What have been up to since I last blogged? Well, this entries title encapsulates much of it. Sorry it's been a few days since I last posted, us Bullers have been busy!
Bo and I watched along with 80,000 of our closest friends as FCB (Barcelona's soccer team) beat Sevilla 4-0 in a nail biting game of futbol. While four to zip might sound like a boring blowout, you should know that the score was 1-0 for the majority of the game. With 5 minutes left on the clock I turned to Bo and told him I thought Messi (Mr. Popular on FCB) was overrated; he hadn't had any major plays thus far. Almost instantly after I said that, the soccer super star scored 2 goals in 3 minutes. I like to think my words spurned him to greatness.
The next day we went exploring the lesser known parts of Barcelona in attempts to get a real feel for the city (aka we got lost). We went to Gaudi park (which was amazing) and then we happened upon a minor league futbol game in a decent sized stadium with about 1,000 people there. It was definitely an authentic, down and dirty game (in the rain) with all the locals shouting some Spanish words my professors have yet to teach me in class. From there, we metro-ed it to Las Rambles where we enjoyed beer and a burger for only 5 euros (well, I enjoyed my burger beer-less) at an English speaking pub (amen!). Overall, awesome day. I very much enjoy having a fellow Buller to traps around Europe with.
Yesterday, Bo and I took advantage of a semi-sunny day and went out on an exploring expedition once again. We decided to culture ourselves and went to the Museo National de Catalan. Yes, the eldest of the Buller cousins (willingly) paid 5 euros to look at art. We definitely deserve to move up to the grown up table next Thanksgiving.
For all you 10 year old's reading this (or those with the maturity level of one), I'm sure you let out a little giggle at the site of the word "fart-on". But if ever you come across these deliscious delicatesans (yes, you eat fartons) you are hereby ordered to buy them for immediate consumtion (and pick me up some while you're at it, finder's fee and all). Now I must give credit to Bo on this one, he was the one who picked them up for us to try in attempts to broaden both our horizons. That's what inspired me to pick up a pack of "Filipinos" in the market (they were on sale for 1 euro), and they turned out to be amazing (chocolate covered short bread cookies).
Well, I'm off to my LAST Spanish class! Oh, and by the way, 91% on my last test! In case you were wondering (Mom).
Just figured out that this is my Penultimate blog in Espana, sad day!
Mucho Amor,
Robyn
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
A Punch of Pizzaz
As I sit here and am serenaded by the sounds of Bo Buller's siesta (yes, he arrived alive), I am overjoyed to inform you that I now have a way to upload pictures! Bo, wonderful cousin that he is, brought his camera cord with him and was so kind as to lend it to me. I'll put up all my photos on facebook once I get back, but for now I thought I'd give you a little visual taste of my excellent adventures in Espana!
Definitely Olsen Movie Status...
Three Kings Festival
(Spanish Equivalent of Macy's Thanksgiving day parade)
Holy Toledo!
One of my roommate's (Natalie) and I at
La Sagrada Familia
And one of the most awesome sunsets ever
captured, watched a top a castle...
Well I think Bo is starting to stir, tonight we're headed to the FCB futbol game! Definitely a life experience waiting to be had.
Mucho Amor,
Robyn
Friday, January 15, 2010
"You're practically living a Mary-kate and Ashley movie!"
The title for this entry was brought to you by Miss Allyson McCombs, who is a patron of the Olsen sister franchise (as all us girls living in the 90's were).
Well it's been a pretty chill week here at the Agora Resedencia in Barcelona. But you know what they say, there's always a calm before the storm... the storm of awesome, Barcelona craziness I mean. I discovered something in the caf that is not only edible, but also (gasp) tastes good! We figured out that if you cut a baggette in half, spread on tomatoe sauce (meant for the rice...I really don't understand the Spanish pallete), sprinkle on some cheese from the salad bar, and pop it in the mircowave...BAM, you have a homemade pizza. This is how I know we are going to make it through the recession just fine, us Americans are just so gosh darn resourceful.
