I'm all packed up now and just waiting for my 7:30am cab ride to the airport tomorrow morning. Of course, my last couple of hours coincidentally wrapped up my time in Barcelona perfectly. So here ya go:
Just after THE FINAL ESPIN CLASS, I ducked down into the basement to grab a water bottle from the vending machine when I saw one of my dear friends from the "21 Dias" post. He was playing ping-pong with a guy I'd never seen before, and I couldn't hear what they were saying, but my friend was gesturing in my general direction when the other guy asked me, "Es una mentira?"
Well I didn't know what they had been talking about, but I assumed Chuck Norris. So I said yes I knew Chuck Norris and then proceeded to answer the rest of his questions. Yes I am from Texas. Yes he is my neighbor. Yes I've spoken to him before. Yes I've seen him filming "Walker Texas Ranger." No I cannot get him to meet you. I never knew Chuck Norris would contribute so much to my popularity in my Spanish residencia.
Then I joined my roommate Carla and my friend Sandra for dinner. I had something nondescript - pasta, veggies, salad - and we gabbed about New York and Barcelona and the latest residencia gossip. As we were cleaning up our plates and getting ready to leave, I busted out of the caf with a dessert plate of none other than... apple pie.
Obviously I made the girls try this most American dessert ever and a residencia cafeteria first and told them all about Thanksgiving and pies and how unbelievably perfect it was that for THE FINAL MEAL before my return to America, I could enjoy a taste of home.
Then, as we left the cafeteria to head back to our rooms, Sandra looked up at a suddenly cloudy and ominous sky and said, "Ay! Te vas y el cielo llora!"
Indeed, it looks as though Barcelona is mourning my departure, as I do my best to bid a dry goodbye as well. I just hope Barcelona can dry its tears and buck up before my flight tomorrow, because that cannot happen.
<3
5.27.2010
5.26.2010
Sun Salutation
OKAY. Okay. I know. I'm sorry.
Ugh. The truth is, I've been avoiding this post, the final post, because I find myself unexpectedly emotionally and psychologically unprepared to leave. A short 5 months after I began, just as I've found my niche, adopted the language, formed true friendships, and built up one hell of a tan, I have to leave without knowing for certain if and when I'll return. The funniest part is that I've been so vocal about my excitement to return home. I believe the word - my friends Sidney and Deidre know it well - is "bittersweet." I've fallen in love with more than one home and can't see myself leaving either one.
That said, I've compiled a list of the Top 10 things I will miss most about Barcelona as well as the Top 10 things I'm most looking forward to returning to in NYC:
I Will Miss Most:
1. My new friends
2. BBQs at Eddie, Tom, Chris, and Pawel's apartment on the terrace that faces East.
3. Organic
4. Espinning
5. Traveling to new places
6. Lays' "Receta de Campesina" Chips
7. Having nothing to do
8. Way too many holidays
9. Heart health
10. Freedom from technology
I'm Most Looking Forward To:
1. My old friends
2. Laying out on Eddie's Parade
3. Hummus Place
4. Runs in Central Park
5. Exploring more of my own city
6. Cheez-Its, or crackers in general
7. Being productive
8. Sunday hours of operation
9. Lung/sinus health
10. Blackberry
So yeah. That's about all she wrote. I'm not sure whether or not I'll keep this blog up when I get back to the States, but I do promise to write a follow-up post to let you know how the reverse culture shock is going. Though with my already-packed planner full of concerts, dinners, Yankees games, movies, museums, and other cultural excursions, it'll take a lot to shake this city girl.
Thanks for reading this semester and helping me through.
Y te echo de menos, Barcelona. I'll be back soon.
<3
Ugh. The truth is, I've been avoiding this post, the final post, because I find myself unexpectedly emotionally and psychologically unprepared to leave. A short 5 months after I began, just as I've found my niche, adopted the language, formed true friendships, and built up one hell of a tan, I have to leave without knowing for certain if and when I'll return. The funniest part is that I've been so vocal about my excitement to return home. I believe the word - my friends Sidney and Deidre know it well - is "bittersweet." I've fallen in love with more than one home and can't see myself leaving either one.
