Marta, and a short list of things I'll miss.

I said goodbye to my intercambio, Marta, today. I haven't talked about her much because I usually just blog about my trips, but she and I have been meeting about twice a week this semester to practice my Spanish. Her patience and suggestions really helped my confidence in speaking and she introduced me to great cafes around Alcala. It's been a great learning experience because she's definitely where I get most of my speaking practice. My classes weren't discussion-based this semester, so I didn't talk in class that often. Going out to bars at night was okay practice, but the majority of the conversations ended with "No, I'm not drunk, Yes, I'm American, No, I don't want to ir a la calle." Not the deepest conversations I've ever had. Therefore, an intercambio was the best option for me to actually improve my skills.

But Marta is more than just a good teacher; she's become one of my great friends. We share really similar views of the world--I was able to talk about my love of environmentalism, refugee work, living on my own, traveling, etc. and she was happy to share her views too. It gave me the opportunity to not only communicate how I felt about things but actually think things through and realize things I hadn't in the past. She's also had a bit more life experience than I which was really great. I like talking to people who are smarter than me because I always learn something new!

Most importantly: She's helped me find balance. There's a balance between independence and relationships, fiestas and studying, seriousness and being laid back, strength and asking for help, travel and home. She has been a sister to me (I promised I would take care of myself and not get sick over Christmas) and has contributed immensely to my experience here in Spain. I love her very much for that.

Well, now that I've barely done her justice in trying to fit a semester's worth of relationship background into three paragraphs, here's a few more points about my last day here!

What I am going to miss about Spain:

• eating bread with every meal
• my two minute walk to school
• hearing spanish every single day
• cheap European travel
• being a part of the Alcala community (people recognize us when we go out--it's fun!)
• my spanish mama's cooking
• public transportation and walking everywhere
• the eco friendly habits of Spaniards (ask me later and I'll go on about it!)
• attractive professors
• free laundry (thanks, spanish Mama)
• siesta

What I'm not going to miss about Spain:

• computer printers that never work at universities
• every public bathroom I've entered around here
• packing and unpacking every weekend
• living with a parent (especially one that's not mine)
• managing a time difference to talk to my friends and family
• being unemployed
• all the cigarette smoke

Now, those clearly aren't ALL of the things I'll miss/not miss, but those are the ones that come to mind now. I am actually really, really sad to leave. I feel like a semester was just a taste of what I would want full time--living in Europe, speaking another language. I'm already trying to find ways to come back.

I'm sure I'll do one more post, maybe something with some favorite photos or something. Keep reading!

M

ps--even with all my traveling, I've got another 4.0GPA semester under my belt. I am very proud :)

A list of Roma how-tos

How to get to Roma: The best way to get to Roma is to leave early, if only for the simple fact that you'll arrive early. There is so much to see! We (per usual) had a 1.5 hour delay on our way out there, but entertained ourselves with cards and girl talk. When we got into Roma, it was late and all the drunken hobos swarmed the metro station. We booked it to the hostel to check in and enjoyed our first Italian meal of pasta and veggies at 11pm.

We searched everywhere for Apollo--here he is



How to sightsee in 2 cities over 3 days: Our first full day in Roma was based around a visit to the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica. We bought our tickets online ahead of time- 20,000 people pass through the Vatican's doors every day and we had to much to do to gamble the wait. We also splurged on audio guides because it was so overwhelmingly huge and we all know very little about Italian history.

Our second day was spent touring the rest of the city on a HoHo (Hop on, Hop off) bus. With audio guides and various stops to the Coloseum, ruins, Isola, the Pantheon, Piazza del Popolo, and much, much more, we were able to learn about the history and avoid the rain.

On our third day we took the fast train to Florence. Europe loves to strike (London, Madrid, Paris, Greece) and Roma's Accademia Gallery hopped on so we couldn't see the statue of David. Instead of being too disappointed, we put our map reading skills to good use and explored all day.

How to be a kid (when you're 20 and traveling through Europe like an adult): All you have to do is make up phrases and songs, eat lots of sugar, and ride a carousel. On our first day at the Vatican, we used every opportunity possible to say, "To the Vat-cave!" and proceed to laugh hysterically. Afterward, we had our first taste of gelato (chocolate for me) and when we were all sugared up we paid 1.50E for a carousel ride/photoshoot. We were the only ones there.

