Today : 14 / 4 / 11
Time : 5pm-6:30
**Picture link below
The visit to San Isidoro. At first I wasn't sure what we were visiting, but as we got there it was a church. One of the oldest churchest next to the cathedral. But for a couple of hours, we followed a guide name Javier, who I took a picture of so you'd know who I was talking about. The same guy/dude/ guide that took us around for that Saturday day excursion to the Picos de Europa. Anyway we went into the church following our Spanish guide speaking extreme amounts of spanish.... but surprisingly I understood most of it. Anyway we went through the actual church and then into the museo attached to it, which contained so many interesting things and parts of the church. In the preserved glass cases salas, Javier pointed out a chalice that was created of gold and is actually two cups top and bottom was made a very long time ago. (Date don't remember.)
Anyway.. There was also a place where lay tombs of royalty... I believe 23 bodies/bones/ash. And painting all over the celings.. I couldn't take pictures of these but I can guarentee you that they are muy bonita!
Anyway I hope to stop by for mass inside one day this quarter. =)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Ana, the Youngest.
Ana is 4. She is very hyper, loud and cute. "!Que mono!" <<"How cute!"
^^ I found out the actual age... soooo yup.
^^ I found out the actual age... soooo yup.
She has a big head, a cute big head, (not a bad thing!) full of blond~ish curly hair. She loves learning English. But every day is like a new day where she doesn't remember me. But I remember always being shy then...
"Des-e-rrray, como se dice ... en ingles??"
What else can I say about her in the third week??? HEY, but don't fret because there will be more!
If you were to walk into the home now.. she would probably be the first one to hear. Not saying that's completely a bad thing but that you'll just know. I sort of wish this was a moving picture because at this moment, she is completely concentrated on the screen, using her little fingers to push the touchpad repeatedly.
Anyway... I'd like to introduce to you the youngest of the family, Ana.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Cathedral Mass Times
So yesterday after moving all my stuff over to the new place... and don't worry I'll bring the pictures of the old and new house.. but I researched the mass hours of the Cathderal. And here is what I'm proposing...
Twice a week mass: SUNDAY @ 11am & One weekday @ 18(6pm)
I have cooking class on Mondays & Wednesday from 8:30 - 10:30, so I may not do those day, although it seems a little fitting that I go to church and then straight after go to cooking class. I'm just unsure how long mass is. Anyway this week I may just do Tomorrow Tuesday @ 18.
k, get it? got it? Bueno!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday´s Excursion [4/9]
Photo link @ bottom.
So yesterday, the reason why I didn´t blog was because I was out on a day long excursion... and BELIEVE that I am sore. We visited a museo which was not that far from the main city. Maybe about 10-15 mins away. And this museo was awesome!! But of course most museos still have that side that´s like arghh.... boring... but some of the exhibits were amazingly interesting... Some things showed how life was before like industrailism... There were dress parts for different "ancient" times festivals and such... There were also rooms set up that showed how life was before.... I remember this block thing... and the tour guide, although at the time didn´t understand that she was asking if anybody knew what this "thing" is. But she explained it was just an old fashion iron... you put coals in hte bottom part and/or put it in the fire.
Anyway after that long but a little tour around the museo... we went on to a church... and our main tour guide of the whole excursion (Javier~ said with a little flem) said a little speech about the church (of course all in Spanish) so my attention span sort of lost what we was saying... but I did manage to remember that the archs inside were made to follow the shoes of horse... yes horseshoes... same difference...
Anyway there are pictures of the church there too... oh yeah I have to mention that when we left, outside was hot, and the sun was out for us... but inside that church was sooo cool! It was interesting to have felt that.
After our time at the museo and the church, our buses took us about an hour into the mountains where we came to a grassy area where lunch was served... Or well we have to eat whatever we brought. Hm sandwhich with tortilla in it... bomb dot com! (btw it wasn´t a tortilla- flat and floury but a tortilla is an omlette!!! yum!)
We went on a little trail with a climb of about vertical... crazy hurt on the legs! But I made it to this upper landing that gave a beautiful view of the montañas. They call it the picos de europa because it touches three regions of Spain but I don´t know why it is of Europa. once again, I need to buff my Spanish.
Getting back on the bus we went to a little pueblo where only the smaller bus can continue. So we took three trips, which took forever to wait for the rest of the groups to reach the inner part of the like-valley. But from there we didn´t realize that we were going to be facing a 4 km walk to the rio. BTW the rio was beautiful, which lead to a dam which had this extra part that zig zagged down. And that was about the end of our walk because we had to walk back and then take the three bus trips AND the trip back into town. You´d think that wasn´t long but we walked FOREVER! Anyway check out the photos...
****Photos are blurry because flash wasn´t allowed... so I tried!
CLICK KCILC CLICK
<3 mucho amor
So yesterday, the reason why I didn´t blog was because I was out on a day long excursion... and BELIEVE that I am sore. We visited a museo which was not that far from the main city. Maybe about 10-15 mins away. And this museo was awesome!! But of course most museos still have that side that´s like arghh.... boring... but some of the exhibits were amazingly interesting... Some things showed how life was before like industrailism... There were dress parts for different "ancient" times festivals and such... There were also rooms set up that showed how life was before.... I remember this block thing... and the tour guide, although at the time didn´t understand that she was asking if anybody knew what this "thing" is. But she explained it was just an old fashion iron... you put coals in hte bottom part and/or put it in the fire.
Anyway after that long but a little tour around the museo... we went on to a church... and our main tour guide of the whole excursion (Javier~ said with a little flem) said a little speech about the church (of course all in Spanish) so my attention span sort of lost what we was saying... but I did manage to remember that the archs inside were made to follow the shoes of horse... yes horseshoes... same difference...
Anyway there are pictures of the church there too... oh yeah I have to mention that when we left, outside was hot, and the sun was out for us... but inside that church was sooo cool! It was interesting to have felt that.