In non food related news (which seems to be the only kind of news I consistently update you on), this week saw the buying of many presents for you all back home, strolling through the streets of Barcelona with Starbucks in hand, and the appearance of the sun! I was so glad the sun decided to lift it's ban on Barcelona and come visit me here. I've gotten to talk to a lot of you this week via phone or facebook chat and it's made me so happy! I have pretty spectacular friends and family, if I do say so myself.
So what's crazy than one Buller in Spain? Umm, I don't know...maybe, TWO?! That's too crazy, you're saying? Well look out Europe, because a one Mr. Todd Christopher the Second Buller (Bo) is currently en route to Barcelona! So look forward to what can only be an insanely awesome blog entry relaying insanely awesome Buller Barcelona tales.
Mucho Amor,
Robyn
Well it's been a pretty chill week here at the Agora Resedencia in Barcelona. But you know what they say, there's always a calm before the storm... the storm of awesome, Barcelona craziness I mean. I discovered something in the caf that is not only edible, but also (gasp) tastes good! We figured out that if you cut a baggette in half, spread on tomatoe sauce (meant for the rice...I really don't understand the Spanish pallete), sprinkle on some cheese from the salad bar, and pop it in the mircowave...BAM, you have a homemade pizza. This is how I know we are going to make it through the recession just fine, us Americans are just so gosh darn resourceful.
In non food related news (which seems to be the only kind of news I consistently update you on), this week saw the buying of many presents for you all back home, strolling through the streets of Barcelona with Starbucks in hand, and the appearance of the sun! I was so glad the sun decided to lift it's ban on Barcelona and come visit me here. I've gotten to talk to a lot of you this week via phone or facebook chat and it's made me so happy! I have pretty spectacular friends and family, if I do say so myself.
So what's crazy than one Buller in Spain? Umm, I don't know...maybe, TWO?! That's too crazy, you're saying? Well look out Europe, because a one Mr. Todd Christopher the Second Buller (Bo) is currently en route to Barcelona! So look forward to what can only be an insanely awesome blog entry relaying insanely awesome Buller Barcelona tales.
Mucho Amor,
Robyn
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Cabin Fever
Hola, my loyal followers! I am sure you have all been greatly anticipating the moment when a new blog would appear, clicking the "refresh page" button over and over again until you collapse with exhaustion.
So sorry to all who haven't slept in almost 3 days, but here is the long awaited update!
Last I left you (Saturday), I was primping and prepping for a night out on the town in Madrid, which feels like weeks ago. It was our last night in Madrid so we decided to live it up and didn't end up making it back to the hotel until 6 in the morning (I am sure that's just what you want to hear, Mom). We had to be out of the hotel by noon so needless to say none of us got very much sleep. We spent the day exploring the city (and the sales) and headed out for the airport at 5:30pm (the times are important for my story so take mental notes).
We metro-ed it to the airport and chilled while we waited for our flight. None of us got food since we were scheduled to get to Barcelona at 8:30pm, plenty of time to metro it back for our free dinner at the Agora. We loaded onto the plane at 7:30pm and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally after about a half an hour the pilot came on the intercom and said something (in Spanish). Another 45 minutes go by and he says something again. An hour goes by and people are starting to get a little upset, but a stewardess informs us all (in broken English) that once the door of the plane has been closed, they are not legally allowed to let people out until we either land at our destination or cancel the flight.
It was 2:30 am when the cabin doors finally opened again in Barcelona. Let's recap, shall we? Left the hotel at 5:30pm, got on the plane at 7:30pm, flight took off at 1:30 AM, arrived in Barcelona at 2:30am, forced to take a 40 euro cab ride back because the metro was closed, and arrived at the Agora at 3am, with all hopes of any type of dinner long gone.
Yes, you counted right, SIX HOURS SITTING ON AN IMMOBILE PLANE (not that I'm mad or anything). The first 2 hours were bearable, we kept each other occupied by playing games and reminiscing about old cartoons and television shows of the 90's (oh, the good ole days). But at hour 3 extreme fatigue set in, and hour 4 brought extreme hunger. We hadn't eaten since lunch and there was no food on the plane except pringles and oreo's. And they didn't have any milk, so there might as well have not been any oreo's. Doesn't this dumb country know you can't have oreo's without milk?! Apparently not.
