I slept in today and it felt ammmmmazing. But I did feel guilty too because it was one of the nicest days in Barcelona so far. My senora might be losing her house because she can't afford to live there. I felt so bad, and she even started crying and I didn't know how to handle it.
Crying made me think of yesterday. If a boy wants a girl to feel bad for him, cry. It works. And that came from a group of guy's mouths! I got my hair done at a Spanish Salon today. It wasn't a Sara, but it turned out really well. I love Spanish radio stations. Today I heard Rihanna and instead of Ne-yo it was a Spanish singer. They also play Avril Lavigne and Kelly Clarkson songs that were never released! Here they streak your hair instead of foil! I was so nervous at first, especially because I couldn't communicate with MaryBelle very well!
I left the shop pretty blond and in a black sundress. I felt powerful! And the sun was shining so I went to beach. Max and I decided that we both want to live on the beach, and Oregon, close to Cali is perfect! Just sitting there today basking in the sun, smelling the salty air, watching the boys play soccer made my day, The warm sun just made me happy, and being on the ocean made it so much better. But the Barca beach scene was amazing. A hazy blue sky, palm trees, amazing smells from the restaurants, white capped waves, a slight breeze and warm sand. It made me envious of hte people in Florida.
Katie's grandma passed away yesterday, so she was down. So Jody, Katie and I met up. We people watched and just enjoyed the perfect warm day.
I sat at Pan's twice today. I am becoming a groupee.
I AM LIVING ON THE OCEAN!!!!!
I love warm weather <3
I had the best dinner. Cataluyna Ensalada and Tuna Spaghetti..
I went to the bar tonight with Tom. We had pep talks and just walked around Diagonal.We saw the most unattractive cross dresser....Finally we found the bar! Smokey the Bear gave me a huge talk on my blogs. YOU BETTER BE READING THIS! its not my fault you read my blogs, dis them and write your own and dis me in them! Dumb boys! Tom had to get all deap too. I met a girl i met on the way to London in the airport! Turns out we are neighbors! We drank and her friend from Paris was so much fun! She is a french and Spanish major! How the hell do people do that!
*I would not have added the bar chunk to my blog, but I did it just for Snoopy the Smokey Bear! Just go on myspace! You will get the same gossip!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
February 26,2009 Thursday
Today is one of those perfect days that just emphasized the reasons why I love Barcelona. It is an ideal “Spring Sunny” day when the warm sun just makes you smile and listen to Sean Kingston or Shakira! I have been in a perfect mood since Sitges. Larkin and I are talking and being civil, the Hazel Willow is a reality 100% and Kim Marek is our extra vortex member, and I had the best weekend In London.
I am sitting at the port and the air is hazy and blue. The palm trees dot the modermisme architecture along the main street. All the boats are slowly bobbing in sync with the palm trees because of the slight breeze. It is an amazing, fresh feeling. The port smells so good, like every kind of food imaginable and everyone is out and about. There also is a group of skateboarders here for the Spanabis festival (Barcelona would have a port festival)! I love how young everyone is here!
My life is so chaotic with homework these next few days, but it feels amazing sitting here.
Backstreet Boys is also coming from a boombox near me. I love it.
I am sitting at the port and the air is hazy and blue. The palm trees dot the modermisme architecture along the main street. All the boats are slowly bobbing in sync with the palm trees because of the slight breeze. It is an amazing, fresh feeling. The port smells so good, like every kind of food imaginable and everyone is out and about. There also is a group of skateboarders here for the Spanabis festival (Barcelona would have a port festival)! I love how young everyone is here!
My life is so chaotic with homework these next few days, but it feels amazing sitting here.
Backstreet Boys is also coming from a boombox near me. I love it.
February 25,2009 Wednesday
I was dead after I got up. In Spanish I just laid there, almost no one came to classes at all today. But I went to all of them. I love my Spanish teacher Christian. He teaches us slang and pick up lines, and today he just talked about what he has seen in Sitges while living here, and cut class an hour short.
Since I was done so early Arik and I went to the water to play football, before our teams met. I decided playing is going to kill my foot. But the sun was shining and you could smell the sea and I had a blast. Our teams came and I can’t wait for our first official game next week. People are so hardcore about it, and I’m just there for the team spirit. I know another reason I’m on the team I’m on (and being the only girl, and by far the weakest link) is because I made out with the captain, Lizzie knew! Whoops. But I had fun. We played against some girls who were so intense about the game it was crazy. They even came out bleeding. Every time Mike would kick the ball, I’m like not to my face, slow reaction time. But I broke a huge sweat, in the sun, and Miquel kept calling me hangover girl, but I’m like your always late! For lunch I went to the boys, but Steve was being really awkward, because of what I texted him the night before. Oh well.
I love tuna. It has become an addiction, just as much as chocolate. I can’t get enough of it! Especially in salads with oil dressing (which is a cultural dish in Barca).
Random thought: I also realized I missed pine trees today. I am doing a report on Bradley Park and I miss just hanging out with a cold breeze hitting your face. Never did I think I would say something like I miss tomahawk. But I miss the people and routines. A girl’s summer night is perfect. And my boys back home; they always know how to make me laugh! But just walking to Dairy Queen most nights with Jazz and the Choad, and going to the thrift cellar, randomly driving to Rhino, I want that back! And bowling Thursdays with the guys... The boys in my town can just make me smile, and they don’t care about being immature. And they understand where I come from, and what weird shit we do in small towns. Like cuddle parties, or canoeing out in the middle of the lake to talk. I realized I secretly love small towns. Everyone on our trip hated high school, I loved it. And I am still in contact with so many people. I can’t wait to get back and see everyone, and the boys! And this summer I am coming home. I don’t know where I will work, but I need the comfort of the people who love me. And Tomahawk may not be the greatest small town, but it is my hometown, and it is a comfort. And things come so easily there. And living within walking distance of my best friend makes like perfect. If not we can always scooter:)-)
KRK for life…. And then The Vortex too…. TOMAHAWK…NATAURAULLY…. _____FILL IN THE BLANK__ We’re coming back!
Since I was done so early Arik and I went to the water to play football, before our teams met. I decided playing is going to kill my foot. But the sun was shining and you could smell the sea and I had a blast. Our teams came and I can’t wait for our first official game next week. People are so hardcore about it, and I’m just there for the team spirit. I know another reason I’m on the team I’m on (and being the only girl, and by far the weakest link) is because I made out with the captain, Lizzie knew! Whoops. But I had fun. We played against some girls who were so intense about the game it was crazy. They even came out bleeding. Every time Mike would kick the ball, I’m like not to my face, slow reaction time. But I broke a huge sweat, in the sun, and Miquel kept calling me hangover girl, but I’m like your always late! For lunch I went to the boys, but Steve was being really awkward, because of what I texted him the night before. Oh well.
I love tuna. It has become an addiction, just as much as chocolate. I can’t get enough of it! Especially in salads with oil dressing (which is a cultural dish in Barca).
Random thought: I also realized I missed pine trees today. I am doing a report on Bradley Park and I miss just hanging out with a cold breeze hitting your face. Never did I think I would say something like I miss tomahawk. But I miss the people and routines. A girl’s summer night is perfect. And my boys back home; they always know how to make me laugh! But just walking to Dairy Queen most nights with Jazz and the Choad, and going to the thrift cellar, randomly driving to Rhino, I want that back! And bowling Thursdays with the guys... The boys in my town can just make me smile, and they don’t care about being immature. And they understand where I come from, and what weird shit we do in small towns. Like cuddle parties, or canoeing out in the middle of the lake to talk. I realized I secretly love small towns. Everyone on our trip hated high school, I loved it. And I am still in contact with so many people. I can’t wait to get back and see everyone, and the boys! And this summer I am coming home. I don’t know where I will work, but I need the comfort of the people who love me. And Tomahawk may not be the greatest small town, but it is my hometown, and it is a comfort. And things come so easily there. And living within walking distance of my best friend makes like perfect. If not we can always scooter:)-)
KRK for life…. And then The Vortex too…. TOMAHAWK…NATAURAULLY…. _____FILL IN THE BLANK__ We’re coming back!
February 24,2009 FAT TUESDAY
Oh boy. Sitges. One of the best nights ever. It was a night full of cross dressing, weed, alcohol, sex on the beach, culture and dancing in a tiny Beachfront city. It was an intense scene from Laguna Beach, and New Orleans- Mardi Gras put together with a bunch of young adults (I saw old people in walkers there though). Teachers let us out of class earlier and gave us some specific warnings about going:
My teachers gave us different rules
1. don't chew drugs.
2.Don't have sex in the beach, you will hurt the guy
3.Write your information on your hand because you will forget where you live
3.Don't inhale anything
4. Don't get aids-Max's senora.
5.Put how do get home in sharpee on your arm
Sitges is just south of Barcelona, but a large gay, beach community. It holds one of the largest parties in the world for Mardi Gras. We got on the party bus to go south. (I paid more to take the bus because on the train you will not get a ride back until late the next day because so many people pile in). On the ride we listened to Rihanna and hip music and just danced. I was a Hawaiian, and the girls were a cave woman, Indian, and rag doll. Right when we got there we noticed that all the houses were gorgeous beach houses all in sand dunes. The houses were larger and Sitges was clean. We could hear the base of music in the background from where we got dropped off. I carried my large cava bottle and walked to the main street. Right when we got there, there was a parade raging through the streets. You could hear flashy, salsa beats, colorful lights, and streamers flying through the air! On all these floats there were woman, men and cross dressers all dressed in elaborate costumes as though they just stepped out of Key West. The parade lasted for hours so we kept moving down the beach. Soon the crowds became ridiculous. You couldn’t move one way or the other. I could literally pick up my feet and be in the same position. Finally a man picked me up and set me over the fence. I was on the other side of the parade where the crowds were a little less (momentarily soon they would pick up!), and we ran into some Barca Boys.
We watched the parade and drank on the streets. The atmosphere was crazy and wild! You could dance in place and stare at everyone’s costumes. Some girls next to me were sharing their Jack Daniels if I gave them some cava. Everyone was so friendly, and generous! Who shares their alcohol to strangers especially If they aren’t getting any in return?! I was shocked by that though Then the joints started getting passed down the rows of people. People were smoking everywhere and just sharing it! And all around us were make out fests! So I had to make out with the girls just to compare who was better. haha I attempted to speak Spanish to a guy next to me, and he said hunny I’m Italian, you have a better shot at speakin English. Whoops. Hey! At least I tried. THE CROSS DRESSERS LOOKED SO AMAZING! I can't stress this enough! Some where shaking their asses in leotards, and there was no telling if they were guys or girls!
An hour into the parade we decided to move down to look for the bathroom, but we got separated from the girls. John and I realized we had to hop another fence and walk through the parade to get to the beach! Our peeing destination. He picks me up and shoves me into the parade, and I run across and he follows after! People help grab me over the other side.
There were the best costumes on the other side of the fence. My favorite was a bunch of “official” looking matadors with a shopping cart that you “could ride in” paper mached as a bull, a group of polo poppin, tennis girl/guy players, a tic tac toe board, a farmer carrying live chickens and a “zoo”. People in Europe are far more creative than anyone in Madison, and Minneapolis ever is. These weren’t even the best! We climb up a giant church steps that looked like it was on a Grecian Island trying to get to the sand, but as we went down the steps we hear huge crashing of waves. There was a giant drop off. But it was gorgeous. You could hear the music, see the parade, look at the star night sky, see the church and smell the ocean air. It was a picture perfect moment. John and I walked to the rocky point to pee, and I texted some things (whoops) and on the way back I feel down over a rock. My phone went flying 5 feet into a crack, and so close to the cliff. John searched forever and went down into the rock, and with the help of several locals finally got it! We kissed and it was a cute moment.
We met up with the girls, but Katie had to go back, so Erin and I decided to patrol the beach which just turned into a huge dance club. We whipped off our shoes and just started dancing in the sand. You could smell marijuana, alcohol and the beach air everywhere, but it was comforting. There were so many people everywhere, and they were so open! Sitges is the gay capital of Spain, and I loved the entire cross dressing costumes!
Erin and I started by frolicking in the water, but soon we kept wading farther and farther in. Imagine with a completely clear and stary sky playing in the sea and dancing to Shakira hips don’t lie and all you can see is the clubbing lights from the beach! I wandered in past my waist and we danced in the Sea for over an hour. Locals thought we were crazy because it was so cold, and kept taking pictures. We had swarms of guys just chanting, and one came and ripped my topped down and started kissing me, and Erin ripped me away and yelled that we were dating haha! I love Erin. But the moment we danced to Hips Don’t Lie in the water will be a moment I will always remember my whole life.
The beach was ridiculous, but the locals were rowdy as ever! We partied for a few hours and had to go back to the bus to reach Barcelona before Spanish. We got food from a “food kitchen” like region, and Erin and I got a total of 3 bowls instead of our one!
Just looking up at the sky made my trip to Barcelona, especially with the parade, the dancing and the church in the background. I LOVE CARNIVAL AND FAT TUESDAY especially with my friends. I just need the Choad and Jazz to make it perfect.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Februrary 12-,16 2009 Thursday-Monday=Jazz's Visit
THURSDAY
I got butterflies in my stomach when I went to pick up Jazz at the airport. They were even more than the ones I used to get when I used to surprise and visit Larkin. I waited for her at the arrivals gate just like in Love Actually, but she never came. I waited for two hours and still no Jazz. My MP3 player was about to die so I asked around about her flight since the boards said they were delayed. Finally I decided to walk the airport, and there Jazz was sitting in terminal A, not B. She didn’t think to go wait in the designated terminal. That is so Jazz. She started crying and all I could say is “I’m sorry I ate your chocolate” And she replied back, I ate yours too! That was the start of our adventure. Knowing that the perfect gift is chocolate and the perfect comfort without a sister is chocolate.
We took the bus to the metro quickly.
We needed to get ready fast because we were going out to the club and bar. At 11 we went to the bar by our house. You could pour your own shots, so we filled our glasses to the top and kept chasing them down as though they were shots. We devoured the popcorn they had there. You could fill up your own bowls and we went through at least 10! I was the ultimate chaser creeper. I got Jazz four free chasers! Then we walked to the club. Erin, Jazz, and I danced with the boys all night at Sutton. We did swing dance, spazzy dances and old school. And we went to the techno part of the club and attempted to dance. Think of the concept where you can literally pick up your feet and still stay in the air. But we managed. Every time a Rihanna song came on or Chris Brown we would add in fake punches and bites. I love adding pop culture into songs, and Erin and Jazz are my favorite people to dance with. Tom is the best rapper ever. He can come up with the most creative raps, way better than any Eminem or Lil Wayne. It reminded me of Austan on his wedding night “Kim has STDs, Jazz is with Jerry, and you Can’t get close to Rachel song”. I love nights at the club. At 5 we walked home. A guy wanted to kiss me goodbye at the club, but I made up a rule as long as Erin and Jazz don’t get a kiss. I don’t get a kiss. Oh Barcelona nights, I am going to miss them the most!
FRIDAY
I attempted to get Jazz up for Spanish class, but she wouldn’t budge until I screamed for her to get up! Almost everyone attended Spanish, I was surprised. We walked around La Rambla y El Born y El Gothico today. We took a mininap and went out again. I showed Jazz some of the pretty Barcelona spots and we ate our weight in chocolate croissants and helado. I think Jazz became sick of chocolate by the end of her weekend here! Barcelona has so much to do, but the best is just to walk around the tiny gothic streets.
Later that night we went to the Mexican Restaurant by MACBA. We waited for our seats. We got some right by the bar because it was so packed. It was amazing to eat a burrito that wasn’t greasy, spicy or too meaty. A great break from the bread and jam we had been consuming! When we all ate at the restaurant Jazz and I went on an adventure to find wine. We decided to get two boxes, which was 1.25 euro each. A mega bargain for boxed wine (though it tasted like it too). Jazz found her dream .63 euro wine today at corte and she named him Vino when we pregamed.
