Monday, April 1, 2013
Not the best day in Mallorca :(
3/18/13
So basically, I was on my way home from class and talking with my friend Wendel on the bus. We happened to get on an extremely crowded bus that day and I would describe it as people pushing up against each other. I got off the bus and I don't know but I was feeling pretty good about myself. Literally feeling proud of myself for being so independent and learning how to live in a city and on an island for the first time. I get to my door, and I look in my bag for my keys. My keys were hanging on a wristlet I had with all of my money and identification, credit cards, etc. I have a mini panic, because I don't see them, but this is normal for me so I kept looking. I didn't find them, so I ran back down the hill thinking maybe I dropped it on the way from the bus. Didn't see it anywhere. I decided to wait at the bus stop to ask the drivers to let me check the busses as they came back by in case I dropped it and someone turned it in. But I had no luck. I asked the only shop open on that street if anyone turned in a wallet, but no. At this point, I am now majorly panicking. I got back to the house, but Pilar was gone to pick the kids up from school. I called her and tried to explain what happened, but talking on the phone in a foreign language when you are freaking out doesn't go so well. Juan let me into the house, and I let my mom know and then bought skype credit to call and cancel all of my credit cards. Afterwards, I just was so upset. It was one of the hardest moments of my life because I felt so alone. I had no one to help me.
But..........it could have been so much worse. I didn't have my passport, so the only thing they took was my drivers license. All of my credit cards were easily canceled so no one could use them. Most importantly, I luckily hadn't gone to the bank in a while so I only was down to 20 euros and some change. (If I had gone that day I would have been carrying up to 200 euros because it is cheaper to get out a lot of money at once). I have awesome parents who have been sending me money through Western Union, and I have been blessed with a great friend in Wendel (from my classes). She went with me to find a Western Union place one day, and then came with me clear across town to file a report at the police station. I finally accepted it as just one of those things that happen, and I moved on. I wasn't going to let that ruin my wonderful trip. I was having trouble with the fact that some random person had all my information, and I felt awful for losing the keys to their house. God answered me because a little more than a week later, the police called me and told me that they had my wallet. It was amazing, because I had let go of the worry, and it was found anyway! All the cards were canceled, so I still have to use western union, but my belief in humanity and my feeling of security is back :) What a nice way to see prayer answered!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Ses Illetes es muy tranquilo!
Btw, I am going to go back through at some point and attach pictures that go with my posts, but I have the slowest computer in the world. So maybe someday you can actually get a better idea about what I describe in the posts.
Sunday morning I was getting up early to go sailing anyway, so I set it up to skype some of my friends at home. It was really weird for me to be just waking up, and it to be late night for them. For the next few weeks, we will only be six hours apart (until time changes in Europe!). I got completely ready, and then found out that we weren't going to be able to go out on the sailboat afterall, because it was too windy---bummer! I worked a bit on my cover letter (yes, it is that time again! job season for teachers) and then we all walked down to the harbor and looked at the boats. Which was pretty awesome for me, because now I have a new place to relax, look at the water, and possibly do my homework. The rest of the day was full of paella (yum!), watching the last Twilight movie in Espanol with the fam (snooze!), and then English lessons.
Monday- Back to class--it might be nerdy, but I'm glad! Today we learned about how to give/take directions, and how to describe el barrio (neighborhood). It was hard for me, because I don't live in a city, so I really had no equivalent to a "neighborhood". I just described Woodlawn or Cas Catala (my spanish neighborhood). After I got home from class, I ate a quick lunch, and then took a walk. I actually did not bring my camera, and I missed some great views of the ocean. I walked to Ses Illetes which is further West of where I live. This area has beaches and resorts galore. The coolest thing though is that due to it being off-season, the tourists aren't around, so it is peaceful. I walked around, layed on a beach chair overlooking the ocean (and didn't have to pay to sit in the chair!). It was very nice, but I have no picture evidence. I definitely plan to visit there again soon!
Sunday morning I was getting up early to go sailing anyway, so I set it up to skype some of my friends at home. It was really weird for me to be just waking up, and it to be late night for them. For the next few weeks, we will only be six hours apart (until time changes in Europe!). I got completely ready, and then found out that we weren't going to be able to go out on the sailboat afterall, because it was too windy---bummer! I worked a bit on my cover letter (yes, it is that time again! job season for teachers) and then we all walked down to the harbor and looked at the boats. Which was pretty awesome for me, because now I have a new place to relax, look at the water, and possibly do my homework. The rest of the day was full of paella (yum!), watching the last Twilight movie in Espanol with the fam (snooze!), and then English lessons.
