Today school was just the same as always with the exception of a Literature test. The teacher passed out three blank pages to everyone (including me). I looked at these three blank pages wondering how I was supposed to fill them. She told everyone to write about the themes of the novel "The Sorrow of Young Werther" which was written in the 18th century, in German...and then translated into Spanish. How on earth am I supposed to be able to do this? Haha. A trace of panic must have been evident in my face as I raised my hand for the teacher to come over. I told her that I didn't think I was capable of writing about the themes and asked if I could write her a nice little summary instead. She wanted me to write a character analysis but I threw that out the window (like that would be any easier).
After school I walked with Julia to our bus stop and we rode home. Once we arrived home, Enrique, Alberto, Julia, and I went to the gas station to eat lunch. This was a fancy gas station, let me tell you. It reminded me of a Sheetz almost expect the food was already ready...sort of like a college cafeteria where you can choose what you want from about 4 or 5 different options. I got a salad, lasagna, chocolate pudding, and fanta. It was great! Then we came home and I relaxed the rest of the evening. My host family asked if I wanted to go into Pamplona with them tonight (everyone goes their separate ways once we get there) but I told them that I would rather stay here for the evening. Since no one was home, I did the one activity I miss the most: I sang. At first was nervous for some reason...maybe because I hadn't sung in awhile...but eventually I was singing at the top of my lungs and it felt absolutely amazing. I miss singing so much. It's such a great way to express myself.
After singing I watched a movie and read some of the handouts from school today. Once everyone was home we ate dinner. Tonight we ate pasta with tomato sauce, bread, ham, and melon. We spent a long time around the table talking about our day and my life in America. I told them about Olivia and how I want to go visit her in the spring. Enrique was already telling me where I can get the best deals to Brussels (he reminds me so much of my dad sometimes!! It's crazy). I told them I was worried that I wouldn't be allowed to miss school but they told me that that was the least of my worries. They are so supportive of this. I'm so grateful. We then talked about school in America, since Julia will be in the states next year for her exchange. I told her we have foods classes and she was excited. They seemed surprised when I told them I thought it was easier. I'm pretty sure it is...that's what I've heard from all the other exchange students. But I mentioned it depends on the individual, since we pick and choose the difficulty of our classes. My schedule was pretty rigorous throughout high school. It just depends. For dessert I asked them if they wanted to try Reese's peanut butter cups and they said yes. I quickly ran up the stairs and grabbed the bag of Reese's Aunt Barbie had sent me. They loved them! I was so happy! That means that they'll like Buckeyes, too. I hope to bake a lot more in this home. I'm becoming so much more comfortable with it. I'm surprising myself. Oh, and tonight at dinner Enrique told me that I can use anything in the house whenever I want (like the TV, the treadmill, the stereo, the books) and I can eat whenever I want. He told me that this is my house now. It made me happy. That's when I chimed in about Livy. I told them that I understand how they feel. Telling the guest that they're welcome to anything and insisting they eat more. Hahaha. That's just how it goes! :D
I've had a great day! Time for some Friends and 1000 Splendid Suns (great book, by the way). Buenas noches. Un beso!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Back to School.
So today I finally had to go back to school. I didn't wake up very well because I could not sleep last night. It's so frustrating. By next week I should be back to normal though. So school today was pretty boring. Going to school all day in a foreign country where your grades don't matter has to be on the top ten list of most boring activities. Haha. After school, my host mom picked us up and then drove us to a restaurant where we met Enrique. I ate paella, pork, and arroz con leche. It was great! Such a different experience already! I didn't get home until 4:15. It's strange because I'm usually done eating by 3:15. After lunch I watched Friends and tried to rest since I was so exhausted. I woke up at 6 and caught the bus for Pamplona. I went to my old house because a package and an envelope came for me today. I got my mail and hung out with Athena, Dara, and Tabea. I left around 8 to catch my next bus. On my way to the bus stop I saw a dog that resembled Chancie so much. I stared for what seemed like ten minutes. Then I turned in the other direction and began to sob. I miss my little best friend. My bus finally came and I took the bus back to Zuasti. It was a very long bus ride. Once I got to my house, I saw that the key was in the door. So I tried to open it and I failed miserably. I had to call my host dad and ask if he could open the door for me. After opening it, he taught me how to open a door and made me practice a few times. Haha. I'm a dumbo. Once I was home I showered and then ate dinner with my family. I really like eating here. We spend a long time together just talking. I really enjoy it. Plus, it improves my Spanish immensely. Tonight we talked about musicals, religion, and my background. It was so perfect. They told me that there is a church right here in Zuasti that I can attend on Sundays. How perfect is this? Things are working out great. The bus schedule is the only downside about Zuasti. Everything else is great. Now it's time for me to talk to The Foxes and open Christmas presents! Que ganas! Besos :)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
My New Family.
