Running Through the Mountains

Heyhey! Been doing pretty well! I can't complain! I'm trying to find a routine that still allows for flexibility. Naturally, I don't have my school schedule still, but I'm starting to think that in the end that won't really matter--as most of my life will occur after school hours. 

I have been doing a lot of "forward" thinking lately. It is truly amazing what the brain can do if you get it in line! Recently, I found that the past few weeks have been difficult for me simply because I miss people back home. I wouldn't call it homesickness, but a definite longing for my homies. As I was walking mournfully about one day, ignoring the absolutely fabulous reality of living (actually living) in Spain, I realized my folly. By worrying too much about those back home, I was not living in the moment. More so, part of the reason that I came to Spain was to spend some time focusing on what I want to do with my life, at least in the near future. Therefore I made a promise with myself that day: if, after taking in where I was, who I was with, what I was doing, and "smelling the roses," my brain still wished to wander,  I would focus my attention on where I am going after this experience (Don't worry, Mom, I am making sure to focus on being here in Spain). So far, my exercise has been going well. I've started looking into volunteering at an immigration aid clinic here in Madrid, and I'm researching jobs. I'm open to any suggestions that people might have for me!

This weekend passed much the same as last weekend, socializing, sleeping, socializing, sleeping, running, socializing. This week the Hash went to the Guadarrama Mountains, which are situated to the north of room. It was..... wow. I am really glad that I did a city run first, because, woah buddy, this weekend was more hiking and walking than running. I just couldn't seem to get myself into a running mood. 

The course of the run was basically, up, up, up, up, up, up, down, up, up, up, up, cross a gully, jump a log, up, up, up, doooooooowwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. Interestingly enough, we ran in the area of the Valle de los caídos (the Valley of the Fallen). The Valley of the Fallen is characterized by a tall (492 ft) cross, at the base of which is a basilica. Spain's dictator (Franco) apparently built the complex between 1940-1958 in an attempt to "honor" those who died on both sides of the Spanish Civil War. That being said, the irony is the massive campaign that Franco lead to obliterate those fighting against him (the Republicans). Franco's Republican prisoners of war were forced to quarry the stone, carry it, and build the monument. Franco was buried there in 1975, ending his almost 40 year rule. It is most certainly a controversial monument. 

I went to school this morning. It was a good experience. I talked with M.C. about my schedule. Naturally I still don't have it, but maybe tomorrow.... :D Life moves on. I helped out in M.C.'s English class. I was working with the bilingual group. When I have my full schedule, I'll be able to explain better what the "bilingual group" is. I really like this group (I've meet 3 or 4 groups so far). They are younger than I expected to teach (11-12 years old), but they are adorable! They really understand quite a lot of what I'm saying, and they want to try to engage themselves. It's like they are still excited about learning, and haven't fallen yet to the pressure that "school is lame." Today we reviewed some of what I'd already told them about Georgia. I also told them about some of Georgia's natural resources and agricultural products. M.C. thought she'd brought a map of the  States, but it turns out she grabbed Australia instead... opps. She found some old world map, and we used that instead. I think it helped to give the kids a visual, even if it wasn't the best. 

Did you know that those kids guessed something like 36 out of 50 states? I was really impressed. M.C. and I had to help them out with maybe ten, but you would just start to sound out the state name, and they would jump on it! It was amazing! I also taught them M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I--and how to say it super fast! The kids also guessed a lot of cities as states. I think they understand the difference between a city and a state, but the difference is that they were trying to guess 50 states, so they were saying anything that came to mind. I was halfway relieved when the bell rang at state number 36 (Wyoming!) because I was afraid we'd get to state number 45 or 46 and I wouldn't be able to remember the last four or five. 

I've also started to prepare a blank map of the States that the kids will fill in with the abbreviations of the States, and then color-code the 5 regions of the States. Later, we'll break the class into 5 groups, and each group will research a region each. Then I will designate a corresponding state to region, and the group will do more specific research on that state. By specific I mean the basics: capital, weather, basic industry, etc. Finally, I will give a historical event related to the State, and the kids will find out the basics and present! For example, Missouri (Midwest): The Oregon Trail (Yes, mom, you can smile to yourself), Cali (west): the Gold Rush, etc. It's like a UNIT!!!!! (All my teacher people understand right? ;) ) I'm presenting the idea to the teachers tomorrow to see if they like it. I'll let you know how it goes!

Looking good--only about 1/3 of the way through the run

My average day in Madrid

I guess I've been here long enough to develop a routine. I was talking with some folks the other day, and we commented on how it's really only been three weeks (for the majority of us), but how it feels so much longer. Part of this feeling, for me, comes from Madrid feeling so much more comfortable than Buenos Aires ever did. I don't know if I am older or have a better understanding of how to live in a big city, and that is why I love Madrid so much. Or maybe it's Madrid's magic. Or I am older, and my focus is not on learning how to manage the city, but instead how to enjoy the city.

Some people say that Madrid has no culture, and they prefer Barcelona or Paris. But I think Madrid is the perfect mix of fast paced city life, mixed with a tenacious hold on remembering what makes life so sweet--friends, family, food, siesta and beauty. The city and her people have been amicable to and very patient with me. I am quite sure it helps that I speak Spanish. I also feel like I can learn from Madrid. Madrid speaks to me about balance, and I like what she has to say. How can you not take it as a sign that, yes, while there is a little something (art, history, literature, shows, music, food, etc.) all the time for everyone, you are  forced to stop for a few hours every day, to recharge?

