Spanish Thanksgiving

Before I get to Thanksgiving dinner, I must tell you about my Friday night.

Elle invited us over to her house to cook and eat together. We had a great time, eating and talking. We watched Easy A. Thank goodness for the internet or we'd all be behind on American entertainment. Everyone brought something to share. I bought a brownie mix, but it was very different from any brownie mix I've ever used in the US. The Instructions: grease pan, pour brownie mix, and bake. There wasn't mixing involved? Yeah I thought it was strange too. The mix was really thick and gooey. They turned out alright. I guess reading about brownie mix is boring though.

I couldn't stay all night, as my Spanish friends invited me to go to Marengo, a discoteca with them. And I invited Alex too; we go to the same school so why not introduce her to more of our classmates. We took the bus at 12 from Elle's neighborhood back to Pamplona and got to Alex's at 12.30 ish. You may be thinking "Why aren't they at the club already?" or "They're late." No. Not in Spain. We didn't leave Alex's until 1.10ish to meet up with the girls from school. They were at La Traje and we didn't leave there until 3ish. I think the best way to describe La Traje is that it's the warm up club. You go there before going to the club. We didn't leave Marengo until 5.15. And that was kind of early. For Spain at least.

Friday night was so much fun and I'm so glad they invited me, both the Spaniards and Americans

I didn't sleep very late Saturday since I had to go grocery shopping for Thanksgiving. After several stores and asking lots of questions, I had everything I needed. Since I planned on making a ton a of food (by Spanish standards, it seemed like a normal Thanksgiving meal to me) I started cooking Saturday night. I made rolls, cranberry sauce and the green bean casserole that night.

Sunday I woke up early to put the turkey in the oven. This was the first turkey I've ever made. The pan was too small so the legs hung over, and my host family doesn't have a meat thermometer so I had to make my best educated guess as to when the bird was done. I thought it was dry, but everyone told me it was good.

I also made dressing, a salad, mashed potatoes & gravy, and corn on the cob. Ok,all I did was boil water and put corn in it. Cooking that much food took awhile but I can't say I minded. I was excited to share an American holiday with Spaniards.

My host mom invited some family friends over to eat with us. I guess she figured there'd be more food than they could ever eat. She was right. I made enough food for 11 people and more. If this were America, it'd wouldn't have been anywhere near enough.

Pumpkin Pie is impossible to make without a can of pumpkin pie mix and that is nowhere to be found in Spain. Pies are very American so good luck finding a pie pan or a pie shell either.

Everyone said everything was buenisimo, and I think they all enjoyed it. For the first time making a Thanksgiving dinner, I'd say it was damn good. Not to toot my own horn or anything. I'm so glad I got to share this holiday with them, even if it was a few days late.

This was my first major holiday abroad or away from home, and truthfully, it wasn't that hard. I didn't cry at all on Thanksgiving or when I talked to my parents. I have so much to be thankful for here in Spain that I can't imagine being anywhere else right now. There's a lot to look forward to and I'd rather be here than there.

Next weekend, I have a lot to look forward to. It's full of Bs. I'll explain that when the time comes.

And I feel like this is obligatory, so here's a list of what I'm thankful for:

This exchange. It's everything I ever wanted and more. It's the most amazing experience I'll probably ever have.

Rotary for giving me this opportunity.

My parents, of course. For giving me life, both when I was born September 26th, 1992 and when I left for this exchange September 1, 2010.

All of my friends, new and old, American and Spanish, near and far. You all mean the world to me and I appreciate your support so much. This isn't always easy or fun, but I know you're there for me when I need you.

My youth group and Chris, for preparing me to do this on my own. It's definitely hard at times, going from an amazing support system to nothing, but I feel like I'm as prepared as I'll ever be.

My host family, because they've taught me so much and they've welcomed me into their home. They're so patient with my spanish and they listen to me when I speak. They're amazing.


Also, when you buy a turkey in the US, is the esophagus still intact? This one came with one but no giblets. I didn't know what to do with the esophagus so I left it. Hope no one ate it.

Weekend Potpourri

I forgot to share somethings I've done on the weekends with you.

I saw my first dog fashion show. I don't know why it took this long. It was fun, and those bitches were fierce.