After our time at the museo and the church, our buses took us about an hour into the mountains where we came to a grassy area where lunch was served... Or well we have to eat whatever we brought. Hm sandwhich with tortilla in it... bomb dot com! (btw it wasn´t a tortilla- flat and floury but a tortilla is an omlette!!! yum!)
We went on a little trail with a climb of about vertical... crazy hurt on the legs! But I made it to this upper landing that gave a beautiful view of the montañas. They call it the picos de europa because it touches three regions of Spain but I don´t know why it is of Europa. once again, I need to buff my Spanish.
Getting back on the bus we went to a little pueblo where only the smaller bus can continue. So we took three trips, which took forever to wait for the rest of the groups to reach the inner part of the like-valley. But from there we didn´t realize that we were going to be facing a 4 km walk to the rio. BTW the rio was beautiful, which lead to a dam which had this extra part that zig zagged down. And that was about the end of our walk because we had to walk back and then take the three bus trips AND the trip back into town. You´d think that wasn´t long but we walked FOREVER! Anyway check out the photos...
****Photos are blurry because flash wasn´t allowed... so I tried!
CLICK KCILC CLICK
<3 mucho amor
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
UPDATE EM PIX!
BAM BAM BAM!! ERR-BODY LOVES EM PICTURES.... THEY AREN'T THE BEST, BUT I DON'T NEED A 6,000,000$ CAMERA... OR A 600$. a SIMPLE MAYBE 200 OR EVEN BETTER 100$$ CAMERA!!
TA DA!
BA DA BING! BA DA BOOM!
** these photos are of my first paseo* sola... I walked toward the river which I found wonderfully.... and on the way found the McDonalds and of course I had to take a photo because it was like an epiphany because obviously I took a picture of it.... (laughs & applauds)... I found the river and walked along finding the stadium, futbol and the toro. I also discovered the B&W feature on my camera hence taking a few artistical shots, as well as the orange feature.... or the dingey orange kine.
The last part with the other students (Adi, Christina, Kyle and Jane) was a different day to the opposity side of town. Those are minimal but will add more when I discover those from the other cameras. yup!
But I did get a final good shot of the cathedral. MASSIVE!
* Paseo (sola) is a walk. People here after seista (nap time) take a paseo through town, by the river, around the block. It's basically wandering. The additive "sola" indicates the accompanying nobody.
TA DA!
BA DA BING! BA DA BOOM!
** these photos are of my first paseo* sola... I walked toward the river which I found wonderfully.... and on the way found the McDonalds and of course I had to take a photo because it was like an epiphany because obviously I took a picture of it.... (laughs & applauds)... I found the river and walked along finding the stadium, futbol and the toro. I also discovered the B&W feature on my camera hence taking a few artistical shots, as well as the orange feature.... or the dingey orange kine.
The last part with the other students (Adi, Christina, Kyle and Jane) was a different day to the opposity side of town. Those are minimal but will add more when I discover those from the other cameras. yup!
But I did get a final good shot of the cathedral. MASSIVE!
* Paseo (sola) is a walk. People here after seista (nap time) take a paseo through town, by the river, around the block. It's basically wandering. The additive "sola" indicates the accompanying nobody.
Email Inspired Post.
What you are about to read is going to shock you to full extent... Please take caution as you proceed ahead.... haha No just kiddin.... Got an email and it inspired me to use it as a template for my next post. here, of course. (red = message, black = my response)...... Read, enjoy, and leave some comments...
Well, well, well……you must be partying up in Leon since I have not heard from you for a long time. No, well I’ve just been sleeping a lot. We would go out to bars for maybe one beer, or one café con leche, and then sit and talk and talk. Jane, some of the other students and I sometimes have conversations like some of the classes we’ve had. Jane talked about growing up in Alaska. You also have not updated your blog for several days except this past weekend. Yeah I know I haven’t updated, but I knew I wasn’t going to do it every day. It’s like doing homework, don’t want to do it every day. Plus I remember to write and then find things to write about and then when I open the browser to write it, I don’t remember it, so that’s why I’m trying to find a way to take notes or write about smaller things for each post whereas each day activities. How are you doing there?
