(B)alencia, HERE WE ARE!

As Xak warned, the piso (apartment) hunt has indeed been the most challenging process of our (despite the fact that it has been short lived) experience. We are all a bit emotional, to say the least. The four of us anticipated living together. We planned all summer. Margaux did an excessive amount of research on the city of Valencia. We found prospective pisos, but it really does not seem to be working in our favor. This is just another reminder that nothing really ever goes as planned. 

Positivity is KEY here, which reminds me of that quote PLASTERED on my wall since around Kindergarten (Mom):

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”

- Charles R. Swindoll

Let’s start from the beginning. I will be as succinct as possible because, quite frankly, I am exhausted. (Nevertheless, this is “critical experiential training”, according to DTO, UCONN). I do not think I will ever forget this experience – in its entirety.

Yesterday morning, we were out the door by 10:45 AM  with over 12 items (carry-ons, luggage, violins, etc.). We filled one taxi with luggage (and myself) and managed to fit 3 of us in the other. It would have been a great photo. The four hour bus ride wasn’t as bad. The hardest part was getting all of the luggage ON and OFF the bus. The girls have FABULOUS attitudes. I truly enjoy being around them; particularly when faced with rude cab drivers (our experience with taxi drivers in Madrid was far superior to that in Valencia. Hopefully, they were just having a bad day!) But I must reiterate, complete cultural immersion is the BEST way to learn and/or tweak language skills. I had a conversation with a sweet professor from Panama for 3½ hours on the way to Valencia!

As I prefaced, yesterday was nothing compared to today (re: stress levels). We were out the door by 9 AM; Went to the adjacent café for tostadas y café and we were off to Valencia for the day. We passed at least 6 hours taking photos of signs to aquilar (rent), calling prospective landlords, while of course exploring the beauty that is Valencia in the process. I definitely like Valencia more than Madrid (aesthetically). There is such a historical, Mediterranean feeling to it! I just hope there are salsa clubs like the one we stopped in on our second night of Orientation (see second photo album). 

(Yet again,) I digress…

In any case, by the 5^th hour (despite consuming an entire bag of fruit, another tostada, a few sodas), our energy sources (and perhaps even our optimism levels) were beginning to deplete. We searched some more, but unfortunately did not find much. At some point, we split up and I opened up my bank account! “Raf”, the bank rep, is a stupendous guy. Very patient. I ultimately lost Margaux and we searched for each other in the city (emotionally drained from all of our searches and disappointments) for 3 hours! Just what we needed. I’ll spare you the details.

This is one of the most common banks in Valencia. Quite convenient! Highly recommended.

By the end of the day, we all realized that finding an apartment with 4 people at an affordable price in the city is not easy. We have decided to split up (2/2, 1/3, 1/2/1, 1/1/1/1; these are all possible combinations). We’ll see what happens. 

On a good note: I am planning to visit my “Uncle” Mauro in Switzerland in the winter. I must purchase my tickets very soon. I am also going to sit down to plan my other trips (mi prima Diana in Italy, France, Portugal, etc.). I know Melitza (my new friend) has invited me on a cruise to Egypt, but I have to check with my school and must also work out the whole budget thing once I find housing.

Luz al final del túnel 9/10/2010

Today wasn’t that bad (I don’t think). I found the apartment I am pretty sure I would like to get (Paco, our prospective landowner, is really great). The price is right and the location is where I want it to be. It is a 4 bedroom (although one of the rooms is subpar, relative to the other; but I’ll figure it out). We are all stressing. I am looking into visiting family friends this weekend. Maybe it’ll work out with them (they are also alquilando), too. I am keeping my options open.

Side note(s): Chelsea made an amazing Spanish Tortilla (kind of looks like quiche).

Here I am with Margaux and our very own Martha Stewart (Chelsea)

Nora & Margaux purchased THE MOST POTENT white wine (for 1 Euro!). The fruit here is AMAZING and less expensive if purchased at fruterias (fruit markets/stands on any given street).

One of my favorite fruiterias in Benimaclet

Time to read a bit and upload a ridiculous amount of photos!

