So i started this journey of mine almost exactly a month ago on January 5th. I promise I had every intention of writing sooner, but I've had some technical difficulties (that I'm still experiencing), and I've been busy. Which is how it should be right? Anyways I'm settled now in a permanent home-stay and have Internet so hopefully this will become a regular occurrence. This first post is just pretty much the last month.
London
Most of you probably already saw this e-mail I sent but it pretty much sums up my first day for anyone else:
"Well I'm ok and in London, but neither of my phones are working!!! It hasn't been the best trip so far. We (Adrian & I) got to the airport 2.5 hours early and i still barely managed to catch my flight. I was upgraded to club seats on the plane, but now I'm worried some how they charged me, although they said it was free. i didn't think they would let me in the country b/c apparently you need more than your passport and a ticket, but itineraries for hotels and your next ticket etc. My interaction with English people has been limited but for the most part they are all rude, unhelpful and not at all talkative. Arrived at my hotel, after a 70 pound cab ride, to find out that the cab didn't take cc's like the website said so i was charged an extra 10%. My room won't be ready till 1:30pm, it's 11am, and they charge for Internet service even if you're staying here! I'm still glad i came, although now i wish i hadn't taken this side excursion by myself. i just keep thinking what have i gotten myself into. I'm sure part of it is that I'm exhausted, i didn't sleep much on the flight despite the Dramamine, and i need a shower!
So yea that was my first day. London was really cool to look at but ehhh. Maybe when I go back with Keeley I'll like it better.
Stereotypes
Flew from London to Lisbon, Portugal on the morning of the 8th, then from Lisbon to Sevilla on probably the most shady airplane i've seen in my life. Nothing happened obviously but muy ghetto. Arrived in Spain and fulfilled one of my life long goals to walk across the tar-mack. I know corny, but I always thought it was cool for people to walk down the airplane stairs and across the runway. The program had people to meet us there and i went straight through without having to even stop in customs, come to think of it I didn't have to go through customs in London either! Anyways I think it's funny that people have these stereotypes about Texans and the whole state being small town because when we were on the bus to the hotel people were freaking out because they saw palm trees! They were amazed and taking pictures, which describes many people on the program. I thought I was getting away from the sororities and such at Tech, not so much....half are from Penn state, half from UC Boulder...and mostly blond (or act it). I know i've never been Tony's version of fun but why would you pay so much for a program to be drunk every night, sleep all day and refer to every sight as "just another building"! The other things I was gawked at for was of course saying "yall" and not thinking four hours was a long drive. Of course I now know that most people from Penn state are entitled, NW are pott heads and Boulder are laid back partiers lol.
Sevilla
A few things about Sevilla (and maybe all of Europe but not sure yet):
- All pillows are body pillows.
- No spicy foods! Not even my version....
- There are Orange tree's everywhere, although don't eat them they're sour.
- There is no central heat and air, story about that later...
- Most shops are specialty shops, even socks vs. underwear.
- And all girls where skinny jeans/tights tucked into boots. I can't get into it but maybe one day.
The first few days of the program were good. They showed us around the town and we went out a few places. Nothing in particular stands out except everything seemed a little less organized, but that just seem to be Spain.
My home stay was an experience. The lady's name was Molina so I thought that would give me a few minutes of conversation but instead the whole way to the casa she talked to the cab driver about how I had a Spanish name but didn't know Spanish, and didn't think I understood. She was nice or at least cordial but we had our difficulties. I went and talked to my program when she wouldn't let me have a heater, use half of my room or put anything on the floor. I lived with Carmen Molina (something, i don't remember her second last name) for about 10 days. I was gonna deal with it until she got into and argument with the program director about the amenities, apparently part of the contract she signed was to provide a private room (all of which i could use), a heater and a desk, which i didn't have either. I now live with Dalores and her 20 year old daughter Alba. They are both really sweet and I now have my own room and a heater! I know that sounds sarcastic but i'm completely serious.
I go to University (not college b/c that is what primary school is here) at Universidad Pablo de Olavide or UPO. It's about a 20min bus ride and a little bit outside or town. Nothing like the universities at home. I equate it to a crappy community college, but is decent for Spain. Classes are with other international students, mostly US, and aren't really difficult for the most part. Me trying to be an overachiever decided to take an art history class entirely in Spanish! That will be interesting. On the other hand my art history class in English is probably the most useless waste of time ever! She doesn't even know what she's talking about and i've already written my term paper (Rachel don't tell Chua this!!! lol).
So far I've been to Cordoba and Granada for trips. Cordoba was ok I guess, beautiful cathedral but definitely just a day trip. Granada though I loved! It's this really cool modern city mixed in with these ancient churches around ever corner. Home to the Alhambra which is like this acres large 13c (I think) palace on a hill over looking the city and the Sierra Nevada. Would have been better if it wasn't raining all weekend but it was a great trip. also my first experience in a hostel. Which seemed sketch at first cuz the sign was literally a white sheet of paper taped to the door written on in marker, lol. It was really nice actually with private bathrooms and kitchenettes to every four person room. Although note they don't provide towels....
Well I think that should get everyone started on my first month here and i'll keep you posted about my happenings. Love you!