I’m doing good anyway. Are you doing fine? School doesn’t feel like school. It’s more like daily workshops. Because I know I’m not going to campus and seeing 50 million other students….. haha! How is school? But even though I don’t feel like it’s school, I’m always doing Spanish all the time. With the family, when I want to go somewhere else. With the exception of going out with the other students. Are you concentrating on your studies? The family is great. There is a mom, a grandmother, a 11 yr old sister and a 3 yr old sister. (all references from my position.) Is your family treating you good? Like Tony(professor) said, they feed us three times a day. Breakfast not so much cause I don’t get up in time, but they leave me a café con leche. But I try everything they offer. Well I ask if it looks weird first but I try a little anyway. What type of food are you eating there? Ana, the little sister, is better. I just remember how right before I went to sleep, mama came into my room and tried to tell me taking to hospital. It’s just chest stuffiness. I forget the word for it…. Indigestion? Doesn’t sound right but a lot of flem kinda thing. How was your little sister? Last time I heard, she went to the hospital. And no they told me I can stay out whenever I like, but I don’t stay out no longer than 1pm on regular, but if I know the other girls want to go dancing say Friday night, 3 or 4 at the latest because I can’t even keep up with the all night. I hope you are not causing your family to worry about you when you are always out & about. And going out dancing we won’t drink any more than we can handle. We’ve talked about it before. Our group is pretty intertwined. So although it’s the 2nd week, we’re more than willing to watch each other. Plus I agree with Jane when she said that their nightlife isn’t an exciting environment, other than the late night being open. There aren’t much people dancing, and drinking. More people just talking than wanting to get wasting. Although there are those certain peoples…. Ek! I hope you are not drinking yourself to drunkenness. Remember that the bad things that happened to people are when they get to irresponsible about drinking. I hope you are being very responsible and treating your family with respect by helping out and informing them when you are going somewhere and letting them know when you are going to be late. And no I haven’t actually had a chance to get to church. I’ve been inside a church, but not a mass yet. You know you’re reminding is unnecessary. I always went out with Edelyn Saturday night there, but always have made it to church. (except for once.) But this week I’m planning to take un paseo around la cuidad to take photos of Leon. That also includes stopping by the cathedral to see when masses are. I haven’t decided whether not I want to attend a Sunday mass, or a weekday. But I am planning to make it to at least once in the quarter to both. Have you been going to church? Of all places, I hope you are. One mass a week is not that terrible. YES! Are you still taking pictures? I have not seen any picture of Leon, nor your school, nor your family, nor your home…not any. I hope you are being very careful about your spending? Tuition, Check. Balance watching, check. A lot of us are worried about spending so much, so every time we go around to check out new stores, I either don’t bring money or just challenge the idea of necessity. Did you check your tuition balance? Everything is all well, as of what MyUW says, but sometimes the Pin/Chip card doesn’t do through. And I have no way of checking it’s balance because I called once and said I couldn’t access since I wasn’t you. Is everything all processed? Is your monetary situation okay? As you can see I have many, many, many questions. That’s okay, since I realized what I’m typing I could use as a blog entry. Two birds, with one stone. BAM! I guess you can see that we are concern that we have not heard from you. Since you do have WiFi at home, I would assume that you are keeping in touch more often or updating your blog at least more often. Well it’s a daily challenge trying to learn language, but sometimes I just don’t remember. [Oh BTW, WiFi is pronounced here, (wee-fee)] Anyway, a lot of people at church and some at work said they are following your blog and some are loving your posted pictures. Yes as the messenger, Joseph has been telling me.
I hope you are taking care of yourself and I hope you are being very responsible. We do miss you here. I can’t believe you are only gone for a little more than two weeks. It seems like a long time ago. .......... Anyway, just write me nightly or every other night or keep your blog updated at least every night or every other night or at least regularly.
Fact!
Funcionar = to work (for things)
Trabajar = to work (for people)
** Don't use the other way around or they'll laugh. =|
<3 Desiree B
Miss Seattle! Miss you!
Sunday, April 03, 2011
The Lazy Weekend
15 Posts, last published on Mar 29, 2011
And today is April 3, and now about 4:40pm. And it's Sunday even though it doesn't really feel like it. I havent been to church in two weeks, but because I wanted to dance last night, I hadn't set my alarm to wake this morning. I guess I'll set up some information when the perfect time to go to church. Maybe I'll do a weekday service. Because I found out the line up of excursions are some weekends... so if I get into the Leon habit of going to church, it will soon be broken.
But so far Leon, and Espana.. I love it. It's so great. It hasn't really dawned upon me quite fully that I'm in a totally different country without the people I usually would be travelling with. I remember last quarter when I started Spanish back up, I wrote about when I was younger, my family and I used to travel everywhere. Well, at least that's what it felt like. Although our destinations weren't far, we were, as I will describe it as everywhere. Now that my travelling has evolved, I am currently in a different continent, alone. Well can't really say alone, because I know my classmates now. But coming into the program, I did it alone.
Anyway, A few classmates and I were speaking yesterday about the ability to communicate with the locals. And one girl said her family hosted a student last year who is back with a different program. And he has so far taken 6-7 years of Spainish and sometimes still doesn't understand what some people say. The relieve is slightly taken off, but it's just so hard. Anyway....
The people of Spain are soooooo great. I mean other than the fact that you may be pick-pocketed, they are more than happy to help out someone lost. A person like myself, shy and very hesitant to ask for help has been approached by others. It's quite amazing that people will stop and show you and make you understand, and then be on their way. Hey in Seattle, people don't do that. And I can say that for myself because I don't stop to help, only if they are completely lost, or they ask. But anyway it's great, but funny because there's the obvious language barrier.
Hm... But this weekend, my life was swallowed by the night life. A lot of dancing is just about it. And things don't close at 2pm in the states, but whenever, I guess. I can't stay out longer to find out actually when things close. =p But hopefully I can get up tomorrow morning. Anyway now is time for a paseo. (.....a walk......)
And today is April 3, and now about 4:40pm. And it's Sunday even though it doesn't really feel like it. I havent been to church in two weeks, but because I wanted to dance last night, I hadn't set my alarm to wake this morning. I guess I'll set up some information when the perfect time to go to church. Maybe I'll do a weekday service. Because I found out the line up of excursions are some weekends... so if I get into the Leon habit of going to church, it will soon be broken.
But so far Leon, and Espana.. I love it. It's so great. It hasn't really dawned upon me quite fully that I'm in a totally different country without the people I usually would be travelling with. I remember last quarter when I started Spanish back up, I wrote about when I was younger, my family and I used to travel everywhere. Well, at least that's what it felt like. Although our destinations weren't far, we were, as I will describe it as everywhere. Now that my travelling has evolved, I am currently in a different continent, alone. Well can't really say alone, because I know my classmates now. But coming into the program, I did it alone.
Anyway, A few classmates and I were speaking yesterday about the ability to communicate with the locals. And one girl said her family hosted a student last year who is back with a different program. And he has so far taken 6-7 years of Spainish and sometimes still doesn't understand what some people say. The relieve is slightly taken off, but it's just so hard. Anyway....
The people of Spain are soooooo great. I mean other than the fact that you may be pick-pocketed, they are more than happy to help out someone lost. A person like myself, shy and very hesitant to ask for help has been approached by others. It's quite amazing that people will stop and show you and make you understand, and then be on their way. Hey in Seattle, people don't do that. And I can say that for myself because I don't stop to help, only if they are completely lost, or they ask. But anyway it's great, but funny because there's the obvious language barrier.
