Barcelona was great. It was my first time going on a trip with people from my class and without school affiliation. We had to plan everything!
Day One (Friday): The flight out was at 7 am... so it was best for me to not sleep at all, considering how unreliable my alarm clock/phone is. So, I watched Eurotrip and packed.
I walked to the bus stop and met up with Angela, Emily, Rachel, and Amanda. We go to the airport, got on the plane... Everything went well. We took another bus to a plaza near our hostel. It took us about 30 minutes to check in. We stole food for breakfast (we were half an hour away from getting it free, come on!)
Our hostel, upon first glance, was great. Then, we saw our rooms. We had two sleeping roommates, two girls from Australia, who we would later fall in love with. We had safes to put our stuff in, beds with dirty sheets, etc... normal hostel stuff. We rented sheets, towels (3 euro for a hand towel... reasonable? No. I'm keeping that!)
We lost no time. We immediately began to explore the city. We took a tour of the soccer stadium... WOW. I love soccer now. Before, I liked it. I was really into it during the last World Cup. But, now, WOW...
Hours and hours of exploring later, we took a short nap.
We got up at 8:30 for the hostel's free dinner. IDK who that food was supposed to fill, but there was a reason it was free... we got about A slice of pizza. Fin.
we went back to bed so we could get up to go out that night. The hostel organizes outings every night to different famous clubs. We decided to go with them that night. We got all ready and adorable, but had to wait a whole hour from the time we were supposed to leave before we actually began to leave.
We weren't bored, though. Our friend from CC-CS, Victoria, had given me her number earlier that day and she was in Barcelona, too. I had received a call from her that night and texted her back but someone else replied. We assumed her phone was stolen. We spent 20 minutes on the phone with some jackass (whose number I'd mistaken for Victoria's) and a guy from the hostel who spoke fluent Spanish trying to come up with a place to meet where he could return it. Then, she looked in her room and found it.
We got SO sick of waiting. Angela and I decided to go off on our own. We found a club about 3 seconds of walking later. It was super close and we got in for free so we decided to stay a while. It was a strange club, but we had fun. We attracted some unwanted male attention, of course. First, there was the Spaniard that managed to grind on both of us at the same time. He was evaded. Then there was the creepy set of dirty-haired boys from Wisconsin that couldn't dance. Evaded. The SAME Spaniard found us and he was sweating so hard that he got Angela's hair wet! I grabbed the closest, biggest guy I could (over the sweaty Spaniard's shoulder) and mouth "HELP US!" hahaha
In a matter of seconds, our legs were free of Spanish men, the sweaty man was storming away, and we were in the company of some very nice Belgian boys. They were a little boring though.
We decided to head out around 4. We had a long day ahead of us and we hadn't gotten any sleep the previous night.
On our walk home, we went down the wrong street. As we walked we passed a lot of men who were selling single beer cans from six-packs that they were holding and some were even selling pastries... Whatever. Anyways, hahaha. We didn't realize it was the wrong street until we got to the youngster-filled plaza at the end. I said we needed to act natural, hang for a second in the plaza, and then we could head back without looking too obviously out of place or lost.
We headed back down the street. I was on the left, with my clutch in my left hand. Angela was on my right.
As if in slow motion, all of the following happened:
I felt a hand on my left hand and it was pulling on my bag.
I stopped walking and saw a man coming into my sights from the left side. I screamed the most savage scream I've ever let out. It was totally instinct. I didn't even know what I was doing, just that I needed to act quickly.
I pulled my bag towards myself, but he wasn't letting go. I told him to let go and he still didn't.
He left me with no choice:
I pulled my bag, and therefore him, into my body. I lifted my right leg and as hard and quickly as I could, I smashed his balls with my pointed-toe boots. It took 3 hard, true hits before he let go. I will never forget the look on his face. He must no have been used to this reaction, because he looked so sad and said, "no?" I stepped back and kept my clutch against my chest. Everything sped up again. It was real time. I took account of his age. He had to be about 60. I felt bad for a second. But, he didn't HAVE to try stealing my purse!! My anger bubbled back up and I clubbed him across the head with my clutch. I screamed, "You scared the SHIT outta me!"
Angela and I left. She looked so confused. She asked me, "Are you OK!?" After a second I could answer.
"I'm GREAT!" It felt really good. I had been warned about the thieves in Barcelona so I had been very aware and alert every second I was in that city. It felt so incredible to be able to protect myself and a friend. I felt really powerful hahaha.
Angela and I couldn't stop talking about it all night.
"Why'd he rob me?! I'm a half a foot taller than you!"
"Dude, I had NO idea what was going on! I didn't even know it was you that had screamed!"
-"Why didn't anyone help me!?"
-"They were just sad he got to you first!" hahah
etc. etc.
I'm glad I have this blog to remember and share the details, but you are all missing out by not getting to see the reenactment in person. I don't think this gets the whole message across hahahah
Day Two (Saturday): We got up for breakfast, went back to bed, and finally started our day. We bought tickets for a bud tour recommended to us by Rich. We could get on and off whenever we wanted and stay as long as we wanted, because another bus would come every 10 minutes. We saw so much Gaudi. His cathedral is... amazing. I mean, there are no words. He was said to be obsessed with it and its design. He knew he'd never see the day its construction was finished. When asked how he felt about that he answered that it was no problem for him, God has all the time in the world.
Awwwww
Then we saw his AMAZING PARK. Gruell. WOW. I'm totally at a loss for words tonight because there's no good way to describe these things.
Then, we were let off at La Placa de Espanya (Did I mention yet that they don't speak Spanish in Barcelona?)
There was the most breath taking fountain show I've ever seen. It's super famous. There were SO many people watching it. The place as a whole, was the most beautiful place I've ever been in my life. Half the time We were there, I was just making that "Eh- Uh-Umm" noise. I settled with, "Wow, this place is, like, really pretty."
Well put, I know.
A short while later, we found out we had a new roommate. He was some Italian guy our roommates had found him sleeping in Sarah's bed. (It's her own fault, if you ask me, no one should make their bed that nicely in a hostel! ;D)
That night, we went to a few small clubs (I was too scared to do much more). Angela made best friends with a couple black guys, one was the owner of one of the clubs. I had to teach her about giving out fake numbers... hahaha. She WOULD be to nice to know about that. And we both made friends with the guys who stand on the block handing out tickets to get into clubs for free. One was really cute... and a juggler... Don't ask. hahahhaha
Day Three (Sunday): We'd planned to go to mass that morning, it WAS Palm Sunday after all. But, no.
We settled for getting up super late. No breakfast, which meant no lunch (because we stole lunch at breakfast).