9/11/2010

Today was fantastic! I am still stressing about the housing situation, but I have a feeling it will work itself out quite nicely. I found a few nice places within the last few days. I shared them with the girls and they seem to like one in particular. They did not see this one place today, though. It is in such a GREAT area in Valencia (Plaza Xuquer) and it is a decent price, too. We really like Paco’s piso, however. So, I guess the four of us are staying together (under the condition that we continue having weekly, biweekly dinners with local Spaniards. Great opportunity for language exchange or intercambio) It has been confirmed. Benimaclet.  Finally :-)

My flatmates and fellow grantees: Margaux, Nora and Chelsea

After I went to visit a family friend and her lovely family for a few hours, I returned home to get ready for an evening that had been planned plenty of days in advance. We were to have dinner at a new friend’s house. It was SO MUCH FUN. The Menu: Potato Chips, Pistachios, Pizza and Wine. Interesting! The guys are great. We laughed so hard. The opportunity to practice our Spanish (not the South American variety, but the European) was invaluable. The guys would correct me if I used the “wrong” (non-colloquial) term; they had no qualms simply burst out laughing whenever I say something seemingly absurd (obviously unintentional). I noticed today that There aren’t as many Americans as there are Erasmus students (http://www.esn.org/). It is interesting because in Sevilla, Barcelona and Madrid there seems to be more of an American presence. I prefer it this way, personally. It will take me a little while to pick up colloquialisms, but we’ll get it down. So, yes, the girls decided to go to the beach all day; I went on a 2 hour tour with our new Superwoman crony, Yasmin (I swear this girl is NOT human. Her credentials are exhaustive and she is VERY MUCH interested in Teach For America, which is exciting on so many levels. Refer to www.TeachForAmerica.org). Her personal tour was phenomenal. She knows so much about the city of Valencia; in fact, she offers personal tours to people who visit (and can do it in under an hour). She makes sure to hit all of the key spots in the center (the only problem is that it is impossible to touch everything in such a short period of time. There is sooo much history in this province). If you ever visit Valencia, you should check out this site Margaux’s boyfriend found earlier this summer. He is a gem: http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/europe/spain/valencia/overview.html?WT.z_gsac=1.

Ah Yes, back to my tour experience. I met Yasmin early in the morning (Apparently 10 AM is early for Saturday). It was so relaxing walking on Calle Primado Reig in the morning with that warm sun hitting my face. J Trust me, I needed it. I soon learned that she was offering accommodation to three WORLD TRAVELERS. For those of you who have not heard of Couch Surfing, please look into it (www.couchsurfing.org). It is absolutely fantastic and I am considering looking into it. Yasmin is making a video featuring her experiences both couch surfing on her own and offering a couch to traveling youth (serving as a host). This is the most interesting of cases (the 3 Frenchmen): These 3 gentlemen (it took me forever to get the pronunciation down for Berteand, but I got it! Yasmin even got it on video!) , well they have deliberately planned (at the ripe ages of 25, 25 and 23) TO TRAVEL THE WORLD. 

Our New Friends. YOU GO, BOYS!

No… LITERALLY travel the world in 3 years. ALL of their belongings accompany them in backpacks ON THEIR BIKES. It is AMAZING. (You will see them in my photos). They worked for an entire year and found sponsors to support this endeavor; they ultimately raised more than 20,000 Euro to fund this trip. I can’t believe they did it. I definitely hope you take the time to check out their official website: www.solidream.net. So yes, these three were SUPER CHULO. Very respectful and so curious! Really admirable qualities. We went to one of my favorite places: Mercado Central (http://www.mercadocentralvalencia.es/): can you say fresh, delicious food at phenomenal prices? It is crazy busy AT ALL TIMES. I FINALLY found feta cheese and the best fried almonds (almuendras)! At the Mercado central, We picked up lunch (probably saved 8 Euro. No complaints here, hombre). It is so nice that Chelsea and Margaux love to cook, too! Valenciano Cooking course, here we come. I CAN NOT WAIT TO SETTLE INTO OUR PISO so we can start game planning (Museums, courses, activities for the students, traveling, etc.) Thank you, Nora, for creating a budget sheet :-).  Nice and easy, as Professor Sabatelli always says (I MISS THIS INDIVIDUAL, Department Head of Human Development Family Studies).

9/14/2010

So today was great, overall. I successfully picked up money (despite the fact that my debit card was not yet ready for pick up), so I was able to pay Paco (our landlord) for my share of the rent. I have decided to take the least appealing bedroom of the three. It is in the corner of the apartment, rather isolated from the rest of the piso; My window faces the interior side of another complex. “Yummy”, as Margaux commonly says. I will make it great, nevertheless.

