came up to us (which they do a lot in Spain) we would make a really freaky look so that they'd go away. We got some lady to take a picture of us all doing it, and it was really funny.

We started walking down toward La Rambla. It is the pick pocket capital of Spain as well as home to some truly excellant shopping. On the way, we stumbled across this store that had some incredibly cool products. I took some pictures. They had salad tongs that looked like legs sticking out of the salad, tons of brain teasers, fantastic games, etc. Upstairs they had paintings galore and it was all lovely. I really want to go back there some day. We then walked down La Rambla before finally taking the metro back to La Sagrada Famila and then walking back to the hostel.

Everyone else is going out tonight to get drunk, but I am going to stay here and sleep. The idea of night life in Barcelona doesn't really appeal to me. Good night all!

The most amazing sights of my life!

Hola!

Today we woke up early so we could get to the Sagrada Familia before everyone else in the world. It's only a 10 minute walk from our hostel and we stopped and got croissants on the way. Our efforts to get there early were in vain however, because the line was humungous! Before we got in live we thoroughly enjoyed the architecture of the nativity face. There is so much detail and every detail has a specific meaning. It was truly breath-taking. We got in line and we were eventually able to see the face opposite the nativity; it was the passion of the Christ. They had a lot of characters that looked suspiciously like star troopers. The facade was incredibly different than the first, and (I must admit) a little less beautiful.

Inside la Sagrada Familia was stunning. Gaudí designed it to look like a rainforest, as he derived almost all his designs from nature. The stained glass windows filters in the light and these huge pillars looked like trees rising up into the canopy. Even my pictures cannot convey the beauty to you. We also looked in a nature exhibit and went down below to a museum of the construction of la Sagrada Familia. Dana and I took an elevator up to the top of one of the towers. The view was amazing, but the heights were fear inducing. I also have wonderful pictures to share with you here.

At this point we had been there for almost 3 hours so we headed back to the hostel to recharge and drop our purchases off. There is was decided we would buy a 2 day bus pass on the Barcelona tourist bus. There are 3 lines that run all over the city and we can get off and on at any point. They also come with an audio tour. We walked back to la Sagrada Familia to take the bus to Parque Güell. Parque Güell was also designed by Gaudí and he had a house there. The park is beautiful and really tributes Gaudí's true love of nature. His house was situated in the middle of the park, and we visited it. It is now a museum of the furniture he designed. While looking around later, we could see a hill in the distance with a stand on top of it and people on it. We were determined to go there, and it was absolutely worth it when we got there. You could see almost all of Barcelona and it was truly incredible.

We then got on another bus in order to go to the Plaza Espana and see the Magic Fountains. We got there just fine, but the sun was still up. We waited for the show to start at 9, and when it did it was well worth the wait. There was this very large, round fountain and it shot off water in different ways, like a dance. It even had music. Then, when the sun was far enough down, they turned the lights on. The lights changed color and the water danced. They had a whole section of just different disney songs in Spanish. I cannot begin to describe the beauty. Sadly, my camera died before the lights came on due to excessive picture taking today, so I will have to steal pictures from my friends to show you.

We took the metro back to the hostel and now I'm about ready to call it a night. Tomorrow we set off for more sightseeing!

Barcelona *Brian's Edition!*

Brian gets to post this one cause he is super awesome and has awesome American technologies that Rachel Geyer Doesn't! Neiner neiner neiner!

Hola!

I have just arrived at my hostel in Barcelona! But let’s start at the beginning of the day.

I went to my classes as usual. I didn’t get my grade back in my grammar class, sadly. However, class was fine. In history we moved onto Charles IV which is progress I guess. I’m starting to believe we wont even make it to the contemporary time period. Pacho wore a blue shirt and 2 blue watches, it was one of the first times I’ve seen him repeat a watch. In literature we talked some more about a play Lorca wrote and we learned that we are no longer required to write commentaries (except for the three page paper due in less than a week). In culture class we talked about gypsy weddings and had just started flamenco when I left a little early to go pack.

Lunch was two hot dogs, rice with red sauce, and a fried egg. I packed very quickly and then we walked to the bus stop. The ride to the airport was pretty uneventful except for this child who would not stop making loud noises. I tried to sleep for most of the way.

We arrived at the airport at Terminal 1 and had to take a shuttle to Terminal 4 which we accomplished successfully. We were also able to find the automatic check in and get seats all in a row with almost no help from anyone else. I’m pretty proud! Then we had 3 hours to kill before our plane boarded, we spent the majority of it sitting in McDonald’s.

