I finally made an online picture album for those without Facebooks.
http://mersyearabroad.myphotoalbum.com/
The pictures I have taken so far are up and ready for viewing. I am so glad a bought a new camera. Best birthday present eva!
So much has happened since Friday.
Friday we went out. Got into three clubs for free and were hit on continuously by Europeans. I think they have a American radar because the moment we walked in the clubs they knew we were American. After these clubs we wanted to go to Joy (save the best for last). Well, even with the discuenta we recieved it still was going to be 15 euro. We were like hell no. SO we ended up standing around in the street for a bit. We then met these two Spanish guys who invited us to this Chocolateria in Sol right near Joy. The place was packed, and we got there around 4:30. We had churros y chocolate. Delicious. We ended the night, like most Madriyenos at about 5:30 and went home.
Saturday we didn't wake up till about ummm three or so. So it was a waste of a day. We then went to Parque Retiro were we had an intercambio with some natives. Laura and I had this really nice guy names Hugo. He was going to Leon in France in a month or two to go to study. Pretty cool. Parque Retiro is BEAUTIFUL. I wish I took pictures. But I will eventually. We then came home and Laura passed out about 9:30. I on the other hand watched two movies. What a boring Saturday. haha
Sunday we got up around 10 and went to el Rastro. This flea market is amazing. There is just so much STUFF. We bought harem pants so we could fit in with all the women here. I wanted to buy more stuff but I only brought 20 euro.
Monday we started classes. I had class from 9:30 until about 10:45 then had to wait until 4 for my next class. I officially found out my 9:30 class does not count towards my major. The Spanish Department at NYU can suck it. Why would a class in Spanish about the Economic and Public Policy of Spain and its interaction with the European Union not count towards a Spanish Culture major??? I hate them... so much. Oh well. I now will have class at 12:30 and will be taking a Cultural Anthropology class. Sounds fun.
Carlos, our host brother, finished his exams Monday so he invited us to celebrate with his friends. He took us to a discoteca called Verde. It was very posh. We met Fernando and David. Fernando is a complete gentleman as well as a good dancer. hehe. He is studying law but doesn't know if he wants to be a lawyer. His English is a lot better than Carlos's. hehe. David is a character. Hilarious. He is a free spirit and doesn't really know what he wants to do. He has officially chosen International Business. Here in Europe when you go to "college" you go with a major already picked. And he has changed twice so he has four years of college left. Oh well. I am just glad we are finally meeting real Spaniards.
We are going to Kapital with them on Saturday. More shenanigans to come.
15 September 2009
11 September 2009
Madrid and Segovia
So we have been in Madrid for almost a week and everyday has been one discovery/adventure after the other.
The majority of the week consisted of going to boring classes. Every morning we had an advanced Spanish class where we pretty much learned how to order tapas, how to tell a boy off in a club, how to answer the phone, and slang phrases and words. Some of the stuff was useful, but most was just a refresher from high school (Thanks Senyora Negroni!). The class after was a history course. The book we read over the summer had exactly the same information, so I guess this was a way for those who didn't read the book to have a bit of knowledge on Spanish history. We started from the beginning of Iberia to what Spain is today. What really interested me is we spent almost 30 minutes talking about some king but only about 5 minutes on Franco....
This in a way pissed me off. I mean Franco is pretty much influenced Spain to what it is today. He was a HUGE part of Spanish history and the only thing the professor said was that under him during:
the 40s Spain was in isolation
the 50s "El Cambio"
the 60s Spain experienced a boom in their economy
No discussion on the horror that occurred during this time, the harsh establishment he created nor the positive things he did. Perhaps certain Spaniards don't like to discuss this period as a result of the hard persecution their ancestors experiences. Oh well. Very interesting. OK back to to more less nerdy stuff...
Here is where we have been this week:
1. Plaza Mayor
2. Palacio Real
3. Reina Sofia (the Madrid equivalent of the MoMA)
4. Segovia
They were all pretty amazing. I think the most interesting was Segovia. It is a city about an hour outside of Madrid. The contains to much history. Some interesting facts:
1. Walt Disney drew inspiration from the castle in Segovia for his movies.
2. The Roman Aqueducts in the city are the largest and most well preserved anywhere in the world. They were built around 100 A.D.
