Barcelona Round 2!

September 14, 2013

Barcelona, Spain

Vacay with some babes!

My first trip from my home away from home: Barcelona!

To start this wonderful weekend, I had two of my closest friends visit Sevilla and see me for a few days. These two chicas have been exploring Europe for a month now, and finally made it to the Spanish world down south! I was beyond ecstatic to be able to spend time with them, and lucky that they chose to come to my new digs. For 3 short days, we lounged on the top of their Hostel by the pool, made homemade guacamole, and explored the city of Sevilla together!

After 3 days of laziness, we ventured out with 2 trains and a whole lot of snacks later, when we finally made it to Barca! 

Our first night in the city was a blast- to say the least. We arrived to our rented apartment in the early evening, grabbed some quick dinner, and got ready to paint the town. Our first stop, a club right on the beach called Opium. A place full of Spainards among other Europeans, and to make us feel right at home, hundred of tourists similar to yours truly. The night was filled with dancing and laughter, and excitement to be reunited in one of the most amazing places in the world.

As the fun drew to an end, we decided we weren't quite ready for the night to be over. Thus we came to the conclusion that since we are right on the beach, we MUST go swimming (at 5:30 in the morning), of course! As a result of our spontaneity, we semi skinny dipped in the Mediterranean just to say we did. It was a blast in itself, and topped the night off just right.

This trip had little to do with the amazement of Gaudi's creations, the incredibly giant market in the center of Las Ramblas, or the beautiful parks and statues that are to be seen in this enormous city. But nevertheless, it was a more eventful weekend than I could have imagined, and I was so lucky to be able to have the time I had with these amazing girls!

Shout outs to a few of my favorite Spanish babies: Madison Morales, Nicole Sisco, and Emily Gaar- Thank you for a weekend I will always remember! Cheers to memories like this, and many many more!

At the end of this trip, it occurred to me for the first time that Sevilla is now my home. The incredibly happy feeling that I have to be able to call it just that, is priceless.

As always, muchos besos!

We do school here?

September  11, 2013

Seville, Spain

First day of school!

School has started for us here at Pablo de Olavide University, just a short 15 minute metro ride for me, where I have settled in quite nicely given the shock at first. The professors are all extremely welcoming, and very easy to talk to although their English isn't the greatest, and my Spanish isn't quite up to par just yet. But I have to admit, the language is becoming more and more familiar to me as I am being forced to listen and speak Spanish as I would speak English at home. The progress I have made in just 2 short weeks gives me hope and excitement for what there is to come!

There have been many funny rumors about what our school used to be, before it was a college. For example, an insane asylum (which isn't surprising if you saw the school...), a prison (apparently where Prison Break was filmed, YAY!), and a few other strange assumptions. The campus is very spread out, but nice to walk through.

As American students, we are completely isolated with all other American students, way on the far side of the campus, as if to keep us away from the natives. Although this is sort of an unfortunate aspect of the school, it makes it much less overwhelming and intimidating to be a student there, and so far, I am loving it!

Here is what the school looks like from above:

Prison break? Maybe.. Insane asylum? Not surprised. It looks all too similar to a jail for crazy people in my opinion, but as a student there, I am anticipating learning too many great things about the language and culture in Spain to care too much about what this place may have once been!

Aside from being assigned an entire novel to read in Spanish... class is enjoyable, entertaining, and not too long to the point of complete boredom. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to be a student here, and be able to travel Europe as I have always wanted! 

Throwback to my first trip to Barcelona!

Special shout out to my big sissy Chasie, for teaching me the ways of being an abroad student, and encouraging me to be able to do something I never would have thought of on my own. For being the first person to enjoy Spain with, and eventually be my roomie in this beautiful place! Since our first time in Barcelona together, I have dreamed of the day that we will live somewhere in Spain together, and I cannot wait for our time to come.

Needless to say, although it would be quite an experience to solely travel Europe, I am glad to be studying here, and am so excited to see what the accomplishment will be in the end.

But enough about school, it's adventure time! See you on the other side!

Siempre besos de Espana!