Yesterday I made the big move around noon. When I arrived Natalie was still here and still packing, so we put all of my things in the bathroom until she was finished. After we finished eating lunch and Natalie finished packing, we watched a movie until it was time for her to go to her next host family. My host parents and I took Natalie to her new home and said goodbye. After that, I went grocery shopping with my host parents. It was nice. We then came home and I began to unpack. Madre mia, do I have a lot of stuff! It took me a long time to unpack. I eventually found a place for everything and then decided to take a shower. I had hot water. An endless supply. It was so nice! Since the bathroom is my own, I took my time in there afterwards painting my nails and listening to music. It is such a luxury to have a bathroom of my own. I've never had my own bathroom. Last year I was basically sharing with three other girls! Haha. It was fun of course...a bit of a challenge to do our hair and makeup all at once...but I really like knowing that I don't have to hurry. It's all mine. Hahaha. I'm going to enjoy this while I can.
After my shower I went down stairs to eat some pizza for dinner. It was nice. Alberto, my host brother (13), had some friends over and they were watching the soccer game and playing video games. Julia, my host sister (15), came home while I was eating so I talked to her for a little bit. After eating I came back upstairs and watched Friends until I fell asleep. I actually went to bed at a decent hour: 2 am!
This morning as soon as I woke up Enrique, my host dad, came into my room and asked if I wanted to go to a basketball game. I said of course and then headed down to get some breakfast. I made toast with butter and raspberry jam. This was the first I'd had toast in four months!! It tasted so yummy. In the midst of my eating, my host dad asked if I was ready (I was still in my pajamas) and I was like "Oh, I thought we were leaving in like 30 minutes! haha Apparently that's when the game started. So I ran upstairs and got ready as fast as I could. He told me it was fast. So no problem. The game was great! It was a professional game (I think) and our team won! It was very exciting. While there I heard the theme song from Pirates of the Caribbean. We played that in band in middle school. I've always loved it.
We come home and ate lunch right away. We ate beans and rice, fish, and then some kind of cheese and fruit spread (I think?) for dessert. It was great! Something different and yummy. They told me that I eat fast. Haha. I didn't deny it. I can't help it! After lunch I came into my room and was looking at scholarships on my computer when Enrique asked if I wanted to go to the professional soccer game this evening. Uh, yes! I got ready and then we met our neighbor. He took us in his car to the stadium. We parked in a field behind the stadium to avoid the traffic. We entered behind an electronics store. They told me right away that they weren't kidnapping me, it was just a shortcut. Hahaha. The game was great! It held my attention and I was excited about it! I really like it. It resulted in a tie and people kept telling me it was an "ugly game" but I enjoyed it! I liked seeing how involved and emotional the fans were.
I've had a busy day filled with sports! I've enjoyed every minute of it. I think we'll be eating dinner soon, and then I need to go to bed early because I start school back up in the morning. I'm definitely not looking forward to it, but I know it will improve my Spanish, so it's worth it. Here's to a great move and a smooth transition! I think I'm going to have an amazing time with this family. Besos! Buenas noches :
After my shower I went down stairs to eat some pizza for dinner. It was nice. Alberto, my host brother (13), had some friends over and they were watching the soccer game and playing video games. Julia, my host sister (15), came home while I was eating so I talked to her for a little bit. After eating I came back upstairs and watched Friends until I fell asleep. I actually went to bed at a decent hour: 2 am!