We finished our bus tour and it was a little lack-luster compared to the day before since we'd seen EVERYTHING the day before. By 3 we were SO hungry and so cheap, we ended up having lunch at McDonald's. Judge us, I know.
Then, we headed to the Picasso museum. It was so strangely located. It looked like any other building. But, it was spectacular. We got to see everything from his earliest (normal looking) sketches, to his last and last works. I'm such a fan now. His Las Meninas collection left me like on of those pretentious, posers who stares at paintings for ten minutes. It was totally worth it. I loved them!
Talked to my mommy, had dinner, played Kings with sangria with Madolyn and Emily (our Australians). Then, we headed out to the club for the night. We had made a lot of friends in the hostel at that point. There were a lot of really really cool people there. We had to go a little early though, because Madolyn wanted to be sure to make her train to their next destination... understandable.
Day Four (Monday): We missed breakfast, again. So, to my delight, we went to the market for breakfast food. Gelato and pineapple was amazing.
Angela and I didn't have a lot planned for the day, so we just explored around the immediate area. We saw the cathedral, a famous neighborhood, and returned her jersey. hahaha
OK, Angela and I are both VERY cheap. She bought a really really cheap jersey from a tourist shop and I got one that was a little more legit from the stadium. She decided she didn't like hers because it was a little outdated. So, we went into the closest gift shop (there are only a million of them) and she bartered with them. She told them how she'd only just bought it and that she wanted to exchange it for another one (that cost the same) for one that was a little newer.
Five euro of a payoff and five minutes later, she'd accomplished her goal.
We had paella for dinner, searched for missing shampoo (sweet Jesus, don't ask), and hung out in the lounge of the hostel with all of the people we'd met the night before. We acquainted ourselves with out newest roommate, ANOTHER AUSSIE. Totally cute.
We packed it in. Got up early, and headed home. Our leaving flight was also at 7...
I've probably been awake ten full hours since we got back. I cannot sleep enough.
All in all, great trip!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Before Barcelona (Doctor's office)
Well, I'm really glad I went through all of that trouble to get my travel pass... Half of the metro track is shut down to make room for the Semana Santa (Holy Week) decorations and such.
Tuesday I finally gave my presentation for Literature class. I hate Lit, but I was definitely a fan of this book. Don Juan Tenorio is a legend that a million versions have been made of and we read it and I did my project on the secondary characters. Of course, I procrastinated the whole thing. So, I was supposed to email Ana (my prof.) my project so she could check all the grammar and stuff, but she never got it. So Monday, I was going to present my work, basically, blind. Everyone else had had theirs checked by her.
I met with her Tuesday morning because despite 3 more tries of emailing... It still didn't work. I'm so proud of myself! She told me she thought I'd done a great job and wanted to copy my work to hand out to the class as a review of the book. Thank you Thank you.
On Tuesday I also got really sick, really fast. During the day I was coughing and my throat really hurt. But I assumed it was allergies because since I've been here, I've already been sick. It normally doesn't happen this often. By 7 p.m. I felt faint and was freezing cold but my forehead was burning hot. I got straight in bed and didn't wake until dinner.
Mari was very concerned. I had to take my temperature (in my armpit... I almost stuck the thing in my mouth! Mari freaked out, "what are you doing?!" hahaha) It took a couple tried but I finally learned my temp. was 36.6 and 38 means fever. I almost didn't believe it was that low, though. I'd woke up in a wet bed I was so hot. I also sweat all through dinner. Samara kept saying, "you're sweating."
No crap! I'm hotter than you-know-what. Mari kept touch my forehead hahaha.
Wednesday I had my first test for my normal classes. I couldn't wait to get it out of the way because after the test, I was just riding it in until Barcelona.
Why I think Barcelona will be awkward: Two weeks ago I was in Granada with a bunch of my class. Someone asked me who I was going to Barcelona with and I said Sarah, Angela, Lauren Harrell, and some random girl."
Truth is, I'd seen this girl ONE time, when we were booking the flights and stuff. She'd made no effort to get to know us (a.k.a. the people she'd be living with for 5 days...) It all just seemed odd to me. I told whoever had asked me that she seemed kind of cold and I wasn't sure I'd like her because she'd been really short with Angela. All true. She... MAY have been behind me as I said this. I, again, couldn't even tell you what she looks like at the time. But Angela remembered.
The whole rest of the trip in Granada, every time I saw her she'd give me the most evil look. I was trying to walk out of the bathroom on that Saturday and she just stood in the doorway (she was part of the line) and wouldn't step to the side after I asked her to. So, I just pushed my way through and my big, red bag caught on her and wanked her back... All I wanted to say was, You're just proving my point!
On Wednesday I felt sick. I felt sicker every hour. Thursday I went to the doctor. I was going to go on Wednesday, but I wanted to wait to go Thursday so someone from my school would take me. They are supposed to translate and fill out all the paperwork for the students. I really wanted that.
On Thursday, I went to school to meet with the woman who was supposed to take me. It was Aco, the same woman I've been talking with all year about my housing situation all year. my neck was so stiff and my ears were so plugged, we didn't talk a lot.
When we finally got to the doctor's office ( I had to pay for the taxi, bring a ton of papers, etc...) I realized "doctor's office" meant free clinic.
My "interpreter" was only good for filling out the ONE form that was necessary and reading pamphlets. I had to talk to the doctor all by myself. It was terrifying. I didn't even know half of what he said! I kept looking to Aco, thinking she'd help me out, but she just sat there glancing between me and her pamphlet on high cholesterol. Turns out, she doesn't speak English!
It took about five minutes and one look down my "rojo rojo rojo" throat for him to know what was wrong. I got 3 antibiotic pills, a slave and ibuprofen. I had to get them all alone (again) and I couldn't even read the doctor's writing.
Whatever... It's all good. I am healthy now, and the pills only took about 7 hours to start helping. I was worried I'd be sick in Barcelona...
Tuesday I finally gave my presentation for Literature class. I hate Lit, but I was definitely a fan of this book. Don Juan Tenorio is a legend that a million versions have been made of and we read it and I did my project on the secondary characters. Of course, I procrastinated the whole thing. So, I was supposed to email Ana (my prof.) my project so she could check all the grammar and stuff, but she never got it. So Monday, I was going to present my work, basically, blind. Everyone else had had theirs checked by her.
I met with her Tuesday morning because despite 3 more tries of emailing... It still didn't work. I'm so proud of myself! She told me she thought I'd done a great job and wanted to copy my work to hand out to the class as a review of the book. Thank you Thank you.
On Tuesday I also got really sick, really fast. During the day I was coughing and my throat really hurt. But I assumed it was allergies because since I've been here, I've already been sick. It normally doesn't happen this often. By 7 p.m. I felt faint and was freezing cold but my forehead was burning hot. I got straight in bed and didn't wake until dinner.
