I'm Spanish...?

It is very interesting to be in a different country!

I arrived late last night in Milan, Italy to spend time with a close friend from Bellarmine who is studying here. We are going to Rome tomorrow for five days, and then
to France the week after Easter. Not a bad spring break...

The language difference is just strange. My instinct is to respond in Spanish (a good sign, no?) but it is more likely that someone here speaks English instead of Spanish.

In the check-in line I chatted briefly with three Italian people in Madrid on business, and then ended up sitting behind them on the plane. I was sitting next to a young Italian guy who was very fidgety. The group in front of us carried on an animated conversation with him, in Italian. I think they thought I at least understood a little of what was said, but I was completely clueless.

I did my best to sleep, though my neighbor probably didn't appreciate it: my head kept falling on his shoulder! At least I didn't drool on him...

It wasn't until we were waiting to exit the plane that this group of people realized I don't speak ANY Italian. After that I conversed with my neighbor in English and a little Spanish (he is studying in Madrid, and spent a year in Phoenix, Arizona).

Mary is in class right now, but I am going to take the bus to meet her near campus for lunch...which means I need to figure out how to buy a bus ticket. Google Translate, here I come.

As I said, we leave tomorrow for Rome! I will keep you posted on our adventures.

Ciao,

Sarah


Soy española...?

Es muy interesante estar en un país diferente!

Llegué muy tarde anoche en Milán, Italia para pasar el tiempo con una buena amiga de Bellarmine que estudia aquí. Mañana vamos a Roma para cinco días y luego vamos a Francia durante la semana después de la Pascua. No tengo vacaciones malas...

La diferencia de las lenguas es rara. Mi instinto es hablar Español (una buena señal, ¿no?) pero es más probable que alguien aquí hable Inglés en vez de Español.

En la cola de embarque he hablado un poco con tres italianos estaban en Madrid para negocios. Durante el vuelo me sentía detrás de ellos y al lado de un chico italiano quien estaba muy nervioso. Tenían una conversación entusiasmada en italiano. Creo que pensaron que hable un poco italiano, pero no tenía ninguna idea.

Intenté de dormirme pero muchas veces me desperté con mi cabeza cerca de mi vecino...oops! Por lo menos no babeé...

Cuando estabamos saliendo el vuelo ellos se dieron cuenta de de que no hablara nada italiano. En ese momento hablé con mi vecino en inglés y español (él estudia en Madrid y pasó un año en Phoenix, Arizona).

Mary está en clase ahora y voy a tomar el autobús para encontrar con ella. Este significa que tenga que comprar un billete. Google traductor, vengo.

Como dije, vamos a Roma mañana! Os diré de nuestras aventuras.

Ciao,
Sarah

Dos besos

I still am not completely accustomed to the tradition of "dos besos." Instead of a handshake or hug, the custom is to offer a kiss on each cheek. It is hard to forget when I meet someone, but I rarely remember unless the other person initiates.

Yesterday, though, my friend from Mexico sat next to me at lunch and, since I hadn't seen her for a few days, she gave me a kiss on one cheek. Me, trying to remember my Spanish manners, kissed her other cheek. She laughed and said, "I'm Mexican, we kiss once."

I replied: "I'm American. We don't kiss at all!"

We were sitting with a new friend, a Spaniard, who was interested in the differences. I explained that with my family and close friends a kiss wouldn't be uncommon, but that generally I greeted people with a hug, and if meeting someone for the first time I would offer a handshake.

After lunch, as my Spanish friend was leaving the building and I was walking upstairs, I just turned around and waved, completely forgetting our conversation about appropriate Spanish salutations.

Oops.

In any case, I will leave you with two kisses,
Sarah

Todavía no estoy acostumbrada a la tradición de dos besos. En vez de un apretón de manos o un abrazo la costumbre es dar un beso en cada mejilla. Cuando conozco a alguien es difícil para olvidarme, pero raras veces me acuerdo a menos de que la otra persona la inicie.

Ayer mi amiga de México sentó al lado de mi durante la comida y ya que no la he visto hacía algunos días, ella me dio un beso. Intentando de acordarme mis modales españoles, besé su otra mejilla. Ella se rió y dijo: "Soy mexicana, besamos una vez."

Respondé: "Soy americana, ¡no besamos nada!"

Sentabamos con un amigo nuevo, un español, y le interesaban las diferencías. Expliqué con mi familia y mis amigas mejores un beso no es muy raro, pero en general abrazo es más común. Y cuando conozco a alguien la primera vez yo dé la mano.

