July Approaches…

In case anyone still is reading my blog, I’m posting and update on what’s going on as well as reaffirming that I’m still alive and eating (that’s directed to the mom obviously – with love of course). Time’s here have been very interesting on many levels, gaining experience with teaching English, speaking Spanish, and learning something about how young adults can be forced to socialize. On the first we had some modest success tutoring people English. Unfortunately it appears as University ends and summer rolls around in a country highly affected by the “CRISIS” – pronounced CREE SEES --  they don’t want to be tutored during the summer. Speaking Spanish has really finalized itself, and goes hand in hand with the third item.

I’ve realized that going out in the US we’ve all kind of been catered to behind the scenes so to speak. Even CIEE and those more “exposed” moments of our lives, we always know someone, or even the language in how to communicate (which gives a lot more confidence than I’d have thought). Whereas here we’ve been forced to learn how people here interact, IE what’s normal. As we realized, the awkward look and smile, just don’t cut it like they do in the United States. Here, it seems there’s some combination between confrontation and disinterest that apparently we’ve only mastered a couple times. The end result of all this discovery, is an improved confidence and ability with my Spanish speaking, as well as a greater appreciation for our comfortable – to me – culture and the Spanish one more wholly.

We’ve had a couple visitors. One of the guys we studied with at CIEE in Sevilla – Joe – came down to visit, and we showed him around town, which went well. Although it’s hard to suck at entertaining when we have a beach, nice weather, and he’s coming from 40-50 degree Celsius weather. As you can see everyone was having a good time. Joe featured to the left in the yellow shirt is the guy who came down to visit us. Right is Daniel, one of roommates, also enjoying the evening in typical fashion as the nights are enjoyed here in Cadiz. All in all, it was great to see someone from CIEE again, and hear about other stories about how the summer has been going in Sevilla. “HOT” – I believe – is the clear resounding answer.

In other regards, Cadiz has picked up thoroughly. For the others that have visited it’s a complete change from any prior experience here. With luck this will lead to lots of job opportunities – as it’s good to see that the crisis hasn’t been too bad for the economy of Andalusia. Walking into the Historic Center one receives reminders just how packed the place can be like the photo above. The beach is absolutely thronging with such a variety of people as you’d never believe. Anywhere from the youngest of toddlers & the wild groups of teenagers – to the more scholarly studying university students – all the way up to middle-aged and elderly folk taking in the waves and sunshine.

That’s all I can think of writing for now, but as more comes I’ll be sure to post up more. I also have some posts written out from Israel that I’ve yet to post, so as I find time or inspiration I’ll be sure to throw those up.

Cadiz New Beginnings (pt. 2)

Last Friday, nearly a week ago I packed up all my belongings, counted my money, checked I had my passport and moved myself with two friends down to Cadiz, Spain. Noted for being the longest consistently populated city in southwest Europe, we arrived loaded down with luggage, saddened from the recent departures of everything we knew (friends, cities and program), but bolstered by our new adventurous spirit. We arrived at our new apartment (pictures will go up soon), negotiated the end of our deal with our renters, paid our bill, and set up camp in Cadiz. Although at times the experience was stressful, in the end we couldn’t be happier to be where we are.

The last few days have been an incredible mesh of business, visitors, and adapting to a new city. Work hunts have been conducted, flyers for English work have been written, our seventh visitors arrived today, and grocery stores and home supplies have been purchased. All in all it’s been an incredible experience, and while we haven’t talked as much Spanish as we had hoped for yet (possibly due to the large amount of friends we’ve had visiting), we’ve managed to do some important activities solely in Spanish (read: renting an apartment in Spain etc).

The first of our guests were two friends Kayla and Phoebe. They joined us, and sooner than later Jillian and her two friends joined us. With all eight of us we ventured out, soaked in the new rays on the beautiful beach, with the Atlantic no more than five minutes from our door step. Scott and I went to the Cadiz soccer game, deciding we needed to begin experiencing the culture in our new town. Although the team is currently in Division 3 (on the brink of joining D2), the crowd has never been more ecstatic nor cheerful for any game I’ve ever been to. With my bright yellow Cadiz scarf –EL SUBMARINO AMARILLO emblazoned— wrapped around my neck I yelled along with the crowd calling the refs and the opposing players some of the most horrendous things I’ve ever heard said at a soccer game, but hey it’s just the culture right?

Living here is absolutely incredible. The vistas are breathtaking at all hours of the day, the beach is inexplicably perfect, the women are gorgeous, and the lifestyle is unforgettable. While it sounds like we’re all fun and no work, I don’t even know how much work could ever impose into one’s lifestyle here. The combination just lends itself to fun even when working.

To those we said goodbye to, you are thoroughly missed. Spain still calls out your name hoping for you to return soon (after you’ve welcomed back in your lives of course, no need to rush back it’s not going anywhere and most likely will still be on siesta when you return). All of us have been occupied by new experiences, guests, and new friends, but I’m sure the toll of being just the three of us will kick in soon.

anyway this post has become quite a novel. with that I end this post, I promise I will put up photos soon of the apartment, the city, the beach and anything else important. Otherwise I’m doing great life is incredible, and every once in a while send some news so we can keep ourselves connected!