Mari was very concerned. I had to take my temperature (in my armpit... I almost stuck the thing in my mouth! Mari freaked out, "what are you doing?!" hahaha) It took a couple tried but I finally learned my temp. was 36.6 and 38 means fever. I almost didn't believe it was that low, though. I'd woke up in a wet bed I was so hot. I also sweat all through dinner. Samara kept saying, "you're sweating."
No crap! I'm hotter than you-know-what. Mari kept touch my forehead hahaha.
Wednesday I had my first test for my normal classes. I couldn't wait to get it out of the way because after the test, I was just riding it in until Barcelona.
Why I think Barcelona will be awkward: Two weeks ago I was in Granada with a bunch of my class. Someone asked me who I was going to Barcelona with and I said Sarah, Angela, Lauren Harrell, and some random girl."
Truth is, I'd seen this girl ONE time, when we were booking the flights and stuff. She'd made no effort to get to know us (a.k.a. the people she'd be living with for 5 days...) It all just seemed odd to me. I told whoever had asked me that she seemed kind of cold and I wasn't sure I'd like her because she'd been really short with Angela. All true. She... MAY have been behind me as I said this. I, again, couldn't even tell you what she looks like at the time. But Angela remembered.
The whole rest of the trip in Granada, every time I saw her she'd give me the most evil look. I was trying to walk out of the bathroom on that Saturday and she just stood in the doorway (she was part of the line) and wouldn't step to the side after I asked her to. So, I just pushed my way through and my big, red bag caught on her and wanked her back... All I wanted to say was, You're just proving my point!
On Wednesday I felt sick. I felt sicker every hour. Thursday I went to the doctor. I was going to go on Wednesday, but I wanted to wait to go Thursday so someone from my school would take me. They are supposed to translate and fill out all the paperwork for the students. I really wanted that.
On Thursday, I went to school to meet with the woman who was supposed to take me. It was Aco, the same woman I've been talking with all year about my housing situation all year. my neck was so stiff and my ears were so plugged, we didn't talk a lot.
When we finally got to the doctor's office ( I had to pay for the taxi, bring a ton of papers, etc...) I realized "doctor's office" meant free clinic.
My "interpreter" was only good for filling out the ONE form that was necessary and reading pamphlets. I had to talk to the doctor all by myself. It was terrifying. I didn't even know half of what he said! I kept looking to Aco, thinking she'd help me out, but she just sat there glancing between me and her pamphlet on high cholesterol. Turns out, she doesn't speak English!
It took about five minutes and one look down my "rojo rojo rojo" throat for him to know what was wrong. I got 3 antibiotic pills, a slave and ibuprofen. I had to get them all alone (again) and I couldn't even read the doctor's writing.
Whatever... It's all good. I am healthy now, and the pills only took about 7 hours to start helping. I was worried I'd be sick in Barcelona...
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A Full Week in Seville-- No Travels
This week was lazy, but eventful enough for stories.
I had the most embarrassing, public miscommunication yet and Angela had to change families. She wasn't misbehaving or anything. And, yes, she still lives light-years away from me.
On Thursday of last week I decided to get a bus pass since I'd run out of money on the old one and I have a really late finishing class on Monday and Wednesday. I hate walking home in the dark. The most convenient way to put money on these cards, usually, is just to go to a Tabaco store. They have one about every 3 blocks. Well, in the most frustrating manner possible, my bank decided to forget, yet again, I'm abroad and they shut down my card assuming it was stolen or something. I think my poor mom has had to call them and remind them I'm here about 3 times now!
Anyway, the 20 euro transaction didn't go through so I told him I'd get cash and come back. When my ATM card didn't work, I wasn't left with any option but to put it off. And I didn't think it'd matter.
Well, I took my sweet old time because it wasn't an urgent matter, I didn't have the class again until Monday, or so I thought. On Tuesday of this week, I got an email that was sent to everyone in our school saying that the man (Paco) who owns the Tabaco came down to the school saying someone had robbed him of 20 euros by not paying for a bus pass. He guessed they went to my school. Fair assumption.
I was mortified. The email said to go back and talk to him if we knew anything about it. I left with Angela (for protection, haha) to get things straightened out. Turns out, he'd put the money on my card and since I hadn't paid him, it was like I'd stolen. I explained the whole bank thing to him and with the help of my sad puppy eyes and excessive apologizing, everything worked out just fine.
I didn't do any traveling this weekend so I got to hang out with my local friends. Fun. We went to the park 1.5 blocks from my house the first night and Buddah the next. The park was fun and relaxed and just flew by. The club, Buddah, not so much.
It was really loud (but it was good music), there was a surprisingly high number of older people (although I'm not sure I should have been surprised, it was one of the classier clubs), and I think I'll be needing 3 more showers to get the smoke smell out of my hair. It was so fun, for the first 4 hours. By 5 in the morning I was almost falling asleep. By the time I got back to my apt. (at 7 a.m.) the sun was in the sky, my feet were swollen from walking, dancing and being on my feet (in 3 inch heels) for 7 hours. So, I consider myself officially on Spain time.
Still went to church! Such a difficult wake up. I, obviously, wasn't hung over or anything, but after exerting so much energy from dancing and only 4 hours of sleep, I could have slept until Monday morning. Mari said she'd expected me to sleep until dinner haha.
Our oven is broken at the moment, actually, but I really wanna make some cool American food for Mari. I already thought of chocolate chip cookies and jambalaya (not necessarily the same day hahah). If you have any suggestions, let me know! She's really excited to try some food from the good ol' USA.
p.s. Barcelona is next week! :D
p.p.s. I have a presentation tomorrow and test Wednesday (So, I finally feel like I'm here for classes!), I leave for 5 days on Friday and get back in the middle and best part of Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations next week. I'm thrilled! But, how can it be Easter already?!?!
I had the most embarrassing, public miscommunication yet and Angela had to change families. She wasn't misbehaving or anything. And, yes, she still lives light-years away from me.
On Thursday of last week I decided to get a bus pass since I'd run out of money on the old one and I have a really late finishing class on Monday and Wednesday. I hate walking home in the dark. The most convenient way to put money on these cards, usually, is just to go to a Tabaco store. They have one about every 3 blocks. Well, in the most frustrating manner possible, my bank decided to forget, yet again, I'm abroad and they shut down my card assuming it was stolen or something. I think my poor mom has had to call them and remind them I'm here about 3 times now!
Anyway, the 20 euro transaction didn't go through so I told him I'd get cash and come back. When my ATM card didn't work, I wasn't left with any option but to put it off. And I didn't think it'd matter.
