Hello all my faithful blog followers. It was another beautiful day in Madrid. Slightly colder than normal but still very nice when comparing to the weather I am used to having at regular SLU. It was a great day today because I got to skype with my whole family. It gets pretty crazy when we talk we all get really loud and I get to see all the dogs so it can get a little nuts. All of my roommates laugh when I call my family because they wonder which dog I am visiting with. Anyways on to more eventful things. I officially have one trip planned. We are going to the Canary Islands located west of Africa for 4 days during out winter break. I am so excited. We found a website that offers very cheap but safe air fare. Then we did some searching and found hotels on the Beach that are all inclusive. This time of year is perfect because it is during this season called Carnival. It is the last weekend and there are parades every night with bands and what not. I can't wait. Also it will be nice to get a tan since it will be over 70 degrees all the time! I am going with all my roommates and my trusty body guards Chris and Jimmy. For out next trip we are looking into Barcelona, which I've already been to but loved so I can't wait to go back! Or, possible going to Paris or London. AGH!! That's what I love I could go anywhere for three days and come right back and still go to school! This really is the life for me....well at least for a short time that my bank account lasts!
So as you all know I am taking a Latin Dance Class. I love it. We have so much fun in class, and it really is a work out. Not to mention the fact there are so many cute guys in my class. One of which I have developed a mild crush on. Aaron he is an engineer from Indiana, and my dad warned me about engineer's( I mean my uncle Keith is an engineer...lol). He has been my partner the last 2 dances and we are both really good but these last classes we have done some moves that are pretty tough. Like last class we learned two different dips. When I say dips I mean the guy is literally holding me inches from the ground. Scary. One of them our bodies are next to each other then he turns and drops me and catches me at the last second. Don't worry no one has been dropped yet but still there is always a possibility. We have a final performance in April and we wear full dresses and everything. I will buy the DVD so I can show off my skills. I was thinking maybe I could do a mini performance at the wedding for LC and Chad. lol KIDDING!!!
I have some friends coming from Rome this weekend. That should be fun. I'm excited to show people around the city. It will be the first true test to see if I am as adjusted as I think I am. I'm nervous but I'm sure it will be fine. It's getting late here and I need lots of energy for dance tomorrow but don't worry I will remember everything that happens so I can add it to my next blog! Love you all!
Miss you tons. DOn't forget to email me! Acolee@slu.edu
<3 Aly
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
School in Europe Rocks!!!
So we had Cuban for dinner tonight...it is safe to say that I may not be a fan of Cuban food. It was interesting to say the least. It was a rice dish that had a spicy hot sauce on top of it. Then as the protein we had two sunny side up eggs and a caramelized banana. I loved the banana and the rice that didn't have any sauce other than that I made a big food pile and pushed it around the rest of dinner. For dessert we had cake so that was good!!! Anyways the food here is growing on me but it's still hard to adjust to eating so late here. I just skyped my dad and he was very adamant about when he gets to Madrid we will be eating at 5! Which I thought was very funny because if we eat 5 we will be the only people in the restaurants.
In other news my dancing is a huge hit here! I am really loving my dance class. Our teacher is very funny and she makes learning the steps so easy. We start off class every day with warm ups. We have to walk to a dance studio a block from school and the whole studio is mirrors so that we can watch our body movements. Well all during warm ups we do these crazy skills and me and all my roommates end up just laughing at each other because we all look so silly. I have mastered the beginner version of the tango. Next week out teacher is taking us to a salsa club to try out the two dances we have learned. I think we will have so much fun because all my friends and I are in the class and it will just be so funny to see 20 American students trying to latin dance in a club.
I talked to my parents for the first time today in a few days. It was awesome to get to talk to them. I missed them all weekend but we kept missing eachother with them being in chicago. They were at the merchandise mart which as many of you know is my favorite time of year....It was a sad day that I couldn't be with them. Normally dad and I take all the lotion and lip balm samples that we can smuggle out. Mom said that LC got some wedding stuff there which is exciting I cant wait to see what is going on with the wedding. It's so weird that my sister will have her wedding planned when I get back. Good think I'm in that dance class because I want to look good in a bridesmaid dress. lol
I'm trying to go to a Real Madrid game. I need to get bub a jersey but since they are really expensive I might get him a fake one at the flea market. lol Love you BUB! Although I did look at the roster and real Madrid is very attractive as a whole. I can't wait and I will have to keep you posted.
