Well hello All!

Oh my Goodness it sure has been awhile. Right when I got back from Madrid, the countdown started. After today I have 23 days! Can you believe it? Because I sure can't! I can't believe how long I have been here and how soon I will be home. When I get home, I will have so much to do. Visit family, hang out with friends, visit teachers, get my hair cut, visit red robin and the list goes on and on!! There isn't much to update everyone on unless you want to listen to me list all of the work I need to get done this weekend. And no I actually haven't been procrastinating. Well, okay maybe just a little. Well back in Madrid, we went to a Flamenco show and had dinner. It was beautiful. The dancers were so passionate and the singers were really good and damn those guitarists sure could play. We had a nice 4 course meal and lots of Sangria and then we went off to a bar. But didn't stay long, I wanted to get back to the hotel. I'm not sure if anyone heard about the strike here or in Greece or Portugal, but there was one. And our hotel was a two minute walk from the main plaza where it was being held. It was totally safe but kind of scary. There were two times the police starting shooting rubber bullets and I had to run with the crowd and there was lots of chanting and yelling. One kid got hit by that stick the police have. I don't know what it's called. So after my experience of the strike, I decided that I had had enough and went back to the hotel and slept.

I also got to see where Cervantes was born and grew up. It was interesting but kind of like any other tour.  So once we arrived back in Valencia, I had the weekend to finish some homework, do laundry, go grocery shopping and buy gifts for Christmas and stuff like that. The week resumed back to normal. Classes and other boring stuff.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, obviously and yes we had class. which is kind of disappointing but what can I do about it. Anyway, after class I went shopping with Abby for a dress. I found a dress and some boots to where to dinner. The study center was preparing a lovely Thanksgiving meal for us. It was great getting to spend this holiday with such good friends and a new family but I was still missing home a little bit. Getting on Facebook, I would see all of my friends together in pictures and I wish I could have been there but hey, at least I'm in a great place like Valencia, Spain. After dinner, Colin, Abby and I went and had a couple glasses of Sangria at a restaurant. Yummm, it's really my favorite. Get ready friends, I'm making Sangria for you!

So I guess that ends it for now.  I will see you all very soon!

with love,
Stacey

Madrid

Ahh Finally a break, a break from this madness. Today there was history in the making here in Madrid. For the first tie 3 countries were on strike at the same time. Spain, Greece and portugal and I got to be a part of this madness. There were guns, police attacking people, tear gas noise noise noise. It was and still is quite intense. It will be a little bit of madness until 6 when the protesters have a permit to actually protest. Anyway, today we went to the Reina Sofia museum where a lot of the modern art is and then went to el Prado. Saw Las Maninas. Which was really cool considering I can remember being in Mrs. Margraf's spanish class junior year learning about it and then I saw it in real life.  Yesterday we went to The valley of the Fallen. It's where Franco is buried and is a monument to the civil war in Spain. Very peaceful but eerie all at the same time. Then we were off to Segovia to see the Roman Aqueduct and cathedral and castle. We took a tour of the castle which was fun, although I would have rather had a tour of the Cathedral. But before any of that happened I went to this nice restaurant and tried some Sopa Castanilla.  I think That is what it was called but I honestly don't remember. Now I have a break which is why I thought I could tell you a little bit about my trip so far. At 7 we are going to a Flamenco show and dinner, I'm very excited. It will be my first Flamenco show here in Spain and I've heard it's best in Madrid. Plus it's normally pretty expensive except for us it's free tonight. Why not go?? Good night.

With love from Madrid,
Stacey

The weeks go on and on

I wish I blogged a little bit more about my trip. Honestly, it's becoming the same thing day after day. I've been sleeping a lot and not eating very much. I don't know what my problem is. I mean I love it here I really do, I'm just a little melancholy these days. The weather is getting colder and although the Spaniards say it never rains here, it feels like it is constantly raining. Every Sunday I've been going to church. I think it's a really good way to learn the language. I sit there for 45 minutes just listening to someone speak in Spanish and I don't have to respond. Yesterday, Abby and I went to our place. Ordered up some Sangria, tostadas and patatas bravas. Yummmmm. We try to go there at least once a week. We get a lot of food for pretty cheap, even though they don't take cheques. Cheques are these like meal voucher things that we get from the study center every month. I tend to eat at home more though so I haven't started using the ones from November yet, I have about 5 left I think from October. There is this man that is always sitting in this one place in the city. He has his head in his hands and just looks defeated. I don't know him but I always feel bad for him. He has a little cardboard box that reads "tengo hambre" which means I'm hungry. Since I had so many cheques, I gave him two of them. I can remember when my dad visited the other week.  I told him that I always want to bring that man ice cream but had never done it. Yesterday was the day I gave him two cheques. I just said hi, i want to give you these because you probably need it more than I do. I can pay for my own food, even though having cheques is a great way to save food. The economic situation here is terrible. You think the U.S. has it bad with what an 8% unemployment rate. Try 50%. How bad do you think politics would be at home then. Imagine the wealthy loaning money to the government so the government can pay the politicians. Maybe it's time to open our eyes a little bit. I know it's bad at home, I know, It's just worse here. It's frustrating. Ahhh. I'm not one to be preaching about politics. I don't know that much, so I keep my mouth shut but I can read and I know it isn't going to well over here.

