Hasta La Proxima, Tabs

My dear friend, Tabea Luttmer, has returned to Germany. Yes, I know, this exchange must come to an end eventually, but that doesn't make goodbye any easier. Our parting has come sooner than expected (for reasons that are not interesting to you, but ridiculous), but since Tabs is huge Elvis fan and her family has a house in Florida for the summer, this was just hasta la proxima until Graceland later this summer.

The White Cliffs of Dover (!!!)

In Pictures: London

Summer

Summer is officially upon us! For me it is at least.

Last week I finished high school. I never have to go back again, no matter what country I'm in!

Since school has finished, I have plenty of time to hang out with friends and enjoy my last few weeks in Spain. I don't have much time left, so every second counts. And all these seconds since school has ended have been filled with my exchange friends, applying for scholarships, trying to cram in more Spanish, and just enjoying life.

I plan on coming home June 7th (as I write this, I still don't have a plan ticket, but this will most likely change soon) so I have a lot to do in that time. My exchange friends and I have (yet another) vacation planned, this time for a week on Spain's southern coast in Malaga. Before that trip, we'd like to see some more of this part of the world and we're hoping to hit up some towns in southern France before heading off to Malaga.

But before all of that, I'll have to find a place to stay for a couple days after we get back from Malaga. And of course, resolve the never ending saga that is my college decision. I know, I'd like that to be done with too.

SO: Enjoy Pamplona this month, then off to Malaga May 28th-June 4th, then (possibly, most likely) back to the US June 7th. It's terrifying to think it's all coming to an end so soon.

London (For Real)

So here it is...everything we did, saw, experienced and loved about London!

My friends Elle and Mitchell joined me for 12 days in London over our Easter break. We left Spain April 22 and planned to return to Pamplona May 4th.

After a two hour bus ride to Zaragoza, Spain for our flight, flying to Stanstedn, England, waiting in line at passport check for 45 minutes, taking another bus for an hour and half to London, we finally arrived at our final destination: my mom's friend's house. At 3 am. Lucky for me, my mom has a friend from high school who lives in London and agreed to host us for twelve days.

Our first two days in London were more relaxing, though we still saw a lot of the city. Monday thru Wednesday we saw every site, palace, and castle possible. The London Eye? check. Tower of London? Done. Westminster Abbey (where William and Kate got married a few days later)? Seen and pictures taken.

We didn't limit ourselves to London either, taking in the cute college town of Oxford, Brighton, Canterbury, and Dover.

The entire time we were there, we compared England not the US, but to Spain. They're certainly different countries and lifestyles. The English live a life much more similar to US, and being there for twelve days was sort of like going home.

Unlike Spain, there is actual variety. Don't get me wrong, I love Spain, but everything is Spanish. The people, the food, the language, etc. London on the other hand, offers diversity--which was kind of shocking after being surrounded by everything Spanish for so long. We ate Thai, Indian, Chinese, and Mexican food when we were there, things that could maybe be found in bigger cities like Madrid or Barcelona (but certainly not Pamplona). And people weren't just Spanish! Well, English. There were people of all colors and races--very much like the US. And their style is quite different from the Spanish too.

London was good to us, and we loved the city. This was my third time there, but I still love it and London continues to entertain me.

London

I'm back from London! But I'm too lazy slash tired to blog about it now.

Third Family

The 16th I moved in with my third and final host family. So far so good. My host family consists of mom Yolanda (it's not a black name, it's Spanish fyi), dad Jesus, brothers Jon (15) and Inaki (9). The day I moved with them coincided with a relative's birthday so I got to meet almost all the relatives right away which was nice. My host sister is on exchange in Kansas right now and will be returning June 1st so I won't be with this family long.

Well that's all I have time for as I have to pack for London. you know, 12 days in London, no big deal.

All Dogs Go To Heaven

Saturday I came home from running a few errands with my host mom. My friends and I communicate via Facebook to make plans, so I wanted to check to see if we had decided on a meeting place. I opened up my laptop, signed in, and then quickly used the bathroom. When I came back, I had missed a call on skype from my mom. Uh oh. We usually schedule our skype dates.

Both of my parents were in front of the computer. My mom started the conversation with "We have some bad news." And I knew. My heart sank, my throat closed up, and my eyes welled up with tears. My dog Tess died quietly in her sleep on Friday. Her passing isn't a surprise since she's been sick almost the whole time I've been in Spain, but that doesn't make it any easier to lose your first dog. Thank goodness I already plans to hang out with my friends Saturday, because I had to get out of my house. So I left and cried the entire bus ride into the city. My friends were so supportive and comforting. I'm so thankful I have them, especially right now.