Monday- Back to class--it might be nerdy, but I'm glad! Today we learned about how to give/take directions, and how to describe el barrio (neighborhood). It was hard for me, because I don't live in a city, so I really had no equivalent to a "neighborhood". I just described Woodlawn or Cas Catala (my spanish neighborhood). After I got home from class, I ate a quick lunch, and then took a walk. I actually did not bring my camera, and I missed some great views of the ocean. I walked to Ses Illetes which is further West of where I live. This area has beaches and resorts galore. The coolest thing though is that due to it being off-season, the tourists aren't around, so it is peaceful. I walked around, layed on a beach chair overlooking the ocean (and didn't have to pay to sit in the chair!). It was very nice, but I have no picture evidence. I definitely plan to visit there again soon!
Exploring and Learning :)
Some random things I have learned
1. Dora the Explorer was popular here too, except she speaks Spanish and learns English--Say What?!
2. There is no word for "80" in French, there merely say "20x4" in French when referencing it...hmm? No one can really explain why this is though.
Tuesday I did my homework at a secret spot I found near my house. I found a nice rock to climb out onto overlooking the ocean and I actually found it fun to do my homework with such great scenery. Only problem I had was the wind almost blowing my homework into the ocean---that would have been interesting to try to explain to my teacher!
Wednesday night we had dinner with another family friend. He used to live in Palma with his family, until the airlines he piloted for went bankrupt. He has now moved with his family to Qatar. I enjoyed listening to the table converation this time, because I'm actually starting to understand what they are saying! Not everything, but enough to not be so lost all the time! Woot!
Thursday night I left a little early from my english teaching to make it into the city by 8 for tapas night with my class. We went to a tapas restaurant called Lizaran (Sp?). It was fabulous, we had pinchos which are like bigger tapas that are on bread and held together with a little stick. We had a very enjoyable eveing getting to know each other and practicing our spanish. After, we decided to move to another place that was quieter for more talking. It was the perfect eveing of friend and food and I was just very thankful to actually have some friends :) You can learn so much by talking to foreigners, and in turn, you can share insight about what it is really like in the states.
Friday I was really tired in class from staying out later than usual the night before. It was the last day of class for a couple of our classmates, so we made a plan to get lunch together after class. We went to a classy restaurant, and it was neat because we just learned how to order food in Spanish. The group tested the water with ordering and I would say that we did pretty good! We spent a few hours chatting and enjoying each other's company. It was really pleasant. I made it back to the house just in time for our lessons, so I would say it was a pretty good day.
Saturday :) Today I finally got to check out the beach. Perfect weather in the high 60s, bluest sky I've ever seen! I left around 1pm to walk to the beach--30-45 minute walk, but I meandered in and out of shops on my way so it took longer. I finally found the perfect pair of sunglasses to buy, and then headed towards the water. I set up my little spot and spent a couple hours resting, listening to music, and reading. I also did a lot of people watching (Europeans are interesting to me). After catching rays, I headed back out to the main street, and walked another 20ish minutes to Port o Pio--the mall that I went to on my first day with the family. I checked out the cinema (movie theater) and I saw that they were showing Pitch Perfect (favorite movie at the momentt) in spanish, Dandos la Nota. It started an hour later, so I shopped around some more and then headed back to see the film. It was fun to try to translate it, and it helped that I know a lot of the lines in the movie. I also was thinking, these ppl from other countries watch all of our American films, always dubbed with Spanish speakers for the words. They never really get to hear the actors real voice? Hmm.....
Tomorrow (Sunday) we are going sailboating! Super excited!
1. Dora the Explorer was popular here too, except she speaks Spanish and learns English--Say What?!
2. There is no word for "80" in French, there merely say "20x4" in French when referencing it...hmm? No one can really explain why this is though.
Tuesday I did my homework at a secret spot I found near my house. I found a nice rock to climb out onto overlooking the ocean and I actually found it fun to do my homework with such great scenery. Only problem I had was the wind almost blowing my homework into the ocean---that would have been interesting to try to explain to my teacher!
Wednesday night we had dinner with another family friend. He used to live in Palma with his family, until the airlines he piloted for went bankrupt. He has now moved with his family to Qatar. I enjoyed listening to the table converation this time, because I'm actually starting to understand what they are saying! Not everything, but enough to not be so lost all the time! Woot!
Thursday night I left a little early from my english teaching to make it into the city by 8 for tapas night with my class. We went to a tapas restaurant called Lizaran (Sp?). It was fabulous, we had pinchos which are like bigger tapas that are on bread and held together with a little stick. We had a very enjoyable eveing getting to know each other and practicing our spanish. After, we decided to move to another place that was quieter for more talking. It was the perfect eveing of friend and food and I was just very thankful to actually have some friends :) You can learn so much by talking to foreigners, and in turn, you can share insight about what it is really like in the states.
