Monday, January 26th
Well, it´s official...we have booked our first trip! We are going to Geneva, Switzerland this Friday until Sunday. When I say we, I mean Me,Hannah,Nona,Breese, and Adam Shapiro who went to Woodward with us. We are staying in a hostel for one night and leaving Sunday at 7 am so we are just going to stay out ALL night and then go to the airport early the next morning so we dont have to pay for 2 nights. It may sound cheap..but hey we´re college kids trying to see Europe so we can manage. Today was my first day of classes other than Spanish. I am in the library now and I just had my mass media class. It doesn´t seem like it will be hard and the teacher´s english isnt the best. It will be interesting though because we study the media in all of these different countries not just america and spain. It´s Jeanne´s birthday today, but she is in Sevilla. GET THIS...she is going to stay in Europe and be an au pair for a spanish family. She loves it and is deciding to stay in Europe versus try to find a job in America..which is hard right now. Right now my roomates and I are really into booking trips. One of my friends is going to moracco this weekend,others to London, some to Dublin....EVERYWHERE. We are trying to do it all, but reallistically I want to leave having gone to 1. Switzerland 2. Amsterdam 3. Paris 4. Sevilla and then a spring break trip. We´ll see how that goes.. Oh, and the cafeteria food here is really good and really cheap. You can get pizza, salad, a drink, a dessert, and bread for 5 euro. So i think I will start making my big meal be at school and then eat a light dinner. We´re doing literally everything to save money for trips..We LOVE It here still. In fact, Granny asked yesterday if I was trying to be a full time spaniard. haha. Well, off to my next class which is a political science course about the Spanish government. Sounds great right? ha..we´ll see.
Adeo!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
What a Week
January 23, 2009
Today is Friday. I am in my bed blogging and all of my roommates are on a wine-tasting excursion in Torres. I am going tomorrow because I had class today. We watched a movie in Spanish today and it was actually pretty good. Yesterday was pretty productive. After class I came home thinking I would need to meet the internet man, but he took one look at that box and left. I don’t really think he knew what the problem was…but I’m actually doing fine without the internet. Sure, there are some emails I may need to read, but I think I can manage without facebook for a while. It’s kind of refreshing. My roommates, on the other hand, are freaking. Nona had to get one lady told on the phone and Breese’s mom is supposedly calling today so we’ll see. Of course I said “Nona don’t be mean to our advisor” and Nona was like “Robin, you must not have seen these girls in our program”. She does have a point…a lot of the girls on our program are DIVAS. They couldn’t last one hour without their internet and we have been pretty patient. Nona, Breese, and I went shopping yesterday but every time someone found something we would say…trip to Morocco or cool shirt? Needless to say we didn’t buy anything. After shopping we went to have dinner at this pub which would have been cool to drink at, but not to eat. It was way too dark and noisy for my liking. I wanted to have a cute little tapas dinner so you can imagine how I felt paying 10 euros for a huge bacon burger. We’re trying this thing where we eat at a new restaurant once a week so I’ll be sure to have a good place in mind when it’s my turn to choose. We went to a VERY cool club called Opium and it was huge. 5 bars, on the beach, white couches…just amazing. This boy would not leave me alone and kept telling me I looked like Rihanna. Now, if anyone can enjoy a compliment it’s me, but I wanted to say “Dude, what are YOU drinking!?” Because Rihanna is a stretch. We took a taxi home at 4:15 and fell STRAIGHT to sleep. Actually, I’m pretty sure Hannah was trying to talk to me, but I was out as soon as my head hit that polka-dot pillow. I’m sure she will repeat the story when she gets back from the wine country…
Hasta manana
Half Way Through
January 21, 2009
Today is Wednesday and I had a Spanish quiz. WOO-WEE was that thing long. Truth be told, it wasn’t easy either. I think I probably got a B plus though. I can’t complain because I didn’t really study for it. Last night, we all went to a café to use their internet access. We all had our laptops, microphone, ipods, EVERYTHING. Everybody was looking at us, but we didn’t really care. The cashier asked me to help him with English so I told him the name of some food items on the menu. O yeah, yesterday I watched the inauguration on CNN.com which was good enough. Hannah watched it too which was cool because she voted for McCain and all. We both thought it was really good. Okay so here’s the deal..I’m going to volunteer 4 hours a week at an organization (if I pass the interview process). There are so many interesting ones, but here are my top 3 in no particular order.
1. Hospital Sant Joan Deu- I work with sick kids at the hospital. There parents don’t have time to be with them all day so I would have to sit with them and distract them from their illness and just keep them company. I would read them books, take them to the hospital library, paint, draw, etc.
2. Casal d’Infants del Raval- I would work with underprivileged children by helping them with homework, dance lessons, and artwork. The children in this program belong to different ethnic backgrounds and I think a lot of them are immigrants.