Después de la comida mientras mi amigo estaba saliendo del edificio y yo estaba caminando por mi habitación volví y le hice adíos con la mano. Me olvidé completamente de nuestra conversación de los saludos apropiados en España.

Oops.

Dos besos,
Sarah

Segovia: City of Stairs

Stef and I didn't exactly have beautiful spring weather, but we certainly had a lovely day in Segovia.

The main attractions are a cathedral (as in every Spanish city!), a palace which belonged to the Catholic monarchs, and an impressive Roman aqueduct.

We reached the historical part of the city by climbing a large flight of stairs, hurrying past the road crew cleaning the streets with hoses (trying to stay dry), and wandering through a construction area...But eventually, by walking towards the cathedral steeple, we found ourselves in the Plaza Mayor. It doesn't exactly compare to Salamanca's Plaza Mayor (we've been spoiled) but it was pretty.

Historical Segovia, on a map, is laid out like a medieval ship. We started our tour in the palace: Alcázar. There is a tall tower-with 152 steps-that we climbed for the lovely views it afforded. It was quite a windy day! The staircase was steep and narrow-and a bit dizzying!

We walked back through town and sat in a small square to eat our picnic of fruit and bread. There was a cute little boy playing soccer by himself...he was quite amusing.

Energized after lunch, we went to see the impressive aqueduct. It was built 2,000 years ago and was nine miles long upon completion. It was made with granite blocks without any mortar, and is 100 feet high. It is still able to carry a stream of water, too! Stef and I had a hard time imagining the construction.

There was only one bus leaving Segovia for Salamanca that day, and after admiring the aqueduct we were left with about three hours to kill. We wandered the city more, had a snack, took pictures...Originally, we decided to skip the Cathedral (though I love discovering old churches, the cathedrals in the old cities are beautiful, but a bit similar), basically, we didn't want to pay. But after realizing we had quite a bit of time before our departure, we went in. As always, it was a lovely cathedral, simply stunning.

Weary from a day full of sights and steps, the bus was a welcome sight. And, we arrived in Salamanca an hour before we were supposed to, which is still a mystery. Not that we mind!

Pictures will be posted soon!

Love,
Sarah

Segovia: la ciudad de escaleras

No hacía buen tiempo de primavera, pero ciertamente Stef y yo tuvimos un día bueno en Segovia.

Las atracciones principales son la catedral (como en cada ciudad española), un palacio de los reyes Católicos, y el acueducto romano impresionante.

Llegamos a la parte histórica de la ciudad subiendo muchas escaleras, corriendo pasado los limpiadores de las calles con mangueras (y intentando de no mojarnos) y paseando por un áreo de construcción...Por fin, caminando hacia la catedral, encontramos en la Plaza Mayor. No puede comparar a la Plaza Mayor de Salamanca (somos consentidos) pero era bonita.

Segovia histórica, en un mapa, parece como un barco medieval. Comenzamos nuestro recorrido en el palacio: Alcázar. Hay una torre alta, con 152 escaleras, que subimos por hermosas vistas que ofrece. Había muchisimo viento! La escalera era muy empinada y estrecha, y un poco de vértigo!

Volvimos por la ciudad y nos sentamos en una pequeña plaza a comer nuestro picnic de frutas y pan. Había un niño pequeño y lindo jugar al fútbol sólo...fue muy divertido.

Energizadas después del almuerzo, fuimos a ver el acueducto impresionante. Fue construido hace 2.000 años y era de nueve millas cuando terminó. Fue hecho con bloques de granito sin ningún tipo de mortero, y es de 100 pies de altura. Todavía es capaz de transportar una corriente de agua, también! Stef y yo no pudimos imaginar la construcción.

Sólo había un autobús que sale de Segovia a Salamanca ese día, y después de admirar el acueducto, nos quedamos con cerca de tres horas para pasar. Anduvimos más de la ciudad, comimos algo, tomamos fotografías ... En un principio, hemos decidido omitir la catedral (aunque me encanta descubrir antiguas iglesias, las catedrales de las viejas ciudades son hermosas, pero son un poco similares, también), básicamente, no quisimos pagar. Pero cuando nos dimos cuenta de que teníamos un poco de tiempo antes de nuestra partida, entramos. Como siempre, fue una hermosa catedral, simplemente impresionante.