My schedule so far goes something like this:

If I don't have to go into school: wake up around 11am, lounge around, run some errands, meet up with Fulbrighters for lunch, lunch for a three or four hours (yes, seriously), if I'm not too sleepy, then I go out exploring a bit (if I am sleepy I go take a nap), run some more errands, remember it's siesta-time, go home, chill, run, journal, read, have dinner, hang out with people, repeat.

If I have to go into school: wake up and be at school by 11am, wander around the school while the teachers have no idea what to do with me, go home for lunch, siesta, read, lounge, run some errands, run, journal, meet up with people, eat dinner at some point, repeat.

In both cases, I generally walk around, admiring this or that, or sometimes caught up in my own little world, when suddenly I think: holy smokes! I'm in Spain! And my day always gets better.

Sometimes, like last night, we get together and cook dinner. Well, Janel and Emily cooked dinner last night. It was a variation on Thai curry. Janel lived in Thailand for a year, and she loves to cook. She's now known as the cocinera, or the cooker, in my piso. (That's our "candid" shot--Left to Right: Leah, Janel, and Emily)

I believe that I have currently discovered more about my neighborhood in the last two weeks than I did about my neighborhood in Buenos Aires in 3 months. I love my location and everyday makes me appreciate my piso even more. Soon I am going to post a blog about the peculiarities of the piso, a humor piece if you will. Everyday I discover something new. For example, the frozen yogurt place Llaollao.

This place is amazing, and suuuppper cheap. There is no item on the menu that costs more than €4. So what is Llaollao? It's frozen yogurt that is really yogurt. The yogurt is reminiscent in taste to Greek yogurt. They then layer and cover the yogurt with fresh fruits, granola, chocolate, sweet sauces, and honey. You can make it as "healthy" (or not!) as you want. I shared with Leah. It was more than enough.

There are also tons of cool looking bars near my place. There's one called cállate y bésame, or "shut up and kiss me." I've never seen it open, but I love the name. There is also this vegetarian store that has a buffet where you can get food by the weight. They have some savory smelling and delicious looking food! I thought I saw hummus, which I've been craving. I think the piso might have food processor, but there isn't a blender or a hand mixer. So, until then I will be buying my hummus.

I went the other night to a bar with Anni, my English friend, to a bar called "The Imperfect One." It had this crazy interior that was very intimate. There was some woman singing songs in English. She didn't have an accent while singing, though she was Spanish. At one point, my attention was drawn to a television over the bar. Playing was a black and white movie. At first I wasn't sure what movie it was, but then I realized it was "It's a beautiful life." That was an interesting experience... a Christmas movie in September. Upon reflection, I realized how much it added to the eclectic feel of the bar.

My favorite part, however, was at the end. Of course I grew up seeing the movie, but I never really "got" it. I guess it took being away from my culture and not listening to the soundtrack. Anni and I bonded over the fact that we our appreciation for the movie had grown over the years. Suddenly, we were swept up in watching the last five minutes, you know, when Jimmy Stewart comes into the house all tears and hugging. Suddenly, the town shows up with donations. The best part, of course, was when an edition of Tom Sawyer shows up in the pile of money with an inscription by Jimmy's angel. "Dear George: Remember, a man who has friends is never a failure."  It was one of those moments that make you realize how much you really have. Oh, shnap: I fell for Hollywood's trap! Dang!

Oh! and guess what this is:

My first coffee ever!!! Ok, well, it was café con leche, half hot milk, half coffee. It was pretty good. I figure if there was ever a place to start drinking coffee, Spain would be the place to do it! Now I can really invite people out for coffee! I plan on starting with the café con leche and work my way down to a café solo, or a shot of espresso essentially. I also finished my first book in Spanish, El niño en la pyjama de rayas, or The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. By the end, I figured out what was going to happen, so I didn't cry. But it was a good book to start with. It was very simple, having been written in the style of a 9 year-old. I'm now trying to read one called "The Carpenter's Pencil." Ana told me that there is a series in Spain that was based off the book. It's a historical semi-romance novel about the Spanish Civil War. 

On! On!

I had quite the adventure last Sunday--or should I say I've been having quite the adventures since I've arrived in Spain. This past weekend was one of the most active and exhausting weekends I've had in a while. I went out every night and met even more amazing people. Everyone has a story, and there are very few stories that I have encountered that I don't wish to hear.

Saturday night I went a tapas, or I went out for tapas with a bunch of Fulbrighters. Sadly, I believe we were too big of a group to really capture the experience. The last place we went to, though, was phenomenal! The tapas and tostados (little pieces of bread that have tapas on top) were very tasty, and all for a good price. The house white wine wasn't very good, but their tinto de verano (or red wine mixed with Lemon Fanta) was excellent. I plan on taking anyone who visits there.

After a few hours of essentially tapa-hopping, Charleen and I went off to meet up with a Fulbright from last year who is also from Agnes Scott (p.s.: Charleen went to Agnes Scott, whadda know?). We went out and enjoyed even more bad American dance music, but had fun while doing it. Linnette (the girl we met up with) and her roommate (a Spaniard) showed us this bar called El Tigre. Apparently, though, it was overrun by Americans Saturday night. It was in the barrio Chueca, which is essentially the Decatur/Atlanta of Madrid for the gay community. As we wandered around looking for a place to dance, I felt like I was back in Madrid this summer with Natalie. El Tigre was right down the street from where we stayed in a hotel that overlooked a plaza. I enjoyed revisiting Chueca, as it was my first time since I have been back in Spain.

