¡Este fin de semana voy a Bruselas y Ámsterdam! Estoy muy emocionada para las cosas venir.
This weekend I am going to Brussels and Amsterdam! I am very excited for the things to come!
I leave tonight on the 11 pm bus from Sevilla to Madrid which arrives at 5:15 tomorrow morning. Don't know how great of a plan that was... we ALL know how SUPER FUN I am to be around when I don't sleep...but I think this weekend is going to be fantastic! Belgium waffles, chocolate, fries (apparently, I didn't know about these), and beer! Our first hostel is across the street from the Godiva factory? Or at least it says so on the website! haha Then it's off the Amsterdam and courtesy of checkbook 1 & 2 and the worry of one of them (no way José am I decided who is 1 and who is 2) we will be staying in a hotel there! A REAL SHOWER!!! SOOOOO EXCITED!! Then back to Brussels and then back home to Sevilla...
Can't wait to report back to you on these things!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
London: the land where the diamonds and rubies are on the wrong side of the road...
So, I had a fantastic weekend this past weekend.
Got to see one of my best friends.
Everyone spoke english to me.
I got to hear some country music.
Got to see a very attractive guy wearing wranglers and boots.
Saw the cars (and was in them) on the wrong side of the road.
Saw some interesting clothing choices on the english people.
Ate a cheeseburger.
Bought some books, in english.
Bought some almonds.
All in all, fun.
Friday I got myself to the airport, way easier than I thought, and hopped on a flight to London. I arrived at Heathrow (not the airport I thought I was going to but more convenient) and as I got through customs I went down to the bus station and had to wait for almost 2 hours to get on a bus to Mildenhall. I arrived in Mildenhall at around 10:30 and we went to my hotel and let me get changed and then we went out to one of the bars that Ryan goes to while he's there. It was really fun and then we went back to the hotel around 2 and started to watch a movie but we were both asleep before the credits were done practically.
Next morning woke up at like 8 am, why you ask? I DON'T KNOW! but I forced myself to go back to sleep and then woke up at 10-10:30 and got dressed and we took off for the day. We relaxed, shopped at the BX ( a very welcomed American shopping experience) had some lunch, watched a movie, etc. It was just a great day. Then that night we went out to the town near the base and that is when I saw the terrible terrible wardrobe choices that some of these english women made. Libby, you would have croaked on the spot. A full body romper with jockey style pant legs? yep. saw it. with lace up heels that had a peep toe. Lime green dress with a ripped zipper from boobs to thigh... with a tear in the zipper all the way up to the crotch... yes. this really did happen. it was awful! Made me appreciate some of the strange things the spaniards have been wearing.
Sunday we got up early so that we could make sure I got to the bus on time to get me to the airport for my flight... we ate a cheeseburger on base and then I bought my almonds and several books because I finished the only one I brought with me... Got to the airport on time, had some coffee in the airport and then boarded my plane and got home to Sevilla.
It was a pleasant day today in Sevilla. Weather was good. Class was cancelled for one of them and I had a great workout. I ran for 20 minutes straight ( a personal best so far this try of getting in shape) and then finished a 5K in 33:10. I know it sounds long but its the first time I've finished 5K in a row!
BTW, This part of the blog is for Missy who has jealousy issues and was very upset that Libby was mentioned in my previously in this and she was not. So here is one paragraph dedicated solely to my best friend and roommate Missy! I miss you! better?
Got to see one of my best friends.
Everyone spoke english to me.
I got to hear some country music.
Got to see a very attractive guy wearing wranglers and boots.
Saw the cars (and was in them) on the wrong side of the road.
Saw some interesting clothing choices on the english people.
Ate a cheeseburger.
Bought some books, in english.
Bought some almonds.
All in all, fun.
