Chicago Excursion #2

On Today's Menu: VISA. It's everywhere you want to be...but won't always get to be.

I forget how much I love big cities until I visit one. The tall buildings, the unique smells, the variety of people, the outrageous number of Starbucks cafes...I'm captivated by it all. I turn into a different person when I travel. I become abnormally confident and seem to exude self-assuredness that is noticeable to those around me. This is especially true when I go solo and when I travel to a place I am not very familiar with. The more foreign the place, the more confidence I have. Weird, I know. Seems like it should be the other way around. I have decided to place the blame on my fascination with culture. I hate being a tourist. I like to blend in. Not because I fear rejection, have low self-esteem, or any other such psycho babble...but because I love to observe a society as it is. Designate me the fly on the wall, describe me as cultural camouflage, whatever. It's my life's calling.

Recently, I made a much anticipated journey to Chicago in order to reclaim my passport from the Spanish Consulate. Being the swashbuckler that I tend to be, I decided to make this trip all in one day. This meant getting up at 3am to catch a flight out of Nashville, layover in Atlanta, hit Chicago's Midway Airport, take the subway (or El as they call it) to the Consulate, pick up the passport, get back on the El, go back to Midway, go back to Atlanta, touchdown in Nashville around 11pm. Long day. What could I have possibly been thinking, you ask? Indeed it was: Why do I have to go further south in order to go north? I resolved that I shall never know the answer to that question. (Probably not the response you assumed?)

I make it sound as if I had zero time when, in fact, I had loads of time on my hands. I spent a couple hours in Atlanta and about seven hours in Chicago. My main objective for the day was, actually, not to pick up my passport, but it was to not focus on the pointlessness of this trip. Yes, I needed to get my passport back. But the academic endeavor that I had spent so much time preparing for, fell through at the last minute, thus rendering the visa so neatly affixed to my passport useless. It was quite the bummer, I will admit. I was, needless to say, disappointed when they handed me said visa (which would have allowed me to stay in Spain for the entirety of 2010) knowing full well that I wouldn't get to use even one day of it. But, as I previously mentioned, all my efforts were put forth into not fixating on this fact. Instead my focus was remembering that God has a marvelous plan for the future. I just know it. He is full of wonderful surprises, no?!

Anyhow, I decided to spend my seven hours in Chicago experiencing what I could. I went to the park, to the pier, to Starbucks (it was a must), walked up and down the Magnificent Mile, scoped out Chicago University...the confidence thing I mentioned before was kicking into overdrive by this point. So much so that I had numerous people stopping me on the street, as well as people on the El, asking me for directions and at what stop to get off in order to reach this street or that store. What was crazy was that I was able to tell them. What was even more crazy was that I was right. I've been to Chicago exactly three times. Never spent more than forty-eight hours at a time there. Nor had I ever been there by myself. I say this not as bragging...believe you me...but I say it with astonishment. I learned a lot that day. I find learning something new to be enthralling. Possibly even more so when it involves the illumination of one's own character.

And so, for the moment I shall remain in the land of the Bluegrass, plotting my next adventure, believing God has already laid out the groundwork.

Chicago Excursion #1

On Today's Menu: The Spanish Consulate, The Visa, and Me

"Next day new steps were to be taken: my plans could no longer be confined to my own breast; I must impart them in order to achieve their success."

--excerpt from Jane Eyre

I have discovered first hand that obtaining a visa takes a lot out of a person. Monumental amounts of paperwork must be filled out, fees paid, proof of admission to your chosen school provided, insurance details taken care of, yadda, yadda, ya. What's more is that the Spanish Consulate requires all applicants to apply in person and then, upon approval, return to the consulate to pick up their visa, again in person. Doesn't really sound like a big deal, but when I live in Kentucky and the Spanish Consulate is located in downtown Chicago...kinda becomes a big deal. I wonder if a personal appearance is required by other country's consulates...or is this just Spain's policy? Hm.

Anyway, after spending the past month gathering all the necessary information to make said visa approval possible, I traveled this weekend to Chicago to make my first appearance at the Spanish Consulate. Fortunately, I didn't have to go it alone on this one--thankfully my dad came along for this particular part of the journey. His accompaniment was most appreciated, especially since I was overwrought with anxiety and the fact that Chicago is a rather large city where I had absolutely no idea as to how to get anywhere with much ease. And so, despite my apprehension, together we tromped through the miserable cold and rain, admittedly made a couple wrong turns, but eventually found the consulate, and ahead of our scheduled appointment time!