Well, I took my sweet old time because it wasn't an urgent matter, I didn't have the class again until Monday, or so I thought. On Tuesday of this week, I got an email that was sent to everyone in our school saying that the man (Paco) who owns the Tabaco came down to the school saying someone had robbed him of 20 euros by not paying for a bus pass. He guessed they went to my school. Fair assumption.
I was mortified. The email said to go back and talk to him if we knew anything about it. I left with Angela (for protection, haha) to get things straightened out. Turns out, he'd put the money on my card and since I hadn't paid him, it was like I'd stolen. I explained the whole bank thing to him and with the help of my sad puppy eyes and excessive apologizing, everything worked out just fine.
I didn't do any traveling this weekend so I got to hang out with my local friends. Fun. We went to the park 1.5 blocks from my house the first night and Buddah the next. The park was fun and relaxed and just flew by. The club, Buddah, not so much.
It was really loud (but it was good music), there was a surprisingly high number of older people (although I'm not sure I should have been surprised, it was one of the classier clubs), and I think I'll be needing 3 more showers to get the smoke smell out of my hair. It was so fun, for the first 4 hours. By 5 in the morning I was almost falling asleep. By the time I got back to my apt. (at 7 a.m.) the sun was in the sky, my feet were swollen from walking, dancing and being on my feet (in 3 inch heels) for 7 hours. So, I consider myself officially on Spain time.
Still went to church! Such a difficult wake up. I, obviously, wasn't hung over or anything, but after exerting so much energy from dancing and only 4 hours of sleep, I could have slept until Monday morning. Mari said she'd expected me to sleep until dinner haha.
Our oven is broken at the moment, actually, but I really wanna make some cool American food for Mari. I already thought of chocolate chip cookies and jambalaya (not necessarily the same day hahah). If you have any suggestions, let me know! She's really excited to try some food from the good ol' USA.
p.s. Barcelona is next week! :D
p.p.s. I have a presentation tomorrow and test Wednesday (So, I finally feel like I'm here for classes!), I leave for 5 days on Friday and get back in the middle and best part of Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations next week. I'm thrilled! But, how can it be Easter already?!?!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Spain by the Numbers
In lieu of a normal/week-update post, I'm doing this: (p.s. This weekend I went to Granada. Precious, very fun, good weather. That's about all the detail one could need).
Quick story about this week, though: Mari's tea bag's string caught on fire (don't ask how) and it was really subtle so we didn't notice. My only clue was a little burning smell. When I finally locate the source of the smell, tried telling her, I said, "You're teabag is in Hell," not, "on fire." The whole thing burned up before I could get the message right.
I'm totally copying a friend, but I had to do this, too! ;)
11: Scarves bought (not all are for me)
11: Fat people seen
5: Vans seen
98: Percent of days it's rained
25: Average number of minutes it takes me to do my homework
30: Pounds I imagine I've put on
6.7: Average number of miles walked (just to school) Mon.-Thurs.
5: Magazines bought
1.2: Cost of good gelato in Euros
4: Classes I'm taking
1: Hot professors I have
3: Funny, nice, and ingenious profs. I have
6: Nice boys met
4852: Hot boys met
8375: Times I've heard someone mention the fact David Bisbol's wife had a kid.
6: Bracelets I've bought
35: Minutes I had to search online until I found a site that has the licensing necessary to play Sex and the City in Spain. (yet to be found: The Office...)
75: Average age of person in congregation at mass. (It's considered very strange that I go to mass at my age).
100: Percent of time a Northface/polar fleece is worn by an American
30: Percent of "Politics and Economy of Spain" classes that have been let out early so our Prof. can catch a Sevilla game.
100: Percent of hot Spanish policemen
80: Percent of time going to the bathroom outside of Seville means there will be no toilet paper.
2: Times I've been asked for directions
0: Times I've been able to help with the above situation
1: Homeless men I've seen eating salmon out of a bag...
40: (Roughly) Minutes it takes me to walk to school. 20 If I run.
3: (Supposedly) Number of miles from my apartment to CC-CS and back.
9999: Grams of carbs consumed by me/average Spaniard per day (estimate)
34534: Times I've thought, "I wish _______ (Mom/Dad/Natalie/Kim/Alexis....) was here to see this!"
1: Number of times I have been unsuccessful in avoiding horse poop in the Plaza
1: Time I go to bed
8: Time I wake up
45: Minutes I siesta for
6: Yorkies seen
3: Dressed up Yorkies seen
2: Pairs of Uggs seen
2: Number of times I've been told I speak Spanish with an Italian accent
14: Euros paid for hair dryer. (One that doesn't blow out my piso's power!)
9:30: Time I finish class on Monday and Wednesday (pm)
1: Labradors seen
1: Crazy, weird profs. I have
0: Times my rent-a-phone has made any kind of noise. It's broken.
52: Apprx. number of Spaniards with good teeth
23: Apprx. number of times per day I think, "Oh, my gosh! That's the Spanish version of _______ (Mr. Donati, Monolopy Man, Hermione, Mrs. Gries, etc... etc...)."
1: Circus
5: Spanish women I've seen running. Ever. Seriously.
2: Women jogging w/o a bra... No words. :(
3: Asians seen that were not a part of a huge tour group
3: Power blow-outs in my apt.
2: Power blow-outs in my apartment caused by me
8: Days I was sick after Morocco
1: Times/week I get called, "Obama," or, "Susan," if a Spaniard wants my attention and doesn't know my name. "Obama," I understand. I'm clearly American. "Susan?" That's just lazy. It is NOT the only name we can get... But it's always what they assume...
11:1 The girl to boy ratio of my school
3: Approx. number of normal boys at my school
Quick story about this week, though: Mari's tea bag's string caught on fire (don't ask how) and it was really subtle so we didn't notice. My only clue was a little burning smell. When I finally locate the source of the smell, tried telling her, I said, "You're teabag is in Hell," not, "on fire." The whole thing burned up before I could get the message right.
I'm totally copying a friend, but I had to do this, too! ;)
11: Scarves bought (not all are for me)
11: Fat people seen
5: Vans seen
98: Percent of days it's rained
25: Average number of minutes it takes me to do my homework
30: Pounds I imagine I've put on
6.7: Average number of miles walked (just to school) Mon.-Thurs.
5: Magazines bought
1.2: Cost of good gelato in Euros
4: Classes I'm taking
1: Hot professors I have
3: Funny, nice, and ingenious profs. I have
6: Nice boys met
4852: Hot boys met
8375: Times I've heard someone mention the fact David Bisbol's wife had a kid.
6: Bracelets I've bought
35: Minutes I had to search online until I found a site that has the licensing necessary to play Sex and the City in Spain. (yet to be found: The Office...)
