Some of my "deep" thoughts...

I'm not sure if it's just me, or maybe it's something that a lot of people go through, but no one warned me about.

Does becoming a "grown up"just seem to happen "así de golpe" (all at once) for everyone?  I mean, I know I've been progressively preparing for this time pretty much since I was 16, but I still never saw it coming.

It's like you just wake up one day and realize, 'hey, I'm an adult'.  I'm not even really sure what that means though.  Is it that I would rather spend a Saturday night in with a good book than out with friends, because 1) I have to pay bills, I'm not wasting money and 2) I have to do stuff in the morning, like clean my apartment and lesson plan, so getting up a 1pm is simply not an option.

Or maybe it's that I realized that I have to... PAY BILLS.  It's a horrible thing!  Does paying bills make you an adult?  Because if so, I'm ok with being a kid for the rest of my life... but I'm guess I'm in too deep now to turn back.

Or better yet, it's getting a job, and using the money from that job to pay said bills, instead of buying that REALLY cute dress I saw the other day... I think I remember my parents warning me about this... something like, "when you get a job, you'll realize the value of money, you can't just blow it on Starbucks and shopping... "  don't get me wrong, my parents were always really good at teaching me the value of money, but, still, it's horrible to work so hard for a paycheck that's all going straight to the bank... into someone else's account.


I suppose I'm not really sure what it means to be 'an adult', I just know that, in my few weeks alone to reflect here in Salamanca, I've had this revelation.  Or more, doubt.  When did this happen?

Either way, I'm still holding my own personal protest to "growing up" by watching Spongebob, as we speak...

If I received a grade for keeping up with my blog, I'd get an F

So, I've been horrible at keeping up with my blog.  The reason is simple, life keeps happening too fast! I can't keep up with it.  So much has happened in the last 6 months, that I don't really know where to begin.  So, in case anyone's wondering here's a re-cap of probably the best yet most trying 6 months of my time in Spain so far.

In late January, I was fortunate enough to run into a old friend that I met in September. Another American, we had a lot in common, and started talking and spending a lot of time together.  Long story short, we've been inseparable since then.  I really don't know where I would be without him at this point. He's become that person I can't live without, and I don't know what I ever did before I met him.  He's kind of amazing.  =)

We took a lot of trips, Córdoba, Sevilla, Barcelona, Valencia, Segovia, Ávila... And each was absolutely fantastic!  We got to see some of the most amazing things I've ever seen, and I'm glad to say I was able to share those experiences with someone who has become one of the most important people in my life.

In between all this flitting around Spain, though, I started my second semester of my Masters.  This semester, I had to travel to a city called Valladolid, about an hour or so away from Salamanca.  It was extremely stressful, but also a really amazing experience.  I was able to get to know the people in my Master's group better, and I really enjoyed the classes as well.  So, even though I would come home some days, exhausted and on the verge of tears, in the end, looking back, I wouldn't change it.

Now, I'm still in Salamanca.  Everyone has gone home for the summer, but not me! I'm still working, and finishing my Masters Thesis.  It gets lonely at times, but I have my puppy here, and he's good company.  He seems to be really enjoying Spain! He loves the walks, and meeting other dogs (sometimes) and I know he can't wait for my roommate and her dog to get back.  I think he misses his friend.

Well, like I said, this was just a REALLY short re-cap of an amazing 6 months.  Hopefully, the next 6, I'll be more proactive with my blog...
P.S. Here's a few pictures of my trips!

Córdoba:

Seville: Even though it rained almost the entire day, we still made the most of it, and had an AMAZING time!

Barcelona/ Valencia:

Segovia:

And lastly Ávila:

It all happens for a reason

So, I was just looking back through some of my older posts here, and I re-read the one where I was ranting about my classes in the undergrad program at Salamanca.  I remember being so incredibly frustrated with those classes.  I just wanted to throw my books and papers out my 4th floor window.

But, going back to the States this summer to take my comprehensive exams for my 1st Masters quickly changed my mind.  I realized that, even though I had to re-skim some of my notes on the texts and such, that I had actually really gained a huge understanding about the authors and time periods from the very class that I hated.