I don't know, really, what I was expecting...maybe an interview, maybe I would be required to fill out more paperwork...not sure. What happened was: I walked into this small waiting room with about ten chairs seated right in the middle of the room, walls totally bare, about four students and one Spaniard lingering around, and one women seated at a desk behind three sliding glass windows...you know, like the ones you see in doctor's offices? There was no where to sign in, no numbers taken...it was weird. Dad told me to go to the window and tell the lady I was here for my appointment and she very abruptly told me to go sit down...didn't take my name...nada...very weird. Anyway, she worked with a few of the other students and when she finally looked at me said, "Well, you're next. Get up here." Hmmm. I walked up there. "Get out your paperwork." So I got out the paperwork. She didn't read a thing or ask me any questions, but proceeded to make numerous stamps and markings on each of the papers. "Where is your police report?" Police report? What police report? I need a police report? I told her this. "I can't approve your application without a police report." Okay...aaaaaaand panic attack. Apparently, since the program I am entering lasts two years, there are other documents needed to go along with my application. I was completely unaware. Fortunately, she said I had enough documentation to be approved for six months, after which I will have to return to the states to do this entire lovely process aaallll over again. Imagine my excitement. But, I guess that is better than the alternative, though. She could have not approved me at all and then I wouldn't be able to begin the program until next fall. Also, this way I will get to come home and see my family...see how I am choosing to focus on the positive here?

So. When it comes to the visa thing all I have to do at this point is sit and wait. I will have to write to the consulate via email in six weeks to "check my status" and see about getting an appointment to come and pick it up. This means another trip to Chicago...in the dead of winter...for a five minute "appointment." Oh well...so be it! No one said it would be easy! And it's one more thing I can check off the To-Do-List!

I'm A Nerd

On Today's Menu: I Love School!

It's officially official. I have officially been accepted by the Universidad de San Luis in Madrid, officially declared my confirmation of attendance to the school, and am now an official student of SLU. Yeehaw!

The past month has been an absolute whirlwind of pragmatism, anticipation, and interminable anxiety. But I assure you, faithful reader, things are steadily coming together. My advisors at SLU have been nothing but helpful and so far, every administrator I have been in contact with has actually made me feel that they would be pleased if I did, in fact, attend their institution. I'm sad to say it, but I think somewhere in the previous years I became too conditioned to UK's perspective on academia...they don't give a crap if you attend their school in hopes of actually learning something useful, they are just happy to see your tuition paid. No offense UK lovers; this is just one lowly graduate's scrupulous observation.

Anyway. The past two weeks have been spent emailing back and forth with my academic advisor (who is in Madrid) and together we have formulated a master academic plan! According to this plan I should be able to complete the program in two years...which is great news to me because, well, this little endeavor is gonna cost me one pretty penny. I figure two years is definitely enough time for me to get a firm grasp on the language and culture, but it is also short enough that it won't send me into the deepest and darkest of debt abysses.

My first semester I will have fifteen hours, which isn't bad since I will not be working. Here's my plan for Spring '10:

✏ Spanish Written Communication (3hrs)

✏ Spanish Oral Communication (3hrs)

✏ International Culture and Ethics (3hrs)

✏ Religion and Culture (3hrs)

✏ Intercultural Communications (3hrs) -- subject to change.

I will have to complete these basic courses before jumping into the real meat of the study program. It's just like any other school: "standard education requirements must be fulfilled by every permanent student prior to disciplinary studies." You can read all about it in the fine print. Still, in looking ahead, the classes my advisor has lined up for me in future semesters sound most intriguing...I'm pretty excited. Just call me Nerd.

Sup amigos?

On Today's Menu: i'm such a slacker.

I haven't blogged since August 10th?!?! Wow...how lazy am I??? What a display of irresponsibility and complete negligence to you, my faithful reader. Thanks for sticking around. I'm fairly certain that if the situation was reversed, I would have abandoned this project many moons ago.

So what's new? As of right now, everything is poking along just as close to normal as can be here in the Bluegrass. I have gotten back into the swing of things at work, I have resumed my obsessive compulsions to watch any and all things tennis, I just started reading another amazing book by one of my favorite authors, and I am continuing my research of various masters programs, schools, etc. So you can probably see by now why I haven't blogged in a while...not much to report on.

However! (yay for However!) Recent events have changed that! While I was in Spain this summer I learned of an American university (based in Saint Louis, Missouri) that has a second campus in Madrid and they happen to offer the degree I'm looking for (that being Spanish Language and Culture). How crazy is that? They take sixty students per year and the entire program is taught at the campus in Spain. Who knew? Anyway, I submitted an application...last week I received a letter of confirmation of my acceptance into the program beginning in the January term...WILD. It's really exciting, no? But it's also a little nerve racking...I mean, now I have a thousand things to think about: tuition? student visa? scholarship?...a tad overwhelming.

Anyway...I think I'm going to make a go of it...one step at a time. So stay tuned. There's more to come!

