Y cuando me despierto....

It's a crazy feeling to wake up in Spain still! Although it hardly feels like I've only been here a week, everyday it seems like less of a "vacation" and more of a lifestyle change where things are finally falling into place.  I officially have an apartment to live in in Valencia - where I will be moving in on the 29th of January.  :)

No, I don't have any official plans for my birthday but I think my new friends will help make my 21st special regardless.  It doesn't matter though - every night we go out is a celebration.  The discotecas are probably my favorite -- on the nights that I can make it out past 4:00 am.  "Cocoloco" is definitely loco around 5:30 am and then I'm able to see the beautiful sunrise along the beach as I walk home.

Besides partying - I've been able to learn a lot about Spanish culture as well, and experience many firsts -- such as wandering around lost while apartment hunting in Valencia.  Although I'm a very independent person, it was a little difficult at first to rely on an ability - or lack of ability - to speak spanish to find your way around (whether on the streets of valencia or at el estacion del nord).  (see picture below) 

As for my week this week...I still have work (yes yes, I AM doing work!) and actually I have my first actual exam for my spanish class on Thursday.  I guess no discos for me on Wednesday.  ;) After that possibly a few celebrations though.  I'll also be taking a cooking class so maybe I can cook some traditional paellas sometime!  I've already had a successful attempt with Sangria! And let me tell you....it was delicious!

Much love and besos!

Stephanie

Queria el lomo...

Hello from Spain!

I've finally made it to Spain - taking 2 planes, 1 train, and a bus to finally land myself in the wonderful city of Gandia, Spain, where I will be for the next 2 weeks taking an intensive Spanish course. 

Staying on the 7th floor of los apartamentos biarritz, I have a great view of the beach!  I've also had the opportunity to meet many people from different countries - Germany, Austria, Hungary, Finland, the US (of course), South Korea, and many many more.  I'm surprised to say that I actually know a fair amount of spanish in comparison to some others and english is the one language that we all have in common.  I think I might have to resort to saying I'm from another small country so I can pretend I don't know english and improve my spanish. 

Communication with the rest of the world hasn't been as easy as planned either though.  Internet is a little spotty and my ipod is no longer working - I'll keep you updated and I'm sure that once I'm situated in Valencia where I'll be living the rest of the semester I'll have a better idea of how to connect with the US. 

Plans for the rest of the week - Spanish classes, paellas, siestas, discotecas, and teaching the germans flip cup! (Yes, this is actually happening).  :)

Spain is great though - I am speaking plenty of spanish and trying new foods.  Good thing I'm not picky at restaurants.  I order the first thing I see and es una sopresa para mi! Just like ordering Lomo (pork). 

More pictures and blogs to come!

Adios y Besos!

Stephanie

Good-bye America

As the time quickly approaches that I'm leaving the for my trip to Espana, I've thought about several key things: the end of an era, the beginning of a new one, and all of the crap in the middle.

 To the end of an era - One where work, sleep, work, sleep, work, drink, sleep was a regular cycle for me.  It was a good step in-between Madison and Spain - a way to experience a small chunk of the real world on my own, yet, not flee too far from the comforts of home.  I was able to start a new mini "work-me", complete with Christi's ability to make me 21 and my ability to dye my hair.  I guess I can say that while in Champaign I've grown a lot, gone out and had a blast, legitimately lived and supported myself financially solo, and still didn't change who I was.  Kudos.     

To the beginning of a new life - The chance to completely reinvent myself, fully submerge myself in a culture completely different than ours, and ohhhh yeah, to speak Spanish 100% of the time.  Not to mention drink wine, party, and travel.  What about work and school Stephanie?? (you might ask).  Not to worry!  I've planned that into my extensive scheduling as well - which, since I am not a huge hour-by-hour planner (or in this case, even a day by day planner), I've made a mental note to plan that into my schedule eventually.  Point is, as long as I pass my classes with a C I'll be good to go.  To spare you with the repetitive details of my upcoming couple of weeks in Gandia that consist of "I don't know where I'm going to live yet," "I don't know anyone I'll going with," "No, I don't know where I'll be able to watch the Packer game yet", once I find housing and actually get to Spain I'll be able to enlighten you on the cultural shock I'm about the receive.  Maybe I'll read a few books on the plane as well.

And lastly, cheers to all the crap in between the two very different worlds - I don't think "stress" begins to describe the range of emotional distress I've been feeling during the last two weeks.  However, I was able to get through all of the housing issues, last minute bills, moving boxes, awkward good-byes, and work/project hand offs by means of drinking, late-nights at the office, and my own sarcastic and perverted humor.  I'd also like to thank the support of my friends and family (Yes, I'll add that cheesy thank-you into my blog. I can do so, because in reality, two special people have probably helped me the most when it comes to my sanity - aka the ability to let me vent, to offer up advice, and allow me to express my entire emotional range throughout a 2 minute time span).      

And now...as i sit here writing my first blog (potentially the first of many if I've been able to successfully brighten up your day with my words of wisdom), it's all becoming very real to me that I'm leaving, yet I'm still not unpacked from my move, or repacked for Spain.  Since that's probably more pressing than continuing to ramble, I'll leave you with my final thought.

There are blogs, facebook, ipods, internet, phone, skype, twitter, sametime, email, and plenty of other things to keep in contact.  I may be halfway across the world, but I'm only a skype call away! :)

Much love and besos!

Stephanie