Sunday, however, was my extreme adventure. I left my house at 12.15pm and got back around 7.30pm. Good Lord, what was I doing for 7 hours?! Well, I'll tell you! I joined the Madrid House Hash Harriers, which is a social running group, for a Sunday city run. It was fantastic. Hash groups are all over the globe, and their motto is, essentially, "Drinkers with a Running Problem." This means that a group of runners gets together  every week (or at least so is the case in Madrid), and follow a pre-marked course. The course is set by a "hare," or other runner in the group, and is marked by flour blobs. There are fake trails, holds, obstacles, and "beer" stops. The point is not how far you run, nor how much you do (or don't) drink, your time,  how much you run and/or walk, or any of the normal rules with runners. The point is that the group stays together, cheers each other, and generally just has a damn good time together.

I knew I was hooked when we had to hop the first fence. At that point all my doubts disappeared. It was fantastic! I loved searching out the trail, calling "On! On!" whenever I spotted a blob of flour, and the general atmosphere of the group. I wasn't the only newbie: there were several. I felt very much at home. There was about 30 minutes there were I wanted to die, but luckily there was a stop shortly after we found the trail again, and while it was all uphill from there, it felt pretty much downhill. After the Closing Circle, where members are called out and heckled (the run itself is also rated--9.1), we went to a restaurant and (finallllllyyyy) ate. Yum! yum! I sat next to a guy from New York who has run over 1,000 Hash runs. The group is generally ex-pats from the Europe, which means I'm not practicing my Spanish much in that context, but that's not really the point of me finding a running group.

I also made cookies this weekend! Finding the ingredients was also an interesting adventure. To begin with, Spain doesn't use vanilla extract, so I had to travel up to a store called "The Taste of America" to get what I needed. The store seems to exist for American ex-pats who miss the cake-in-the-box type of baking. There were several cool cup/cake molds, however, which might be fun to experiment with. I saw Pepperidge farm cookies, cake mixes, and a rather random compilation of American "goodies." Everything, of course, is rather expensive, seeing as its America's obesity epidemic imported. But it was good for finding vanilla extract and brown sugar.

Brown sugar, as you, dear American reader, are probably thinking about it, presents its own interesting quest to find the appropriate type for baking. Brown sugar here is much more crystallized and dry. It is used as a sweetener in drinks or as topping for sweets, but I guess it's not used in baking very much. Since the texture is different, I've been walking around asking for azúcar moreno mojado, or wet brown sugar. I received several incredulous looks and many shoulder shrugs. Luckily, there is this natural food store near my piso, and when I went and explained my search for wet brown sugar, the woman showed me just what I needed! The consistency is very similar to American brown sugar, but the crystals are a bit more pronounced: it's not as fine as the brown sugar from back home. I therefore also bought brown sugar from "The Taste of America," just to be stocked up on the stuff.

I was on a naturally high after finding all the ingredients that I needed to expose my roomies to a purely American taste, and sharing a bit of home with my new friends. I even conceded to substitute chocolate chips (which they don't have here in Spain... seriously) with the Spanish version of M&Ms.

Then I remembered that  I'm not used to the metric system.

Oh, dear. That's ok, though! I worked through it. I pulled a recipe off the Internet and was able to have it converted to metric measurements. In the end, the only instrument that I lacked were measuring spoons. So I prayed to the Good Lord, and eyeballed it.

My cookies were aaammmmaziinnnnggg! Oh, yea! The newest roommate (Ana) helped me out and says she's going to get fat because of me. I think that the cookies could have used more chocolate, and seeing Ana's face when I told her to go ahead and pour the whole bag of M&Ms in the batter was priceless. The reaction was even more funny when I told her we didn't have enough chocolate. Next time I make cookies, my dear European roommates will truly understand the importance of having lots of chocolate in chocolate chip cookies.

Ana is 21 and she's from Murcia, Spain. She's here to study, also. She's a sweetheart. Where Raquel and Laura appear pure Spanish, being dark in feature, with chocolatey brown eyes, Ana is tanner, blonder, and has lighter eyes. I'll have to ask if her if her family immigrated to Spain at some point, or if the Spanish people closer to the coast are generally lighter in color.

Another note of interest: Laura's birthday is April 21st! Yes, that does mean we have the same birthday! How cool are we! She's exactly a year older. She's one of, oh, 5 people I've ever met that I share birthdays with. Our birthday falls on Holy Week (the last week of Lent leading up to Easter), and since I get a break, if I'm not traveling, I think it would be fun to do a little celebration together.

Also, my "m" key is going out on the keyboard. What this means is that my computer only registers that I typed an "m" 2/3 of the time that I want it to. Maybe one day, I'll just get over trying to correct it and let you guys read a post without an "m"s.