Cansadas de un día lleno de vistas y caminos, nos gustó para ver el autobús. Y, llegamos a Salamanca una hora más temprano, que sigue siendo un misterio. Pero no nos preocupamos!

Voy a poner las fotos pronto!

Un abrazo,

Sarah

Spring is here!

This week we had a few beautiful, spring days! It was lovely. I was able to kill time in between classes in a beautiful garden overlooking the city...sitting in the warm sun! Today isn't so nice, but it is good to know spring is here.

Time is flying by...I cannot believe I am almost halfway through my stay here. I panicked the other day: I wrote a list of all the places in Spain and Europe that I want to see before coming home...it is long. I don't know if I'll make to every place. But even if I left now, I have seen and done so much, I couldn't have any regret. I do have some adventures coming quickly. Next week I am heading to Italy to spend a few days in Milan and Rome! And after that a trip to Paris is possible!

Also, I have booked a trip to Morocco! Mary and I are flying to Casablanca and then taking a train inland for a desert expedition...including a camel ride and sleeping in tents!

And when my friend, Lena, is visiting, we are going to head north to see a few places near the coast and then spend some time in Madrid, among other excursions.

I do have a few weeks at the end of the semester, after exams, that I plan to use for travel...but I need to plan now!

Tomorrow I am going to Segovia for the day, so look for a post and pictures! Other than Segovia, I probably won't have much time to update this blog until I return from Italy-but then you will be inundated with stories and photos, just you wait!

Today is the feast of Saint Joseph, and Spain celebrates Fathers' Day today. It makes sense, doesn't it? It is a holiday, which means stores, businesses, schools, and universities are closed. Well, Feliz día del Padre, Dad! I love you.

The warm weather and spring vacations bring a lot of tourists to Salamanca, I am noticing. It is nice to not feel like a tourist, to have the chance to feel a part of the city.

I hope you all are doing well.

Love,

Sarah

¡Primavera está aquí!

Esta semana hacía buen tiempo-días templados y de sol. Era precioso. Pude pasar el tiempo en un huerto bello con una vista de la ciudad...mientras yo sentaba en el sol! Hoy no hace buen tiempo, pero es bueno saber la primavera está aquí.

El tiempo vuela...no puedo creer que haya terminado la mitad de mi tiempo aquí. Me asusté el otro dia: escribí una lista con todos los lugares en España y Europa que quiera ver antes de regresando...ella es larga. No sé si pueda ir a todos los lugares. Aunque salgo ahora, he visto y hecho tanto que no podría tener ningún arrepentimiento. Sin embargo tengo algunas aventuras que vengan rápido: la semana siguiente voy a Italia para pasar pocos días en Milano y Roma! Y después de Italia es posible vaya a Paris!

También, he reservado un viaje a Marruecos! Mary y yo volamos a Casablanca y tomamos un tren a una ciudad del desierto para una expedición...incluso montar los camellos y acampar bajo las estrellas!

Cuando mi amiga, Lena, está visitando, vamos hacia el norte para ver algunos lugares cerca de la costa y luego pasar un tiempo en Madrid y estoy pensando en otra viajes...

Tengo algunas semanas al final del semestre, después de los exámenes, que voy a utilizar para los viajes ... pero tengo que hacer planes ahora!

Mañana me voy a Segovia, busca aquí y a mis fotos! Depués de Segovia, es probable que no tenga mucho tiempo para escribir este blog hasta que regrese de Italia, pero luego se le inundan con noticias y fotos, espera!

Hoy es la fiesta de San José, y España, se celebra el Día del Padre en la actualidad. Tiene sentido, ¿no? Es un día de fiesta, es decir, tiendas, empresas, escuelas y universidades están cerradas. Bueno, Feliz día del Padre, papá! Te amo.

El buen tiempo y las vacaciones de primavera traen una gran cantidad de turistas a Salamanca, me diera cuenta. Es agradable que no sienta como una turista, para tener la oportunidad de sentirse parte de la ciudad. (Pues, es posible que los salamantinos piensen en algo diferente de mi...)

Espero que todo esté bien.

Besos y abrazos,

Sarita

Mexican food in Spain?

I will admit, I didn't know much about Spanish gastronomy (fancy word for a culture's foods) before leaving the states, but I was sure it was different than Mexican or South American food.

