Do these horses speak English???

I couldn't really start this blog with words.  How do you describe something this beautiful? 

Where was I you ask? Matalascañas! A small, gorgeous town on the Southwestern coast of Spain.  The town is part of a huge nature reserve called Doñana.  Basically one of the most beuatiful places I've ever been...no big deal.  

My alarm clock screeched at about 6:15 Saturday morning; yes, 6:15 in the morning.  When we left to walk to the bus station it was still dark. On our way we saw people walking home from the night before!!! Gotta love that Spanish night culture. 

When we arrived to our bus stop, we were a little worried because the bus was not there.  We waited nervously for about 10 minutes before we couldn't handle the stress anymore and we asked another person standing by.  Luckily, they were waiting for the same bus.  Phew! We were in the right place!  We got on the bus without any problems and I slept like a baby for the entire two hour bus ride. (I told you I can sleep on anything that moves). 

10 am rolls around and Sophie wakes me up. We're here! As we step off the bus we all immediately feel the shock of the cold morning!!! Ahhh! Quick somewhere warm.  We head into the first cafe shop we see and it's perfect.  It was the definition of a cute, charming, Spanish cafe. 

 The sweet older man behind the counter was charming and adorable as well.   We ordered some hot drinks and huddled around the old fashion fire.

 Just like this!

After spending a little time in this cafe we set out to find  the stables! 

We walked about a block and a half and we came to an entrance of what seems like a nature preserve.  We followed the dirt path and it led us directly to our destination.  The guys asked us if we made a reservation for four.  Yep, that was us.  (This is an important part of the story.) 

As we waited we met the most docile dog in the world.  He was such a sweet heart. 

The time had arrived!  Horseback riding along the beach in Spain. The guide took us through beautiful trees and everywhere I looked there was a stretch of gorgeous green.  Suddenly we began to walk uphill and as we reached the top I was literally speechless (which doesn't happen often).  I could do nothing but gawk in complete awe of God's masterpiece in front of me.  

That's not even the best part... we walked through a sort of cave-like structure and the Atlantic ocean sparkled in front of me!  The sand was almost white.  In order to get to the ocean we had to go through a little tide pool... yes, with our horses!  They splashed through the water like young children. :) 

Then... I can't even explain what happened.  My horse knew it was time to run and we were off! At first I bounced awkwardly, until I let my body relax and I began to feel the rhythm of the horse.  As cheesy as it sounds, I felt like we were one in the same and as if I was flying.  The wind thrashing against my face, the sound of the waves beside me, and the sight of a gorgeous beach were unbelievable.  The adrenaline was pumping vivaciously through me.  It was incredible.  So incredible that it almost feels like it wasn't real, just a great dream.  But it really happened! I have the pictures to prove it!!! 

On our way back to the stables, my horse chose to take an alternate route.  No matter what I did, I could not get him to follow the group.  He was stubborn with a mind of his own.  At one point he stood tall, stared at the group walking and blatantly turned in the other direction and we trotted off.  I couldn't help but laugh though, at least he knew what he wanted, right? 

When we finally made it back to the stables, we felt awkwardly sore from being on a horse for two hours.  As we finished taking our pictures, the boss approached me.  Apparently we had gone to the wrong stable, we made a reservation and paid online at a neighboring stable.  But since we had given his employee our receipt the boss said it wasn't our fault.  Remember when I said the guys asked us if we made a reservation for four girls? Apparently he didn't look at our receipt well enough.  So even though his stable charges 26€ for 2 hours, we paid 20€.  I offered to pay him the difference, but he refused; he said it was their fault.  It's not everyday that you run into great customer service like that! His kindness stood out to me as well and contributed to making the whole day an overall AMAZING experience.  

The Definition of Carpe Diem

Everyone always says "Live life to the fullest", "Live like there is no tomorrow", "Carpe diem"... but do we ever really do it???

I had no idea what I was going to do today when I woke up this morning...but today I finally "seized the day!" Literally, there might have not been a tomorrow... ;)

My group and I had an excursion to Ronda, a picturesque city slightly southwest of Sevilla. I slept on the bus. Shocker, I know (I can sleep on anything that moves).