By hour five we were all delirious. Airplane cabin fever had set in. So much so, that 2 guys on the trip starting playing high card-low card for slaps. They would each pick a card from the deck and whoever had the highest card got to slap the other. It was the most barbaric, pointless, stupid and entertaining thing ever. They stopped after about 10 minutes, once they started breaking blood vessels on their arms (literally).
Would you like to know what caused this six hour delay? This foodless, sleepless, slap-full night? ONE QUARTER OF AN INCH OF SNOW (not that I care). It snows in Madrid all the freaking time, wouldn't you think they'd invest in some type of equipment to prevent 6 hour delays for a miniscual amount of snow fall?! It's not like it was the storm of the century, it's not like it was at all unexpected, it's just so flipping ridiculous.
You guys are very lucky I am writing this now, 2 days later when I have calmed down considerably (yes, this is comparatively calm) and can edit my choice of words for my younger readers out there.
But let's end on a happy note, shall we? I didn't fail my Spanish test! I am very proud to say that I received a passing grade (and that's about as specific as I'm going to get). Also, thanks in part to the six hour delay, I have now finished reading Blue like Jazz and Ender's Game! 2 down, 18 more to go to complete my goal of 20 books in 2010.
Ok you crazy kids, I am off to the Sagrada Familia. AKA the absolute most sickest Cathedral ever. No, really, it's taken like 1,000 years to build and they just passed the half way mark in completing it. It might be done in our life time, if we're lucky.
Mucho Amor,
Robyn
So sorry to all who haven't slept in almost 3 days, but here is the long awaited update!
Last I left you (Saturday), I was primping and prepping for a night out on the town in Madrid, which feels like weeks ago. It was our last night in Madrid so we decided to live it up and didn't end up making it back to the hotel until 6 in the morning (I am sure that's just what you want to hear, Mom). We had to be out of the hotel by noon so needless to say none of us got very much sleep. We spent the day exploring the city (and the sales) and headed out for the airport at 5:30pm (the times are important for my story so take mental notes).
We metro-ed it to the airport and chilled while we waited for our flight. None of us got food since we were scheduled to get to Barcelona at 8:30pm, plenty of time to metro it back for our free dinner at the Agora. We loaded onto the plane at 7:30pm and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally after about a half an hour the pilot came on the intercom and said something (in Spanish). Another 45 minutes go by and he says something again. An hour goes by and people are starting to get a little upset, but a stewardess informs us all (in broken English) that once the door of the plane has been closed, they are not legally allowed to let people out until we either land at our destination or cancel the flight.
It was 2:30 am when the cabin doors finally opened again in Barcelona. Let's recap, shall we? Left the hotel at 5:30pm, got on the plane at 7:30pm, flight took off at 1:30 AM, arrived in Barcelona at 2:30am, forced to take a 40 euro cab ride back because the metro was closed, and arrived at the Agora at 3am, with all hopes of any type of dinner long gone.
Yes, you counted right, SIX HOURS SITTING ON AN IMMOBILE PLANE (not that I'm mad or anything). The first 2 hours were bearable, we kept each other occupied by playing games and reminiscing about old cartoons and television shows of the 90's (oh, the good ole days). But at hour 3 extreme fatigue set in, and hour 4 brought extreme hunger. We hadn't eaten since lunch and there was no food on the plane except pringles and oreo's. And they didn't have any milk, so there might as well have not been any oreo's. Doesn't this dumb country know you can't have oreo's without milk?! Apparently not.
By hour five we were all delirious. Airplane cabin fever had set in. So much so, that 2 guys on the trip starting playing high card-low card for slaps. They would each pick a card from the deck and whoever had the highest card got to slap the other. It was the most barbaric, pointless, stupid and entertaining thing ever. They stopped after about 10 minutes, once they started breaking blood vessels on their arms (literally).
Would you like to know what caused this six hour delay? This foodless, sleepless, slap-full night? ONE QUARTER OF AN INCH OF SNOW (not that I care). It snows in Madrid all the freaking time, wouldn't you think they'd invest in some type of equipment to prevent 6 hour delays for a miniscual amount of snow fall?! It's not like it was the storm of the century, it's not like it was at all unexpected, it's just so flipping ridiculous.