After eating and drinking boxed vino we ended up at the “brothel”. An adult Jazz bar located in the square in which you had to get buzzed into. Inside was dark and there was Cabernet music and people our parent’s age. They all were staring and the walls were a mix of crushed velvet and satin and tall with a floral wall paper. We were supposed ot meet the boys here, but they never showed up! So we sat on the stares drinking the night away. I loved all the pickup lines creepers give u. The best was “Oh my fucking god”, and those were probably the only words he knew in English. We ended up at Opium that night, a club on the water.
In my mind opium is the prettiest club. It has a huge porch balcony with leather couches, and tables all lit by candles and walls of torches. It feels like you’re on a romantic tropical getaway. The dance floor is more like a club setting, but had a lot of techno music. But I loved just sitting outside and listening to the ocean, feeling the breeze, and smelling the salty air. I would go to the club just to sit on the porch! Jazz loves the dancing scene here! I am really glad! Later that night at 4:30 we took a cab home because Jazz was passing out. The cab driver asked if my friend was having sweet dreams. And I was like my sister isn’t used to the time schedule. She couldn’t keep her eyes open in the cab. But just like at the U where we would have devoured mac and cheese at 3 am, in Barcelona bread and Jam at 5 am was just as good!
SATURDAY
In the morning we went to Segrada Familia. I love Gaudi’s work. I still don’t understand how he can make the cerement to appear to look as though it is melting mud on a huge cathedral. But park Guell is my favorite piece of his work. We sat on the beach and walked the city beaches. They aren’t as nice as the beaches to the North and South, but they are still nice. Jazz lost her Mediterranean Sear virginity and we just enjoyed the sun! After a few hours the boys called us to meet them for lunch. We went to a tiny sandwich shop which was amazing. I had a sausage and gouda sandwich, it sounds so nasty. But it was one of the most amazing tastes ever. Today we watched a children’s parade like the Fallals in Valencia, but a smaller version here.
The boys, jazz and I went to park Guell. Too bad it got cloudy. Some of the best views of the city are up here. Also one of the biggest climbs. Much of the hiking trail was still closed from the windstorm! But Jake, Jazz, Steve and I watched the dogs chasing birds, a little boy playing soccer (he and his grandma were amazing) and just watched the city view. I love Jazz being here. It’s like a constant friend I can talk to and she just gets me, ad we understand each other! Since it was Valentine’s Day, Jazz and I went to a romantic dinner at a nicer restaurant. We ate tuna pizza. It sounds nasty, but it is one of my favorite foods now. We also ate helado y croissants chocolates. Muy bien! It was the best valentines I ever had. My twin sister in my favorite city. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. <3
People went to a house party in the mountains so Jazz and I drank copa sangria at the fairy bar. I knew Jazz would like it there. It was like an enchanted forest, and there are gnomes, waterfalls and mini tables. It is really cute and dark. We sat in the cave and when we got out Jazz was feeling it. I think it was because she chugged Vino dos outside because they wouldn’t let her carry it in the bar. After walking along the port we ended up at chupitos the shot bar. People were taking boy scouts, lighting their thumbs on fire, and licking cool whip of a flaming bar, some boys with accents were taking shots. I casually asked them what a Harry Potter shot was and they bought some for us. You sucked on a full sugar coated warmed orange at the end so the shot tasted amazing! They have hundreds of shots for 2 euros each, but they are all fun!
We came with them to a local bar and they bought up Estrella Damn. Earlier that day Jazz and I felt the wrath of its deadly alcohol levels. The boys we met up with where from Belfast and had the best accents. They made fun of us for having accents. They were so funny and they thought Kansas was a great state! We also kept using “ “ with our fingers and had a huge conversation on their favorite band rumblesticks. I laughed so hard. These boys are probably the funniest people I met this whole trip. You could have a full conversation with you; they added to it and cared. One wanted to work at Best Buy and the other wanted to travel to Arizona. Just the shit they said and realizing our cultural differences made it funny! Another funny difference was our opinions on Tijuana. And I told them they should only go if they want to get drugged and raped in the ass. But they said Merissa from the OC went and had a great time, and we I said look what happened to her! That is weird in Ireland that they hear great things about Kansas, and Tijuana!
We had to leave because Spazz drank too much! I still love you. On the way home I popped a couple perfect unnoticeable squats and I tried to keep Jazz awake on the metro. It was so loud. And local teens all had pitchers and plastic cups and were just riding the metro drinking. The man across from us had two beers in his hand. Oh the Barca metro on Saturday nights!!!
SUNDAY
Sunday morning was a celebrated holiday of Saint Eulilia in Barcelona. A 13 year old who died a martyr death, and was torched 13 different ways. For example breasts cut off, whipped naked in the square (where it miraculously snowed), nailed, rolled in a pointed barrel, decapitated and burned. There are 13 white geese in the middle of the cathedral which are symbols for her. We saw her tomb and the church was an old visogothic style with giant buttresses that stretched across the ceiling. It was one of the largest gothic churches I have seen except for Geneva’s and Girona’s. And it is in the center of town and you wouldn’t even notice it.
We explored Montijuic and the Olympic Stadium. Jazz and I are going to Canada for the next Olympics, then London for the next and I hope Chicago wins the next bid. I can imagine how crazy Barcelona got for the Olympics. Barcelona was supposed to host it in the 1920’s but civil war broke out. We looked at the National Palace and went to find some hot chocolate! When we were getting drinks we ran into the man Jazz sat next to on the plane! What a small world! At a tiny coffee shop in a non busy part of the city, she sees him! Weird!
We decided to go to the Garden Maze park! This like park Guell has an amazing view of the city! It is just outside of the city to the north, and it has gardens from rich estates from the earlier centuries! Jazz and I got lost in the maze and Jazz has to compare EVERYTHING to Harry Potter! No matter what she can do it. Try it with her sometime! We met the girls at Pan for a while and then we headed to the St, Eulicia parade.
Around Casa de La Ciutat there were musicians playing the famous Catalan songs where locals were joining into a dance. There was a series of two parades, one for kids and one for adults, each involving fire and dragons. We marched underneath the flames through the cobblestone streets from the Placa Sant Jaurme (which included Palau de La Generalitlat de Cataluña and the Casa de La Ciutat which were draped in Castilian flags.) We followed the parade around the Placa Reial, Placa del Rei where we went for the museum and ended at Cathedral of Santa Eulalia. It was amazing to walk through the narrow streets with so many people, look up and see cobblestone walls, seeing palm trees, “firesticks” everywhere, and the old cathedrals. Smoke filled the sky, but the glow made everything seem mysterious. The final cathedral was built on top of a former visigothic church (which was built in the 13th-15th Century). It was an amazing opportunity to watch this parade. I can’t even explain how cool it was to be jammed in the tiny Gothic walls and getting hit by the fire being spit from the dragons!
Jazz also experienced her first Fallafal! And she loved it! We sat on the streets listening to the orchestra play with the fireworks in the background! It was more patriot than Fourth of July in the United States in some ways! Especially because this history is so old, the United States is such a young country! We ate our weigh in chocolate and chocolate croissants today! The only way to describe it is amazing!
We sat on the beach tonight and just listened to the waves. The stars were trying to peak out but it was chilly today! But the salty air and the city lights made it seem magical that I was sitting on the Mediterranean sea with my sister. We just sad and talked in the sand. It was a perfect chill night and I love the beach and my sister so it was the perfection combination if we only had some cava! I love just spending my nights on the beach. I am so happy I chose to travel abroad to a destination on the water! I now know my obsession with living by water! Just to look out and not see the end gives you a great feeling!
MONDAY
Today Jazz went home, and I want her back! We went to La Rambla which I learned today is built on a river that is damned to the sea! Isn’t that weird how a busy, Barca Street is on a river, but you don’t even notice! It is an undergrounded water system inspired by the Romans. We ate our valentine’s dinner again! We went to the mall and shopped European style! I love how the mall is on the port and they leave the doors open so you can smell the salty air. Our thoughts were confirmed from last semester. YOU CAN GET SWALLOWED BY A SHARK!
We had lunch with the boys and I took Jazz to the train station and wished her off! I get to see her in a few days and that is the best part! I loved Jazz spending four days with me! We got to do a bit of everything Barcelona has to offer! We went to the beach, clubs, bars, shopping, parks and Olympic grounds! I hope Jazz loves Barcelona as much as I do. I have no idea why I am drawn to this city so much. I really hope to live here in the future. I fell in love with Minneapolis and Barcelona so fast. They are the greatest feelings!
Februrary 22, 2009 Sunday
We got up and watched BB Mack music videos to see where they filmed them. We realize at the Bank stop they filmed their video and we were there yesterday! And when we reference potentially getting hit by a bus, it is called BB MACK! We went back to Abbey road because we love that neighborhood. Then walked through Regency Park, and went to Camden Market for donuts and orange juice! We walked back and decided to pack :-(. I don’t want to leave London!
We headed to Chelsea to eat lunch. We went to a pub and got fish and chips. It was beer battered and it was amazing! My old pen pal Matt used to live in this area and I still want to track him down! He used to send me birthday cards and was so sweet. The bus came and picked me up, and I almost started crying when Jazz hugged me goodbye. I just want her to be abroad with me. We are best friends and no one can describe what we have. We have so many inside jokes like “ripping the chair” and “Fly on the wall” from this weekend! And who else would eat cake and fart with me in front of the London Eye (Natalie would of course!), but Jazz gets me!
I realized that I miss the Midwest too today. Jazz and I always do the Minnesota wave. The hand out thank you, almost looking like a stop, especially when a car lets you go. Here they do not get it, and they think it means stop! And they love our accents, when we don’t have one! We hold our oo’s in the Midwest though. I am also low maintenance, and not uptight. Steve is shocked how fast Jazz and I can get ready in the morning. I can shower, make up, blow-dry my long hair, and get dressed in 20 minutes. That is so fast for a girl. And I am refusing to shave my legs. It is an unnecessary use of my time at this point in my life, and I rarely show off my legs. I also do not wear a lot of makeup or dumb nonfunctional clothing. I like baggy jeans and dressing comfortable. So does Jazz. Growing up in a small town helped drive this idea. But this idea is directed towards an ex who told me I spend too much time doing things that don’t matter. And I used to believe him.
Now I don’t. I can push myself harder than most other girls, handle the outdoors, and not freak out about dumb things. So in plain terms, I like who I am, and my ex was extremely wrong (with Natalie’s X hand motion).
A random thought: London dogs are so pretty! They are clean and neat, not to mention well behaved! I think owners pride in their dogs more than their kids. But British children are so cute with their accents.
I took the bus to Gatwick Airport in the north. The area was in Sussex and it was gorgeous. It was full of lush farm lands, green grass, sheep and large horses. The airport security was very tight. But a boy and I became friends while waiting to get through security!
The view from takeoff was gorgeous. You could see the Coast and all of the green farm lands. Sussex was so different from London. I love the water! And listening to the Cab on the flight! They make me smile and dance. Like in high school Jazz and I had a G L A M O R O U S dance party at 30,000 feet, now I’m doing a solo Cab dance!
My weekend with Jazz was perfect. Words can’t describe how she is my World. I have fun with her no matter what. London was amazing. It is a huge city that is rich in history and culture. The people are nice, the food is amazing, and there is something that catches your eye at every corner. I can’t wait to drop back down in London Town.
And today i felt the real affect on how much I missed Natalie. I was in the airport really upset that I just left Jazz, and Earl had to Die came on. I started to cry. She is our best friend and I just want her here with me. She always makes things better. We laugh at the dumbest things, and we could have pulled a Winning London weekend with her. We are never complete without her. That would be a reason to go back to Tomahawk. To have those summer nights we just drive around and don't do anything. 10 oclock tenis, otm nights, thrift cellar tuesdays, walmart runs, most my memories of home have her in it. She is my other sister, "Where's dad?!". She is going to be the first one to give me a hug in the airport. And she was the last one in O'Hare to.
I just want me Choadles:-(
We headed to Chelsea to eat lunch. We went to a pub and got fish and chips. It was beer battered and it was amazing! My old pen pal Matt used to live in this area and I still want to track him down! He used to send me birthday cards and was so sweet. The bus came and picked me up, and I almost started crying when Jazz hugged me goodbye. I just want her to be abroad with me. We are best friends and no one can describe what we have. We have so many inside jokes like “ripping the chair” and “Fly on the wall” from this weekend! And who else would eat cake and fart with me in front of the London Eye (Natalie would of course!), but Jazz gets me!
I realized that I miss the Midwest too today. Jazz and I always do the Minnesota wave. The hand out thank you, almost looking like a stop, especially when a car lets you go. Here they do not get it, and they think it means stop! And they love our accents, when we don’t have one! We hold our oo’s in the Midwest though. I am also low maintenance, and not uptight. Steve is shocked how fast Jazz and I can get ready in the morning. I can shower, make up, blow-dry my long hair, and get dressed in 20 minutes. That is so fast for a girl. And I am refusing to shave my legs. It is an unnecessary use of my time at this point in my life, and I rarely show off my legs. I also do not wear a lot of makeup or dumb nonfunctional clothing. I like baggy jeans and dressing comfortable. So does Jazz. Growing up in a small town helped drive this idea. But this idea is directed towards an ex who told me I spend too much time doing things that don’t matter. And I used to believe him.
Now I don’t. I can push myself harder than most other girls, handle the outdoors, and not freak out about dumb things. So in plain terms, I like who I am, and my ex was extremely wrong (with Natalie’s X hand motion).
A random thought: London dogs are so pretty! They are clean and neat, not to mention well behaved! I think owners pride in their dogs more than their kids. But British children are so cute with their accents.
I took the bus to Gatwick Airport in the north. The area was in Sussex and it was gorgeous. It was full of lush farm lands, green grass, sheep and large horses. The airport security was very tight. But a boy and I became friends while waiting to get through security!
The view from takeoff was gorgeous. You could see the Coast and all of the green farm lands. Sussex was so different from London. I love the water! And listening to the Cab on the flight! They make me smile and dance. Like in high school Jazz and I had a G L A M O R O U S dance party at 30,000 feet, now I’m doing a solo Cab dance!
My weekend with Jazz was perfect. Words can’t describe how she is my World. I have fun with her no matter what. London was amazing. It is a huge city that is rich in history and culture. The people are nice, the food is amazing, and there is something that catches your eye at every corner. I can’t wait to drop back down in London Town.
And today i felt the real affect on how much I missed Natalie. I was in the airport really upset that I just left Jazz, and Earl had to Die came on. I started to cry. She is our best friend and I just want her here with me. She always makes things better. We laugh at the dumbest things, and we could have pulled a Winning London weekend with her. We are never complete without her. That would be a reason to go back to Tomahawk. To have those summer nights we just drive around and don't do anything. 10 oclock tenis, otm nights, thrift cellar tuesdays, walmart runs, most my memories of home have her in it. She is my other sister, "Where's dad?!". She is going to be the first one to give me a hug in the airport. And she was the last one in O'Hare to.
I just want me Choadles:-(
Februrary 21, 2009 Saturday
Up at 7 we were ready to take London on by storm! Right away we went to Abbey road! This is the highlight of the trip. WE WERE ALMOST BB MACKED BY A SPICE BUS WHERE THE BEATLES WALK… You had to be there! Abbey road is really close to Jazz’s house! But the road is actually really cool to see. You had to dodge cars because it was a busy street. Too bad we didn’t have guitars and two more people to make the perfect walking scene! But we added a 21st century flare, for example, walking across with cell phones! Jazz laid in Abbey road. Abbey studios is full of graffiti from over the years. There is also a cute Beatles café. In my mind the Monkeys dominate, but the Beatles did reside and record in a beautiful neighborhood. But while we were on the Beatles tour we had to hit up Marylebone Station where I wanna hold your hand was written. That is my favorite Beatles song, and it reminds me of driving home from Madison with Jazz creating our own dance to it! We held hands in front of it, and it was perfect. We just needed Natalie and Chaaaaaaaales.