I saw HP7 and it was AMAZING. I want to read the books now and tomorrow I'm going to the library to get a library card. The first book I check out will be the first Harry Potter book. I saw the film in Spanish and I understood almost all of it. Reading HP will help my spanish plus they seem like good books. I don't know why it's taken me this long to decide to read Harry Potter.

I think that's it. Well that's all that I can remember that I forgot.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Spain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I'm making Thanksgiving dinner (yup, turkey and all)for my host family on Sunday. We'll see how that goes.

I forgot today was Thanksgiving until Aurora said something. We were in the car on the way to the doctor (for her) and listening to talk radio like usual, and the guys talking said something about Thanksgiving. They also played an audio clip of Obama pardoning a turkey.


After a siesta, Aurora returned to work and I rode with her back to the city. Friends Vicky and Nerea offered to help Alex and I with the script for theater. Nerea drew pictures and explained it really well

We had hamburgers for dinner (again) and then I skyped with my parents. We probably won't atlk again until after next weekend, but I'll have a lot to tell them then. Next weekend will be amazing. I just know it.

I have a lot to be thankful for in my life right now, as if being in Spain for a year wasn't enough. School has been great lately, I can tell my spanish is improving, I'll be doing some traveling, and my friends are wonderful.

We've A Lot To Catch Up On

Monday was the last day of exams. I've never seen people look so relieved. I'm glad they're over too, as the library was becoming boring. I managed to be productive though, and I read almost all of The Picture of Dorian Gray. It's one of my favorites, and it was nice way to pass the time. I'm also reading En Sangre Fria. It's the first book I've attempted to read in Spanish, and though it's not exactly light reading, I like it. The translation I have is pretty good too.

And I've decided to do some work in school now, and these midterms were preventing that from happening. That was Monday. Tuesday, joder, mucho mejor.

So Tuesdays aren't usually my favorites, as they're very long. But this one, it went by quickly. And it was fabulous. During lunch at school, I usually sit with Vicky, Sara, and Adriana but I didn't see them after school so I headed down to the comedor and figured I'd find someone else from my grade there. And I did so I sat with them. They spoke really fast at lunch so I couldn't keep up or contribute much to the conversation. I hung out with them after lunch and before class started. They invited me out with them on Friday, so of course I accepted.

School ends at 6.15 on Tuesday but I wasn't getting picked up until 8. I think one of my host siblings had basketball or something. So I went over to Alex's, as it's less than a 10 minute walk. I figured I check my facebook, email, ya know, the important things in life. And what email did I receive? An acceptance email from Saint Louis University Madrid! They gave me some scholarship money, but it' still an expensive school. I'll keep my options open, but it was a great surprise.

My host mom picked us up early from school (I guess she doesn't know about Spanish time) and we were on our way home. On my desk waiting for me was a letter from my youth director Chris! As if my day wasn't good enough, I got mail. I wasn't home 10 minutes when my host counselor Fernando called and said there was a Rotary meeting that night. Thanks for the notice Fernando.

Luckily our maid Maria Elena's husband was picking her up (she sometimes takes the bus home) and they gave me a ride into Pamplona. Otherwise, I would have been like 30 minutes late because of the bus.

Once a month, Rotary is supposed to do something with the exchange students they host. We always eat.

Fernando drove me home. I got home, on Tuesday, a school night, at 11.30. PM. Only in Spain.

Wednesday was the Fiesta del Colegio. We didn't have any classes that day. The day started with mass, then an hour long break to prepare for the fiesta part. What happened next I don't really know how to describe, or what to compare it to. It was kind of like a talent show, but it wasn't a competition. The younger classes put on skits or danced. It was 3 hours of this. The fiesta del colegio was definitely different, and I'll remember it. I just don't know what to make of it.

After the fiesta, I went out to lunch with girls from my class. There were 13 of us total. They all asked me que tal? bien? several times and my friend Ainhoa always gave me thumbs up when she asked. Being a exchange student, you get a lot of attention, and people take care of you. They ask a lot how you are and want to make sure you're having a good time. What they don't know, is that exchange students are thankful just to be invited.

Thursday was back to class. I missed the first class (ingles) and part of second class (one of my econ classes with Pablo), because Aurora and I went to the doctor (for her) and the police station (for me). Aurora's appointment was really fast. We went to a public health center. She told me the public healthcare in Pamplona is some of the best in Spain, and that my host family doesn't have private health insurance. Then we went to the farmacia across the street and she got two prescriptions filled instantly. I was impressed. Aurora said in Spain a prescription isn't necessary for everything, but if you want certain antibiotics or hard drugs (think oxycontin), you gotta get da papers.