Tomorrow I leave for Madrid. Yes, I have yet another week off from school and then when we come back, There are only like three weeks until I come home for winter break. Hopefully it will be the best winter break I've had so far. I'm trying to decide If I want to go to Wisconsin with my dad. I think I probably should but I just want to spend time with my friends and my brother and mom. I guess we will see when the time comes.

I've started to be a little more diligent when it comes to homework. I've been working on a final project for one class that is due pretty soon. The 4th of December. It's not hard, just time consuming. I hope everyone has a good week. Or at least try to. I know I will try. See you all very soon

With Love,
Stacey

Halloween and more

Yes I am here. I  have just been walking around. Enjoying the company of my friends and discovering new things and places. I haven't really been feeling myself lately. I don't know if it's that the weather is changing or that I am just missing home but I feel a little bit down in the dumps. I feel so bad sometimes that I fell this way, but it's just a part of my life and I'm afraid it always will be. I feel guilty honestly, there are people who I love and adore that have cancer or a family member just passed and here I am sulking in my lovely wood-beamed ceiling in Spain. It just doesn't seem right to me, you know?

Anyway that was my thoughtfulness, if that's what I should call it, for the week. Or the next few days. I really am not feeling fantastic but let me try to recap the past week.

First of all, three day week, four day weekend...what??? Monday and Tuesday were very slow and boring but Halloween was on Wednesday. It is not a very celebrated holiday in Spain. For those that do dress up, they look scary. Like I'm not kidding, Wooh. Blood, zombies, vampires, they really play up the scary make-up. So then the lovely Americans come outside and this is what happens. Stares. Some boys were in boxers and an apron, some girls let it all out, others were just too drunk. Yay for the americans on that one, Justing Kidding. We looked like fools. I was a spain super-hero. I liked it but here they think it's all about being scary. I guess in the states it's changed a little. So after exploring the streets for a bit, there were just too many drunk annoying people out for me so at about 3 I went home and fell asleep.  Plus the government building was blocked off and there was just too much chaos for me.
Thursday was Colin's birthday and he finally turned 18 so we had some celebrating to do. We went to a lebanese restaurant for lunch got some yummy ice cream, then went and got sangria followed by this good alcoholic smoothy then we went out to dinner. Had pizza and wine and just celebrated. It was a lot of fun and this place where we got pizza had the best tiramisu. Ahh. Yesterday was friday and I laid in bed a lot. Read my book went out for dinner again, I think, for some reason I don't remember. I went to see skyfall with colin but we didn't get to see it because he accidentally left his wallet in the taxi but he got it back this morning. Crisis averted but of course there was no money in it. Oh well. We are going later tonight with more people. I think I'll pay this time. And yes, the movie is in English.

This past week

Let's see. There isn't that much to talk about. Oh I know, Tuesday I went to the police station because I was applying for a residency card which I should get in about 40 days. Wednesday almost all of the students here made different american style dishes and then we took the tram to the university and had diner with spanish students. Obviously, they made spanish food. YUMMMM. One girl made this french toast type of thing that was just amazing. There were meat balls and spanish omelets. Bread with tomato spread--one of my favorites, sausage and just a bunch of really yummy food. Abby and I were feeling a little lazy so we made a fruit salad with apples, peaches, bananas and pineapple. It was pretty good. We wanted to put watermelon in it, but they didn't have any. None at consum or the fruteria. Bummer but hey it's ok. I met a lot of really nice spaniards. They would talk to us in English and we wold respond in spanish. Well, that's at least what I did, I don't know what the other kids did. Thursday, I was stressed. Doing homework and studying for a quiz I have on Tuesday so I didn't get to have much  fun. Actually, I lied. A group of 8 of us went to this Italian restaurant and I got a vegetable lasagna. Holy shit it was really good. I wrote a couple letters as well. Lori, I don't know if you read this, but you have two coming your way. I'm sorry for the long wait. There arren't that many days until I come home and get to see everyone over Christmas break. Ahhhhh I love it here but I am so excited to come home and see my parents and brother and to hang out with friends.

Today we went to the Bejis mountains. It was kind of a hard hike for me but I managed. My right foot, especially my right ankle, isn't very happy with me right now but whatever. I can do anything that anyone else can do. I just might be in the back of the line and I may be struggling to keep up but Colin and Angel, I think that's how you spell his name, stayed back with me. They helped me climb over rocks and puddles and stuff like that. It was really pretty. There was a point where I was hugging this slippery rock and people basically carried me through this one section. It get's embarrassing sometimes and most of the times I wish I could be like everyone else but I can't. And that's okay. I have had the best groups of people surrounding me my whole life that help me along. Every single one of you has helped me in one way or another. And for that I thank you.

For now, I am going to go out to dinner with Colin and then grab my bottle of vodka and orange juice because it's the weekend and I can. Good night.

Farewell

As I sit in this lovely hotel bar with nothing to do on a Saturday night but drink a vodka tonic, it's a sad moment as the thoughts of my family leaving in the very early morning linger in the back of my head. But for now I'll let my mind venture back to when dad and Auntie Paula first arrived. I can still remember crossing the street in a giddy galloping strut waiting to get a familiar person into my arms. I had a cafe con leche in hand and I just grabbed my aunt, as dad was trying with not a lot of success to ask where the apartment that we were staying was. Why am i being so descriptive? I have no clue. I guess because it's a Saturday and I'm bored.