How to see the sunset: As night fell and our carousel ride was done, we stopped at Piazza del Popolo to people watch. We came across some stairs to climb, and at the top was a great view of the city with the sunset behind it. It was a great end to our first day, even if I was cursing stairs/all types of physical exertion on my way up there.

How to see all your friends (and make new ones): Claire, Maggy, Sarah and I weren't the only Instituto Franklin students touring Roma this weekend. Four other Butler guys and gals were there, along with 6 friends of ours from other American universities studying at the Instituto. When our flight was delayed, we all chatted a bit in the airport. Then each night in Roma we met the other Butler students for dinner and souvenier shopping. It was fun going out and trying everyone's delicious Italian dishes!

Claire and Maggy also had a sorority sister, Alison, studying in Roma this semester. She was a great navigator and gave us tips over gelato, dinner, and drinks. She and I have had a class together in the past so it was nice to get to know her better.

For some reason, Sarah ran into at least 4 different people from her High school. Also, one of our roommates in the hostel was good friends with several of the Americans at Instituto Franklin that we know and have class with. Who would've known Roma was that small!

How to get around: Like I said before, the HoHo bus was a great way to learn about Italy, especially when we were avoiding on and off showers all afternoon. We also took advantage of the fast trains to Florence and the airport. One thing that surprised me, though, was the public transport- in this huge city there are only two metro lines! (Paris had too many to count.) We did a lot of walking because the Metro stops were on the wrong half of the city. I guess that's how all these Italian women can eat pasta every day and stay thin.

The cook left the kitchen to ask for a pic

How to snag your next Italian boyfriend: The men of Italy generally have a staring problem. All you have to do is make eye contact for a second (and even if it's by accident) they automatically think you're in love with them. I sent vibes out to the universe so a young handsome businessman would sweep me off my feet-- I got close; a waiter offered to sweep me off on his moped. I probably shouldn't have looked at him while ordering. I also discovered I have a gift for attracting:

• Waiters
• Men who work at souvenier/market stands
• Men with really long ponytails
• Airport security guards
• A mixture of some/all of the above

I wonder what it is about me that screams, "I'm hot for shaggy, partially employed Vespa owners who may or may not have showered today."

How to eat: Indulge, Indulge, Indulge. For me, this meant carbs: pasta, pizza, bread, potatoes...we also ate a lot of veggies because we don't get a ton of that in Alcala, and it was amazing how much I missed spinach and eggplant. Every day we tried different dishes and split them. We ate rigatoni with cream sauce and sausage, noodles with mushrooms, spaghetti with meat sauce, tortelini in broth, meatballs, lasagna, noodles with lemon sauce (my favorite), gnocchi, pesto pasta, fat noodles, skinny noodles, cream sauces, light sauces, spicy, bland, everything... I was in heaven. This doesn't include the 3 pizzas, 4 desserts, and 6+ plates of veggies we all ate.

Don't forget gelato after every meal. It's amazing and you have a million flavors to combine and choose from. My favorite was probably pistacchio. Or dark chocolate. Or lemon. Or maybe papaya.

How to stay in Roma forever: All you have to do is fly with EasyJet and get stranded for two extra days. I tried to post a video explaining everything, but it didn't work, so here's the gist. Maggy, Claire, Sarah and I were waiting at the airport before our flight when we all got the same text message saying our flight was canceled. We then ran into three other Instituto Franklin girls with the same problem (one with food poisoning). We went up to the front counter and stood in this clusterfuck (sorry mom, there's no better word for it) of Italian, Spanish, English, and American travelers who were all trying to find out the same information. We were told in Ita-span-glish that we weren't going to be able to fly out for another two days. We waitied for a shuttle to take us to the hotel, waited to get rooms, waited for dinner. Then the next day, Karen and I took a shuttle to the airport, waited at the airport for information about another hotel, shuttled it all the way back to the first hotel to get everyone, took everyone back to the airport, then waited for another shuttle to take us to the second hotel. We hung out there for a day. Then on Wednesday, when our flights were amended, we shuttled it back to Roma's airport and waited the last time for our (delayed) EasyJet flight back to Madrid. Poor me, stuck in Roma! However, we were all cursing ourselves since it was the one trip no one brought homework for. Wish me luck on finals!