Friday I got myself to the airport, way easier than I thought, and hopped on a flight to London. I arrived at Heathrow (not the airport I thought I was going to but more convenient) and as I got through customs I went down to the bus station and had to wait for almost 2 hours to get on a bus to Mildenhall. I arrived in Mildenhall at around 10:30 and we went to my hotel and let me get changed and then we went out to one of the bars that Ryan goes to while he's there. It was really fun and then we went back to the hotel around 2 and started to watch a movie but we were both asleep before the credits were done practically.
Next morning woke up at like 8 am, why you ask? I DON'T KNOW! but I forced myself to go back to sleep and then woke up at 10-10:30 and got dressed and we took off for the day. We relaxed, shopped at the BX ( a very welcomed American shopping experience) had some lunch, watched a movie, etc. It was just a great day. Then that night we went out to the town near the base and that is when I saw the terrible terrible wardrobe choices that some of these english women made. Libby, you would have croaked on the spot. A full body romper with jockey style pant legs? yep. saw it. with lace up heels that had a peep toe. Lime green dress with a ripped zipper from boobs to thigh... with a tear in the zipper all the way up to the crotch... yes. this really did happen. it was awful! Made me appreciate some of the strange things the spaniards have been wearing.
Sunday we got up early so that we could make sure I got to the bus on time to get me to the airport for my flight... we ate a cheeseburger on base and then I bought my almonds and several books because I finished the only one I brought with me... Got to the airport on time, had some coffee in the airport and then boarded my plane and got home to Sevilla.
It was a pleasant day today in Sevilla. Weather was good. Class was cancelled for one of them and I had a great workout. I ran for 20 minutes straight ( a personal best so far this try of getting in shape) and then finished a 5K in 33:10. I know it sounds long but its the first time I've finished 5K in a row!
BTW, This part of the blog is for Missy who has jealousy issues and was very upset that Libby was mentioned in my previously in this and she was not. So here is one paragraph dedicated solely to my best friend and roommate Missy! I miss you! better?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Jamón- who knew this stuff was good??
Well Thursday night rolled around this week and Lyndsey and I, not wanting to waste a single weekend day in Sevilla went out. We went to the Torre de Oro to botellón as they call it here, pre-game as we call it in the US. At around 1 we decided it was time to go to the discoteca, great except we had waited until 1 so we were faced with the decision or either running to get there before there was a cover charge or pay the cover, or formulate a new plan. So we went to a different disco.
I arrived at the bus station around 9 am the next morning not feeling remotely rested and somewhat regretting my decision to attend this company visit. We drove for an hour and a half to get to the factory of the premier jamón producer in Spain. They provide the King of Spain his jamón to give as gifts. Upon arrival we were told to put on coverings for our shoes and hair, and little plastic robes to put over our clothes. This was shaping up to be a disaster in Tori world. Why would we possibly need plastic robes???
We walked into the factory and the smell hit me and I came verrrrry close the throwing up. Saw more than I EVER wanted to see of how they produce cured ham... and as our tour was concluded we went to Mesón Cinco Jotas, which was the best meal I've had! It was 4 courses! An appetizer, a salad, a premeal, a meal, and a dessert, so 5 courses! It was delicious! And I no longer regretted having made the journey. Who knew Jamón would be good? Not this girl.
Saturday night we went to the Torre again after tapas but this time the boys were there too so we went out with them and found a discoteca there and then went home around 5?? I could never stay out that late inthe US!! Then Sunday, Mercedes grandson came over! So adorable!
Yesterday was as you all know, Dia de los enamorados! Or, valentine's day! I went out to eat with Lyndsey after having studied for a while, not the best plan. We walked into the restaurant and every single head turned our way as the hostess asked if we had a reservation. We were sat (even without a reservation) and then it seemed to die down a bit. We proceeded to have such a fantastic meal! Mozzerella and tomato salad. I had pizza with tuna and onions on it (I'm so adventurous now, I know) and a glass of wine. Mom Dad and Annie, we will definitely be coming back here.
Took the test today that I studied for yesterday, I felt like I might as well have not studied at all! So frustrating! But, it's Spain. I can't be toooo upset.