We then ventured to Little Venice where there house boats, stores and restaurants all on boats. This is a location where Bridge and prejudice filmed! It was a gorgeous area. The roses were in bloom and everything was beautiful! It was so sunny in London today! After Little Venice we went to Baker’s Street still in search of Sherlock Holmes. And we found him at 221 b Baker’s street! We looked around his hood and read a creepy book on Jack the Ripper! I love how London is so full of history, all in walking distance! Next was Regency Park! It was so much prettier in the day, then the creepy night walk! I can’t believe Kings and Queens used to keep this HUGE park private! All the flowers were in bloom and it reminded me of Secret Garden! After the park we climbed to the top of Primrose Hill! It was an intense hike, even for Jazz the Man, but the view was worth it!
Camden Market. The highlight of my trip to London. It is an area of town that is a punk, chaotic, bizarre atmosphere! There is every kind of piercing, tattoo, clothing, and food shop. And it was directed towards my style! I almost broke a huka bong; I ate Chinese food, and consumed my weight in donuts. They had more donut types than I could imagine! It was blocks of chaotic stores, stands and markets! I loved how busy it was! I loved it more than Madrid’s market! I would love to live in an area of a city like this after college! I could explore this market for hours and still not see everything! We would go into stores because we heard American music like Hanson’s Mmm Bop, and Jazz’s Miley Cyrus’s fly on the Wall. Jazz officially declared Miley as one of her all time favorite singers, and anyone who hates Miley is lying. She had so much passion driven towards this comment! Oh Jazz!
Camden market is officially the BEST thing London has to offer. It is full of Culture and it fit my personality like no other! I loved it so much!
We went to Kings Cross after Camden! We were on a search for Harry Potter. We explored the trains, and went to platform 9. There were no signs of a platform 9 ¾. We searched everywhere and finally asked. Harry was moved to Platform 8. And there in platform 8, was platform 9 ¾. We took pictures pushing the cart through the wall! Jazz practiced her spells as well. She loves magic! Haha
Next was on the search for Hugh Grant at Notting Hill. Notting hill is such a cute neighborhood. It reminds me of the Caribbean. All the houses are attached and painted bright colors. Down Notting Hill was Portobello Road “the streets where the riches and wonders were sold!”. Bedknobs and Broomsticks is one of my favorite movies of all time and we got to go where they found the book to go to The Island of Naboom Boom. Jazz and I used to sing the song growing up and now we were here together! Portobello Road market was like Camden, but classier and just as packed. It was also more organized and stretched for miles down the street. We stumbled upon The Travel Bookshop from the Movie Notting Hill and we saw where Hugh Grant lived! Jazz’s amazing eyes spotted it down a side street. It is amazing how Portobello Road used to sell illegal and stolen goods and now it is antiques and boutique items! I wish I could have found the bed to take me to Naboom Boom. Pedigree, Abigee!!!!
We walked down one of the poshest streets in London looking at embassy’s houses! And then we ran into Hyde’s Park. Hyde’s Park was packed with families and hot soccer players. There we walked around Kensington Palace, and saw a Prince Albert statue which is the world’s largest gilded statue. Fun fact right. He also had 11 kinds! Kensington Palace was made for Princesses, and Princess Dianna lived in it before her death. Jazz was not fond of the adulteress and spoke her opinion as we sat by the water and watched the swans!
After Hyde’s Park and Kensington Palace we went to hunt for the Globe Theater on the Thames. Ms. Balda and Herbison would be proud! While looking we stumbled upon St. Paul’s cathedral where Harry Potter scenes were filmed and a 7th century Saxon church that survived all of the war’s bombings and is still preserved. Soon we hit the Globe Theater. I can’t believe Shakespeare had his work preformed along the water here! The history never ends in London! We watched the London sunset on the bridge right by the globe theater! When I was a sophomore in high school, when we talked about it, never in my life would I imagine going to see it. Especially on a whim decision after sitting at the park.
For dinner we went to an American Diner! We listened to 1970’s songs and sang along with everyone at the restaurant. We ate burgers, fries, and shakes. Again. British food is AMAZING! It was a great dinner, and I loved listening to 70’s songs and random songs from musicals. Jazz’s new obsession! This is where UZA BIGGG BABBBY was born. And this will stay for a long time!
We went to the Old Bell for drinks by Jazz’s house! Strongbow, spice girls and a camera makes everything better! We were filming a video singing to Spice girls and at the same time we would look out the window and yell Spice Bus! That is why we are twins! The night just sitting at the Old Bell topped off the perfect day! The bar with Jazz is my perfect night out! We just laughed and took unattractive NS pictures of ourselves. It would have been perfect if Natalie was with us! These pictures will resurface along with “THE PICTURE” (of freshman year) during our wedding slideshows!
And no this night is not done! After the bar we went to get ready! I was curling Jazz’s hair and Steve was eating across the street and some girl’s house! (What a small world) And he yells out the window CHAZZZ. And we have a full conversation and he comes over but breaks the door. We are all locked in Jazz’s flat. We open the window and yell to Jazz’s neighbors to the right and they come over the help. We kept dropping keys from her window (Jazz lives in an apartment with four floors), but nothing would work. The boys below randomly found a full size mattress and put it below the window. They were yelling jump and I was just yelling no. Jordan got on his knees and sang for me to come down from the window! It was perfect! And I had a crush on him. Jake finally got inside so I left to sit on the mattress outside with a bottle of vodka. This scene reminds me of Rhinelander nights with our old group of boys. We would just sit outside on random things we would find! We just sat and talked, and in a matter of 5 minutes we were rounded up to go to Waxy O’conners for Jordan’s birthday night! The metro was a HUGE social fest. We were running all through the metro cart. Sitting on peoples laps, on the floor, and dancing on poles. It was just like we were back in Minnesota, without sharing our liquor with hobos and the exchange of weed! We ended up at Cinnabon, and we peed in the Cinnabon basement. Never would I think I would do something like this, but we did. It is so gross. Ugh! Whoops! But it was a great night, and the seal was broken!
At Waxy O’Conners we sang out loud to American music like Journey! We had a huge group, and the British guys are so social and not creepy. I was standing on a balcony scanning for Jazz (who was trying to get free drinks) and the guys kept waving to try to confuse me and it worked! The bar was so much fun. British pub’s have the best atmosphere!
We went home after the pub and Steve got lippy. And I just sassed back. He yelled me never to take seriously what guys do drunk, and that concept pissed me off. I stood up for myself. People have NO EXCUSE when they are drunk. Then don’t get so drunk and make those decisions, thus it’s your fault. Steve just gets crabby as a drunk. And really defensive. And I am not about to lose an argument to him. My ex Andy in the past could get really crabby drunk and just yell at me, and my other ex Larkin would just become a whore. So I guess people just react differently. But his comment got on my nerves. YOU ARE NOT EXCUSABLE FOR ANYTHING YOU DO DRUNK. And drunk person speaks a sober heart, hasn’t he ever heard of that! But we complimented each other on the colors we were wearing and our fight was over. And he thinks girls are complex.psh
TODAY WE JAMMED SO MUCH INTO THE DAY AND SAW A SHIT TON OF SIGHTS!
IT WAS AMAZING AND PERFECT AND I LOVE EXPLORING LONDON WITH JAZZ.
We then ventured to Little Venice where there house boats, stores and restaurants all on boats. This is a location where Bridge and prejudice filmed! It was a gorgeous area. The roses were in bloom and everything was beautiful! It was so sunny in London today! After Little Venice we went to Baker’s Street still in search of Sherlock Holmes. And we found him at 221 b Baker’s street! We looked around his hood and read a creepy book on Jack the Ripper! I love how London is so full of history, all in walking distance! Next was Regency Park! It was so much prettier in the day, then the creepy night walk! I can’t believe Kings and Queens used to keep this HUGE park private! All the flowers were in bloom and it reminded me of Secret Garden! After the park we climbed to the top of Primrose Hill! It was an intense hike, even for Jazz the Man, but the view was worth it!
Camden Market. The highlight of my trip to London. It is an area of town that is a punk, chaotic, bizarre atmosphere! There is every kind of piercing, tattoo, clothing, and food shop. And it was directed towards my style! I almost broke a huka bong; I ate Chinese food, and consumed my weight in donuts. They had more donut types than I could imagine! It was blocks of chaotic stores, stands and markets! I loved how busy it was! I loved it more than Madrid’s market! I would love to live in an area of a city like this after college! I could explore this market for hours and still not see everything! We would go into stores because we heard American music like Hanson’s Mmm Bop, and Jazz’s Miley Cyrus’s fly on the Wall. Jazz officially declared Miley as one of her all time favorite singers, and anyone who hates Miley is lying. She had so much passion driven towards this comment! Oh Jazz!
Camden market is officially the BEST thing London has to offer. It is full of Culture and it fit my personality like no other! I loved it so much!
We went to Kings Cross after Camden! We were on a search for Harry Potter. We explored the trains, and went to platform 9. There were no signs of a platform 9 ¾. We searched everywhere and finally asked. Harry was moved to Platform 8. And there in platform 8, was platform 9 ¾. We took pictures pushing the cart through the wall! Jazz practiced her spells as well. She loves magic! Haha
Next was on the search for Hugh Grant at Notting Hill. Notting hill is such a cute neighborhood. It reminds me of the Caribbean. All the houses are attached and painted bright colors. Down Notting Hill was Portobello Road “the streets where the riches and wonders were sold!”. Bedknobs and Broomsticks is one of my favorite movies of all time and we got to go where they found the book to go to The Island of Naboom Boom. Jazz and I used to sing the song growing up and now we were here together! Portobello Road market was like Camden, but classier and just as packed. It was also more organized and stretched for miles down the street. We stumbled upon The Travel Bookshop from the Movie Notting Hill and we saw where Hugh Grant lived! Jazz’s amazing eyes spotted it down a side street. It is amazing how Portobello Road used to sell illegal and stolen goods and now it is antiques and boutique items! I wish I could have found the bed to take me to Naboom Boom. Pedigree, Abigee!!!!
We walked down one of the poshest streets in London looking at embassy’s houses! And then we ran into Hyde’s Park. Hyde’s Park was packed with families and hot soccer players. There we walked around Kensington Palace, and saw a Prince Albert statue which is the world’s largest gilded statue. Fun fact right. He also had 11 kinds! Kensington Palace was made for Princesses, and Princess Dianna lived in it before her death. Jazz was not fond of the adulteress and spoke her opinion as we sat by the water and watched the swans!
After Hyde’s Park and Kensington Palace we went to hunt for the Globe Theater on the Thames. Ms. Balda and Herbison would be proud! While looking we stumbled upon St. Paul’s cathedral where Harry Potter scenes were filmed and a 7th century Saxon church that survived all of the war’s bombings and is still preserved. Soon we hit the Globe Theater. I can’t believe Shakespeare had his work preformed along the water here! The history never ends in London! We watched the London sunset on the bridge right by the globe theater! When I was a sophomore in high school, when we talked about it, never in my life would I imagine going to see it. Especially on a whim decision after sitting at the park.
For dinner we went to an American Diner! We listened to 1970’s songs and sang along with everyone at the restaurant. We ate burgers, fries, and shakes. Again. British food is AMAZING! It was a great dinner, and I loved listening to 70’s songs and random songs from musicals. Jazz’s new obsession! This is where UZA BIGGG BABBBY was born. And this will stay for a long time!
We went to the Old Bell for drinks by Jazz’s house! Strongbow, spice girls and a camera makes everything better! We were filming a video singing to Spice girls and at the same time we would look out the window and yell Spice Bus! That is why we are twins! The night just sitting at the Old Bell topped off the perfect day! The bar with Jazz is my perfect night out! We just laughed and took unattractive NS pictures of ourselves. It would have been perfect if Natalie was with us! These pictures will resurface along with “THE PICTURE” (of freshman year) during our wedding slideshows!
And no this night is not done! After the bar we went to get ready! I was curling Jazz’s hair and Steve was eating across the street and some girl’s house! (What a small world) And he yells out the window CHAZZZ. And we have a full conversation and he comes over but breaks the door. We are all locked in Jazz’s flat. We open the window and yell to Jazz’s neighbors to the right and they come over the help. We kept dropping keys from her window (Jazz lives in an apartment with four floors), but nothing would work. The boys below randomly found a full size mattress and put it below the window. They were yelling jump and I was just yelling no. Jordan got on his knees and sang for me to come down from the window! It was perfect! And I had a crush on him. Jake finally got inside so I left to sit on the mattress outside with a bottle of vodka. This scene reminds me of Rhinelander nights with our old group of boys. We would just sit outside on random things we would find! We just sat and talked, and in a matter of 5 minutes we were rounded up to go to Waxy O’conners for Jordan’s birthday night! The metro was a HUGE social fest. We were running all through the metro cart. Sitting on peoples laps, on the floor, and dancing on poles. It was just like we were back in Minnesota, without sharing our liquor with hobos and the exchange of weed! We ended up at Cinnabon, and we peed in the Cinnabon basement. Never would I think I would do something like this, but we did. It is so gross. Ugh! Whoops! But it was a great night, and the seal was broken!
At Waxy O’Conners we sang out loud to American music like Journey! We had a huge group, and the British guys are so social and not creepy. I was standing on a balcony scanning for Jazz (who was trying to get free drinks) and the guys kept waving to try to confuse me and it worked! The bar was so much fun. British pub’s have the best atmosphere!
We went home after the pub and Steve got lippy. And I just sassed back. He yelled me never to take seriously what guys do drunk, and that concept pissed me off. I stood up for myself. People have NO EXCUSE when they are drunk. Then don’t get so drunk and make those decisions, thus it’s your fault. Steve just gets crabby as a drunk. And really defensive. And I am not about to lose an argument to him. My ex Andy in the past could get really crabby drunk and just yell at me, and my other ex Larkin would just become a whore. So I guess people just react differently. But his comment got on my nerves. YOU ARE NOT EXCUSABLE FOR ANYTHING YOU DO DRUNK. And drunk person speaks a sober heart, hasn’t he ever heard of that! But we complimented each other on the colors we were wearing and our fight was over. And he thinks girls are complex.psh
TODAY WE JAMMED SO MUCH INTO THE DAY AND SAW A SHIT TON OF SIGHTS!
IT WAS AMAZING AND PERFECT AND I LOVE EXPLORING LONDON WITH JAZZ.
Februrary 20, 2009 Friday
We woke up a bit later and went out for the day! Jazz and I made “crap crepe pancakes” according to Alex. But they were really good! I ate them with syrup (that tasted like butterscotch!) and we watched English sitcoms on television. One involved kids at a foster home, and many of the children’s actors were disabled or overweight! I love how they believe in diversity on their television stations! We just sat on the couch eating Craps, watching children’s shows! I loved it!
When we were ready to go out we walked around the city of London! And when I say walked, we hit up every landmark in the old London district! First Westminster Abby, then Big Ben, the London Eye, everything we saw last night but during the day! We hit up Buckingham palace, and chased pigeons! The guards weren’t dressed in their full gear! Then the “arch de triumph” of England. “There is only one in Barcelona”, haha we mocked a dumb guy on our program. We looked at war monuments, and then walked to Leicester square. After riding the lions we went out to lunch at an amazing spot. It was so old and historic, and it was a pub. British pubs are amazing. There are no words to explain it. The smell is amazing, it is homey, the beer tastes great (I love strongbow), and the people are so friendly. We played a pea game, were Steve and I spit peas into Jazz’s shirt, it was a hard game, but Steve won! Around Leicester square there were so many food places.
I love food in London. It is my style. I have been craving sausages, and potatoes and they have them everywhere! They have potatoes jackets, fish and chips, and every kind of food imaginable. I feel satisfied! In Spain, I am always more hungry, but this food is hearty and fills me up!
After the amazing fish and chips lunch, we went to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Tower of London is an amazing structure, and I can’t believe it looks as great as it does for being so old! It was along the river, and it gave it more mystery! And like the spice girls we went on Tower bridge! It had a great view of the city, and the Thames.