PS. Thanks, mama, because I was one of the few who knew to pack extra socks and underwear.

I'm really glad we saved Roma as our last trip. It was beautiful, the weater was great, and we had worked out all the kinks through trial and error on our previous vacations so we got by with almost no problems. I have eight more days here, so expect one or two more Spain posts!

m

Thanksgiving break in Andalucia

I've got to say, I'm starting to miss home a little bit now that the holidays are here. In the States you really get that "holiday spirit" feeling--turkey and cranberries, stores and restaurants that all smell like holiday candles, Christmas music on the radio, and everyone displays lights and lawn decorations. Out here, we don't have Thanksgiving (goodbye, yummy dinner), stores and restaurants look and smell the same (and there aren't a lot of decorations or treats to be bought), I don't have a radio, and most of the people in Alcala live in apartments and condos so there is no room for decorations. Any other year I'd be belting out "All I want for Christmas is you" in my best Mariah Carey diva voice while sitting in front of the fireplace or watching the beginning of Fox Family's 25 days of Christmas movie marathon, but this year I'm spending these next few weeks in a low-key, "kind of Christmas spirit but kind of just normal spirit" mode. It's making me realize how many steroids the USA takes to have all this energy an entire month before la Navidad, but I actually kind of like it like that!

But even though I'm thinking about Mariah Carey, Bing Crosby, and my family, I'm still enjoying all my time out here in Spain. This past weekend the Butler crew (seventeen students plus three professors and a photographer) went down south to Andalucia for a packed weekend of tours, nice meals, and even a Flamenco show.

We headed for Sevilla first. After two trains, a bus, and a bit of walking, we arrived at the hotel and started our first tour. The first main attraction was the Cathedral which was completed in the 16th century and is the third largest cathedral in the world. The inside was beautiful, but the most interesting part was the tower because you could climb to the top for a great overlook of the city. FYI, if you ever climb something that is entirely ramps, be prepared--it's not as easy as it looks.

The second place we toured was Reales Alcazares, a Moorish palace. Though it was pretty to look at, it was difficult for me to adjust to the accent change and I kept tuning out the guide.

My favorite part of Sevilla, however, was the Plaza de Espana. It is a beautiful area of little nooks and benches that are tiled to represent different provinces in Spain, a manmade pond for relaxed boat rides, and horse-drawn carriages passing through. I would post a picture but my computer (typical) is not working correctly right now. Google it!

Day two was spent in Granada touring the Cathedral and the old historic neighborhood, and our tour guide was fantastic--he was engaging and friendly, and very easy to understand. He told us all about Granada's Arabic population and the King and Queen's attempt to convert the city to Catholicism. Though much of the architecture has rich Moorish influences, many places of worship were knocked down and rebuilt as churches. You can still see the lines from where the Mosques stop and where the churches begin! The Reyes Catolicos were even buried in Granada as an attraction to draw more Catholics to visit the area.

As a volunteer/intern for Exodus Refugee and Immigration (click here) I am very interested in the causes and effects of mass migrations of people for political/social/religious unrest and I was able to learn a bit about Granada's population and how it related to that. As Spain was reclaiming its territory, Muslim refugees were fleeing to Granada, which was still controlled by Muslim leaders. Compared to other great cities at the time, Granada's population was gigantic because of this! And even though Granada is now run by Spain, the richness of Muslim/Arabic culture is prominent throughout the area (think hookah bars, Muslim clothing, and great jewelry).

Day three was spent partly in Granada seeing La Alhambra (even though it was rainy, it was amazing to look at! I highly recommend this stop). We then hopped the bus to go to Cordoba, where we saw an authentic Flamenco show after dinner. The music was fun, the dancers were enthusiastic and entertaining, and they even got some Butler kids up to learn to dance like them. It was a great time. Afterward, a few of us went out to check out night clubs and bars in the area, and we ran into the Flamenco group--they were out and about as well! My Flamenco dinner definitely trumped any turkey and cranberries I would've been eating this weekend.