You guys are very lucky I am writing this now, 2 days later when I have calmed down considerably (yes, this is comparatively calm) and can edit my choice of words for my younger readers out there.
But let's end on a happy note, shall we? I didn't fail my Spanish test! I am very proud to say that I received a passing grade (and that's about as specific as I'm going to get). Also, thanks in part to the six hour delay, I have now finished reading Blue like Jazz and Ender's Game! 2 down, 18 more to go to complete my goal of 20 books in 2010.
Ok you crazy kids, I am off to the Sagrada Familia. AKA the absolute most sickest Cathedral ever. No, really, it's taken like 1,000 years to build and they just passed the half way mark in completing it. It might be done in our life time, if we're lucky.
Mucho Amor,
Robyn
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Holy Toledo!
Remember when “Hey Ya” was the it jam to get your grove on to? Well, last night I learned that in Spain they’re still shaking it like a Polaroid picture (more proof they are my kind of people).
I am back in my old stomping grounds, Madrid! No offense to Barcelona, but Madrid is kinda my favorite. And I was so incredibly proud of myself because I remembered how to get to the Plaza Mayor (where many of your presents were purchased) all by myself with no map or anything! It was awesome. I’m practically a native (expect for the whole not speaking the language thing).
We somehow got hooked up with a group of college kids from Chicago who are studying abroad in Madrid; they have already been here for a semester so they knew all the local watering holes. They took us to a super authentic flamenco show and then off to the discotecas we went (where they were cranking some Outkast tunes fo sho)!
While I might have a slight preference for Madrid, the food situation is about as dire as was in Barcelona. Twice since we’ve been here I’ve had hot chocolate for dinner. And when I say hot chocolate I don’t mean as a drink on the side, but my entire meal.
HOWEVER (I put it caps to show you how excited I am about this next thing) everything changed today when we went to Toledo. Now, if you had sat me down and asked me what was the one thing I wanted to eat most if I could have anything in the world (aside from café 222…Or Sonoma chicken coup…Or Jamba…Ok, anything within reason) I would have said a turkey sandwich. All you Americans might think this is a simple request, but in Spain turkey eaters are persecuted, laughed at, and in the 16th century they were even stoned for their love of the bird (pretty sure that’s historically accurate). But I have learned that Toledans are a tolerate, kind people and when we went to lunch today I saw my favorite new word, PAVO (turkey en Espanol) and nearly burst into tears right on the spot. It was the most glorious sandwich I’ve ever eaten. And we ate lunch in a beautiful castle thing (though I only had eyes for the turkey) so it was extra exciting. Quite possibly the highlight of the trip so far (until I find another sandwich).
Wow, I just spent the last two paragraphs talking about the sandwich. And the sad thing is I could go on for two more.
Well I would give you details about all the cool cites we saw, the Cathedral in Toledo (Google it, it’s gorgeous), the Prado, the palace, etc. etc. but I need to get ready to go out and have more adventures so I can blog them to you all! If I don’t, the Cabrera family will have nothing to bond over (I am the glue that’s holding them together, or so I’m told). We head back to Barcelona tomorrow (sad day) so pray for safe travels and I’ll update again asap!
Mucho Amor,
Robyn
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The sun also rises (but I don't get up early enough to see that)
Before I give you all an update, I would like to take a moment to mourn the loss of a dear, dear friend. Well... maybe "dear" and "friend" are too strong of words. Tolerable being seems a little more suiting... Or maybe 'cat that I hated but sometimes would pet and it would be ok' is the best way to describe our relationship. But none the less, the world is a sadder place without Meeko Sproul in it. Well, maybe not sadder (for me anyway). Safer. The cat had lethal claws and teeth and wasn't afraid to use them. We had our ups and downs (mostly downs), and although I was never Meeko's biggest fan, I understand loving a pet that everyone else thinks smells bad. Meeko is survived by his loving owner Christina Sproul, his only real friend in the world and will be missed by a few people (probably not by me though).