Friday I was really tired in class from staying out later than usual the night before. It was the last day of class for a couple of our classmates, so we made a plan to get lunch together after class. We went to a classy restaurant, and it was neat because we just learned how to order food in Spanish. The group tested the water with ordering and I would say that we did pretty good! We spent a few hours chatting and enjoying each other's company. It was really pleasant. I made it back to the house just in time for our lessons, so I would say it was a pretty good day.
Saturday :) Today I finally got to check out the beach. Perfect weather in the high 60s, bluest sky I've ever seen! I left around 1pm to walk to the beach--30-45 minute walk, but I meandered in and out of shops on my way so it took longer. I finally found the perfect pair of sunglasses to buy, and then headed towards the water. I set up my little spot and spent a couple hours resting, listening to music, and reading. I also did a lot of people watching (Europeans are interesting to me). After catching rays, I headed back out to the main street, and walked another 20ish minutes to Port o Pio--the mall that I went to on my first day with the family. I checked out the cinema (movie theater) and I saw that they were showing Pitch Perfect (favorite movie at the momentt) in spanish, Dandos la Nota. It started an hour later, so I shopped around some more and then headed back to see the film. It was fun to try to translate it, and it helped that I know a lot of the lines in the movie. I also was thinking, these ppl from other countries watch all of our American films, always dubbed with Spanish speakers for the words. They never really get to hear the actors real voice? Hmm.....
Tomorrow (Sunday) we are going sailboating! Super excited!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
New Friends :)
Day 2 of my Spanish class went very well. I feel like I know enough of the language to keep up and it is really helping me recall everything that I've forgotten. At our break today we all went to a cafe on the corner by our school and had cappachinos. It was very nice, and very European. I enjoyed getting to know my classmates outside of the classroom. One girl in my class is from Holland, but she moved to Palma with her boyfriend and his family to start up a hotel. She is trained in nursing and would like to get a job as a nurse, but she needs to be able to speak Spanish to do that. After class, on my way out of the building, I actually saw someone that I recognized from church. He sat in the same row as me and he waved because he recognized me to. We actually got into a pretty good conversation in Spanish and we were walking the same way, so we talked all the way to my bus stop. It felt good to be recognized, and I loved the opportunity to practice my Spanish. I love that I actually know a few more people in the city other than my host family!
Monday, March 4, 2013
International House- my language school!
Today's the day! My first day of Spanish classes since high school! I am excited to refresh my memory and learn how to better communicate with pretty much everyone here. The class was very nice, I had very little issues understanding the teacher, and I am with about 9 other students (all from various countries-France, Germany, Sweden, etc.) The woman I sat next to is Angelika and she is German. She told me that she is from Berlin, but she has moved to Bavaria. She is brand new at Spanish, so I was able to help her quite a bit with the vocabulary that she didn't understand. This made me feel much more confident. I really think I'm going to like going to my classes. I go to school everyday of the week from 9:30am to 1:30 pm. When I left school I wanted to do something fun, because I didn't have lessons with Maria and Alvaro (I did them on Sunday because it worked out better for us). I got out my already beaten up map of Palma, and I tried to figure out how to get back to El Corte Ingles, because that was the nearest place that bus 3 goes towards Ses Illetes (my direction home). On my way, I stopped by a mercado (grocery store) and purchased a Fanta limon, croissants, cashews, and some sort of chocolate-donut looking cookie. I finally found the bus stop, hopped on, and got off at Plaza Gomila. There is no bus (other than expensive tourist buses) that take you up to the Castel de Belver so I hoofed it up the massive hill to the top (stopping several times to rest). I have found that a perk of traveling solo is that you can do everything at your own pace ie. museums, climbing giant hills that are breathtaking (literally and physically), walking places, and choosing what sights to see/where to go. On the other hand, the drawback is the companionship. For example, I see something hilarious, no one to share it with :( It has its ups and downs! I made it to the top, took another 20 minute "picture break". Then I started searching for the entrance to the castle, only to eventually discover there was no one selling tickets, and no doors open--bummer! This sort of reminds me of time that Amanda and I walked all the way from Harlaxton college to Belvoir Castle (Belver and Belvoir both mean great view I believe--coincidence!) just to find that the Castle was closed for the Easter Holidays. Nevertheless, the view was spectacular, and I finally got to take in all of Palma. This is the first time I've lived in a city, so I am really finding it comical all of my attempts at finding my way around, but I actually have a pretty good handle on it. I figured since I was already up there, I would do my Spanish homework--so not a total loss lol. I walked back down and decided to do some more walking---trying to save a bus fare. I walked about 30 minutes and then mi familia happened to drive by on the way back from school and they picked me up! What luck!
The rest of Week 1 :)
So, I have gotten a little lazy with making posts (I will blame it on my slow computer). To remedy, I will now try to catch you up on the week's happenings.