Where the magic begins!

September 9, 2013

Seville, Spain

Finally we have arrived at our home base destination, Seville.

Luckily, my house is located in a very central spot to everything in this humble city! I have a quick walk to the metro, El Centro (Plaza), Plaza de Espana, and everything else there is to see.

My host mom's name is Gema, and her name entails exactly what she is, a gem. She is the most kind hearted, sweet and genuine little Spanish lady I am blessed to be living with. Although I miss my family at home more than ever, she is the perfect substitute for my extended vacation abroad!

As we are accepting the fact that school is upon us, trips have been spontaneously planned, and opportunities to explore Europe are being set into place. Thus far, we have trips to Cadiz, Portugal, Morocco, Paris, Dublin, Milan, and for me, Barcelona to be with some of my best friends from home! Enjoying Sevilla is one of my main priorities as I am here, but the amazingly inexpensive trips that are on the side are a must. (Many more posts to come following each and every trip!)

Here is a sneak peak of my home here in Sevilla: 

View from the top of the largest wooden structure in the world!

Calle Betis

Plaza De Espana

More updates to come!

Muchos besos de Espana 

22 in Toledo!

Cordova, Spain

September 5, 2013

Toledo to Seville, Spain

Today was my 22nd birthday, which continued our journey South to Seville, and consisted of roughly 6 hours in a large bus, with little leg room and symphonies of snoring students around me. On the way, we stopped in Cordoba, Spain, where we visited the Great Mosque, the most beautiful Islamic monument of the western world. 
















At midnight on this glorious day, a group of my new found friends and I explored around Toledo in search of a birthday place during the exact moment of my 22nd year of existence. We came across this bar called Babia, where we quickly became friends with the bartender, Alberto, and happy birthday's were shared from all around.

This bar taught us all a lesson that made us laugh, while also think at the same time! Written in stale chalk on the old wall, was this saying in Spanish: 

Which means, "There is always someone worse in the head than you. If you don't believe, be silent and observe." 

I am finding that there are so many more small things in this world to appreciate, whether they mean a little, or a lot. I am meeting the most incredible people on this adventure, and I plan to keep them in my life for many many moons! Thank you to everyone who helped me celebrate my birthday in Spain, it wouldn't have been the same! Special shout out to Stephanie Hutchinson, for always being there for me and making me feel at home always! 

Traveling South

September 4/5, 2013

San Lorenzo Del Escorial & Toledo, Spain

Although this post is a few days late, I am writing as if it was the day of!

The day consisted of roughly 6 hours in a large bus, with little leg room and symphonies of snoring students around me. We rode from Madrid to San Lorenzo del Escorial, where we visited the Royal Monastery, a giant castle like palace that is a resting place for the Royal Families of Spain, a library, as well as a school.

After what seemed to be an entire day, (but was really only about 2 hours), we reloaded the bus and made our way to Toledo! Our hotel room was a step up from our tiny cozy spot in Madrid, where we spent one quick day and night exploring the beauties of Spain. We continued our touristy ways by following a man all around the cute little city, and pretending we could understand each and every Spanish phrase he quickly spoke to us.

These tours of museums, palaces, and famous gardens has truly given me a new meaning of appreciation for historical arts, although I prefer to explore this new found excitement on my own! 

Needless to say, Spain is amazing in so many ways, and the fun has just begun.

Bienvenidos a Madrid!

September 1, 2013

Madrid, Spain

Today marks the official first day of this incredible adventure.

For 21 long, exhausting hours, we made the trek from Portland Oregon, to Atlanta Georgia, and finally to Madrid, Spain! The feeling of being here is still unreal, but getting more and more believable as we spend time in this beautiful place. Our hotel is a tiny, homey little place in the center of Madrid, called Hotel Moderno, where we have 2 twin beds, a balcony, and a confusing electrical system. But for now, we call it home!

Tomorrow we meet the rest of the group at the hotel, and explore Madrid more excitingly! For the mean time, a coffee shop and a little treat to start this morning off sounds just about right.

Stay tuned!