Well, now that I've properly mourned my greatest enemy, onto Barcelona updates. The sun FINALLY made its first appearance today, which made functioning on 1 hour of sleep almost bearable (although I still took a 2 hour siesta). The greatest part about the sun coming out (and my day) was the sunset. A few of the girls and I decided to visit el Castell de montjuic (or the Castle of Montjuic) which is this medieval fortress type thing complete with a moat. It's on a peninsula 173 meters above the city, which feels like 1730000 meters when you decide to be economical and walk up the hill instead of taking the 16 euro gondola ride to the top. When we got to the castle at the top, we spent about 30+ minutes just walking around, taking pictures, and saying "look at the view!" approximately every 2 seconds. But the absolute most spectacular image was not the sweeping landscape or the Mediterranean coast, but the sunset. I really can't describe it and so wish I had my camera cord to upload pictures but for now you'll have to take my word, it was breathtaking (in the awe inspiring sense as well the 36 degree temperature with heavy winds freezing cold way).
Well, now that I've properly mourned my greatest enemy, onto Barcelona updates. The sun FINALLY made its first appearance today, which made functioning on 1 hour of sleep almost bearable (although I still took a 2 hour siesta). The greatest part about the sun coming out (and my day) was the sunset. A few of the girls and I decided to visit el Castell de montjuic (or the Castle of Montjuic) which is this medieval fortress type thing complete with a moat. It's on a peninsula 173 meters above the city, which feels like 1730000 meters when you decide to be economical and walk up the hill instead of taking the 16 euro gondola ride to the top. When we got to the castle at the top, we spent about 30+ minutes just walking around, taking pictures, and saying "look at the view!" approximately every 2 seconds. But the absolute most spectacular image was not the sweeping landscape or the Mediterranean coast, but the sunset. I really can't describe it and so wish I had my camera cord to upload pictures but for now you'll have to take my word, it was breathtaking (in the awe inspiring sense as well the 36 degree temperature with heavy winds freezing cold way).
In other news, I've finally discovered something I really don't like about Europe: the smoking. My hair, my clothes, everything smells like an ash tray. Every time I open my suitcase I feel as if I am getting cancer. Everywhere I go I am attacked by a cloud of second hand smoke. Es horrible. I talked to a waiter at a restraunt today about how annoying it was and he said (I think) that smoking wasn't bad for you and everyone does it. I told him "todos los personas en Espana fuman y todos los personas en Espana muertan." For those not as gifted as I, I told him (I think) "All of the people in Spain smoke, and all the people in Spain die." He laughed and said something, I either don't remember or didn't understand (probably a little of both). I was too busy patting myself on the back; I said a complete sentence in Spanish! With a subject and a verb and everything! And I did it all by myself! Victory.
Anyways, we are heading to Madrid tomorrow for the weekend, so I might not be able to update you all again until Sunday (We'll see if the hotel has WiFi). I know, it's devastating, but try to hold yourselves together. Hopefully when I come back to the blogging world, I will return armed with a camera cord to upload photos.
Mucho Amor,
Robyn
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
No Rest for the Weary
Well, it is a little after 4 in the morning here in Espana, and not only did I just get back from dinner, but half our group is still out gallivanting around the city! I thought New York was suppose to be the city that never sleeps, but I guess Barcelona isn't too keen on sleep either.
But they are big on siestas. Speaking of which, I took a 4 hour one today. UH-mazing.
Today was our first day of class... after the first 2 days of nothing but fun, I had all but forgotten that I actually came here to take a class. I think I was in denial and oh, how I wish I could have stayed there.
While I'm actually improving in my conversational Spanish (I talk to every cab driver and service person, just like my tia favorita taught me), I am still horrible at academic Spanish. Our professors gave us sentences to do something with (they explained the assignment in Spanish so I'm not quite sure what they wanted) and when I looked down at the first sentence, I knew I was in trouble. Luckily, I have the world's nicest professors who have taken pity on me and my lack of Spanish speaking ability so have no fear Mom and Dad, I will pass (probably). No really, I will (most likely).