That said, I've compiled a list of the Top 10 things I will miss most about Barcelona as well as the Top 10 things I'm most looking forward to returning to in NYC:
I Will Miss Most:
1. My new friends
2. BBQs at Eddie, Tom, Chris, and Pawel's apartment on the terrace that faces East.
3. Organic
4. Espinning
5. Traveling to new places
6. Lays' "Receta de Campesina" Chips
7. Having nothing to do
8. Way too many holidays
9. Heart health
10. Freedom from technology
I'm Most Looking Forward To:
1. My old friends
2. Laying out on Eddie's Parade
3. Hummus Place
4. Runs in Central Park
5. Exploring more of my own city
6. Cheez-Its, or crackers in general
7. Being productive
8. Sunday hours of operation
9. Lung/sinus health
10. Blackberry
So yeah. That's about all she wrote. I'm not sure whether or not I'll keep this blog up when I get back to the States, but I do promise to write a follow-up post to let you know how the reverse culture shock is going. Though with my already-packed planner full of concerts, dinners, Yankees games, movies, museums, and other cultural excursions, it'll take a lot to shake this city girl.
Thanks for reading this semester and helping me through.
Y te echo de menos, Barcelona. I'll be back soon.
<3
5.13.2010
El Capital
And in my last weekend getaway before I head home to the U.S. of A. I traversed not one but two of Spain's autonomous communities: Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha, this time with two of my besties from high school, Courtney and David, and a new friend, Danny.
The first stop was Madrid, Spain's capital and home to FC Barcelona's biggest national rival: Real Madrid. Moreover, Madrid is usually considered the alternative to Barcelona in most study abroad programs. You either loyal to Madrid or Barcelona but never both, as each city offers something remarkably different. Thus, armed with itineraries from a few friends who studied abroad in Madrid, I opened my heart and mind and gave Madrid my best shot.
Upon arriving, Danny and I met Courtney and David at the hostel before we headed out to Palacio Real and the Sabatini Gardens. Well I suppose the bad weather is partially to blame, but I can't say I was blown away. A gray building against gray skies doesn't make for exceptional pictures. The armory was perhaps the most exciting part, if only because we each picked out our army's armor. (Basically, the boys compared swords and cannons while Courtney and I compared the aesthetic merit of each breast plate.) Then we hit up Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, both of which were alive and bustling despite the rain. Afterwards, we ran, not walked, to the one and only El Tigre, a legit SRO tapas bar that boasts super sized mojitos and tinto de verano, which consists of wine and lemonade. I was happy to be able to show Courtney and David what tapas were really all about - we had pan de tomate, manchego, tortillas (potato omelettes), and croquettes. Fueron deliciosos!
The next day we greeted bright skies with a smile and headed straight to el Parque del Retiro. I have to admit, this park has a lot over other parks I've seen while here. For starters, it's more manicured than my mother's fingernails. On top of that, it has a lake that offers boat rides for 4.50 € per boat. I'm not sure why, but Courtney and I somehow ended up in the front of the boat with the oars, making the first half of our 45 minutes at sea more like a game of bumper boats than an easy coast along still waters. Once the boys took over, we made it back safely to shore.
After that, the storm clouds came just in time for our super tour of the museum trifecta: Reina Sofia, Thyssen and Prado. While the Prado was a thrill if only because of Mr. Long's HAM (History of Art & Music) class sophomore year of high school, I found myself more fond of modern art in the Reina Sofia. After 5 months traveling Spain, forgive me if I've grown tired of religious subjects. The crowning glory of the afternoon, of course, was that thanks to a little forethought, we entered 2 of the Big 3 for free! And the Thyssen is never free, so I basically scored an A+ on the budget scorecard of life.
On Sunday, we hit up the Rastro flea market, where David bought a Texas flag belt buckle, and then Danny and I bid farewell before heading to the Renfe train station, where Courtney and David headed to Cordoba and Danny and I bought tickets to Toledo.
For me, Toledo was a vision of old Spain: narrow cobblestone streets, grand cathedrals, and vast landscapes of bridges, rivers, and castles. Danny's a photography connoisseur, so it was fun to just wander and take pictures, though we did make a point to hit up the must-sees and to eat marzipan, a confection indigenous to the region. It basically tasted like sugar and almonds, so I obviously loved it.
Back in Madrid and having little else to do on Monday but roam a few gardens, Danny and I headed to the airport early in hopes of nabbing an earlier flight on Vueling. No Ryanair-esque problems there; we made it back before dark!