Now here's an update you've been expecting: School. Well, the honest truth is that there's really not much to say. I still don't have a schedule, so I still don't know what classes I'm helping out in. I did get to meet two of the classes that I'll potentially be working with. Both are primer ESO, or the first year of secondary school. The first class is smaller and have a better handle on English than the second class (which is also larger, and appears to be more full of immigrants than the first (cuz that apparently makes a difference here in Spain.....)). We were practicing posing questions in English, so we played "Who Am I?" My Coordinator had post-it notes with names of famous people written on each one. Each student wore one on their back and had to ask their classmates Yes or No questions to figure out who they were. It was hard for them, but they did a great job! Hopefully I'll be able to take some pictures, not only of the classes, but of the building itself.

The only other note I have about school is that most of the teachers really are nice. They've been patient with me, not giving me too much cheek about not remembering everyone's name. I've been trying really hard, but sometimes I just don't catch their names. I also met the headmaster the other day and was all "uhh...." I didn't know if I should attempt to speak English (which he started in) or Spanish (which he obviously spoke better). He was a nice guy, though.

So those are my notes about school and about life so far. Madrid is still treating me well, though I'm ready to  become settled. I want to know which nights I can do Intercambio, which nights I can do belly dancing, which days I have free! *sigh* The funny part about this desire is that soon enough, I'll wish I didn't have a schedule.

Gotta love life.

enlald

Let's Play Catch Up!

When we last tuned in Shiney was trying to figure out siesta and Spanish patience. Since then...

I've managed to do quite a bit! I still have to go shopping at three different stores to get the bare necessities, but I'm beginning to figure out what I can get (and what I can't) and where to go to get that which I need. Luckily, trying to find places to get food is the worst of my worries.

Tuesday night I had dinner with Charleen and Anni (the English girl that I helped out earlier in the week) at a restaurant near by, and it was pretty good! It offered Spanish cuisine, but at a better quality (I think). The restaurant is Caña y Tapas, or Beer and Tapas. I didn't have any beer, though. I had a lemon Fanta. Lemon Fanta has the best flavor of all the other Fantas, and I don't understand why they don't have Fanta Límon in the States. I should be the person to change that. Then, later in life, with my grandchildren at my knee, when they ask me what my greatest accomplishment in life is, I can tell them (with pride) that it was I, yes, your dear old Granny, that brought Lemon Fanta to the States! Or maybe I'll tell them that my greatest accomplishment was mastering the art of spreading Nutella on a croissant while licking my fingers. Either one, I'm sure they'll be impressed.

After reveling in the beauty that is Fanta Límon, Charleen and I headed to a place called El Junco. The club epitomizes that which is jazzy: dim, smoky, seductive, and conversation. We only stayed for the jam part of the evening (wanted to catch the Metro back home before it closed down), but what we say was good. Charleen's the best jazz listener I've ever seen. She just sits back and lets the music move over her.

On Wednesday I made my first trip to IKEA. The title of this post was almost "IKEA you disappointed me!" I didn't find what I needed.... correction: what I wanted. I did find a mattress pad, which is good news. My bed could be called "firm," but "plank" is more correct. It's so firm that I've bruised myself by laying on it (no joke!). I will admit, however, that I am getting used to it and find it more comfortable every night. On that note, I also was able to borrow a fan from Jana.... oh my! the difference it doth make! Shakespeare could write a soliloquy about it.

Wednesday celebrated the bicentennial anniversary of Mexico's independence. Naturally, that meant we americanas had to go out and join in the celebrating. Janel knew of a CouchSurfers get together that was going down. For those who don't know CouchSurfing, Janel offers the best explanation I've heard. Sadly, you, dear reader, can't hear her tell you. Consequently, I will inform you, but with none of the flavor of Janel's explanation. Essentially, CouchSurfing is an online community of people who have opened their doors to travelers, and offer free/cheap accommodation. The idea is that you join, create a profile, get recommended by friends and other users (the more good ones you have, the better), people who you are requesting to stay with see that you aren't a creeper, and then you get to stay with someone who knows the area and can hopefully show you around. Google more if my description leaves you wanting.

At this CouchSurfing event I managed to meet no Mexicans whatsoever, but rather a Peruvian, Dominican Republican, Brazilian and a Guatemalan. Well, at least one of them was near Mexico, right? After the party, we headed out to a club named Dreams. It stank of bad American pop music (to which I danced happily--though I laughed too hard when the DJ brought back "Country Grammar") and wasn't very full (but then again, it was Wednesday). When I got home I managed to talk to Natalie and Elisabeth til it was way past my bedtime and getting late in the evening for them.

Thursday herald the arrival of Sara, the girl who used to live in my room. She is so very vibrant, with a great laugh and contagious smile. She uses lots of inflection and different voices to convey what she's talking about. When she dances, she has these retro, sock-hop-like moves. Cracks me up.  Sara's from the north of Spain and was in Madrid last year to finish studying. She's back to finish up one exam  (I haven't cottoned on yet exactly why she still has the one to take), but she isn't staying for long. I can see that she misses Madrid. I wish she were living here this year! I feel lucky to be living in  a place that has some awesome people in it.

Thursday was a stormy day: my first rainstorm in Madrid having taken place the night before. It was heaven listening to the rain as I feel asleep. A few thunder rumbles and lightening flashes woke me, but the smell of fresh air was intoxicating. Janel woke up with the desire to bake, which only makes sense... it was a baking type of day. After lunch of Doner Kebab (if I haven't explained these yet, I will soon!), Janel, Emily (her roommate and another Fulbrighter), Leah, and Kate came over to bake some Challah bread. We sat around playing Uno and talking. Raquel joined us for a while, but left to watch TV because her soccer team was playing.