Then we went to the police so I could get my student card. I'm legal in Spain until October 2011. Enrique told me I can now criticize Spain, the government, etc.

Thursday was also Thanksgiving.I forgot until Aurora said something. We were on the way to the doctor, listening to the radio as always, when they played an audio clip of Obama pardoning the turkey. That morning, I woke up and thought "I do not want to get out of this cozy bed", not "Today is Thanksgiving." It somehow managed to slip my mind. At lunch Enrique asked me why the president pardons a turkey, and I have no idea why. I looked on wikipedia, but wikipedia didn't have any answer. If it's not on wikipedia, then it's a mystery. At least that's my approach. But if you have any ideas, please let me know. Because I'm drawing a blank. We ate the gas station on Thursday; it's not the heat up a burrito in the microwave kind of place. It has class.

Friday I went to school. That's pretty much it.

Los Evaluacciones

Mid terms are this jueves, viernes and next lunes, and fortunately I didn't have to take them. But I did have to come to school.

What did I do instead, while my classmates were pouring over a piece of paper, dumping all the information they know on to it? I went to the library with Alex. And it was very boring. Not to say that I would have preferred to take an exam. Although I will have to take finals, even though it's a gap year. But I'll worry about that when the time comes.

There's an hour before the exam starts to study. Exams last an hour and half, followed by the usual break for bocadillos. Then they have another hour to study, then the second exam of the day. The school is then finally over and we head home for comida. Whew. It's a long day for two exams.

I had to reread this several times to rid it of any typos. I'm a pretty good speller, but my english is deteriorating and spelling is the first thing to go apparently. My host father asked me if we have to take spelling in the US, to which I answered yes. We don't really take spelling as a class, but english speakers are tested in the correct spelling of their words. Every kid has spelling tests in elementary school right? I had never realized how tricky this language could be sometimes. We can't learn it all by hearing, rather we must be taught some of it. I'm glad I already know english, because it must suck to learn.

Potpourri III

Some more random things or things forgotten:

Alex and I are planning a trip to Barcelona for the beginning of December. We just need a place to stay (preferably free) and permission from everyone at home. I feel like it will all work out. We've asked some of the exchangers who live in Barcelona if we can stay with them, so it might work out. I've already started saving. Paige, an exchanger living in Valencia, may also be joining us. I hope we can go. I'm itching to get out and go somewhere.

Paige also told me she applied to SLU Madrid. It's nice to know I'm not alone in my confusion. And I could already know someone in college if we both go there!

I went to my first dog fashion show. It was amazing. People dressed their dogs in costumes and walked them on a runway. Seriously. It was something right out of an American mall. Oh, it was in a mall too. Alex and I stumbled upon it when we went there to look for shoes for her. She didn't find shoes, but I bought my scarf for winter finally.

An exchanger Elle invited the Pamplonians over for a sleepover. It was extremely American. But it was nice. And necessary. Her host family has a basement and we hung out there, watching movies and eating frozen pizza.

I guess I talk about things here that remind me of home a lot but it's nice to have somethings that are similar if not the same. I wouldn't want everything to be completely different.

People here re-wear their clothes more often than Americans do. They're outfit repeaters. And I'm an outfit rememberer.

For every five American (or at least english) songs I hear on the radio, there is one spanish song. There's so much American entertainment here, but it's a little late, especially the music. Movies are only a few weeks behind.

Country music is never played on spanish radio. That's not surprising though. But I can listen to the radio on the internet so I'm not completely separated.

November is upon us! Which means no shaving! I started No Shave November early, about two weeks early. And I plan on continuing into December. And January. And February. But the Rotary trip to southern Spain and Portugal is in March and we're going to the beach so I'll have to shave then. But until then no razor will touch my legs. At least for November, but hopefully all winter. I need the extra layer. I convinced Alex to do it this year but I doubt she'll last past November. But she's trying.