This morning as soon as I woke up Enrique, my host dad, came into my room and asked if I wanted to go to a basketball game. I said of course and then headed down to get some breakfast. I made toast with butter and raspberry jam. This was the first I'd had toast in four months!! It tasted so yummy. In the midst of my eating, my host dad asked if I was ready (I was still in my pajamas) and I was like "Oh, I thought we were leaving in like 30 minutes! haha Apparently that's when the game started. So I ran upstairs and got ready as fast as I could. He told me it was fast. So no problem. The game was great! It was a professional game (I think) and our team won! It was very exciting. While there I heard the theme song from Pirates of the Caribbean. We played that in band in middle school. I've always loved it.
We come home and ate lunch right away. We ate beans and rice, fish, and then some kind of cheese and fruit spread (I think?) for dessert. It was great! Something different and yummy. They told me that I eat fast. Haha. I didn't deny it. I can't help it! After lunch I came into my room and was looking at scholarships on my computer when Enrique asked if I wanted to go to the professional soccer game this evening. Uh, yes! I got ready and then we met our neighbor. He took us in his car to the stadium. We parked in a field behind the stadium to avoid the traffic. We entered behind an electronics store. They told me right away that they weren't kidnapping me, it was just a shortcut. Hahaha. The game was great! It held my attention and I was excited about it! I really like it. It resulted in a tie and people kept telling me it was an "ugly game" but I enjoyed it! I liked seeing how involved and emotional the fans were.
I've had a busy day filled with sports! I've enjoyed every minute of it. I think we'll be eating dinner soon, and then I need to go to bed early because I start school back up in the morning. I'm definitely not looking forward to it, but I know it will improve my Spanish, so it's worth it. Here's to a great move and a smooth transition! I think I'm going to have an amazing time with this family. Besos! Buenas noches :
Friday, January 7, 2011
Empty Again.
I just finished packing all of my things. I managed to fit everything in two large suitcases, a carry on, and a backpack. I'm pretty pleased with that considering that I've bought quite a bit of stuff here. I actually did some after-holidays-shopping today. There were great sales! I only bought two things because the mall was so incredible crowded. The lines were madness! Loca, loca, loca. As I look at my suitcases stacked up against my closet I can't help but think back to the night before I left. I mean it's completely different, but similar all the same. I've created a life in this apartment. This is my home right now. I'm going to miss my endless supply of Nougat Pillows, watching Glee with Maite, and Merche's never ending kindness and motherly care. I never thought that it would feel this strange. I feel like I'm starting over again. Everything is new: fresh. I have the customs of a new family, a new way of life. I never thought that I would get so attached to my family here. But alas, I am.
Now the sadness is out. With all of these thoughts swirling in my mind I am still very excited to move in with my next family. It's going to be a completely different experience that will add more color and culture to my year in Spain. Wow, I'm in Spain. And wow, this just came to me...it's been four months today. can hardly believe it. I feel like I've been here for a long time because I have learned so much...I feel like Pamplona is truly a second home to me. It's so familiar now. So welcoming. I'm nervous at how fast these next six months are going to go. I have so much to do and see and experience. And moving into a new family tomorrow will give me even more opportunities to embrace these aspects of my exchange. Here goes. Adjust, adapt, add to my year! (I needed another "ad" to round it out) Goodnight. Besos!
Now the sadness is out. With all of these thoughts swirling in my mind I am still very excited to move in with my next family. It's going to be a completely different experience that will add more color and culture to my year in Spain. Wow, I'm in Spain. And wow, this just came to me...it's been four months today. can hardly believe it. I feel like I've been here for a long time because I have learned so much...I feel like Pamplona is truly a second home to me. It's so familiar now. So welcoming. I'm nervous at how fast these next six months are going to go. I have so much to do and see and experience. And moving into a new family tomorrow will give me even more opportunities to embrace these aspects of my exchange. Here goes. Adjust, adapt, add to my year! (I needed another "ad" to round it out) Goodnight. Besos!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A New Kind of Holiday.