Hm... But this weekend, my life was swallowed by the night life. A lot of dancing is just about it. And things don't close at 2pm in the states, but whenever, I guess. I can't stay out longer to find out actually when things close. =p But hopefully I can get up tomorrow morning. Anyway now is time for a paseo. (.....a walk......)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Today very chill...
I know this is like Spain and everything but I love this frase... Il dulce far niete.
It is Italiano for << the sweetness of doing nothing...>>
Anyway class this morning was a little bleh even though we did get done earlier in the day. Then majority of our 12 students went out to go shopping and grab something to drink. I know Christina P, Lauren anad Jane, as well as myself wear about the same size shoe. It is annoying a little because we want the boots everyone else wears... or at least something similar. So we look and look and find a few but don't really decide to buy quite yet. And then we sit for some cafe,no cervezas yet but that's ok. The current goal was to find El Corte Ingles, which is like the department store here..... you know macys, nordstroms.. etc etc etc.
Yeah I just decided to go home earlier... it was only like about 1 pm. so I came home to Ana and Abu. Ana doing her normal playing with everything and watching tv at the same time. Anyway I decide to settle in my room and end up taking a nap.
I wake for lunch and eat. For lunch I had lentil soup, and something else for which I cant remmeber what it is right now. However the food is beyond good. Yum!
I go to my room and lay for quite some time, only to decide to actually go on a paseo. I tell mi madre espanol and she recommends going by the river. The same river spoken about in the orientations of this program. El rio es muy hermoso. Yo quiero visitar el rio todos los dias por el paseo. I took pictures and I will show you... =) Aqui, a mi izquerda, hay un foto de el rio. Muy herimoso, no? Yeah so I make one big circle and make it back to the area I started.... Then decide to see if the store from the Toms website, really sells Toms. Yeah, no it doesn't. So then I swing my way around blocks and end up in a store called Blanco. OMG! i love it. It's like Love Culture. and I love LoveCulture. Yeah so I find some boots perfect my size a little small at the calves, AND AND AND..... they are only 8€. That is the best freggin' deal ever in the whole world. LOL. yup, I buy of course and then some. all great prices!
I come home and sit and walk around the house... but poor poor Ana, the little one. She is sick... =( "no bueno" as my friend says. Yeah then she gets taken the hospital... and then I'm left to spend the evening/night.
It is Italiano for << the sweetness of doing nothing...>>
Anyway class this morning was a little bleh even though we did get done earlier in the day. Then majority of our 12 students went out to go shopping and grab something to drink. I know Christina P, Lauren anad Jane, as well as myself wear about the same size shoe. It is annoying a little because we want the boots everyone else wears... or at least something similar. So we look and look and find a few but don't really decide to buy quite yet. And then we sit for some cafe,no cervezas yet but that's ok. The current goal was to find El Corte Ingles, which is like the department store here..... you know macys, nordstroms.. etc etc etc.
Yeah I just decided to go home earlier... it was only like about 1 pm. so I came home to Ana and Abu. Ana doing her normal playing with everything and watching tv at the same time. Anyway I decide to settle in my room and end up taking a nap.
I wake for lunch and eat. For lunch I had lentil soup, and something else for which I cant remmeber what it is right now. However the food is beyond good. Yum!
I come home and sit and walk around the house... but poor poor Ana, the little one. She is sick... =( "no bueno" as my friend says. Yeah then she gets taken the hospital... and then I'm left to spend the evening/night.
Il Dulce Far Niete.
FOTOs
Hay mas fotos para ver. Por favor, no les importa la falta de claridad.
HERE HERE HERE click HERE
There will be more. But for now, I think these are caught up? Maybe? some I believe are still from Madrid.
HERE HERE HERE click HERE
There will be more. But for now, I think these are caught up? Maybe? some I believe are still from Madrid.
Monday, March 28, 2011
possible extra extra
- portugal
- morroco
- amsterdam
- france*
- italy*
- london*
- greece
- turkey?
son possibles.
After the first day....
I feel a little jumbled.... because many things are happening at once... or at least one after the other and blaaahhh!!! Anyway =0\ whew...! today I woke at about 8, walked to school with Abu, who is mi abuela... it's hard to comunicate with them because I knew how to get to class... I just didn't know exactly how to say it with her understanding...Anyway class was interesting.. at first Christina, nuestras profesora, put each one of us on the spot to tell something about what we are studying in college... like the same introduction of every first class. Then break at 1130 to 12, then we have conversation with another teacher, pero yo no recuerdo el nombre de ella. This class, honestly, was a little bit more active and fun. But I think it may just be the first day and 103, in the morning... was just in the morning. We will see about the class tomorrow morning.
I came home, and was a little worried about getting in because my family forgot their keys at home when we all left this morning and they came by the school to get my spare, which was fine but I didn't know how to get in. I buzzed the button downstairs, no answer. And then another person who lives in the building, went in and was unsure about either going in or waiting outside. Anyway I figured if I went in and possibly knocked on the door, 5th floor of course, and someone would open, and fortunately they were home. No worries, I had a back-up plan in case that didn't work. Abu y Ana was home, so double no worries... lol.
uh I then met back at the palacio for a mini guided tour around Leon. Our classes are at the palace, but a newer part of it. It is beautiful. Hopefully I could pull out one. (Later..... )
We went everywhere... or at least most everywhere. It started about 6:15 o 6:20 y went about 2 hours. SOO TIRING! Anyway, after the group said bye to guide person... and we went around to somewhere to chat and have una cerveza o un vino. Esta Bien! We get tapas with our drinks... so good! chat for awhile and decide to move over to another place, which I forget the name of the place too. Anyway we stay for a little while because at some point at the second place, it was about 9:20 o sobre 9:30. Y Cena is supposed to be at 9. uh oh! so we make our way home separately, which turns out fine. I get home and I was worried thety were waiting or something... but they said it was okay because we eat at 10. "no eres tarde.." whew!