Monday- Today I got up early to go with Pilar on the bus to the BNC language school that I was supposed to be using for my spanish classes. Pilar told me the way, and then left me on my own. I had to take an oral quiz to determine my placement. Well, basically, the only day classes they are offering (this is off-peak season) is way to high of level for me. I was offered night classes, but they would be at the time that I am tutoring Maria and Alvaro, and finally, I could pay for private lessons that would be 35 euros an hour (very expensive!). So I left the language school stumped at what to do, and also smack-dab in the center of a city I've never navigated alone. So naturally I sat down, and thought for a while. Then I realized I needed to buy something, so I went into a Chino (what they call little stores that are operated by Asians) and picked out my item. Finally, I headed back to the street, followed the oral directions from both Pilar and the lady at the school and got back on the right bus to go home. I climbed up the massive hill, took in the breathtaking view of the city. Then when I went into the gate that I thought was mi casa, I actually ended up locked in the neighbor's gate. Luckily the janitor let me out and and finally made it home. Pilar helped me call around to other language schools and I found one that I could go check out the next day. I also gave my very first English lessons ever, and they went very well! Maria is practically fluent in English, I just help her with sentence structure. Alvaro needs some work with vocabulary and listening, but he surprised me with how much he knows already too. They have both been in an English school here, and now they are in a French school (Why aren't we doing this in America!?!?!?!) These children have better language skills than everyone I know practically! It is frustrating.
Tuesday- So round two of language school. This time I was dropped off by Pilar, and I was to ride the bus home. So this time I had to take another placement test, and I found out that the class begun on Monday and was full. But since I have some Spanish knowledge, I was able to join the class the following Monday. So here I am thinking, "What am I going to do all week?"--the answer was easy, explore Mallorca! I walked over to El Corte Ingles (Macy's of Spain) and I rode the escalator up like 7 floors for the fun of it. Then I got on the bus and rode it to Porto Pio (shopping center they took me to on Saturday). Here I bought minutes for my cell phone (Katrina's friend Joslin is lending me!) and I bought a new bag that would hold more stuff than my little purse. I went home and then planned the rest of my week of adventuring.
Wednesday- Today I set off on my first adventure. I left on the 10:50am train to Soller. This train is an antique train that travels through the mountains to Soller. Soller is a quaint village in northern Mallorca where you can eat some of the best oranges and walk around and just soak up island life. I arrived at the Placa Espana and went to the train and bus station. After standing in line quite a while, I was informed that the Train to Soller had its own station, separate from the actual bus/train station in Palma. I headed out the door and to the right. I found the station and stood in another long line to find out that you can only have cash. Ugh! I had 20 euros and you needed like 28 or something like that. The worker told me that there is a ATM around the corner from the building. So now I'm thinking that I will probably run out of time, but I needed cash anyway so I hurried to the ATM. I made it back in time, hopped on the train and rode all the way through the magnificent countryside of Mallorca. When my train arrived, I hopped on a tram that took me further to the Port de Soller. Here I walked around the boats, bought some souvenirs, and purchased some bread, ham, and cheese to eat by the port. I rode the tram back but only had 20 minutes until my train went back-bummer. So I mainly got to see Port de Soller and not really Soller. The only thing I was truly sad about was that there is an ice cream factory that is supposed to have fabulous orange flavored ice cream. I was hoping to quickly locate it in time to make it back to the train, but I didn't want to get lost and it was far from the station. So I settled for some random places orange flavored ice cream--good, but still wish I had found the famous one! I rode the train back and then rode the bus home--great trip, very tired!
Thursday- Day two of exploring. Today I decided to hit the main things to do in Palma, the Cathedral and a museum or two. Pilar was not around when I left the house, so I tried to ask the bus driver where to get off. He told me Carlos Miro. So here I am, sitting on the bus, watching for Carlos Miro to scroll across the screen--never does, bus comes to the end of the line, and I have to get off. Ugh! So I just crossed the street, and got on the next bus going back the other direction. I again tried to talk to the driver to figure out what stop to get off at. This time he told me Juan Carlos Miro---ahhh!!! says the American! Now I am having to go half-way back, and I finally got off at the right stop. I went to the Catedral --"The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, more commonly referred to as La Seu (a title also used by many other churches), is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral located in Palma, Majorca, Spain, built on the site of a pre-existing Arab mosque. It is 121 metres long, 55 metres wide and its nave is 44 metres tall. Designed in the Catalan Gothic style but with Northern European influences, it was begun by King James I of Aragon in 1229 but finished only in 1601. It sits within the old city of Palma atop the former citadel of the Roman city, between the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the episcopal palace. It also overlooks the Parc de la Mar and the Mediterranean Sea."--Wikipedia. It was quite lovely! It was raining now, so I went to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina next--"The Royal Palace of La Almudaina[1] is the Alcázar (fortified palace) of Palma, the capital city of the Island of Majorca, Spain. Having been built as an Arabian Fort, it was claimed as official royal residence in the early 14th century. Inside it has many empty rooms, however, when King James II began restoration, his design plan included the encompassing of the small, romanesque Chapel of Saint Anne. It stands opposite the dramatic Palma Cathedral with commanding views over the Bay of Palma."-Wikipedia. Also, very nice. When I made it through the whole palace, of course I came outside to heavier rain. I was trying to make it back to the bus stop I got off at. Of course, I get turned around and have no idea where I'm at. I had to ask like 5 people before I found my way. I kept asking how to get back to Joan Carlos Miro and they would say "turn left, and go straight". I would turn left, but then there seemed to be no such thing as "straight" because the road would fork or it would be zigzagging. I did get to stop off at a little bakery and I ordered a white chocolate cappachino and a salad for lunch. I picked up a croissant and brownie looking thing for later because my family was going out to dinner at a friend's house. I finally made it back and was happy to be home.