The last day was spent in Cordoba touring la Mezquita and the old neighborhood, led by a very slow tour guide on a very cold day.

Overall, it was a great trip. I'm glad I got to visit the south of Spain with a little history and spanish language under my belt, because the first time I went with my mama (when I was 14) I didn't understand nearly as much!

This post is a bit late, and I am sorry there are no photos, but I hope you learned a bit this time around!
m

Belated greetings from Amsterdam (Poetry style)

Hope everyone liked my Spanish Traveler's Alphabet posts--I wasn't traveling anywhere for a few weekends but I didn't want you to forget about me! It occurred to me how many of those posts were food related...I guess we all know where my mind is.

However, I did visit Amsterdam two weeks ago, and I've been writing papers and doing projects so I haven't had the chance to update. Even though it's a little late, I now present...

The Amsterdam Poem

We all know that Amsterdam

Is known for its weed

And for many a tourist

That may be all you need

However, there’s more

Surprised, you may be?
Well, read these (intellectual, thought-out) verses

And listen to me!

The hostel was small

And for 20E, no doubt

We were handed lots of maps

To use when we went out

Day one we were off

Cam, Billy and I

My first observation

Was all the bikes that went by!

There were red ones and blue ones

Ones for two people or more

Ones with cartons and shelves

For groceries galore

If you give a city a bicycle

You need to add bike lanes

And parking spaces and bike shops

For all the guys and dames

City bikes are like cars

They’re everywhere—it’s true

And if you’re not careful

They will run over you.

I recovered from the shock

Of the Dr. Seuss-style scene

Of the eco-friendly transportation

That should be every city’s dream

Right after that, we turned

Down a Las Vegas-style course

Alas, no Red Light District

But a different spot for remorse

Food…food?...FOOD!

Mexican, Italian, American, Chinese

An overwhelming nostalgia for home swept over

I can eat ANYTHING I please!

So that was step two

Eat all that we’ve missed

After no time I was stuffed

From a 12 inch pizza in my fist

The weight I’d lost was now back

My pants didn’t really fit

Part of me was cheering, “Love it!”

While the other part was thinking, “well…shit.”

(That’s probably why they have bikes, to keep off all that weight)...

And all was swell
This place was a dream
It was a nice break
From my test-homework-study routine

The weekend was as follows:

Bicycles, more food, and walking

I let the sights, scenes, and locals

Do all of the talking

The city was beautiful

But by Monday I said adieu

To catch a late flight home to Spain

So I could write to you...

The Spanish Traveler's Alphabet Book: P-Z

Pa Pamericano- This song plays at every discoteca/bar in Spain. It was popular a while ago, but we’ve all discovered it this semester. Listen once and you’ll love it, trust me. Click here.

Quiet- Don’t expect any. Night life is actually at night—people of all ages get dressed up every evening around 8 and meet up in the streets (it’s uncommon to have friends over to your house), and then people my age go back out after dinner until about 6am. I’m always listening to gossip or songs from my window!

Ryanair- Not as, well, easy as Easyjet. Still very cheap, and the carry-on luggage sizes are a little bigger, but this is choice #2 for me.

Socorro- This means “help” if you’re being attacked by someone out here. Everyone was a little freaked out when this was the first bit of advice we received here, but since I don’t hang out in alleys at 7am with drug dealers I haven’t had any problems…however, you may want to practice just in case.

Tortilla española- Whenever I cheat on aceite con vinagre, it’s with tortilla española. If heaven were in tapas form, it’d look like this:

Undergraduate degree- This is the reason you’re going to class. Don’t forget!

Vale la pena- Anything that is worth visiting/eating/seeing/learning is “vale la pena.” It’s a useful phrase, but we hear it so much out here that it’s become a joke. (Ask me in person for more details).

Walking- Get used to it! I despise physical activity of all kinds (well, in a gym at least) but if you want to get anywhere you need to walk it. It’s actually doing me a lot of good- even though I eat a loaf of bread a day (I kid you not) I haven’t really gained any weight because I’m constantly walking. So put on your newbalance, grab a map, and go exploring because you won’t regret it. You may even forget that your feet hurt.