For dinner we went to the Old Bell. I got ham, eggs and chips! A complete random combination, but it was really good! Then we walked to Steve’s other friend’s apartment who are in Jazz’s program, but in a posh district! We took the longest walk through Regency Park! But as long as I’m doing something with Jazz, I am happy! We finally get there and the boys have the best view of the London eye. Jazz and I decided to leave to explore Baker Street, to potentially find Sherlock Holmes, (my favorite 6th grade book!). We ended up at his museum and McDonalds. I guess I need to get my future coon dog to scout him out! I need a coon dog when I grow up and get a house, they are so cute! We took the metro to Piccadilly and walked to the London eye to look at the night sky! But before, a girl’s night wouldn’t be complete without chocolate cake! We got chocolate cake, and walked over the Jubilee Bridge and had the best view of London! It was the perfect night to eat cake, look at the moon, and be able to see Big Ben, and the London eye right in front of you! We heard the clock strike 11 again. I love London so much. It is an amazing city. It is so large, but cozy at the same time! There are no language barriers, the people are nice, and it doesn’t smell (which is an important aspect in Europe). Like Barcelona I can see myself living here, but London a long period of time. Here they don’t go out till 5 am like they do in Barca, but I like it. They have pubs. And it is a HUGE city, and I feel like I fit in there!
We met up with the boys at Cinnabnon and it was Jordan’s 21st Birthday. Alex jammed cinnabon down my throat, and we just hung out with the guys for a while and went home! When we went home, we crept online and listened to music. Jazz doesn’t have a lot of music on her computer, but she does have Big Pimpin. That’s fo sho. She had Abba, the Artic Monkeys and then Big Pimpin. That is why I love Jazz. Whenever I’m with her I’m happy. I can’t wait until we get a house after college with Natalie. That is our plan, and every day I am getting more and more excited about the VORTEX! But Jazz and I are going to be the mom’s that get babysitters every Friday so we can go out :p That was decided today too!
When we were ready to go out we walked around the city of London! And when I say walked, we hit up every landmark in the old London district! First Westminster Abby, then Big Ben, the London Eye, everything we saw last night but during the day! We hit up Buckingham palace, and chased pigeons! The guards weren’t dressed in their full gear! Then the “arch de triumph” of England. “There is only one in Barcelona”, haha we mocked a dumb guy on our program. We looked at war monuments, and then walked to Leicester square. After riding the lions we went out to lunch at an amazing spot. It was so old and historic, and it was a pub. British pubs are amazing. There are no words to explain it. The smell is amazing, it is homey, the beer tastes great (I love strongbow), and the people are so friendly. We played a pea game, were Steve and I spit peas into Jazz’s shirt, it was a hard game, but Steve won! Around Leicester square there were so many food places.
I love food in London. It is my style. I have been craving sausages, and potatoes and they have them everywhere! They have potatoes jackets, fish and chips, and every kind of food imaginable. I feel satisfied! In Spain, I am always more hungry, but this food is hearty and fills me up!
After the amazing fish and chips lunch, we went to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Tower of London is an amazing structure, and I can’t believe it looks as great as it does for being so old! It was along the river, and it gave it more mystery! And like the spice girls we went on Tower bridge! It had a great view of the city, and the Thames.
For dinner we went to the Old Bell. I got ham, eggs and chips! A complete random combination, but it was really good! Then we walked to Steve’s other friend’s apartment who are in Jazz’s program, but in a posh district! We took the longest walk through Regency Park! But as long as I’m doing something with Jazz, I am happy! We finally get there and the boys have the best view of the London eye. Jazz and I decided to leave to explore Baker Street, to potentially find Sherlock Holmes, (my favorite 6th grade book!). We ended up at his museum and McDonalds. I guess I need to get my future coon dog to scout him out! I need a coon dog when I grow up and get a house, they are so cute! We took the metro to Piccadilly and walked to the London eye to look at the night sky! But before, a girl’s night wouldn’t be complete without chocolate cake! We got chocolate cake, and walked over the Jubilee Bridge and had the best view of London! It was the perfect night to eat cake, look at the moon, and be able to see Big Ben, and the London eye right in front of you! We heard the clock strike 11 again. I love London so much. It is an amazing city. It is so large, but cozy at the same time! There are no language barriers, the people are nice, and it doesn’t smell (which is an important aspect in Europe). Like Barcelona I can see myself living here, but London a long period of time. Here they don’t go out till 5 am like they do in Barca, but I like it. They have pubs. And it is a HUGE city, and I feel like I fit in there!
We met up with the boys at Cinnabnon and it was Jordan’s 21st Birthday. Alex jammed cinnabon down my throat, and we just hung out with the guys for a while and went home! When we went home, we crept online and listened to music. Jazz doesn’t have a lot of music on her computer, but she does have Big Pimpin. That’s fo sho. She had Abba, the Artic Monkeys and then Big Pimpin. That is why I love Jazz. Whenever I’m with her I’m happy. I can’t wait until we get a house after college with Natalie. That is our plan, and every day I am getting more and more excited about the VORTEX! But Jazz and I are going to be the mom’s that get babysitters every Friday so we can go out :p That was decided today too!
Februrary 19, 2009 Thursday
I left the Barca airport London bound! I didn’t want to leave today! The sun was shining and it was the perfect weather! A long sleeve was even too hot! And the sky was hazy because of the heat and I just wanted to stay and sit on the beach!
I flew Alitalia air and the plane looked like a little sardine! There were 3 girls on the plane; I was the only blonde one with all business men! It was a very small and compact plane! I was surprised when the flight was so smooth! I also had a butter/mushroom/sardine sandwich. It was not good at all. I gave it a chance like baby eel, but I dislike both greatly! We took off from the Barcelona airport (which is on the Mediterranean Sea shore) and we had the best view of the cities. If you close your eyes and opened them you couldn’t tell whether you were looking at the sky or water. Both were an unbelievable blue. The only way you could decide if it was by the little white boats in the water and the occasional change of depth. When you looked out onto the Mediterranean you could see for miles! And when you looked back towards Barca you could see the snow capped giant Pyrenees in the background! They almost seemed to float because the warm air created a haze on land. We flew along the shore getting the best views of Costa Brava, and Saint Sebastian! The water looked so pretty against the sky. But the most phenomenal view was the Alps. They expanded for miles and you could see the rugged caps point up to the sky. They seem to float as well because of the clouds! The whole way we followed some sort of mountain range. We flew over Torino where the Olympics were and we landed in Italy just outside of the Mountains. There was snow everywhere 15 miles before we landed. But then we hit a brown, beige, crème quilt work of mountainous farms. Way smaller than the Alps, but it had historic old properties on them, with amazing courtyards!
Milan has the same sky color as Switzerland does. It really reminds me of Switaly! Haha. It has the colored houses like in the south, but the Swiss architecture of the square buildings. The airport is in the middle of the city so I had a great view of everything.
***NO sign of Beckham yet. GOD DAMN IT!
***It smells like spring and farms outside!
***the airport is in the center of town!
I am right now flying over the Italian Alps. At first the mountains looked like teeth with cavities. All of them are smooth on top with white around the edges and dark in the middle (just like a tooth!). There are so many rivers and lakes that are glistening blue y green north of Milan with little towns surrounding them. And between each Alp and a river basin a whole town follows the river. But now I look on both sides of the plane and there are HUGE snowcapped mountains. When I went to Switzerland I didn’t have a good view because of the snowstorms (go figure Switzerland!). But it is clear and sunny out and all I see is white mountains below me and blue skies above me. There isn’t a cloud in the sky. The sun makes the snow seem glazed at smooth. I can’t even explain the panoramic view I have right now from my window. The vast spread of mountains and little river basins with the hint of trees on the bottom is spectacular. Northern Italy is gorgeous and cozy. I can’t get over the fact how these huge mountains expand so far out! We are over Austria and I can’t wait to be in the Alps in the spring. The Alps can’t compare to the Appalachians (or Adirondacks Jazz ha ha get the snow machine!) or the Rockies. The concept that whole communities are shoved between the peaks and the continuity of white hills are gorgeous. There are natural hot springs we keep passing. The steam is rising from the mountains and it looks like mini volcanoes. I can’t wait to explore the small basin towns in May! I LOVE THE ALPS!!!! I need my camera. I know I’m rambling, but I don’t have enough adjectives to explain what it looks like to be up in the blue skies surrounded by the Alps And when we go over the clouds, just like Switzerland they blanketed across like bumpy mash potatoes with the peaks sticking out of it and in the distance mas montanas.
When I arrived to the airport I got quizzed by security for the most intense details. From where I was studying, to where my sister lives, and what she is studying. I said Notting Hill, I had no idea! But right when I was going to the Underground to meet Jazz I heard a “RACHEL JANZ. RACHEL!”. And there was Jake, Blake and Jordan. And all of their flights arrived a few hours before mine! What are the odds in one of the largest airports in the world, I would run into the boys! And Steve was missing from their group and he was held back in Madrid. Poor Steve!
Jazz was 15 minutes late, but those 15 minutes was enough for me to panic! I needed Natalie to duff her at that moment. I paid a crazy amount to go online and I ran around looking for her! Finally I ran into her. I tried asking people for help to see if there was another tube station, but this was the only one out of this terminal! But no one could understand me! They said I talked way to fast and their accents were too thick! But people here are VERY nice, they are always willing to help and are very genuine!
When I met up with Jazz we went to her apartment! I loved the district of town she lived in! I met her roommates, and I didn’t like most, but somewhere sweet! We ate Velveeta Mac and cheese and chicken and it tasted amazing, that and being with Jazz was already making my London experience!
After dinner we had to wait for Steve’s flight to arrive (he was having a Hell Trip in Madrid) so we went to the Westbury to get two for ones! The hottest bartenders on earth worked there and they made us a drink with real fruit that tasted great! I felt fancy drinking in such an old building with chandeliers! I should say Posh because most of London is posh! After good buzz we adventured to Piccadilly Circus! We walked through the Park just east of Buckingham until we ran into Westminster abbey, Big Ben and the London Eye. I can imagine what Peter Pan felt like when he flew around Big Ben in the London sky! It was gorgeous! It was a tinged yellow glow and the rest of the building reflected off of the Thames. Then the London Eye lit up the sky looking out of place, and the building next to it changed fiber optic lights numerous times. We heard Big Ben strike 11, and the streets were dead and it echoed through. It was so eerie, almost something you would read in Sherlock Holmes. I love the way London looks at night. Last time I was here, it didn’t impress me half as much. It is so romantic at night! Big Ben I think is London’s most amazing piece of architecture!
We picked up Steve and did he have stories. Even knowing Spanish he had to get a lawyer and a bunch of locals to help him get a flight here, but he made it. We came home, ate and chilled out! I can’t get the London night landscape out of my head!
I flew Alitalia air and the plane looked like a little sardine! There were 3 girls on the plane; I was the only blonde one with all business men! It was a very small and compact plane! I was surprised when the flight was so smooth! I also had a butter/mushroom/sardine sandwich. It was not good at all. I gave it a chance like baby eel, but I dislike both greatly! We took off from the Barcelona airport (which is on the Mediterranean Sea shore) and we had the best view of the cities. If you close your eyes and opened them you couldn’t tell whether you were looking at the sky or water. Both were an unbelievable blue. The only way you could decide if it was by the little white boats in the water and the occasional change of depth. When you looked out onto the Mediterranean you could see for miles! And when you looked back towards Barca you could see the snow capped giant Pyrenees in the background! They almost seemed to float because the warm air created a haze on land. We flew along the shore getting the best views of Costa Brava, and Saint Sebastian! The water looked so pretty against the sky. But the most phenomenal view was the Alps. They expanded for miles and you could see the rugged caps point up to the sky. They seem to float as well because of the clouds! The whole way we followed some sort of mountain range. We flew over Torino where the Olympics were and we landed in Italy just outside of the Mountains. There was snow everywhere 15 miles before we landed. But then we hit a brown, beige, crème quilt work of mountainous farms. Way smaller than the Alps, but it had historic old properties on them, with amazing courtyards!
Milan has the same sky color as Switzerland does. It really reminds me of Switaly! Haha. It has the colored houses like in the south, but the Swiss architecture of the square buildings. The airport is in the middle of the city so I had a great view of everything.
***NO sign of Beckham yet. GOD DAMN IT!
***It smells like spring and farms outside!
***the airport is in the center of town!
I am right now flying over the Italian Alps. At first the mountains looked like teeth with cavities. All of them are smooth on top with white around the edges and dark in the middle (just like a tooth!). There are so many rivers and lakes that are glistening blue y green north of Milan with little towns surrounding them. And between each Alp and a river basin a whole town follows the river. But now I look on both sides of the plane and there are HUGE snowcapped mountains. When I went to Switzerland I didn’t have a good view because of the snowstorms (go figure Switzerland!). But it is clear and sunny out and all I see is white mountains below me and blue skies above me. There isn’t a cloud in the sky. The sun makes the snow seem glazed at smooth. I can’t even explain the panoramic view I have right now from my window. The vast spread of mountains and little river basins with the hint of trees on the bottom is spectacular. Northern Italy is gorgeous and cozy. I can’t get over the fact how these huge mountains expand so far out! We are over Austria and I can’t wait to be in the Alps in the spring. The Alps can’t compare to the Appalachians (or Adirondacks Jazz ha ha get the snow machine!) or the Rockies. The concept that whole communities are shoved between the peaks and the continuity of white hills are gorgeous. There are natural hot springs we keep passing. The steam is rising from the mountains and it looks like mini volcanoes. I can’t wait to explore the small basin towns in May! I LOVE THE ALPS!!!! I need my camera. I know I’m rambling, but I don’t have enough adjectives to explain what it looks like to be up in the blue skies surrounded by the Alps And when we go over the clouds, just like Switzerland they blanketed across like bumpy mash potatoes with the peaks sticking out of it and in the distance mas montanas.
When I arrived to the airport I got quizzed by security for the most intense details. From where I was studying, to where my sister lives, and what she is studying. I said Notting Hill, I had no idea! But right when I was going to the Underground to meet Jazz I heard a “RACHEL JANZ. RACHEL!”. And there was Jake, Blake and Jordan. And all of their flights arrived a few hours before mine! What are the odds in one of the largest airports in the world, I would run into the boys! And Steve was missing from their group and he was held back in Madrid. Poor Steve!
Jazz was 15 minutes late, but those 15 minutes was enough for me to panic! I needed Natalie to duff her at that moment. I paid a crazy amount to go online and I ran around looking for her! Finally I ran into her. I tried asking people for help to see if there was another tube station, but this was the only one out of this terminal! But no one could understand me! They said I talked way to fast and their accents were too thick! But people here are VERY nice, they are always willing to help and are very genuine!
When I met up with Jazz we went to her apartment! I loved the district of town she lived in! I met her roommates, and I didn’t like most, but somewhere sweet! We ate Velveeta Mac and cheese and chicken and it tasted amazing, that and being with Jazz was already making my London experience!
After dinner we had to wait for Steve’s flight to arrive (he was having a Hell Trip in Madrid) so we went to the Westbury to get two for ones! The hottest bartenders on earth worked there and they made us a drink with real fruit that tasted great! I felt fancy drinking in such an old building with chandeliers! I should say Posh because most of London is posh! After good buzz we adventured to Piccadilly Circus! We walked through the Park just east of Buckingham until we ran into Westminster abbey, Big Ben and the London Eye. I can imagine what Peter Pan felt like when he flew around Big Ben in the London sky! It was gorgeous! It was a tinged yellow glow and the rest of the building reflected off of the Thames. Then the London Eye lit up the sky looking out of place, and the building next to it changed fiber optic lights numerous times. We heard Big Ben strike 11, and the streets were dead and it echoed through. It was so eerie, almost something you would read in Sherlock Holmes. I love the way London looks at night. Last time I was here, it didn’t impress me half as much. It is so romantic at night! Big Ben I think is London’s most amazing piece of architecture!