At first I was nervous to have people come to my house because I know it's such a taboo, but Raquel (at least) seems fascinated by people of a different culture, so I don't think she minds having my friends around. The people from my program are also extremely well-mannered, and more mature than people on erasmus (what Europeans call study abroad).

I will now take a moment to explain one of the greatest phenomonen about Fulbright is the passion that every single person here in the program has. Those who are actual "Fulbrighters" (i.e., doing research) have such interesting and diverse project titles. One woman, Linda, is in Seville to study flamenco. She's been dancing for years, and she's been to Seville before, but now she's coming back as an accomplished flamenco-ist. When I asked her if she's going to get a true, handmade flamenco dress, her face went berserk with excitement, joy, and giddy anticipation. Everyone here has that same fuel and excitement about something: whether it's working with body image, cooking (and learning culture through the kitchen), bichemics--lo que sea (whatever)! Even us "Half-brighters" (those doing the TA-ing) are supposed to have side projects to keep us busy (as if we aren't going to be!) but that can pertain to our own interests outside of teaching.

I guess you could just say simply that this group, at least, of Fulbrighters is a well-rounded one, and none of us are afraid to show our nerdy side.

Having finished that tangent, the point is I am less nervous about having people over in small groups. This change in emotion is noteworthy because it means I am beginning to fell more at home here in my piso.

Since Sara had come to visit, we went to have Mexican food once the Fulbrighters left. Eating Mexican food in every country is a unique experience, even in Mexico itself. For starters, the waitress brought us a small plate with 3 different salsas and a handful of stale, broken nacho chips. The difference between the chip basket of here and the States made me laugh. The ladies ordered cheese sauce and nachos with guacamole. When this first course arrived, flour tortillas were also delivered. I surreptitiously watched my compañeras to figure out how this was supposed to go down. They continued to gab, grabbing a tortilla and making a quesadilla with the cheese. It was tasty but not exactly my meal. Then the fajitas came, and they were delicious. It was a pretty good meal.

After dinner we went to a bar called Mi madre era una groupie: or My mother was a groupie. It had this 60s discotheque feel to it and they played popular British and American music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Randomly there was also a little Jet and "Pretty Fly for a White Guy" played. Oh, Spain: you're taste of American music cracks me up. What cracks me up even more is listening to Spaniards intone along with the sound. I have heard some pretty weird renditions to some American classics. I'm pretty sure it's exactly how I sound when I sing a song in Spanish that I don't know well.

The group didn't stay out very late since Jana and Raquel had work in the morning. I also found out that I was expected at my school Friday morning only about 12 hours before I had to go in. But I will write about that in my next post!

(Left to Right: Jana, Laura, Raquel, Sara)

Lesson of the Day: Siesta

The hardest part about being abroad for me is this internal, constantly nagging feeling that I should be doing something, taking part in an activity, out with people, etc. ... oh, wait. That's just me. :D

I also believe the loneliness is setting in. Yes, the other Fulbrighters are still around, and we do hang out, but it always seems that they are out being active, while I feel like I'm sitting at home, when I should be out and about. Part of this feeling is the realization that everyone I know here in Madrid is getting settled--just like me. (And didn't I just finish writing about how busy I soon will be?) Therefore, I'm trying to take a few deep breaths, not eat all the time because I'm bored, and just get into the mood of settling. And I also think I'll ask people if they're up to anything at all, to give me a call.

In reference to the title, the hardest part during the day is the siesta time. As a go-getter, the idea of a break in the middle of the day is a hard concept to grasp. Now, what is siesta exactly? It's a time in the middle of the day, starting anywhere from 2pm and going as late as 6pm, where many of the smaller stores (and sometimes the bigger stores) close. they just roll down their metal grates and take off for lunch. Cafes and restaurants normally stay open, but there's no promise. Therefore, siesta is not a time to get things done. Instead, it's a time to eat, relax, nap, and spend time with family and friends.

This mindset doesn't work well with my personal way of life--yet. But perhaps it soon will. Like I said, this is not a time to "do" anything. I get that as a cultural thing, but not as a lifestyle yet. I mean, if no one else is out and about, then why should I feel like I have to be? Today siesta reminded me that taking it easy is a good thing to do.

I was also very busy this morning. I've noticed that for the past two nights I've had some problems sleeping. First off, I've been going to bed late (2 am), and just as I seem to be settling in, my room becomes stifling hot. It doesn't really cool down until 4am or so, so I end up laying there, sweating and thinking too much. Luckily, I don't have to be up early, so I normally can sleep until 11. Which I did today. It was lovely. I had just gotten up when the doorbell rang, and in walked my landlady. She was here to show my new roommate in.

Laura is also from the area of Extremadura and apparently knows some of Raquel's brother's friends. She's here to study for her masters in human resourcing (I believe that's the translation). She normally has classes in the afternoon, which frees up the bathroom for Raquel and I in the morning. She's very nice, and talks slower than Raquel (though Raquel thinks she talks faster than herself!).

After they left, and I'd had my breakfast, I went to the chino near my piso. I found everything--it was like the dollar store, but OJO, not everything is a euro (sad day). I got hangers, a small notebook, a set of colored pens (cuz I felt like it), tissues, and a folder to hold all my documents in, among some other small things. Just a little bit of settling in.