3. Sisal- If I work with this organization, I work solely with senior citizens in Barcelona. Their project is called ‘A granddaughter/grandson for a grandmother/grandfather’. My job is to help my senior citizen with daily life which includes keeping them company, taking them for a stroll, helping them buy groceries, going to the pharmacy to pick up their prescriptions, and playing the occasional games of dominoes or cards. The idea is to make the senior citizens feel as if they have a granddaughter. (I guess they’re all pretty lonely)
What do y’all think I should do?
Adios
Hasta luego
Today is Wednesday and I had a Spanish quiz. WOO-WEE was that thing long. Truth be told, it wasn’t easy either. I think I probably got a B plus though. I can’t complain because I didn’t really study for it. Last night, we all went to a café to use their internet access. We all had our laptops, microphone, ipods, EVERYTHING. Everybody was looking at us, but we didn’t really care. The cashier asked me to help him with English so I told him the name of some food items on the menu. O yeah, yesterday I watched the inauguration on CNN.com which was good enough. Hannah watched it too which was cool because she voted for McCain and all. We both thought it was really good. Okay so here’s the deal..I’m going to volunteer 4 hours a week at an organization (if I pass the interview process). There are so many interesting ones, but here are my top 3 in no particular order.
1. Hospital Sant Joan Deu- I work with sick kids at the hospital. There parents don’t have time to be with them all day so I would have to sit with them and distract them from their illness and just keep them company. I would read them books, take them to the hospital library, paint, draw, etc.
2. Casal d’Infants del Raval- I would work with underprivileged children by helping them with homework, dance lessons, and artwork. The children in this program belong to different ethnic backgrounds and I think a lot of them are immigrants.
3. Sisal- If I work with this organization, I work solely with senior citizens in Barcelona. Their project is called ‘A granddaughter/grandson for a grandmother/grandfather’. My job is to help my senior citizen with daily life which includes keeping them company, taking them for a stroll, helping them buy groceries, going to the pharmacy to pick up their prescriptions, and playing the occasional games of dominoes or cards. The idea is to make the senior citizens feel as if they have a granddaughter. (I guess they’re all pretty lonely)
What do y’all think I should do?
Adios
Hasta luego
Sunday, January 18, 2009
I'm Back
January 18, 2009
Today is Saturday January the 18th. Well…it is 5:47 in the morning so I guess technically its Sunday. Jeanne,Breese,Nona, Hannah and I just got back from club Elefante. It was so much fun and the girls got free champagne with entrance. We danced all night, and saw a lot of Americans. I even met a cute boy from Dartmouth (smile). Anyway, I haven’t been able to blog because our internet has been down. In a nutshell, I’ve gone to class, explored our neighborhood, and went grocery shopping. We have been having so much fun, but sleeping very late too. Tomorrow Jeanne leaves and Nona etc. start class on Monday. Barcelona gets better everyday. I will write more as more comes. Adeo!
Today is Saturday January the 18th. Well…it is 5:47 in the morning so I guess technically its Sunday. Jeanne,Breese,Nona, Hannah and I just got back from club Elefante. It was so much fun and the girls got free champagne with entrance. We danced all night, and saw a lot of Americans. I even met a cute boy from Dartmouth (smile). Anyway, I haven’t been able to blog because our internet has been down. In a nutshell, I’ve gone to class, explored our neighborhood, and went grocery shopping. We have been having so much fun, but sleeping very late too. Tomorrow Jeanne leaves and Nona etc. start class on Monday. Barcelona gets better everyday. I will write more as more comes. Adeo!
Monday, January 12, 2009
My friends came!
January 12, 2009
Finally!!! Nona, Breese, and Hannah arrived in Barcelona. I had my first day of class today which went well. I rode the metro and listened to my ipod and had spanish class for two and a half hours... Howeer, after that I sprinted to the metro to meet my friends. I found out their room number and I was ecstatic to see them!!!!! They don't move in until Wednesday, but might consider moving in early. Tonight, Jeanne and I went to club Apollo with some spanish boys, Alex, Ramon, y Guillermo. Guillermo went to Emory for a semester so Jeanne knew him and it was great. He lives walking distance from me so it will be nice to know a local around my age. His house is very nice and he gave us good ham. haha. No, really ham straight from the leg. It's a delicacy. It is 5 am here and I have class tomorrow. Dios Mio!
Adeo,
Robin B.
Finally!!! Nona, Breese, and Hannah arrived in Barcelona. I had my first day of class today which went well. I rode the metro and listened to my ipod and had spanish class for two and a half hours... Howeer, after that I sprinted to the metro to meet my friends. I found out their room number and I was ecstatic to see them!!!!! They don't move in until Wednesday, but might consider moving in early. Tonight, Jeanne and I went to club Apollo with some spanish boys, Alex, Ramon, y Guillermo. Guillermo went to Emory for a semester so Jeanne knew him and it was great. He lives walking distance from me so it will be nice to know a local around my age. His house is very nice and he gave us good ham. haha. No, really ham straight from the leg. It's a delicacy. It is 5 am here and I have class tomorrow. Dios Mio!