We picked up Steve and did he have stories. Even knowing Spanish he had to get a lawyer and a bunch of locals to help him get a flight here, but he made it. We came home, ate and chilled out! I can’t get the London night landscape out of my head!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Februrary 18, 2009 Wednesday
I am getting cultured as we speak! My intercambio is now the Pan worker:-). He is trying to learn English and we talked about my accent! He is so sweet and I love talking to him every night.
Erin just told a lie to her host family that "her letter is probably in the North Pole where Santa lives" even though she is Jewish. I love spending time with Erin! She is amazing! We have so much in common and we are perfect for each other! I can't explain it, we get each other! We both have therapists and we just understand each other.
Today you didn't need a coat outside and It was perfect.
My new goal. I will be fluent in Spanish by the time I'm 30 by casually taking it! I love my physical therapist here. She talks to me about her boy friends and life in Spain! We are going out together! It is because they are so young here when they join the work force!
Lizzie is my role model! At therapy she told me you can never settle on your first love. Or the first boy you sleep with. You need to explore your options. She is so brave. She has lived here for 5 years and picked up Spanish by living here. She has gone through the biggest guy problems and even moved to China with her boyfriend during the SARS outbreak! I want to be like her. She is so spunky,carefree, and spirited. She is what girls should look up to.
Matt and I wasted each others time today googling cute animals in the computer lab! 4 hours of time! But we learned so much about each other! I love how he calls me hun and babe. Girls love special attention like that! And he told me to find a guy who will play with my hair. That is officially on my required list! I need a hair play with er. And a guy to make me feel special.
I deleted Larkin as a facebook friend today. We may be making progress.
Tomorrow i am going to London, but Steve is being a pain in my ass!
But I love the sun. And Matt loves my smiles.
so its a good day:-)
LONDRES MANANA!
I GET TO SEE JAZZ
AND PORTABELLO ROAD
AND WHERE BECKHAM PLAYS
Erin just told a lie to her host family that "her letter is probably in the North Pole where Santa lives" even though she is Jewish. I love spending time with Erin! She is amazing! We have so much in common and we are perfect for each other! I can't explain it, we get each other! We both have therapists and we just understand each other.
Today you didn't need a coat outside and It was perfect.
My new goal. I will be fluent in Spanish by the time I'm 30 by casually taking it! I love my physical therapist here. She talks to me about her boy friends and life in Spain! We are going out together! It is because they are so young here when they join the work force!
Lizzie is my role model! At therapy she told me you can never settle on your first love. Or the first boy you sleep with. You need to explore your options. She is so brave. She has lived here for 5 years and picked up Spanish by living here. She has gone through the biggest guy problems and even moved to China with her boyfriend during the SARS outbreak! I want to be like her. She is so spunky,carefree, and spirited. She is what girls should look up to.
Matt and I wasted each others time today googling cute animals in the computer lab! 4 hours of time! But we learned so much about each other! I love how he calls me hun and babe. Girls love special attention like that! And he told me to find a guy who will play with my hair. That is officially on my required list! I need a hair play with er. And a guy to make me feel special.
I deleted Larkin as a facebook friend today. We may be making progress.
Tomorrow i am going to London, but Steve is being a pain in my ass!
But I love the sun. And Matt loves my smiles.
so its a good day:-)
LONDRES MANANA!
I GET TO SEE JAZZ
AND PORTABELLO ROAD
AND WHERE BECKHAM PLAYS
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Februrary 17,2009 Tuesday
So today I was just picking up the pieces from before Jazz came. I am so far behind in everything and in nothing. We don't do much here, but I am behind in what we don't do much of. I am a procrastinator, but I work best that way. I can't believe I am going to see Jazz on Thursday! I am sooooo excited! I wish she would have studied abroad in Barcelona with me!
Today I did a lot of nothing when i should have been picking up the pieces! My teacher today gave the funniest pep talk about going to Sichez. She told us we couldn't dress up like bananas or penguins because it is way too packed. Be something comfortable like a dung beetle!
Professors here are so carefree like that! She was giving us drinking advice and telling us what she does, and we have to send her pictures when we go. I can't believe I am going to Madri Gras at the World's 2nd largest festival! I need to figure out a costume. My Spanish teacher writes down pick up lines, swear words and how to get high on the board. I love the lifestyle here. But I do find t strange that grown children live at home! I also sat in the street while a friend rolled a joint! People here just smoke out in public! I am shocked by that whole idea. When I think of smoking pot I will always think of a girl I met on the trip saying it's like "smoking ass" because you don't know how it was transported!
John walked me home today! The sun was shining and everyone was out perfect day.
I also got to talk to my loves. I chatted away all night. It felt so good to be able to see their faces on web cam. I saw Arbys, milk, Kiki's bra, Megan, Emily and Kiki. I miss the Vortex so much! I have been also talking to a lot of people back home.
I wish the midwest had an Ocean.
then it would be perfect.
Today I did a lot of nothing when i should have been picking up the pieces! My teacher today gave the funniest pep talk about going to Sichez. She told us we couldn't dress up like bananas or penguins because it is way too packed. Be something comfortable like a dung beetle!
Professors here are so carefree like that! She was giving us drinking advice and telling us what she does, and we have to send her pictures when we go. I can't believe I am going to Madri Gras at the World's 2nd largest festival! I need to figure out a costume. My Spanish teacher writes down pick up lines, swear words and how to get high on the board. I love the lifestyle here. But I do find t strange that grown children live at home! I also sat in the street while a friend rolled a joint! People here just smoke out in public! I am shocked by that whole idea. When I think of smoking pot I will always think of a girl I met on the trip saying it's like "smoking ass" because you don't know how it was transported!
John walked me home today! The sun was shining and everyone was out perfect day.
I also got to talk to my loves. I chatted away all night. It felt so good to be able to see their faces on web cam. I saw Arbys, milk, Kiki's bra, Megan, Emily and Kiki. I miss the Vortex so much! I have been also talking to a lot of people back home.
I wish the midwest had an Ocean.
then it would be perfect.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Day 40-41, Februrary 10-11,2009 Tuesday-Wednesday
Vale. Life is going crazy. You know when you seem to get an unlucky streak and you didn’t break a mirror or pick a penny tails up, and you don’t know what it’s caused from. Well that is my life. My computer crashed and life just got hectic with traveling planning, prices going up, and other small plans. The sad part is boys aren’t even causing this! My computer muerte, my camera stolen, mi pie rompe, aye aye aye…. But I am dealing with it. I may pout, but being happy makes these things seem less drastic. If I was in Tomahawk I would have freaked, but here in the words of John “just rollin with the homies”.
Yesterday I went shopping with Steve and I explored areas of Barcelona I never realized existed. I have to do that more with Minneapolis. It is my home, and there is so much I haven’t seen, and I feel like every day should be an adventure. I live in a big city in the states, and it is a possibility so I should take full advantage of it. I love how much spirit Barca has for FC Futball. They had the cutest little kid outfits! I am going to buy my child one day one of them. And Las Ramblas is way too intense to shop. I am not a tourist, and I can’t handle shopping like one. People try to sell you way too much, and push it on you! I like the smaller neighborhoods and districts. I love shopping with Steve; he makes it so much fun!
All the shops in Barca are broken into districts like shoes, chocolate, electronics, trinkets, stoner shops. It makes my life so easy! And I can’t believe people just smoke weed on the streets. It baffles me. But so does much about Europe.
On the train on Tuesday after Steve went home I made eye contact with a guy. It was so cute. He got off the train and just stood there. I wish he would have run back on like a scene from a romantic movie. But he stood there and didn’t leave the station til the train was gone and moved his head until it was gone. I need to have a romantic story like that!
And Catalan is so much different than Spanish. I don’t think I can ever master it!
I went to lunch with the boys at “their” restaurant and got a bikini and Clara, both Barca originated foods! A Clara is a mix of beer and lemonade, and a bikini is a jamon and queso with sauce. I had a blast! I can just fit in with them, and we just sat and were treated like regulars. I am becoming a regular at pan and company. Their cookies taste just like subways, and they have free internet! This is the girl’s new meeting spot!
The people at the computer spot were all very sweet to me. Most of computers are written in English formats, even in Europe, so I was lucky in that aspect. I tried ot spit out words, and we tried to communicate. It ended up getting my point across. The language barrier has been the hardest change in my life, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It makes me try harder and use other forms of communication to get my message across.
I saw a man driving a four wheeler in traffic today. He followed the safety laws by wearing a helmet, but it was very weird and looked out of place. Rarely do you see something that American just cruizin the streets during rush hour traffic.
Chocolate is replacing my need for Jazz. Tom offered his hugs, but it isn’t the same. I can’t wait to live with Natalie and Jazz after college!
SPRING BREAK GREECE 2009. It is official. I am excited. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would go to Greece! A large group is going so it is going to be the time of my life. I am planning to go to Germany, Austria, Prauge, and Switzerland again after the program, and then Italy in the last 10 days. I am so lucky to be able to explore the world.
I am also becoming bold with my past. I know what went wrong and I am fixing my problems for good. And I am taking control with what I want. I have a goal and motivation in life, but that is my secret.
Yesterday I went shopping with Steve and I explored areas of Barcelona I never realized existed. I have to do that more with Minneapolis. It is my home, and there is so much I haven’t seen, and I feel like every day should be an adventure. I live in a big city in the states, and it is a possibility so I should take full advantage of it. I love how much spirit Barca has for FC Futball. They had the cutest little kid outfits! I am going to buy my child one day one of them. And Las Ramblas is way too intense to shop. I am not a tourist, and I can’t handle shopping like one. People try to sell you way too much, and push it on you! I like the smaller neighborhoods and districts. I love shopping with Steve; he makes it so much fun!
All the shops in Barca are broken into districts like shoes, chocolate, electronics, trinkets, stoner shops. It makes my life so easy! And I can’t believe people just smoke weed on the streets. It baffles me. But so does much about Europe.
On the train on Tuesday after Steve went home I made eye contact with a guy. It was so cute. He got off the train and just stood there. I wish he would have run back on like a scene from a romantic movie. But he stood there and didn’t leave the station til the train was gone and moved his head until it was gone. I need to have a romantic story like that!
And Catalan is so much different than Spanish. I don’t think I can ever master it!
I went to lunch with the boys at “their” restaurant and got a bikini and Clara, both Barca originated foods! A Clara is a mix of beer and lemonade, and a bikini is a jamon and queso with sauce. I had a blast! I can just fit in with them, and we just sat and were treated like regulars. I am becoming a regular at pan and company. Their cookies taste just like subways, and they have free internet! This is the girl’s new meeting spot!
The people at the computer spot were all very sweet to me. Most of computers are written in English formats, even in Europe, so I was lucky in that aspect. I tried ot spit out words, and we tried to communicate. It ended up getting my point across. The language barrier has been the hardest change in my life, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It makes me try harder and use other forms of communication to get my message across.
I saw a man driving a four wheeler in traffic today. He followed the safety laws by wearing a helmet, but it was very weird and looked out of place. Rarely do you see something that American just cruizin the streets during rush hour traffic.
Chocolate is replacing my need for Jazz. Tom offered his hugs, but it isn’t the same. I can’t wait to live with Natalie and Jazz after college!
SPRING BREAK GREECE 2009. It is official. I am excited. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would go to Greece! A large group is going so it is going to be the time of my life. I am planning to go to Germany, Austria, Prauge, and Switzerland again after the program, and then Italy in the last 10 days. I am so lucky to be able to explore the world.
I am also becoming bold with my past. I know what went wrong and I am fixing my problems for good. And I am taking control with what I want. I have a goal and motivation in life, but that is my secret.
Day 39 February 9, 2009 Monday
Today I had a lot of energy in which tomorrow will be the opposite. I got a lot of things accomplished which is great for a Monday! I was even on time to Spanish. I am shocked in a city so large how you can randomly run into two people you know on the exact same train! Spanish is always so much fun. I laugh the hardest during my day in there. Today I sat next to John and we discussed drugos in class. And he convinced the class I was a drug dealer “fact” not fiction haha.
I had my oral examination today and I realized I do not like the way I am learning Spanish here. I would like to learn vocabulary of nouns and verbs along the way so I can use the grammatical things we learn in sentences. My goal in life is to become fluent in Spanish. I am going to enroll in summer courses. Catalan is so different though.
When I was adding minutes onto my phone at Corte I met a man who was trying to learn English. We discussed his favorite cities in Europe. He said his favorite cities in Europe are Barcelona, Paris, London and St. Petersburg. He said I need to bring my boyfriend to Paris. He described each one to me. I love how most Europeans are bilingual and are so cultured. But this man was an art dealer/real state agent and he hated Madrid. I rambled about how much I loved the Parado Mueso and he only had poor things to say about Madrid. He told me his reasons were politically based and he despised the way that Espana treats the Cataluña region just because they lived under a different flag, government and morals. His opinion was also art driven. He was angered that Madrid got to have some of Barcelona’s best artists work displayed and not Barca. He said that Barcelona could not afford to purchase many of these paintings and Madrid could. He said it was like taking a piece of history of Barca away every time. Picasso, Miro and Goya should be featured in their home “coutry”, not just the wealthy meusems. I loved his passion.
As Van Gough said “Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul.” The painting should be wear the painter’s love is.
This man was well educated and passionate about his home region. It makes me feel special to live in such a nationalist region.
I ate lunch with the boys today. They made fun of my accent. And they discussed why they loved Midwestern girls. I guess the kindhearted, good matured girl is wanted throughout the country! We also discussed gossip. I feel as though the boys have even more drama than I do. But the boys on this program are flighty hoes, but they are sweet.
It was very warm out today. I did not need to wear a coat. I love the warm breeze and the sun shining and walking through Uptown region. I listen to fun music and look at all the sights. I walk home from therapy now, and I witness the most interesting things. I am falling in love every day. And the perfect weather (my favorite) puts me in a great mood. It’s almost like it is that perfect spring day every day. Where there is a warm sun, light breeze, warm and damp ground. Everyday I’m going to bring it up. Because it does make me happy.
"Spring is when life's alive in everything."
Tonight Katie, Erin and I went to Pans and become famous regulars. The workers loved us. It was even better than going clubbing. We stayed until midnight and just laughed our asses off. We had comment wars, and skyped jazz. We discussed the toilet doucher, Erin’s smelliness, Katie’s farts, becoming patient, tagging, creeping and eating. I love my girls. They mean the world to me and make me so happy. Creeping the web together, not getting work done, staring at the locals and eating cookies made my night. We even got Jazz to almost cry on the phone.
And I decided that I am always going to be impatient. I know I am going to be sloppy and cluttered, but I am embracing that. And I am a jealous person, but that means I care. I know my flaws. And I am not going to try to change them. People say work on them, but I shouldn’t have to. It makes me, and I am vale with these flaws. Lack of patients means I’m ambitious and a go getter according to my marketing teacher who also thinks I’m marriage material. The clutter I could try and fix but it’s the way my mind works, and jealousy occurs only if you are lucky, so be happy if I’m jealous. So mom you can never say work on your patience, because I love that aspect of me.
I am just amazed by the weather today! I LOVE IT!!! IT IS SOOOOO PERFECT. 69*!
Erin announced to the world that her family wasn’t very clean! I almost died laughing.
A FEW CONVOS FROM FACEBOOKING IN THE SAME ROOM
Katie is Erin: "Seriously...my family is not a very clean family..."
Rachel Janz -obviously erin isnt clean either.,...
she didnt shower for 5 days when we went to madrid.
she pretty much made the train stink.
that quote may just be an understatement...
-you suck at comback comments
Erin Wise -Well you are impatient
Katie Anderson - and she wonders why we didn't spend the night with her?
Rachel Janz -well you smell and that is why i slept with a smoker.
a smoker is better than a stinker
Katie wants to go to paris with the love of her life...but someone doesn't love her ENOUGH in return.
Rachel Janz -Paris holds the key to your heart... If you would watch anastasia you would know. now i have to put up with your emo ass. Dont worry you will get ur love. You will be able to cuddle, kiss, take pics in front of hte eifle tower, canoodle, romp, eat baguettes, share spagetti like that lady and the trap, and walk under the PARI moon light. j'mepapael. AVWAU.. doesnt that sound french., dont worry, you will get your love.