75: Average age of person in congregation at mass. (It's considered very strange that I go to mass at my age).
100: Percent of time a Northface/polar fleece is worn by an American
30: Percent of "Politics and Economy of Spain" classes that have been let out early so our Prof. can catch a Sevilla game.
100: Percent of hot Spanish policemen
80: Percent of time going to the bathroom outside of Seville means there will be no toilet paper.
2: Times I've been asked for directions
0: Times I've been able to help with the above situation
1: Homeless men I've seen eating salmon out of a bag...
40: (Roughly) Minutes it takes me to walk to school. 20 If I run.
3: (Supposedly) Number of miles from my apartment to CC-CS and back.
9999: Grams of carbs consumed by me/average Spaniard per day (estimate)
34534: Times I've thought, "I wish _______ (Mom/Dad/Natalie/Kim/Alexis....) was here to see this!"
1: Number of times I have been unsuccessful in avoiding horse poop in the Plaza
1: Time I go to bed
8: Time I wake up
45: Minutes I siesta for
6: Yorkies seen
3: Dressed up Yorkies seen
2: Pairs of Uggs seen
2: Number of times I've been told I speak Spanish with an Italian accent
14: Euros paid for hair dryer. (One that doesn't blow out my piso's power!)
9:30: Time I finish class on Monday and Wednesday (pm)
1: Labradors seen
1: Crazy, weird profs. I have
0: Times my rent-a-phone has made any kind of noise. It's broken.
52: Apprx. number of Spaniards with good teeth
23: Apprx. number of times per day I think, "Oh, my gosh! That's the Spanish version of _______ (Mr. Donati, Monolopy Man, Hermione, Mrs. Gries, etc... etc...)."
1: Circus
5: Spanish women I've seen running. Ever. Seriously.
2: Women jogging w/o a bra... No words. :(
3: Asians seen that were not a part of a huge tour group
3: Power blow-outs in my apt.
2: Power blow-outs in my apartment caused by me
8: Days I was sick after Morocco
1: Times/week I get called, "Obama," or, "Susan," if a Spaniard wants my attention and doesn't know my name. "Obama," I understand. I'm clearly American. "Susan?" That's just lazy. It is NOT the only name we can get... But it's always what they assume...
11:1 The girl to boy ratio of my school
3: Approx. number of normal boys at my school
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Gibraltar and Money Poorly Spent
There are certain phrases that people use (whether from desperation, frustration, or shock) no matter how immersed in another culture they may be. These phrases combined with people from the new culture, who don't speak the natural language, can make for some great stories. Such as:
On Tuesday we started our new schedule of classes, because our 3 week intensive period is now over, and I started my day with, "CRAP!" My alarm, once again, did not go off. I was running really late and made up for missing my morning workout with a hustled walk/jog to school. All went well, however, and I like my new classes. My Cultural Realities class (which I had during the first 3 weeks, too) has been cut down to only 8 people due to an overload of scheduling conflicts brought on by the new courses.
Wednesday I was late... again. But I figured out why! My alarm was affected by the 'automatic time change' feature on my phone and it was stuck on Morocco time. Wednesday got an, "AWESOME," due to the gelatto and catch-up time Angela (with whom I have NO classes) and I have set aside for this day. Both of us have classes ending at 6:10 so after said classes we can be found scoping the gelatto boys and laughing loudly in Plaza Nueva.
Thursday got a, "COME ON!" because I've been spoiled and even a 3-day week is too much for me now. We don't have classes on Fridays... EVER (I know, it's perfect). But, I did get to do a lot of relaxing and finally recover a little bit from my exhausting trip the weekend before.
Friday received an, "ARE YOU KIDDING?!" because IT IS STILL RAINING. It's rained 22x more these last few weeks than it usually does ALL YEAR. It's LITERALLY been sunny and without THREE of the days CC-CS kids have been here. It is ridiculous. No one was prepared for this. The houses, the Spaniards, my wardrobe... Thank God I have a space heater in my room to dry my boots everyday because it would take 3 days to get them dry without it.
Saturday got the best exclamation of all, however. It was a mass exclamation. This was the day I'd signed up to go to Gibraltar with "My other half" as she's been called, Angela. The bus was scheduled to leave at 9, and when I boarded 10 minutes before take off, I was one of the last to get on. Angela was still missing. Our tour guide made us call all of the people that weren't there to be sure they were awake/coming. Angela told me she'd be arriving with her roommate in about 5 minutes, not to worry. Lery, our tour guide, didn't make it seem like we were in any kind of rush. He was too busy passing out sheets with typed up lyrics to some songs we'd be forced to sing during the 3 hour ride to our destination (It was like a much-too-old version of summer camp). I called Angela again when she had only 2 minutes left and she said she was right around the corner. Lery continued dancing.
Not a minute later, with the seat next to me still vacant, did Lery, without consulting anyone on the bus, shake his head (which I originally misconstrued as another of his dance moves) in the direction of the bus driver signaling it was time to leave. The bus began moving and my stomach sank. This was a pretty expensive trip, and Angela'd already paid. To miss it would be a real bummer...
The girls around me started exchanging looks and saying we needed to stop the bus for our friend. I stood up to tell Lery to stop the bus and that Angela would be only a minute more, but he couldn't hear me over his blaring music. However, luck did smile on Ms. Angela when we slowly turned the corner to see her and her roommate jogging toward us.
A frazzled, shaken Angela grabbed her head in dismay as she figured out that the bus was full of her friends, and that she was supposed to be with them. (She later told me the looks on the faces of the people with window seats were priceless. When they'd spotted her on the sidewalk they were in full panic mode). Many people on the bus began screaming, "STOP! THEY'RE RIGHT THERE!!! STOP!" Unfortunately, Lery and the bus driver both don't speak English. But when they heard us all screaming the bus slowed and the two red-faced, short-of-breath girls boarded.
This wasn't the end of our bad luck.
The weather was horrible. The worst ever. At first it seemed our umbrellas would keep us dry, but the wind broke several of them and blew the rain at us in angles we couldn't predict. In a matter of minutes we were soaked, freezing and really pissed. If you don't know a lot about Gibraltar, suffice it to say there is ONE main, commercial road, some Spanish influence and a lot of Brits. It's basically a part of Spain that England still has it's mitts on.
There was very little to do during our THREE hours of free time we'd been allotted. After getting lunch, we walked up the ROAD (singular) and took in the absurdly priced products. Everything was really expensive. Two hours in, we were truly miserable. We still had an hour of free time and siesta had started, so the few stores that actually existed, were closed...
We finally got on to an AC'd bus (that's right, they were pumping cold air on us) and took a tour of the land. It finally got interesting when we got to go into a cave, hang with the monkeys and dry off.