So lets see. Sunday they get here. We go touring the city, we go into the Cathedral and to the top of the serrano towers just outside the study center. When we got to our apartment in port Saplaya we ate a delicious italian meal out in the plaza.

Monday was great. I opened a bank account only speaking spanish. Granted it took me about two and a half hours but hey that's something for me. Especially since I'm a little timid when it comes to speaking spanish. Roxanne, Paula's friend came along for the trip as well and arrived on Tuesday. So anyway I guess I'll just give you the highlights of my trip.

#1 We went shopping. Lots and lots of shopping. I got the cutest green dress with birds on it that I can't wait to wear and many other things. I've even bought a few gifts for friends and family.

#2 We went to the central market. It was awesome. This of course was my fourth or fifth time going but I think I just loved being able to explore and see different things with the fam. We got some good stuff too. I'm pretty sure Roxanne bought like six bottles of olive oil. But hey that's ok because we're on vacation.

#3 Found the best Paella place ever. Ok it was really expensive but hey it was some damn goos Paella.

Last but not least #4. When we were in Port Saplaya at some other delicious italian restaurant, where I had the best pizza ever. I'm taking my roommates there. I don't care if we have to take a cab. I met Suni, well at least that's how I'll write it but je was so sweet. We went back there three times. He gave me his jacket one time bcause I was cold. It smelt strongly of cologne and cigarette smoke. Oh jeez that's my favorite. Sorry Colin, You might have some competition ;)

I think that's all I have to say. I still have a lot of vodka tonic to drink. Until next time.

Gosh I've missed blogging

Every other day

Most of my friends are taking their midterms right now and are in class or are planning their fall break plans so I'm lonely. Laying on my bed listening to the new Mumford & Sons cd. If you don't have it, I highly recommend getting it. Ahhh it's so good. But if you are looking for calm music try Bon Iver. That man can make me sit and cry even if I'm in a good mood. For Mumford I would say " I will wait" and "ghosts that we knew" are the ones to listen to. For Bon Iver anything, "Skinny Love" "Michicant" "Calgary" "Blood Bank"  I'm very excited to say that I am going to Lisbon Portugal to see him Perform with one of my best friends Alex. We are both pretty big music nerds. That reminds me I should probably buy those tickets and tickets to get there and a hostel and the list goes on and on. My other roommate Abby and I and I think all the girls of apartment six want to go to Sweden over Thanksgiving so I need to look at that as well.

My dad and Aunt Paula are coming to visit on Saturday. I haven't seen my Auntie Paula since graduation so I'm very excited to see her. I'm also just as excited to see my dad. The next 10 days are going to be a lot of fun. No school and a whole week to hang with some family. I will say that I'm very jealous of everyone in the program because everyone is traveling to different countries, Italy Germany, Amsterdam, well that's a city, Switzerland and many otter. I really want to go to Berlin. This is weird and I have yet to talk to Andy, my brother, about it but I have a mission. He has this sweet picture next to a piece of graffiti and I want to go find it and take the same picture. I don't know why I want to but I really want to. It would just be something cool to do. And then it's something I can say we both Have done. I really miss my brother. It's odd though because his first few years of college I didn't talk to him and I was just fine but the past few years we have grown closer and I truly miss him. Hopefully he can come visit in the Summer. Maybe take a few weeks off of work to come travel with me.

So I guess I don't have anything exciting to talk about. It's just a normal day. I'm tired but I promised Abby I wouldn't nap because yesterday I took four naps. I don't know what it is. I'm just tired and not up to much. Am I feeling a little down? Ya, sure I guess but that's been my normal for quite a while.

The Sun Also Rises

I went to a bull fight and although it was a part of the spanish culture that needs to be experienced, I doubt I'll go again. I can now say that I understand how Ernest Hemingway fell in love with Matadors. That was the part of the bull fight that I could watch over and over again. They danced around the bull in beautiful silk outfits. I did a little background and I think it's called "traje de luces"which means the suit of lights. In Spain they call the matadors and I guess all those that fight in the ring, torero. Then again I learned all of that on wikipedia so for all I know it's not true. Back to the Matador, he would dance around the bull slapping his feet against the dirt ground getting the bulls attention. He would wave a beautiful pink, silk cape. Picadores, people riding on horses, came out and would encourage the bull to attack the horse while injuring the bull. They also stuck these pole type things into the shoulders to weaken the bull. I'm not going to go into detail, I have a video but I don't want to put it up and make anyone uncomfortable. Finally the head Matador comes out with a muleta, or the red cape and a sword. He obviously kills it but I'd rather not go into the details. They do it to six bulls. Personally it's part of the Spanish culture and I enjoyed watching the historical, performance of the fight but hated watching the bull suffer.  So that was Sunday, oh and if anyone wants to see the video I can send it to you. I will warn you that I unfortunately got a video of the one Matador that seemed to have some trouble. You can figure that out on your own.

