Nothing much new on this side of the world. They are busy trying to kill us with homework over here. I just finished a 5 page paper and gave a short presentation today. Tomorrow I have over an hour's worth of homework, an interview with 6 different Spanish people about the public transportation system. Wednesday I have a final exam, a book to read on Spanish culture, a 3 page critical analysis of my cultural experiences here, 2 pages on my favorite historical sites, and 2 pages comparing Spanish and United States' cultures. Thursday I have an oral interview critiquing my Spanish pronunciation, and my other final exam. Oh, and not a word of all that involves the English language. After Thursday, I am FREE FREE FREE! In the meantime, however, they are not joking around with this study abroad stuff.
Kelsey and I hung out at the beach today. It was hotter than normal, and my face is the color of a tomato. It was fun, though. A nice couple gave us their beach mats when they left, and we bought sarongs. I swam in the ocean awhile to cool off, and just floated on my back for the longest time. The salt water increases your buoyancy, so you can just lay back and stay afloat. Pretty relaxing. One presentation in class today involved drugs and alcohol, so we got so sample some vino. The first and last time I will be able to drink alcohol in class I'm guessing!
This morning we left for another village.We stopped along the way for a little more hiking.We went up quite a ways, eventually reaching an amazing waterfall and white water rapids.With each clearing we passed, the number of climbers dropped off.Only 7 of us made it all the way to the end of the trail.There was a bridge across the falls, so we sat on it and ate our lunch.We filled our bottles in the spring, so hopefully I’m not stricken with diarrhea or anything crazy in the near future.The whole experience was amazing, though.Being up in the mountains was one of the most peaceful, beautiful things I have ever seen.I would’ve loved to keep going, but we didn’t have time.One day I hope to take a full-on camping trip and hike all the way to the top of a small mountain.
We stayed the night in Viehla, a town not much bigger than Boi.I was soaked with sweat from the hike, so the first thing I did at the hotel was shower and take a long nap.Pretty soon Ian knocked at the door, wanting to know if we wanted to go to France.It was a little over an hour’s drive, so we got in the charter bus and just took off!We went to a tiny little skiing town, and rode gondolas up to the town of the mountain.We got there just before it closed, so we didn’t have time to walk around up top, but it was still an amazing view there and back.
Kelsey, Brendan, and I ate paninis and crepes at a little shop before walking around the city.On the bus ride back we got out Kelsey’s cards, and played Speed, Golf, and Go Fish.We got a pretty big group going, so it was fun.It’s amazing to me how close I’ve grown to some of the people in my group, considering we were complete strangers just a month ago.It’s also weird to think that after this week, some of us will never see each other again.
I have found heaven on earth, and it's called the Pyrenees
Hey Guys,
Sorry I haven't written much this past week. I can sum it up in one sentence: school, school, and school. Taking two four week classes is no joke! I keep consoling myself with the thought that one week from today I will be done again for a few weeks. This weekend was our group excursion to the Pyrenees in NE Spain. The bus ride was about 4 hours, after which we pulled up to this tiny village of about 500 people.It’s weird to say that considering the size of Goodrich, but it was this little town nestled in the valley, with stone buildings and shacks everywhere.“Quaint” is the most appropriate word I can think of.
After we checked in, we went on a hike.Clayton and I separate off because we wanted to do a little off-roading, but we couldn’t find a way down to the river.We caught up with everyone else and drank some wine at the next village Tallua, the next village up from Boi.We came back for dinner, which was pretty good.We had beans, potatoes, trout, salad, bread, wine, and flan.Our bus driver, Manólo, is the sweetest guy ever.He bought us all sangria in honor of his 7 yr. old daughter’s birthday and we sang to her over the phone.
In our absence a bunch of the girls had drinks, which affected them double considering the altitude factor.They were all pretty drunk, but Alix was really bad.She would’ve slept through dinner had I not went upstairs to shepherd her down.After the meal she went straight back to bed.There was a fiesta in a neighboring town, so most of our group took taxis there.Brandon and I had talked about taking a hike, so we left just as it was getting dark.We ended up hiking for over 2 hours, eventually running out of trails and blazing our own through the brush.We made it really far up the mountain, which is even more impressive considering it was nighttime and we had only a flashlight to guide us (besides our incredible mountaineering skills :-O .)It was a lot of fun, and on our way down we stopped at a bar and got beers and Spanish omelettes. Otherwise it was a pretty relaxed night. That altitude change wears a person out!