Here, There, and Everywhere

On Today's Menu: 

Leah and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

So...things didn't quite go according to plan. I just scanned over my last blog entry and...wow...I made that sound so simple. What was I thinking? It's never that simple. Here's how it really happened: 

Part 1: The Night Bus

First off, the night bus to Madrid dropped me off at the wrong bus station. I was supposed to go straight to the airport but instead I ended up at the Who-Knows-Where-Station incredibly tired after staying up all night and completely clueless as to where I needed to go next. I wandered around for a while, trying my absolute best to not have a panic attack, until I was approached by a man who claimed to be a taxi driver. Indeed he was a taxi driver...but he was also a sleazeball who had predetermined it was beneficial to take advantage of lost, confused, panic-stricken American students. It just so happened that he spotted me; therefore, I got to be his next unfortunate target. Lucky me. My Spanish, thankfully, did not fail me completely, so I was able to call him out on his thievery. However, it was to no avail. He still took off with just about all the money I had. Nice way to start off the trip, no?

Part 2: The Madrid Experience

Once I found my way into the most confusing airport in the world, I had about an hour before my flight was scheduled to take off. Being so, I swiftly sought out the airline I would be traveling with so that I could check in like the carefree passenger I was trying so hard to be. However, once I got to the counter, I was told that my flight would be delayed for an unknown reason and for an unknown amount of time. I was issued a new boarding pass, assigned a new seat number, the whole deal. It really wasn't a problem...until I noticed that the minutes were starting to rack up... minutes became an hour...and then some...and then some more... My attempts at being carefree vanished when I realized that if I did not leave Madrid soon, I would miss my connecting flight in London and then I would really be up a creek. As luck would have it, my newly assigned seat was located in the very last row in the very back of the plane. When I saw this I knew that the whole connecting flight thing was not going to happen. I needed to switch airlines in London, get a new boarding pass, go through customs, locate my luggage...

Part 3: Stranded in London

As luck would have it I landed in London about 45 minutes before my connecting flight to Chicago left. People, I ran like a mad person through that airport, threw myself onto the bus headed towards my next terminal, and prayed to God that I made it in time. I didn't. Oh well, I thought, it's only noon, I'll just catch the afternoon flight. Wrong. When I went to switch my ticket, the nice people from British Airlines told me that they didn't have another flight to the states (not just to Chicago, but to the entire USofA) until the following afternoon. It got even better when they told me I would have to go back to Iberia, my previous airline from Madrid, to set up hotel accommodations. That was the really fun part. I was bounced around from counter to counter from personnel to personnel, asking the same questions, looking for the same answers...and I got to do it ALL in Spanish! Yay! Talk about challenging. Anyway, eventually I found the right people and they took pretty good care of me, I must admit. They put me up in a five star hotel in central London, gave me free meal vouchers to a fancy restaurant, provided me with free transportation to and from the airport...I can't complain.

Part 4: The Windy City

The next day I made my way back to Heathrow, where I went through that same old routine I was getting to know so well: new boarding pass, seat assignment, luggage, customs, etc. It was a pain, but I was pleasantly surprised when British Airways offered to bump me up to first class "for all my troubles." I agreed, even though it meant I had to run across the airport to get to the flight they were talking about. Fortunately, I made it, and the next thing I knew I was soaring through the clouds, drinking a Coca-Cola and watching Star Trek on the little TV screen installed in the back of the seat in front of me. Nine lengthy hours later we touched down and my feet found themselves, once again, on American soil. If you have ever been on an international flight, you know that the first thing you feel after deplaning is not relief to be home, but disgust at how gross you look. Seeing as I had been wearing the same clothes since Thursday the very first thing I did was go to one of the little airport shops and buy a new shirt. I didn't even look at it...just picked it up and bought it. 

I was feeling pretty good after that; I had a clean shirt, I had found my luggage, and I had plenty of time to locate the check-in counter for American Airlines. That was when my deepest fear became reality...my luggage disappeared. As I was waiting to check-in with American, one of the employees grabbed my suitcase and threw it onto the conveyer belt, telling me that I didn't need to check it since I had just come off a connecting flight. Like and idiot, I believed him. Apparently, due to all the mix up in London my case was only checked through to Chicago, not Nashville. They told me there was nothing they could do about it and I would have to file a formal claim in Nashville. That was when I hit breaking point. I was unbelievably stressed out, tired, dirty, and ready to punch someone. Don't worry I didn't punch anyone...but I did call my dad and start to cry. It sucked.

Part 4: My Old Kentucky Home

Anyway, I finally arrived in Nashville sometime Sunday evening...luggage free...but still somewhat conscious. It was a sight for sore eyes to see my parents waiting for me outside the terminal and I was relieved that they were a little more cognizant than I, so the issue of claim filing was taken care of rather quickly. Not long after, we made our way over the state line and back into the land of the Bluegrass. Horses, Cracker Barrel, white picket fences... Good old Kentucky. Home sweet home.