My comps covered everything from El canto de mío Cid (written around the 12th cent) to films and plays from the 20th and 21st cent.  I had to know authors, movements, major works, historical events.  Basically if it happened in Spain, and was relatively important, I had to know it.  Now, these classes that I hated covered the 15th, 16th, and 17th cent and theater in the 20th.  Turns out, when studying for comps, those were the centuries that I felt confident enough in to only review quickly.  I was amazed at how much I retained from those classes!!  I didn't get to research or investigate some of the amazing topics and themes that were presented to me throughout the classes, but I was able to gain an amazing understanding of the historical development of Spain through (especially) the Golden Ages (which has also become one of my favorite parts of Spanish history to read and study).

Either way, just wanted to say that it's funny how sometimes things that seem horrible at the time really do have a purpose.  This is a silly example of that, but it was something I'll never forget going forward with my education.  Just because I may not enjoy the set-up of a class doesn't mean that I can't get something from it.

Getting my dog to Spain!!!

So, it's all but official!! Chandler (my puppy-- well, he's 2, so maybe he's a dog... but he'll always be my baby) is going to Spain!!  I almost brought him with me last year, and decided last minute not to.  But, being that I plan on living in Spain for 3-4 more years, I know I wouldn't survive without him!  Even though my parents have been wonderful to him, and he loves living with them, it's time I take back the responsibility.  And I'm SO excited about it!

I say "all but" official, because I won't feel relieved until we walk through the door to my apartment.  I'm so nervous about the long trip (consisting of 2 flights and a 2.5 hour train ride...)!!  Thankfully he's small enough to be a "carry on" and I don't have to put him under the plane.  He's also small enough to ride with me on the train, so I won't be taking my eyes off him!!

The process of getting him approved to move to Spain wasn't too bad... a little pricey... but what isn't these days?!

1.  He had to have an internationally recognized microchip (which he already did)
2.  He had to have an up-to-date rabies shot (That must be administered more than 21 days before the flight).
3.  He needed a health certificate from the vet (This had to be done 10 days OR LESS before the flight)
4.  And then, I had to fill out a bilingual form that I got on the USDA website, and his vet had to sign.

Once I got all of that together, I had to take it to the USDA office, and they approved it all, and put a pretty stamp on it, which they charged me $38 for!

Either way, it seems that everything is in order, and in a few short days, Chandler and I will be embarking on the biggest journey of his little life!  Wish us luck!!!

Let's give this another try, shall we?!

So, I def failed at keeping my blog going last year!  Oops...

Fortunately for me, the Spain adventures didn't end with the school year like they were supposed to!
I decided to MOVE to Spain!  It was a tough decision.  I had to sell my car, leave my job, and the comfort of my university.  But, three months into this new experience, I can say that it's def been worth it!

The new year is coming (yay 2014!) and yes, I'm going to be one of those people who make resolutions.  One of them is going to be to be better at posting here.  And if I fail, feel free to ridicule me.  I welcome it.

I'm not saying it's going to be a consistent thing, maybe just here and there.  But, I want to remember this experience, and this blog is the best way to do it!  So, here it goes... I'm really going to try!

Can I just take a moment...

to complain?

I'm sorry, I try to keep a positive tone to my posts, but, when looking back at these in years to come, I'm going to want to remember every detail, not just the good.

I've been extremely frustrated with my classes here the last few months.  Like REALLY frustrated.  I'm not saying that I blame my teachers, myself, or even the classes themselves.  I want to blame something, but really, 1) I can't and 2) It's not like it's going to help anything anyways.

I'm currently taking undergrad courses.  And don't get me wrong, I'm learning a lot.  And it's really interesting.  However, the testing is all memorization and NO application.  "Here, take this wonderful book, read it, but on the test I just want you to tell me the entire history of the author, the year it was written in, and the main topics that it contains (without, of course, developing any of those topics)."
What hurts my heart a little, is reading these books, which I love, finding SUPER interesting themes and topics, but knowing I can't do anything with it.  If it weren't for the fact the the teacher just puts random paragraphs on the test, and you have to identify which text it comes from, I probably wouldn't have to read the book at all!!  I just want, SO BADLY, to write a research paper, investigate SOMETHING, ANYTHING!! I feel like I'm mentally trapped. Every time I open a book my mind goes crazy with thoughts, questions, ideas... but to what end? I can't do anything with them!!