Today we got to Rome much earlier, thanks to our wake-up call (the front desk literally knocked on our door, pretty funny).We wanted to go to Italian mass, and decided to head to the Basilica di San Ignazo.When it was built, they ran out of money for the dome.The artist was a master of perspective, so he painted the illusion of a dome onto the ceiling.Even though it is completely flat, it’s impossible to tell.The light through the dome’s windows even appears to change as you walk from one end to the other.
We made friends with the church caretaker, especially after Kelsey asked to go to confession.She whipped out her cell phone and called up the priest, so we felt pretty privileged.After Kelsey was all sin-free, we still had some time before mass started.We decided to walk over to the Pantheon.I never imagined I would kill time by walking around the Pantheon!It was different than I pictured.The dome inside was awesome, though.Its diameter equals the height of the building: 142 feet.It was the widest dome in the world until the 19th century.Rafael is buried there, so we saw his tomb as well.
We returned to St. Ignazo in time for mass.After we sat down, the caretaker came over and asked us in Spanish to do something.We thought she said to move when the service started, because we were in the reserved seats.We were talking about it after she left, when we realized that she actually asked us to read during the mass!She wanted us to do the scripture—in Italian.We quickly found her and declined, narrowly avoiding a very embarrassing situation!
After mass we checked out Augustine’s Arch and la Fontana de Trevi.It’s the largest fountain in Rome.Speaking of fountains, there are drinking fountains everywhere in Rome leftover from ancient times. They are flowing, so you just walk right up and fill your bottle. I was a little skeptical at first, but you know how it goes. When in Rome...
We needed to find the number 64 bus to take us to the Vatican city.We decided to eat before starting our search, so we grabbed paninis and sat by the road.Just like magic, our bus pulled right up to us!We got to St. Peter’s Basilica early enough to miss the security queues, which can get over a mile long I guess.They have to check your bags and make sure you are dressed appropriately—no shorts or bare shoulders allowed.
St. Peter’s Square was cool to see.In the center there is a giant obelisk from 13th century B.C. Egypt.It is the largest standing obelisk in the world at 131 feet.We also toured the Crypt of the Popes, and saw where John Paul II is buried.It was covered in little strips of paper with prayers scrawled on them.We also walked around the Basilica.Technically it isn’t a cathedral because it isn’t the seat of a bishop, but mass is still held there sometimes.It took forever to walk around, because there was so much to see.We climbed the 320 stairs to the top of the dome.We walked around the inside of it, which is covered in paintings and mosaics.It is 448 feet at the top, making it the tallest dome in the world.We also went outside, which was amazing.There were panaromic views of the entire city, and it was so beautiful we sat up there for a good hour.We needed a rest after all those stairs anyways.We wanted to see the Sistine Chapel, but didn’t realize it is closed on Sundays.
By the time we got back to the metro it was about time to head out for the airport.We got back to our dorm about 1:30 AM, and then started working on homework.Didn’t exactly do a lot of that this weekend!It was an amazing experience though—having the freedom to take off for Rome is something you can never take for granted.
We didn’t get to the city until about noon today.It is much hotter here than Barcelona, and the heat just radiates off of all the concrete and bricks, especially at the ancient ruins.We escaped the hottest part of the day underground, though.We toured ancient crypts from the 2nd -8th centuries AD.The site served as both a secret meeting place for Christians during Roman paganism, as well as a burial site for many popes and saints.There were over 500,000 tombs in total, with four floors extending over 60 feet below the surface.After it was full, it was abandoned for almost 1000 years.Since then it has been the subject of restoration and research.It was amazing to see all of the artwork and frescoes on the walls, some of which are almost 2000 years old.You can check out the website: http://www.catacombe.roma.it/en/dettaglio.html
After our tour we hopped back on the metro to the Colosseum.Much of ancient Rome is within 10 minutes walking distance, so we saw a lot today.The tour of the Colosseum took awhile, but it was definitely worth it.It was finished in 80 AD, with four floors seating over 55,000 people. There are over 80 entrance arches alone.They used to have all the gladiator games, bullfights (that’s where Spain got it from), and other performances there.During the inaugural games alone over 9,000 wild animals were killed.When the ground became too blood-stained, they used to spread a layer of sand to absorb it to keep the games going continuously.