CEIP EL BARRANQUET, GODELLA

And on to my surprise visit to CEIP: El Barranquet. (They have their own blogspot. It is in Valenciano. Your best bet is dominating the photo albums, my loves! http://elbarranquet.blogspot.com/) This is the awesome pueblo that I am working at this year! Every one is absolutely PHENOMENAL thus far. Great first impressions. I hope to learn a great deal of Valenciano (very similar to French) during my stay. They even taught me a few words (I already know bon profit. Thanks, Xak). I get my schedule on Wednesday (my first official day!). Yes, this definitely feels right. This is certainly where I want to be.

I met some really sweet people today: a lovely woman (Pepa), a Spanish actress and ballerina; a sweet young man from Iran who works at the Locutorio next door. He loves English. We’ll all go for coffee soon. I also plan on doing several things with Yasmin (I think I’ve met someone with more energy than I do!) I also spent an hour or so with my friends Eric and Mieria. I will be offering English lessons to Mieria (and another engineer) once a week for a few hours, which is exciting. VERY EXCITING.

Meet Mireia and her boyfriend, Eric!

My First Official Day: El Barranquet 9/15/2010

So today went pretty well! I admit it was the smartest thing I could have done visiting my school before the first official day. I had a relative idea of where I was going and I felt more comfortable with the staff (They are so sweet!). The students (PreK-6) are super chulo. They flock around me as if I were from another planet; Non-native English speakers in elementary school screaming phrase they’ve managed to memorize. i.e. “Hello, How are you?” “I am fine, thank you”, and “My name is…” Really is the cutest thing EVER. (I noted that the class sizes are much smaller those in the American schools I’m accustomed to: 15-18 versus 30).

 I was able to work with an class of Kindergarteners today for an entire period. We sang the ABC’s multiple times and did introductions around the classroom, “My name is…”. I wish you were all there! The teacher only speaks Valenciano, obviously foreign to me, so she is teaching me a few things, which is great. Indeed, Everything is (understandably so) a bit foreign to me, but I think I will get the hang of it soon enough. In sum, I am basically the assistant to the English teacher 50% of the time and the other 50% I will be teaching English! What an honor, no?

I spent the day with a fellow Fulbrighter, Katie Rose, yesterday. We went to CIEN MONTADITOS (great food & cost effective/barrato!) We ran around the city for a few hours, trying to find my bank, slippers, yoga mats, clothes and the metro station. I got to see her host family’s home – RIVETING! The kids (< 5 yeas of age) each have their own bathrooms; as does Katie! Oh, the life of wealthy Spaniards! She baby sits the kids 3 hours a day and has the rest of the day for work and whatever it is she would like to do! She persuaded me into pursuing yoga once per week. My new Professor crony (Melitza from Panama) is looking into Salsa and Cooking classes for me.
What else is new? Oh yes, this Sunday I hope to participate in a REALLY Cool Annual Event in Valencia: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.deportevalencia.com%2Fnoticias-detalle.php%3Fid%3D1484. I am excited!

Side note: the graffiti here is absolutely fabulous. FABULOUS. I never thought I would say this. Take a gander at some of this work: http://www.google.es/images?hl=es&q=graffiti+in+valencia&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1280&bih=547 . I really don’t think the pictures do them justice, but please take my word for it! Some are simply magnificent!

Caliente, Alicante 9/20/2010

The past week has FLOWN by. So much is happening. I am slowly but surely getting into the swing of things at my school, we are finally starting to settle into the apartment and we continue completing several tasks required of grant recipients (a bit stressful, but hey it needs to be done); I’m also trying to get in touch with friends and family who I’ve kind of neglected the past month.

This weekend we stayed in Alicante. It was absolutely amazing: the 2.5 hour bus ride was definitely worth it! The beach was HERMOSA. We spent the entire day (trust me, after the past few weeks, it was well deserved) at the beach (There was literally a sign at the beach entrance that said No Masajes, No Massages); the girls went out for tapas later on in the evening while I caught up on some e-mails and ticket searching (trips during the year). I also spent a considerable amount of time reading a book that several good friends have recommended to me: “The Gift of Fear”. This should make you select few happy! I hope that this stuff sticks at the end of the day. Seriously.

On the second day in Alicante, we went to CASTILLO DE SANTA BARBARA early in the morning. It is indeed breathtaking (both the walk up and the scenery)! I could not believe how incredible the weather was. I met a sweet couple from the UK, who offered to give us a personal tour if we were ever to stop in.