Today one of my roommates found out that her grandfather passed away late last night. She has been sick all week with a sinus infection and hasn't gone to school yet. So she is not having a good time. She is an only child and I don't know how she is holding it together. My family is so important to me that I would be a wreak if anything ever happened. I truly and blessed to have such a happy and healthy family to love and support me.
I am going to go to bed early tonight because I haven't been feeling well the last few days. I think its mostly the change in sleep and weather. I will be fine but I need to start sleeping more. As per the request of Dale I am going to start writing every other day as to keep you all updated on my everyday life. I know I am so exciting that you are back home are just waiting on my every word. lol
I am off to bed but I love all of you and don't forget if you would like a post card leave your address. LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL!!!
Adios.
oh ps My address while in spain is
Ana Anton
attn: Aly Colee
Calle Arenal 20-5 degrees Iz
28013 Madrid Spain
Aly
In other news my dancing is a huge hit here! I am really loving my dance class. Our teacher is very funny and she makes learning the steps so easy. We start off class every day with warm ups. We have to walk to a dance studio a block from school and the whole studio is mirrors so that we can watch our body movements. Well all during warm ups we do these crazy skills and me and all my roommates end up just laughing at each other because we all look so silly. I have mastered the beginner version of the tango. Next week out teacher is taking us to a salsa club to try out the two dances we have learned. I think we will have so much fun because all my friends and I are in the class and it will just be so funny to see 20 American students trying to latin dance in a club.
I talked to my parents for the first time today in a few days. It was awesome to get to talk to them. I missed them all weekend but we kept missing eachother with them being in chicago. They were at the merchandise mart which as many of you know is my favorite time of year....It was a sad day that I couldn't be with them. Normally dad and I take all the lotion and lip balm samples that we can smuggle out. Mom said that LC got some wedding stuff there which is exciting I cant wait to see what is going on with the wedding. It's so weird that my sister will have her wedding planned when I get back. Good think I'm in that dance class because I want to look good in a bridesmaid dress. lol
I'm trying to go to a Real Madrid game. I need to get bub a jersey but since they are really expensive I might get him a fake one at the flea market. lol Love you BUB! Although I did look at the roster and real Madrid is very attractive as a whole. I can't wait and I will have to keep you posted.
Today one of my roommates found out that her grandfather passed away late last night. She has been sick all week with a sinus infection and hasn't gone to school yet. So she is not having a good time. She is an only child and I don't know how she is holding it together. My family is so important to me that I would be a wreak if anything ever happened. I truly and blessed to have such a happy and healthy family to love and support me.
I am going to go to bed early tonight because I haven't been feeling well the last few days. I think its mostly the change in sleep and weather. I will be fine but I need to start sleeping more. As per the request of Dale I am going to start writing every other day as to keep you all updated on my everyday life. I know I am so exciting that you are back home are just waiting on my every word. lol
I am off to bed but I love all of you and don't forget if you would like a post card leave your address. LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL!!!
Adios.
oh ps My address while in spain is
Ana Anton
attn: Aly Colee
Calle Arenal 20-5 degrees Iz
28013 Madrid Spain
Aly
̊
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Holy Toledo and a few tips from the locals....