We walked around a marketplace for awhile and bought some souvenirs.Kelsey was asked twice if she was Indian—I think that’s a sign we’ve been out in the sun too much!We grabbed some pizza for dinner, with gelato to follow.We figured we ought to eat the real thing when we have the chance.We also got some wine—boxed, for .65.Italy on a budget J--and headed back to our HappyVillage.
We took off to Rome today. Kelsey and I got up early to make our flight.We took the metro to a direct airport shuttle train.I was worried about getting lost or missing the train, but we made it without any problems.It was a short flight, and we landed in Rome before noon.It looks just like Kansas from the plane window!We caught a train from the airport to the main metro station.It was a big place, but somehow we found our train, and switched three more times before catching a shuttle to our hostel.Pretty good considering it’s all in Italian!Knowing Spanish definitely helps, however, since so many words have similar roots.
We are staying at HappyVillage and Camping.The train we took to catch the hostel’s shuttle took us way outside of Rome.It was so ghetto, as was the metro station we got off at.There was graffiti, rust and trash everywhere, but it didn’t really surprise me since that seems to be typical of the entire city.Rome is definitely not a clean place.I needed band-aids from a nearby pharmacy, and you weren’t even allowed to enter.You had to tell them what you wanted, and then they would hold up your choices to the glass.You exchanged the goods and money through a tray in the door.
After our Happy bus took us to check-in, Kelsey and I headed back into the city for a few hours.The best part about our trip is that we have no itinerary.We just rode the metro, got off at a random stop, and started walking.We stumbled upon a few palaces, obelisks, and eventually made it to the Spanish stairs.We watched the sunset up there before heading back for the night.There was this crazy guy at the fountain we were taking pictures of that kept jumping in front of our pictures.I talked to Rachel, and she remembered seeing him when she went to Rome during high school!Small world.
The hostel where we are staying is very clean and safe, but definitely has no frills.Maybe that’s why it was so cheap.We are staying in a tiny cabin without air or water, and share outdoor bathrooms and showers with the rest of the guests.It is definitely oriented more towards camping, and a lot of people have trailers or tents.That said, we have hot water, so I’m not complaining too much.
We left Tossa del Mar of Costa Brava today around 3:00 pm. It was about a 2 hour drive straight back, mostly because we beat the traffic. Beforehand, however, we got a little more cliff jumping in. We headed out right after breakfast, and stayed out until the last minute before the bus left. I was a little sad to leave, because the beach there was so beautiful.
Some of the sorority girls showed up after we had been jumping awhile. I guess they were way out on another beach and everyone there was watching us jump. They figured it was us crazy Americans, so they hiked their way out to us. I was surprised, some of them got up the nerve to jump. Jumping wasn't even the scariest part, it was more climbing up the side of the rock itself.
There were a bunch of nudists out today, including one artist with his dog. He sat and drew the cliffs the entire time we were there. I guess being naked helps release his creativity? We drew quite an audience today, between the beach-goers in the distance, the nudists, and the random people in boats or kayacks. It was a really fun time, I'm happy to cross cliff jumping off my list of crazy things to do. It's a long one, but I'm making a dent at least :)
It’s official—I’m a cliff jumper!It wasn’t what I had pictured in my head, though.The cliff was maybe 40 feet is all, but it was still a rush to jump off.I originally went to the beach with Mel and Brandon, right after we finished breakfast.We found this cove away from all the tourists, and climbed out to this huge rock in the bay.Brendan, Mia, and Ian ended up coming there too, and next thing I knew we were rock climbing on an even bigger rock, looking for a good place to cliff jump.
We jumped off a 10 footer or so, just to scout out the depth a little better.The water was at least 40 feet deep, but we wanted to be sure.Brandon was being a little chicken, so I jumped first.I also climbed up the big rock first, but I let Ian jump before me.Mia isn’t the greatest swimmer, so she hung out on the ledge and took pictures and videos.She eventually jumped off the smaller cliff; Mel really surprised me.She jumped once off the big one—I never expected her to climb up that rock or be willing to jump off.The worst part?I kept getting water in my ears, which hurt a little.
After we were all worn out from rock climbing and swimming, Mel and I laid on that rock and got some sun.We slept for a good 2 hours before heading back for bocadillos and a long shower.I started working on my presentation for class on Wednesday, and chilled out a little before dinner.We have free breakfast and dinner at the hotel every day, and it’s amazing.A lot of Mediterranean-style food obviously, which I love.Tonight we just hung out at the hote. Our original plan was to go watch the sunset on the beach, but we were rained out.Tomorrow we head back to Barcelona, but we might get some beach time in first.