I arrived at the bus station around 9 am the next morning not feeling remotely rested and somewhat regretting my decision to attend this company visit. We drove for an hour and a half to get to the factory of the premier jamón producer in Spain. They provide the King of Spain his jamón to give as gifts. Upon arrival we were told to put on coverings for our shoes and hair, and little plastic robes to put over our clothes. This was shaping up to be a disaster in Tori world. Why would we possibly need plastic robes???
We walked into the factory and the smell hit me and I came verrrrry close the throwing up. Saw more than I EVER wanted to see of how they produce cured ham... and as our tour was concluded we went to Mesón Cinco Jotas, which was the best meal I've had! It was 4 courses! An appetizer, a salad, a premeal, a meal, and a dessert, so 5 courses! It was delicious! And I no longer regretted having made the journey. Who knew Jamón would be good? Not this girl.
Saturday night we went to the Torre again after tapas but this time the boys were there too so we went out with them and found a discoteca there and then went home around 5?? I could never stay out that late inthe US!! Then Sunday, Mercedes grandson came over! So adorable!
Yesterday was as you all know, Dia de los enamorados! Or, valentine's day! I went out to eat with Lyndsey after having studied for a while, not the best plan. We walked into the restaurant and every single head turned our way as the hostess asked if we had a reservation. We were sat (even without a reservation) and then it seemed to die down a bit. We proceeded to have such a fantastic meal! Mozzerella and tomato salad. I had pizza with tuna and onions on it (I'm so adventurous now, I know) and a glass of wine. Mom Dad and Annie, we will definitely be coming back here.
Took the test today that I studied for yesterday, I felt like I might as well have not studied at all! So frustrating! But, it's Spain. I can't be toooo upset.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Week in Week out...
This week has been fairly good.
Learned how to turn on the hot water.
Almost blew up the house because apparently when I did exactly the same thing she did, I did it wrong.
Found the Spanish version of Wal-Mart.
Joined the gym.
Mercedes and I are getting along.
Great week.
I have decided that I really enjoy my days with runs here. They are just better than the rest. Which means I should probably just run everyday. Makes sense to me. My plan is to run 3 times a week and use the gym twice a week...
I booked my flight to Brussels this week too! I'm so excited! Now I've got pretty much all my trips for the semester planned! :)
Also, got news yesterday that I got an interview for the internship with Teach for America for this summer in Philadelphia! Say a little prayer for me on Saturday!
Learned how to turn on the hot water.
Almost blew up the house because apparently when I did exactly the same thing she did, I did it wrong.
Found the Spanish version of Wal-Mart.
Joined the gym.
Mercedes and I are getting along.
Great week.
I have decided that I really enjoy my days with runs here. They are just better than the rest. Which means I should probably just run everyday. Makes sense to me. My plan is to run 3 times a week and use the gym twice a week...
I booked my flight to Brussels this week too! I'm so excited! Now I've got pretty much all my trips for the semester planned! :)
Also, got news yesterday that I got an interview for the internship with Teach for America for this summer in Philadelphia! Say a little prayer for me on Saturday!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Málaga
Well since it has been such a long time since I last blogged I'm going to go through this week in parts..
Monday- I went to class and then went to go talk to María at the CIEE center about changing homestays... We talked and she told me that she would set up an appointment for me to find a different house. I went later on at like 5 that night but I really did not like it so I decided to stay where I am until a different option opens up BUT I did learn that María made the mistake. Mercedes form says that she's a smoker and mine says nonsmoker so she's been trying to find me a better situation.