3.The Gothic Cathedral of Segovia is considered Europe's last great Gothic Cathedral.
4. There is a synagogue that dates back to the 14th century and in the 15th century converted to a church as a result of the Expulsion of Jews from the Iberian Peninsula.
I will make a new post for pictures from all of these places. Some random stuff to say:
Maite is an amazing cook. Everyday Laura and I discuss everyday what she is going to make for dinner. We had this zucchini with goat cheese casserole thing yesterday. It was incredible.
We are becoming close with the host family. Last night we even watched a movie with them! In Spanish of course. Wonderful film.
Tonight we are going out for the first time. Our host parents, I think, think we are very lame. They kept asking when we were going out. haha I think we are going to hit up Joy, a popular club here. Should be fun!
The majority of the week consisted of going to boring classes. Every morning we had an advanced Spanish class where we pretty much learned how to order tapas, how to tell a boy off in a club, how to answer the phone, and slang phrases and words. Some of the stuff was useful, but most was just a refresher from high school (Thanks Senyora Negroni!). The class after was a history course. The book we read over the summer had exactly the same information, so I guess this was a way for those who didn't read the book to have a bit of knowledge on Spanish history. We started from the beginning of Iberia to what Spain is today. What really interested me is we spent almost 30 minutes talking about some king but only about 5 minutes on Franco....
This in a way pissed me off. I mean Franco is pretty much influenced Spain to what it is today. He was a HUGE part of Spanish history and the only thing the professor said was that under him during:
the 40s Spain was in isolation
the 50s "El Cambio"
the 60s Spain experienced a boom in their economy
No discussion on the horror that occurred during this time, the harsh establishment he created nor the positive things he did. Perhaps certain Spaniards don't like to discuss this period as a result of the hard persecution their ancestors experiences. Oh well. Very interesting. OK back to to more less nerdy stuff...
Here is where we have been this week:
1. Plaza Mayor
2. Palacio Real
3. Reina Sofia (the Madrid equivalent of the MoMA)
4. Segovia
They were all pretty amazing. I think the most interesting was Segovia. It is a city about an hour outside of Madrid. The contains to much history. Some interesting facts:
1. Walt Disney drew inspiration from the castle in Segovia for his movies.
2. The Roman Aqueducts in the city are the largest and most well preserved anywhere in the world. They were built around 100 A.D.
3.The Gothic Cathedral of Segovia is considered Europe's last great Gothic Cathedral.
4. There is a synagogue that dates back to the 14th century and in the 15th century converted to a church as a result of the Expulsion of Jews from the Iberian Peninsula.
I will make a new post for pictures from all of these places. Some random stuff to say:
Maite is an amazing cook. Everyday Laura and I discuss everyday what she is going to make for dinner. We had this zucchini with goat cheese casserole thing yesterday. It was incredible.
We are becoming close with the host family. Last night we even watched a movie with them! In Spanish of course. Wonderful film.
Tonight we are going out for the first time. Our host parents, I think, think we are very lame. They kept asking when we were going out. haha I think we are going to hit up Joy, a popular club here. Should be fun!
07 September 2009
The First Two Days
These past two days have been amazing. We got into Madrid around 10 yesterday and waited in the airport for two hours to take the bus to a stop where we were put in taxes. Laura got there before me so we had biffle catch up time on the bus. When we reached our homestay we couldn't believe it. The apartment is HUGE.
The mother, Maite (Short for Marie Theresa), is an amazing painter. Throughout the house are her paintings, in the bathrooms, our rooms, the kitchen, living room, etc. She makes amazing food. Last night we had the traditional tortilla of Spain. This is not what Americans think it is. It is mostly egg and potatoes. Delicious!! Then tonight she made us some version of paella. yums yums. Enrique, or Quique as they shorten it in Spain, is very nice. He is lawyer and from what I understand works with life insurance. Carlos, their son, attends a university outside of Madrid where he studies film. He also does Martial Arts. Apparently he used to work with nunchucks. lol. But we are getting to know them a lot better, which is really nice.