My past couple of days have been perfect. I feel like I am really living the life an exchange student should. On Monday I went to a cafe with friends and talked for hours and then spent the rest of my day relaxing. On Tuesday I went to a cafe again and then did some shopping (mostly window shopping haha). Tuesday evening I got ready and then walked to Elle's bus stop. I met Elle and we did some grocery shopping and ran into our friend Dara. After the shopping, Elle and I caught the bus back to her suburb if Pamplona. When we got to her house we hung out and relaxed until it was time for us to start making dinner for her family. We made them Chili from scratch! It was so much fun. The best part was that her host family loved it. After dinner we watch The Princess and the Frog. I love this movie!! The music is great, the story line is great, everything is great! Elle loved it too.
We woke up this morning and took the bus back into Pamplona. Once I was back in town, I did some grocery shopping to make some more chili for my host family. After that I went to Movistar and finally bought a cell phone...okay two cell phones. Haha. It was two for one, so why not? An extra phone may come in handy. I covered them with different stickers as soon as I got home s I could distinguish them from each other. My last stop in town was at Zara. I had looked at the same dress three times in two days. I was just stopping by to see if it was there. It wasn't in it's original spot so I went to the dressing rooms to see if someone had tried it on and didn't want it. It's a good thing I did. It was there! The last one left in my size. I'm in love with this dress, so I bought it! It gorgeous!
Once I got home I ate lunch and took my siesta. After my nap I met Becca and then she came here to make Chocolate Chip Cookies. We were lacking brown sugar and flour so we ran to the nearest Eroski to get the rest of the ingredients. Once we had everything, we came back here and started making the cookies. Our first attempt was a failed attempt, but we learned. Haha. We just let them in the oven too long. The rest turned out great! Our favorite part was the cookie dough of course. Brandi never lets me eat it at home and it makes me so mad because it's the best. Becca let me have all that I wanted. After the cookie making, Becca and I headed towards the Plaza de Castillo for the Three Wise Men Parade. It was so much fun! Lots of floats and people in costumes and music and candy. It was so great. After the parade, Becca and I parted ways ad headed home. Once I was home I made the chili. For dinner we ate Three Kings Cake. Maite got the "bad" figure and Merche got the "good figure" in her cake. I didn't get anything! Haha. The cake was delicious. It was a pastry with some type of whipped cream substance. After our cake dinner I continued to watch and stir the chili. We're going to eat it for lunch tomorrow! I'm so excited. A little bit ago, Maite, Merche, and I put our shoes out in the living room with the chocolate chip cookies and the milk for the three kings to eat and then fill our shoes with presents! Before going to bed, Merche asked if I've been a good girl. Hahaha. I told her, "yes, of course!" So she told me that I should get some presents then! Hahaha. I love my host mommy.
I'm shocked that I'm tired at a decent hour. Maybe I'll actually go to bed before three am! Yay! I get open presents and celebrate this amazing new holiday tomorrow! i'm so excited. I absolutely love my life. I couldn't ask for more! Besos :)
We woke up this morning and took the bus back into Pamplona. Once I was back in town, I did some grocery shopping to make some more chili for my host family. After that I went to Movistar and finally bought a cell phone...okay two cell phones. Haha. It was two for one, so why not? An extra phone may come in handy. I covered them with different stickers as soon as I got home s I could distinguish them from each other. My last stop in town was at Zara. I had looked at the same dress three times in two days. I was just stopping by to see if it was there. It wasn't in it's original spot so I went to the dressing rooms to see if someone had tried it on and didn't want it. It's a good thing I did. It was there! The last one left in my size. I'm in love with this dress, so I bought it! It gorgeous!
Once I got home I ate lunch and took my siesta. After my nap I met Becca and then she came here to make Chocolate Chip Cookies. We were lacking brown sugar and flour so we ran to the nearest Eroski to get the rest of the ingredients. Once we had everything, we came back here and started making the cookies. Our first attempt was a failed attempt, but we learned. Haha. We just let them in the oven too long. The rest turned out great! Our favorite part was the cookie dough of course. Brandi never lets me eat it at home and it makes me so mad because it's the best. Becca let me have all that I wanted. After the cookie making, Becca and I headed towards the Plaza de Castillo for the Three Wise Men Parade. It was so much fun! Lots of floats and people in costumes and music and candy. It was so great. After the parade, Becca and I parted ways ad headed home. Once I was home I made the chili. For dinner we ate Three Kings Cake. Maite got the "bad" figure and Merche got the "good figure" in her cake. I didn't get anything! Haha. The cake was delicious. It was a pastry with some type of whipped cream substance. After our cake dinner I continued to watch and stir the chili. We're going to eat it for lunch tomorrow! I'm so excited. A little bit ago, Maite, Merche, and I put our shoes out in the living room with the chocolate chip cookies and the milk for the three kings to eat and then fill our shoes with presents! Before going to bed, Merche asked if I've been a good girl. Hahaha. I told her, "yes, of course!" So she told me that I should get some presents then! Hahaha. I love my host mommy.