Potpourri V

Yes, another one.

--London is where I will be spending my Easter, along with my exchange friends Elle and Mitchell. Tengo ganas, to say the least.

--I have moved on to my third journal recently. Hopefully I have recored all the good and bad, the ups and the downs, the great times and the difficult ones. Trust me, no matter how mediocre my day, I always have something to write.

--Some of you may have seen my recent status on facebook about coming home soon. April Fool's! I will be here as long as possible.

--My return date to the US is still unknown, but it may be sooner than I ever anticipated. My third host family has a daughter on exchange in the US for her senior year (Segun Bachiller here, what curso I'm in). At the end of segun bachiller, there is an exam to gain entrance to university. Since this does not exist in the US, she will have to return to Spain for it of course. But the exam is in early June, and once she comes home there won't be room for my in my third host family's house. So as of June 1st, I will no longer have a place to live in Pamplona. I'm still trying to figure things out--and maybe they will be able to host me--but if not, I will be homeless very soon. And I will most likely be forced to end my exchange much sooner than I ever imagined. You have no idea how much this saddens me. I have no interest in coming back. And to have to come back so soon? Ugh, please. Anything but that. It's a very worrisome thought, and I'm trying to think of other options and places to go, but there really aren't many options. So hopefully I'll be able to stay somewhere.

--Where I'll be living this fall is still unknown also. Seriously, there is so much uncertainty in my life right now. It's hard to think of anything but where I'll be. And I have no answers. My first choice is SLU Madrid, but my dad is firmly against that. He supported me going on an exchange, but I think he misses me greatly, and another year so far from home would be hard on him. BUT if I went to college in Madrid, I could come home for Christmas, unlike this year with my exchange (as that's not an option). LSU is my first choice in the US. Really, though, I have no desire to live on that continent in that culture and speak that language. I'm so much happier in Spain, even on days that are difficult. I write all of this as if I have some say in the decision. Money will be the deciding factor. Wait for my FAFSA is what I will continue to do.

--I had lunch with my first host family recently. It was so nice to see them again. I still feel closer to my first host family than my second. Sometimes, it feels only like I live in the same house with my second family and I'm not really a part of the family. But I change families April 16th so I don't have much longer with that sentiment. Hopefully I'll be able to enjoy my time with my third family, even though I know they're kicking me out.

--And if anyone is interested in coming to Spain (or anywhere in Europe,I'll travel) Let me know! I'd love to see some familiar faces. It doesn't seem like my mom will be coming, and I doubt my cousin's visit too so sharing my life with anybody would be nice. Although it seems unlikely.

--I'm sorry if this is repetitive or is my vocabulary has shrunk, but my english really has deteriorated quite a bit. It's embarrassing actually. Maybe 12 days in London will improve it.

San Sebastian

This past Saturday my exchange friends and I, wanting to aprovechar el buen tiempo, decided to go to San Sebastian for the day (how's that for spanglish?)

San Sebastian is located in Pais Vasco and is a popular beach resort for many in Spain. The city, the beach, the weather and the people were all gorgeous.

We arrived at 9.30, greeted by another exchange student and friend Andrew, who has the luck of living in San Sebastian for the year. After getting coffee and changing, we booked it for the beach. And spent all day there. Literally, all day. Even after the sun had gone and the temperature dropped, we still sat on the beach, grateful to basque in the sun in Basque country.

I must say, I love my life. I love that I can go to the beach for the day and return home to my comfy bed. This definitely won't be happening this summer in Memphis.

I Went To Cave In Northern Navarra

It had something to do with old Basque culture and akeres.

Los Excursiones Con Las Americanas

About a couple weeks ago (I'm not very good at keeping up with time anymore) a group of 17 girls from a school in Cleveland came to Pamplona on a short term exchange between their school in America and mine.

And the chaperone allowed myself, Tabs and Alex to join them on their field trips in and around Pamplona! This may not sound terribly exciting to others, but we were excited to miss a week of school.

We visited the city hall, bullring, a desert in southern Navarra, conquered a ropes course in northern Navarra, learned about Basque witch trials, were taught how to make pintxos and saw the cathedral in Pamplona. The three of us had a great time getting to know the girls and were so thankful we even got to join them.