We left for our group excursion today.We drove first to Figueres and toured the Salvador Dalí museum.He rebuilt an old theater as a museum to his work in the 1950s.He was a talented man for sure, but an equally strange one.Lots of surrealism, naked body parts, beds, weird fetish stuff…not my thing at all.Mel and I stayed together the entire time, and actually spent the last hour resting on a bench in the center garden.Afterwards, we drove to some ancient ruins, one of a Greek city and one Roman.They were built in the 1st century B.C., which was awesome to see.The only bad part was that we had a tour guide, and it took forever.I am sick to death of guided tours and historical sites, and after the 10th explanation of the sistern of some ancient house, I wasn’t even pretending to be interested anymore.Then again, neither was anyone else in our group.
There were some interesting parts: we saw the public baths and public toilets in the Roman city.Men would sit naked on this long board with holes cut out, use the bathroom, and chat.They used to talk about whatever—business, relationships, politics, nothing was off-limits.They had slaves of course (they lived in the basements of the houses), and one would run back and forth to wipe them as men finished their business.If that isn’t disturbing enough, he would use the same sponge to clean everyone.That’s what I call a dirty job!
A water pipe for the air conditioning in our bus broke on the drive to Costa Brava, and water started pouring out of the nearest vent onto the girls sitting there.We had to drive with the emergency door popped out of the bus ceiling.I slept each time we got back on the bus, I just couldn’t seem to catch up.This bus was smaller, so I couldn’t have my own seat.I sat next to Clayton, so he entertained me during the short time I was awake.He wants to go cliff jumping here, which sounds fun.He claims if you do it wrong though, you end up with a very forceful enema. Don't know if I want to take that risk!
Class today with Antonio wasn’t really that bad.Definitely not as boring as the first few, but still not the best three hours I’ve spent.Afterwards, we headed to the beach.A bunch of the other girls were there too, so when all of them left around 5:30, Kelsey went with.Mel and I didn’t get home until 9:15 pm.We met a guy named Carlos that gave us henna tattoos.I got a bracelet, which turned out really cool. If I didn't want to get a job in the future, I would love a real one. I don't think most people would take Ms. Feickert, Lawyer/Accountant very seriously though.
Our tattoo man, Carlos, was a pretty funny guy.He’s definitely a free spirit, but in his words, “I’m not a hippie.I hate hippies.”He is originally from El Salvador, but has lived all over.He says he’s a tourist, but he just stays longer in on vacation then most people.He also claims he’s an alchemist, because he can turn anything into gold, even the “atoms of sound.”Makes sense when you think about it; he plays music and is paid for creating it, which he could use to buy gold if he wished. A weird way of looking at it, but true I guess.
Mel and I decided to go out last night again.We could’ve gone to a famous club called Pacha for 5 euros, but got free entrance and champagne to Club Sol, so we did that instead.Bad choice—I wouldn’t say last night was a complete bust, but kind of boring compared to most times we go out.First of all, we tried to walk to Sol and went in the completely wrong direction.My fault, I was the navigator.We asked some guys and they said we were a long ways from it, but we could go to club Elefante instead.So we did, like dumb Americans.We got in free and the place was amazing, but there was hardly anyone there, and the longer we sat there the weirder the vibe felt.We eventually figured out that it was a gay bar!
We thought it was pretty funny, will probably prank the boys in our group sometime and send them there.We caught a taxi to Club Sol—which took forever to find—and that was even worse.There was literally 7 other people there, but we got 2 free glasses of champagne and chatted up the bartender. He is a Cuban model, and it turned out he was at the Custo party we went to at the king's palace. He told us that Buda Bar on model's night is actually put on to scout potential talent. There is a big dinner with a lot of top agencies, and then everyone goes to the party upstairs later. I could've been discovered, haha.
We eventually talked about the war in Iraq, with him being pretty forceful about his opinions. It never ceases to amaze me how nonchalantly people in Spain discuss politics. It was really interesting to hear his perspective, since he lived in Cuba his first twenty years. He talked about Castro, the blockade, poverty, everything. He definitely didn't approve of the war or Bush, like everyone else we've met here. It is true, however--the whole world knows everything about American politics. We are definitely in the spotlight.