X- hmmm. There’s not a lot of X words in Spanish. I guess xenophobia counts, but I don’t have anything to say about that.

Yo no lo sabía- This means “I didn’t know that.” You’ll probably use it a lot.

Zzzs- Sleep? What’s that? I rarely sleep in here and I stay up very late, but it’s because I don’t want to miss anything! I feel like every day is Christmas Eve because I am excited for the next day (minus all of midterms week) which is really juvenile of me but it’s a great feeling to be excited about something all the time.

m

I through O

Intercambio- This is by far the best way to learn a language. They are consistent one on one meetings with someone who wants to practice the language with you. My intercambio friend is Marta; she practices English and I practice Spanish and we correct each other over coffee.

Jamón- Ham. If you don’t like it, you will after coming to Spain. It’s in practically every meal you’ll eat. It’s fresh and amazing, and this is from a hater of pigs.

Kaki- If you EVER have the opportunity to try this, do it. It’s a fruit without a pit or any seeds, but it’s disguised as a tomato. It’s so sneaky that I even notice what it was, and I’m so glad Claire discovered them in Paris.

Locutorio- If you need to make a cheap international call, go to the nearest locutorio. Very helpful when Chase cancels my credit card or when I want to talk to my mama.

Map- This will take on a whole new meaning when you’re in Europe. The first thing any of us do when we step off the plane is say, “where’s a map?” Without one you are useless, lost, and wasting time. Most of the airports and bus stations will have ones with tourist attractions already labeled, which is very convenient. It also allows us to quickly construct a Dora the Explorer-style plan (“under the Bridge of Sighs, around the Arc de Triomphe, through Park Guell until we reach the magical land of rainbows…”) when we haven’t done any research prior to landing.

No pasa nada- This means “it’s nothing,” or “don’t worry about it.” Example: “I’m so sorry I tripped over your purse dog that’s tied to a tree while you’re shopping in the market.” “No pasa nada, chica.”

Ordenador- This means computer. This word, combined with the phrase “no funciona” is something you’ll unfortunately have to use. Everyone has had a problem with their computer/internet since we got here, including me.

m

The Spanish Traveler's Alphabet Book: A-H

Aceite (y vinagre)- Combined, vinegar and oil is the dressing on anything you eat—it’s on salads, dipped in bread, on fries—and it’s amazing. Almost all restaurants have it, and if you’re lucky they have the flavored balsamic vinegar kind. I ask for this whenever I go to a café.

Batido- Even though the translation is “milkshake,” don’t be fooled. It’s essentially chocolate milk with some cream in it. And it’s usually cold, but not always. I still order them because I am determined to find a real one, but I’m beginning to miss Steak n Shake.

Cigüeña- Until I came to Alcala, I didn’t know that storks were real. I thought they were made-up creatures that brought babies to your doorstep. However, they are very loud, white birds who make gigantic nests and protect their own babies almost all year round.

Discoteca- If you have your dancing shoes on, go to these. They’re a lot of fun when you’re with friends, but if you are looking for a crowd don’t show up before 2am.

Easyjet- This is our go-to airline online. They’re very cheap and they go almost everywhere! Also, be ready to listen to advertisements, songs, and the same directions in at least 3 languages. Bring headphones.

Familia española- Use this phrase. We always start talking about our mothers/sisters/cousins and halfway through someone asks, “Is this your Spanish family or your real one?” And you have to repeat everything you just said because now it has a whole new meaning.

Gamela- This means twin. I have seen the Spanish gamelas of just about everyone I know in the States. Alcala is like the Doppleganger of Butler University.

Hostel- Europe’s young, hip, better version of the States' motels. You pay very little a night (20-30E) for a bed and sometimes breakfast. Check the amenities online though—there may be extra charges for sheets, locks, towels, internet, etc. Also, I recommend no more than 8 people to a room. There are some that sleep 30 or more, which is not happening for me. It’s definitely college living, but you really don’t spend time there unless you’re sleeping and it’s a fantastic way to meet travelers.

More later!