The girls were all very nice and eager to hear about our long term exchanges (theirs seemed more like a vacation in comparison). It was great to be around fellow Americans and to show them our lives in Pamplona. And then they left and we had to go back to school:( When I cam back after being absent for 6 days, my homeroom teacher said "Homebre Natalie, cuanto tiempo sin verte!" Translation: "Natalie, it's been so long since we've seen you!" Yeah, 6 days didn't seem that long to me

Some People Do This To Make Money

...But that doesn't make a middle aged man in an ill fitting Spiderman costume any less unappealing or less creepy.

Portuguese Graffiti, II

Portuguese Graffiti Is Impressive, I

Guernica

One of the best things I've seen yet

Carnaval

I forgot to mention this in the blog about my trip.

Carnival (think the big floats and parades in Brazil this time of year-yup, that's Carnival) is celebrated in Spain and Portugal.

My fellow exchange students and I found ourselves in Lisboa during Carnival. And what a great place to be to celebrate it for the first time! Celebrations in Portugal aren't as big or elaborate as Brazil, but it was still fun nonetheless.

During the day you'll find most kids dressed up, with pirates and princesses being the most popular costumes for kids by far. At night, it's the adults turn to dress up.


Like this guy.

This begins the season of Lent. It of course ends with Easter (or some Holy day around there). And for that day, I plan on being in London. I know, I can't believe this is my life either.

BGP With the Tomb of Vasco de Gama

The title says it all

Andalucia & Portugal: Rotary Trip

I guess since I've been back five days, I should write something about this trip.

In short, it was fabulous.

In long, the Pamplonians and I left for Madrid early Tuesday morning, arrived before lunch, lunched at Starbucks and explored the city. Museums were visited, many pictures taken, and much was seen. Wednesday afternoon we joined 45 of our fellow Rotary exchange students. Then we departed for Granada. Thursday in Granada we saw the famous Alhambra, then left for Cordoba to see la mezquita (the former mosque converted into a church), then boarded the bus once again for Sevilla. Friday we spent the day in Sevilla, seeing most of the famous sights there (as well as the night life).Saturday we again boarded the bus for another city, this time Huelva. Huelva--no offense--did not offer much and the weather sucked. It was cold and rainy. This, added to the fact that we stopped to see recreations of Christopher Columbus' ships, bored pretty much everyone.

It felt good to back in the South, even though it wasn't the south of my native country. Like the south in the US, people from Andalucia have accents that can be difficult to understand (even for the Spanish) and the way of life appeared a bit more relaxed. Also, the architecture was incredibly different from northern Spain. Andalucia was controlled by Moors for several centuries, thus leaving southern Spain with buildings and structures more similiar northern Africa than northern Spain.

But! after that it was off to Portugal! The Portuguese have one of the most beautiful countries I've ever seen and I wouldn't mind at all going back there someday. Lisboa isn't a very large city compared to other European capitals, but I loved it nonetheless. It's Manuelian architecture is a bit distinct from that of Spain. We visited a few towns outside the capital, as well as some gorgeous beaches. Lisboa is easily my favorite city of the trip. The city, the people, the language, the night life--all were beautiful and fabulous.

After a few days in Portugal (I really don't remember how many), we departed for Caceres to see some Roman ruins and then for Salamanca (cuz it's old).

Missing school and sightseeing were of course some of the highlights of the trip. But what most of us enjoyed was getting to talk to other exchangers. It was so wonderful to talk to people who have experienced the same things and understand better than anyone what this year is actually like.

Coming back to real life is hard after such an amazing trip, but unfortunately we all had to. Friday we arrived in Madrid after almost two weeks together, new friends made, old friends reunited, all sad to leave each other.

For lunch Friday, and this was one of my favorite meals just because of its familiarity, the Pamplonians and I, plus some of our new friends, dined at Taco Bell. The taste and smell were just like the American counterpart--the only difference being price. Taco Bell in Spain is not as cheap as it should be.

Also, I did a lot, I mean A LOT, of shopping on this trip. Many gifts and postcards were bought and some lucky people out there can expect gifts! Some of you reading this, well, you just aren't as lucky.

Signing Off, For Now

Not that I'm an extremely regular or consistent blogger, I just thought I'd share with the world wide web my upcoming plans and reasons for lack of new blogs.

I shall be vacationing for 10 days, traveling from Pamplona to Madrid, Andalucia, Portugal, Salamanca, back to Madrid, then back to Pamplona. I know. Life as an exchange student is fabulous.