The Majestic View atop El Castillo de Santa Barbara

Some Exciting news: I have found Tahini in Spain! So exciting. Along with Hummus. These items, along with organic peanut butter, are nearly nonexistent in this gorgeous country. So, Yes, I am excited.

Hasta pronto, mi vidas.

Last Full Day! Farewell & Best Wishes!

I kind of overslept (writing e-mails until 4 AM for a 7 AM wake-up call is not a great idea), BUT made it for Today’s Security talk with 5 minutes to spare (Thank you, Chelsea, for stopping by to share your stories with me at 8:45 AM. I REALLY can’t wait to get a cell phone/alarm clock included). GREAT BRIEFING! I liked Ms. Sabo.

Tips on SECURITY: USE COMMON SENSE (if you don't have any. Find it ASAP)

• Do not leave purse behind chair
• Watch out for thieves with NEWSPAPERS (leave your blackberry on the table, they place the newspaper over it. In seconds your cell is gone!). Bizarre
• Avoid carrying passport around. Bring photocopy or license
• Photocopy all of your cards in your purse
• Keep a low profile!
• Register at the Embassy
• Check out information about different countries if you are to travel to them (re: requirements/things you need to look out for): state.gov/travel
• Always leave windows/doors LOCKED
• Emergency telephone number: 112
• Latest Interest! RANDOM Reminder: Foreign State Exam (look into areas of specialization) Look for an internship: US state department website. I love Laura (US Embassy). PSYCHOLOGY major in undergrad!
  

Moving on to our seminar with Professor David Nordlund (pretty cool man). He offered some fine tips (consejos). He is our “Godfather” in Valencia. He gave us a series of maps, tourist guides, info booklets. GREAT resources.

• Valencia Port, the 2^nd most lucrative port in the Mediterranean (indeed, a very dynamic place).
• La Lonja* For a long time, Valencia was a major port of entry for the silk trade.
• Mercado Central (in front of La Lonja)*
• Arts & Sciences Center*
• Soccer Match*
• Viveros Park*
• Bellas artes*
• 850,000 people in city of Valencia. HUGE student population (he said about 130,000)
• *Popular culture in Valencia: las fallas in Marzo (ask if we can help prepare for them in local community. “Casal”: huge time commitment).
• *Look into student group organizations? (Look into Language Exchange)
• Castellon: great beaches; go to old medieval section that hangs over a cliff (right over the Mediterranean), small town (Peniscola and Vinaroz)
• *funcionarios: Get in the know! This is an important topic in Valencia schools right now.
• *Wine areas: Requena & Utiel (festivals now! & Bullfight this Friday, El Ponce; contact Nordlund)
• Valencia is a very “linguistically rich” place. Valencia is regionally bilingual (Valenciano/Castellano).
• Free Introductory Class: University of Valencia & Real Academia de Cultura Valenciana (located by Catedral)
  

Instead of going out after the delightful reception (Yes, I took many photos and made many new and lovely contacts), I decided to return to the colegio, write a few thank you cards and pack my things in a more relaxed mode. I really need to ease into this outing schedule. Eh, it’s probably so hard for me to stay out late because I do not siesta like every one else (everything closes at 2 PM and opens around 4 or 5 PM, so people can rest. No wonder the stress levels here are seemingly lower than in the US. We never stop!).

Anyway, Today was longer than anticipated (I was downtown for at least 3 hours today and I ended up missing my date with Liliana, a friend of a friend; Problem: No cell phone and Lack of communication. I also learned a lesson today: NEVER throw away your metro tickets after using them. I had to purchase a new one after accidentally exiting the terminal. Lesson learned.

Chao Posada de Huertas 21, Helloo Becarias

JBK: September 5

To be frank, I haven’t truly had a FULL night’s rest since I have arrived. Everything about Madrid (well, Spain essentially): the history, the people, the traditions, the atmosphere in all its complexity, is just awe inspiring. I can not get enough of this place. I have spent an AMPLE amount of time on the internet, searching for pisos (which, my fellow Valencia ETAs and prospective roommates agree, is not the most carefree process). I have also struggled with my movil (mobile phone) situation: I am pretty sure I will stick to the pre-paid phone plan/SIM card. I guess “You live and you learn”, Chelsea declared today as we pulled 120+ lbs of luggage through the metro and up several flights of stairs (slightly painful, but a great work out nevertheless. The second round was not that bad, however, when we had to return to our hostel for the 3 more luggages, or maletas).