Today is the 9th of October in Valencia, also known as Valencia Day. It's a day to celebrate the independence of Valencia. It was no longer Moorish but King Jamie brought Christianity.  So last night or early this morning there was a fireworks show in the riverbed at midnight. These were fireworks like I had never seen. Growing up so close to Kings Island allowed me to watch fireworks every night at 10 in the summer if I wanted but when I watched these, I was shocked. It was beautiful and loud. I'm not kidding when I saw that it was like going to a concert and standing next to the speakers. I couldn't hear anything. The ones that freaked me out were the ones that are just like big bombs and are really loud, you could feel them on your skin. They made the ground shake. Valencia is known for its pyrotechnic abilities. I don't know how you would say that. But there is a two year school here where someone can go and be a certified pyrotechnic.

This afternoon Alex, Abby, Galen, Michael and I went and had lunch at the plaza de la virgen. I had already eaten lunch with Colin, I made grilled cheese but I still went anyways. I tried Orxata and a croissant. They were out of the normal pastry that you dip in the drink. If I'm correct Orxata is a rice and milk drink. It is very sweet but realllllyyyy yummy and delicious. Then we walked to la plaza del ayuntamiento and heard anothter fireworks show. We were late because it started ten minutes early. I didn't see anything but I'm pretty sure that it called La Mascleta and there wash;t much to see but a lot to hear.

OK that's all for now, until next time...

tech problems

This thing ahh wasn't working, I hope you enjoyed

melancholy

This past week has been well not great. There are ups and downs in the world and this week was a down. Whether it's because I'm not longer traveling around this glorious country or because I miss my friends and family back home. My eyes have kind of been glued to facebook going through pictures of all of my friends back home It's weird but I'm savoring the memories I had with my friends and am experiencing the new memories they are making. The highlight of my week was getting a pack of m & ms from a friend when I was sick. He knew   I didn't feel well and so he went to the store and bought me m&ms. It was such a sweet gesture. I've been a little lazy the past few days. I've been enjoying my time laying in my bed and watching movies. I watched The Lucky One, The fighter and Savages. Don't be mad mom, I promise I'm studying and doing my work. I'm just resting trying to fight a bad cough and cold. Also, someone got me the new Mumford and Sons CD and I've just been listening to it over and over again. Marcus Mumford has put me to sleep the past few nights. Another thing that was great was that I heard from my high school spanish teacher. Hopefully, I can go visit him while on winter break. That man was a life savor for me at different times of the year, whether he knew it or not.  Yesterday was Friday which means no classes and a day trip. Many kids went to Munich for Oktoberfest and others went to Ibiza I don't know if that's how you spell it. It's an island off of Spain that's like the biggest party island. Apparently Lady Gaga was there. Even though I'm not a fan that would have been cool to see her. Anyway back to Friday, We got up at 9:00 and left for a winery and brewery that was about an hour and a half away. The winery was sweet. It was this big museum of like a little village type home and then we got to see how they made wine and tried two different kinds. Wine isn't my favorite so I only tried a little. Other people were gulping it down. After the winery we went and saw how silk was made and toured these underground caves. They wandered all around underneath this city. tHERE  were these huge jugs that held wine, bread, water and oil. There were slugs on the walls and wells that went on for forever. Then we went and had the best spanish ever. By this time it was about two and everyone was hungry. We sat down and waiting for us were these long sweet peppers and potato chips. Then a salad came out with apples, tomatoes goat cheese walnuts and other stuff. Along with the salad there were many baskets of bread and oil. Then there was a calamari croquette followed by a mushroom croquette followed by a shrimp kabob followed by a pork tenderloin with potatoes followed by cinnamon ice cream with a french toast type dessert followed by cafe con leche followed by sweet wine. Holy shit it was good but it was a lot of food. 

Ok I'm writing a lot but after lunch we went to a brewery. Let's be honest my choice of drink is Vodka so I wasn't a fan of the beer either but it was still fun to try it and taste different types of beers. When we got home I napped finished watching the savages and then went to an italian restaurant with Abby, Alex and Meredith. Ate a fantastic cheese ravioli that was totally worth the 11 euros and went home and fell asleep. I hope my tired body can get out of this study center soon and stop watching movies. Everyone went out last night and I fell like I missed out on a lot of fun but I'm just in a funk hopefully some afternoon shopping and a good dinner will pull me out from the bottom of this suffocating pool. Until next. Here are some pictures!