When I got there, I was stunned by this...

Unreal, right!?!  Spain genuinely takes my breath away.

After taking picture after picture of this gorgeous scenery, we headed to the Plaza del Toros (Bull Ring) of Ronda!  It was so interesting! We got to walk out onto the actual arena!  We also got a sneak peak at the "behind-the-scenes;" where they keep the bulls and train the matadors.

That's me in the middle of the arena! :) 

After having some more fun with pictures, we moved on to the Puente Nuevo in Ronda.  One word: AMAZING! 

Puente Nuevo

Again I took picture after picture!  Then came the best part of the day: FREE TIME!  We had the option to go on a hike... 

                         I had NO idea a hike could be so exciting! 

We began to walk down the cliff just to the side of the Puente Nuevo (bridge).  Then I found out there was another way to get to the bottom... 

                                                    to climb DOWN the side of the cliff. 

The funny thing is... I didn't even think twice.  There was no doubt in my mind: I was doing this. 

I was in a gorgeous city, in an amazing country, thousands of miles away from home, trying new things... it would have been a CRIME to not take advantage of this adventure staring me straight in the face!

So with little thought, I took a look around at the gorgeous scenery, took a deep breath and put my foot on the first step down. 

The scariest one!

With the help of some incredible people I climbed all the way to the bottom, without a harness!  It may sound a little unsafe, but the adrenaline rush was unlike any other feeling I've ever had.  As my roommate described it, "This is truly living!"  Not everyone gets the opportunity to climb down an unbelievably beautiful cliff in a foreign country!



Afterwards I felt such a sense of accomplishment! It was a real adventure and as corny as it sounds, I felt like I was on top of the world!  I started the hike above the waterfall, and by the end I was looking up at it!

What a fantastic opportunity!  On the bus ride home, I started thinking... I am so lucky to be here, I am so blessed.  I am living out the dreams I've always had: to see and experience as much of the world as possible!
Carpe diem!

"Take a chance! All life is a chance. The person who goes furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare." - Dale Carnegie
Ronda, Spain February 10, 2012

Detective Work

Hey y'all! (I'm adopting this saying from my southern roommate!)

In an earlier post, I mentioned the fact that everyone could tell I was American.  Confused, I began some detective work.  Are these Spanish people psychic?

That would be really cool, but unfortunately no.  After talking with some people, I've discovered some clues that highlight our "American-ness."

English.  Obviously a given!

But seriously, if I keep my mouth shut as I walk with friends, how do they still know we're American???

Our hair color.  The Spanish girls we've met here as well as my host brother have told my brunette roommate that she is still considered blonde.  So basically, the lighter the hair, the more foreign you look.

Ok, ok.  So what if you don't speak English and you have dark hair? Can they still tell you're American? YES!

How, you ask?

Space. No, not like outer space. I mean the space between you and the person you're talking too.  We Americans like our personal bubbles, so we've established a socially acceptable distance to place in between one another.  This way we don't ever come to close and make the other person feel uncomfortable.  Well, the personal bubble concept doesn't apply in Espana.

Therefore, a sure fire way to tell the difference between Americans and Spaniards: the distance in between them when they walk or talk to one another.

So there you have it ladies and gents, a part of the puzzle cracked.

How the Spaniards know we're American!

Hasta luego.

International Relations

So there I was, setting the table with my roommate getting ready to eat a yummy homemade tortilla de patata.  We sat down, unaware that our host mom was in the house.  I took a bite of my tortilla, when all of a sudden I heard my host mom's voice from the living room.

"Maria's here?" I said to my roommate. She shrugged her shoulders.

We listened for a minute...then we heard a string of voices and something that sounded like gibberish.

"That is definitely not Spanish!"

As we struggled to identify what language we heard, three young girls walked into the dinning room, followed by Maria.  Maria introduced the french girls; yes, I said french girls! Cool, right?!

My host mom is the coordinator for a study abroad program for younger French students. As the girls sat down, Sophie (my roommate) and I looked at each other with excitement! Obviously we dove right into asking them tons of questions.
What did we find out, you ask? Well... they are all 16. They attend the same school in Paris, France.  They all smoke and like to go out.  They like electro, techno, and some country music! (yes!)