Looking to the future, I realized that I should probably figure out what I need to do to fill my prescriptions in the next month (when I run out). I found a pharmacy near my house that is kind enough to sell me the prescriptions without a Spanish prescription. In other words, my American prescription is good enough for them. The only remaining question is whether it's worth paying to see a doctor, and whether that would make my prescriptions free. It was good to know that I can get them filled without too much trouble.

Then I just went roaming and took some pictures. I walked a couple of plazas over and saw some people selling plants. I walked over and found a gardenia plant. I told the guy I would be back for it because I wasn't done roaming and didn't want to walk around with a plant all day. I thought a gardenia would be nice (if I can keep it alive) because it will give my room a nicer look and I will smell that rather than the cigarette smoke that wafts up to my room as I'm getting ready for bed.

I then went to FNAC, which is this big media and book store near Puerta del Sol (a huge plaza in the center of Madrid). Raquel told me that their prices weren't too bad. I found a book (in Spanish) that I think I might try reading. I didn't buy it though, in case I can find it for cheaper at the book fair street that Raquel told me about. I asked her if she'd take me tomorrow evening, so we'll see.

Home again, home again, jiggity jig! I now have a plant in my window sill, school supplies, and all my clothes can officially hang. Life is looking good! I also got to talk to Celia today, and talking with her is always a good   moment. I asked Raquel where I could buy a fan for my room, and she told me that the weather should be getting cooler by Thursday, so there's no sense in buying one. She also suggested that I ask Janna if I might borrow hers. In thirty minutes or so, I should be meeting up with some people for dinner and to go out for jazz.
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Side notes: (I'm beginning to sound like an alcoholic, but that's really not the case--I've hardly drunk since I got here) The Madrid Ice Bar is located, like, 3 blocks from my house. Ice bars are cool and should be experienced by all, not for the drinking, but for the atmosphere. Huzzah!

As I was out and about yesterday gathering groceries from the 3 stores that I have to go to to do so, I kept seeing this girl walking around with her suitcase, obviously lost. I figured on the third time that I saw her, that I needed to help her. Her name is Anni, and she's from England. She'll also be teaching English. So I helped her to her hostel, and gave her my email "in case she needed a friend once she got more settled." She emailed today, so we'll see if we get together soon.

Mis Compañeras de Piso (and other notes about Life)

Roommates, house mates, flat mates, the most awesome people ever!, those stupid *&(^s that never clean up... no matter what you call them, they are the people you live with and see everyday. And tonight's blog is just about that: my darling house mates. (Disclaimer: I have 4 people living with me, but I've only met 2, so that's who I'll be talking about tonight)

Raquel is from Extremadura, which is the to South-West of Madrid. She talks very fast and she's tiny with big, curly hair. She's also very, very nice. She has been very helpful in answering any of my questions, and doesn't hold back for nada. She teaches English at a primary school just a little out of Madrid. However, she

says her English isn't very good. In fact, she wants me to give her clases particulares, or tutor her, in English and she's willing to pay! Raquel said something about the landlady's son also needing help. At orientation, the Fulbrighters from the year before said it would be very easy to find people to tutor, and eventually we'd be turning people down--now I see what they mean!

But back to Raquel: she's about 25-27 (I can't remember what she told me). I also believe we both have a fascination with reading, so she's going to show me where I can find cheap books. And also, if anyone has any books they wouldn't mind sending, I'm sure she'd love to have then. I think she's still working on books less than 200 pages, probably at a middle school reading level. I'll have to ask her what type of books she likes. And since she teaches children, children books would also be a great gift for her.

Raquel has been living in the piso for something like 3 years. She says that the last time there was an americana was when she first arrived. Since then there has been French, Italian, and, of course, other Spaniards. We've also had a lot of fun attempting to decipher her favorite American artists (her accent is pretty heavy). I believe she studied abroad in England for a while, but it was far enough back that she has forgotten quite a bit of it.

Jana is the foreigner in residence. She's from Berlin, and is also about 25-27 years old. Jana has blue eyes and short blonde hair with a button nose. She has been living in Madrid for 3 years and works south of the city. Normally she's gone most of the day, but prefers to live in the city. She also has answered all of my questions. Sometimes I go to her after I've spoken with Raquel... especially if I don't understand Raquel ;) Jana speaks slower, and doesn't really have an accent. Her English also isn't very good, so I'm in a good position to keep practicing my Spanish. Jana is very kind and I like her laugh. She has a different kind of energy than Raquel, but it's just as lovely.

I am also loving my piso a little more every day. It's in a great location, super close to work (for being in the center), and quiet. I feel like once the other two girls come, the place will look a little more lived in. Right now, there is an air of extreme tidiness that makes it not feel quite like home. I've also already decided that when no one is home my guilty pleasure will be walking around barefoot. The floors are all very smooth and cool, so right now, especially after walking all day and being hot, cool, bare floors feel quite amazing. Let's see how I feel in winter, eh?

I cooked my first official meal here tonight: Pasta with chicken and veggies. It was alright. They don't have pasta sauce the way we do, so I'm going to have to go look for it. The bonus is that I can mix in whichever herbs I want to produce a flavor of sauce. The kitchen seems pretty well equipped, with various pots and pans. Jana and Raquel don't cook often, normally they make a salad or sandwich, so it'll probably be just me doing my thing. Janal says she's pretty nifty in the kitchen so I can't wait to taste that.