All in all, it was a beautiful, stress-free weekend with lovely company. Arriving home to Barcelona didn't exactly make me nostalgic for hostels and Starbucks wifi, but I will miss spending time with people discovering that little ball we call the world. Oh, and for those of you who sing Madrid's praises, my heart's still in Barcelona. Lest we forget it's got a beach, Messi and that little home away from home I call Organic.
<3
The first stop was Madrid, Spain's capital and home to FC Barcelona's biggest national rival: Real Madrid. Moreover, Madrid is usually considered the alternative to Barcelona in most study abroad programs. You either loyal to Madrid or Barcelona but never both, as each city offers something remarkably different. Thus, armed with itineraries from a few friends who studied abroad in Madrid, I opened my heart and mind and gave Madrid my best shot.
Upon arriving, Danny and I met Courtney and David at the hostel before we headed out to Palacio Real and the Sabatini Gardens. Well I suppose the bad weather is partially to blame, but I can't say I was blown away. A gray building against gray skies doesn't make for exceptional pictures. The armory was perhaps the most exciting part, if only because we each picked out our army's armor. (Basically, the boys compared swords and cannons while Courtney and I compared the aesthetic merit of each breast plate.) Then we hit up Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, both of which were alive and bustling despite the rain. Afterwards, we ran, not walked, to the one and only El Tigre, a legit SRO tapas bar that boasts super sized mojitos and tinto de verano, which consists of wine and lemonade. I was happy to be able to show Courtney and David what tapas were really all about - we had pan de tomate, manchego, tortillas (potato omelettes), and croquettes. Fueron deliciosos!
The next day we greeted bright skies with a smile and headed straight to el Parque del Retiro. I have to admit, this park has a lot over other parks I've seen while here. For starters, it's more manicured than my mother's fingernails. On top of that, it has a lake that offers boat rides for 4.50 € per boat. I'm not sure why, but Courtney and I somehow ended up in the front of the boat with the oars, making the first half of our 45 minutes at sea more like a game of bumper boats than an easy coast along still waters. Once the boys took over, we made it back safely to shore.
After that, the storm clouds came just in time for our super tour of the museum trifecta: Reina Sofia, Thyssen and Prado. While the Prado was a thrill if only because of Mr. Long's HAM (History of Art & Music) class sophomore year of high school, I found myself more fond of modern art in the Reina Sofia. After 5 months traveling Spain, forgive me if I've grown tired of religious subjects. The crowning glory of the afternoon, of course, was that thanks to a little forethought, we entered 2 of the Big 3 for free! And the Thyssen is never free, so I basically scored an A+ on the budget scorecard of life.
On Sunday, we hit up the Rastro flea market, where David bought a Texas flag belt buckle, and then Danny and I bid farewell before heading to the Renfe train station, where Courtney and David headed to Cordoba and Danny and I bought tickets to Toledo.
For me, Toledo was a vision of old Spain: narrow cobblestone streets, grand cathedrals, and vast landscapes of bridges, rivers, and castles. Danny's a photography connoisseur, so it was fun to just wander and take pictures, though we did make a point to hit up the must-sees and to eat marzipan, a confection indigenous to the region. It basically tasted like sugar and almonds, so I obviously loved it.
Back in Madrid and having little else to do on Monday but roam a few gardens, Danny and I headed to the airport early in hopes of nabbing an earlier flight on Vueling. No Ryanair-esque problems there; we made it back before dark!
All in all, it was a beautiful, stress-free weekend with lovely company. Arriving home to Barcelona didn't exactly make me nostalgic for hostels and Starbucks wifi, but I will miss spending time with people discovering that little ball we call the world. Oh, and for those of you who sing Madrid's praises, my heart's still in Barcelona. Lest we forget it's got a beach, Messi and that little home away from home I call Organic.
<3
5.06.2010
THE EURO IS FALLING, THE EURO IS FALLING!
On my way to Madrid tomorrow. Gonna withdraw mad cash moneys. Watch the Euro drop to under $1.00 on the day that I leave.
Hasta luegoooo.
<3
Hasta luegoooo.
<3
5.02.2010
Comprar Hasta Caer Muerto
Last Friday I went eshopping.