I was right. It was interesting when I tried to explain the Mexican tortilla to my host family. La tortilla española is completely different-it is an egg-potato bake in its simplest form. There aren't really any striking similarities-Spain and Mexico share a basic language, but the cuisines are rather different.

I feel I have sampled a variety of "Spanish" foods. I've also eaten Italian, Chinese, and now Mexican cuisines while in Spain. There are not many Mexican restaurants in Salamanca, but we found the delicious "100% Mexicano." I had quite an appetite, and was really hoping for bowls of chips and salsa...but to no avail. The meal was great-we shared large sampler platters, so everyone was able to try different things.

The restaurant did make up for no chips and salsa: at the end of the meal they offered each person a free shot of tequila! ¡Gracias!

Now, in an effort to continue learning Spanish (and at the suggestion of my dear Spanish professor, Dr. López) I am going to start typing my blog posts in English, and again in Spanish. Ideally, some day I will be able to think and type (not to mention, speak) fluently in Spanish! I am here to learn.

Enjoy the pictures!

Love,
Sarah


¿Comer la comida mexicana en España?
Admito, no sabía mucho de la gastronomía de España antes de salí de los Estados Unidos, pero estaba segura que ellas eras diferentes de las comidas mexicanas o de América del sur.

Tenía razón. Era interesante cuando intenté de explicar la tortilla Mexicana a mi familia de acogida. La tortilla española es completamente diferente: es un plato al horno de huevos y patatas en su forma más simple. En realidad, no hay ningunas similitudes fuertes; España y Mexico comparten la misma lenguaje básica (sin embargo hay diferencías allí, también) pero tienen gastronomías muy diferentes.

Creo que he probado una variedad de los alimentos españoles. También, he comido comida italiana, china, y ahora mexicana desde llegué aquí. No hay muchos restaurantes mexicanos en Salamanca, pero hemos encontrado "El restaurante 100% Mexicano." Tenía mucha hambre y esperaba los cuencos con chips y salsa...pero no tuve suerte. La cena era deliciosa: hemos compartido platos grandes con muchas comidas diferentes y pudimos probar todo.

El restaurante ha reparado el daño de no tener chips y salsa: después de la cena nos ofreció chupitos de tequila gratis!

Ahora, en el esfuerzo seguir aprender español (y con la sugerencia de mi querido profesor de Español, Profesor López) voy a escribir mi blog en inglés y español! Idealmente, un día podré pensar y escribir (y hablar ¡también!) con fluidez en español! Estoy aquí para aprender.

¡Disfrutad las fotos!

Un abrazo,
Sarah

New email address

Hi! I have a new email address:

hess.sarah.e@gmail.com

Hope to hear from you!

Sarah

Two Months!

Well, had I written this on Wednesday as I had intended, I was going to highlight the fact that I have been in Spain exactly two months...but now it has been two months and two days...close enough!

It is incredible. Two months is a long time, and I cannot quite believe it. But, I will spare you another lengthy, soul-bearing reflection! Instead, I'll just share some things I've learned or experienced in the past two months.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) refers to the week after Easter, instead of the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. This isn't a big deal, just something I discovered after I planned to be away for spring break...oops!

I am allergic to kiwis. I don't think allergic reactions could ever be enjoyable, but my fear was heightened while struggling to breath and wondering how to describe my condition in Spanish. Luckily, there was no need, and after two similar episodes I now know to avoid kiwis.

I was joking recently with friends about how for the first month I was here (and still now from time to time), when I didn't know what was being said, I would just smile, nod, and say "sí." My friend from Portugal looked at me and said, "Yeah, you did. That explains a lot." And I thought I had everyone fooled...

I washed my clothes with real detergent (not just fabric softener) and couldn't stop smelling my clothes all day.

The "don't make eye contact" tactic I always adhere to when I do not know the answer in class is really annoying when you're the one asking the question. To all my former teachers: I'm sorry.

I ate pig innards.

Other than the intestines, I have tried some delicious tapas.

I figured out my schedule for the fall. It is strange to think that in a few short months I will be back to my old life. But besides that realization, registering for classes has made me think about life after graduation, and I wish I could say I found answers. I'm still just as clueless as ever.

However, people I know here don't seem to be as concerned with having life figured out; as with many things, there is a more relaxed approach. So, I'll just wait and see.

I have learned to laugh at myself more. It makes things easier.

Many people ask me about Indiana and interesting things there...I love and miss Indiana, but I do struggle to answer their questions. My list: Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis 500, and Michael Jackson's childhood home. Go Hoosiers.