Our flight was very short, comparable to a flight from SF to LA. However, they didn’t even give us free drinks. If we wanted any we had to pay, even water! We then took a taxi from the airport to the general region of our hostel because the taxi driver didn’t recognize the street name. it cost us 42 euro! Luckily, I picked up a map at the airport so we weren’t completely lost and made it to the hostel okay. I’m staying in an 8 bed room with 4 other people that I know. It’s pretty cool, we all get our own locker so I can protect my stuff. Sweet deal. I’ll let you know all the cool stuff I do tomorrow!

Barcelona Manana!

Hello!

Tomorrow I’m going to Barcelona! I am so excited.

I actually had fun in my grammar class today. We had a test, which wasn’t the fun part, but after we were doing commands. There is a Korean boy in my class and the teachers said, “Tell me something in Korean” and he responded. She asked him what it signified and he said I love you. The whole class cracked up laughing. Then, one boy commanded another boy to dance with him. It was very funny and a great end of class.

In history we’re still talking about Charles III. He is not that fascinating a person. On a happier note, my professor wore a red-orange shirt with one orange watch and one white watch.

In literature we talked a bit about Lorca and then we didn’t have homework! Yay! And I got my test back. I got a 10 out of 10! This was much better than the 16 out of 20 I got on my history test. Culture is a little trying right now, because we’re talking about bull fighting. I know it’s cultural but I just cannot get my head around torturing an animal and then killing it. This can get you jail time in the US.

I ran some errands before I went home, like printing out my plane itinerary and bus tickets. Lunch was the white veggie coup again and some breaded pork. After lunch, we went shopping! This week is the last week of the biannual rebajas (sales) and Dana wanted to take advantage of them. She did. We got home in time for dinner where we had a few grilled sandwiches. Now I have to go pack for Barcelona! I am not taking my computer do to rampant thievery, but my hostel does have a computer lab, so I will still try to update every day.

Hace mucho calor!

Hola!

I went back to school today after out long weekend. In my grammar class we finished talking about pronouns and officially moved onto commands. We will be starting the subjunctive later in the week.

In my history class we learned that we will be changing rooms for the very last week of class to the building that is on the complete opposite side of town. It isn’t so bad because now all of our classes will be in the same building and it is actually a tiny bit closer to our house. I forgot to check out his watch/shirt color today! We talked about some kings a couple hundred years ago. I wish we learned all their scandalous secrets instead of how long their reign was and how many kids they had.

In literature we discussed a new generation of poets, generation 27, not to be confused with generation 98. They apparently combine all the aspects of all the previous poetic movements to create something unique. I am looking forward to this unit, because we will finally read Lorca, who I have heard a lot about.

In culture we talked about bull fighting and the tradition of it. I realize it’s a big part of the Spanish culture, but I find it very sad and can’t help but be against it. It is a controversial topic in Spain, as well.

Lunch was pasta with the meat sauce, but this time they added cheese! After lunch we went to the local pool and swam because it was incredibly hot out today. The pool was really nice and very cold, perfect for today’s weather. I barely resisted buying an ice cream on the way home.

I ‘studied’ until dinner time. Tonight we ate chicken, French fries, and salad. The marinades/sauces she has for the chicken are always incredibly good. Now I really do have to study because I have a test tomorrow in the grammar class.

Wish me luck!

Holiday!

Hello!

Today was a fiesta! Not really, it was more of a day of rest to commemorate the Senor Santiago, not a saint. The most important part of this being a holiday for me was that there was no school! We got to sleep in because breakfast wasn’t until 10 am and after breakfast Dana and I went exploring!

We just walked around the city and went down streets we’ve never been down before. I introduced her to bubble tea; I think she is the 4^th person I’ve introduced it to. Then we found a really pretty park and we ran into some friends who may join us on our trip to Barcelona next weekend. Soon it was time for lunch. In honor of the holiday (I assume), África cooked us paella! For those of you who don’t know, paella is a very traditional Spanish dish mainly of rice, saffron, and seafood. It was pretty good. A new lady from Germany was there, so the dining room table was quite crowded with all 6 of us.

After lunch Dana and I met up with some friends and we went paddle-boating on the river! It was 15 euro for all of us for an hour, so it was only 3 euro a piece. It was so much fun, and we had a blast with the boats. Especially, since 3 of us were in dresses and no of us had a bathing suit on. I got some awesome pictures of the city from the river, though. We just hung out until dinner, and then we had tortilla Espanola, which is kind of like an omelet with potatoes in it. Dana, our two new roomies, and I walked to the Plaza, met a bunch of friends, and got ice cream. That was my relaxing vacation day! Back to school tomorrow, le sigh.

