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!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