I usually mention, then, that my university is in Kentucky. The response:
"Oh, Kentucky Fried Chicken!" Thank you, Colonel Sanders.

I am sorry I made light of the snow in Indiana and Kentucky. Because now, while you all are enjoying nice, spring weather, Salamanca is sunny on a good day, but still very cold...The locals reassure me that this isn't normal; that doesn't make me feel any better!

When all else fails: cry. I had a challenging time registering for my courses. I won't divulge the whole story, but it includes a mean lady in the Philology department. Due to circumstances which couldn't be avoided, I was a bit late to register, and she couldn't understand why. I tried calmly explaining the situation, but she just continued to badger me. So, I let a few tears fall. After another minute, she started to take care of my registration. All is well, now.

Before I left, I was worried that it would be difficult to be "American" in Europe, that most people here dislike Americans. I have been proven wrong, so far. Of course, I haven't found any fanatics, and there are people who like to tease me about being American, and naturally everyone has a loyalty to his or her own country. And as much as I love being in Europe, I do miss the United States, and rather than being embarrassed, I'm happy to say that is where I call home.

I still have not adjusted to the incredible consumption of ham (sorry, Dad). Let me tell you about a meal I had, that may put this obsession in perspective...It was Friday, and though I do not like fish or seafood, I avoid meat on Fridays during Lent. I was pleased when I saw a breaded and fried fish fillet (yes, I was that strange child who loved fish sticks). Imagine my disappointment and shock when I cut open my fish to find ham and cheese. Yes, I was eating "fish cordon bleu."

I also have not yet adjusted to the measuring in meters and kilometers, telling time with the 24 hour clock, or hearing people get excited about 15 degree weather (until I remember 15 degrees Celsius is really quite warm).

Well, I know I have promised you all shorter, more frequent blogs. But, apparently, that isn't something I have learned in the past two months. There is still hope!

I hope you all are well!

Ciao,
Sarah

P.s. Don't worry-I haven't forgotten what country I am in-I thought "ciao" was an Italian phrase, but I hear it in Spain quite often!

A bit of a reflection...(bear with me, please)

Madrid Barajas Airport. My flight to Barcelona brought me back to this airport for the first time since my initial arrival in Spain on January 9, 2010.

Perhaps I should remind you of my emotional and physical state of being on that day: after an exhausting week followed by 24 hours of travel, I left the plane with one thought in my mind: WHAT AM I DOING HERE?

Well, that wasn't the only thought running through my mind. I also wanted to know how soon I could go back to the United States. Confused and drained, I wandered around the airport, trying to call my parents, retrieve my luggage, make sure I went through customs properly, and comunicate with my host family, and get to Salamanca, somehow...it was just too much.

I ended up in tears, talking to several young (and of course, good-looking) airport officials, who couldn't understand why I was so upset. They thought there was a probelem with my flight, passport, or something serious. But no, I was just lost, and confused, and scared. They were helpful, but I am sure they had a good laugh at my expense after I walked tearfully away.

And laugh is what I did when I returned to the airport. All those memories flooded back while waiting for my flight. The fear of the unknown, the exhaustion, the small, hopeless feelings...And though I am able to laugh (just a little, though) at my freakish behavior now, I don't think I could have acted differently then.

You see, I am not this kind of person: one who moves across the world by herself. I like adventure, yes, but only if I am able to maintain a certain level of my comfort zone. Ask my parents-I didn't imagine going to a summer camp or youth group meeting without at least one friend for moral support.

So how (and why), exactly, did I end up in the Madrid airport, weary and crying?

It's called a dream. My sister, Analise, has encouraged our family to recognize and pursue our dreams. A few years ago she gave us all "dream journals," but it took me awhile to actually use it. There is something scary about recognizing a dream; once you acknowledge it there are two options, to make it happen or let it pass. I think human nature allows us to ignore our dreams, to avoid the chance that we may not fulfill them, because what could be more discouraging that unfulfilled dreams?

Eventually, though, I sat down and filled in my dream journal. It was surprising how easy it was, and how exhilarating. Some of my dreams were simple (visit New York City) others more complex and challenging (earn my license in Massage Therapy), and some are expensive (travel to South America, etc). In writing them down, yes it is a bit scary, but it makes them more real, and more attainable.