Friday- Public Holiday of Mallorca to celebrate Mallorca. So that night my family took me to the festival in the city and we saw all sorts of handmade Mallorcan and Spanish goods that you could buy. There were tons of people, and we just walked around and took it all in. We bought some sort of Mallorcan food that looked like a hot pocket, but it was filled with meat. It was weird because it wasn't warmed up, but it tasted good. After walking so much we were happy to go home and enjoy a meal as a family.
Saturday- Today was not very eventful. At 2:00pm, friends of their family came over for lunch. Their names were Joanna and William. After a full course meal, we rested and then we all went to town to drop Maria off at her grandparents house, and search for new skiing clothes for Juan. We went to a couple stores, and the second was an outlet mall just like you would picture in America. Alvaro had a friend staying the night so they played arcade games while Pilar and I shopped.
Sunday- I decided to venture out to a church today. Problem was, I didn't think in advance to try to locate it. I talked the bus driver, and he was super helpful in telling me the right stop to get off at. Once I got off, I walked all over trying to find the place. Just when I was about to give up, I found it. It was a contemporary service, in Spanish. I understood some of the songs, and some of them were ones that we sing at church at home. Everyone was very friendly, I got the European greeting of two kisses on the cheeks several times and I couldn't help but think how strange that would be to do at church in America! I am used to it now, because every time I meet someone new here we have to greet each other with kisses. Oh and after church I walked around a bit before getting back on the bus for home. I also did Monday's lesson with the kids so now my Monday will be free!
Monday- Today I got up early to go with Pilar on the bus to the BNC language school that I was supposed to be using for my spanish classes. Pilar told me the way, and then left me on my own. I had to take an oral quiz to determine my placement. Well, basically, the only day classes they are offering (this is off-peak season) is way to high of level for me. I was offered night classes, but they would be at the time that I am tutoring Maria and Alvaro, and finally, I could pay for private lessons that would be 35 euros an hour (very expensive!). So I left the language school stumped at what to do, and also smack-dab in the center of a city I've never navigated alone. So naturally I sat down, and thought for a while. Then I realized I needed to buy something, so I went into a Chino (what they call little stores that are operated by Asians) and picked out my item. Finally, I headed back to the street, followed the oral directions from both Pilar and the lady at the school and got back on the right bus to go home. I climbed up the massive hill, took in the breathtaking view of the city. Then when I went into the gate that I thought was mi casa, I actually ended up locked in the neighbor's gate. Luckily the janitor let me out and and finally made it home. Pilar helped me call around to other language schools and I found one that I could go check out the next day. I also gave my very first English lessons ever, and they went very well! Maria is practically fluent in English, I just help her with sentence structure. Alvaro needs some work with vocabulary and listening, but he surprised me with how much he knows already too. They have both been in an English school here, and now they are in a French school (Why aren't we doing this in America!?!?!?!) These children have better language skills than everyone I know practically! It is frustrating.
Tuesday- So round two of language school. This time I was dropped off by Pilar, and I was to ride the bus home. So this time I had to take another placement test, and I found out that the class begun on Monday and was full. But since I have some Spanish knowledge, I was able to join the class the following Monday. So here I am thinking, "What am I going to do all week?"--the answer was easy, explore Mallorca! I walked over to El Corte Ingles (Macy's of Spain) and I rode the escalator up like 7 floors for the fun of it. Then I got on the bus and rode it to Porto Pio (shopping center they took me to on Saturday). Here I bought minutes for my cell phone (Katrina's friend Joslin is lending me!) and I bought a new bag that would hold more stuff than my little purse. I went home and then planned the rest of my week of adventuring.