Hola my wonderful friends and family,
Well this past weekend my crazy roommates and a few other tag alongs( known as my guy friends Chris and Jimmy) decided to go on a few day trips. SLU Madrid where I am studying offers educational day trips, a total of 4 that cost 40 Euros for transportation to and from along with a few tours of the main attractions. BUT since SLU is so giving two trips will be discounted to half price if you sign up in time. Well my group wasn't exactly punctual about signing up for these trips so we were wait listed....so we talked to our wonderful host mom Ana and she suggested we go on our own. The public transportation system in Europe is so much nicer than in the U.S. so we looked into the idea of taking a bus to the places. We realized that we could go to both the cities the school was going to for cheaper. So Saturday we woke up and went to Segovia which is a small town about an hour bus ride away. Segovia is known for having a Roman aqueduct, a beautiful cathedral and an Alcazar( which is french fortress). This Alcazar is believed to be the inspiration Walt Disney used to design the Disney castle at Disney World. Upon arriving in Segovia we quickly realized the town was very small, and it was obvious we were tourists by the hundreds of groups photos we were taking as well as us stopping at every information sign to grab a pamphlet. Anyways we continued on and the Aqueduct was beautiful and so detailed. It stood about 100 feet tall and it was amazing to think about how hundreds of years ago people designed and constructed these buildings. Next we went on a church tour. I have no pictures of this because cameras are banned in the church but thats fine because the church was so cold we could all see our breaths. The final tour we went on was the Alcazar which was amazing!! the rooms were so ornate and the artifacts they had were so cool. we took so many pictures...we even have pictures of a view from the 152 stair climb to the top of one of the towers....imagine 7 college kids running up a spiral stone staircase and you will be laughing as much as we all were trying to race up it. After this we headed to leave but not with out stopping at a pasty show to try some local food. The kiwi tart tasted so good but the best had to be the local custard dish that tasted like Christmas was baked into a dessert. It was amazing....That was our Saturday.
Sunday we ventured to another city called Toledo. It is where the phrase Holy Toledo comes from because most of the Jews who came to the Unites States came from and would refer to it as theri holy land, and also because there is a large following of both catholic and Muslim faith based in this city as well as having a Cathedral, a mosque and a synagogue all in one city of only 10,000. Toledo is also a city that is dicussed in the only Spanish book I've read of Don Quote de la Manca. Toledo is the capitol of the area of Mancha. We walked around all day but the city is literally rolling with hills the streets go up and down up and down all the time. It was a nice work out for my future bridesmaid dress wearing obligations....After all of these tours we walked around and shopped because other than being a religious hot spot Toledo is also known for their craftsmanship. This tiny town made all of the swords for the Lord of the Rings Movies. So COOL!! but they also had cheap beautiful jewelry and I bought a ring. Toledo offers a train care tour around the walls of the city which was our last adventure before returning home....It was so beautiful! I have the neatest pictures of the city and all its sights. After making a quick stop at Mcdonalds to try out their treats such as a Toblerone mcflurries....SO good we headed back home... this is where you realize just how nervous I am.
So if traveling has taught me anything it is that I have become so freaked out about being pick pocketed that I have become crazy. Rarely a minute goes by where I dont check my bag, purse or backpack for all of my belongs multiple times. At orientation they told us we will be targeted by people all the time since they all know we are Americans. Well as we get on the bus I am sitting in my seat next to Christina Huber and try to fall asleep for the hour ride home. As I go to grab my ipod I can't seem to find it. I rummage through my backpack and find my school phone my black berrry my wallet and my camera. No camera case and NO IPOD!!! I begin to feel sweaty which most of you know is not good for me! I look again and again! I tell Christina and she tells me to clam down take it all out! I did nothing. I am sure I was pick pocketed by the little boy behind me in line at McDonalds of course it was him I stood there as I payed I felt something on my leg that was it~! I was sitting there tearing up on the bus with 15 or so of my friends so upset about not having my Christmas present. I used my ipod all the time. I use it to skype my parents, email, for music and more...my world was now gone!! as I shift me weight in my seat and tell all my friends why I am upset about being pick pocketed I notice something very strange. My seat wasn't comfortable..... I look and THERE IS MY IPOD!!!! I had taken it out as soon as I got on the bus! I had to tell Christina and she gave me so much crap! Now all of my friends excessively make fun of my stupidity! Its a funny story...just not yet because it is still kinda scary.
As for the rest of my life School is going good! I can't wait for this week and the next few weeks to get more invested in classes. I would like to audit another class which basically means that I can participate in the class but do not get graded so so tests or quizzes! Its called Earths and Sciences Volcanoes..its supposed to be so interesting...and as a bonus the teacher is muy guapo and there is a trip to the Cannery Islands!!! I haven't really decided though......