Today was the holiday of the three kings! Crazy huge fiesta. Aka christmas for the Spanish speaking world. Apparently Spanish kids are under the delusion that the 3 kings that brought Jesus presents are the ones responsible for the presents they receive when obviously a jolly old man in a red suit and a beard is the culprit. Duh. Anyways, there was a huge parade that went through the entire city, sorta like the macy's thanksgiving day parade only a lot less commercial.
I am trying to find a cord to hook up my camera to my computer so I can put pictures up (of the parade, etc.), but am not having much luck finding one. Oh well, I guess my stirring rhetoric will have to be enough for you all for now.
Unfortunately, I don't have much else to inform you of at present. Maybe its because I slept a good portion of the day away with that siesta I mentioned earlier. Here's hoping I'm done dealing with jet lag and can now use my afternoons to explore the city and compro los regalos para toda del gente leyiendo!
I have class in 3 hours. Probably time to start my homework.
Mucho amor,
Robyn
But they are big on siestas. Speaking of which, I took a 4 hour one today. UH-mazing.
Today was our first day of class... after the first 2 days of nothing but fun, I had all but forgotten that I actually came here to take a class. I think I was in denial and oh, how I wish I could have stayed there.
While I'm actually improving in my conversational Spanish (I talk to every cab driver and service person, just like my tia favorita taught me), I am still horrible at academic Spanish. Our professors gave us sentences to do something with (they explained the assignment in Spanish so I'm not quite sure what they wanted) and when I looked down at the first sentence, I knew I was in trouble. Luckily, I have the world's nicest professors who have taken pity on me and my lack of Spanish speaking ability so have no fear Mom and Dad, I will pass (probably). No really, I will (most likely).
Today was the holiday of the three kings! Crazy huge fiesta. Aka christmas for the Spanish speaking world. Apparently Spanish kids are under the delusion that the 3 kings that brought Jesus presents are the ones responsible for the presents they receive when obviously a jolly old man in a red suit and a beard is the culprit. Duh. Anyways, there was a huge parade that went through the entire city, sorta like the macy's thanksgiving day parade only a lot less commercial.
I am trying to find a cord to hook up my camera to my computer so I can put pictures up (of the parade, etc.), but am not having much luck finding one. Oh well, I guess my stirring rhetoric will have to be enough for you all for now.
Unfortunately, I don't have much else to inform you of at present. Maybe its because I slept a good portion of the day away with that siesta I mentioned earlier. Here's hoping I'm done dealing with jet lag and can now use my afternoons to explore the city and compro los regalos para toda del gente leyiendo!
I have class in 3 hours. Probably time to start my homework.
Mucho amor,
Robyn
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Rain in Spain
So I have it on good authority that the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain. Well, no one informed me that Barcelona was on "the plain", because it is most definitely raining here.
I really wish I had some witty, entertaining comments for you all, but my mind is all kinds of hazy right now. The only reason I am updating is so Alexa can get her morning news. And I figure since she and Christina are the only 2 non family members reading this, I really should cater to them.
Anyway, I wish America was more like Spain. First, the metro is awesome; it's like disneyland everyday. Second, there is designated nap time. In the US that stops in Kindergarden. No more I say, when I return to the US I am going to refuse to be productive between the hours of 12 and 2. Third, dinner is at 9 at night, which means the "early" bird specials are from 6-8. Crazzziness. Fourthly, when you arrive to said dinner you are priveleged to consume my new favorite food, tapas! Like a little plate of heaven. Now, that may only be because it was the first real thing I've eaten in almost 2 days but that brings me to point number 5... built in healthy-go! You eat a little plate of tapas and walk 80 miles a day and BAM your jeans are looser. It's wonderful.
Ok, I am realizing that this is not a very interesting letter to anyone who isn't me. This letter has been considerably self indulgent. Hopefully I will be feeling more selfless and informative tomorrow.
And let's hope the rain stops too. That'd be nice.
Mucho amor!
-Robyn
I really wish I had some witty, entertaining comments for you all, but my mind is all kinds of hazy right now. The only reason I am updating is so Alexa can get her morning news. And I figure since she and Christina are the only 2 non family members reading this, I really should cater to them.