Wednesday- Today I set off on my first adventure. I left on the 10:50am train to Soller. This train is an antique train that travels through the mountains to Soller. Soller is a quaint village in northern Mallorca where you can eat some of the best oranges and walk around and just soak up island life. I arrived at the Placa Espana and went to the train and bus station. After standing in line quite a while, I was informed that the Train to Soller had its own station, separate from the actual bus/train station in Palma. I headed out the door and to the right. I found the station and stood in another long line to find out that you can only have cash. Ugh! I had 20 euros and you needed like 28 or something like that. The worker told me that there is a ATM around the corner from the building. So now I'm thinking that I will probably run out of time, but I needed cash anyway so I hurried to the ATM. I made it back in time, hopped on the train and rode all the way through the magnificent countryside of Mallorca. When my train arrived, I hopped on a tram that took me further to the Port de Soller. Here I walked around the boats, bought some souvenirs, and purchased some bread, ham, and cheese to eat by the port. I rode the tram back but only had 20 minutes until my train went back-bummer. So I mainly got to see Port de Soller and not really Soller. The only thing I was truly sad about was that there is an ice cream factory that is supposed to have fabulous orange flavored ice cream. I was hoping to quickly locate it in time to make it back to the train, but I didn't want to get lost and it was far from the station. So I settled for some random places orange flavored ice cream--good, but still wish I had found the famous one! I rode the train back and then rode the bus home--great trip, very tired!
Thursday- Day two of exploring. Today I decided to hit the main things to do in Palma, the Cathedral and a museum or two. Pilar was not around when I left the house, so I tried to ask the bus driver where to get off. He told me Carlos Miro. So here I am, sitting on the bus, watching for Carlos Miro to scroll across the screen--never does, bus comes to the end of the line, and I have to get off. Ugh! So I just crossed the street, and got on the next bus going back the other direction. I again tried to talk to the driver to figure out what stop to get off at. This time he told me Juan Carlos Miro---ahhh!!! says the American! Now I am having to go half-way back, and I finally got off at the right stop. I went to the Catedral --"The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, more commonly referred to as La Seu (a title also used by many other churches), is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral located in Palma, Majorca, Spain, built on the site of a pre-existing Arab mosque. It is 121 metres long, 55 metres wide and its nave is 44 metres tall. Designed in the Catalan Gothic style but with Northern European influences, it was begun by King James I of Aragon in 1229 but finished only in 1601. It sits within the old city of Palma atop the former citadel of the Roman city, between the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the episcopal palace. It also overlooks the Parc de la Mar and the Mediterranean Sea."--Wikipedia. It was quite lovely! It was raining now, so I went to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina next--"The Royal Palace of La Almudaina[1] is the Alcázar (fortified palace) of Palma, the capital city of the Island of Majorca, Spain. Having been built as an Arabian Fort, it was claimed as official royal residence in the early 14th century. Inside it has many empty rooms, however, when King James II began restoration, his design plan included the encompassing of the small, romanesque Chapel of Saint Anne. It stands opposite the dramatic Palma Cathedral with commanding views over the Bay of Palma."-Wikipedia. Also, very nice. When I made it through the whole palace, of course I came outside to heavier rain. I was trying to make it back to the bus stop I got off at. Of course, I get turned around and have no idea where I'm at. I had to ask like 5 people before I found my way. I kept asking how to get back to Joan Carlos Miro and they would say "turn left, and go straight". I would turn left, but then there seemed to be no such thing as "straight" because the road would fork or it would be zigzagging. I did get to stop off at a little bakery and I ordered a white chocolate cappachino and a salad for lunch. I picked up a croissant and brownie looking thing for later because my family was going out to dinner at a friend's house. I finally made it back and was happy to be home.
Friday- Public Holiday of Mallorca to celebrate Mallorca. So that night my family took me to the festival in the city and we saw all sorts of handmade Mallorcan and Spanish goods that you could buy. There were tons of people, and we just walked around and took it all in. We bought some sort of Mallorcan food that looked like a hot pocket, but it was filled with meat. It was weird because it wasn't warmed up, but it tasted good. After walking so much we were happy to go home and enjoy a meal as a family.
Saturday- Today was not very eventful. At 2:00pm, friends of their family came over for lunch. Their names were Joanna and William. After a full course meal, we rested and then we all went to town to drop Maria off at her grandparents house, and search for new skiing clothes for Juan. We went to a couple stores, and the second was an outlet mall just like you would picture in America. Alvaro had a friend staying the night so they played arcade games while Pilar and I shopped.