The last few days have been a blast and somewhat of a blur actually. It is fascinating how distinct the streets are at night relative to the earlier hours of the day! It transforms itself, the city of Madrid. Every morning, I walked around, explored. I found markets everywhere! One (fresh fish market) smelled fabulous (like Newport during the summer, Mom and Dad). Other than shopping at the market (sometimes a bit more economic than frequenting delicious tapa bars, I’ve found a personal favorite: THE MUSSLES. They are EXQUISITE when stuffed with homemade salsa and herbs.) (For those of you who are not familiar with the term tapas, quickly skim this page. It’s super informative/short: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish/lj/cultural_notes/tapas.shtml)

Moving on. MADRID IS BEAUTIFUL. The architecture and (simply) the strategic placement of buildings, statues and the like are incredible. I found myself just walking around aimlessly up and down the streets, trying my best to be as discrete as possible as I snapped shots of structures and signs that sparked my interest. Coming early really made for an easier transition and it allowed me to connect with the local community (Yes, so, I decided to sit down next to an older couple (89 and 97 years old) on a bench on Calle Atocha. I sat, watched and listened to them as I ate my fruit and sandwich (“bocadillo”). Really interesting and hilarious pair, those two. They even asked if I was going to be visiting that spot often through out the year. Nah, I’m moving to Valencia in a few days to be an English Teaching Assistant in Godella! How EXCITING. This is fantastic - I love taking advantage of all these opportunities to practice my Spanish (and Valenciano accent!) with the locals and with new friends.

The rest of the nights were a blur before registering for Orientation today! I went to my first Spanish bar, which was fun. Certainly different from the bars back at UConn (There was a restaurant on the second floor of the bar on a college campus!) Sangria appears to be a very popular drink here. When we gave up on finding “chocolate con churros” later on in the evening, I returned to the lounge (where they offer WIFI, pronfounced “wee-fee”). There, I met a very nice young Hondurian named Charles; he is pursuing his masters in International Business. It was funny; we started by talking about my missing headphones, progressed to cell phone plans and landed on personal versus cultural morals/ethics. I was pleasantly reminded of the remarkable networking opportunities when we place ourselves in new settings (Hostels are PERFECT for this: find a hostel with good ratings and free breakfast :-).

I will briefly talk about the wonderful arrangement we have set for us during orientation. Our dorm style suites are fabulous: so clean, towels provided (an issue at our hostel), WIFI downstairs (luckily, I bought my Ethernet cord with me so I have the luxury of talking to you lovely people in my room when I have the time), a comfy bed and our own bathroom! I did not mention that the room is quite spacious. These are just bonuses when I think about all of the truly sweet ETAs and Researchers that have been selected by the Commission. I like every single person I have met thus far! So down to earth and interesting! As a UConn friend always says, “I’m vibin’ with these people”. At least 35 of us ended up going to Salsa Club (called “Cats”) later on after dinner, which was (no surprise to me): SO MUCH FUN. Though I spent some time dancing, I spent the majority of the time marveling at the gorgeous pairs (actually many were professional ballroom dancers) dominate the variety of songs being played (bachata, salsa, merengue). I was fascinated when many locals began to participate in somewhat of a dance routine/tradition (I happened to videotape it!)

It has been a great 5/7 of a week! I am exhausted. Chao!

Day 1 Orientación!

 Despite the stress induced by having no idea where the heck we are going to live (the 4 of us: myself, Margaux, Chelsea and Nora), what we are doing with our moviles (we all believe it is imperative to have one for emergencies) and how we are getting to the bus with ALL of our luggage (in a single trip), we have faith that Everything will work out. The only thing we can do is the optimism/stay self-informed thing. ;-)

Today has been grand. Though I went to bed at 4 AM and woke up for 7 AM breakfast, I feel great! I received my first check and have met MANY Fulbright ETAs and Researchers within the last day or so! “We should just rent a dorm. I want to keep all of them!”, someone said this afternoon. The majority of the seminars have been very helpful. The Staff (EVERY SINGLE PERSON) is so patient, kind and prepared. It feels so right being here in Spain with these people (hopefully future comrades). Yes, I miss the family and fictive kin :-), but this is truly an experience of a lifetime.