One reason Alex probably won't go all winter without shaving her legs is that she has dark hair. Alex also has dark eyes and is sorta tan. She looks morena. I do not. This is very obvious and has been my whole life. My host sister is also very morena. We compared the hair on our arms, of which I do not have much, and it's blonde. Hers is longer, thicker and very dark. My paleness is muy razo para los espanoles. After 18 years with this skin, it's nothing new to me, but my host family thinks I am incredibly pale. Where am I going with all this information about paleness and morena? Well, this is where I'm going: no matter how good my spanish gets, how fabulous my pronunciation of their words is, how much I dress like a Spaniard (I don't), I will always be foreign. Excuse me, very obviously foreign. Shop keepers, strangers, substitute teachers at school, everyone will speak to me in english. If I ask people to repeat what they say, or I just don't hear it, they switch to english. It's frustrating.

It probably doesn't help that my hair is also a little red and I have a few freckles. I will always stand out like a sore thumb. Even if my accent is beautiful, I will never pass for a native. This isn't surprising, but a little discouraging on my journey to becoming as Spanish as possible.

My homeroom teacher (it's weird to have one after going straight to class for four years at SBA) looks Native American. I'll have to take a picture of/with her to prove it. Oh, and any chance she gets, that woman books it out the front door so she can smoke. But she's muy maja and asks me how I'm doing all the time.

My host parents have started speaking faster when they talk to me. That makes sense since I've been here two months but sometimes, joder it's too fast. Especially when my host dad Enrique speaks. He's a mumbler too. I get lost when he talks to me sometimes.

And if my spanish is improving, it's because my english is deteriorating.

Glee continues to impress, but the Office not so much. It is getting better though.

Also I know I spend waaaayyyyy too much time with Americans. I want to hang out with Spanairds more, but it seems like they kids at my school are always studying. It's not an exaggeration when I say they study a lot. I will correct this. And it will be the best thing for my spanish.

The Times They Are A Changin'

The biggest change in my life has nothing to with my actual life right now in Spain, but it does involve Spain. It's because of Spain really.

I have fallen in love with this country, its language, the people, the culture, everything. I cannot imagine leaving. It's November and my departure isn't until the summer, but already I am dreading it. I feel like this is my home and where I belong. I expected this would happen. Really, I did. Before it was official that I was going, before I purchased my plane ticket, before I received my first email from my host family, before I got off the plane in Madrid, before anything happened. I just knew that I wouldn't want to come back to the US. And now that I'm here, I know I don't want to come back. This feels like home. So does the US. But I prefer this home. And if it's possible, I would prefer to make this my home for many years to come.

I know that may seem like wishful thinking, given I have to go to college, get a job (which could be hard with Spain's very high unemployment), get a green card to work here(they don't exactly hand them out to anyone), and all the logistics that come with life in another country. Plus, all my family and friends are in the US.

But even with all the possible work involved with that and what I'd have to leave behind again, I am willing to do it. I want to. Spain is worth it. I love it here.

Alex and I were talking one day, I don't remember how we got on the subject, about college. I told her I would rather stay here than go home and go to SIU. And then she said this: "I'm excited about going to Ohio State."

And it was all so clear. After arriving to Spain, I wasn't sure about the whole college thing. How could I leave this for college? I was certain I didn't want to leave, but what to do with myself instead, that I had no idea.

So I have applied to a school in Spain. St. Louis University Madrid Campus to be exact; it's American university so I figured I'd start there. And I plan on applying to one or two more. There's no guarantee I'll get in, but I want to try. And the worst they can tell me is no. If I don't go to college here, I could always return one day to work.

If I can't go to college in Spain, I will be attending college in the US. I don't know which one. I know that I don't want to go to SIU. It's not the mortuary science, it's the school. I don't see myself happy there. And I want something to look forward to when I come home from this lovely place. I want to be excited about college like Alex. Online applications were sent to LSU, and one has been started for the University of Virginia. UTK can probably expect one too. UVA sounds like a school I could be happy at. I wouldn't mind coming home and going there. LSU too. UTK is just my safety school.

My throat tightened and tears filled my eyes as I wrote this. There is so much uncertainty in my life about my future. I know what I want. It's getting it, that's all. Know that I love my family and friends, and I don't look forward to leaving you. But I don't look forward to leaving Spain. I want this to be my home. And I want that more than I want anything else.

MEGA post

I've gotten a little behind on posting and keeping everyone up to date. Sorry about that.

Life here now has a routine. It's home.