Anyway, I wish America was more like Spain. First, the metro is awesome; it's like disneyland everyday. Second, there is designated nap time. In the US that stops in Kindergarden. No more I say, when I return to the US I am going to refuse to be productive between the hours of 12 and 2. Third, dinner is at 9 at night, which means the "early" bird specials are from 6-8. Crazzziness. Fourthly, when you arrive to said dinner you are priveleged to consume my new favorite food, tapas! Like a little plate of heaven. Now, that may only be because it was the first real thing I've eaten in almost 2 days but that brings me to point number 5... built in healthy-go! You eat a little plate of tapas and walk 80 miles a day and BAM your jeans are looser. It's wonderful.
Ok, I am realizing that this is not a very interesting letter to anyone who isn't me. This letter has been considerably self indulgent. Hopefully I will be feeling more selfless and informative tomorrow.
And let's hope the rain stops too. That'd be nice.
Mucho amor!
-Robyn
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Hallelujah chorus
Hello! Or, should I say, Hola! I think I should, it´s one of the few Spanish words I know, so I should take advantage of that. Well, 22 hours later, offically in Espana! Beyond exhausted, BEYOND. You might be thinking, if you are that tired, why are you blogging instead of sleeping? Valid question. I am also beyond starving (I am not one to consume unidentifiable airplane food) so I am waiting for the cafeteria here at Agora International Housing to open. 15 more minutes (not like I'm counting).
I've been in Spain less than 2 hours and I'm already learning! My first lesson... I don't speak Spanish. This lack of Spanish speaking was more than evident in the taxi cab over here. I would say the few phrases I know, trying to make conversation, but when he would answer I hadn't a clue what he was saying. He could have been speaking Japanese for all I knew. I thought I'd be able to identify some words and roughly translate sentances.... not so.
But even in this beautiful foreign city with a language I do not understand, I am still seeing bits of the ol´ US of A. Example: I saw a yaris!!! Which was exciting. "Halo" by Beyonce was on the radio. For a moment, when it first came on, I thought the song was in Spanish and that I was secretly fluent and just discovering it. Sadly, that was just the exhaustion and airplane cabin fever kicking in and the song was, in fact, in English.
Best thing to happen so far (aside from the shower I just took which felt amazing). I was unpacking in my room and I heard gospel singing. I obviously couldn't understand it (for above mentioned reasons) but I could just tell. And, it being Sunday and all, I had a good feeling there must be a church service going on near by. It sounded like it was outdoors, and with my window open I could hear a worship singer leading what sounded like a pretty large group of people. Then, out of the Spanish mumbo jumbo, I heard a word I recognized. It was probably the first word I have understood since I´ve been here: Hallelujah.
Couldn't be a more perfect way to start my trip.
I've been in Spain less than 2 hours and I'm already learning! My first lesson... I don't speak Spanish. This lack of Spanish speaking was more than evident in the taxi cab over here. I would say the few phrases I know, trying to make conversation, but when he would answer I hadn't a clue what he was saying. He could have been speaking Japanese for all I knew. I thought I'd be able to identify some words and roughly translate sentances.... not so.
But even in this beautiful foreign city with a language I do not understand, I am still seeing bits of the ol´ US of A. Example: I saw a yaris!!! Which was exciting. "Halo" by Beyonce was on the radio. For a moment, when it first came on, I thought the song was in Spanish and that I was secretly fluent and just discovering it. Sadly, that was just the exhaustion and airplane cabin fever kicking in and the song was, in fact, in English.
Ok my eyes are rebelling and refusing to stay open and the chorus of my stomach growls is growing. So I think this is going to be it for today.
But one more thing...
Best thing to happen so far (aside from the shower I just took which felt amazing). I was unpacking in my room and I heard gospel singing. I obviously couldn't understand it (for above mentioned reasons) but I could just tell. And, it being Sunday and all, I had a good feeling there must be a church service going on near by. It sounded like it was outdoors, and with my window open I could hear a worship singer leading what sounded like a pretty large group of people. Then, out of the Spanish mumbo jumbo, I heard a word I recognized. It was probably the first word I have understood since I´ve been here: Hallelujah.
Couldn't be a more perfect way to start my trip.
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