Porto!!

Ah, I guess its time to share about my experiences in Porto, Portugal. I've been a little lazy so far this week.

Before I talk about the city, I have to talk about the journey to Porto. We were going to take the train to Porto but in order to get to Porto we had to take a train to the Spanish city of Vigo and then from Vigo to Porto. The odds were not in our favor and unfortunately the train to Vigo was full. This made our journey quite the challenge. We went on a wild dash to the bus station hoping we could catch a bus to Vigo that would allow us to catch the train to Porto. Once again the odds were against us and the bus only had 6 seats left and we were a group of 10 (4 from Loras, 3 from Brazil, two from Randolph College in Virginia, and one from Tennessee). This caused a period of agony and frustration. We had booked a hostel in Porto and we had no way of getting there and we wouldn't get there until Saturday. After much deliberation, we decided that the best thing to do was take a later bus to Vigo and spend the night there. So we went to Vigo. After walking around the city we finally found a reasonable hotel and it ended up becoming a night filled with lots of laughs and memories. We were so exhausted from all the stress and travel that we were basically hysterical.

On Saturday we woke up bright and early so we could catch the train to Porto. Alleluia! We arrived in Porto around 10 and went to our hostel. The owner of the hostel was very kind and ended up giving us a break for not showing up on Friday. We then got settled and put away our belongings so we could venture into the beautiful city of Porto.

I liked Porto a lot. There are a number of beautiful sights and old buildings. I especially loved the area around the river is absolutely beautiful.

^^Old book store in Porto. J.K. Rowling actually lived in Porto in the 90's and the city had a big influence on her and Harry Potter. The bookstore was one of the places of inspiration. The inside of the bookstore is incredible, unfortunately we could not take pictures of the inside.

Saturday was basically a day of sight seeing and wine tasting. Porto Wine is good, don't get me wrong, but it is a little too sweet for my liking. By the time it was Saturday night, we were to exhausted to go experience the night life so we went to bed.

Sunday I went to Mass with Meghan and Sarah (from Tennessee). I didn't understand a single word, but hey, I went. Mass is the same all over the world, the only thing that is really different is the language. After that we went on a free tour of the city. Our tour guide, Iris (she's Portuguese, but speaks English) was awesome. She was very friendly and ended up eating lunch with us. She also took awesome photos. It is crazy how you can meet these amazing and interesting people abroad. I made so many memories on Sunday. I met a girl from Australia (travelling around Europe before the semester begins for her) and a man from Colombia (studying to be a doctor in Madrid). The weather was also amazing. Sunny and warm. I will never forget that day.

I learned a little bit about Portugal while I was in the country for two days. They speak a lot more English in Portugal than in Spain because the movies and TV shows from the U.S. in Portugal remain in English, they do not change them like they do in Spain. Also, Portugal does not have the money to renovate a lot of its building due to the current economic crisis. It's kind of sad because the buildings are beautiful and unique.

Well that was my trip to Porto. Forgive me for my grammar mistakes, I will check this post later.



^^The Loras Group

Porto

Leaving for Porto this afternoon. I'll be there until Sunday.

Hasta Luego!

El fin de semana!!!!!

¡No hay clase mañana! ¡Gracias a Dios! Ahora, voy a pasar el fin de semana en Porto, Portugal con otros estudiantes.

In English, there is no class tomorrow so we are all going to spend the weekend in Porto, Portugal. We leave tomorrow by train around 4.

Today in class I had a presentation and mine was about Madison. It made me miss Wisconsin a little bit, but I love Santiago so it passed rather quickly.

Meghan gave me her peanut butter today. I have been craving it for a while, so once I opened it I grabbed a spoon and ate it like that. Alleluia.

The French

Deep down I really want to like the French girls that are staying at Marina and Paco's apartment right now, but I'm finding it easier to dislike them. They only speak French at the table and do not try very hard to speak to me. Also, today I was invited to have lunch at Elizabeth's, because she also has French students staying there, and once again they only spoke in French. They basically ignored me and Elizabeth. They also laughed with each other after every time I said something. Luckily they leave in a few days.

Like I said, I really want to like them, but right now they annoy me like none other. You are in Spain, speak Spanish at dinner!!