As for now my dinner is ready so I better be going but I love all of you and feel free to skype me or comment so I can talk to you!!1 LOVE and MISS you ALL!!!! xoxox
Adios
Aly
Well this past weekend my crazy roommates and a few other tag alongs( known as my guy friends Chris and Jimmy) decided to go on a few day trips. SLU Madrid where I am studying offers educational day trips, a total of 4 that cost 40 Euros for transportation to and from along with a few tours of the main attractions. BUT since SLU is so giving two trips will be discounted to half price if you sign up in time. Well my group wasn't exactly punctual about signing up for these trips so we were wait listed....so we talked to our wonderful host mom Ana and she suggested we go on our own. The public transportation system in Europe is so much nicer than in the U.S. so we looked into the idea of taking a bus to the places. We realized that we could go to both the cities the school was going to for cheaper. So Saturday we woke up and went to Segovia which is a small town about an hour bus ride away. Segovia is known for having a Roman aqueduct, a beautiful cathedral and an Alcazar( which is french fortress). This Alcazar is believed to be the inspiration Walt Disney used to design the Disney castle at Disney World. Upon arriving in Segovia we quickly realized the town was very small, and it was obvious we were tourists by the hundreds of groups photos we were taking as well as us stopping at every information sign to grab a pamphlet. Anyways we continued on and the Aqueduct was beautiful and so detailed. It stood about 100 feet tall and it was amazing to think about how hundreds of years ago people designed and constructed these buildings. Next we went on a church tour. I have no pictures of this because cameras are banned in the church but thats fine because the church was so cold we could all see our breaths. The final tour we went on was the Alcazar which was amazing!! the rooms were so ornate and the artifacts they had were so cool. we took so many pictures...we even have pictures of a view from the 152 stair climb to the top of one of the towers....imagine 7 college kids running up a spiral stone staircase and you will be laughing as much as we all were trying to race up it. After this we headed to leave but not with out stopping at a pasty show to try some local food. The kiwi tart tasted so good but the best had to be the local custard dish that tasted like Christmas was baked into a dessert. It was amazing....That was our Saturday.
Sunday we ventured to another city called Toledo. It is where the phrase Holy Toledo comes from because most of the Jews who came to the Unites States came from and would refer to it as theri holy land, and also because there is a large following of both catholic and Muslim faith based in this city as well as having a Cathedral, a mosque and a synagogue all in one city of only 10,000. Toledo is also a city that is dicussed in the only Spanish book I've read of Don Quote de la Manca. Toledo is the capitol of the area of Mancha. We walked around all day but the city is literally rolling with hills the streets go up and down up and down all the time. It was a nice work out for my future bridesmaid dress wearing obligations....After all of these tours we walked around and shopped because other than being a religious hot spot Toledo is also known for their craftsmanship. This tiny town made all of the swords for the Lord of the Rings Movies. So COOL!! but they also had cheap beautiful jewelry and I bought a ring. Toledo offers a train care tour around the walls of the city which was our last adventure before returning home....It was so beautiful! I have the neatest pictures of the city and all its sights. After making a quick stop at Mcdonalds to try out their treats such as a Toblerone mcflurries....SO good we headed back home... this is where you realize just how nervous I am.
So if traveling has taught me anything it is that I have become so freaked out about being pick pocketed that I have become crazy. Rarely a minute goes by where I dont check my bag, purse or backpack for all of my belongs multiple times. At orientation they told us we will be targeted by people all the time since they all know we are Americans. Well as we get on the bus I am sitting in my seat next to Christina Huber and try to fall asleep for the hour ride home. As I go to grab my ipod I can't seem to find it. I rummage through my backpack and find my school phone my black berrry my wallet and my camera. No camera case and NO IPOD!!! I begin to feel sweaty which most of you know is not good for me! I look again and again! I tell Christina and she tells me to clam down take it all out! I did nothing. I am sure I was pick pocketed by the little boy behind me in line at McDonalds of course it was him I stood there as I payed I felt something on my leg that was it~! I was sitting there tearing up on the bus with 15 or so of my friends so upset about not having my Christmas present. I used my ipod all the time. I use it to skype my parents, email, for music and more...my world was now gone!! as I shift me weight in my seat and tell all my friends why I am upset about being pick pocketed I notice something very strange. My seat wasn't comfortable..... I look and THERE IS MY IPOD!!!! I had taken it out as soon as I got on the bus! I had to tell Christina and she gave me so much crap! Now all of my friends excessively make fun of my stupidity! Its a funny story...just not yet because it is still kinda scary.