This feeling (of appreciation and elation) didn’t REALLY hit me until one of today’s seminars with Executive Director, María Jesús Pablos. I love how genuine and direct she is. Yes, so she is featured below. This was taken during our reception on the last day of Orientation! Trust when I say that I did not take her words lightly. She made some fine points that are worth repeating:

“…Learn, have fun, help us learn about your country…and DO NOT OVERDO IT”.

She went on to say that we are “small individuals who have the capacity to change the world.” That we “represent a generation of people who have a (social, nay ethical) obligation to be honest….aware of world affairs that WE have to deal with. We must realize that we have privileges that those preceding us did not have…with that comes GREAT social responsibility.” She is absolutely right. We must “realize that we have received MORE and therefore we should give back MORE. Individually & Together.” Amen, my sister.

María Jesús Pablos and I at the Fulbright Reception/Ceremony

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw5VdkjjCfA (She is so strong & sweet!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2awWfPgG0k&feature=related

The past few days have been fabulous: great food, friendly staff (Xak and Paula gave us REAL advice (no fluff), the truth). What I found particularly helpful were Xak’s e-mails: (in the recreational arena): “As I said this morning, in my opinion, the best introduction to nearly every facet of Valencia life you could be interested in is the following blog”: http://www.holavalencia.net/

Memorable Event: Chelsea, Lyla and Margaux get egged (12 AM)

CDixon (studied in Madrid for one summer): “When a Spaniard invites you over for tortillas espanoles after the bar, you should know what they mean”.

We've only just begun...

A Brief Introduction before you all feel rather inundated (As many of you know, I tend to write too much!): I've been compiling (within the past month or so) daily blog entries. I am sure in time I'll figure out a more organized way of posting, but for now, they will come to you in chunks, if you will. Enjoy!

   Preparation Preparation Preparation 9/12/10

I am in Newport and it is the day before Daddy’s 57^th Birthday. It has been a fabulous week thus far. I have been reading like a mad woman the past few days: The extremely beneficial Practical Guide Valencia and Predeparture Guide. I am doing as much research as possible about the region before arrival on September 2.

Nervous. Anxious. Feel unprepared at the moment.

I am being proactive, nevertheless. I have made a to-do list, which appears to be getting longer than shorter. To-do lists are truly my best friend. I would recommend it to all. I have also greatly benefited from the Fulbright ETA 2010-2011 Facebook page. The information posted by current and former ETAs has been very much beneficial to me as an incoming ETA. It eases the nerves dramatically. My fellow ETAs appear to be very pleasant. I started a “Bio Blog” so that all of us placed in Valencia may start to get to know one another before orientation.

Paula Ortega has been AMAZING. She is so professional, expedient in her responses and kind.

I have recently connected with my school’s official (Principal and Secretary), which is really exciting (I’m not sure why, but it is what it is). In the mean  time, I am trying to enjoy my family and friends.

Until next time!

7/14/10

The flagship international exchange program sponsored by the United States Government, the Fulbright Program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. It promotes leadership development through learning and international cooperation.  The Fulbright Program operates in more than 155 countries and has provided over 300,000 participants — chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research in each others' countries and exchange ideas. Approximately 8,000 grants are awarded annually.

Source: http://exchanges.state.gov/academicexchanges/index/fulbright-program.html

This made me feel good, to say the least.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

“…like a piece of ice melting through your fingertips"
Mish Rod♥

I am sitting here in my room, Exactly 1 week before departure. Surprisingly, amidst all of the studying, packing and planning, I’m thinking about Teach For America (I will be working in the Bay Area for 2 years the MINUTE I return from Spain). For now, I need to focus on what is coming soon. Michelle maintains that it will pass faster than I expect it to (then back to the “real world”: TFA) so enjoy it as much as I can. Travel and meet as much and as many people as possible, respectively. I will try my best!

Michelle’s going to bring me my passport this weekend, so that I can photocopy it. I have been shopping for “American themed” items for my students. I hope they like it. BEST DEALS: Dollar Store after July 4^th and Ocean State Job Lot (I picked up books, flash cards, flags, pencils, a few things from Hawaii, Holiday things, etc.) I think I am going to compile a list of “American holidays” so the girls (my 3 prospective roommates) can help me brainstorm creative ideas to introduce and celebrate them!

As of right now, I have way too many things going on in my room. Everything is all over the place. I have to tactfully pack my summer, fall, spring and winter clothes in 1.5 suitcases and fit a buttload of hair products and contact solution in the rest of my bags. Can you imagine?