Cadiz – New Beginnings

As of last Friday, Daniel, Scott & I waved goodbye to everything we knew besides each other in Spain. Thursday marked the last official day of our program, and unfortunately that meant a long day of goodbyes. Our program threw us a going away party, which at first I thought would border on ridiculous, drama-filled or even like something out of high school. The final result was great. Turns out when people are planning on packing up four months worth of crap, writing essays last minute and taking finals on the last day, people tend to be very busy. Consequently, it was nearly impossible to say goodbye nor was it possible to schedule any sort of face time with people I sadly might not see for a very long time, if ever.

The final party was great. I got to talk to my economics professor, who represented the figure head of a class that bonded extremely closely. The select few I was able to get to know on a more personal level outside of class, I will miss and hence getting a bit of closure on the class was welcomed. Other notable moments included Erin winning the writing prize for her piece (which I’m still hoping I get to read – now she won she can’t be bashful –hint hint if you’re reading), taking photos with friends, and getting a heartfelt message from one of my professors. He said some touching things, and I can’t quite even remember exactly what happened, but I was told I just sat there saying “thank you” and “I’m touched” over and over again. After the party, some friends left, some friends carried on but in general it was time to hit the hay. Furthermore, I had to start new beginnings the next day off towards Cadiz.

Before I move on however, I wanted to take a few moments and wrap up Sevilla. I spent nearly four months there, quite an incredible portion of my life, and to be honest some things have never seemed more real albeit at times sometimes they felt too fantastical. The friendships I formed were all incredible, some of which I hope stay strong or even grow stronger over the coming years. To those who’ve left Spain and I behind keep us in your thoughts and stay in touch.

The program was great, and inspired us to immerse ourselves in the language, and the culture. The sights were great, the trips I took were incredible. I wanted to thank my parents for all their support in the issue both financially and motivationally. Thanks for everyone being so supportive, friends and family. And I hope that someday as a favor I can sit myself down with you and share with you all the fantastic experiences I gathered while here.

Anyway… as this post suggests, the end of Sevilla led to new beginnings…. <to be continued in another blog post>

Morocco, Munich, Prague & Berlin - Photos & Maps

So I have yet to write my full stories of my trips through these great places, but I do have a lot of photos you all might want to see as well as a little map to show you where in the world I was, and you can trace the route.

First is the map of our trip in Morocco:

Turns out google doesn’t give driving directions for Morocco Africa, but you can imagine where we went. A to B to C to 1(D) and then back up to A to go back across the strait.

Morocco Pt. 1

Morocco Pt. 2

 

Now for the trip to Germany:

Munich - The City of Drinking

Prague - The City of Bridges

Berlin - The City of Nightlife

Supposedly there is one typo in one of my recent album’s comments. If something reads funny, I think it was nuns instead of soldiers, then know that it was simply a mistake. I’ll get around to editing it soon.

Hope you all enjoy, I’ll write up some stories later to fill you in, and some of my writing as well during the time.

Ciao!

Finishing Italy

Well Italy was a blast and I don’t have much more to add to the previous posts, but something I wanted to do was show people exactly where I went. So to do so I have a map compiled that cleverly shows the route!

Hopefully the scale works when posted online, it’s a cool little collection of places. Soon i’ll write about my trip to Munich, Berlin and Prague. Then a quick one about Paris, with a little blog about my experience at Feria. Expect a lot coming up soon between the studying hours and just to wrap things up before I move out and find somewhere else to stay this summer.

Hope you all are still reading, I promise i’ll update more frequently soon!

Cinque Terre …

This place is already blowing my mind and I have yet to set foot outside in the sunlight. Our room overlooks the Mediterranean sea with huge cliffs setting the tone towering over crystalline green waters that lap up against the sandy shore just below our window. The same white sand shore from which fisherman, often singing or bantering with the other fisherman, launch their small wooden fishing boats to begin the days harvest. Meanwhile we prepare ourselves for a day of hiking and sight seeing, setting off from a small town where cars aren’t even allowed beyond the mere one that does official town business.

Later: Today we romped between small towns tucked into the cliff side. Although at one point a landslide kept us from the trail the whole way, the most uttered words were INCREDIBLE, Unbelievable, and “Oh-My-God” (followed closely by a “look at that!”). The water was clear to the bottom even from 250 meters up where we at times crossed the cliffs via a one-person wide trail. The vibrant blues radiated in all lines of sight minus the vibrant greens from the terraced hillsides covered in pines trees and vineyards. I couldn’t help but think of those not with Christina and I to share in the breathtaking panoramas.. because the word vista just doesn't capture the inescapable beauty in all directions. As if the natural and man-made beauty were not enough, the towns emanated savory smells of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, oreganos and basils, baking foccacia, and their prized pesto. Essentially what I’m trying to say is that I was afflicted by an unbearable insatiable appetite for the entire day. Nonetheless, it received welcome respites through the day from fresh fruits, prosciutto and mozzarella sandwiches, and pesto pizza. As well of a couple samples of limoncello, cream & limón, and melon liqueurs.

That was my first day in Cinque Terre, and the reactions that followed.

Photos from my trip to Italy

So I spent the last week in Italy, and took almost 400 photos of which I narrowed down to a smaller selection of shots that I wanted people to see from my journey. For those that don’t use Facebook, don’t check it, or whatever I wanted to post them to the blog so you could see them all. Here’s a list of the photo albums.

Cinque Terre - Part 1

Cinque Terre - Part 2

Venice - Masks & Canals

Rome - Sights around the city

The Pope - St. Peters - Latin Mass

I also have some videos that need to be uploaded on the mass and I'll be sure to add them when they become available. Also I wrote some blog entries while I was in Italy, and will be posting them as soon as I transcribe them from my Ipod.

Ciao!