As for the rest of my life School is going good! I can't wait for this week and the next few weeks to get more invested in classes. I would like to audit another class which basically means that I can participate in the class but do not get graded so so tests or quizzes! Its called Earths and Sciences Volcanoes..its supposed to be so interesting...and as a bonus the teacher is muy guapo and there is a trip to the Cannery Islands!!! I haven't really decided though......
As for now my dinner is ready so I better be going but I love all of you and feel free to skype me or comment so I can talk to you!!1 LOVE and MISS you ALL!!!! xoxox
Adios
Aly
Friday, January 15, 2010
Dear Madrid, I hope you're ready for me!
Hola! So let me begin to fill you in on my time this week in my new home. Well as most of you know the reason I came here was to study, I guess all the shopping, sights, amazing food, and traveling is bonus. I started school on Wenesday the 13th and I had History of Modern Spain, Anthropology and Oceanography. I have these classes Mondays and Wednesdays. My day starts at 2:30 and goes untill 6:45. Yes and even though I'm in Spain that rigerouse grading scale and Jesuit mission still made it past customs and will once again be haunting me here as well. No I'm looking forward to school. My classes seem challenging but I'm excited for all of them. In Modern History of Spain my professor is English and has a think accent. He is a younger man that has traveled all over the world for school so he will be teaching about Spain as more than just a country but a piece of the global puzzle. He said we will be taking lots of field trips especially since my school is about 5 minutes from the entrance to the city that was barricaded during the revolution. In Anthropology I have a young teacher who is all about changing the world one Jane Goodall book at a time. lol This is one of the classes I have with Christina, my roommate, and it sounds interesting because we will reading a lot of interviews as well as case studies. I think our teachers zest for the class will really help aid me in wanting to pay attention especially as it starts to warm up. My last class on Mondays and Wednesdays is Oceanography. Now many people think that I am taking this as a blow off class, well I would be lying not to admit that I think it will be one of the easier excepted science courses but after our first class it sounds challenging but so interesting. After my course I should be able to explain almost anything weather wise and relate it back to its result of oceanic activity. It sounds very interesting because we go on a trip to Alicante. Its a city on the southern tip of Spain that is supposed to be gorgeous. There I will looking at the ocean as a source of life and as an industry. This area has the first ever national oceanic reserve in Spain as well as a Salt Mine. I can't wait to go because it sounds so cool to be able to explore the reserve and go snorkeling. My only class on Thursday is my dance class. And as many of you know I have always thought that dance is my true calling.... yeah Right! But the class is actually going to be so fun! All of my friends are in the class and the first day we learned a few different 8 counts of a very fast paced latin dance! So I will be showcasing my moves at Lc's wedding! The class is normally three hours two days a week and the first day we only went for an hour and we all walked out dripping in sweat! I am hoping this class will be my one of my weekly workouts. So far school is awesome!
Other than school Madrid is one of the most interesting and alive cities in the world. My neighborhood as I mentioned before is so fun. I live in the heart of the city. Since we do not have class on Fridays my friends and I took a walking tour of Madrid today. All the the top 5 must see sites are within a 15 minute walk of my front door! I am so blessed. We started out today going to Puerto del Sol which is on my street about a 100 feet away. It has music and street vendors and people everywhere. We then walked down the street 10 minutes and ended up at the Plaza Mayor. This is one of the most historic sites in Madrid. It used to be the center of trade. Now its very touristy so there are stands everywhere. After that we walked to the palacia Real. The real Palace is where the Royal Madrid family used to live. It is huge!!! I was amazed by all of the buildings because every detail is so thought out. After this we walked to the Art musuem. It is free after 6pm so we decided to go then to save a few euros. And with the dollar the way it is I can use some extra euros. lol The museum was beautiful. There was a marble table imported from rome that was made in the year 0. and next to it was a chair sat on my Isabella II made of gold. These are just a few of the kool things I got to do on my day off in Madrid. This is so cool!