School is still a little dull but it's easier to pay attention now that I understand more. I can understand a lot but speaking is still a bit of a challenge. But I'll get there.

This coming school week (it's Sunday the 14th as I write this) my classmates have exams. My friends started studying for their mid terms, which begin this coming Thursday and continue until Monday. Alex and I are hoping we don't have to come to school. I doubt we'll take exams since we don't even take tests, and a five day weekend would be nice. If it weren't such a hassle to travel we'd go somewhere for the day, to say Bilbao. But Rotary here wants permission from everyone and their brother in the US. So this potential five day weekend could be very boring. But hopefully not so. I'm thinking of cooking again and having to find ingredients would take up time.

Halloween (I know, I'm behind) is not a major festivity here in Spain. No surprises there. The Friday before Alex and I gave a presentation to our english class about Halloween. The actual day of Halloween was a Sunday. My host family and I went to another pueblo for lunch and spent several hours there just hanging out. The food was good and so was the company. I was even told my spanish is good.

As we arrived back to the neighborhood Sunday evening, the kids were dressed as witches, ghosts, gouls and other creepy things, walking from house to house asking for treats. They were trick or treating in Spain!! I couldn't believe it! It was so much like home. And it was so comforting. I got to hand out candy to the kids that came to our house. It felt so much like home. I just can't tell you how nice it was.

San Cernin is a Catholic school, so of course I didn't have school November 1st. I don't remember what I did that day.

Alex and I have parts in the play our theater group is performing, but thankfully their small. Very small. We're in one scene. I didn't participate in any theater in high school in the US so this is a little uncomfortable.

The guy my english teacher told me about, Fernando, that wanted to speak english and I met. He was under the impression I was a teacher and I think it took him a while to understand I'm a student here. Even when I said it in spanish. I don't know why he was so confused about this.

So we met once, after choosing a public place (which my host parents preferred since they don't know him. He could have been a real creep) and time. Being Spanish, Fernando was late. I just have to accept that the Spanish are late and not as punctual as Americans. It's not better or worse--just different. But I can't say I care for it too much. Anyways, Fernando and I met. He was older than me which I wasn't expecting. And he complained a lot. Fernando was quite whiny. Which I didn't care for either. He preferred that we met at his house since he could concentrate better and would have his dictionary with him. I guess he can't bring his dictionary to a public place. But that's a no go with Rotary so Fernando and I will no longer be meeting. I won't miss his company, just his money. 10 euro a week adds up. And I would like to travel.

My host parents have asked me if I would help my host brother Alberto with his english and of course I will! And they're paying me. I like it. I don't even have to leave my house. But I won't be living with them forever so I've got to find some other way to make some money. Some of the Pamplonians and I have been talking about putting up flyers offering help with english. If that's what it takes to make a little pocket change, then I'll do it. I just want to travel. Badly.

I went to my host sister Julia's basketball game. She plays recreationally. I made a sign that read "Viva Julia", embarassing her in front of her friends. They thought it was funny, and so did I. My host dad Enrique had a chuckled too.

I have finally bought a scarf and gloves for winter. I think I am as prepared as I can be.

Another Week

Back to school, back to the grind.

That's how life is beginning to feel now. Well, school at least. I go to class, I sit there, trying not to fall asleep. I'm sorry my geografia teacher, whatever you name is, but your class is insanely boring and I can't help but fall asleep sometimes.

Tuesday I ate lunch at school. Turns out, my host parents pay for that. I had no idea. It was disgusting. I was worried there wouldn't be anyone from class there for me to sit with, but my friends Vicky, Adriana and Sara were there. Thank goodness.

My english teacher Aine told Alex and I about an opportunity to get paid to speak english with some guy. He wants to improve his english, not just pay to speak it. I called the guy and we're set to meet next Thursday for an hour. I can't wait to get paid.

Thursday I was not able to go to theater, as we had a Rotary meeting at the Club Tenis. m,ost of the Rotary members weren't there, and Rotary didn't even pay for the dinner. It was mostly mingling, with some Rotarian telling us to hangout with Spanish friends, not each other. Sometimes that's easier said then done.

Alex and I were given parts in a play that this theater group is doing. Crap. Expect the worst from me. I don't the woman who is in charge of it realizes Alex's and my spanish isn't quite up to par to be performing on stage. I am not looking for to this, but I need to remember that this year is about trying new things.