Pyrenees and Barcelona

Finally Home, well as close to home as I can make Valencia. It's actually funny because when I was in Barcelona I missed my bed back in the study center. So let's talk about my trip shall we? We left last Monday and got to Jaca at about 4:00 in the afternoon. Bus drivers are required to stop for 15 minutes every two hours. So It was kind of nice to get out and stretch. When we arrived we got to our rooms. Sarah was my roommate. It took us the first night to figure out how to make the Air conditioning work. Let's just say that first night I didn't sleep well at all. I can remember waking up at 3 and wishing it was time to get up. So then at about 5:00 I got my iPod to listen to for a few hours. Okay enough complaining. This trip was really cool. at about 6:00 the night we arrived we went to this miniature museum and saw a bunch on the really important monuments throughout aragon that were all scaled. They even had miniature Pyrenees Mountains and there were bridges where we could walk on top of them and stuff like that. It was kind of a long tour and everyone was tired and hungry so not that many people were paying attention. That night after the tour, we went to the Pilgrim Cafe and I sat with lex, Abby, Galen, Colin and Ignacio, the program jefe. I hate this amazing sandwich with a fried egg, lettuce, tomato, ham, cheese, mayo and bread. It was so good and so yummy. I went back the next day and thought about getting it again but didn't, I got something else but I haven't gotten that far yet. Tuesday we woke up, ate a fantastic breakfast in the lobby-eatingish place and then as a big group, we set out for the mountains. It was pretty chilly. We went on an half hour bus ride up the mountains and then started to hike. We got to hike part of the Camino de Santiago. Such a cool experience. I thought it was really cool when you looked over the mountains and could see France.  The walk was about 3 hours long. There were some areas where I would trip I almost fell once but I didn't because my guardian angel Abby grabbed my backpack and saved me!!! Thanks Abby. She even helped save me from falling when we were in Javia and went on a hike there too. That night for dinner we went back to the Pilgrim cafe and I ordered something that I had no idea what it was. That's kind of my new thing, I order stuff that I don't know what it is. It was a thing piece of grilled red pepper stuffed with some type of fish and then had a creamy sauce all over it. By far the best thing I ate while not in Valencia. On Wednesday we went to a castle that I don't remember the name of. It was really cool. There was this one room that if you stood in a specific spot your voice amplified everywhere. It was awesome. The acoustics in the chapel section were cool too. Being a singer, I stayed back and sang a little to hear what it would sound like, I was amazed it was so beautiful. After the castle, we went white water rafting and kayaking. The water was freezing but they gave us full body suits. I got pulled off a few times but had a blast. Plus I got to jump off this rock. It wasn't that hight but was still fun. Some people did it more than once but I was being a baby and only went once. The next morning we left for Saragosa, I don't know if that's how you spell it but some people had different plans for the weekend. A group of us decided to go to Barcelona for the weekend. We hopped on a bus and were there in about 4 hours. The hostel we stayed at was St. Christopher's. I think we got really lucky because it was only a few weeks old and was super nice. They have different ones around Europe and I would stay there again. So Now we enter Barcelona. A beautiful city but unfortunately it rained the whole time we were there. On Friday we went on a walking tour that was a little too long for my liking but it was interesting. I saw a really big church that I don't know the name of, saw some of Gaudi's artwork and roman columns. After the walking tour we went to the Picasso Museum. I really enjoyed that but was pretty tired by the end of it and was hungry. We weren't allowed to take any pictures so that was kind of a bummer. The thing I liked most was just seeing the signature of his name on the paintings and ceramics. It made it more realistic to me. The next day it was really pouring but we went and saw la Sagrada Familia. Very incredibly beautiful. We didn't go inside because it was 11 euros and plus I'm going back to Barcelona in the spring with the school again. Sunday we left. It of course was beautiful in Barcelona that day but I was pretty sick and just wanted to get back to Valencia. 

Sorry it was so long but I thought you all would want to know what I was doing.

Home

This is truly becoming my home and although I have my ups and my downs I'm really starting to enjoy myself. I went to Oktoberfest last night with a group of friends. It was sTudent night so for 8 euros we got 2 liters of beer. I didn't finish one, so I guess I learned my lesson. I won't buy both. But it didn't go to waste because a friend drank the other one for me. I've been trying to get in contact with my high school spanish teacher but I haven't heard anything so I wonder if I have the wrong e-mail. Anyways, What else is there to tell? I'm supposed  to be going to Mallorca after the Pyrenees next week but the plane ticket  price shot up! So I think we are just going to stay in Barcelona and take a bus back to Valencia on Sunday. Which I'm sure will also be fun. This afternoon Galen, Abby and I went to "the left" which is basically turning left out of the study center instead of going right like we usually do. We just wandered a lot. Found some sketchy places and streets and pretty cool Graffiti. We were pretty hungry and found this place that had lebanese food. It looked kind of gross from the outside but when we walked in everything was white and it was really pretty, plus not that expensive at all. We had some hummus and I ate something that started with an S but it was delicious and most likely not healthy at all. There was lamb and cabbage and a really good sauce in it and was wrapped in a pita. I think it was somewhat similar to a gyro but I don't actually know. Abby got the same thing but with chicken and Galen had a falafel. I tried it and if we ever go back there, which I know we will, that's what I'm getting. It was so yummy. Last night, a big group of us went to a jazz club and listened to a girl from UC Berkeley sing. She was really fantastic and I really enjoyed having a night off away from the clubs and alcohol even though I did have a drink while we were there. It was kind of expensive too, but this girl was fantastic and it was totally worth the admission price. Plus, everyone was dressed up and it was something different to do.

That's all that has really been going on here. On Monday, we are going to the Pyrenees for a week. Which means that we don't have classes and then after going to the Pyrenees our bus is going to drop off a group of students and go to Barcelona. Can you all tell I wrote this entry over two days?? I already wrote about that but oh well.  It will be my first traveling experience while I've been here without it being sponsored through the study center.
Lately I have been feeling a little blue about home. So many of my friends on facebook and twitter keep talking about how nice it is to lay in their bed with their dog at home and see their parents. I love it here but that makes me miss my bed. This is definitely a transition but every day it get's a little bit easier. I get closer to my friends and more comfortable with classes. Plus, I can't be too homesick or I wouldn't be enjoying the opportunity that I have been given to be here. I probably won't post until I get back from the Pyrenees because I don't know what the internet connection will be like but if I have the opportunity I will catch all of you up on my most recent adventure. Until next time, Stacey