I'm so fortunate to have this opportunity. I talked to my mom today and she said that they booked a flight to see me over easter and will be able to see Madrid for 2 days so I can't wait to show them everything. I'm trying to figure out how to upload some pictures of all my trips. This weekend I have two day trips planned, but I will touch on those in my next blog!! I love all you you and can't wait to share my experiences with everyone!!! I need all of your addresses so I can send you a post card of some of my sights! Love you all the way from Madrid!
Hasta Luego!
Aly
Other than school Madrid is one of the most interesting and alive cities in the world. My neighborhood as I mentioned before is so fun. I live in the heart of the city. Since we do not have class on Fridays my friends and I took a walking tour of Madrid today. All the the top 5 must see sites are within a 15 minute walk of my front door! I am so blessed. We started out today going to Puerto del Sol which is on my street about a 100 feet away. It has music and street vendors and people everywhere. We then walked down the street 10 minutes and ended up at the Plaza Mayor. This is one of the most historic sites in Madrid. It used to be the center of trade. Now its very touristy so there are stands everywhere. After that we walked to the palacia Real. The real Palace is where the Royal Madrid family used to live. It is huge!!! I was amazed by all of the buildings because every detail is so thought out. After this we walked to the Art musuem. It is free after 6pm so we decided to go then to save a few euros. And with the dollar the way it is I can use some extra euros. lol The museum was beautiful. There was a marble table imported from rome that was made in the year 0. and next to it was a chair sat on my Isabella II made of gold. These are just a few of the kool things I got to do on my day off in Madrid. This is so cool!
I'm so fortunate to have this opportunity. I talked to my mom today and she said that they booked a flight to see me over easter and will be able to see Madrid for 2 days so I can't wait to show them everything. I'm trying to figure out how to upload some pictures of all my trips. This weekend I have two day trips planned, but I will touch on those in my next blog!! I love all you you and can't wait to share my experiences with everyone!!! I need all of your addresses so I can send you a post card of some of my sights! Love you all the way from Madrid!
Hasta Luego!
Aly
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The First Week of the rest of my life!
Ok. I decided to try this crazy blogging thing my mom suggested. Here it goes:
So it's official I actually am living in another country. I'm currently a few days in to my semester abroad fully unpacked and already leaving an impact on Madrid with some very colorful actions. First on January the 9th I left from Chicago with Christina Huber, Jimmy Bradburn, and Chris Sullivan. We took a flight to Germany and had a layover there before landing late on the 10th in Mardid. All was going as smoothly as it can for four college kids nervous but still excited to be leaving for 4 months and three days. I only know that because thats how long my mom told me and since it wasn't a whole five months I was allowed to go. Well like I said our trip was going well for all of us because we had this mentality all for one one for all, which is why I'm so glad I am with these friends in Spain. That probably why I feel so good about doing it is that I have found my own family in these friends and hopefully soon in a few more new people. Well anyways back to our travel plans. We got here in one piece minus a few large pieces of Chris' luggage. It wasn't ideal but atleast we knew they were still in Frankfurt and would be here soon. As we left the boys at the air ports to grab cabs Christina and I started out alone to find our new host family Ana and Juan Anton. They live in the center of Sol, which is a neighborhood in spain known for its nightlife, shopping and sights. It is a prime location for us as students. We have to take a longer metro ride to school but I think the 20 minute metro ride to SLU madrid is worth it because the perks of living in Sol are well worth it. We went Juan and Ana and our other roomates Jesse Hassel, Devon Cramer and Jasmina Vajzovic or "Jaz". I think it is safe to say I am borderline in love with all of them for very different reasons. Jesse is so sweet and caring and funny. Devon is hilarious and the mother of our group. She is always taking care of us. Jaz is so nice, funny and helps me with spanish. I think we have the best bonds possible for living together for about 2 days.
The first night we had spaghetti and sat in the kitchen talking and trying to learn spanish and the french that Devon only speaks. It helps that Ana teaches french other wise Devon would be lost and now it adds comedy to the dinner table as we all try and follow along. We explored Sol the first night and realized that Chris and Jimmy like about 5 minutes away. The perfect distance since we have alot of the same classes together. That Night we came back and got ready to start orinetation the next day and tried to adjust to our new homes. It was harder than I thought to fall asleep but that will get better with time.