I will never again complain about having to write a research paper.  You can hold me to that. 

Alright.  I'm done.  Sorry for the rant.  But sometimes, it just feels good to get it out.  I'm going to try to keep a positive attitude, and take away as much as I can from these classes, and hopefully be able to apply it all down the road somewhere...

Carnival in Ciudad Rodrigo!

So, this post is a little late, but here it is!!

So, on Feb. 9th (?? maybe...) I went to a city, about 45 minutes away from Salamanca called Ciudad Rodrigo to celebrate Carnival!! (For those who don't know, Carnival is kinda like Mardi Gras.  It's the last huge celebration before lent.)  I went with two friends from the States who are also living in Spain right now, and we had a great time!
Everyone dresses up for this event, and a lot of times, groups dress up together.  We decided to dress up with the traditional masks, wore sparkly tights and scarves, and painted our nails!!

The first part of the day was spent walking around the city, taking in the sites, enjoying some drinks and tapas, and taking it all in.

 Walking around the outside of the city...

 View of the bull ring... we couldn't tell if it was still in use or not, since the bull fight they had that day was in the city, and not there...

Some people walking around all dressed up.  

Some of the more interesting things we saw were...
Cute costumes!!

 And crazy rides...

After walking around, we went to see a bull fight!! I was really conflicted about if I wanted to see one or not.  I'm not a fan of what happens, but at the same time, it's such a part of Spanish history and culture, that being a student of Spanish culture, I felt I should see. I will say, I had no idea what to expect, and I didn't think it would be as awful as it was.  There were times I almost cried!! But, I saw one, and if in the future any of my students have questions about it, I can tell them about my experience.

Here are some pictures.  I'm not going to put any of the sad ones up, and I'm not going to go into a lot of detail about what a bull fight entails.  I will, however, put up a video soon explaining it all (just me talking about what I saw... haha) so if anyone wants to know, they can watch it, but if they don't, they don't have to.  I'm also putting the video up more for myself so I can remember everything, since I highly doubt I'll be going to one ever again.

Overall, it was a great day!
And it looks like there were a lot of people that had a good time as well...

Quirks about Spain that annoyed me at first, but now I kinda love...

1.  The sun doesn't come up until like 8:30!!! Now, I know it's cuz of the season and such, but even in winter in Chicago, it's up by 7:00!!
This really bothered me at first, since I came to Spain still functioning on a US schedule.  Getting up at 7 was almost impossible, since it was SO dark, and for SO long!!
BUT! now that I'm a little adjusted, I like getting up at 8, before the sun, and feeling like I'm getting up SO early! haha

2.  Lunch and Dinner SUPER late!!
Lunch time is usually between 2-4 and dinner between 8-10.  At first this was really hard for me, especially since I'm used to eating dinner SUPER early (Even for US time), but even without trying I have found myself not getting hungry until around 2 and 8.  (It helps that I generally have pinchos [tapas] around 6 or 8).

3.  Daily "siesta"
From 2- roughly 5 everything closes (except a few bigger stores and the cafes/ bars).  This took awhile to get used to, since that is when I normally get out of class and want to run my errands.  However, I like being forced to go home, eat, and relax for awhile.  It takes a lot of the pressure of constantly going and getting stuff done off.  Gives me time to appreciate life, reflect on my day, and plan my evening.

4.  Throwing napkins and trash on the floors of bars and cafes
Ok, so this one still kinda annoys me a lot (and half the time I just want to walk around and sweep all the floors...), but it's SUPER interesting to me!
I had a friend tell me once (And I haven't researched this, and hopefully will one day) that when they do this, it's to show how popular the bar is.  More trash (napkins, sugar packets, etc.) on the ground, shows that more people go there!! It's not at all to say they're dirty, cuz they're not! It's just the floors!!

5.  Walking EVERYWHERE... ALL the time!!
Yes, I found this EXTREMELY annoying at first, and REALLY just wanted to jump in my car and drive wherever I had to go.  But now, I enjoy this.  It's a time for me to listen to music, think about my day, and not to mention, everyone could use a little more activity in their lives.