Homeward Bound

On Today's Menu: The Itinerary

I'm leaving Granada within the hour. I'll be taking the midnight bus to Madrid where I will fly to London around 8:30am. From there I will work my way around the world until I reach Chicago and plan to meet up with my Dad(!) who happens to be there for a meeting. Together we will hop a flight to Nashville and then make our way into the Bluegrass via Toyota. It's going to be a long trip...about 28 hours total with layovers included. 

I'll be sure to post again once I arrive and will have had some much needed sleep. So stay tuned...I'll see you on the flip side!

It's hot. I'm lazy.

On Today's Menu: I'm too hot for creativity right now.

It's hot. So very hot. According to the news, Spain is resetting the record books as far as high summer temperatures go. Last Saturday it reached 118℉ in Mallorca. Yes, it is an island so I was near the breezy sea...but let me tell you...118℉ is quite hot. It makes me tired and lazy and cranky and unable to think and unwilling to go anywhere or do anything...all we can do is eat massive amounts of ice cream and then argue over who gets to take the first cold shower. I think my favorite part of the situation is that there is no air conditioning in the entire country. So it's just hot. Everywhere you go. It's sticky, sweaty, nauseatingly hot. So very hot.

Captive in Mallorca

On Today's Menu: some things for which i can't find the words...

when i look into the mountains

i see Your face

when i look into the night's sky

it sparkles Your name

the wind and the clouds and the blue in the sky

the sun and the moon and the stars so high

that's what draws me to You

i am, i'm captivated by You 

in all that You do

i am, i'm captivated

when i wake unto the morning

it gives me Your sight

when i look across the ocean

it echos Your might

the sand on the shore and the waves and the sea

the air in my lungs and the way You made me

that's what draws me to You

cause i am, i'm captivated by You

in all that You do

i am, i'm captivated

the wind and the clouds and the blue in the sky

the sun and the moon and the stars so high

the sand on the shore and the waves in the sea

the air in my lungs and the way You made me

the blood in my veins and my heart You invade

the plants how they grow and the trees and their shade

the way that i feel and the love in my soul

i thank You my God for letting me, letting me know

i am, i'm captivated by You

in all that You do

i am, i'm captivated

--shawn mcdonald

Sign #2

On Today's Menu: In Albaicin

Perspective

On Today's Menu: A List

I did my homework...

1. I read a lot of books.

2. I did a lot of research.

3. I took a lot of classes.

I was thinking...

1. Show me the historic sites!

2. Show me the grand architecture!

3. Show me the gorgeous beaches!

I came prepared...

1. Brought along a brand new camera.

2. Brought along a pair of cheap sunglasses.

3. Brought along a cell phone.

I noticed...

1. The slower pace.

2. The fast talking.

3. The lack of personal space.

I changed my mind...

1. When I saw Transformers 2 in Español.

2. When I saw thirty flags from thirty nations blowing in the wind.

3. When I went to the Albaicín and saw the last Moorish stronghold.

I always carry in my bag...

1. My almost full journal. 

2. My worn out Spanish/English dictionary.

3. My daily "20 Minutos: Granada" newspaper and 0,60 euro for a much needed caffeine fix. 

What I have noticed most about Spain...

1. It smells. BAD. Everywhere you go...so BAD.

2. It's loud...so very loud.

3. It's picturesque...so incredibly beautiful. 

It's the everyday life...

1. I can't capture it with words.

2. I can't capture it with a camera.

3. I can't fathom trying.

The Signs

On Today's Menu: In Toledo

What's In A Name?

On Today's Menu: Having a Blonde Moment

So I'm officially changing my name...no, wait...I take that back. Spain has officially changed my name for me. I am no longer Leah, from henceforth I shall be called "Princess" or "Rubia." You may select whichever one you prefer. The guys living in my dorm are, like most guys I know, major Star Wars freaks and have therefore taken to calling me "Princess"...how original. Everyone else in the entire country refers to me as "Rubia," which means "blonde" in Spanish. When I go out for tapas or helado in the evenings, no one bothers to ask me for my real name. They frequently ask the gals in my company, but me...I'm always "Rubia." Usually a comment regarding my small frame follows, which also causes me to stand out from the group. I kind of like it...makes me feel special, unique, and a little bit like Malibu Barbie....

The Year Without Rafa

On Today's Menu: The Topic of Tennis

I didn't watch Wimbledon this year. I didn't see it on TV, didn't watch any live action feed on the internet, didn't read anything in the papers...nada. Anyone who knows me, knows that this is...well, it's a big deal. I haven't missed Wimbledon since I was twelve years old; come to think of it I haven't missed any grand slam tournaments since I was twelve. But Wimbledon...you must understand that in the world of tennis, Wimbledon is the paramount, it brings out the best of the best, the cream of the crop, it is the Mother Tournament of all tournaments. If you are a tennis fan in any way, shape or form, you don't miss out on Wimbledon. You just don't. It's like an unspoken rule.