School orientation has lasted the past two days and although it should be informative it seems to keep getting messed up. The school ran out of phones to rent, ran out of room on the day trips, and ruined the bus trip of Madrid. Other than that the school seems like it will be great once we start classes. I am taking Oceanography, anthropology, History of Modern Spain and drum roll please......Latin rhythms and Dance!!! Tomorrow I have all but the dance class.
As strange as it is that I am around the world from my family friends and most of my support system I feel very calm about living here and about how I will be able to handle the semester. I think that I have already grown up alot and can't wait to see where this semester takes me. I have full faith that I will make amazing new friends, connect in new ways to old ones and expereince new things that will add to making me a better person. All of which have just stregnthed my opnion that I am one of the luckiest people in the world. I have great friends, an amzing family and opppotunities such as this. I thank God eveyday for being fortunate and I can't wait to see how my time in Madrid will fit into his plan for me. I can't wait to blog more about my experiences and I hope to stay in contact.
Love. AC!
So it's official I actually am living in another country. I'm currently a few days in to my semester abroad fully unpacked and already leaving an impact on Madrid with some very colorful actions. First on January the 9th I left from Chicago with Christina Huber, Jimmy Bradburn, and Chris Sullivan. We took a flight to Germany and had a layover there before landing late on the 10th in Mardid. All was going as smoothly as it can for four college kids nervous but still excited to be leaving for 4 months and three days. I only know that because thats how long my mom told me and since it wasn't a whole five months I was allowed to go. Well like I said our trip was going well for all of us because we had this mentality all for one one for all, which is why I'm so glad I am with these friends in Spain. That probably why I feel so good about doing it is that I have found my own family in these friends and hopefully soon in a few more new people. Well anyways back to our travel plans. We got here in one piece minus a few large pieces of Chris' luggage. It wasn't ideal but atleast we knew they were still in Frankfurt and would be here soon. As we left the boys at the air ports to grab cabs Christina and I started out alone to find our new host family Ana and Juan Anton. They live in the center of Sol, which is a neighborhood in spain known for its nightlife, shopping and sights. It is a prime location for us as students. We have to take a longer metro ride to school but I think the 20 minute metro ride to SLU madrid is worth it because the perks of living in Sol are well worth it. We went Juan and Ana and our other roomates Jesse Hassel, Devon Cramer and Jasmina Vajzovic or "Jaz". I think it is safe to say I am borderline in love with all of them for very different reasons. Jesse is so sweet and caring and funny. Devon is hilarious and the mother of our group. She is always taking care of us. Jaz is so nice, funny and helps me with spanish. I think we have the best bonds possible for living together for about 2 days.
The first night we had spaghetti and sat in the kitchen talking and trying to learn spanish and the french that Devon only speaks. It helps that Ana teaches french other wise Devon would be lost and now it adds comedy to the dinner table as we all try and follow along. We explored Sol the first night and realized that Chris and Jimmy like about 5 minutes away. The perfect distance since we have alot of the same classes together. That Night we came back and got ready to start orinetation the next day and tried to adjust to our new homes. It was harder than I thought to fall asleep but that will get better with time.
School orientation has lasted the past two days and although it should be informative it seems to keep getting messed up. The school ran out of phones to rent, ran out of room on the day trips, and ruined the bus trip of Madrid. Other than that the school seems like it will be great once we start classes. I am taking Oceanography, anthropology, History of Modern Spain and drum roll please......Latin rhythms and Dance!!! Tomorrow I have all but the dance class.
As strange as it is that I am around the world from my family friends and most of my support system I feel very calm about living here and about how I will be able to handle the semester. I think that I have already grown up alot and can't wait to see where this semester takes me. I have full faith that I will make amazing new friends, connect in new ways to old ones and expereince new things that will add to making me a better person. All of which have just stregnthed my opnion that I am one of the luckiest people in the world. I have great friends, an amzing family and opppotunities such as this. I thank God eveyday for being fortunate and I can't wait to see how my time in Madrid will fit into his plan for me. I can't wait to blog more about my experiences and I hope to stay in contact.
Love. AC!
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