I'm shocked that I'm tired at a decent hour. Maybe I'll actually go to bed before three am! Yay! I get open presents and celebrate this amazing new holiday tomorrow! i'm so excited. I absolutely love my life. I couldn't ask for more! Besos :)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
It's Gonna Be A Happy New Year!
I've had one of the best New Year's Eve of my life. During the day I relaxed until 8 pm when Merche and I headed for my host grandparents for dinner. We ate and talked and ate amazing turron. I had the option of trying barnacles that night and I had to pass. I just couldn't do it. I've tried everything else...but these looked like brown roots with green dinosaur toenails...just saying. While at dinner, one of my host cousins asked what Spanish food I want to take back to the states and I told him Nougat Pillows and Merche's salads. They all laughed. They were like, "Cereales?!" Hahaha. Yes. Cereal. I love it, and Merche knows it because we have a never ending supply. Right now there are three boxes full of heaven in the kitchen. After dinner we all talked for a bit and did our own thing. I listened to my iPod and wrote in my journal quickly. I just had too many memories to write about! Ha...or I just didn't really have anything to say.
Once it was 11:45 pm, we all gathered around the TV with our plates filled with twelve grapes ready for the countdown. In the last twelve seconds of 2010, everyone in Spain shoved twelve grapes in their mouth and ate them before the clock struck midnight for good luck for a prosperous year. After the grapes we all drank champagne and clinked glasses to another great year. Around 12:30 Merche and I said our goodbyes and started walking home (Maite wanted to stay at the grandparents for awhile longer). On the way home, we say lots of Pamplonians dressed up in costumes (like Halloween). They started dressing up about twenty years ago. The cool thing is that they only do it in Pamplona. Yay! The rest of Spain gets really dressed up (as in elegant) for the occasion. Some costumes were pretty interesting. I have to say though, I did not appreciate the serial killer clowns. They scared me. Anyways. Merche and I got home around one. Natalie came here soon after to get ready with me and then Athena and Elle joined as well. We all got dressed up and headed downstairs to meet the others. We were all together, but wanted to do different things...so Natalie, Mitchell, and I went to Merengo right away. When we first got there, there was only middle aged (and +) people. We were shocked because Merengo is always filled with young people. We then asked the bartender when the younger people would come and he told us around four. Sure enough, he was right. We danced and danced and danced until six am. At six my feet were starting to hurt (that's what heels so to you after four hours of being on your feet, I suppose) and I kept procrastinating opening my eyes. That's when you know it's time to sleep. Haha. Natalie and I said goodbye to Mitch and then headed back to my apartment.
I had such an amazing time. What a way to start the new year! The following day I slept in. As soon as I woke up I washed the smoke out of hair. Eww, que asco! AND I had a warm shower!! I was so happy. As soon as my warm shower was over, I quickly got ready for lunch at the grandparents. Lunch was delicioso. We had salad (duhh), then jumbo shrimp (yay for oxymorons), and then...and then...and then....drumroll please....we had mashed potatoes and roast beef!!!!!!!! It tasted so perfect. It was a perfect mix of American and Spanish and I was just in love. I ate lunch to Tia Amaya. She's a nun. She is so sweet. We always joke around. I usually sit by her and Yayo (Grandpa) for some reason. They just make me happy. After lunch we came home and just relaxed until it was time for dinner. I can't remember what kind of salad it was at the moment. Oh well.