Waiting for the Sunrise

Javea was so cool. We took an hour long bus ride, hopped on a ferry. The ferry was really rocking in the Mediterranean but it was really pretty. I took a lot of pictures but they all look a like. When we got there, we all went to this store to buy snorkel gear. There were 50 students so we basically bought all the snorkel gear they had. The waves were not great for snorkeling and I didn't even use mine at all but it was still fun to go in the water and swim around. After snorkeling we split up for a little bit and went to eat lunch. I had a Doner, which seems to be very popular in apartment six, it was so unhealthy and I didn't care at all; it was fantastic. When we got home, people showered and then I don't remember what we did. But later that night, I went to an Oktoberfest in Valencia. It was $10 to get in but they gave you   a liter of beer. It was super fun but I think I drank too much, haha whoops. But whatever happens here it doesn't matter because this is an amazing chapter of my life that I never want to regret. During the day Saturday, I'm pretty sure I studied and did a lot of homework. At night, almost everyone from the study center went to a club. We didn't leave until midnight and by that time I was already tired especially because of the night before but I actually had a lot of fun. We went to a club like I said and then at about 6:30 in the morning we went to the beach and waited for the sun to rise at about 8:00. Sunday obviously was a very tiring day. The sunrise was one of the prettiest things I have ever seen. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my phone to take pictures but Alex, one of my roommates, has a lot of pictures so I'll have to see if she can send me some and then I'll put them up on facebook. The beach was freezing and I was in a tank top and skirt so I didn't have much to keep me warm. Part of the Spanish culture in Valencia is the clubbing scene. When we all had left the club at about 6:30, it was still roaring which to me is kind of weird. But this past weekend was definitely my favorite.  I met some more awesome people and got to know people from the study center even more.  Monday didn't start off fantastic. I'm currently out of money because I mistakenly did not bring a debit card with me and so my dad had to send me money. Which I then missed one of the numbers for the account so I had to walk back to get it. Also, apparently the Prime Minister is visiting really close to the study center so there are police everywhere!! There are even police helicopters which I think is pretty cool. Today my culture and Civilization class went to two different gardens, Los Viveros and el jardin de monforte. Los viveros is a huge park that has the remains of the old palace in it. It also has a lot of different types of species of plants because the people of Valencia would trade and get plants from all over the world and plant them around this big park. One of my favorite things in that garden was a big section full of roses. Our professor told us that there are over 100 species of roses in the garden. The second garden, el jardin de monforte was much smaller and was once a family garden to the Monforte family. It also had a really beautiful rose garden. I do have pictures from here so I'll put some on here for you all to see. Next week we are going to the Pyrenees so I'm not sure how I'm going to blog or if I'll even have the ability to text. So that is all for now. I just have to say one thing. Happy Birthday brother! miss you!

The first is from the Rose garden in Los Viveros, the Second is a picture of Javea from a mountain we went on and the third is a picture from el jardin de Monforte

~Stacey

Breaks

I had to take a break from blogging because there wasn't that much to talk about. Last night I ate dinner with apartment seven. Sam is a great cook and made a basil and tomato salad and flounder with mango salsa. One of the best meals I've had while I've been here. A couple nights ago I bought these really pretty earrings that are made out of wood. I bought them from this woman who had dreadlocks and was just a very interesting, cool person. I'd like to go back and buy more stuff from her after I get more money. I can think of a lot of things that some of my friends would like from there. Oh I thought of something, I lost my jar of peanut butter and am very sad about it. Peanut butter here isn't great and it's really expensive compared to back home. I've been doing a lot of walking. I have a couple of really good blisters on my right foot. I definitely didn't pack enough nice clothes. My dad is coming to visit in about a month I think and I will be requesting a lot of stuff. I think it was two days ago that Abby and I went for a bike ride. We both have rented bikes for the year which is a really great deal. But anyway, the bikers here ride in the street with the buses ad taxis and drivers. Needless to say, when we found the next available place to dump our bikes we did and decided to just run home.  On Tuesday my culture and Civilization of Spain class went to the central market and la lonja which I realize that I talked about on my last blog so never mind. When we were at the central market, one of the biggest markets in Europe, Sarah and I found this stall that was selling different types of pastries. We saw this pastry with chocolate so we bought one to split for breakfast the next day. There was also a cool coffee stall and I would say that I had the best coffee I've had while I've been here. When we walked around the fish section we saw eels. The butcher was cutting them up, it was really gross but cool. Once the heads are cut off, they still move! Ewwww. There was a lady and man buying the cut up eels so I tapped her on the shoulder and, yes in spanish, asked what they would make with them. Some type of spicy potato and ham thing was her answer. It actually sounded kind of good. I still really want to have a traditional spanish dinner. I mean yes I've had tapas but I've been here for two weeks now and have yet to have Paella. Oh wait that's a lie haahaha never mind. I went to a buffet type place after the arts and sciences museum and had some. I have a good amount of homework to do before next weeks classes. But after next week We are all packing up and going to the Pyrenees. This study abroad program is so amazing and I am so fortunate to be here. Tomorrow we are going to Javea to snorkel and do other water sports things, It's an all day event so I probably won't have time to blog but I'll try my best.