I didn't want to miss it. If I was home, I would have spent the entire fortnight glued to the television set, spent every morning flipping feverishly through pages of any newspaper I could find, talking about it with anyone who will listen (which is pretty much limited to my Dad), made sure my DVR never stopped recording, and then set into motion the plan of spending the following weeks reviewing said recorded matches. Yes, I am that pathetic. You have more than enough reason to worry.

Anyway, my obvious reason for missing Wimbledon this year is because I am in Spain...where no one cares about tennis. Alright, I'll admit that last statement was a bit erroneous. Everyone here knows who Rafael Nadal is, mostly because he is a Spaniard and is (well, was) world number one, therefore they know a little bit about tennis. For instance, anytime someone asks me about my interests, I halfway get the word "el tenis" out and they immediately respond: "Oh, then you are a fan of Nadal?" They always say Nadal. It's a logical question, but I'm not convinced that means they know the game or who any of the other players are since there are at least five other Spaniards in the top 30. 

In all honesty people, I had trouble deciding how to feel about Wimbledon this year. It's my favorite tournament and if I was home I would certainly have gone through my yearly Wimbledon ritual. But this year seemed so predictable. I hate it when it's predictable. It's boring. The Friday before the tournament started, Rafa, who I will admit is at the top of my list of favorite players, pulled out with a knee injury...stupid knees...so disappointing. That was when I predicted who would win: Roger Federer. It was a no brainer. Rafa is Roger's only vice. When there is no Rafa, Roger always wins. Roger is the perfect player...I have watched him play since he began his career and the only time I have ever seen him flench is when Rafa is on the opposite side of the net. Against any other player he is so cool and so confident. I think that's why I like Rafa so much. He throws Roger off guard and shakes things up so much you just don't know what's going to happen.  But this year...no Rafa...hello predictions...I was right. (Side note: when Rafa pulled out I decided to pull for Andy Roddick, another on my list...did pretty well with that prediction, too).

I sound like a crazy, obsessed fan. If I had the same amount of interest in football, I would be the one wearing the official team jersey, jacket and hat embroidered with the team logo, waving around a big foam finger with one hand and blowing a foghorn with the other. When I found out Federer won today I was with my roommate and I was kind of disappointed about it (which is bad because it was such an historic moment in tennis). I started to tell her about it and stopped halfway through because I didn't want to scare her, but she was actually impressed...or so she said. She told me, "I have never seen anyone as passionate as you are. You take faith and things you are interested in so personally. You keep saying obsession, it looks more like passion to me." She continued on saying that I actually didn't come across as one of those "annoying lunatic fans" but more like someone who "sees a purpose and is passionate." I wasn't really sure what she meant by that last statement, and I really didn't know what to say. I just took it as a compliment and moved on to the next topic.

Anyway, you most likely understand now how much I like Wimbledon. I like Roger. It's hard to not like him. He's a classy guy and an incredibly gifted athlete. He placed a milestone in the tennis world today. I hate that I missed it...

Here is, though, the greatest thing about Wimbledon: There is always next year. I will be there...and hopefully Rafa will be, too.

Day 6

On Today's Menu: Experiencing Granada

I have been in Granada for six days now. My roommate and I were just talking about how it seems like we have been here longer than that...I think that is because this week has required us to adopt our respective daily routines. Now that we are comfortably situated into our "homes" and have regular eating hours, regular class hours, etc. we are all in agreement that our little vacation in Madrid seemingly happened a month ago. 

I like Granada. I hasn't really been too difficult to adjust to...not for me, anyway. Of the seven girls in my group, only two of us have travelled outside the United States (myself being one of them), and two others have never travelled outside of their home state. So, this is a whole new experience for them. For me, Granada is a typical European town: small cafes, narrow roads, crazy drivers, the usage of Euros...but it does have its own Spanish flare. Sometimes the high, wide mountains remind me of California, but the random billboards cut out in the shape of bulls indicate that I'm somewhere very different. I like it. 

Granada

Yesterday we visited the Alhambra, located in the northern region of Granada. This magnificent palace is what puts Granada on the map. It was the last Muslim stronghold in Spain, so the architecture is purely Arabic and so incredible I decided that pictures really can't do it justice. I tried...

Alhambra

but I'm not sure I succeeded. I do know that it was very, very, VERY hot. It is a different kind of hot here than the hot you experience in Kentucky. At home when you walk out the front door to go to your car you feel like you might suffocate before you get there. Here, there is no humidity...it's awesome. However, since Spain is at such a high altitude, the sun is so much closer. It feels like it is sitting right above your head and you can actually feel your skin burning. I understand now why they have become so accustomed to siesta time. That kind of heat just wears you out. 

Anyway, so far Granada is making a very good impression on me.

ESPAÑA

On Today's Menu: Catching Up....