6.  The lights in the bathrooms.
Alright, so, when you go to a bar, cafe, restaurant whatever, and you go to the bathroom the lights are generally on, right?! Well, not here! You have to turn them on, and they're generally on a timer.  This can be really frustrating when all of the sudden the lights go out, and yes, I would freak out the first few times this would happen, but now I expect it, and it's just a reflex to reach back up and turn them on.  No problem.  It's nice because it makes perfect sense! Why waste all that energy?

7.  Not to mention every toilet flushes differently.
Ok, not EVERY toilet, but yes, I have seen more creative ways of flushing toilets here than ever in my life.  There are some with buttons, some with those pull things that come down from the ceiling, some with foot petal things and the list goes on.  It's always an adventure!
Oh, and ps I have yet to see a toilet with the normal handle on the side like we have in the states.

I'll probably add more to this list as I discover things, or slowly grow to love the things that still annoy me...

Reflecting...

Yes, I know, I still have to finish my posts about Andrew's visit and going to France and I PROMISE to do that soon.  However, I just wanted to take a moment and share my recent thoughts.

As I reach the half-way mark of my time here in Spain, I've been doing a lot of thinking and reflecting, not only on my time here, but on my life in general, and the trajectory that has lead me to this amazing experience.

Every once in awhile, something will happen that will spark a random memory, a song, smell, anything.  It's funny thinking back on random moments of my life.  I can't believe how much I've experienced.  I am EXTREMELY thankful for these moments, because they constantly remind me of all the love, support, and opportunities that have been afforded me.  I have done more in my short life than most hope to do ever, and I can't wait to see what the next chapters of my life bring.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude!

There have been many moments in my life that I wished I could change.  Changing schools in 9th grade, dating certain people, being friends with others, etc.  However, looking back on these moments I realize that if it weren't for those things, I wouldn't be who or where I am today.  EVERY single experience, good or bad, every person, whether or not they hated me or I hated them, all spurred me forward to bring me to this point in my life.  So, I am thankful for each and every moment/ experience/ person who has come into my life.  And of course, those who are still in my life and constantly sharing their love and support with me play a HUGE role.  Combined, they made me who I am, and you know what? I'm pretty happy with who I am.  Ya, I know, there are a few areas in my life I could improve, but that's true for everyone.  At the end of the day, I know who I am, and I know what made me who I am, and I'm eternally grateful for that.

So, this is just to say thank you to the small world of people who have touched my life.  If it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't be sitting here, in my little closet-sized room, in Spain, living my dream.

Quick Reflections

As of yesterday, I have officially been in Spain for 4 months!! This is a little mind blowing for me, and this blog is to explain why.

While I can't believe how fast time is going, and that I have less than 6 months left here, I'm also conflicted with the feeling that I've been here forever but in a good way (of course).  I have a life, like a real life here in Salamanca.  I have friends, I pay bills, I have certain stores I prefer to shop in, cafes that I'm a "regular" in... I really can't believe how much I completely feel like I have created a nice little life for myself here.

Now, this is completely different from the last time I was in Spain, for a couple of reasons.  1) I was living with a "family"- that really means one older lady.  She was really sweet, and absolutely adorable, but, it's not the same as now, where I have my own place, a roommate (who's awesome), pay bills, cook my own meals, do my own cleaning, etc.  You know that feeling when you move out of your parents house and get an apartment of your own?  Well, I feel like in my "Spanish life" I've "moved out" of my "parents' (Carmen's)" home, and into my own place... does that make sense?
Reason 2) I'm older.  I know, I'm only 3 years older than the last time I was here, but it's amazing how different that can make my experience. Last time I was in Spain, I'm not going to lie, I was all about boys, clubs, and cafes... I didn't care about school, nor did I really have to.  I just wanted to go out, flirt with all the cute Spanish boys, and stay awake until the sun came up.  This time, however, I still enjoy going out for a drink or two with some friends, but mainly, we just stay in, talk, watch movies, make tortilla, and maybe open a bottle of wine.  It's nice, and I feel like the friendships I'm making are much stronger than the ones from Santiago because of it.  Not to mention I have a WONDERFUL boyfriend, so going out to look for cute Spanish boys no longer seems appealing to me.  Needless to say, my entire experience is completely different.  It's more like "real life" and not so much like that crazy semester abroad that so many people associate with living in Europe for school.
Another thing that has made me feel more like I LIVE here, and am not just visiting... is that a friend and I have decided to try to run a 1/2 marathon! I'm extremely excited about this! Training has been hard, but I'm really enjoying it!! AND I might even join a gym and do pilates... See?! Things I would only do if I LIVED somewhere.