Katie Anderson: lady and the tramp?
Rachel Janz: fuckin tramp.
and the lengua was necesario
Katie Anderson: idioma? you're living in spain?
Katie Anderson: -p.s. i don't have tuberculosis!!
Rachel Janz: Well White bear ho. You wanna share spagetti.
i couldnt find a lady in the tramp quote.
oh but i will get u an anastasia one
Rachel Janz: YOU HAVE HARDCORE TUBERKULOUS!!!!!
I had my oral examination today and I realized I do not like the way I am learning Spanish here. I would like to learn vocabulary of nouns and verbs along the way so I can use the grammatical things we learn in sentences. My goal in life is to become fluent in Spanish. I am going to enroll in summer courses. Catalan is so different though.
When I was adding minutes onto my phone at Corte I met a man who was trying to learn English. We discussed his favorite cities in Europe. He said his favorite cities in Europe are Barcelona, Paris, London and St. Petersburg. He said I need to bring my boyfriend to Paris. He described each one to me. I love how most Europeans are bilingual and are so cultured. But this man was an art dealer/real state agent and he hated Madrid. I rambled about how much I loved the Parado Mueso and he only had poor things to say about Madrid. He told me his reasons were politically based and he despised the way that Espana treats the Cataluña region just because they lived under a different flag, government and morals. His opinion was also art driven. He was angered that Madrid got to have some of Barcelona’s best artists work displayed and not Barca. He said that Barcelona could not afford to purchase many of these paintings and Madrid could. He said it was like taking a piece of history of Barca away every time. Picasso, Miro and Goya should be featured in their home “coutry”, not just the wealthy meusems. I loved his passion.
As Van Gough said “Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul.” The painting should be wear the painter’s love is.
This man was well educated and passionate about his home region. It makes me feel special to live in such a nationalist region.
I ate lunch with the boys today. They made fun of my accent. And they discussed why they loved Midwestern girls. I guess the kindhearted, good matured girl is wanted throughout the country! We also discussed gossip. I feel as though the boys have even more drama than I do. But the boys on this program are flighty hoes, but they are sweet.
It was very warm out today. I did not need to wear a coat. I love the warm breeze and the sun shining and walking through Uptown region. I listen to fun music and look at all the sights. I walk home from therapy now, and I witness the most interesting things. I am falling in love every day. And the perfect weather (my favorite) puts me in a great mood. It’s almost like it is that perfect spring day every day. Where there is a warm sun, light breeze, warm and damp ground. Everyday I’m going to bring it up. Because it does make me happy.
"Spring is when life's alive in everything."
Tonight Katie, Erin and I went to Pans and become famous regulars. The workers loved us. It was even better than going clubbing. We stayed until midnight and just laughed our asses off. We had comment wars, and skyped jazz. We discussed the toilet doucher, Erin’s smelliness, Katie’s farts, becoming patient, tagging, creeping and eating. I love my girls. They mean the world to me and make me so happy. Creeping the web together, not getting work done, staring at the locals and eating cookies made my night. We even got Jazz to almost cry on the phone.
And I decided that I am always going to be impatient. I know I am going to be sloppy and cluttered, but I am embracing that. And I am a jealous person, but that means I care. I know my flaws. And I am not going to try to change them. People say work on them, but I shouldn’t have to. It makes me, and I am vale with these flaws. Lack of patients means I’m ambitious and a go getter according to my marketing teacher who also thinks I’m marriage material. The clutter I could try and fix but it’s the way my mind works, and jealousy occurs only if you are lucky, so be happy if I’m jealous. So mom you can never say work on your patience, because I love that aspect of me.
I am just amazed by the weather today! I LOVE IT!!! IT IS SOOOOO PERFECT. 69*!
Erin announced to the world that her family wasn’t very clean! I almost died laughing.
A FEW CONVOS FROM FACEBOOKING IN THE SAME ROOM
Katie is Erin: "Seriously...my family is not a very clean family..."
Rachel Janz -obviously erin isnt clean either.,...
she didnt shower for 5 days when we went to madrid.
she pretty much made the train stink.
that quote may just be an understatement...
-you suck at comback comments
Erin Wise -Well you are impatient
Katie Anderson - and she wonders why we didn't spend the night with her?
Rachel Janz -well you smell and that is why i slept with a smoker.
a smoker is better than a stinker
Katie wants to go to paris with the love of her life...but someone doesn't love her ENOUGH in return.
Rachel Janz -Paris holds the key to your heart... If you would watch anastasia you would know. now i have to put up with your emo ass. Dont worry you will get ur love. You will be able to cuddle, kiss, take pics in front of hte eifle tower, canoodle, romp, eat baguettes, share spagetti like that lady and the trap, and walk under the PARI moon light. j'mepapael. AVWAU.. doesnt that sound french., dont worry, you will get your love.
Katie Anderson: lady and the tramp?
Rachel Janz: fuckin tramp.
and the lengua was necesario
Katie Anderson: idioma? you're living in spain?
Katie Anderson: -p.s. i don't have tuberculosis!!
Rachel Janz: Well White bear ho. You wanna share spagetti.
i couldnt find a lady in the tramp quote.
oh but i will get u an anastasia one
Rachel Janz: YOU HAVE HARDCORE TUBERKULOUS!!!!!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Day 38 February 8, 2009 Sunday
Today we have another long breakfast! But today there was no experimenting with food! We knew what we wanted! We went to the Reina Sofia Museum today and la Guernica, Picassos most famous painting. It was so much larger than I assumed it to be! The Reina Sofia is a modern art museum, and generally I don’t like modern art, but this museum was amazing! We then went to the largest flea market in the world! It was crazy busy! You could barely move! I bought a couple leather bracelets and Flamenco posters! I can’t imagine this flea market in the summer when it is hot! It seemed hot when it is Spain’s winter months! The flea market was chaotic, but it was a fun experience! You could send hours looking at the stands and still never see everything there!
On the train ride home Erin and I didn’t sleep. We were wired and uncontrollably obnoxious; which is shocking because I didn’t sleep at all last night. But it was probably over exhaustion! We got in trouble several times for being a loud and disruptive. “I wanna make love right na na na, 16 going on 17, and Hey Hey you you I don’t like your girlfriend” were our main spotlighted songs we sang to! Backstreet boys and Spice Girls were also thrown in there! We sang out loud and danced, and the sleeping people wanted to kill us! It was just like Switzerland, but taken to a Train extreme! We went to the food cart and ate toberones, and talked and danced! We love train travel we decided. There were so many old ruins that I missed when I slept on the way there. Every time I looked out of the window there was an abandoned town that looked like it was a mix from Don Quixote and the badlands. In some communities people still lived! There were old fortresses and towers and I assumed these only occurred in rare occasions. I saw dozens upon dozens. It was amazing.
We convinced Erin she smelled because she didn’t shower for the whole trip “I am dirty you guys…” That will live with her for life! We also had a social butterfly circle in the bathrooms in which Katie and I went in together and everyone stared at us when we came out. A group of 7 of us cluttered in the hallway and were being a pain in everyone’s ass!
I love riding the RENFE, especially with Erin, when we end up in train 16 instead of 15!
I LOVED MY MADRID EXPIERENCE!
On the train ride home Erin and I didn’t sleep. We were wired and uncontrollably obnoxious; which is shocking because I didn’t sleep at all last night. But it was probably over exhaustion! We got in trouble several times for being a loud and disruptive. “I wanna make love right na na na, 16 going on 17, and Hey Hey you you I don’t like your girlfriend” were our main spotlighted songs we sang to! Backstreet boys and Spice Girls were also thrown in there! We sang out loud and danced, and the sleeping people wanted to kill us! It was just like Switzerland, but taken to a Train extreme! We went to the food cart and ate toberones, and talked and danced! We love train travel we decided. There were so many old ruins that I missed when I slept on the way there. Every time I looked out of the window there was an abandoned town that looked like it was a mix from Don Quixote and the badlands. In some communities people still lived! There were old fortresses and towers and I assumed these only occurred in rare occasions. I saw dozens upon dozens. It was amazing.
We convinced Erin she smelled because she didn’t shower for the whole trip “I am dirty you guys…” That will live with her for life! We also had a social butterfly circle in the bathrooms in which Katie and I went in together and everyone stared at us when we came out. A group of 7 of us cluttered in the hallway and were being a pain in everyone’s ass!
I love riding the RENFE, especially with Erin, when we end up in train 16 instead of 15!
I LOVED MY MADRID EXPIERENCE!
Day 37 February 7, 2009 Saturday
Saturday
We got up early at the hotel and had a long breakfast! Spanish style! I never eat for the 2 hours given for each meal, but today we pretty much satisfied that criteria. I ate my weight in bread and jam. Just like in Switzerland. Maria would be proud! And by 10:00 we were ready to start are day, but not full because of the white carb consumption!
We went to Palacio Real first. The Palace, finished in the 18th century, was gorgeous and had a view of the mountains and a large part of the city. It was built here after a fire destroyed the fist palace so it could view the mountains and watch for any incoming invasions. The mountains in the distance where snowcapped and romantic looking! The crowing room was my favorite we saw in the castle. Statues came out of the ceiling and there was painted work as well and carved work. It had everything you could ever imagine an artist could do on the ceiling. The room was small and cozy, but plated with gold. The statue’s torsos looked so lifelike in each corner when reached out and their painted bodies where so detailed. The city from the palace courtyard looked gorgeous! So many artifacts were preserved over the years. And some kings and queens tried ruining previous generation’s works just because it didn’t follow their ideals.
Just like people in Barcelona people were showing pda. But this couple was almost having sex in the middle of the square. And all the real life statues were around them. So the boys went behind them and pretended to be making out, and adding sexual innuendos. It took them five minutes to look and they stop to see our whole group laughing and taking pictures of the guys mimicking them behind their displays of affection. The best part was the three boys were a complete mash up of friends groups on our program! Teaches people right for groping in public! (Just like cock blocking at the frats last year!)
We visited the Mueseo del Prado. We viewed Goya arts, Picassos, Dahli’s and Velequiz. It is considered in the top 5 in the world for museums. Later I learned that many people believe it is unfair that the Prado keeps the Castilian artists work instead of Cataluña just because the can afford it. It should go to the people. But I saw the Mesuailas painting and it was amazing to see in person. I also loved a giant painting that was one of the first to use depth perception. We saw paintings that inspired fantasia and other famous European painters. After the museum we attempted to jump the cows they had in the park. I jumped and straddled one, but Katie kept trying and had the best battle cries! People were laughing all around us watching her attempt to jump on the cow! We visited the most gorgeous park (the one I saw yesterday), but we saw the fountains and the giant arches! This is truly the best park in Madrid.(Besides the supposed zoo which has a baby Koala, we could see these grounds from the palace!)
I laid with Steve and watched European Basketball! Just as boring as US Basketball, but they are shorter and white! We had dinner at fun pizzeria in the heart of the old district of Madrid just right outside the plaza! I had tuna pizza and we just sat and enjoyed the night! We went to a bar and were invited to a party in the basement! People had painted on mustaches and we didn’t know what kind of party it was!
After the bar Katie and I went home with Eric and John! John and I stayed up the whole night listening to Used and showing him my hometown and my friends in it! It was so much fun to stay up the whole night in Madrid, I showed john muck Sticky and he loved it. T-hawk boys be proud! When Katie and I left at 6 am the full moon was out over the Palace! It was so romantic! The moon was so large and white and it looked like a fairy tale over the Hapsburg castle! When we came home we met so many 50 year old drunk people just drinking! Some had sombreros and were just going crazy! Good Ol’ Spain! Wherever you go they party! I NEED TO COME BACK TO MADRID WHEN I HAVE MORE TIME!
We got up early at the hotel and had a long breakfast! Spanish style! I never eat for the 2 hours given for each meal, but today we pretty much satisfied that criteria. I ate my weight in bread and jam. Just like in Switzerland. Maria would be proud! And by 10:00 we were ready to start are day, but not full because of the white carb consumption!
We went to Palacio Real first. The Palace, finished in the 18th century, was gorgeous and had a view of the mountains and a large part of the city. It was built here after a fire destroyed the fist palace so it could view the mountains and watch for any incoming invasions. The mountains in the distance where snowcapped and romantic looking! The crowing room was my favorite we saw in the castle. Statues came out of the ceiling and there was painted work as well and carved work. It had everything you could ever imagine an artist could do on the ceiling. The room was small and cozy, but plated with gold. The statue’s torsos looked so lifelike in each corner when reached out and their painted bodies where so detailed. The city from the palace courtyard looked gorgeous! So many artifacts were preserved over the years. And some kings and queens tried ruining previous generation’s works just because it didn’t follow their ideals.
Just like people in Barcelona people were showing pda. But this couple was almost having sex in the middle of the square. And all the real life statues were around them. So the boys went behind them and pretended to be making out, and adding sexual innuendos. It took them five minutes to look and they stop to see our whole group laughing and taking pictures of the guys mimicking them behind their displays of affection. The best part was the three boys were a complete mash up of friends groups on our program! Teaches people right for groping in public! (Just like cock blocking at the frats last year!)
We visited the Mueseo del Prado. We viewed Goya arts, Picassos, Dahli’s and Velequiz. It is considered in the top 5 in the world for museums. Later I learned that many people believe it is unfair that the Prado keeps the Castilian artists work instead of Cataluña just because the can afford it. It should go to the people. But I saw the Mesuailas painting and it was amazing to see in person. I also loved a giant painting that was one of the first to use depth perception. We saw paintings that inspired fantasia and other famous European painters. After the museum we attempted to jump the cows they had in the park. I jumped and straddled one, but Katie kept trying and had the best battle cries! People were laughing all around us watching her attempt to jump on the cow! We visited the most gorgeous park (the one I saw yesterday), but we saw the fountains and the giant arches! This is truly the best park in Madrid.(Besides the supposed zoo which has a baby Koala, we could see these grounds from the palace!)
I laid with Steve and watched European Basketball! Just as boring as US Basketball, but they are shorter and white! We had dinner at fun pizzeria in the heart of the old district of Madrid just right outside the plaza! I had tuna pizza and we just sat and enjoyed the night! We went to a bar and were invited to a party in the basement! People had painted on mustaches and we didn’t know what kind of party it was!
After the bar Katie and I went home with Eric and John! John and I stayed up the whole night listening to Used and showing him my hometown and my friends in it! It was so much fun to stay up the whole night in Madrid, I showed john muck Sticky and he loved it. T-hawk boys be proud! When Katie and I left at 6 am the full moon was out over the Palace! It was so romantic! The moon was so large and white and it looked like a fairy tale over the Hapsburg castle! When we came home we met so many 50 year old drunk people just drinking! Some had sombreros and were just going crazy! Good Ol’ Spain! Wherever you go they party! I NEED TO COME BACK TO MADRID WHEN I HAVE MORE TIME!
Day 36 February 6, 2009 Friday
We met at 7:40 at Saints Estacio to take the high speed train to Madrid! Max and I crept on porn right before we left! I was so paranoid I was going to oversleep my alarm! I love class trips and to compare how much everyone packs! Some people over pack and some under! The worst is when a guy has a huge rollie suitcase!
I sat with Erin on the train after begging people to move! We listened to her music and we had a mini Swiss trip again! We listened until we fell asleep! I woke up to Badland like hills, and old Roman villages. I can’t believe all of the cities are still standing and intact on the Spanish Country side. I saw a castle and I woke Erin up but she just sassed! Don’t bug Erin during naps! At one point we woke up and there was snow everywhere! It is crazy how in central Spain there is such a weather difference! But they have greater extremes. Hotter hots and colder colds!
Right when we arrived we experienced pickpocketers! The Madrid metro is very narrow and dark compared to Barcelona. But overall is a a big and clean city! We walked to a park in the Northeast side of town and saw peacocks! Then I walked myself to Madrid’s main city park. It was amazing! It was huge and there were the cutest playgrounds and fountains! I went to lunch with Tom, Steve, and Jake at a cute Spanish restaurant! We walked around the “Austrisa” region of Barcelona and took a tour of the outdoors of Palace Real region. In Madrid all of their street signs have pictures on them if you can’t understand Spanish.