I can't seem to get it to stick in my head that I'm in Spain. I'll be reading or brushing my teeth or doing any number of normal activities and all of a sudden I remember: "Oh right, I'm in Spain!" It's an odd feeling...I've been dreaming, planning, saving, working, etc. for so many months now, it's an indescribable sensation to actually live out a dream. 

On my way here I had a seven hour layover in Boston and another shorter layover in London. The whole experience was nerve wracking: I had to switch airlines, find my way around two very large airports I had never been in before, and try my best to suppress the anxiety mounting in my chest. The flight from Boston to London helped to ease my nerves as I ended up sitting next to a girl about my age who is a student at Yale University and is also studying in Spain for six weeks. We took turns expressing our true feelings on the situation and eventually found some level of peace as we moved on to other topics such as: favorite movies, music, and our thoughts on "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody".

I arrived in Madrid Tuesday morning, local time, beyond exhausted and more than ready for a shower. I met another API student as I was going through customs and we eventually met our program directors at a small cafe inside the airport. There are fifteen people in the API Summer 2 program, seven of us arrived on Tuesday and the other eight are students participating in both summer sessions, so they were already in Granada. 

My little band of seven stayed in Madrid through Friday and left for Granada late that afternoon after a brief visit to Toledo, which is located just outside Madrid. It was a good couple of days...very busy and exciting. We went to the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Palacio Real, Museo del Prado, Plaza de La Cibeles, walked La Gran Vía, ate lunch in Jardín Botánico, and more. It really is a beautiful city...

My hotel was located right in the heart of the city, next to Puerta del Sol, which I was facing when I took the above picture from the balcony of my room. There was a lot of construction going on so it wasn't too pretty, but still exciting to see. I thought the hotel was in a great location since we could get anywhere we wanted rather quickly. Most everyone here either walks or uses public transportation, so we walked everywhere we went and I really started to regret only bringing sandals. 

Palacio Real

Since I have only been here a couple days and have only experienced touristy activities, I'm still in the 'Honeymoon Phase' as my API directors call it. Now the honeymoon is over and I have moved on to Granada where I will jump into the next phase: settling into my dorm, beginning school, and dealing with the inevitable experience of culture shock. Stay tuned because I have a feeling things are about to change in the coming week...

Into the garbage chute, fly boy!

On Today's Menu: Becoming a Princess!

A couple weeks ago, I was introduced to a gentleman who lives in Madrid and is currently training to be an ambassador for Spanish students interested in studying at Western Kentucky University. I was fortunate enough to sit down for a meal with him and two of his Portuguese friends and learn a little bit about Spain and the European lifestyle in general. He was most informative...so much so that by the end of the conversation I felt my head was reeling and I that I would need to take a day off in order to sort through all the information rolling around in my brain. 

It was fun...I love new experiences, new people, new cultures, new restaurants (that was some good eating). Carlos must have felt the same way because he was curious about my lifestyle as much as I was his. He was fascinated by my name. Leah. Pretty simple name, I think. Apparently not that common in Spain. I'm not sure how common it is over here...now that I'm thinking of it, I guess it isn't one you hear too often. He kept saying it over and over, with a slight chuckle each time. It was, of course, said with a Spanish accent; so the pronunciation isn't what I am used to hearing. Instead it's amazingly close to the pronunciation of the one and only Princess any Sci-Fi lover, movie goer...well pretty much anyone who has been around since the year 1977...knows and loves. He went on and on describing the enormous obsession Spaniards have with Star Wars and then told me that: should I run into trouble, I should just shout out my name and "everyone will stop in awe of you." What makes it even better, he said, is the last name Powers...that's just going to blow them all away. Good stuff, I told him, but I seriously doubt that anyone will mistaken me for Luke Skywalker's twin sister. I just can't get my hair to stay in those bun thingies.

Well, Carlos is back in Spain now but I took his phone number and address with the hope that I can meet up with him at some point while I am there. It's comforting to know that I have someone to contact if I need to. He told me a lot of things, shared a few of his culture-shock stories, encouraged me to visit certain places and try out certain foods...but his best advice, which came out of experience, was this: studying and preparing is good, but the only way to really learn and grow is to just jump in. "Don't go back, just jump in and go for it. Remember this princess. That's what she would do." CLICK ME.

*Special thanks to George Lucas for making this metaphorical moment possible.

Say What??

On Today's Menu: Diagnosing

 

Yesterday I took my diagnostic language test online. I've been needing to take it for some time now but I was putting it off until I felt that I had found a moment of true bravery....yeah, well, that moment didn't come, so yesterday I decided to just go ahead and take it so I could get it off my mind. Apparently this test is designed to help API determine my level of understanding so that they can place me in the right classes once I get to Granada. For me, however, all it did was encourage the unrelenting flutters of the butterflies existent in my stomach. Fortunately it wasn't a long test, but it did include an ample amount of grammar and vocabulary I am not familiar with. 