The next night we all sat down to eat together! This time, however, it was Sophie, me, the three French girls, my host brother and my host mom.  Sophie and I speak English and Spanish.  Two of the three girls speak French, Spanish and English; the other speaks French, English, and German. My host brother only speaks Spanish and my host mom speaks Spanish and French.

So you can imagine dinner! It was one of the best experiences I've had since I've arrived!  We spoke English for the French girl who didn't speak Spanish, but then translated everything to Spanish for my host mom and brother. When we spoke to the French girls we would mix Spanish and English because sometimes they would know one word in one language and another in the other language.  Then when they spoke French among each other they would have to translate it back for us! It was like the tower of Babel, only more like the table of Babel but with fewer languages, of course!

So there I was... a girl from Midwest suburbia engaging in international relations!!! but really! It felt GREAT to navigate and utilize two languages to communicate.  And when that failed, we relied on old faithful... hand gestures!

Its hard to describe in words that rush of emotions that take over when your confronted with experiences you've always hoped for. I loved learning about different people and another culture foreign to my own.  It's why I'm here; to communicate, to experience, to learn!

With each day here in Sevilla, I meet someone new from a different part of the world.  Whether it be from another state in the U.S. or from another country entirely, I am constantly learning about the unique people around me! I SERIOUSLY cannot explain how unreal this experience is!



"How far we travel in life matters far less than those we meet along the way." 

Let Operation "Become a Spaniard" Begin!

If I had to describe my first week in Sevilla in one word, it would be: ADJUSTMENT.

Having studied abroad before, I thought I had a complete handle on the whole "adjustment period" thing! HA (or ja as they say in España ) Not quite!

I stick out.  Every one around me can tell I'm American, even before I speak. The funny part is, I can pick out the other Americans as well, even before they speak.  You wouldn't think it would be so easy, but it is.  Interesting, right?  For some reason, this whole phenomena fascinates me. What is it about Americans that makes us so easy to spot??? Hmmm. Something to ponder.
First step to adjusting: Blend in!  Easy enough, I've already taken advantage of the rebajas (sales) here in España! Genuinely, every store has black Friday sales for like two months! I'm working hard on that European ensemble. Now to work on that Sevillan accent!

¡Hace frio!!! Yes, there may be palm trees here, but that does not necessarily mean it's warm.  The weather is not bad, but in Sevilla the houses don't have central heating. Translation: It's cold! For some reason (that I have yet to figure out) its colder inside the houses than outside.  

Second step to adjusting: Bundle up! I wear slippers around the house (thanks to my host mom; she gave me some) Not to mention, I sleep in sweats, a sweatshirt, and under five blankets!

Lunch time.  Here in Spain, lunch is different in three major ways.  A. The Spanish people eat lunch later; around 2:30.  B. Lunch is the heaviest and biggest meal; complete with 2 or 3 courses. & C. We walk home for lunch.
Third step to adjusting: Bonapetite! Prepare myself to eat A LOT in the middle of the day! I'm still working it.

And after lunch?? Ahhhhhhh, siesta.  What's that you ask? Only the best invention ever! NAP TIME for grown ups. And the best part? It's socially acceptable, even encouraged!  You don't have to tell me twice...
fourth step to adjusting: SLEEP! I'm having no problem adjusting to this.

Walking. Now, don't get me wrong, I live in Chicago. So I'm used to walking everywhere without access to a car.  But I'm not used to 30 minute walks.  Right now I am taking a two week intensive course at the ISA office in the center of town.  To walk from my apartment to the office is a solid 30 minutes.
Fifth step to adjusting: Learn how to walk in cute shoes! I'm getting used to the walk and I even enjoy it, but its definitely a new experience.

Oh, and I can't forget the late night Spanish culture. I enjoyed my first couple of nights out in Sevilla this weekend. It's safe to say I have to change my granny ways to keep up with these Spaniards! The wee hours of the morning are apparently still early for them!
Sixth step to adjusting: Take more siestas! But seriously, more sleep.  I think I can manage adjusting to sleeping in! ;)

My life has done a complete 180 in this past week, but each cultural difference is part of the beautiful adventure!  I'm excited to live through and soak up each moment of my time here. Hopefully, by the end of my 5 months I'll have completed my mission and become a true Spaniard, at least in a some ways. Until then it's going to be a wild ride and I'm loving every minute of it!