Segovia y la Granja

Hello!

Today was a long day! It started early, because today I went to Segovia and La Granja. We took a bus to Segovia, it took about 2 hours, and walked up to the aqueduct. The aqueduct is an absolutely amazing piece of engineering. I took some pretty awesome photos of it that I hope to post soon. We then took a small tour of the city. We visited a church that has a wooden life-size carving of Jesus that is paraded down the streets during Easter week. Then we went to a church that used to be a synagogue; it was definitely reminiscent of Toledo. A short walk later and we were at the Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral. The architect for the Salamanca and Segovia Cathedrals were the same, but the Segovia Cathedral is incredibly more ornate. We didn’t go inside, instead we walked passed and visited the Alcazar. The Alcazar is an incredibly old castle that dates back to when Muslims ruled Spain. It looks more like your stereotypical castle than any castle I have ever seen. Many of the fixtures inside were originals and the views for gorgeous. We climbed up to the top and took pictures from the top of the castle and you could see all over Segovia.

Then we had free time to explore the city and eat lunch. Birch and I visited a bunch of shops and just walked about the city. After free time we took the bus to La Granja. It is a royal palace very close to Segovia. The first Bourbon king of Spain built it because he fell in love with the landscape. I wasn’t allowed to take pictures inside, but I took several pictures of the outside and the beautiful gardens that were modeled after the gardens in Versailles. The inside was incredible, but not quite as awe-inspiring as the Palacio Real in Madrid. It was then a long bus ride home.

We had chorizo pizza for dinner again, and I met my new apartment mates: Anton and Paco from France. Now I’m going to go to bed because I am exhausted!!!

Harry Potter en Ingles!

Hola!

Today did not start off as the greatest of days, because I read a news story about the Norway shooting with quotes from survivors and I cried. It is the saddest I have ever heard in my entire life. But, life goes on whether you want it to or not and I had plans to go to Madrid today. I met my friends in the Plaza Mayor and we walked over to the bus stop. Finding the bus was easy enough and we got on; thankfully we were all sitting together. We took the normal bus and it made lots of stops, but I didn’t mind because that way I got to see a lot more of Spain. We stopped in this one town called Averola for a ten minute break, but they didn’t have any bathrooms there. Birch and I walked to a hotel, because of course hotels have bathrooms, but the front doors were locked! Some hotel! Then a really nice lady opened the door and told us that there were no public restrooms close by and she led us up to the janitor’s bathroom and let us use the bathroom. She was so nice! And we made it back in time to get on the bus again. I took a little nap and before I knew it we were in Madrid.

We had quite an adventure trying to find out how to get to the theater and where the theater actually was. Eventually we figured out what stop we needed, but getting there was a whole other issue. Actually, we found it without taking a wrong train. It was pretty cool and now I can say I officially rode the metro in Madrid, Spain. The theater didn’t open for while so we decided to try and find a starbucks. We ended up walking through the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol. I didn’t think I would see those places until the next time I came to Spain in 10+ years, so it was pretty cool. We didn’t get to Starbucks, but we found a dunkin donuts. Then it was time for the movie to start.

Harry Potter 7: A review (No Spoilers)

While the movie was a little bit choppy, I felt it was much more fluid than the heinous fourth movie which I can barely stand due to choppiness. It very closely followed the book and was quite an entertaining watch. I would definitely recommend it. However, I believe it might be a little difficult to follow some parts if you haven’t read the book. The epilogue was absolutely ridiculous and made us all laugh for some time. They took the characters and just put them in older people clothes, but they still looked their actually age. It was hilarious.

We feasted on corn nuts, pumpkin seeds, and sugar almonds the whole time. We cried the entire second half of the film. After the movie we had 2 hours to kill, so we actually found starbucks this time and I enjoyed a Mango and Passion Fruit frap. It was quite tasty and, as far as I know, unavailable in the United States.

We took the metro back to the station, and there was this very happy man singing a very happy song on the metro. It was lovely and he told us to have a great trip. Then he asked us for money. The bus ride back to Salamanca was significantly shorter (as well as more expensive) because it was an express. I walked home, had a chat with my host family, and now I’m writing this blog. Tomorrow: Segovia!