Sunday- I decided to venture out to a church today. Problem was, I didn't think in advance to try to locate it. I talked the bus driver, and he was super helpful in telling me the right stop to get off at. Once I got off, I walked all over trying to find the place. Just when I was about to give up, I found it. It was a contemporary service, in Spanish. I understood some of the songs, and some of them were ones that we sing at church at home. Everyone was very friendly, I got the European greeting of two kisses on the cheeks several times and I couldn't help but think how strange that would be to do at church in America! I am used to it now, because every time I meet someone new here we have to greet each other with kisses. Oh and after church I walked around a bit before getting back on the bus for home. I also did Monday's lesson with the kids so now my Monday will be free!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Day 2 :)
The Spanish parents tell the jet-lagged American who isn't completely confident what time it is, ever, to sleep as late as she wants. Little do they know that I am skilled at sleeping in, so at 1pm when Pilar woke me up finally it was no suprise that I was still tired! I think that is normal, with sitting in airports/planes for 18 hours in the past day and then staying up during the entire period of sleep for America. I am so glad they woke me up though because I woudn't have wanted to miss the birthday party for their five year old cousin at Juan's brother's house. It was just like my family birthday parties, except everyone kept talking really fast in spanish to me and I had no idea what they were saying (theme of my weekend!) They were very fun, and they included me in the whole fiesta! First we stood around and visited and ate shrimp that you literally had to de-capitate lol. I wasn't sure how exactly you did that so thankfully Antonio's mother in-law was helping me. Then all of the adults sat down to one big table and we feasted on lots of spanish delicacies. We also used a Raclette which is, "A modern way of serving raclette involves an electric table-top grill with small pans, known as coupelles, to heat slices of raclette cheese in. Generally the grill is surmounted by a hot plate or griddle. The cheese is brought to the table sliced, accompanied by platters of boiled or steamed potatoes, other vegetables and charcuterie. These are then mixed with potatoes and topped with cheese in the small, wedge-shaped coupelles that are placed under the grill to melt and brown the cheese. Alternatively, slices of cheese may be melted and simply poured over food on the plate. The accent in raclette dining is on relaxed and sociable eating and drinking, the meal often running to several hours."(Wikipedia) Basically, we got a boiled potatoe, sliced it up, and then made "sandwich-type" things using the raclette cheese that you would heat on the grill in the middle of the table, sort of like fondue. You would add pieces of meat to the potatoes and cheese, or you could fry up an egg (very tiny, not chicken egg) on the top of the grill and eat that with your potatoe and cheese. I also had my very first expresso, which was quite strong, but with sugar good. Altogether I had like 6 different glasses (el vaso) by the end of the party. We sang happy birthday in spanish, but instead of "Feliz cumpleanos" that they teach us in school, they sang "Cumpleanos feliz". Then they all sang a famous song from Spain that clowns sing? I don't know, I was lost! lol We ate a cake (tarte) that was orange flavored and it had chocolate icing. It was a good time, I really enjoyed being part of the occasion and I really felt included as part of the family.
The Spanish parents tell the jet-lagged American who isn't completely confident what time it is, ever, to sleep as late as she wants. Little do they know that I am skilled at sleeping in, so at 1pm when Pilar woke me up finally it was no suprise that I was still tired! I think that is normal, with sitting in airports/planes for 18 hours in the past day and then staying up during the entire period of sleep for America. I am so glad they woke me up though because I woudn't have wanted to miss the birthday party for their five year old cousin at Juan's brother's house. It was just like my family birthday parties, except everyone kept talking really fast in spanish to me and I had no idea what they were saying (theme of my weekend!) They were very fun, and they included me in the whole fiesta! First we stood around and visited and ate shrimp that you literally had to de-capitate lol. I wasn't sure how exactly you did that so thankfully Antonio's mother in-law was helping me. Then all of the adults sat down to one big table and we feasted on lots of spanish delicacies. We also used a Raclette which is, "A modern way of serving raclette involves an electric table-top grill with small pans, known as coupelles, to heat slices of raclette cheese in. Generally the grill is surmounted by a hot plate or griddle. The cheese is brought to the table sliced, accompanied by platters of boiled or steamed potatoes, other vegetables and charcuterie. These are then mixed with potatoes and topped with cheese in the small, wedge-shaped coupelles that are placed under the grill to melt and brown the cheese. Alternatively, slices of cheese may be melted and simply poured over food on the plate. The accent in raclette dining is on relaxed and sociable eating and drinking, the meal often running to several hours."(Wikipedia) Basically, we got a boiled potatoe, sliced it up, and then made "sandwich-type" things using the raclette cheese that you would heat on the grill in the middle of the table, sort of like fondue. You would add pieces of meat to the potatoes and cheese, or you could fry up an egg (very tiny, not chicken egg) on the top of the grill and eat that with your potatoe and cheese. I also had my very first expresso, which was quite strong, but with sugar good. Altogether I had like 6 different glasses (el vaso) by the end of the party. We sang happy birthday in spanish, but instead of "Feliz cumpleanos" that they teach us in school, they sang "Cumpleanos feliz". Then they all sang a famous song from Spain that clowns sing? I don't know, I was lost! lol We ate a cake (tarte) that was orange flavored and it had chocolate icing. It was a good time, I really enjoyed being part of the occasion and I really felt included as part of the family.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Endless Travel/Meeting "mi familia!"