With love,   Stacey

Better days

There hasn't been a whole lot going on these past few days so I haven't been writing. I'm definitely in a better mood today and well yesterday was a pretty good day too. I need to start doing some homework but I;m honestly not in the mood for it. Okay so when's the last time I blog? Like Sunday? Two nights ago one apartment was playing ring of fire but I didn't feel like being hungover during my 9 am class so i stuck with water. Lame, I know, Amy, you don't have to tell me, I already know. Monday morning was tiring and fine. Um last night we went to a bar and drank. At first we went and got tapas. Yummy grilled goat cheese and bread with tomato spread. Still miss my support system but what is there to do? Nothing. Had some vodka tonic--be proud mom, be proud. Then I drank a pint of fosters--be proud dad, be proud. I'm super exhausted and don't feel like talking. Just got bummed from something that's not important and is stupid. I smoked and got over it. Tomorrow I have my favorite class, pre-history to late-antigity, i don't know how to spell it. Today, we went la lonja, a beautiful silk exchange from the 1400s. Ill put pictures on Facebook.

With love,

Stacey

Things can change

I would say that the tension is a little high in apartment six. I find it funny how quickly peoples opinions can change toward other people. It's starting to not be as funny anymore and yet I haven't found anyone that is miserable like I am. I told everyone that reads my blog that this wasn't going to be all fun and that I would be honest. So here the honesty comes out. The past few days haven't been my favorite. I miss home and my friends who understood me. I'm back to being that girl that always puts herself down and has nothing positive to say. Sorry world but that is who I am. In Cinci I had and yes still have people that understood my fears, understood my worries, understood how quickly my mood could change. It's really difficult to be with someone all the time and to have such a routine about your life and suddenly that person isn't there and your routine changes dramatically.  I don't think I'm understood by many people but I will try harder. I want to make friends and be liked by everyone but in reality is that even possible? I doubt it, I highly doubt it.


I do look forward to my many nights to come here. Whether it's drinking in front of the TV with my roommates or sitting outside by the roman ruins. I may be miserable, stressed, lonely and angry today but what about tomorrow? Will I take a tram to the beach or a bus to a waterfall? Will I get to explore the history of this beautiful city and learn to speak this romantic language? Yes, yes I will. I'm sure there are many bad days still to come, it's who I am. I would definitely say that I have more bad mood days than good mood days, but hey it's a part of  my life.

I hope this loneliness can soon subside and I find at least one person I can sit down with and drink some coffee and smoke a couple cigarettes and just talk. Talk about life, this amazing journey that is ahead of us and loneliness. Although I do not wish my loneliness upon anyone here in the program or actually anyone in this world, I truly hope to find that one lonely person that I can somehow relate to and then maybe just maybe that loneliness can disappear. I mean as Justin Vernon said, "oh the demons come can they can subside."  and what I say, I just have to "be ok", right?


I don't want to apologize for this sad depressing entry, what you have to understand is that yes as much as it pains me to admit, I am sad. I am depressed.

Cafe loco

Yesterday was ehh, kind of boring. I didn't have class until 12:15 so I went out until I don't know twoish. Well I didn't really go out. We have a basement where the classrooms are and a guy named Michael is a fantastic musician and one of my roomies alex does really cool cinematography so we were jamming in the basement. I'm super excited to jam with them again. Michael's voice is fantastic, it's deep and a little rough (in a good way, i guess I should say it's more raw than rough.) Today we went to the arts and sciences museum. The museum has some really amazing architecture and well, I don't remember who the architect is but he is a serious artist. After the arts and sciences we came home and napped for a few hours. Sarah didn't come home until four and we had to be up and ready to go by 9:30. For dinner we ordered dominos pizza, it was really good but not going to lie, the cheese pizza was like bleu cheese or something, but damn it was good. My roommates are staying out til the clubs close tonight so the partying is just starting to happen. I'm not used to it but eventually I will be. As most of my friends back home know, I tend to drink and go to bed by one and now the drinking doesnt start until one. In fact, Sarah just made me a lovely screwdriver, my favorite. I had to go buy another pack of cigarettes. Alex told me that I have three weeks left to smoke and then I have to quit because she wants me to have a long life. Haha I'm pretty sure I'll be ok and plus, If shit happens, shit happens.  I'm trying to incorporate the culture into my blogs but I'm having a hard time doing so. I'm totally amazed by everything I see every day but there is so much I never know what to tell people. I think tomorrow we are going to take a day trip to a waterfall and go swimming. iT'S about an hour out of the city.

I'm really starting to miss home and my support system but my friends here are great. I can't seem to find anyone to smoke a cigarette and drink coffee with and if you are reading this, you know that I'm trying to say that I miss drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes with you.  THis next part is going to get a little personal. This past summer was a great time and i HAD  a lot of deep conversations, here in my new home and holding too many deep thoughts and I haven't found my person to get personal with so I guess If anyone is reading this, you are my deep conversation person. I think its time to start drinking more and get ready for the night. Wish me luck.