That is another thing! IT is weird how much Catalan is consuming my life, not Spanish! Everyone speaks Spanish here and it is easy to communicate and get the point across! But in Barcelona you talk in perfect Castilian people still mumble and you get in where in your conversation. Half of the people were drunk on our walking tour! You can guess which ones, but they make the trip so much more fun and intrusting! John was all over the tour guide! We became 5 MINUTE POWER TOURISTS in the cathedrals today. We can see everything you need to see in five minutes, we walk fast, take it in and take pictures! We got the most in today using that tactic. We might want to hold a 5 minutes power tourist class to teach people to be assertive tourists!
We got chocolate and churros at a chocolate factory down in the older district! This was some of the best hot chocolate I have ever had. It was like melting a corte bar! And the churros were fresh and tasted so good! This is my favorite restaurant ever! We ate churros and hot chocolate several times here during the trip!
At the Madrid tourist shops they have real knives for sale as well as other dangerous weapons! They are almost as dangerous as the Barcelona parks! Erin had a classic quote “That’s not real…. Clunk….I take it back!” I love how Madrid has such a flavor! It has the heat and passion, flare and fever! It is like Mexico, but classy and clean. The flamenco dancers and bull fighting scene is very large here. We bought 1.29 vino and decided to go back to the main Madrid square! We ate a group dinner and I tried baby eel! It was so disgusting and I put a bunch in my mouth! Ahhh! I met knew people on our program at our dinner, Boala and Sussiete and they are so funny! I love them telling me about their “smoking ass” and “only black girls in Andorra story!”
We walked to a club after to get “free chupitos”, I think it may have been grenadine! But we danced a bit and decided to go back because we were still hungry! We ran barefoot without coats to a connivance store when we got back to the hotel! It was freezing outside and we just hauled ass. Everyone out just stared at us, but we didn’t care! We needed chocolate! That is why I love my girls! We have the ability to do dumb things and just laugh at ourselves!
I love Madrid. It has so much history. I would love to study abroad again and come here! If only I had the money! Many graduate school! Nothing can compare to Barcelona, but Madrid is a close 2nd. Barcelona people are proud of their heritage, but Madrid keeps much of Barcelona’s heritage. I also love how clean it is! But Barcelona’s night life can’t be beat. But Madrid keeps a close second with all of their historic buildings and gorgeous areas.
I sat with Erin on the train after begging people to move! We listened to her music and we had a mini Swiss trip again! We listened until we fell asleep! I woke up to Badland like hills, and old Roman villages. I can’t believe all of the cities are still standing and intact on the Spanish Country side. I saw a castle and I woke Erin up but she just sassed! Don’t bug Erin during naps! At one point we woke up and there was snow everywhere! It is crazy how in central Spain there is such a weather difference! But they have greater extremes. Hotter hots and colder colds!
Right when we arrived we experienced pickpocketers! The Madrid metro is very narrow and dark compared to Barcelona. But overall is a a big and clean city! We walked to a park in the Northeast side of town and saw peacocks! Then I walked myself to Madrid’s main city park. It was amazing! It was huge and there were the cutest playgrounds and fountains! I went to lunch with Tom, Steve, and Jake at a cute Spanish restaurant! We walked around the “Austrisa” region of Barcelona and took a tour of the outdoors of Palace Real region. In Madrid all of their street signs have pictures on them if you can’t understand Spanish.
That is another thing! IT is weird how much Catalan is consuming my life, not Spanish! Everyone speaks Spanish here and it is easy to communicate and get the point across! But in Barcelona you talk in perfect Castilian people still mumble and you get in where in your conversation. Half of the people were drunk on our walking tour! You can guess which ones, but they make the trip so much more fun and intrusting! John was all over the tour guide! We became 5 MINUTE POWER TOURISTS in the cathedrals today. We can see everything you need to see in five minutes, we walk fast, take it in and take pictures! We got the most in today using that tactic. We might want to hold a 5 minutes power tourist class to teach people to be assertive tourists!
We got chocolate and churros at a chocolate factory down in the older district! This was some of the best hot chocolate I have ever had. It was like melting a corte bar! And the churros were fresh and tasted so good! This is my favorite restaurant ever! We ate churros and hot chocolate several times here during the trip!
At the Madrid tourist shops they have real knives for sale as well as other dangerous weapons! They are almost as dangerous as the Barcelona parks! Erin had a classic quote “That’s not real…. Clunk….I take it back!” I love how Madrid has such a flavor! It has the heat and passion, flare and fever! It is like Mexico, but classy and clean. The flamenco dancers and bull fighting scene is very large here. We bought 1.29 vino and decided to go back to the main Madrid square! We ate a group dinner and I tried baby eel! It was so disgusting and I put a bunch in my mouth! Ahhh! I met knew people on our program at our dinner, Boala and Sussiete and they are so funny! I love them telling me about their “smoking ass” and “only black girls in Andorra story!”
We walked to a club after to get “free chupitos”, I think it may have been grenadine! But we danced a bit and decided to go back because we were still hungry! We ran barefoot without coats to a connivance store when we got back to the hotel! It was freezing outside and we just hauled ass. Everyone out just stared at us, but we didn’t care! We needed chocolate! That is why I love my girls! We have the ability to do dumb things and just laugh at ourselves!
I love Madrid. It has so much history. I would love to study abroad again and come here! If only I had the money! Many graduate school! Nothing can compare to Barcelona, but Madrid is a close 2nd. Barcelona people are proud of their heritage, but Madrid keeps much of Barcelona’s heritage. I also love how clean it is! But Barcelona’s night life can’t be beat. But Madrid keeps a close second with all of their historic buildings and gorgeous areas.
Day 35 February 5, 2009 Thursday
During class today we had the window open and a light salty breeze blew in smells of caramelized onions grilling in the summer. I love this weather so much. It is warm and it feels like a warm, summer Wisconsin night during the day here. And there are the best smells in the air. It made it so hard to concentrate! I love the warm weather, and the feeling of spring. It makes anybody antsy! That is my favorite thing about Easter and spring in general is having the warm sunny days. I remember in high school I would get home from drama and just lay on the deck, and it would be the thing I would look forward to most in the day. It is like that here in January and February and the locals are wearing scarves! The warm weather makes me so happy, muy allegro!! It is true how the weather can make you smile!
Today I book a flight to Mallorca! We are all going to paradise in the Sea between Italy and Spain. The beaches look gorgeous and we are all on the same flight. I can’t wait. This will be pre spring break! We are going to Greece for Spring break! I am looking at pictures and getting excited! It’s not going to be very hot, but perfect and relaxing!
We attempted to walk the Roman ruins in Barcelona but the rain cancelled our field trip. A quote from a class clown “Romans kept it real they knew what was up” on what he knew or learned about the Romans. Sometimes dumb guys are so funny just to keep you entertained.
In the store today we were staring at a man in the checkout. He had 11 cartons of unrefrigerated lambs milk. How can you not stare at that? I have seen goats milk, but never lambs milk. How do you even milk a lamb? I kind of want to call myth busters and see how they do it! And he was like “you must not be from around here” “You must be from America”, and obviously by the way Katie was dressed in gopher shorts, and a hoodie! And it went into this whole thing how that milk is good for upset stomachs, and that I should drink it. I love conversations like this with the locals. I will always wonder how do you milk a lamb, and what was he doing with all that milk?
Tomorrow we are going to Madrid! I stayed up at read Uncle Tom’s Cabin!
Today I book a flight to Mallorca! We are all going to paradise in the Sea between Italy and Spain. The beaches look gorgeous and we are all on the same flight. I can’t wait. This will be pre spring break! We are going to Greece for Spring break! I am looking at pictures and getting excited! It’s not going to be very hot, but perfect and relaxing!
We attempted to walk the Roman ruins in Barcelona but the rain cancelled our field trip. A quote from a class clown “Romans kept it real they knew what was up” on what he knew or learned about the Romans. Sometimes dumb guys are so funny just to keep you entertained.
In the store today we were staring at a man in the checkout. He had 11 cartons of unrefrigerated lambs milk. How can you not stare at that? I have seen goats milk, but never lambs milk. How do you even milk a lamb? I kind of want to call myth busters and see how they do it! And he was like “you must not be from around here” “You must be from America”, and obviously by the way Katie was dressed in gopher shorts, and a hoodie! And it went into this whole thing how that milk is good for upset stomachs, and that I should drink it. I love conversations like this with the locals. I will always wonder how do you milk a lamb, and what was he doing with all that milk?
Tomorrow we are going to Madrid! I stayed up at read Uncle Tom’s Cabin!
Day 34, February 4, 2009 Wednesday
I hate shoe shopping in the United States let alone in Barcelona. Shoes are so hip and you think a girl would love to go crazy here. It is too intense for me. I realized I don’t like shopping for things I need to. I generally love pressure, and perform the best under it, but not with shopping. It can almost make me cry. I spent 3 hours looking for shoes, and I had no luck. No one carries a 40. And I’m a 40.5. They only carry very tiny shoes. And that makes me frustrated. Especially because I need them because the doctor said I needed them! I have ugly feet, and super large feed according to Europeans! FML
And my senora always cleans my room and moves things I need. I will never be an organized person. I love post it’s and lists, not a planner for my events. I need scattered piles in order for days, and paper lying places. It calms me down. Clean rooms make me nervous. When my mom cleans my room at home, I have to put clothes on the floor to make it seem homier. I hate that perfect look. I also despise perfection I decided. But I am very punctual. I need to be on time. I over plan for EVERYTHING. But I love clutter, and chaos. And pressure makes me think and keeps me on my toes. I am VALE with this!!!
Today I went to lunch with 6 guys, Steve and his clan. They make me laugh. I generally get along with guys much better than girls. Unless it’s my group at home, the Vortex, or the Falafals. I think it’s because I don’t care enough to be a girl and I am really open. They call me Chaz and I can just talk to them. An ex told me I cared way too much about gossip, drama and girl stuff, but that is so untrue. I don’t wear uggs, or fuck me pants. I don’t dye my hair fake blonde and act stuck up. I am normal and down to earth. And that idea that I am a high maintenance girl is a joke. I don’t shave, or dress up. I could care less what I wear here. You have to work to get me to dress nice compared to everyone else. And that is why I love lunch with the boys here. They are so chill and cool, and they know I am like that. They point me out on it. And they can make me laugh. And they are sweet and talk to you the way guys should with respect.
On the way to therapy I met the man of my dreams. He was in a band touring with No Use for a Name. We talked and he was from California. He was the ideal guy for me. We talked for 15 minutes and I never got his last name or anything, I promised I would go to his show on the 6th but I am going to be in Madrid. I felt so guilty! We cliqued. And it was the first guy since Larkin that looked me in the eye and understood me, and made me feel special, even in that short period of time. But it’s not meant to be because I have no idea any other information about him besides random facts like hometown and favorite band. I won’t be there after his show like I promised! It is weird how time can change things. One second to late or early can change a whole story. I am just going to let my life play out and I will see where it takes me. I am very happy where I am at right now, but live with the idea
“Time doesn’t wait for anyone, so why not love now when you can. You don’t want to regret losing someone you love because you need time.”
We had our movie tonight with our angels. Miquel and the rest of the group went to a different movie, but Erin, Katie, Alicia, a guy and I went to Revolutionary Road with Kate Winslet and Leonardo Dicarprio. We got popcorn and went into the movie, just like in the States. All the movies in Barcelona start so late, even on a Wednesday night. It didn’t start to well after 11 and that wasn’t even the latest showing! It was a BBC movie so I didn’t know what to expect. But I love the two actors, and so we gave it a shot, and I’m glad we did. I cried. It was about two people falling in love, how their interests drove them different ways, in life, we either have the things that we want or the reasons why we do not have them. Kate Winslet lives the suburban life, and it ends in an abortion, affair, death and an incomplete feeling. This movie just got to me. It was powerful and just got to everyone in the theater. They are the most talented duo together. And the story had so many hidden messages. When I finish Uncles Tom’s Cabin, I’m going to read Revolutionary Road. Words can’t describe how screwed up, but normal this movie was. I’m glad we chose this one.
After the movies we walked through the Olympic Village in the middle of the calle with the palm trees surrounding us looking for a night bus stop. We finally found one and hopped it. And after an exchange Katie and I got on a creepy one, and turn around and got right back off. We walked around the outside the La Sagrada Familia, and realized we needed a cab. We paid the driver in change to get her home. But we didn’t have enough for me. He still drove me home. He made one creepy comment, if not he was so sweet. He drove me for free and just worked on my Castilian with me. It was a really nice ride home actually. And we had a full conversation. When I got home I talked to two ex. I guess things always come in two, and they both hurt me the most, and were equally nice, which is weird. But I was tired and pretty out of it!
And my senora always cleans my room and moves things I need. I will never be an organized person. I love post it’s and lists, not a planner for my events. I need scattered piles in order for days, and paper lying places. It calms me down. Clean rooms make me nervous. When my mom cleans my room at home, I have to put clothes on the floor to make it seem homier. I hate that perfect look. I also despise perfection I decided. But I am very punctual. I need to be on time. I over plan for EVERYTHING. But I love clutter, and chaos. And pressure makes me think and keeps me on my toes. I am VALE with this!!!
Today I went to lunch with 6 guys, Steve and his clan. They make me laugh. I generally get along with guys much better than girls. Unless it’s my group at home, the Vortex, or the Falafals. I think it’s because I don’t care enough to be a girl and I am really open. They call me Chaz and I can just talk to them. An ex told me I cared way too much about gossip, drama and girl stuff, but that is so untrue. I don’t wear uggs, or fuck me pants. I don’t dye my hair fake blonde and act stuck up. I am normal and down to earth. And that idea that I am a high maintenance girl is a joke. I don’t shave, or dress up. I could care less what I wear here. You have to work to get me to dress nice compared to everyone else. And that is why I love lunch with the boys here. They are so chill and cool, and they know I am like that. They point me out on it. And they can make me laugh. And they are sweet and talk to you the way guys should with respect.
On the way to therapy I met the man of my dreams. He was in a band touring with No Use for a Name. We talked and he was from California. He was the ideal guy for me. We talked for 15 minutes and I never got his last name or anything, I promised I would go to his show on the 6th but I am going to be in Madrid. I felt so guilty! We cliqued. And it was the first guy since Larkin that looked me in the eye and understood me, and made me feel special, even in that short period of time. But it’s not meant to be because I have no idea any other information about him besides random facts like hometown and favorite band. I won’t be there after his show like I promised! It is weird how time can change things. One second to late or early can change a whole story. I am just going to let my life play out and I will see where it takes me. I am very happy where I am at right now, but live with the idea
“Time doesn’t wait for anyone, so why not love now when you can. You don’t want to regret losing someone you love because you need time.”
We had our movie tonight with our angels. Miquel and the rest of the group went to a different movie, but Erin, Katie, Alicia, a guy and I went to Revolutionary Road with Kate Winslet and Leonardo Dicarprio. We got popcorn and went into the movie, just like in the States. All the movies in Barcelona start so late, even on a Wednesday night. It didn’t start to well after 11 and that wasn’t even the latest showing! It was a BBC movie so I didn’t know what to expect. But I love the two actors, and so we gave it a shot, and I’m glad we did. I cried. It was about two people falling in love, how their interests drove them different ways, in life, we either have the things that we want or the reasons why we do not have them. Kate Winslet lives the suburban life, and it ends in an abortion, affair, death and an incomplete feeling. This movie just got to me. It was powerful and just got to everyone in the theater. They are the most talented duo together. And the story had so many hidden messages. When I finish Uncles Tom’s Cabin, I’m going to read Revolutionary Road. Words can’t describe how screwed up, but normal this movie was. I’m glad we chose this one.