Mostly we have been walking all day. When we came in we unpacked, ate lunch, and went on a walking tour with a the NYU people for like an hour. Then they let us roam. We started out with a group, but we saw a side street we couldn't resist. We just walked around really. I think Laura and I have walked at least ten miles in the last two days. We walked down that street and around a really big shopping area. Around 6 we were hungry and got tapas. I think that's going to be a staple here. We came home around 9 and ate, then walked to campus and home. It's far haha.
Today we had orientation. It was booooooring.... I was dying. I mean it was helpful information, but I was restless. Laura and I met these two girls, Monique and Traci (sp?), with who I think we are going to be good friends. All of us decided to meet at the metro stop Santo Domingo at 5:30. We had some things on the agenda today, like buying:
1. A hair dryer
2. Cell phones
3. Shampoo and Conditioner
4. An alarm clock
Well at 5:30 we got to the stop. No amigas. When then realized about after ten to twenty minutes there might be two different stop entrances/exits. There were and we didn't get to the other one till 5:50 ish.....With no way to contact them we decided to go on. We walked and walked and walked looking for a Vodaphone store. We made a circle around the area. We made it to chueca, an incredible part of the city! It's the Village of Madrid. Rainbow flags everywhere, cute boutiques, bars, and couples holding hands everywhere. We finally found a Vodaphone here. YAY!! After, we stopped for tapas and directions to fnac, the Best Buy of Spain, at a local bar. We left and went there. Alas... they didn't have alarm clocks or hair dryers as we were told. BUT we have an alarm on the phone so check for phone and alarm clock... As for the shampoo and conditioner lets just say I won't give up my American products. We went to a nearby pharmacy and they had some funky European brand. I need my Pantene or Fructis. hehe.
So now we are done with dinner and sitting in our rooms relaxing. We probably will be so tired during the week to go out haha. BUT at least class doesn't start till 11 tomorrow!! WOO HOO!!
The mother, Maite (Short for Marie Theresa), is an amazing painter. Throughout the house are her paintings, in the bathrooms, our rooms, the kitchen, living room, etc. She makes amazing food. Last night we had the traditional tortilla of Spain. This is not what Americans think it is. It is mostly egg and potatoes. Delicious!! Then tonight she made us some version of paella. yums yums. Enrique, or Quique as they shorten it in Spain, is very nice. He is lawyer and from what I understand works with life insurance. Carlos, their son, attends a university outside of Madrid where he studies film. He also does Martial Arts. Apparently he used to work with nunchucks. lol. But we are getting to know them a lot better, which is really nice.
Mostly we have been walking all day. When we came in we unpacked, ate lunch, and went on a walking tour with a the NYU people for like an hour. Then they let us roam. We started out with a group, but we saw a side street we couldn't resist. We just walked around really. I think Laura and I have walked at least ten miles in the last two days. We walked down that street and around a really big shopping area. Around 6 we were hungry and got tapas. I think that's going to be a staple here. We came home around 9 and ate, then walked to campus and home. It's far haha.
Today we had orientation. It was booooooring.... I was dying. I mean it was helpful information, but I was restless. Laura and I met these two girls, Monique and Traci (sp?), with who I think we are going to be good friends. All of us decided to meet at the metro stop Santo Domingo at 5:30. We had some things on the agenda today, like buying:
1. A hair dryer
2. Cell phones
3. Shampoo and Conditioner
4. An alarm clock
Well at 5:30 we got to the stop. No amigas. When then realized about after ten to twenty minutes there might be two different stop entrances/exits. There were and we didn't get to the other one till 5:50 ish.....With no way to contact them we decided to go on. We walked and walked and walked looking for a Vodaphone store. We made a circle around the area. We made it to chueca, an incredible part of the city! It's the Village of Madrid. Rainbow flags everywhere, cute boutiques, bars, and couples holding hands everywhere. We finally found a Vodaphone here. YAY!! After, we stopped for tapas and directions to fnac, the Best Buy of Spain, at a local bar. We left and went there. Alas... they didn't have alarm clocks or hair dryers as we were told. BUT we have an alarm on the phone so check for phone and alarm clock... As for the shampoo and conditioner lets just say I won't give up my American products. We went to a nearby pharmacy and they had some funky European brand. I need my Pantene or Fructis. hehe.