  

The Best of Both Worlds...

"So, we are.... here? En planta una."


"What's a planta???"


I've finally arrived! After navigating the air port and realizing planta meant level, we found the ISA group of Americans huddled around one another.  It's not like we completely stuck out like a sore thumb or anything.  Every conversation between ISA members went something like this:
"What's your name?  Where are you from? Oh, cool! Where do you go to school? Oh!!!! Do you know (insert appropriate name here)??? SMALL WORLD! What school are you studying at in Sevilla?" After that it is was history...
We the best part of America, people who offered a familiarity from home: college!


After fighting with our luggage and working through the thought that we were in España, we found ourselves at the modern, upscale NH hoteles!
We had the best of both worlds: a warm, comfortable hotel.

We were given free time after we got settled in. We were starving! So, we ventured out for some tapas.  With Spanish surrounding us everywhere, we took comfort in our new American friends.
We had the best of America: English!


At the tapas bar, I ordered, Jamón Iberico (mi favorito), Tortilla de Patata, and un tinto de verano (a glass of red wine with fanta limon!) Each dish was only 1 €!!! My total: 3€!
We had the best of España: tapas and wine!

Tinto de Verano

Jamón y Tortilla de Patata

When we felt full, we decided to walk off all the bread and do some exploring!  With our heads tilted upwards, we walked around Madrid as the ultimate tourists. We even got a little lost.  (No worries, we found our way!) 

We had the best of España: gorgeous, cobblestone streets! 

After a long day of walking, we returned to the hotel for some relaxation time.  ISA scheduled a bus tour of Madrid as well as a mandatory meeting that evening! I was so excited to see Madrid, but as the sun set and the bus rocked me to sleep, jet lag hit me like a pile of rocks.  From that point on, there was nothing in my near future but sleep and... 

I had the best of both worlds: deep sleep! 

The Waves of Change Rolling In

Thursday January 12th
11:30 a.m.

Plane ticket, check! Student visa, check! Excitement, CHECK! Packing... I'll get back to you on that.
5 days, 6 hours, and 15 minutes until I depart for Spain, not that I'm counting.

So I leave for Spain in less than a week and let's just say my emotions are running wild.  It's some sort of mix of excited, anxious, nervous, and hopeful, with a sprinkle of sadness.  It's no secret I'll miss my friends and family, but I am so ready for the experience that lies ahead of me; it will be such a big change.
I've been thinking about this concept often in my weeks leading up to my departure.  CHANGE, what it means, what it entails.

While thinking about this, I compiled a list of the biggest changes to come:
1. Language. Everything: books, signs, menus etc. will be in Spanish. Although I'll speak some English here or there, Spanish will become the language I speak daily, not just in Spanish class.
2. Food.  The food is definitely a change of pace.  Goodbye greasy fries and burgers, hello paella!!!  Can you say home cookin'? My host mom will be preparing all of my meals! No more Ramon noodles for this girl.
3. Dinner time.  In America, I eat dinner at about 5ish. In Espana, dinner is served around 9!
4. Monayyy! From US dollars to Euros, gotta love that exchange rate!
5. People.  I do not know anyone going into this experience.  I am so excited for all of the new people I am going to meet from all over the world!
6. Greetings. Americans shake hands, Spaniards kiss on each cheek!
7. Nightlife. It starts later, it ends later.  Hopefully that means we sleep in later?!
8. Pop culture. Will Snooki still be a hot topic?
9. Tourist attractions. From the bean to the Giralda!
10. Convenience.  I don't think there are many 24 hour Wal-Marts in Espana, do you?

I'm sure these aren't the only changes waiting for me across the Atlantic, but I'm ready for them! Let me know if you think I missed anything.  Share with me your experiences of change. What do you think will be the most difficult change? I'd love to hear your opinions!


Until Next Time...

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do.  So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."  – Mark Twain


Breck Scarnavack