I'd never been happier to see a towel than I was when I caught a glimpse of mine hanging in my apt. in Sevilla.
Good News: That night was Kelsey's b-day. We had a great time at: Long Island's, a bar on Calle Betis (the road where all the youngsters in Seville hang out) that is American, obviously, and has a special shot for each American state. Then, Rio Latino with dancing and Spanish boys. Finally ending at, Egotista.
This was a new bar for us. It was very strange and none of us could really put our finger on what it was that made this bar so different. A few minutes of observing later, I put it together, "THIS IS A GAY BAR!" I will never forget the looks on the faces of the guys in our group. No one had seen this coming. But, it was actually really cool. All the girls loved it. But the boys seemed to think they were going to get shot at and were always looking around with dart-y eyes.
Today, Sunday, I did a whole lot of nothing (which is exactly what Sunday is for, no?) Because there's nothing better than mass with your Senora (in case you were wondering, the answer is no, Catholics in Spain cannot sing... Just like the ones in the US of A), and then curling up with Glamour, Hot Tamales, and your iPod.
On Tuesday we started our new schedule of classes, because our 3 week intensive period is now over, and I started my day with, "CRAP!" My alarm, once again, did not go off. I was running really late and made up for missing my morning workout with a hustled walk/jog to school. All went well, however, and I like my new classes. My Cultural Realities class (which I had during the first 3 weeks, too) has been cut down to only 8 people due to an overload of scheduling conflicts brought on by the new courses.
Wednesday I was late... again. But I figured out why! My alarm was affected by the 'automatic time change' feature on my phone and it was stuck on Morocco time. Wednesday got an, "AWESOME," due to the gelatto and catch-up time Angela (with whom I have NO classes) and I have set aside for this day. Both of us have classes ending at 6:10 so after said classes we can be found scoping the gelatto boys and laughing loudly in Plaza Nueva.
Thursday got a, "COME ON!" because I've been spoiled and even a 3-day week is too much for me now. We don't have classes on Fridays... EVER (I know, it's perfect). But, I did get to do a lot of relaxing and finally recover a little bit from my exhausting trip the weekend before.
Friday received an, "ARE YOU KIDDING?!" because IT IS STILL RAINING. It's rained 22x more these last few weeks than it usually does ALL YEAR. It's LITERALLY been sunny and without THREE of the days CC-CS kids have been here. It is ridiculous. No one was prepared for this. The houses, the Spaniards, my wardrobe... Thank God I have a space heater in my room to dry my boots everyday because it would take 3 days to get them dry without it.
Saturday got the best exclamation of all, however. It was a mass exclamation. This was the day I'd signed up to go to Gibraltar with "My other half" as she's been called, Angela. The bus was scheduled to leave at 9, and when I boarded 10 minutes before take off, I was one of the last to get on. Angela was still missing. Our tour guide made us call all of the people that weren't there to be sure they were awake/coming. Angela told me she'd be arriving with her roommate in about 5 minutes, not to worry. Lery, our tour guide, didn't make it seem like we were in any kind of rush. He was too busy passing out sheets with typed up lyrics to some songs we'd be forced to sing during the 3 hour ride to our destination (It was like a much-too-old version of summer camp). I called Angela again when she had only 2 minutes left and she said she was right around the corner. Lery continued dancing.
Not a minute later, with the seat next to me still vacant, did Lery, without consulting anyone on the bus, shake his head (which I originally misconstrued as another of his dance moves) in the direction of the bus driver signaling it was time to leave. The bus began moving and my stomach sank. This was a pretty expensive trip, and Angela'd already paid. To miss it would be a real bummer...
The girls around me started exchanging looks and saying we needed to stop the bus for our friend. I stood up to tell Lery to stop the bus and that Angela would be only a minute more, but he couldn't hear me over his blaring music. However, luck did smile on Ms. Angela when we slowly turned the corner to see her and her roommate jogging toward us.
A frazzled, shaken Angela grabbed her head in dismay as she figured out that the bus was full of her friends, and that she was supposed to be with them. (She later told me the looks on the faces of the people with window seats were priceless. When they'd spotted her on the sidewalk they were in full panic mode). Many people on the bus began screaming, "STOP! THEY'RE RIGHT THERE!!! STOP!" Unfortunately, Lery and the bus driver both don't speak English. But when they heard us all screaming the bus slowed and the two red-faced, short-of-breath girls boarded.
This wasn't the end of our bad luck.
The weather was horrible. The worst ever. At first it seemed our umbrellas would keep us dry, but the wind broke several of them and blew the rain at us in angles we couldn't predict. In a matter of minutes we were soaked, freezing and really pissed. If you don't know a lot about Gibraltar, suffice it to say there is ONE main, commercial road, some Spanish influence and a lot of Brits. It's basically a part of Spain that England still has it's mitts on.
There was very little to do during our THREE hours of free time we'd been allotted. After getting lunch, we walked up the ROAD (singular) and took in the absurdly priced products. Everything was really expensive. Two hours in, we were truly miserable. We still had an hour of free time and siesta had started, so the few stores that actually existed, were closed...
We finally got on to an AC'd bus (that's right, they were pumping cold air on us) and took a tour of the land. It finally got interesting when we got to go into a cave, hang with the monkeys and dry off.
I'd never been happier to see a towel than I was when I caught a glimpse of mine hanging in my apt. in Sevilla.
Good News: That night was Kelsey's b-day. We had a great time at: Long Island's, a bar on Calle Betis (the road where all the youngsters in Seville hang out) that is American, obviously, and has a special shot for each American state. Then, Rio Latino with dancing and Spanish boys. Finally ending at, Egotista.
This was a new bar for us. It was very strange and none of us could really put our finger on what it was that made this bar so different. A few minutes of observing later, I put it together, "THIS IS A GAY BAR!" I will never forget the looks on the faces of the guys in our group. No one had seen this coming. But, it was actually really cool. All the girls loved it. But the boys seemed to think they were going to get shot at and were always looking around with dart-y eyes.
Today, Sunday, I did a whole lot of nothing (which is exactly what Sunday is for, no?) Because there's nothing better than mass with your Senora (in case you were wondering, the answer is no, Catholics in Spain cannot sing... Just like the ones in the US of A), and then curling up with Glamour, Hot Tamales, and your iPod.
Monday, March 1, 2010
MoROCKIN' Africa
For the record, Morocco is in Africa, you were not taught incorrectly. Yet, If you ask Ned, he will tell you differently...
SO Morocco was SO awesome. I have about a million stories that I could share!
I got up on Saturday and get ready and left for the meeting place (Torre del Oro). I made my way over there and met up with my amigas. I tried taking money out of the ATM, but it didn't work... again. All was well though.