So now we are done with dinner and sitting in our rooms relaxing. We probably will be so tired during the week to go out haha. BUT at least class doesn't start till 11 tomorrow!! WOO HOO!!
05 September 2009
Leaving in the manana.
Packing is a bitch. No if's, and's, or but's about it. I'm pretty sure my 1 of 2 bags is over 50 lbs. ooopsy.
So summer is finally at an end, and I leave for Spain tomorrow morning. This summer has been filled with catastrophes as well as joyous memories. I have realized that I love Memphis and am actually proud to be from a city with such diversity. I discovered little nooks and crannies that I have come to adore. Obviously I don't love everything, but perhaps I will allow my southern accent come out more while I am up north.... hehe.
Things I love in Memphis:
1. My family
2. My friends
3. My cat
4. My guitar
5. Warm weather
6. Downtown and Midtown
7. Audubon Park/Shelby Farms (in particular the trees at Audubon)
8. The Zoo ('specially on Tuesdays when it's free)
9. Minglewood Hall
10. Oasis
11. Java Cabana
12. Studio on the Square
13. Starbucks on Poplar
14. Davis Kidd Bronte
15. Memphis Pizza Cafe
16. The Whole Foods right by my house
I want to give a HUGE shout out to the lovely people of Southern Thunder and Graceland. You all have been so wonderful to me and I want to thank each of your support and love. I promise each of you that I will keep out of trouble and none of you will get an international phone call from el cárcel, as they call it in Spanish. Thank you again!! Miss you guys and love you lots!!
So summer is finally at an end, and I leave for Spain tomorrow morning. This summer has been filled with catastrophes as well as joyous memories. I have realized that I love Memphis and am actually proud to be from a city with such diversity. I discovered little nooks and crannies that I have come to adore. Obviously I don't love everything, but perhaps I will allow my southern accent come out more while I am up north.... hehe.
Things I love in Memphis:
1. My family
2. My friends
3. My cat
4. My guitar
5. Warm weather
6. Downtown and Midtown
7. Audubon Park/Shelby Farms (in particular the trees at Audubon)
8. The Zoo ('specially on Tuesdays when it's free)
9. Minglewood Hall
10. Oasis
11. Java Cabana
12. Studio on the Square
13. Starbucks on Poplar
14. Davis Kidd Bronte
15. Memphis Pizza Cafe
16. The Whole Foods right by my house
I want to give a HUGE shout out to the lovely people of Southern Thunder and Graceland. You all have been so wonderful to me and I want to thank each of your support and love. I promise each of you that I will keep out of trouble and none of you will get an international phone call from el cárcel, as they call it in Spanish. Thank you again!! Miss you guys and love you lots!!
01 September 2009
FOUR DAYS!!
YAY!! Only four days until I leave. So begins the process of packing! I have started (thankfully)! Most items at the moment are in folded stacks ready to be put in the suitcase, but I still need to find pants. WHY IS THAT SO HARD! Surely someone else is the same body type as me? But four more days to find some.
I got my new camera yesterday! I finally decided on the Panasonic Lumix ZS3.
I got my new camera yesterday! I finally decided on the Panasonic Lumix ZS3.
It takes AMAZING pictures! 10.1 Megapix, 12X optimal zoom AND (the best for last) HD Videorecording! wooo hoo! I'm going to the zoo today to test it out. hehe.
ALSO Snow Leopard arrived today too! I need to install it soon...
AND I dyed my hair again.... It's dark. Very dark... but I love it!
AND I dyed my hair again.... It's dark. Very dark... but I love it!
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