Yeah had pizza, and water and watched some cartoons con my hermana menor. Pokemon, some transformming things.... and then iCarly and Spongebob!! I love it... some dubbed english and some just straight spanish. Anyway yeah I finish this, and bed to go I am....
Hasta Manana! o Hasta Luego!
I came home, and was a little worried about getting in because my family forgot their keys at home when we all left this morning and they came by the school to get my spare, which was fine but I didn't know how to get in. I buzzed the button downstairs, no answer. And then another person who lives in the building, went in and was unsure about either going in or waiting outside. Anyway I figured if I went in and possibly knocked on the door, 5th floor of course, and someone would open, and fortunately they were home. No worries, I had a back-up plan in case that didn't work. Abu y Ana was home, so double no worries... lol.
uh I then met back at the palacio for a mini guided tour around Leon. Our classes are at the palace, but a newer part of it. It is beautiful. Hopefully I could pull out one. (Later..... )
We went everywhere... or at least most everywhere. It started about 6:15 o 6:20 y went about 2 hours. SOO TIRING! Anyway, after the group said bye to guide person... and we went around to somewhere to chat and have una cerveza o un vino. Esta Bien! We get tapas with our drinks... so good! chat for awhile and decide to move over to another place, which I forget the name of the place too. Anyway we stay for a little while because at some point at the second place, it was about 9:20 o sobre 9:30. Y Cena is supposed to be at 9. uh oh! so we make our way home separately, which turns out fine. I get home and I was worried thety were waiting or something... but they said it was okay because we eat at 10. "no eres tarde.." whew!
Yeah had pizza, and water and watched some cartoons con my hermana menor. Pokemon, some transformming things.... and then iCarly and Spongebob!! I love it... some dubbed english and some just straight spanish. Anyway yeah I finish this, and bed to go I am....
Hasta Manana! o Hasta Luego!
You'd think I'd forget..
mi familia y la primera dia de las clases.
Just got home from my first day of class... and I LOVED IT! Going back into Spanish class is a good thing that I am in Spain and living with a family that doesn't understand me but you know back in the states, it was hard to do an hour of spanish and then go english for the rest of the day. Yeah loving it more every day....
My family is so cool. At home home, two brothers, many boy cousins... yeah is diferente here... two 'sisters'. The older one is 11 years old, and another that is small. I haven't quite asked her how old she is, but I will get there. Right now, were sitting in the "play room", watching cartoons. Pokemon just ended.... aahwww I remember Pokemon...
Also in the apartment(house) it is one mom. (quite unsure about the dad yet.... don't want to ask questions too soon...) and one grandmother. You know Abu (grandmother), she reminds me a little of ... haha nvm I'll mentions later...
I hope times get better, I mean for the weather and the interaction between my family and I. It's a little funny now because I don't really understand but it will get there.
My family is so cool. At home home, two brothers, many boy cousins... yeah is diferente here... two 'sisters'. The older one is 11 years old, and another that is small. I haven't quite asked her how old she is, but I will get there. Right now, were sitting in the "play room", watching cartoons. Pokemon just ended.... aahwww I remember Pokemon...
Also in the apartment(house) it is one mom. (quite unsure about the dad yet.... don't want to ask questions too soon...) and one grandmother. You know Abu (grandmother), she reminds me a little of ... haha nvm I'll mentions later...
I hope times get better, I mean for the weather and the interaction between my family and I. It's a little funny now because I don't really understand but it will get there.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Pictures
Here are some pictures....
I sort of dumbed down the amount I've been taking.... Now that I am in Leon, Spain, I am situated for the next two and a half months so not many pictures yet.
CLICK AQUI POR FAVOR
All the Madrid pictures and like outlining what I've been doing...Arg so tired.
I sort of dumbed down the amount I've been taking.... Now that I am in Leon, Spain, I am situated for the next two and a half months so not many pictures yet.
CLICK AQUI POR FAVOR
All the Madrid pictures and like outlining what I've been doing...Arg so tired.
Roomies..
This post is skipping on still in update mode... =)
Today the quarter sort of starts. Maybe not the best day to start, although the sun has come to show its face. I’m currently on the bus to Leon. So goodbye to Madrid for now. Yeah had a conversation with Paul M about how the points rack up for Madrid and not for Seattle. But the magnificence of Madrid and its characteristics of modern and that historical feel.
Our hostel was great , and I agree with Jane that the only down part of it all would be that there isn’t a common room. In overall the roommates came and go in my two-three nights as I was there. I’ll briefly connote each: Anupe: described as knowledgeable, insightful and entertaining. I wasn’t the one who had experienced his presence first-hand but I have met him. Erika, Rodi (?) and another which I forgot her name. These girls are sooo far in the game with the traveling deal. Rodi(?), she has been travelling forever with her family and now by herself, but of course she’s just met up with her friends but she has been traveling alone. As they were in a couple of German guys who were very sorta secretive and to themselves, they weren’t at all sketchy or anything to worry about but they didn’t share much. And so they were there for that one night only too. Jane and I came back to find another solo traveller. I seem to never remember his name but we refer to him as Italy because he was Italian and also didn’t talk. Bianca: she goes to Berkley in Cali. And she is very insightful as well. I commend her for her solo travels. She’s off to Roma to study Italian. Rona (who had said to remember her name was think of Corona and bam! Rona!) She’s from Georgia state (east) and goes to Georgetown. Tom, who at one point kept being referred to as Stanford (because he goes there…) he’s cool too. I remember his story about a personal guide in Morroco and almost get mugged. It was scary but that convo led to the safety of travelling and whatnot. Anyway last but not least another couple of guys from …. Uhhh some place but I don’t think they said from where… neither do I remember their names…
And then Paul M, also stayed in the same hostel, just different room, who actually in fact had a single room with a nice view of our street, Calle de Arenal. BTW I love Calle de Arenal. It’s full of people, and stores left and right with resturantes, bars, clubs and even a church and a teatro.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
An interesting night....to another event-filled day
So them pictures.. I think they're in order by when I took them, if not, which I'll look over I'll change it so that it is.... Anyway from where I left off...