Well, that's all for now.  I promise to post about Christmas and New Years within the next 48 hours.

Nochevieja Universitaria- 13/12/12

Last night, December 13th, was the "University New Years".  It's something that only happens in Salamanca, and is very well known.  People come from EVERYWHERE for this.  Everyone gathers in the Plaza Mayor, and when the clock hits 12, they eat the 12 grapes (a Spanish New Year tradition- one grape for each bell toll).  Then, the night continues for hours, in bars, clubs, and up and down the streets.

I went for a short time, but didn't make it until midnight.  Right now I am working on studying and preparing things for finals, so I wanted to get home early enough to be productive the next day.
However, when I was there, this is what I saw:

The plaza wasn't anywhere near full by the time I left... but the festivities had definitely already started. Singing, drinking, dancing, and laughter all mixed together in a huge celebration.

Normally, music and such really give me a lot of energy, but last night I just couldn't bring myself to get into the "holiday" spirit.  It didn't help that my stomach was killing me.
Either way, since I didn't get to stay for all the excitement, I'm attaching a photo I got off the internet of the "nochevieja" 2011.  It's from last year, of course, but still does a great job of showing how huge the event gets!!

Unfortunately, it wasn't all fun and games for everyone.  This unfortunate event brings about the reality of alcohol, and the dangers that it brings with it:

http://www.salamanca24horas.com/sucesos/78960-muere-una-joven-arrollada-en-el-paseo-de-san-vicente-por-un-conductor-borracho

A girl, 20 years old, was hit by a drunk driver, and passed away four hours later.  It's so sad that a night that's supposed to be filled with fun and joy had to end this way.

Please remember, who ever or wherever you are... be smart and be safe.  Even nights filled with happiness and celebrations can end with a shock of reality.  DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!! EVER!!

Thanksgiving in Spain

So, as everyone knows, this last week was Thanksgiving.  This is my first Thanksgiving not being with my family.  It was really sad not being able to spend one of my favorite holidays with my favorite people in the whole world... but, there were still good times and celebrations over here!

At first, on actually Thanksgiving, I was a little sad to be missing out on everything, but then, life just conitnued. haha  Here in Spain (obviously) they don't celebrate Thanksgiving, and really, no one even knows completely what it is.  So, it actually made it easier on me to not have to be around people celebrating with their families and such.  I thought I would miss the atmosphere of the holiday, but in all honesty, it was nice to not have to be reminded of what I was missing.

On actual Thanksgiving day I went to a friends house, and we made pumpkin stew! It was a lot of fun, and turned out really well!! We didn't get to eat a lot of it, as it was for a get-together we were having the next day, but still being in the kitchen and cooking pumpkin type things really started to get the Thanksgiving feeling going.

The next day, however, we had our International "Thanksgiving".  It was SO MUCH FUN!! My friend had a lot of people over, and we did a potluck-style dinner.  There were people from all over the world, and they all brought something to eat! It was amazing.

 We couldn't get a turkey, but we did get some roasted chickens, and a few Americans brought mashed potatoes, so it was basically the same thing. =) I ate more food than I should have, and it was amazing.  I was so full, but the food was so good, I couldn't stop eating! We all had a lot of good times, laughs, and made wonderful memories.

 More food... =)

 A good friend here in Spain, and another American! =)

 It was Pat's (my friend's husband) birthday!! We had a cake!! Super cute!

Learning how to line dance!! Not necessarily a Thanksgiving activity... But still something that reminds me of home, and added to the fun of the night! 

Needless to say, my first Thanksgiving, not only without my family, but out of the country was a success!! I'm very thankful for my friends who all made it so wonderful!!
=)