Las Aventuras

Today was another adventure. First of all, it was beautiful out today. 50's and sunny. Since I have arrived the weather has been fantastic. Due to the nice weather, I walked around Santiago with some of the other students and we ended up finding a park with a small river and an old abandoned church. We also climbed this hill and got an awesome view of the city. I love these adventures we have. Every day is something new. It's nice to get out of the routine we fall into. Usually I have to have everything set in a perfect order throughout the day, but in Spain I've been a little more laid back and let things go as they please. I also tried pulpo (Octopus) today, it was good, everything I eat I like, but I'll probably never get it again.

Good day.

Spanish version:
Hoy ha sido una aventura. Pensé que había visto toda la ciudad. Me equivoqué. Hay mucho más por descubrir. Por ejemplo, Geovani, Elizabeth, Karen, y yo caminamos por la ciudad y encontramos un parque con un rio pequeñito. A cerca del parque, hay una iglesia viaja y abandonada. A pesar de que está en ruinas y cubierta de pintadas, es muy bonito y pintoresco. Después de nuestro paseo, nosotros probamos pulpo (Octupus). Es bueno, pero no lo necesito comer en el futuro. Me encanta las aventuras.
^I'm sure there are some mistakes in this, just practicing.

Lessons on going out in Spain

....Cafe con Liquor= A large amount of energy, then death. But I had fun!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Hope you have a good one with the family! I'll be celebrating for you tonight.

Spanish?

¡Sí! Yo necesito escribir en español cada día. Mis errores de gramática necesitan ser corregidos, y no es posible si no escribo en español. Tengo muchos problemas con las preposiciones. No sé cuando yo debo usar “a,” “de,” o “en.” En ingles, sé cuando es necesario usar estas palabras, pero en español es un cuento muy diferente. Mi profesar me ayuda mucho. Explica muy bien.
^^^Sorry for that, needed to vent in Spanish. I don't even know if I have correct grammar, but it's worth the shot.

Anyway, I just need to get used to writing in Spanish. I mean, I have done it for years, but for some reason my grammar is always incorrect (its pretty much the same in English). As I said above, the Spanish prepositions kill me. I want to use "a" when its "en" and vice versa.

Today at lunch I learned there are number of ways to eat/cut a kiwi. I was peeling a kiwi they way I do at home, but apparently it was not correct. In Spain there is one way and in France another, but apparently my way was the worst. It was one of those moments where I was like let me do it my way.

Today was my first day at my internship. I'm interning at Grupo Compostela, an university organization. I suggest looking it up, it's a cool organization. I work in an office at one of the old university buildings in La Zona Vieja. It's awesome, as in the building. The work is just ok, but things will start to pick up once I start to understand the language more. I work with two other women and they are very friendly. They also correct my grammar, which is good because I need to be corrected. I was able to have a good conversation with them about education, even though it takes me forever to put my thoughts into words. I have a hard enough time speaking what I want to say in English, that in Spanish it is like 100 time harder. The organization is also international, so they often have to translate things from Spanish to English, so the two women would ask me a lot of questions regarding how to say a word or phrase in English. It makes me feel smart, haha, because when I speak Spanish I feel like know nothing.

I really like it here and I cannot believe that I have been here for almost two weeks now. Crazy!

Chocolate con churros

Amazing.

Manel

A band from Spain that sings in Catalan, the official language of the region Catalonia (northeast Spain, Barcelona is in Catalonia) and Andorra. Because they sing in Catalan I hardly know what they are saying. I read about them in a Spanish magazine. Check them out! They are quite good!

Long Walks

I love taking walks around Santiago, especially ones that take hours. I've been avoiding running here, but I feel these two hours walks can count as exercise.

Today, I bought the first two Harry Potter books in Spanish. I think it was wise a purchase. I'll be able to read two books that I love in Spanish, and because I know the story it will help me expand my Spanish vocabulary. They also only cost 7 euros, so it's not breaking the bank (just letting you know mother, haha).

Volunteering

Well, today was the first day of volunteering at La Residencia Volta do Castro. It's a nursing home and I will be there every Monday. It was an experience. I spent the first hour pushing a gentleman in his wheelchair up and down the hallway. Then I spent the next two and a half hours playing dominos. A lot of los mayores at la residencia only speak Gallego (the regional language of Galicia), so it was very difficult to communicate. Luckily during dominos they focus so much on the game that they barely talk, but by the end of my shift I was able to talk with two men who speak castellano. They told me they love playing dominos con los jovenes. It's nice to feel welcome! My experience also shows how the game of dominos is truly international and played at every nursing home in the world (haha). Being there also reminded me of volunteering at the nursing homes at home, the only difference was the language. Overall, it was fun and the boys at the dominos table told me I owe them more games.