checked in.. took a little nap which turned longer than expected after waking to new roommates and fully situated with all my stuff where I wanted it... I headed out to see some sites and whatnot... but the main was the Palacio Real.... oh what a trick though... I researched awhile back and it was that Wednesday's are gratis. It's a good to know that word.... at home home or anywhere... LOL. Anyway the Palacio Real was free, just not for me. It was free for locals. BOO SAUCE! but dicount for being a student... rock on! So anything inside was prohibited para hacer fotograficas, hence the blurry pictures.... they are my secret photos. I chuckled to myself when this man had his professional camera and took shots while the camera hung from his neck.... haha SECRET PICTURES! sounds bad but hey anything to enhance the experience...
the palacio was magnificent. although it was obviously set for the touristy kine, i didn't mind, which of course we needed to make it tourist friendly, instead of climbing over things etc etc... but it was beautiful.. imaging how it would of been to live there as royal. Coming out of that, the Madrid Cathedral was right next door... Unfortunately I was unable to go inside due to renovation and etc. But there was a museo of the cathderal that was closed by the time I got there. so I walked back making my way to where I temporarily call home.
Getting back, I told myself that I would upload the pictures and go out to walk around.... haha bad times... I feel asleep and was awoken by Jane and the other roomy, Anup. Waking up to laughs, its a fun thang..... "Aint no thang like a chicken wang.... "
so a couple more hours resting a little and then decided to go out... yeah! I checked out the common billboard area finding a poster for international students... yeah so we checked that out to find a group of maybe about 6 ladies already situated in the booth chairs chatting it up. Looked up as we walked in but that was about it. We ordered a drink and sat for a little hoping for more people to come in but nada. We decided to head out and possibly find another place or just go home and wait til the next night again. On our way back, taking the subway (metro), we stopped by this resturant the only one that happened to be open and ordered a club sandwhich, which came with some mini fries... which we didnt know for a very cheap price... and it was good! what an a-okay night...
coming back we saw some new stuffs for new roomies but they were gone. Yeah they're were cool....
woke up to some chatter wasn't bad but insightful after listening to all of it. Hey don't get mad at me for eavesdropping but we're in a dorm kine so ydi. haha but yeah these girls were major travellers, you know that's major jealousy. but yeah they left at 11, the check out time heading toward Barcelona. Also Anup left too at 6, I think he was heading to Grenada? Then there was two.
Jane and I got ready leisurely and headed out for brunch. mercado for some lunch meat and some cheese. Salami and Havarti. Then to El supermercado de San Miguel for a single euro baguette. putting all of it together to make the best sandwhich made in Madrid. (Because it was the only sandwhich made in here...) Anyway we accompanied that sandwhich with a glass of sangria. hmmm...
After fillling up a little, we headed over to El museo de Riena Sofia, and if you can't see the size of it.... OMG, huge. Jane and I didn't even get to view every piece. Although the works of Picasso was there, as well as Dali. Muy hermosas! I did however take a snap of Picasso's Guernica. =*
After successfully seeing thoses pieces, we decided to get a jolt of coffee. Nice coffee art as you check it out in the photos...
checked in.. took a little nap which turned longer than expected after waking to new roommates and fully situated with all my stuff where I wanted it... I headed out to see some sites and whatnot... but the main was the Palacio Real.... oh what a trick though... I researched awhile back and it was that Wednesday's are gratis. It's a good to know that word.... at home home or anywhere... LOL. Anyway the Palacio Real was free, just not for me. It was free for locals. BOO SAUCE! but dicount for being a student... rock on! So anything inside was prohibited para hacer fotograficas, hence the blurry pictures.... they are my secret photos. I chuckled to myself when this man had his professional camera and took shots while the camera hung from his neck.... haha SECRET PICTURES! sounds bad but hey anything to enhance the experience...
the palacio was magnificent. although it was obviously set for the touristy kine, i didn't mind, which of course we needed to make it tourist friendly, instead of climbing over things etc etc... but it was beautiful.. imaging how it would of been to live there as royal. Coming out of that, the Madrid Cathedral was right next door... Unfortunately I was unable to go inside due to renovation and etc. But there was a museo of the cathderal that was closed by the time I got there. so I walked back making my way to where I temporarily call home.
Getting back, I told myself that I would upload the pictures and go out to walk around.... haha bad times... I feel asleep and was awoken by Jane and the other roomy, Anup. Waking up to laughs, its a fun thang..... "Aint no thang like a chicken wang.... "
so a couple more hours resting a little and then decided to go out... yeah! I checked out the common billboard area finding a poster for international students... yeah so we checked that out to find a group of maybe about 6 ladies already situated in the booth chairs chatting it up. Looked up as we walked in but that was about it. We ordered a drink and sat for a little hoping for more people to come in but nada. We decided to head out and possibly find another place or just go home and wait til the next night again. On our way back, taking the subway (metro), we stopped by this resturant the only one that happened to be open and ordered a club sandwhich, which came with some mini fries... which we didnt know for a very cheap price... and it was good! what an a-okay night...
coming back we saw some new stuffs for new roomies but they were gone. Yeah they're were cool....
woke up to some chatter wasn't bad but insightful after listening to all of it. Hey don't get mad at me for eavesdropping but we're in a dorm kine so ydi. haha but yeah these girls were major travellers, you know that's major jealousy. but yeah they left at 11, the check out time heading toward Barcelona. Also Anup left too at 6, I think he was heading to Grenada? Then there was two.