I felt relatively comfortable with the reading portion. My orientation packet from API included a list of links to Spanish websites, so I have been following some Spanish newspapers online for the past few weeks and have found that I can translate enough to understand what's going on. (Take a look if you like: http://www.granadahoy.com/ is the site for Granada's local paper; and http://www.marca.com/ is a sports page I have glanced at a time or two). 

The verb conjugation and listening exercises were the two areas I really fought with. For one thing, there were no directions regarding the exercises. I was only given a list of sentences and I assumed I had to fill in the blanks with the correct conjugation of whatever verb I believed best fit with each sentence. Second of all, I'm not used to the Catalan Spanish dialect where 'c' is pronounced as 'th' and 'z' sounds more like 's'. I'm more accustomed to the Hispanic dialect that we hear in the States, which is spoken slower and with less slurring. Basically what I'm saying is, I can't understand spoken Spanish for anything...which I'm thinking could be a problem in the coming weeks...

Well, one thing is for sure - this is going to be an interesting adventure!

Two Weeks Notice

On Today's Menu: Orientating.

As of today, I have exactly two weeks left before I leave for Spain. That's right. Two weeks. This week I am working my way through an online orientation program and will be taking a diagnostic placement exam after completing orientation. 

So far there has been a massive amount of information on culture shock and adjustment. It sounds a little overwhelming. According to the speaker, (the program includes interactive video!) it typically takes a student a minimum of three to four months to adjust to a new culture and to begin to get a grip on the language. I will only be there until August, which is not even two months...so...I don't really know what to think about that. 

My advisor told me last fall when I applied to API that a six week class is the best way to begin a language program like the one I am interested in. These six weeks are good exposure and will help me decide if this really is the direction I want to go in, she said. I thought that was good advice, and I still do. I know myself well enough to know that I love to travel and experience new culture, people, language, etc. That being said, I already plan to begin applying to the various schools that offer such programs upon my return in August. I suppose it is still possible that I would hate this experience and completely change my mind, but I kind of doubt it.

Life Underground

On Today's Menu: Reminiscing

 

Lower Glide. That was the name of the hall on which I was assigned to my freshman year at Asbury College. It's pretty plain. Gray carpet. White cinderblock walls. Wooden doors. It can get pretty cold in the winter months. It can get pretty gross when the silverfish decide to come out for the spring season. It has a funky, moldy, musty smell that isn't afraid to hit anyone who dares to open the entrance door; and it certainly isn't considered unnatural to find a furry friend or two.

It's called Lower Glide because it is one of many halls in Glide-Crawford dormitory and it is technically considered a basement; which explains its slight situation underground. The halls above look completely different. More natural light. Less cinderblock. No weird smells and each room has their very own thermostat. At first glance Lower Glide doesn't look like much. And it certainly generated no valuable impression on me when I arrived as a freshman. Even now it really isn't all that impressive. Not much has changed, mostly just the students living there. 

When I was a student, my hallmates and I took so much pride in our hall. We did things like, decorate for the holidays by building Christmas trees out of Ale8 bottles, make a few too many hall t-shirts and devote possibly a little too much time to intramural football. We made the best out of the cinderblock and carpet; and the funky moldy stink became the smell of home.

But this isn't about a hall. It's about the people that made the hall. 

I hate sounding so commonplace, but it must be said. I spent last weekend in Louisville reuniting and reminiscing with my hallmates, my fellow "Undergrounders," as we still call ourselves, even though most of us probably haven't stepped foot on that hall in years. But it wasn't really about a hall. It was about the friendships made, the bonds forged, the knowledge that our unity can't be broken. 

I spent most of the weekend watching everyone around me. It was obvious that we have and are all moving in different directions, trudging down our own paths, pursuing our individual passions. It seems like a sad thought, but in actuality it isn't. It's captivating and magnificent that we can continue forward without loosing what we once had. My favorite moment came when we all sat down in a big circle and each person shared a little on what they have been up to since our last meeting. It was a unique experience, sitting with these wonderful women, looking back at what we were, looking presently at what are, and looking forward to what we are to become. 

Reality Check

On Today's Menu: Necessities. 

The reality of my summer ambitions is beginning to sink in. As each day comes another piece of the puzzle materializes before my eyes. I can actually feel them widening with every tick of the clock, providing excellent accompaniment to my increasing blood pressure. I have determined that it is one thing to sit around dreaming, while it is quite another to actually pursue those dreams. As for me, at this point in my journey I am seeing all the things I have been working towards since last September come together. I have entered into a phase I like to call the "Survival Stage" during which I am: 1) gathering all the necessary material items I will need over the summer 2) gaining more confidence in my Spanish speaking abilities and 3) preparing myself mentally for what is to come (well, as much as one can prepare for the unexpected). Here's what I have come up with so far:

✓ Understanding I am not on vacation: The whole reason I am going on this trip is TO LEARN. I will have CLASSES. I will be attending UNIVERSITY. I say this as a reminder to myself...everyone keeps telling me to have a great trip, to be sure to go here and spend a day there and just have fun! Appreciate the well wishes, but seriously, Leah. You will be in class five days a week for five to six hours a day. Stop thinking of this as an extended vacation and remember you are actually there to learn something.