The normal 10-1 ratio (with girls in the majority) of the Center's students was blown away when the agency we booked this trip, which seemed to allow almost only girls... nice.
We loaded the buses and headed South. I had a GREAT bus, a lot of great people were with me and I even met new ones who study in Seville but go to another school. However, the bus driver would have needed to learn the purpose and practice of cruise control and to stay farther away from the edge of cliffs for me to have felt entirely comfortable. He was so jerky and brake-happy, it's a wonder anyone fell asleep on the bus or escaped sans-whiplash.
We all saw firsthand the effects of the flooding in the lower lands. It's one things seeing it on the news, but a whole other seeing it in person. The houses were flooded about 6 feet off the ground. Everyone has been evacuated. Tragic. Just when I thought I couldn't appreciate the things I have any more...
When we got off the bus, we were on the coast of Spain. We loaded the fast-ferry and continued across the Straight till the coast of Africa. The ferry was also very rocky. I was nervous that because my stomach was already jumbled from the bus ride that I was sure to get sick. Luckily, we all made it and no mopping of poop decks was necessary.
The first city we saw in Morocco was a Spanish one (Ceuta). So, we left to get into the heart of it all. When we finally started to see Arabic signs, temples and scenery changes we knew it was actually Morocco. My first impression was not the one I'd leave with.
While looking out the window, one would see a lot of green, shacks, men in tunics with pointy hoods, concrete buildings, few other roads, rubble, and basically, desolation.
The green was from the mountains, we were just on the right side of them. "Morocco is a country of contradictions". I believe it.
A little background info:
Casablanca is the biggest city in Morocco and the 3rd biggest in Africa. French and Arabic are the two most popular languages. All of the congressional and legislative work is done in French. 60% of Morocco's population in 20 years old or younger. People were having kids like crazy for a while and stopped when the cost of living was too expensive, this really affects their culture.
The concrete buildings are to help endure the heat they receive. The men who wear the pointy-hooded cloaks are more conservative Muslims. They wear white ones on Friday, but all the other days can be any other color. The people who don't practice or have adapted to a more European culture wear jeans and jackets or whatever else they like. On an advertising basis, Coca-Cola has to CLEAN UP. The only ads I saw were those of the company. The Moroccans are drowning in Coke ads and must drink nothing but the soda. There was a mosque ever couple miles. It was easy to spot them because they had the tall towers. The Moroccans go there 5 times a day to pray. Respect.
There seemed to be rubble everywhere... I'm not really sure why but this seemed to be true for each of the cities we went to... very strange. Along with rubble, it was common to see hail railings along the mountainous roads. This was terrifying due to the bus driver's rapid pace. Dogs, chickens, goats and cats were also everywhere. while driving up the mountain, for instance, if you look to the right you can see land, mountain and animals grazing or roaming.
On the other hand, one thing that didn't seem to do a whole lot of moving was the country's population of men. I swear they just stood around. As we were driving, all of the men we passed were simply leaning against a wall or sitting and hanging out by a house or store. All I could do was wonder if they had anything else to do.
The first night was long. We had done a lot of traveling and touring and were all quite tired. We got dinner at the first hotel (a total pit) at about 9 and then chilled. The food was great. I really liked it. They served us mint tea (amazing) and I drank it even though we were not supposed to drink the water.
Later that night I became quite concerned for Angela. Her ankle had swollen to a rather large size to no reason. It had started that morning before leaving Seville. She wore my boots for extra foot space the rest of the trip. I'd originally made fun of it because it was so odd, but then people were scaring me with worried looks and comments.
She was really excited to be on the swollen foot all the next day...
Our room was small and damp. All of the power went out if you flipped a switch. We had about 8 t.v. stations and don't speak Arabic. We were warned from leaving the hotel at night, not that there was a lot to do in the little city. So, Angela and I stayed up late talking, had a skirmish with a light bulb, and psyched ourselves up for the next day.
Breakfast was, of course, bread. We drove about 2 hours to Tetuan. There were the cutest shops. I learned I have quite the knack for haggling (no doubt inherited from my grandmother). I got the greatest scarves and little bracelets. The shop keepers LOVE to haggle too. Were we to walk away (due to disinterest) they would abandon their shop and shout out cheaper prices at us, the farther we walked, the better bargain we got. But, most of the times we walked away, it really was because we didn't want the product, but if you looked at it too long, they wouldn't believe you.
None of us had any idea what to speak to anyone! We all knew ZERO Arabic, are somewhat comfortable in Spanish (but unsure how popular it was) and knew it was unlikely many people would speak much, if any, English.
We had lunch at a palace that had been changed into a restaurant and we watched some very Morrocan entertainment. Henna tattoos, belly dancing and fire spinning kept us entertained.
More Angela and Cece bathroom moments: There is NEVER toilet paper!
That is all.
After the shopping and lunch we took a little more of a tour. We saw blue everywhere! That's because the people of this city paint their houses blue (inside and out) six times a year. The blue represents the love of God. Beautiful.
We then boarded the bus to see a second city. I hate to generalize, but it was just like the previous, but it wasn't blue. We saw a shop where they make scarves, blankets, etc... and another where they still sell herbs and spices to help with health. We got a whole presentation on what helped wit wrinkles, breathing, weight loss, acne, dry skin, etc, etc, etc... On and on. It was SO interesting. I bought some of my new favorite (mint tea). A lot of girls bought this special lipstick that was green but when applied, turned to the "perfect shade" for their skin tone... I think you can guess how they all looked that night at our agency's private party.
Let's just say "But, I TRIED rubbing it off!" was echoing through the room.
The dance was really really fun. It was just the kids from the trip so it was just like a bunch of friends.
This morning I woke up in the second hotel which seemed much nicer than the first one, but it turns out Angela and I were just given a great room. Some of our friends had moldy walls, bugs or stench in their room. But We got ready, ate our bread (I mean breakfast) and got on the bus for the camel rides.
Camels smell. Camels smell really bad. But, lucky for them, camels are SO nice and SO CUTE. After my ride I smelled but got to hang with them. They are calm and friendly. Afterward, we went to the caves of Hercules. KIMMM!!!! HAHA
It was gorgeous. Stunning. The water moved in the most powerful and amazing ways. The caves were so dark that the only light came from above the water and the way it was hit by that light made it sparkle and shine in a heavenly way.
We had our bocadillos on the bus on the way to the ferry. They had to hold the ferry for us... we were a little late. But, here I am, we made it back safely. I'm a little stinky, really happy and in possession of a little more understanding of a beautiful and incredible culture.
SO Morocco was SO awesome. I have about a million stories that I could share!