I went to bed last night around five am. It's been my regular bedtime over break. Haha. I got up this morning and got ready for church. After church I came home and said Happy Birthday to Merche!!!! We ate a great lunch today. We had salad and paella. The salad: tomatoes, tuna, onions, black olives, corn, oil, vinegar, and salt. Que rica!! Then, in the afternoon, friends and family came over to celebrate Merche's birthday. I had the best time. It was so nice. We ate and talked and just enjoyed each others company. Once everyone left, Merche, Maite, and I cleaned up the mess. Then I gave Meche her present: a wind chime and a bottle of hand soap from B&BW. She loved it! I was so happy! I then watched TV for a bit with Maite until I found myself falling asleep.
Now that I have to move in a week, I feel so much closer to my host family. I feel as though the holidays gave us something special and now we are closer than ever. I love them. I don't think I'm ready to leave. I'm looking forward to my next family, I'm just going to miss this one. Bueno, there's nothing I can do! I will have another incredible experience with my next family! With that, here's to another fantastic year full of adventure, laughter, experiences, and love! Buenas. Besos a todos!
Once it was 11:45 pm, we all gathered around the TV with our plates filled with twelve grapes ready for the countdown. In the last twelve seconds of 2010, everyone in Spain shoved twelve grapes in their mouth and ate them before the clock struck midnight for good luck for a prosperous year. After the grapes we all drank champagne and clinked glasses to another great year. Around 12:30 Merche and I said our goodbyes and started walking home (Maite wanted to stay at the grandparents for awhile longer). On the way home, we say lots of Pamplonians dressed up in costumes (like Halloween). They started dressing up about twenty years ago. The cool thing is that they only do it in Pamplona. Yay! The rest of Spain gets really dressed up (as in elegant) for the occasion. Some costumes were pretty interesting. I have to say though, I did not appreciate the serial killer clowns. They scared me. Anyways. Merche and I got home around one. Natalie came here soon after to get ready with me and then Athena and Elle joined as well. We all got dressed up and headed downstairs to meet the others. We were all together, but wanted to do different things...so Natalie, Mitchell, and I went to Merengo right away. When we first got there, there was only middle aged (and +) people. We were shocked because Merengo is always filled with young people. We then asked the bartender when the younger people would come and he told us around four. Sure enough, he was right. We danced and danced and danced until six am. At six my feet were starting to hurt (that's what heels so to you after four hours of being on your feet, I suppose) and I kept procrastinating opening my eyes. That's when you know it's time to sleep. Haha. Natalie and I said goodbye to Mitch and then headed back to my apartment.
I had such an amazing time. What a way to start the new year! The following day I slept in. As soon as I woke up I washed the smoke out of hair. Eww, que asco! AND I had a warm shower!! I was so happy. As soon as my warm shower was over, I quickly got ready for lunch at the grandparents. Lunch was delicioso. We had salad (duhh), then jumbo shrimp (yay for oxymorons), and then...and then...and then....drumroll please....we had mashed potatoes and roast beef!!!!!!!! It tasted so perfect. It was a perfect mix of American and Spanish and I was just in love. I ate lunch to Tia Amaya. She's a nun. She is so sweet. We always joke around. I usually sit by her and Yayo (Grandpa) for some reason. They just make me happy. After lunch we came home and just relaxed until it was time for dinner. I can't remember what kind of salad it was at the moment. Oh well.
I went to bed last night around five am. It's been my regular bedtime over break. Haha. I got up this morning and got ready for church. After church I came home and said Happy Birthday to Merche!!!! We ate a great lunch today. We had salad and paella. The salad: tomatoes, tuna, onions, black olives, corn, oil, vinegar, and salt. Que rica!! Then, in the afternoon, friends and family came over to celebrate Merche's birthday. I had the best time. It was so nice. We ate and talked and just enjoyed each others company. Once everyone left, Merche, Maite, and I cleaned up the mess. Then I gave Meche her present: a wind chime and a bottle of hand soap from B&BW. She loved it! I was so happy! I then watched TV for a bit with Maite until I found myself falling asleep.
Now that I have to move in a week, I feel so much closer to my host family. I feel as though the holidays gave us something special and now we are closer than ever. I love them. I don't think I'm ready to leave. I'm looking forward to my next family, I'm just going to miss this one. Bueno, there's nothing I can do! I will have another incredible experience with my next family! With that, here's to another fantastic year full of adventure, laughter, experiences, and love! Buenas. Besos a todos!
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