Adeo,
Robin B.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
La Sagrada Familia
January 11,2009
Today Jeanne and I woke up at 3 p.m...yes 3! I had my curtains close and we slept like babies. After getting some fruit for breakfast (or lunch rather) we took the metro to La Sagrada Familia which is a Roman Catholic church under construction and it began in 1882. I had to do a project on it once, but it is absolutely GORGEOUS in person. After this we got some snacks and headed home. At home we usually talk,talk,talk and read our maps. We have so much fun together. We were never that close growing up, but we have become great friends here and we have alot in common! I was even kind enough to let her borrow some pajamas (the poor thing only has like one pair ) because she is back-packing through Europe. Here I am thinking I took to little and she looked at my little closet like it was Beyonce's wardrobe. We were going to go to a quaint restaurant in Las Ramblas, but a boy-Max- from our group invited us over for dinner. Chinese food and wine for 5 euro at his place. His apartment is in an amazing location and it is very cozy. Everyone was glad to meet Jeanne and we had a ball. I asked Max all about the Gaza riots because he is a walking CNN station. No, really, he is the smartest 20 year old I have ever met. He goes to Berkely (as did both his parents) and he has been ALL OVER the world including Israel 3 times. He told me about Hamas and how they are a terrorist group, but they control everything and they do alot for their people. He also said that Israel appears to be bombing schools on purpose, but really Hamas, strategically, keeps all of their weapons in the basement of schools so in order for Israel to defend itself they have no choice but to destroy their weapons, but in doing so they kill civilians. He also said that before Israel bombs schools, they tell Hamas to evacuate the children..but Hamas never does. He is very smart, but he clearly knows this. I ask him alot about everything..and he loves to tell me. We will play into eachother well because I ask alot of questions and he has alot of answers. Now, Jeanne and I are ready for bed because we both start class tommorow! I am going to have a spanish partner where I help them with English and vice versa. I am also going to volunteer to teach english at the ymca. There is sooo much I want to do! Jeanne is signed up to move into her homestay but may end up staying with me because she doesn't know that much spanish. Today, she called her host family and she kept saying " yo arriba tommorow" which means "I up tomorrow". I kept correcting her and it was hilarious. I think she will be fine, but she is a little worried about communicating with them! Tomorrow, Hannah,Nona, and Breese(my roomates) will arrive! I can't wait!!! I absolutely love it here.
Adeo,
Robin B.
Today Jeanne and I woke up at 3 p.m...yes 3! I had my curtains close and we slept like babies. After getting some fruit for breakfast (or lunch rather) we took the metro to La Sagrada Familia which is a Roman Catholic church under construction and it began in 1882. I had to do a project on it once, but it is absolutely GORGEOUS in person. After this we got some snacks and headed home. At home we usually talk,talk,talk and read our maps. We have so much fun together. We were never that close growing up, but we have become great friends here and we have alot in common! I was even kind enough to let her borrow some pajamas (the poor thing only has like one pair ) because she is back-packing through Europe. Here I am thinking I took to little and she looked at my little closet like it was Beyonce's wardrobe. We were going to go to a quaint restaurant in Las Ramblas, but a boy-Max- from our group invited us over for dinner. Chinese food and wine for 5 euro at his place. His apartment is in an amazing location and it is very cozy. Everyone was glad to meet Jeanne and we had a ball. I asked Max all about the Gaza riots because he is a walking CNN station. No, really, he is the smartest 20 year old I have ever met. He goes to Berkely (as did both his parents) and he has been ALL OVER the world including Israel 3 times. He told me about Hamas and how they are a terrorist group, but they control everything and they do alot for their people. He also said that Israel appears to be bombing schools on purpose, but really Hamas, strategically, keeps all of their weapons in the basement of schools so in order for Israel to defend itself they have no choice but to destroy their weapons, but in doing so they kill civilians. He also said that before Israel bombs schools, they tell Hamas to evacuate the children..but Hamas never does. He is very smart, but he clearly knows this. I ask him alot about everything..and he loves to tell me. We will play into eachother well because I ask alot of questions and he has alot of answers. Now, Jeanne and I are ready for bed because we both start class tommorow! I am going to have a spanish partner where I help them with English and vice versa. I am also going to volunteer to teach english at the ymca. There is sooo much I want to do! Jeanne is signed up to move into her homestay but may end up staying with me because she doesn't know that much spanish. Today, she called her host family and she kept saying " yo arriba tommorow" which means "I up tomorrow". I kept correcting her and it was hilarious. I think she will be fine, but she is a little worried about communicating with them! Tomorrow, Hannah,Nona, and Breese(my roomates) will arrive! I can't wait!!! I absolutely love it here.
Adeo,
Robin B.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
My apartment
My bed with the polka dots and hannahs
the first two pictures I put up! XOXO
Our patio
Our kitchen
Our eating area More to come..I can't upload them all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