My biggest concern is not having some one to come pick me up at the airport when I arrive. I will have to pay about 25 Euro to get to my hostel, which is SO unfortunate. Oh well. I’d rather be safe then sorry I guess.

The girls and I are staying at the beach for 5 days after orientation while searching for pisos. Great idea, Chelsea (particularly because we will be reimbursed up to 100 Euro that we spend while finding housing). I hope I find a decent internet/cell phone plan and that we can get involved in the community: I’d love to do some tutoring, take some cooking classes, take a valenciano course, dance salsa and go on weekend trips! I have already started a list of place I’d like to visit within the next year (I must remember not to overdo it).

My goal within the next 4 days is to PACK PACK PACK (take out the crap I do not need; I clearly overpacked). Get last minute things. Start reading “THE GIFT OF FEAR”. Practice “being a b* if you have to”, especially in unknown areas. DO NOT TRUST ANY ONE.

EEEEE!!! I can’t believe I spent 2 hours photocopying every single documents that I have. Great idea, Mom, to leave an extra copy of everything at home.

Launching Off              9/22/10

Yesterday morning was not as bad as I anticipated. It was much easier (relatively speaking) to say goodbye to Mom and Dad. They gave me a gift before departure: a pendant and card. Such beautiful words: the featured quote is “The future belongs to those who believe the beauty of their dreams”. On the other side of the pendant (the opposite being this quote) is a picture of ME! Absolutely hilarious. I mean, I was thinking she would put a religious symbol in there; but it’s the thought that counts. (So yes, I am walking around with a picture of myself).

My day was truly well spent. Aside from the fact that I left my freshly made Greek Salad somewhere in the Canadian Airport (I need to work on reinforcing my space cadet-like tendencies) (oh yes, and the fact that $485 American Dollars only converted to 300 Euros. LOVELY), I have a newfound appreciation and slight obsession with Canada. The propeller plane was not that bad! and Canadians are so sweet, so friendly. The cultural stereotype is (generally speaking) SO on point. Everything is cleaner. People just seem nicer. From the bus driver (The Rocket) who  let me on with barely 2 Canadian dollars, the lovely lady at Flo’s Restaurant (I only had 20 Canadian dollars on me and she definitely took care of me.) On the way back, I met another kind Canadian woman, Alethea. She works for Cancer Care Ontario. She gave me some GREAT advice. “The secret to looking and feeling young is very simple, Addie. DO NOT CARRY BAGGAGE. Do not hold grudges. Learn how to forgive and mean it.” I guess you were right, Mamadukes. Every one you meet can teach you something. She also commends youth that go out and “live their lives” (subject to interpretation). These opportunities will not always be present (well, unless I look for them!). I definitely would not mind living in Canada (Toronto) at some point. Mini New York City.

Side note (I think a few of you would appreciate this) I was reading Vogue Magazine earlier (BDL à Pearson Airport), and I stumbled upon some pretty fabulous quotes:

“In some elemental way, people react disapprovingly to something outside the parameters of what they see as the norm” (p. 90, Leon Bing)

“Living in the moment-and having the time of my life” (Everyone’s goal in life regardless of age)

A day later….

So yes, it literally took me an entire day to get from US to Spain. 10 hour layover in Toronto. I slept like a baby on the airplane (surprisingly!) I connected with a sweet Parisian woman who lives in Canada. I really enjoyed her! After $225 in baggage fees, 40 Euro on the ride to this hostel: La Posada De Huertas (pretty nice) and 70 Euro for the next 3 nights (breakfast included), I am pretty sure I should try to be more frugal than ever until I get paid. Chelsea comes tomorrow. I can’t wait to meet every one! Upon arrival, I took a 20 minute nap and did some exploring before Miguel (great guy! Family friend) came over to give a personal tour! At the lovely VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT (the only one serving organic, whole food in the area) I made my first friend from Greece: Eli).

Eli and Myself on our 1st day in Madrid

We hit all the hot spots in Madrid in 2 hours pretty much (there are far more). We saw gorgeous architecture everywhere! Plaza Mayor, Plaza del Sol, Palacio Real*, Several gorgeous churches, hundreds of restaurants and shops! We had such a blast! Fashion is very interesting here: it reminds me so much of NYC (Toronto – Madrid – New York: all major cities in respective countries). This place is absolutely superb.