I went to my school today. Man are things hectic. They were registering students today, and apparently classes start on Wednesday. The school doesn't look ready at all. There aren't any books on the bookshelves, the desks are all scattered. I met with some of the teachers that I will be helping this year and they all seemed really tense and pissed off about the changes in the bilingual programs this year. But MC is pushing ahead (that's My Coordinator for those of you who might have forgot (not Lindsay though!)). She remained firm and without too much complaining herself, which is a miracle considering the craziness she's been through. She explained a rumor that I had heard earlier in the week which states that everyone is running around all crazy because they had to fire all the teachers that couldn't pass a 5 minute random oral exam in English--even if they'd been teaching for 20 years. I'm going to try to find out more about the situation. Today the biggest issue were books, i.e.- What do you mean we can't teach with Spanish books? They have to be in English?! (No joke)

Another interesting wrench in plan is the fact that one of my teachers may not even be staying at the school! He may get moved to a different school, or he may even choose not to teach in the bilingual program. Why this should matter is that I was supposed to get my schedule today, but now I probably won't know until Monday. MC said that since we have 2 TAs (me and some other that comes in October), she'll probably make it so that one of us has Friday off and the other Monday. Can you guess which one I want? I think I'll ask her if Fridays are a possibility (I mean, I'm here earlier... right?). While there was quite a bit of tension, stress, and general dislike floating in the air, everyone was pleasant enough to me. The music teacher even invited me to a performance that she'll be doing in October, so I'll have to find out more about that.

I am beginning to realize how busy I'm going to be here--and how quickly my time will fly. Yes, right now is a little slow, but that's OK. You could call my growing list of "activities-to-try" "goals," but I think "activities to try" is a more accurate description. Therefore, my list is beginning to look like this:

• Find an intercambio (which they have all over the city) for at least 2 nights/wk
• If an intercambio doesn't work out, then I may take more language classes to help improve my Spanish (I know that sounds ridiculous (I am living in Spain after all), but trust me, it's necessary) 
• Join the Madrid Hash House Harriers for at least 2 runs per month
• Find a yoga study and take some classes
• Do some tutoring to make some extra bank
• Find some other type of exercise that I can do so that my lungs can take a break, while I still get to enjoy moving my body (I'm thinking dance classes!)
• Join an Ultimate Frisbee team here in Madrid with another Fulbrighter

I actually feel like there's more, but as of right now I can't remember! As you can see, I'm going to be very, very busy.

I also realize how short my time is going to be here, especially if people come to visit on the regular. I have enough for sure visits that I probably won't go more than 2 months without a visit from someone! How exciting! Among the other things I left at home (lilke, oh, I don't know, my Fulbright documents (...)), I forgot my planner, so I am looking to get one ASAP, as well as a wall calendar. 

enael

I am begining to become a madrileña

So I have officially been in Madrid for a week. At about this time last week, I was wondering around with Charleen, helping her look for apartments (pisos), tired, slightly jet-lagged, but happy. Now, a week later, I'm still tired (but not from jet-lag) and I'm still happy.

Goodness, where did I leave off? Yelling at a Spanish guy. Opps. That was last Wednesday. Since then I have slowly acquired the basic necessities of living. First I had my phone. It's nicer than my cell phone back in the States. It's touch screen. I had to switch it to English so I knew how to use it. :) That was probably the easiest thing to get. Finding a piso was an awful experience.

First, I had to find a way to stay at the orientation lodge extra nights. Luckily, another of the Fulbright girls had found housing, so I was able to swap with her. Then I spent 3 days running around, forgetting to eat lunch, hardly eating dinner, and feeling very stressed out. I didn't think it would be so hard to find a place! Fulbright made it sound very easy. What they didn't tell you was the fact that as of September 1st, all the madrileños flood back into the city and housing gets scarce. Students studying abroad

, other TAs from different programs, etc. also come into the city at this time: and they are all looking for housing! I started to feel the stress. I was worried about not finding anything by Saturday, which was when I would officially be homeless.

Finally, on Thursday, after being stood up, walking all over Madrid, crying, freaking out, and not sleeping, I found a place! It's centrally located, being a 10-15 minute walk to the main parts of town. It's also near (like try 5 seconds from my front door) a Metro stop that is on the line that I have to take to go to work. It has the biggest kitchen I've ever seen while searching (I seriously saw one that was about a yard wide) with a washer, dishwasher, oven (again a rarity), and nice stove top. My room is the smallest, but that's not a bad thing: I am paying the least. It's only €350/month with gastos (utilities) inc

luded. I had to sign a lease, and I was uncertain about it because I was 100% in love with the place. But I finally realized that a) I wasn't going to find anything and 2) it was a pretty dang good deal. I also have Internet in the house (which was a hassle at first, because my computer didn't want to connect... then I got the right password).

The worst part about my piso is that there are 5 of us here: 3 Spanish girls, 1 German girl (whose been living in Madrid for 3 years), and me. Not so bad, right? Well, the German girl (Janna) has the master suite, which means she has her own bathroom. But the rest of us lowly individuals (sarcasm) have to share one bathroom. Yikes! I haven't met the other two Spanish girls, but from what I've been told about them, it doesn't seem like we all have the same schedule. So the worst part is sharing the bathroom with 3 other people.