✓ The Spanish-Only plan: Cassie and I came up with a plan to get together every week and practice conversational Spanish; in other words we will talk about everyday things like: ordering at a restaurant, buying toothpaste, asking how much a train ticket costs, asking where my classroom is...all the necessities. I'm a visual learner, so I bought Barron's "Spanish Visual Language Guide" so that I can "learn with pictures." Very elementary, I know, but I think it will prove effective. I'll let you know.

✓ Communication: Yesterday I received my international cell phone through the mail. API (Academic Programs International) has a contract with Piccell Wireless, an international phone company designed for study abroad students, which allows me my very own cell phone for the duration of my trip. I've been reading through said contract and I discovered that I can receive incoming calls from anywhere in the world for free! However, I can't call out for free, nor can I text. The exchange rates are unbelievably high.

✓ I decided on an Apple: "Once you go Mac, you never go back." That's what the sales guy told me when I purchased a brand new, shiny white MacBook to take with me this summer. Originally I had not planned on taking a computer with me. However, upon further consideration, I decided that a computer might be necessary should I have assignments such as papers, etc. According to the packet of info API sent me, universities in Spain typically do not have computer labs. Most students go to internet cafes or they have their own personal computer.

✓ Since we are talking about Macs: My computer has a DVD player, so for a while I considered taking a few movies and/or TV shows with me for entertainment purposes while I am waiting around in the airports and such. (I have some astoundingly long layovers). However, I didn't want to take up extra space in my carry on bag so I decided to forgo the thought. That's when I remembered iTunes. Oh, iTunes...sigh. There are so many movies and shows available for download. I'm considering loading a few onto my computer...but there are so many options I can't decide which ones to load. Any recommendations?

✓ What not to wear: API has made it very clear that we should not wear the typical American student uniform - athletic sweatpants, college tee shirt, flip flops, and a messy head of hair pulled back into an even messier pony tail. You know, that "just rolled out of bed, I guess I'll go to class, leave me alone" look. Seeing as I have never dressed in such a way in my entire life, I think I will be alright with what I have. All I need to remember is that it averages 100 degrees in southern Spain, so I can leave my winter coat at home.

✓ Putting one foot in front of the other: I like to think ahead. I like to know what to expect and how to best prepare for it. In this situation I have no idea what is coming or what I need to be ready for it. This as a gigantic leap of faith for me...and I am slowly learning that "leaping" comes one step at a time. It is a lesson in trust. A development of steadfast faith. And a miraculous thing to be a part of.

Ending the Beginning

On Today's Menu: Springboards

It has been a grueling semester; one which has required considerable focus and absolute conviction. True, I only participated in one class. However, I would submit that mine was an exceptional case seeing as I had not taken a course in Spanish in about three years. My final exam took place this morning at 8:00am and the only remark I can make about it is that I am grateful it is over. Hopefully I can now get a full night of rest after a week of insomnia due to over studying and mid-night outbursts of Spanish expressions. 

Anyhow, regardless of grades received, I feel that I have accomplished what I initially set out to do and that was to increase my comprehension of the Spanish language. My intention when registering last fall was to use this class as a springboard into a commitment to develop the necessary skills for a future vocation. Although I am a far cry from fluency, I am making certain progress. I have absorbed a lot of linguistic, as well as cultural, information in the past months; but I must be honest and say I am thrilled to see this semester end. 

And so it has. Class is over. Now I must work. Now I must save. Now I must independently study. Before too long it will be time to take the next step. 

Derby Afterthoughts

On Today's Menu: The Hat Parade

I don't know a thing about horses. I know even less about horse racing. However, every May I faithfully set aside two minutes of my life, assume my role as a proud Kentuckian, and anxiously watch as twenty peculiarly named horses make their Run for the Roses. It's all part of the Kentucky experience. It's our culture. Our claim to fame. My favorite part comes the day after; when the media begins picking apart the apparel of the rich and famous who paid sickening amounts of money on horrifying, over sized hats and two minutes of trepidation. I fully believe that these attendees intentionally select the most hideous hats available so that they may go down in history as members of the coveted "Hat Parade" and may even land themselves on the front page of the Lexington Herald Leader or Louisville's Courier Journal. I saw this parade on line and I think I found my favorite adornment thus far....

Amazing isn't it? That takes some kind of guts. Ah, Kentucky Derby culture...gotta love it.