I got up on Saturday and get ready and left for the meeting place (Torre del Oro). I made my way over there and met up with my amigas. I tried taking money out of the ATM, but it didn't work... again. All was well though.
The normal 10-1 ratio (with girls in the majority) of the Center's students was blown away when the agency we booked this trip, which seemed to allow almost only girls... nice.
We loaded the buses and headed South. I had a GREAT bus, a lot of great people were with me and I even met new ones who study in Seville but go to another school. However, the bus driver would have needed to learn the purpose and practice of cruise control and to stay farther away from the edge of cliffs for me to have felt entirely comfortable. He was so jerky and brake-happy, it's a wonder anyone fell asleep on the bus or escaped sans-whiplash.
We all saw firsthand the effects of the flooding in the lower lands. It's one things seeing it on the news, but a whole other seeing it in person. The houses were flooded about 6 feet off the ground. Everyone has been evacuated. Tragic. Just when I thought I couldn't appreciate the things I have any more...
When we got off the bus, we were on the coast of Spain. We loaded the fast-ferry and continued across the Straight till the coast of Africa. The ferry was also very rocky. I was nervous that because my stomach was already jumbled from the bus ride that I was sure to get sick. Luckily, we all made it and no mopping of poop decks was necessary.
The first city we saw in Morocco was a Spanish one (Ceuta). So, we left to get into the heart of it all. When we finally started to see Arabic signs, temples and scenery changes we knew it was actually Morocco. My first impression was not the one I'd leave with.
While looking out the window, one would see a lot of green, shacks, men in tunics with pointy hoods, concrete buildings, few other roads, rubble, and basically, desolation.
The green was from the mountains, we were just on the right side of them. "Morocco is a country of contradictions". I believe it.
A little background info:
Casablanca is the biggest city in Morocco and the 3rd biggest in Africa. French and Arabic are the two most popular languages. All of the congressional and legislative work is done in French. 60% of Morocco's population in 20 years old or younger. People were having kids like crazy for a while and stopped when the cost of living was too expensive, this really affects their culture.
The concrete buildings are to help endure the heat they receive. The men who wear the pointy-hooded cloaks are more conservative Muslims. They wear white ones on Friday, but all the other days can be any other color. The people who don't practice or have adapted to a more European culture wear jeans and jackets or whatever else they like. On an advertising basis, Coca-Cola has to CLEAN UP. The only ads I saw were those of the company. The Moroccans are drowning in Coke ads and must drink nothing but the soda. There was a mosque ever couple miles. It was easy to spot them because they had the tall towers. The Moroccans go there 5 times a day to pray. Respect.
There seemed to be rubble everywhere... I'm not really sure why but this seemed to be true for each of the cities we went to... very strange. Along with rubble, it was common to see hail railings along the mountainous roads. This was terrifying due to the bus driver's rapid pace. Dogs, chickens, goats and cats were also everywhere. while driving up the mountain, for instance, if you look to the right you can see land, mountain and animals grazing or roaming.
On the other hand, one thing that didn't seem to do a whole lot of moving was the country's population of men. I swear they just stood around. As we were driving, all of the men we passed were simply leaning against a wall or sitting and hanging out by a house or store. All I could do was wonder if they had anything else to do.
The first night was long. We had done a lot of traveling and touring and were all quite tired. We got dinner at the first hotel (a total pit) at about 9 and then chilled. The food was great. I really liked it. They served us mint tea (amazing) and I drank it even though we were not supposed to drink the water.
Later that night I became quite concerned for Angela. Her ankle had swollen to a rather large size to no reason. It had started that morning before leaving Seville. She wore my boots for extra foot space the rest of the trip. I'd originally made fun of it because it was so odd, but then people were scaring me with worried looks and comments.
She was really excited to be on the swollen foot all the next day...
Our room was small and damp. All of the power went out if you flipped a switch. We had about 8 t.v. stations and don't speak Arabic. We were warned from leaving the hotel at night, not that there was a lot to do in the little city. So, Angela and I stayed up late talking, had a skirmish with a light bulb, and psyched ourselves up for the next day.
Breakfast was, of course, bread. We drove about 2 hours to Tetuan. There were the cutest shops. I learned I have quite the knack for haggling (no doubt inherited from my grandmother). I got the greatest scarves and little bracelets. The shop keepers LOVE to haggle too. Were we to walk away (due to disinterest) they would abandon their shop and shout out cheaper prices at us, the farther we walked, the better bargain we got. But, most of the times we walked away, it really was because we didn't want the product, but if you looked at it too long, they wouldn't believe you.
None of us had any idea what to speak to anyone! We all knew ZERO Arabic, are somewhat comfortable in Spanish (but unsure how popular it was) and knew it was unlikely many people would speak much, if any, English.
We had lunch at a palace that had been changed into a restaurant and we watched some very Morrocan entertainment. Henna tattoos, belly dancing and fire spinning kept us entertained.
More Angela and Cece bathroom moments: There is NEVER toilet paper!
That is all.
After the shopping and lunch we took a little more of a tour. We saw blue everywhere! That's because the people of this city paint their houses blue (inside and out) six times a year. The blue represents the love of God. Beautiful.
We then boarded the bus to see a second city. I hate to generalize, but it was just like the previous, but it wasn't blue. We saw a shop where they make scarves, blankets, etc... and another where they still sell herbs and spices to help with health. We got a whole presentation on what helped wit wrinkles, breathing, weight loss, acne, dry skin, etc, etc, etc... On and on. It was SO interesting. I bought some of my new favorite (mint tea). A lot of girls bought this special lipstick that was green but when applied, turned to the "perfect shade" for their skin tone... I think you can guess how they all looked that night at our agency's private party.
Let's just say "But, I TRIED rubbing it off!" was echoing through the room.
The dance was really really fun. It was just the kids from the trip so it was just like a bunch of friends.
This morning I woke up in the second hotel which seemed much nicer than the first one, but it turns out Angela and I were just given a great room. Some of our friends had moldy walls, bugs or stench in their room. But We got ready, ate our bread (I mean breakfast) and got on the bus for the camel rides.
Camels smell. Camels smell really bad. But, lucky for them, camels are SO nice and SO CUTE. After my ride I smelled but got to hang with them. They are calm and friendly. Afterward, we went to the caves of Hercules. KIMMM!!!! HAHA
It was gorgeous. Stunning. The water moved in the most powerful and amazing ways. The caves were so dark that the only light came from above the water and the way it was hit by that light made it sparkle and shine in a heavenly way.
We had our bocadillos on the bus on the way to the ferry. They had to hold the ferry for us... we were a little late. But, here I am, we made it back safely. I'm a little stinky, really happy and in possession of a little more understanding of a beautiful and incredible culture.
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