After the movies we walked through the Olympic Village in the middle of the calle with the palm trees surrounding us looking for a night bus stop. We finally found one and hopped it. And after an exchange Katie and I got on a creepy one, and turn around and got right back off. We walked around the outside the La Sagrada Familia, and realized we needed a cab. We paid the driver in change to get her home. But we didn’t have enough for me. He still drove me home. He made one creepy comment, if not he was so sweet. He drove me for free and just worked on my Castilian with me. It was a really nice ride home actually. And we had a full conversation. When I got home I talked to two ex. I guess things always come in two, and they both hurt me the most, and were equally nice, which is weird. But I was tired and pretty out of it!
Day 33 February 3, 2009 Tuesday
Today Jody was put into the hospital. She got food poisoning from the muscles in paella… So much for that classic Barca dish, I am going to just stick with chicken. I feel so bad for her. I can imagine just the way the future thought of food can scar you
I am still gaining weight from salt and white carbs. No good.
Today an all time embarrassing moment happened. It was sad that Jazz wasn’t here to be like “I’m going to leave you” or pull a Jazz comment. I had a full 1.5 liter water bottle in my backpack and I was waiting at the railing during class on the 3rd level of ESCI (which is fourth in Europe). I whipped around when I re put on my backpack and it fell out 4 stories down and crashed to the floor. It was one of those slow motion actions that you instantly knew what you did. My backpack felt instantly lighter. Kids started yelling. It could have seriously injured someone. I booked it and Katie got the blame.
Today we toured the Palace museum for art history today. The coolest part of the museum was the concept of having world exhibitions at a place and having temporary buildings built, just to be knocked down. Some of Barcelona’s best buildings were built for this, but were still preserved because war broke out and they did not have time to tear down the structures. Also another fact I learned at the museum today was that some of the best preserved Roman artwork in the world is from small churches located in the Pyrenees. Private collectors raided through churches on the coast, and large churches could afford to update their pieces, but the old mountain charges had ancient pieces of work still preserved and enact. It is amazing how something can stay preserved like that. Spain was bombed in history, but never as bad as France and Germany, so that is another reason why so many pieces of art was well preserved.
When I was walking to therapy today I had to walk through Passigg de Gracia, the Uptown of Barcelona. I love Barca how it is so condensed because you can only build within the city because the mountains and sea harbor it in. It was so warm outside and the sun was shining. The air was like spring and grilling out. It has been the best smell so far since I have been here. It was comforting. The hustle and bustle of a classy city, the most amazing homey smell in the air, and the perfect temperature is just like a comforting fall. It made me happy. It reminded me of Minnesota and how much I missed it. I fell in love with Barcelona just as I did Minnesota. When I am in these cities I get an amazing feeling. There is so much to do and I am not holding myself back. I am taking chasing and exploring my options.
I realized another thing today. Boys who flirt around you act like people don’t notice, but they do. I love when I guy talks to a girl and lightly touches her to make her feel special, but if you do it to everyone it is not special. I am learning to watch for that small detail now when making my selections with boys.
Also I have talked to a couple ex boyfriends since I have left. I have been gone one month and you think things would change. They haven’t. For a while I was convinced they would. But the same old side is coming out. It actually makes me sad. And when I end up talking to one, they both talk to me in the same night. I am becoming more mature and I am realizing what I need to have in a guy to see a future.
I am still gaining weight from salt and white carbs. No good.
Today an all time embarrassing moment happened. It was sad that Jazz wasn’t here to be like “I’m going to leave you” or pull a Jazz comment. I had a full 1.5 liter water bottle in my backpack and I was waiting at the railing during class on the 3rd level of ESCI (which is fourth in Europe). I whipped around when I re put on my backpack and it fell out 4 stories down and crashed to the floor. It was one of those slow motion actions that you instantly knew what you did. My backpack felt instantly lighter. Kids started yelling. It could have seriously injured someone. I booked it and Katie got the blame.
Today we toured the Palace museum for art history today. The coolest part of the museum was the concept of having world exhibitions at a place and having temporary buildings built, just to be knocked down. Some of Barcelona’s best buildings were built for this, but were still preserved because war broke out and they did not have time to tear down the structures. Also another fact I learned at the museum today was that some of the best preserved Roman artwork in the world is from small churches located in the Pyrenees. Private collectors raided through churches on the coast, and large churches could afford to update their pieces, but the old mountain charges had ancient pieces of work still preserved and enact. It is amazing how something can stay preserved like that. Spain was bombed in history, but never as bad as France and Germany, so that is another reason why so many pieces of art was well preserved.
When I was walking to therapy today I had to walk through Passigg de Gracia, the Uptown of Barcelona. I love Barca how it is so condensed because you can only build within the city because the mountains and sea harbor it in. It was so warm outside and the sun was shining. The air was like spring and grilling out. It has been the best smell so far since I have been here. It was comforting. The hustle and bustle of a classy city, the most amazing homey smell in the air, and the perfect temperature is just like a comforting fall. It made me happy. It reminded me of Minnesota and how much I missed it. I fell in love with Barcelona just as I did Minnesota. When I am in these cities I get an amazing feeling. There is so much to do and I am not holding myself back. I am taking chasing and exploring my options.
I realized another thing today. Boys who flirt around you act like people don’t notice, but they do. I love when I guy talks to a girl and lightly touches her to make her feel special, but if you do it to everyone it is not special. I am learning to watch for that small detail now when making my selections with boys.
Also I have talked to a couple ex boyfriends since I have left. I have been gone one month and you think things would change. They haven’t. For a while I was convinced they would. But the same old side is coming out. It actually makes me sad. And when I end up talking to one, they both talk to me in the same night. I am becoming more mature and I am realizing what I need to have in a guy to see a future.
Day 27 January 28, 2009 Wednesday
(I am writing this quickly because I am in need of packing for Switzerland before the morning)
Megan came to town. Last night I got an email from Megan’s mom that she was going to be in town!
After class I took the train to the airport. On the train a guy proposed to me. His name was Pol and he was from Stockholm. I love people here how they are so open. Every time you get on and off the elevator people greet you and they are so friendly. And if you have a child be prepared to have it touched, talked to, and pointed at! I picked up Megan and she had a guy with her so there was no way she would have been able to spend the night at my house! I showed them around the town. Took them to the Arc, market, Las Ramblas and the Port. All this was pretty far on my gimp leg! It is weird. I always see one star in the east way before the west over the water and it is so bright. And it is always there first, cada dia. I also make a wish on it. And most of the time it’s the same wish.
I met them at Hardrock and I took them to Suites, a bar 3 blocks from my house. Easily accessible for me! We pregamed on the streets, just wandering the city with the gorgeous night sky. Erin had her wine in a paper bag, and was carrying it like she just came from the store and would bend over and just take a huge sip. We got locked in a gate in the Escola Industrial. Imagine a group of drunken Americans trying to get out of a school that they locked the gate up for the night. An announcer came on and rambled in Spanish. And finally we got out of him in English “what do you want!”. It was the funniest thing ever.
We went to the poshy bar. It was free drinks from 12-1, so we drank quickly and efficiently! And I was ready to dance! I love dancing here. Especially with some of the spazzy guys on our trip. But the best dance was with Steve. With did a salsa, Latin, tango and were moving all over the dance floor. My little black dress was moving with the music and it was amazing. We made everyone move and we kept laughing and spinning. It was by far the most fun I have had the whole trip. John and I danced for forever too (beso). I left at four am because my foot was going to fall off, and I had Spanish In a few hours.
I don’t even know how to describe it. But dancing on a Wednesday night, knowing you’re in a foreign country, and having the time of your life gives you an amazing feeling. And I dance horribly because of my foot, but Steve and I created the perfect dance. And in Barcelona all the bars and clubs are so condensed because you have the mountains and sea, so everything has to be jammed in that small location. Barcelona is perfect for my personality. And I’m glad I’m getting it out of my system now mom!!!! The intense party scene and spirit is essential for me right now.
Megan came to town. Last night I got an email from Megan’s mom that she was going to be in town!
After class I took the train to the airport. On the train a guy proposed to me. His name was Pol and he was from Stockholm. I love people here how they are so open. Every time you get on and off the elevator people greet you and they are so friendly. And if you have a child be prepared to have it touched, talked to, and pointed at! I picked up Megan and she had a guy with her so there was no way she would have been able to spend the night at my house! I showed them around the town. Took them to the Arc, market, Las Ramblas and the Port. All this was pretty far on my gimp leg! It is weird. I always see one star in the east way before the west over the water and it is so bright. And it is always there first, cada dia. I also make a wish on it. And most of the time it’s the same wish.
I met them at Hardrock and I took them to Suites, a bar 3 blocks from my house. Easily accessible for me! We pregamed on the streets, just wandering the city with the gorgeous night sky. Erin had her wine in a paper bag, and was carrying it like she just came from the store and would bend over and just take a huge sip. We got locked in a gate in the Escola Industrial. Imagine a group of drunken Americans trying to get out of a school that they locked the gate up for the night. An announcer came on and rambled in Spanish. And finally we got out of him in English “what do you want!”. It was the funniest thing ever.
We went to the poshy bar. It was free drinks from 12-1, so we drank quickly and efficiently! And I was ready to dance! I love dancing here. Especially with some of the spazzy guys on our trip. But the best dance was with Steve. With did a salsa, Latin, tango and were moving all over the dance floor. My little black dress was moving with the music and it was amazing. We made everyone move and we kept laughing and spinning. It was by far the most fun I have had the whole trip. John and I danced for forever too (beso). I left at four am because my foot was going to fall off, and I had Spanish In a few hours.
I don’t even know how to describe it. But dancing on a Wednesday night, knowing you’re in a foreign country, and having the time of your life gives you an amazing feeling. And I dance horribly because of my foot, but Steve and I created the perfect dance. And in Barcelona all the bars and clubs are so condensed because you have the mountains and sea, so everything has to be jammed in that small location. Barcelona is perfect for my personality. And I’m glad I’m getting it out of my system now mom!!!! The intense party scene and spirit is essential for me right now.
Day 26 January 27, 2009 Tuesday
Clases Nuevo hoy. I love my cultural marketing class. It is an opposite view towards marketing and how tourism can hurt a country. We discussed how Rome is quickly changing because so many visitors come every year. And they charge admissions to museums that should be free to attempt to limit the amount of visitors. We did case studies about Bali and the beach depletion and The Bahamas and hotels. I am so interested in this class. I want a minor in ethnology, but I have to create that major through the HHH center at the U and anthropology. It’s actually one subject that I care about and want to learn more.
That’s how I know I like something, is that I can’t get enough of it and I can relate it to my everyday life, and ethnology keeps me engaged. I also love cultural marketing. The idea of changing a product or service to satisfy the needs of someone in another country involves so much research and strategy. Like quicksilver will do surfing ads in Australia, Snowboard in the US, Skateboarding in Barca, and clothing in Japan. And there is a psychology, and science behind it. It just mystifies me. I love researching everything that has to do with it. Its history, and anthropology, research marketing and advertising all put into one. It involves potentially living abroad, and getting to know your consumers. I know it’s the right job for me. It feels good to know what I want to do. I don’t know how I am going to achieve my major, but there is a huge weight load that left me today. I would be more than happy working in a career that involves ethnology. It is the weirdest feeling to describe to know what you found that you think will make you happy. If I got anything out of this trip, this may be one of the largest. I am in two classes that follow the curriculum of ethnology and I am fascinated.
My international management teacher is from Dublin. He is most likely in his mid thirties and probably the most intelligent man I have ever heard speak. He has done so much, and is currently getting his PhD in Barcelona. He moved here just to explore, have fun and learn Spanish. I love his pioneer spirit and spunkiness. He worked in computers before people even knew what a computer was, and he is so deep and insightful, and views things from all perspectives. Aiden is always late for class, but still conveys the best messages. He teaches you life lessons that are going to stay with me after I leave. I just love listening to him.
The best thing he taught me today is never get your masters in what you get your undergraduate in. I would have done that. Most likely I would have got my masters in marketing, but he said people “who learn more and more and more, about less and less and less”. And that is true. You become boring and dull. Almost a robot in one subject. There is no diversity or passion to learn and discovery new things. He said get your masters in literature, or art, or something that shows you want to explore your options, discover your passions and exploit differences. An employer wants a well rounded employee who will want to grow and expand in their job. I guess I will not be getting my MBA in marketing!
He also said that sometime during your young life live in a city that will distract you. Barcelona is his city of choice and he has been all over the world. He said you can’t get anything done here, and that is very true. Another lesson was to submerge yourself in another places culture and meet new people. And also have that energy and passion like you just moved to that city.
He also made a reference about cookie cutter lives. People always bash it, and say that is their biggest fear in life. He has to laugh and say these people are most likely one of the most uneducated. I have said this before that I do not want it, but he placed it in a great perspective today. He asked the question how many people use the exact same cookie cutter. There are so many different shapes, forms, sizes and styles. Each one suits, and makes another person happy. That cookie cutter can contain your life and not be like your neighbors. It doesn’t matter the sprinkles and frosting you put on the cookies, just the structure is what you want it. You make your own cookie and decorate it. You pick your own cookie cutter.
I think that is one of the deepest things I have ever heard.
I am also in history and art and I am so excited to explore the city with these classes.
I couldn’t have chosen a better city to live in. I am changed and confident and I love it.
That’s how I know I like something, is that I can’t get enough of it and I can relate it to my everyday life, and ethnology keeps me engaged. I also love cultural marketing. The idea of changing a product or service to satisfy the needs of someone in another country involves so much research and strategy. Like quicksilver will do surfing ads in Australia, Snowboard in the US, Skateboarding in Barca, and clothing in Japan. And there is a psychology, and science behind it. It just mystifies me. I love researching everything that has to do with it. Its history, and anthropology, research marketing and advertising all put into one. It involves potentially living abroad, and getting to know your consumers. I know it’s the right job for me. It feels good to know what I want to do. I don’t know how I am going to achieve my major, but there is a huge weight load that left me today. I would be more than happy working in a career that involves ethnology. It is the weirdest feeling to describe to know what you found that you think will make you happy. If I got anything out of this trip, this may be one of the largest. I am in two classes that follow the curriculum of ethnology and I am fascinated.
My international management teacher is from Dublin. He is most likely in his mid thirties and probably the most intelligent man I have ever heard speak. He has done so much, and is currently getting his PhD in Barcelona. He moved here just to explore, have fun and learn Spanish. I love his pioneer spirit and spunkiness. He worked in computers before people even knew what a computer was, and he is so deep and insightful, and views things from all perspectives. Aiden is always late for class, but still conveys the best messages. He teaches you life lessons that are going to stay with me after I leave. I just love listening to him.
The best thing he taught me today is never get your masters in what you get your undergraduate in. I would have done that. Most likely I would have got my masters in marketing, but he said people “who learn more and more and more, about less and less and less”. And that is true. You become boring and dull. Almost a robot in one subject. There is no diversity or passion to learn and discovery new things. He said get your masters in literature, or art, or something that shows you want to explore your options, discover your passions and exploit differences. An employer wants a well rounded employee who will want to grow and expand in their job. I guess I will not be getting my MBA in marketing!
He also said that sometime during your young life live in a city that will distract you. Barcelona is his city of choice and he has been all over the world. He said you can’t get anything done here, and that is very true. Another lesson was to submerge yourself in another places culture and meet new people. And also have that energy and passion like you just moved to that city.
He also made a reference about cookie cutter lives. People always bash it, and say that is their biggest fear in life. He has to laugh and say these people are most likely one of the most uneducated. I have said this before that I do not want it, but he placed it in a great perspective today. He asked the question how many people use the exact same cookie cutter. There are so many different shapes, forms, sizes and styles. Each one suits, and makes another person happy. That cookie cutter can contain your life and not be like your neighbors. It doesn’t matter the sprinkles and frosting you put on the cookies, just the structure is what you want it. You make your own cookie and decorate it. You pick your own cookie cutter.
I think that is one of the deepest things I have ever heard.
I am also in history and art and I am so excited to explore the city with these classes.
I couldn’t have chosen a better city to live in. I am changed and confident and I love it.
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