Hola!
What a busy weekend I have had. My plane was scheduled to leave St. Louis at 2:15 on Friday. It was delayed until 3pm and I was getting worried that this would cause me to miss my connection in Chicago to Madrid. Luckily, the plane arrived just in time to board the next, and I began the 8 hour flight to Spain. I also was concerned that my bags wouldn't arrive with me but they did! I have never flown anywhere alone, and I've definitely never had to navigate an airport by myself! The first impression I had of Spain was walking onto the plane in Chicago. Of course not everyone was Spanish, but i could immediately tell I was too pale and lacking in my espanol! The plane was cramped and not as luxurious as my other international flight. We had a strange chicken meal, watched Here Comes the Boom as a group, and then after only three hours of sleep we were served breakfast and it was time to depart. Once in Madrid, I found an ATM and got my stash of euros and waited around for two hours until my next flight. On this flight I actually sat by someone who wanted to chat. He was from Miami but he was born in Venezuela, and had family in Palma. He told me that it was a bummer that I was arriving during the cold season (I'm like, dude, when I left Illinois there was snow and ice! It can't be that bad!!). I got off the plane and finally was able to locate my baggage (las maletas) and meet my new family. Juan (el padre) was there to pick me up, and he explained that we would be going to pick up Maria (la hija) at her friend's house (some famous folk singer of Spain, lived in a mansion so I was impressed!). Juan, Maria, and I stumbled through conversation. Juan and Maria are actually quite proficient in English. They make my Spanish speaking look pathetic! We arrived back at their casa to find Pilar (la madre) and Alvaro (el hijo). Pilar was staying home with Alvaro because he is sick. They showed me around the home, and we brought my stuff up to where I would stay. A nice room with a view of the pool (too bad it is too cold :/) In other rooms of their home you can see the ocean--which I think is epic! We had lunch together and we ate asparagus, some sort of bean stew?, bread, and cheese. (I need to ask Pilar to write down the names of what she serves because I forget!) I started to unpack and get connected to the Internet. The family invited me to go with them to the mall to shop for a birthday present for their cousin. At the mall we walked around and shopped, very similar to a big mall in the U.S. (although they told me it only has a few stores, it is like 4 times bigger then MTV mall! lol). When we returned to the house, we rested and then had dinner at 9:30 or so. I was exhausted so I took a shower and headed for bed.
What a busy weekend I have had. My plane was scheduled to leave St. Louis at 2:15 on Friday. It was delayed until 3pm and I was getting worried that this would cause me to miss my connection in Chicago to Madrid. Luckily, the plane arrived just in time to board the next, and I began the 8 hour flight to Spain. I also was concerned that my bags wouldn't arrive with me but they did! I have never flown anywhere alone, and I've definitely never had to navigate an airport by myself! The first impression I had of Spain was walking onto the plane in Chicago. Of course not everyone was Spanish, but i could immediately tell I was too pale and lacking in my espanol! The plane was cramped and not as luxurious as my other international flight. We had a strange chicken meal, watched Here Comes the Boom as a group, and then after only three hours of sleep we were served breakfast and it was time to depart. Once in Madrid, I found an ATM and got my stash of euros and waited around for two hours until my next flight. On this flight I actually sat by someone who wanted to chat. He was from Miami but he was born in Venezuela, and had family in Palma. He told me that it was a bummer that I was arriving during the cold season (I'm like, dude, when I left Illinois there was snow and ice! It can't be that bad!!). I got off the plane and finally was able to locate my baggage (las maletas) and meet my new family. Juan (el padre) was there to pick me up, and he explained that we would be going to pick up Maria (la hija) at her friend's house (some famous folk singer of Spain, lived in a mansion so I was impressed!). Juan, Maria, and I stumbled through conversation. Juan and Maria are actually quite proficient in English. They make my Spanish speaking look pathetic! We arrived back at their casa to find Pilar (la madre) and Alvaro (el hijo). Pilar was staying home with Alvaro because he is sick. They showed me around the home, and we brought my stuff up to where I would stay. A nice room with a view of the pool (too bad it is too cold :/) In other rooms of their home you can see the ocean--which I think is epic! We had lunch together and we ate asparagus, some sort of bean stew?, bread, and cheese. (I need to ask Pilar to write down the names of what she serves because I forget!) I started to unpack and get connected to the Internet. The family invited me to go with them to the mall to shop for a birthday present for their cousin. At the mall we walked around and shopped, very similar to a big mall in the U.S. (although they told me it only has a few stores, it is like 4 times bigger then MTV mall! lol). When we returned to the house, we rested and then had dinner at 9:30 or so. I was exhausted so I took a shower and headed for bed.
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