While thinking about my dreams, I realized that my oldest dream was to study abroad. Since fifth grade, when I learned what is means to study abroad, I have been fascinated with the idea. During my college search I seriously considered the study abroad programs at each university, and when I looked at Salamanca (through Bellarmine's program) something clicked, and I knew that is where I wanted to be.

And so as an eager young freshman, I wandered into the International Programs Office to begin preparations. And for two years, my semester abroad was this distant idea, something that would happen in the future, a long way off...

Suddenly, it was upon me. Ready or not, I was buying my plane ticket, securing my room, packing my things, and freaking out. Literally, ask my close friends and family, I was a mess. That dream of mine didn't seam so pleasant, in fact, it appeared more as a monster, raring its ugly face...it was this huge unknown, and I didn't like it.

The thing about a dream is, once you start working towards it you can't really stop. There was no changing my mind, no going back. And in spite of all my fear, I knew I wanted to do this, I knew I had to do this.

And I survived the nightmare in the Madrid airport; not only that, but I made it to Salamanca, I met my host family, I started classes, I met people, I moved into the dorms, I started my job...I am here, and (excuse the cliche) I am living my dream. That is a great feeling. Very...freeing, uplifting, quite incredible.

My first experience in Madrid-Barajas Airport was, well, a challenge. And my second experience induced quite a bit of reflection. St. Paul said it well in Romans 8:18: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

I can't wait to see what is in store for me in this life!

Love,
Sarah
"Few things energize the human spirit like the pursuit of a dream." (Unknown)

¡Barcelona!

Me encanta esta ciudad...I love this city! Barcelona is very different from Salamanca and the other cities I have seen. It feels more modern and very artistic. The artsy feel is probably due to the presence of very famous artists and architects in years past, but aside from the buildings, the city just has a showy feeling. Walking down Las Ramblas (a main street, which our hostel was near) we saw all sorts of performers dressed in extravagant costumes; mimes, adults dressed as babies, princesses, a man pretending to have his head cut off...anything you can imagine, all hoping to receive money in their cups. At one point as we passed what looked like an empty table, someone jumped out at me-I screamed and jumped in the air, and everyone on the street laughed...I should have asked for money for providing such a show!

Friday I arrived and was met by my friend from high school, Olivia, who is studying in Barcelona this semester. She and her friend took me to my hostel and then showed me the city, pointing out good places to eat and making other suggestions for our visit. We finished by sharing some tapas, and after they left I went back to the hostel to wait for my friends from Milan (two friends from BU are studying there, and brought another American friend with them).

After we were all settled and refreshed, we went dinner and then to a small bar to try some sangria (and had free popcorn!). We sat with a group of people from Argentina, enjoyed our sangria, and turned into the hostel early.

The hostel was nice (though I know nothing of hostels-this was my first hostel experience). We had breakfast, pillows, blankets, sheets, and a locked cubby to store our things. Plus, free internet access on computers in the lobby. This hostel was located just a five minute walk from Las Ramblas, a busy, fun street.

I always attempted to speak Spanish, but people always responded to me in English, and I was frustrated and didn't understand why. Finally, when I asked someone for directions (in Spanish) and he responded in English, a stomped my foot and asked him how he knew I spoke English, if my Spanish was really that horrible. He looked at me and chuckled, pointed to the other girls and said: "I heard you speaking English as you walked down the street." I hadn't thought about that!
While using the computer to look up different things to do, an older man sat down on the sofa next to the computer desk. I asked if he wanted to use the computer (in Spanish) and he said yes, but not to worry, he was not in a hurry. After a few minutes I asked him where he was from, and about his travels (he is from French Quebec and has been traveling in Europe and Egypt for the past month). We talked for a few minutes more before I mentioned that I am from the U.S. He looked surprised and told me he thought I was from Spain! Yes, I realize he isn't a native Spanish speaker, but it was quite a boost to my Spanish self-esteem. We talked for over twenty minutes. And later that day I conversed well with a shop owner, in Spanish. I know these people are used to tourists and they all speak English, but at this point I will take what improvements I can get!

Saturday morning after breakfast we went on a bicycle tour of the city. We saw so much of the city in just four hours. At times it was a bit rushed (I'm the type that likes to wander), but because we were only there 2 full days it was the perfect way for us to feel like we toured the city well.

