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
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
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