While I'm gone I'll try to vlog and keep errrbody updated

Nueva Dirrecion

Since I have a new host family, I also have a new address. And here it is in case you want to send me something*

Natalie Hogan
Paseo Ibaialde, 25
Mutilva, Navarra
31192 España

*by something I mean mail,money,food,money, more food, more money. Can you tell I'm a poor exchange student? Although truthfully, a letter or card is enough to make my day.

Jamon Jamon

I stole this title from a movie starring Penelope Cruz that came out a hundred years ago. It made her famous in Spain so I assume it's pretty good. I haven't seen it, but one day I would like to.

I recently saw El Discuro del Rey (The King's Speech) with my first host family, who were kind enough to invite out with them when I stopped by their place one day to say hi. It was fabulous film, and the most fabulous part of it all was that I understood everything. I think my spanish is coming along just fine.

I also watched (illegally online-don't judge) Black Swan. Dark is sort of an understatement, but so is good. It's not in any way a family film so I'm glad I saw this one by myself and not with my host family.

But movies is not what this post is about. It's on a topic much more important than that: Jamon serrano.

Spaniards love their ham. And I understand why. It's the perfect amount of grease, salt, ham-ness, and a touch from the gods.



Pictured here is a store where one can buy the leg of a pig raised for its jamon serrano. It's not unusual to find one of these in someone's home in Spain. My first host family had one sitting prominently on the kitchen counter. I was a little surprised when I first arrived to see that, but I grew to love the tasty jamon the leg provided us. My host dad would cut some for dinner and some days I was lucky enough to find it in my bocadillo for recreo. My current host family doesn't have a leg, but my host mom buys some from the butcher. I am sure I will miss this when I leave.

And on an unrelated note, No Shave Winter is still going and going strong. Unfortunately, it will come to an end soon. March 2nd my fellow exchange students in Spain and I will be traveling to southern Spain and Portugal. Just 15 days from now. Tengo ganas to say the least.

Single in Spain: Dia de San Valentin

Good thing Valentine's Day isn't a big deal here in Spain, as it's not my favorite day.

Stores were not decorated, bakeries not overflowing with heart shaped pastries, nor were valentines handed out in class. I almost forgot it was Valentine's Day until I came home to find a card from my parents, as well as a letter from my friend Callie. Receiving mail really does make my day.

My host mom Sandra-who is from Ecuador- says it's a much bigger deal in Ecuador (like in the US) than in Spain. Not seeing everything decorated for a holiday was just another reminder of how much more commercial things are in the US.

Today was the last day of exams, until round three in May. This time I had to take the exams, although some of my teachers were kind enough to give me a different, much easier exam. Some though, gave me the real thing. So I did what I could and what I wanted to, figuring something was better than nothing. I most likely did not pass any of the actual exams, but it's a gap year so I can't say I'm worried.

Just An Update

Back to school, back to the grind. I was sad to see my 18 day Christmas break conclude, but alas, all good things must come to an end.

First day back at school (and my first day taking the bus to & from school): overslept and missed the bus I should have been on. Caught the next one though.
After school on the way home for lunch: missed the first two buses and was late for lunch. Late even for a Spaniard. But now I'm very much accustomed to the buses and haven't had any problems since.

Another exchanger Mitchell and I started Salsa and tango classes in January. We're both terrible, but we have a great time and have met more people.

I couldn't get my contacts out of customs, but my first host mom gave my prescription to their optometrist. The contacts were my most expensive purchase yet.

School is still mind numbingly dull.

And the package my parents sent me for Christmas (you may remember,the one that returned to the US) well, it's still in the US but my parents have sent some of its contents. I know enjoy the comforts of Secret deodorant, make up that's pale enough for my skin, Crest toothpaste, and some more gloves.

And as far as college goes, I still don't know where I'm going. I've been accepted to LSU but am still waiting to hear from Virginia. And I still don't know what I want to study or do with the rest of my life. So that's that.

I am writing this on February 2(he date at the top of the blog says it's January, but that was when I started writing this post). I arrived on September 2; it's been five months.

These months have gone by far too quickly and have been full of adventures and new lesson (in Spanish and in life). I have roughly five and half months left. I am desperate to stay in Spain so being at the half way point of my exchange is quite sad but it's also thrilling to think of what I've done in such little time.

Not yet fluent, my language skills have improved immensely-at the cost of my english- and I am very comfortable when I speak. I can understand almost everything when I hear it, but now I'm to the point where I can tune it out. I think it's a reasonable expectation to be fluent by the time I leave this wonderful place I now call home.

New Host Family

I've been with my second host family for almost two weeks now and so far so good.