We saw an old palace, and the steps where Christopher Columbus was greeted by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (who didn't expect him to return from his trip) after he discovered the New World. We went to the Cathedral which was built in honor of Santa Eulalia, a thirteen year old martyr (she was killed by the Romans less than ten years before Christianity was recognized as a religion, and her the story of her death is quite tragic). Inside the church there are thirteen white geese, representing each year of her life. We saw the bull fighting arena, Parc de la Ciutadella (which has a beautiful fountain designed by Gaudí), Palau de la Música Catalana, we ate lunch near the beach, Gaudí's long term project: La iglesia de Sagrada Familia, and much more. Our tour guide was from South Africa originally but left home 14 years ago to spend some time traveling and hasn't returned since! The tour was in English, and there were about ten other Americans on the tour. It was a bit unnerving riding through a busy city, trying to stay with the group, avoid an accident, pedestrians, and vehicles. But it was so much fun!

Gaudí was a devout Catholic, and worried that people were losing interest in the Church. When he was commissioned to finish the building of La Sagrada Familia in 1883, that the first architect abandoned, Gaudí wanted to create something very visually appealing, in hopes to draw people to the church and to God. It is still unfinished, and probably has another 20 years before completion (it is said they hope to complete it by 2026, the 100th anniversary of his death). It has never been funded by the government or the Vatican, and therefore work is slow. Gaudí lived in the basement of the church after he started construction, and was a bit of a recluse in his later years. He stayed inside most of the time, and didn't give much attention to his appearance. Though he was famous in Barcelona, people rarely saw him, and when he was in public, few people recognized him. In 1926, while walking on the street he was pushed into the street and run over by a tram; no one knew it was Gaudí and assumed he was just a homeless bum, and left him lying and injured. After a couple of days, the police took him to a hospital where the homeless and poor people were treated. Still, he was unrecognized, and waited patiently (for another couple of days!) for medical attention. When his identity was finally discovered, he was urged to seek care in another, better hospital. Gaudí refused, however, saying that if the poor people were treated in this hospital there was no reason he deserved anything better. He died a bit later. What a humble, saintly man! He was buried in Sagrada Familia. His work was continued after his death, but was compromised by poor economic conditions and the Spanish Civil War. In 1938 anarchists set fire to the church, destroying the blueprints, photographs, and models. His coworker was able to reconstruct some models and create plans which reflect Gaudí's intentions. Construction of the church has continued ever since, and will hopefully be finished within the next twenty years. I plan on returning to see it (hopefully) completed, some day!

After the bike tour we rested for a bit and planned out the rest of our day. We walked to the Cathedral and went inside (free admission after 5:00), then we wandered towards the beach. Watched an interesting balloon exhibition: there was some sort of community activity and over 100 white balloons were filled, with some sort of mechanism inside. They were tied connected somehow, raised up to create a blanket-looking shape, and then turned on-many different colors! Then, the crowd (hundreds of people) walked underneath and using personal TV remotes they brought from home, were able to change the color of the balloons. It was interesting, and a bit strange...but quite popular! There is a good chance I was on the evening news in Barcelona on Saturday (not that we followed the camera man around...).

We then went to a tapas restaurant our tour guide recommended and shared some yummy traditional Spanish tapas. Our guide also recommended a nearby pub, where we went and watched the Barcelona-Málaga futbol game. That was fun, to experience a big part of Spanish culture. We started talking to a group of people next to us from Columbia, and after the game they invited us to join them for some dancing. I (tried to) learn to salsa dance!

Sunday morning we ate breakfast at a nearby cafe and took the metro to Parc Guell, another Gaudí attraction. It is set up in the mountains (quite a hike!) and has amazing views of the city, Mont Juic, and the ocean. Also, there is an area designed by Gaudí-two of his houses (which were commissioned projects the owners then rejected), which look like life-size gingerbread houses! And also beautiful mosaic benches, intricate walkways...quite a sight.

We returned to the hostel so I could collect my things, stopped for lunch at another tapas bar, and then my friends walked with me to the bus stop so I could catch my flight. (I will blog later about my travel experiences; let's just say the Madrid airport brought back some memories!).

It was quite a whirlwind trip. I wouldn't recommend trying to see Barcelona in just two days, though my friends and I did quite a good job! I am planning to return with my sister, Ana, in June, so I was not too worried about seeing it all this time.

We had wonderful weather, compared to our respective cities. Friday and Sunday were warm and sunny. Saturday was a bit cooler and it rained off and on, but it was still lovely...

I will hopefully have pictures on Picasa soon!

Sorry for writing a book...

Love,
Sarah