So, I officially have a cellphone, and abono, and a home. Next, I needed to get a bank account. That was also quite the adventure because I didn't think. It was my own stupidity and I feel dumb even admitting to what happened. Essentially, Fulbright paid us by check, and instead of getting it cashed I went and put it in the bank... on a Friday... and somehow expected to be able to get money out of it. Oopps. I could've cashed the check, but in Spain, you can't cash a check unless you go the specific bank that wrote the check. And that means I would have had to go across town, cashed it, then came back to near my piso and open and account. I just wasn't thinking, I guess. So anyway, I opened the account, deposited the check, found I couldn't get any money out, and freaked. First I went to another branch of my bank where other Fulbrighters had said they had luck,

but the people there weren't able to do anything for me (they did tell me that I could've gone to any of the branches that my check was drawn on and get it cashed...uhhhh, they tell me that NOW?!) Then I had to call Wachovia and attempt to get my daily limit raised, but that didn't work. The daily limit that they give you was just barely enough to pay the down payment for my apartment that day. Then I frantically emailed my mom. It was a mess that could have been avoided. In the end, I paid for my piso and still had enough money to eat until my check clears on Wednesday. Funny how God takes care of you.

And, boy, have I been taken care of! During this week, there have been two of me. The first is the me that resides in my body and is extremely emotional. That was the part of me freaking out, crying, wanting to throw things). The other part is like a 3rd person, who watches me, and isn't emotional, but rather saw the bigger picture. So even though I did have my freak out moments, I knew that within less than a week, I'd be fine: that I would find a place to live, that everything would be taken care of, and, in the end, I would be laughing over sangria about how stressful my first week in Madrid was. And that 3rd person is beginning to rejoin my body and taking over as the emotional side of me retreats for a while.

The last thing that I need is my N.I.E., or Spanish Identification number/the last part of my visa. Fulbright has really taken care of us in this area. They've set up a group date on the 22nd for us to all go to where ever it is that we need to go to complete the last part. And now I have everything I need to complete the forms: an officially address, a phone number, and a bank account.

I'm supposed to email my information to our contact/boss of the TAs, but I'm beginning to think that my email goes directly to her (I'll call her O) spam box. She never responded to any of my emails this summer and she hasn't responded to one I sent her recently. I'm going to call her tomorrow and see if that's the case. I also don't want to be sending my information if it isn't going to be received.

Now that I'm not so extremely stressed about finding a place or getting a bank account, I am beginning to enjoy more about Madrid. First off, the area of Lavapíes (which is something like 10 min. walk from my place) is this dingy barrio (neighborhood) that has TONS of Indian/Thai restaurants. It has an eclectic feel, and you can definitely do some interesting people watching. I've had dinner over there a few times, and have always enjoyed myself.

I also really like a place called 100 Monteditos, which is a place where they sell a 100 different types of little sandwiches for pretty cheap. They have these pamphlets with every type listed, you mark which ones you want (like a sushi bar!), and then they serve them to you! They also sell some of the biggest mugs of beer I've ever seen. It's a fun chain, so you can find them anywhere around the city, with both Spaniards and tourists chowing down.

I also was able to go on my first run. It went alright. I'm about a 6-8 minute jog from Retiro park (which is another reason I chose to live where I do, because I knew I wouldn't joke if I wasn't near the park). Retiro is a huge park (350 acres) in the middle of Madrid. It's a magically place where as soon as you enter the gates that surround it, you forget you're in a city! It was the play area of the past Spanish crowns, and today it's a place where todo el mundo (everyone) goes to relax. Or, if you're young, or old, or whatever age, you go to make out. It also has gravel paths which make running easier on the joints. I ran for a bit, but felt a little weaker later. My body still has not adjusted to all the pollution. I am researching other avenues of exercise (yoga, dance classes, etc.), but haven't given up on the idea that I could, indeed, run. I've also been looking for a running group.

Last night was also a big cultural night called La noche en blanco. Essentially the entire city was open all night and everything was free. They shut down one of the big streets (la Gran Via) to traffic. There were people everywhere. The theme was "let the games begin!" so they had exhibits everywhere, music, people, crowds, and part of the city was even converted into a beach! A group of 7 of us sort of wandered the streets. It was interesting. I wish we had planned a bit more (like I would have liked to have heard some jazz), but the general buzz of the city was intoxicating. There were people EVERYWHERE!

Another interesting cultural note: I would say the only other "bad" thing about the location of my apartment is that there aren't any good supermarkets around. We have a Dia nearby, but it's not very big, or well stocked. There's a Carrefour, but it's an uphill return walk of about 10 minutes. Luckily, for fruits and veggies, there are tons of fresh markets around. And then there are tons of Chinos. Chinos are the Spanish word for "Chinese," and (sadly) that's what all Asian people are to Spaniards. They are basically little stores that have a variety of things, from shampoo to kitchen equipment, pens and paper, lamps to underwear. I feel like it's very hit or miss. It's still a shock when I here some say, "Oh, yea... you can find that in a Chino!"

The last adventure for the day was timing a dry-run to my school. It takes 20 minutes on the Metro. That's it! You come up out of the Metro, and the school is across the street. I have a meeting tomorrow at 11:30, where I should be meeting the teachers I'm working with and receiving my official schedule. I'm excited to see what I'll be helping out with.