Jane and I got ready leisurely and headed out for brunch. mercado for some lunch meat and some cheese. Salami and Havarti. Then to El supermercado de San Miguel for a single euro baguette. putting all of it together to make the best sandwhich made in Madrid. (Because it was the only sandwhich made in here...) Anyway we accompanied that sandwhich with a glass of sangria. hmmm...
After fillling up a little, we headed over to El museo de Riena Sofia, and if you can't see the size of it.... OMG, huge. Jane and I didn't even get to view every piece. Although the works of Picasso was there, as well as Dali. Muy hermosas! I did however take a snap of Picasso's Guernica. =*
After successfully seeing thoses pieces, we decided to get a jolt of coffee. Nice coffee art as you check it out in the photos...
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Pictures.... a whole new way
Instead of just uploading every single picture on this site, I've decided to outsource the picture uploading. Although it shows as a separate URL here, it's a lot more conveint for me as oppose to that tedious other way,.... let me know how this link works and if not I'll go to a different picture uploading site........
PICTURES CLICK HERE...
Also NOTE that the blurry pictures of the Palacio Real are meant to be blurry because they are my secret photos.... Hey I'll make another post about it... well the rest of my day today..
PICTURES CLICK HERE...
Also NOTE that the blurry pictures of the Palacio Real are meant to be blurry because they are my secret photos.... Hey I'll make another post about it... well the rest of my day today..
Madrid, Spain ........ in more detail
Arrive Wednesday March 23 at about 7am.....
*Using Metro to...
Drop of the luggage @ Hostel
*Walk
Visit the Madrid Tourist Centre.
Plaza Mayor, 27. Timetable: Monday - Sunday: 9:30am - 8:30pm.
Bus Pass / Tickets / spot recommendations
Visit the Palacio Real
*Only day that it is free to enter and visit.
Plaza de la Marina Española, 6, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Visit the Catedral de la Almudena de Madrid
*Right next to Palacio Real
C/ BAILÉN 8-10 28013 Madrid, Spain
Visit the Plaza de Oriente
*Across the street from Palacio Real
Plaza de Oriente, 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain
.....
this was in edit never finished.... and wasn't followed except for dropping off luggage.
*Using Metro to...
Drop of the luggage @ Hostel
*Walk
Visit the Madrid Tourist Centre.
Plaza Mayor, 27. Timetable: Monday - Sunday: 9:30am - 8:30pm.
Bus Pass / Tickets / spot recommendations
Visit the Palacio Real
*Only day that it is free to enter and visit.
Plaza de la Marina Española, 6, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Visit the Catedral de la Almudena de Madrid
*Right next to Palacio Real
C/ BAILÉN 8-10 28013 Madrid, Spain
Visit the Plaza de Oriente
*Across the street from Palacio Real
Plaza de Oriente, 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain
.....
this was in edit never finished.... and wasn't followed except for dropping off luggage.
Traveling.
Seatac Airport. I remember I used to work here. Borders bookstore in the main concord. Anyway I am sitting in the North part of the airport. My gate is N16 and it was right in front of escalator if you take the train thing…. Which I also remember taking when flying out to the Philippines. Hm… I didn’t think I would feel the way I did…. Completely different from when I left for Tahiti. The relieve that you know you are traveling with people you know, takes the less steep hill whereas when you travel alone, you fall off the cliff. Hey I wanted to tell the experience also about mobile boarding pass… at first it was complicated because everyone else has the paper passes but maybe like 2 or 3 people are holding their phone… HEY if you have a smartphone check into United’s mobile boarding pass. Save the Trees!
Being that my flight from SeaTac to Washington Dulles was soooooo early, I slept through my flight maybe 3 hours of the total 4. But that window seat was cool for that one hour that I was awake. Have you ever looked out the window and just stared at the wings? It’s interesting because landing a portion of the wing goes down and then another goes up…. I wonder what the effect of those do.
This is bits and pieces of my first day, I’m sure the regularity of these posts will come along especially when I get to Leon, Spain. Getting off the plane this morning, felt like everything was closed, and the sun was still down, and my body wanted to be tired but my eyes were wide open. The gate that we landed at wasn’t a part of the main building, so there were buses shuttling from the plane to the building, where baggage claim was right there. (Well, right after the stamping passport and taking of that paper…) And then I even counted about 20 mins for the luggage carousel to begin distributing luggage.
My first goal was to find the Metro station/ place, which wasn’t that hard considering that there are signs leading me to it. I do have to say though that baggage claim is so far from the Metro station. It’s like arriving at SeaTac, getting dropped off at the first sign and walking across to the last sign and then back. Or maybe it just felt like that. So getting to Metro was not hard, but what was, was the obtaining the ticket to take the Metro. Yeah, all I have to say is avoid using machines.. (confuzziled..!!) Anyway taking the subway wasn’t hard either other than the difference of if you want your door open or not. Assuming it would be like the Sound Transit, which the doors would automatically open, WRONG! It’s either a button, or a like a latch. Following others’ as if they were first, is probably the best to go. Yeah, so I figured out how to get to Plaza del Sol; easy!! Next goal: finding my hostel. My hostel, if you didn’t already know was called RC Miguel Angel. Don’t really know what the RC really stands for but finding this place was maybe 5 times more complicated than finding the Metro station at the airport. But I don’t blame myself too much because the sign that I assume would say Hostel Miguel Angel, or something of that sort, didn’t actually. This was the sign: Hostel something else… okay, maybe it didn’t really say something else.. it just wasn’t what I expected it to be. So finding it, being let it. Then once I thought it would be all comforting that I am somewhere where I can relax, yeah no lost again. (Don’t comment on the “yeah no” part because if I were really saying it, it wouldn’t be so weird sounding. ) Another assumption: failed. You know a friend told me, “Assuming is the worst mistake anyone can make.” I thought there would be a front desk to be greeted; it was just a hallway leading to some stairs where the lights were off. Something which is a little along the lines of some advice a co-worker gave me, “If you feel like the situation is bad, then run.” That went somewhere in the story of how she knew Amanda Knox, yeah you probably know what those intentions are. Anyway I figured the light switch and found an elevator without labels, just floor numbers. Lucky enough I put two and two together to get that the 4th floor which was the button to get buzzed in. Although I didn’t realize all this until I walked a flight up, which isn’t too bad, just a pre-build of my leg muscles.