Me encanta la ciudad! y A Coruña

I can't believe I only arrived in Santiago a week ago. I have done so much this past week that it seems like I've been here for quite some time. Before I left for the trip we had these pre-departure classes and the study abroad coordinators often talked about the Honeymoon Period, which is the period when you first arrive in your destination and everything seems incredible and awesome. I'm definitely in that period right now, but I don't think its going to end (at least I hope not). I get along with my group very well and there are so many other awesome international students that I almost feel right at home.

Anyway, this weekend was a blast. Friday night we went out, Saturday a few of us went to A Coruña, and last night I went out again (I didn't get home until 6, which is early in Spain). I'm not usually the one who likes to go out a lot, but its so much fun. The people are very friendly and I get to practice my Spanish. Last night we also went to a concert. It was a rockabilly group that played some classic songs from the 1950's. They were quite good and the club they played out was cool.



A Coruña is beautiful. It's a city by the ocean in the northwest corner of Spain. I loved every part of that city. They're old part isn't as nice as Santiago's, but still very cool. I love the beach and the port there. I plan on coming back when its warmer so I can hang out at the beach. I'm also in love with tortilla espanola. As my host father says, its the most perfect combination of food. For those of you who don't know what it is, it's basically an omelet. We had it yesterday at a cafe during our trip, and then I had it today with my host family. Their son Oscar and his wife and their son are here right now, they came up to visit for the weekend. Oscar's son, Oscar, as well, is two years old and loves saying "HOLA!" to me. He has a lot of energy.

Well, later today I'm going to mass at the Cathedral and then two French girls will be coming tonight to stay with my host family for a couple of days. This will be interesting!

Hasta luego!

Drinking with the parents

I have to say, my host family is great. I mean there are times where we do not seem to understand each other at all, but today after lunch Paco and Marina had me try two different types of alcohol. Usually when I'm done eating they tell me to rest or they have to do something, but today we got to hang out and talk politics and drink. Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here.

Last night...

...was awesome. I went out with with my fellow students from Loras and some of the other international students for some chocolate con churros. It was a very fun group: One girl from Brazil, two girls from Japan, a man from South Korea, another girl from Maryland, and four students from Loras. We sat and talked and had a number of laughs. We also played "icebreakers" which was Meghan's idea. We played 2 truths and a lie, and 10 fingers, but in Spanish! What an experience! The chocolate was also amazing. I finally got to satisfy my need for chocolate, because my host family is not like my family at home. In Wisconsin, my mother always has some sort of dessert made, but that is not the case here.

Tonight we will be going out again and tomorrow we are going to A Coruna! No puedo esperar!

Estoy frustrado

I hate those moments when I cannot think of a word in Spanish that I should know. Like today I could not remember the word "again" in Spanish for the life of me. Otra vez!! Duh! I know this is only the first week, but it sure is frustrating. I met some of the other international students today at class and they are very friendly. I think we are so kind to each other because we are in this foreign country trying to learn a new language. We are all in the same situation. I think its really cool that we have to communicate in Spanish to each other because we all speak a different language at home. It's great practice. I just hope to meet some of the other Spanish students here, so they can help me with grammar and vocabulary.

Well, tonight we get to go on a tour of the night life here in Santiago. Can't wait!

A long day

I don't feel like writing much today, but I finally have access to my bank account here (thank god). It didn't start working until about a hour and a half ago, so I was very frustrated throughout the day. My frustration only caused me to have a rough day of speaking Spanish. It seem to take forever for me to find the right word when I wanted to say something. Luckily I could vent to Geovanni in ENGLISH about frustration with my bank. I'm trying really hard not to speak English, but today it was necessary for my sanity.


In other news, I walked all over Santiago today with Geovanni. We ended up on the North Side of the City. Geovanni says I was bad at directions, but I wanted to get a nice long walk in because I haven't worked out in a while and I have been eating alot, haha. We stopped by the Cathedral on our way around town and this time we went in to check it out. I though the outside was incredible, but this inside is even more beautiful. I also found what time mass was at so I could go this Sunday (JUST FOR YOU MOTHER). During the walk we got to see a number of interesting sights. There is Fraggle Rock Cafe in Santiago! Talk about bringing back the past.