With love, Stacey

Day two here we go

Well yesterday was my first day of Class. After class, Abby, Galen, Sarah and  I went to play soccer with some of the guys in the program. As everyone knows, I am terrible at sports and working out. The boys put me in the goal, well not really, but no one else would do it. Let just say that I wasn't the goalie for very long. I suck! But I was a good sport and I got a little workout. Sarah (my roommate) had a class at 2:45 so I just hung out but when she got home from class the party started. We did some homework and drank a beer. And then she somehow convinced me to do a shot. I haven't done shots since I got sick after a a few too many about  a year ago. Whoops. On top of that I drank a screwdriver which s my favorite.  We walked to "Wok to Walk" a chinese restaurant that Sarah loves and of course I was tipsy and totally embarrassed because it was like seven o'clock.

blog break: hi, i love stacey (: ok back to stacey - alex

today, i had class. Sorry if all i TALK about is drinking I promise there is a lot more to this experience I just haven't gotten there yet. Anyway, my classs that I had today was pre-history to late late antiquity. And i had intermediate spanish ( aren't you proud Mr. Stewart?) By the way, I seriously miss my spanish class from high school. Ahhh there's only like 10 people in my class. Other than that I love having to speak spanish everyday. My spanish has really improved and i've only been here for about a week. tHE CULTURE is amazing. The churches are amazing. There are two main plazas. La plaza de la virgen y la plaza de la reina. Both beautiful and I have pictures but i haven't quite figured out how to upload them. I can only do it to facebook. iT'S time for dinner, my caps lock is driving my crazayy and I'm hungry. Sarah and I are going to get cheese for elliot before he chops our heads off.

Classes and Stress

Started the day off by actually getting out of bed by 8:30 instead of the usual noon. I walked to the open market with Keight, Alex and two other girls from another apartment, Meredith and Jennifer. We are still buying groceries as an apartment and I spent about 11 euros on fruit and veggies for a whole week which was about 1.25 euros a person. vI'm still very impressed and over taken by the culture here. Everyone is so thin and the eating times are so different than in the states. Everyday my spanish gets a little bit better and I'm having fun helping other people learn more. Alex helps me a lot because she' fluent. After that we had an academic orientation for about two hours, met our professors and talked about classes. I get that this is more of a cultural experience but seriously i feel so stressed out. There are so many traveling opportunities and I'm afraid that I won't have anytime for studying . . . haha I'm a nerd. 

I skyped with Amy this afternoon and she told me that she was laughing at my blog   I thought this thing was kind of boring but if I can amuse one person I'll be happy.

I finally bought a metro/tram/bike pass today too. I got it for about 33 euros which I think is pretty decent. I can bike around for a year now and use the tram and metro for ten trips. I'm really enjoying everything and all the people. It's amazing how much our apartment is getting along. We all seem to like each other, at least I like everyone. 

These past two days even though they have been amazing have been kind of hard for me. I've really been missing home and my family and friends. I doubt anyone is actually reading this but I think this blog might end up being good therapy for me. I can let my emotions go. Um it's about 10 pm and classes start tomorrow. Did I say that I'm nervous? haha ya I am. Goodnight everyone. 

Apartment Six

I got to Valencia on Thursday but it has been a busy few days. I got to the study center about 30 minutes before orientation started. I met y roommate, Sarah and my apartment mates. We all have been partying in up in Apartment six. It's definitely a wild party. Will and Elliot share a room, keight and his brother austin share a room. The girls are up a floor it's pretty sweet with a spiral staircase and stuff. Sarah and I share a room. Abby and Galen share a room. Alex and Maggie share a room.  Personally apartment six has the best view and late at night it seems that the party is in our kitchen. Friday night Abby and I went to a little restaurant around the corner, bought some cigs for me and had a beer. We sat there talked about life. She's from Chicago. Abby tried a Sangria (sp?) and said it was really good. Beer is pretty cheap here. I had a good sized beer for two euros. There are probably about 50 students in the study center. I'm really enjoying myself. The people are very nice and want to help. I'd really like to have a glass of wine but right now i'm sticking with the beer and vodka.

The apartment across the hall is apartment 7 and last night I hung out with a few of them. Kim, Mary, Collin, Sam, Matt, Derek, eric and Adam. Hopefully I didn't forget anyone.

In Spain, no one can buy alcohol after 10. While I was out with the group I said above, we met a very interesting man from Pakistan, Omar who sells a beer for one euro late into the night.  The latest I've gone to bed is 4 and that's pretty early I guess.  Anyways, Omar was such a sweet man, I hope that when I go out tonight I'll see him. He gave me a beer for free. Right after We left Omar, I saw a man that Elliot had bought a rose from for Abby and I and he gave me a rose for free. Mary took a picture of me with the beer and rose in hand. It really was a great night. There is this place where someone can look down this open glass fountain thing filled with water and see the Roman ruins. It's something else. I separated myself from the group just  a little bit and was sitting by the ruins. It's a serene place to think. It is truly incredible that I am in a different country I'm having the time of my life and although I miss my family and friends I don't ever want to come home...It's time to go because Will is calling me the blog master. He's cheering me on. Definitely time to go

Six days and counting

It seems that my goodbyes are finally coming to an end. The excitement that has taken over is making these next six days move by very slowly. The only goodbyes I think I have left are to my parents and my best friend Jenny.  Saying bye to Jenny is going to be quite interesting. I spent the entire summer with her and now I won't see her until December. . . Weird!

I'm writing this blog because I want to share my year in Spain with anyone who wants to hear about it. I'm Not a great writer and sometimes I don't know what to say but I enjoy writing. I can get my thoughts all down on paper.

I should probably put out there that my blog is completely me. I'm not hiding anything from anyone. Let's see how this goes.