Coming to the front desk, it was a little hard knowing that I would need to kick in some Spanish but lucky break again that the front desk guy spoke a little English. Check-in not until 1pm officially, but I am welcome to leave my luggage in the storage until then.
Walking back to the Plaza del Sol, I had to chance to take out my camera and begin the record for pictures on a three month study program. I also remembered that I would walk over the Oficia de Tourisma in the Plaza del Mayor. At first Plaza del Mayor was dead with the exceptions of the early walkers. And it wasn’t until I walked around the same block maybe about 2-3 times, had the center start to fill. Outside seating, characters dressed and stores/restaurants opening. There was a dressed Minny Mouse there, don’t know exactly why but she was there. Massive bubbles blown, like bubbles from Spongebob. Speaking of Spongebob, there was a dressed him in the Plaza del Sol later on, when I tried to find the hostel back again. After actually finding the Tourism Office, they had WiFi, so I sent out some emails, check my inbox and whatever else I could while on it, except for post this. (If you must know, I’m currently sitting in a Starbucks looking over Calle Arenal, actually two stores away from my hostel.) After marking my map with destination that I should visit, I make my way somewhere and actually get lost. I stumble across a church, which I cannot provide pictures for because it wasn’t allowed but oohh!
The amazing features and the built; it was about half a block big. Structure almost reminded me of St. James. I actually didn’t know it was open to go inside because the doors were closed but god watches over because a lady instructed me if I would like to go inside. If you have ever been to St. James, the great doors on the west side of the building are amazing with design. These great doors weren’t open, and although un-designed, they were massive. I would love to see them open, giving light inside the building. Each part of the church had these coin machines hooked up to candles that would light if you donated a little. But I’ll find out the name of this church….. later.
I ended up at the Plaza de Sta. Ana which also neighbors Teatro Español. I knew I wasn’t going to see a showing, but I didn’t catch what they were playing. BTW I also found a cine too. (Don’t really remember where that is either.)
So finally waiting the last 20 mins to check-in at Starbucks next door. Thinking about my next move, but all I know so far is SLEEP and change shoes…. My poor flats were beneficial at the airport, but all this walking and also Madrid cries on my first day, didn’t treat my flats too well. I love these zebra flats too. They’re not too damaged; hopefully I can help it later. Should I buy gifts now from Madrid, or wait last min = Friday??
Who loves shopping?! I love shopping! Oh yeah, but money saving too…. pics later 2.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Madrid, Spain
These are just some notes I am noting as attractions that I shouldn't forget about in Madrid only for now.... hmm??
- Artistic tours
- Museo del Prado
- Reina Sofia
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art
- <<Visit at least one of the big three art museums, the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen. If in doubt pick the Reina Sofia and see Guernica.>>
- Theme parks
- Santiago Bernabeu Stadium : not really a theme park but something I may want to check out. FUTBOL... its THE sport in Spain
- Buen Retiro Park : it's the <<Central Park>> of Madrid, Spain
- Flamenco : recommended to me more than one. must find/see!
- Ancient ruins
- Bullfight (JUNE 19th)
- The 19th of June is the only day that lands on my trip IN SPAIN. so shall i or shall i not? plus its 25 dollars for the top of the arena.... I WANT TO!Everyone misses
- Tapas GrazingStart on Cava Baja, stopping at will on this bar-packed street, then head into the depths of La Latina for more.
- Something Different
Take a trip on the Teleferico, out into the depths of the Casa de Campo. - looks like this needs more researching on...
- A Walk
Go to Plaza de la Villa and take one of the small alleys on the left hand side or at the back of the square. Wander aimlessly, follow your nose, change course at will, check out the churches – it’s the best way to see Madrid de las Austrias, the ancient city centre. - something <ser relajada>
- A Park
The Retiro: for people-watching, romance, rowing, and relative peace and quiet.
- Malasaña – a really charming Barrio centered around Plaza Dos de Mayo. Check out the lovely tiled shop fronts, ignore the graffiti, and have a drink at Manuela Cafe, on Calle San Vicente Ferrer 29.
- A Shop
- Antigua Casa Talavera, an incredible ceramics shop on Calle Isabel la Católica, 2
- A trip out of the city
- El Escorial or Toledo. It’s a toss up as to which is best. If you really can’t decide, try Chinchón instead.
- A reasonable restaurant !!!
- Taberna Miranda, at Plaza del Conde Miranda, 4, is local, cheap, has amazing food, and is generally very Spanish. Our favourite in Madrid. Arrive 9ish at weekends if you don’t have a reservation. Otherwise do snacks at the lively bar.
- Hidden Culture
- El Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, at Plaza de las Descalzas Reales, 3. A closed order of nuns still live in the private quarters of this monastery. Amazing treasures lie within.
- Culture is a PLUS!
- Ward off a hangover with Chocolate con Churros at Chocolatería San Ginés, on Pasadizo de San Ginés, 11. Things lived up after 3 a.m., when locals gather to dip thick battery churros sticks into gloopy hot chocolate.
- sounds like an interesting proposition.
some more things to add.
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