I had been good enough, stopping only occasionally in Zara to pick up a disposable going-out top as needed. But the recent dawn of warm weather combined with a reassessment of my closet practically forced me out the door of my residencia and onto Barcelona's Passeig de Gracia, a big street lined with boutiques both for the luxury and stylishly frugal consumer. Unfortunately, where I usually have very little trouble spotting dozens of things I like, I went in and out of shops with nothing more than the hopeless feeling that accompanies a less-than-fruitful shopping excursion. After a few months here, I've come to realize that Barcelona street style involves a LOT of solid neutrals. Black, brown, gray, cream, and army green really about covers 90% of the average Spanish wardrobe. That extra 10% makes room for colorful scarves and this truly diabolical Spanish brand of clothing called Desigual. Imagine tasteful handmade clothing on a conveyor belt as it is first shot with paintball guns, then stamped with stickers of weird eyeballs, dragons, flowers, and any other design that would have made for a fun temporary tattoo when you were, say, 8 years old. Then it goes through a shredder so that whatever semblance of a piece of clothing is left from the decorative treatment is now lost. I think the idea is that it's "atypical," but I think that might just be code for ugly. Sorry. But true.
So the Spanish wardrobe is either streamlined and urban and neutral and ultra-serious or smoking crack. All of the students in my residencia opt for the former, dressed very similarly in skinny jeans or leggings, layered tissue tees and sweaters, a leather jacket, boots, and an equally drab scar in solid neutral or washed out cheetah print. Not to say that I've never donned something similar, but I miss the quirky touches and outlandish accessories that I so often see in New York. Very rarely do you see a sense of humor in the way people dress here. Moreover, there seems to be very little color. While black had snuck into my NYC wardrobe in the name of function ever since arriving to Fordham, I still seek prints and colors (particular oranges and purples) when I'm out shopping, especially for the summer! After a few hours and a "can-do" attitude, I did find one pretty fabulous fuschia frock (yay alliteration!) that I'll be sure to post a picture of as soon as an event warrants itself worthy of such a dress. I also bought some pretty cute khaki-colored espadrille canvas sneakers that were too cute to pass up, and then quit shortly thereafter for fear I'd suffer an allergy attack from all of the dusty colors that filled the stores. I gotta admit that the Barcelona look can be hot, but I think I'd rather show my true colors. (Yuk yuk yuk.)
<3
I had been good enough, stopping only occasionally in Zara to pick up a disposable going-out top as needed. But the recent dawn of warm weather combined with a reassessment of my closet practically forced me out the door of my residencia and onto Barcelona's Passeig de Gracia, a big street lined with boutiques both for the luxury and stylishly frugal consumer. Unfortunately, where I usually have very little trouble spotting dozens of things I like, I went in and out of shops with nothing more than the hopeless feeling that accompanies a less-than-fruitful shopping excursion. After a few months here, I've come to realize that Barcelona street style involves a LOT of solid neutrals. Black, brown, gray, cream, and army green really about covers 90% of the average Spanish wardrobe. That extra 10% makes room for colorful scarves and this truly diabolical Spanish brand of clothing called Desigual. Imagine tasteful handmade clothing on a conveyor belt as it is first shot with paintball guns, then stamped with stickers of weird eyeballs, dragons, flowers, and any other design that would have made for a fun temporary tattoo when you were, say, 8 years old. Then it goes through a shredder so that whatever semblance of a piece of clothing is left from the decorative treatment is now lost. I think the idea is that it's "atypical," but I think that might just be code for ugly. Sorry. But true.
So the Spanish wardrobe is either streamlined and urban and neutral and ultra-serious or smoking crack. All of the students in my residencia opt for the former, dressed very similarly in skinny jeans or leggings, layered tissue tees and sweaters, a leather jacket, boots, and an equally drab scar in solid neutral or washed out cheetah print. Not to say that I've never donned something similar, but I miss the quirky touches and outlandish accessories that I so often see in New York. Very rarely do you see a sense of humor in the way people dress here. Moreover, there seems to be very little color. While black had snuck into my NYC wardrobe in the name of function ever since arriving to Fordham, I still seek prints and colors (particular oranges and purples) when I'm out shopping, especially for the summer! After a few hours and a "can-do" attitude, I did find one pretty fabulous fuschia frock (yay alliteration!) that I'll be sure to post a picture of as soon as an event warrants itself worthy of such a dress. I also bought some pretty cute khaki-colored espadrille canvas sneakers that were too cute to pass up, and then quit shortly thereafter for fear I'd suffer an allergy attack from all of the dusty colors that filled the stores. I gotta admit that the Barcelona look can be hot, but I think I'd rather show my true colors. (Yuk yuk yuk.)
<3
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