One Saturday I packed all my things into two suitcases, two backpacks, a bag from shopping the day before, two purses and some jackets that wouldn't fit into any bags into my host family's car. My host parents Enrique and Aurora drove me and Alex (who now lives with my first host family) to my new house.


yep, I think that's everything

My new host family consists of Sandra (mom), Fernando (dad) and twin brothers Elias and Lucas. Elias is currently on an exchange in the US in Virginia. There's a perk to this: in the package he sent his family for Christmas, he includes peanut butter. Yes, creamy Jiff peanut butter can be found in the cupboard, and I'm lovin it.

I live far from school, like I did with my first host family, but now I can take the bus school instead of being driven.

Fernando tells a lot of jokes, which aren't always funny. Sandra is so nice, always telling me to ask if I ever need anything. Lucas is very kind and considerate, especially for a 15 year old. And there's a dog! Negri, a small black pooch (quite the change from my fat dog Tess). I've missed my dog so much while I've been gone so having one-even if only for a few months-is so great.

I miss my first host family, but I think I'll really enjoy living with this one.

Tres Reyes

Christmas season lasts a long time in Spain, as there is another holiday after Christmas and New Year's. It's called Los Tres Reyes Magos (The Wise Men) and celebrated January 6th (Epiphany in the rest of the world).

The celebrations begin the night before. Most cities and towns have a parade that has a nativity float and one for each of the Tres Reyes. There's also usually some people in the parade wearing traditional outfits from the town or region.

The morning of the 6th is when presents are opened. The Tres Reyes come during the night and you can't see them or they won't leave you presents. It's kind of like Santa in the US. Also, kids here write letters to the Tres Reyes asking for what they want.

My host parents woke up Julia, Alberto, and I and we rushed down stairs to see what they Tres Reyes had brought us. We had a big lunch (that Aurora actually cooked!) and relaxed for the rest of the day.

Traditional dessert for Tres Reyes is a cake made of a light pastry with LOTS of whip cream in the middle. Somewhere hidden inside the cake are two objects: one good, the other bad. My host parents served me cake first, and as Aurora was cutting the cake something from inside started to fall-uh oh. At first we thought it was the bean (the bad). But no, I got a mini Tres Reyes! This is good, as whoever gets the bean has to buy or make the cake for next year! Unfortunately, Aurora got the bean.

My first Tres Reyes was great and I love this holiday! I want to continue to celebrate it no matter what country I'm in!

Madrid

On the morning of the first my host family picked me up from my friend's house where I stayed the night and we departed for Madrid. It seems like every time we travel I stay out late the night before and have to succumb to an uncomfortable nap in the car. I guess I should learn.

The drive to Madrid was 4 hours. I think. I was a little tired so I'm not exactly sure. I'll spare you the details of our day-to day activities btu basically it was a great trip. We were only there two days, as the main purpose of this trip was to see Enrique's siblings. Though we were only there a short time, we definitely took advantage of our time and saw a lot.

Saturday I think we saw practically every plaza in Madrid and musical. I feel like I got the jist of the plot, but I didn't understand most of the songs. Sunday we went to El Palacio Real where I got yelled at for taking pictures (I managed to sneak a few before hearing "No fotos! NO FOTOS!!). We also saw the Torres de Madrid and had lunch with Enrique's family at the Santiago Bernabeu-Real Madrid's stadium. It was a great weekend and I'm so glad my family took me.

Noche Vieja

New Year's Eve in Spain called Noche Vieja (Old Night). In most cities, people get really dressed up and go out for the night. In Pamplona, people wear costumes.

The night begins with dinner with the family, which in my case meant dinner with family friends the Bonnets. My host parents aren't from Pamplona and they don't have family here so the Bonnets are the closest they've got.

In Spain when you go to someone's house it is polite to bring something, usually a dessert. I decided to make brownies for dinner with the Bonnets and they turned out fabulous.

Unlike the US, the Spanish don't kiss when the clock strikes twelve. Instead, there is a countdown (well really a count up since it went from 1 to 12) and you have to eat-or at least have them in your mouth-12 grapes before the countdown reaches 12. If you finish all 12 of the grapes before 12, you have good luck for the year.

After celebrating with the Bonnets, I left to celebrate with friends. My costume for the night was the Statue of Liberty. It was easy to make (a sheet duh) and cheap. we danced our way into 2011 and had a great time. I stayed out til 6 am. I would have liked to stay out later, but my host family was picking me up in the morning to go to Madrid so that didn't seem like the smartest idea.