Tomorrow Lola, a woman from the University, is going to take us around 10 at night to get a taste of the nightlife. I am very excited because I really want to go out at night and meet other students.

Well it's time for bed. I need some rest. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

Hola Todos!

I think I underestimate myself sometimes. I was so worried about not being able to communicate well, but so far it has been much easier then expected! There are times where I stand there and think "what on earth are they saying?", but otherwise I am able to pick up enough words that I can understand most of what people say. The TV is another story because it seems like they speak a million words a minute.

I really like Santiago. Everything is close and as los profesores say "Santiago es muy seguro. Uno de lo más de Europa" (Santiago is very safe. One of the most (safe cities) in Europe). I love that Santiago has bookstores all over the place, because in Madison I know of only two. You can walk everywhere and there is basically no need for me to use public transportation, and I love walking so this is no problem.

Now I want to cover somethings I have learned this past couple of days:
1. In Spain when eating a meal you do not put your piece of bread (French bread) on your plate. It's a custom Marina told about at our first dinner together.
2. Make sure your bank knows you are leaving the country. Like really let them know. I told the bank in December that I was leaving apparently they didn't bother to right that down and make sure that I am able to use my card. I need money and I still don't have access to my account!!
3. Do not drink espresso at night unless you need to stay up, because I could not sleep at all.
4. Going off the last point, make sure your waiter knows what you said. I did not order that espresso, but I drank it anyway.
5. Banks in Santiago close at 2.
6. Buy an alarm clock that works.

I have plenty more lessons but that's all I can think of right now.

¡Qué día!

Today the group and I explored Santiago. What a beautiful city. I love the old part of it. It has the narrow streets that I love, small shops, and the Cathedral de Santiago. All are beautiful. The park is also incredible. I love the trees and the paths. I hope to join all those who run through the park soon (plus I need to run off all the great food I have been eating haha).


I love talking with my host family. Marina y Paco are awesome. They have taught me so much so far, and its only been a day! I am already starting to feel more comfortable when speaking Spanish. I still have errors, but I'm able to communicate very well with them. The moments are few when we don't understand each other.

Orientation starts tomorrow and I can't wait!


Hasta luego!

I Made It!!!!!!

After a bus ride, a long journey across the Atlantic ocean, and spending numerous hours sitting at airports, I am now in Santiago de Compostela! Thank God for the safe travels. I didn't sleep at all on the plane over to London, but I could barely keep my eyes open on the short flight from Madrid to Santiago. (That picture is the sunset in Chicago while we were waiting to board.)

My host family has been great so far. In the short hours I have been here, they have already provided me with a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, some tea and Spanish grammar advice. Their home is also very nice and comfortable. I think I'm going to like it here!

Now all I have do is catch up on some sleep so that I can be well rested to explore Santiago tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

Ah, a new year and a new beginning. It also means that I leave for Spain in a short few days. I cannot believe it is almost here!!! It is surreal. I've been waiting for this moment ever since high school and the fact that it is almost here is so exciting. But with this excitement comes with a lot of anxiety and nervousness. I keep on thinking that I will forget something when I pack or that the trip over could turn into a total nightmare. I just have to stay positive and be prepared. I am also nervous about my ability to speak Spanish. I felt that during this past semester my Spanish went from good to just ok or even worse. I am hoping that once I arrive in Spain I will become more confident in my speaking and my ability to speak will reach the level it once was (and hopefully by the time I arrive in the United States I will have reached some level of fluency).

Today my mother and I went shopping for some last minute travel needs and I also bought two Wisconsin coffee mugs and hot chocolate for my host family. I hope they like it!

Yesterday was Christmas with the Stauffachers. It was a great time filled with football, amazing food, and a lot of laughs. My Aunt Lori also made a video containing a collection of photos from my family's travels in Europe this past summer. Seeing those photos only made me more excited for my own travels. Anyway, spending time with my family was awesome and I will miss them all when I'm in Europe. (The picture to the left is Grandma and Grandpa Stauffacher with all their grandchildren, but missing Logan)


New Year's Eve was also a great time with some friends I don't get to see very often. My journey with Jamie for pizza at four in the morning was a hilarious and memorable moment. It was probably the best New Year's Eve I've ever had.

I guess I should wrap up now, I'm watching the Badger game and I need to start paying attention. Go Badgers.

Happy 2012 and I wish all the best!