After that I met up with Lyndsey, Kyle, Chase, and Patrick to buy our tickets to Málaga. That was pointless and we ended up deciding to meet the next day and go buy them together! Later on that night though, Kyle, Patrick, Lyndsey and I met up with our friend Stephanie and went the La Carboneria, which is a little place kind of hidden in the back streets and they have a flamenco show and this drink called Agua de Sevilla. It was so good! Mom, Daddy, and Annie- we will be going here when you guys get here! :)
Tuesday- Class. But, GREAT news! I was able to transfer from the 4 o'clock section of my European Union class and move into the 12 o'clock one so now I go to class everyday from 10:30-1:20! Sweet schedule! Met with the group later on and bought our tickets to Málaga... And, María called Mercedes to see if she would stop smoking inside, she said she wouldn't... then Mercedes asked me if I was going to change houses. AWKWARD! But, she has been super sweet ever since then so maybe if I don't find a new place it wouldn't be the end of the world... She told me that she would translate the TV for me (which means she will tell me what they say just a lot slower so I can understand it) and then she told me that I look skinnier than when I got here!! YAY!
Wednesday- uneventful. Class, home, run, siesta, etc.
Thursday- class, home, NO siesta and then I went out again with Fernando and Selu. We had a blast! We went back to La Carboneria and then we went to Calle Alfalfa which is a street of bars in the Centro. We got home at around 4 am. And that's pretty normal for Spaniards apparently. Ouch.
Monday- I went to class and then went to go talk to María at the CIEE center about changing homestays... We talked and she told me that she would set up an appointment for me to find a different house. I went later on at like 5 that night but I really did not like it so I decided to stay where I am until a different option opens up BUT I did learn that María made the mistake. Mercedes form says that she's a smoker and mine says nonsmoker so she's been trying to find me a better situation.
After that I met up with Lyndsey, Kyle, Chase, and Patrick to buy our tickets to Málaga. That was pointless and we ended up deciding to meet the next day and go buy them together! Later on that night though, Kyle, Patrick, Lyndsey and I met up with our friend Stephanie and went the La Carboneria, which is a little place kind of hidden in the back streets and they have a flamenco show and this drink called Agua de Sevilla. It was so good! Mom, Daddy, and Annie- we will be going here when you guys get here! :)
Tuesday- Class. But, GREAT news! I was able to transfer from the 4 o'clock section of my European Union class and move into the 12 o'clock one so now I go to class everyday from 10:30-1:20! Sweet schedule! Met with the group later on and bought our tickets to Málaga... And, María called Mercedes to see if she would stop smoking inside, she said she wouldn't... then Mercedes asked me if I was going to change houses. AWKWARD! But, she has been super sweet ever since then so maybe if I don't find a new place it wouldn't be the end of the world... She told me that she would translate the TV for me (which means she will tell me what they say just a lot slower so I can understand it) and then she told me that I look skinnier than when I got here!! YAY!
Wednesday- uneventful. Class, home, run, siesta, etc.
Thursday- class, home, NO siesta and then I went out again with Fernando and Selu. We had a blast! We went back to La Carboneria and then we went to Calle Alfalfa which is a street of bars in the Centro. We got home at around 4 am. And that's pretty normal for Spaniards apparently. Ouch.
Friday- I got up really late for getting ready. I had not packed anything so I spent the morning trying to get my stuff all together. I got ready and we met at the metro stop and then we went to the station together. When we got there the hostel had a board that said welcome Tori out front! how cute! :) Then we went to the beach and just hung out there for a while and then we went to the centro of Málaga and found this bar that was outside, great people watching, but it had a heater and blankets! Needless to say, we did not leave after we sat down there!
Saturday- We woke up and went to the Picasso Museum and then we walked around Málaga for a while... we ate at a little place on the beach and then we went to what I think was the Alcazar of Málaga and climbed up but then the palace itself was closed. Great pictures though! Then we went out that night to a little bar down the street from the hostel.
Sunday- We woke up today and got ourselves moving and then we left the hostel, and then we went across the street (yes, our hostel was across the street from the beach) and we layed on the beach for a while. It was so nice and so relaxing! I loved it there! After that we had lunch and went back to the bus stop. All in All this was a great trip with great people! :)
The Cathedral
Picasso Museum inside
The Tower of the Cathedral
Climbing up the mountain to the Alcázar
View from the Top
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