Back in December when I wrote about my trip to Morocco, I talked about how the world is shrinking for me--but at the same time I felt its immenseness while in Morocco. Well this weekend in Segovia made the world even smaller for me...here are 3 stories of why it keeps shrinking..
1.) I was at the Alcazar on the top of the tower--and a couple came up to me and asked me to take their photo (they asked in poor Spanish)--I answered in English, since it was obvious they were American. I took their photo, they took mine--and we talked for a minute. They were from Richmond, Virginia--but the guy used to live in Newton, Iowa--60 minutes from my house. People with Iowa connections in random part of Spain--it's a rarity.
2.) Also on the top of the tower at the Alcazar, a woman comes up to me after I finished talking to the couple--she had heard me say I was from Iowa. She is the faculty advisor for the St. John's/St. Ben's program in Segovia. St. John's and St. Ben's are near Minneapolis. She also had heard of Luther, which again is a rarity in Spain, even when you come across Americans.
3.) Now this one is the best. I was at the aqueduct and had climbed up to this platform where you can get good pics. No one was up there, and I was attempting to balance my camera on a column in order to use the timer. Then a man and his son appear, and he says he can take the pic. We get to talking. He asks where I'm from and what I'm doing in Spain...typical stuff. Then I ask him...he and his son were visiting his college roommate who is currently working in Salamanca...then I ask where he's from...he says North Carolina. I asked him where...he says Durham. I say something like "Oh...I know where that is...my brother goes to Duke." And he asked me what year he is--and I said "First Year at the Medical School." Then the man says "Well I'm a PROFESSOR AT THE MEDICAL SCHOOL." I was in shock. He hasn't met my brother--but he now has his name...so I met one of my brother's future professors in Segovia, Spain, standing by an aqueduct. How crazy is that?!?!?
My world keeps shrinking.
P.S. My Segovia pics are located in the "Vida Valenciana" Album...just fyi...
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Superb Segovia.
This weekend, I went on a trip to Segovia by myself. Like I said in my last blog, the rest of the group was going to Granada, but I was unable to go since I went last semester. I had wanted to go to Segovia since I got to Spain. We planned on going while my family was here, because my dad loves Roman ruins--but due to some icky weather, we decided not to go. The trip was wonderful, and I really enjoyed myself. It gave me a chance to relax after a week of midterms and stress...and a little calm before Fallas this week.
I arrived in Madrid around 10:40 and then caught a train to Segovia. It was an AVE (alta velocidad--high speed) train. It had me to Segovia less than an hour later. I grabbed a map from the tourism office at the train station and then grabbed the next bus to the town, since the station is about 10km outside the main part of town. When I got into town, I went and found my hotel, checked in, and then decided what I would do the rest of the day. The first place I went was the Alcazar, former stomping grounds of Ferdinand and Isabella--the Catholic Kings (also the ones who funded Columbus' journey--and kicked the Moors out of Spain). The stained glass was beautiful, and the rooms were heavily decorated, like a castle/royal palace. There were lots of suits of armor and tapestries. Then I climbed the tower and got a great view of the town. It was pretty awesome.
After the Alcazar, I headed into town, stopping at the cathedral. The cathedral is HUGE and beautiful. You can't take photos inside, which was a shame, but I soaked it all in. I wandered the streets a lot and eventually made it back down to the aqueduct, where I proceeded to go on a photo spree. I probably have 60+ pics of the aqueduct. While I was there, I called my dad and told him where I was...he was thrilled..and he wanted to make sure that I touched it--which I did...see picture below.
Proof I touched the aqueduct.
I spent the rest of the day wandering the streets, stopping in stops, and exploring. I headed back to the hotel around 6 and took a little rest before heading out at 8 to pick up some dinner. I didn't really feel like eating at restaurants...so I just bought food from the grocery store and enjoyed it in the comfort of my hotel room. That night I relaxed, read a book, and enjoyed a long bubble bath. I slept like a rock that night.
The next day (Saturday) I decided I was going to go on a hike in the valley below the city, because I had heard you can get some great photos there. I hiked down and walked for a long time...and got some great photos. Then I climbed up a hill to the Iglesia de Vera Cruz (Church of the True Cross)--it is a 12-sided church built by the Knights Templar--I missed getting into it by 5 minutes--they closed for lunch at 1:30--I showed up at 1:35...darn. But I got a great photo of it from the outside. I also utilized the timer function on my camera and got some pics of me with the Alcazar. Then I headed back into town, stopped at the Church of San Miguel, where Isabella was proclaimed Queen of Castilla. I took more photos at the aqueduct, since it was really nice outside...then headed to the train station--back to Madrid--then back to Valencia.
I really enjoyed the trip, and I was so happy I decided to do it. The town was really neat. It had quite a lot of touriss, but it still maintained its character and charm. I loved walking around the narrow streets--looking in different places, not sure what I would encounter. It still amazes me how old things are--the aqueduct was built in the 1st century--and I went to a church that was build in the 12th century. It's incredible. That's all for this blog post--there's another one on the way that fits with this one.
Self-timers are wonderful--me with the Alcazar.
I arrived in Madrid around 10:40 and then caught a train to Segovia. It was an AVE (alta velocidad--high speed) train. It had me to Segovia less than an hour later. I grabbed a map from the tourism office at the train station and then grabbed the next bus to the town, since the station is about 10km outside the main part of town. When I got into town, I went and found my hotel, checked in, and then decided what I would do the rest of the day. The first place I went was the Alcazar, former stomping grounds of Ferdinand and Isabella--the Catholic Kings (also the ones who funded Columbus' journey--and kicked the Moors out of Spain). The stained glass was beautiful, and the rooms were heavily decorated, like a castle/royal palace. There were lots of suits of armor and tapestries. Then I climbed the tower and got a great view of the town. It was pretty awesome.
After the Alcazar, I headed into town, stopping at the cathedral. The cathedral is HUGE and beautiful. You can't take photos inside, which was a shame, but I soaked it all in. I wandered the streets a lot and eventually made it back down to the aqueduct, where I proceeded to go on a photo spree. I probably have 60+ pics of the aqueduct. While I was there, I called my dad and told him where I was...he was thrilled..and he wanted to make sure that I touched it--which I did...see picture below.
Proof I touched the aqueduct.
I spent the rest of the day wandering the streets, stopping in stops, and exploring. I headed back to the hotel around 6 and took a little rest before heading out at 8 to pick up some dinner. I didn't really feel like eating at restaurants...so I just bought food from the grocery store and enjoyed it in the comfort of my hotel room. That night I relaxed, read a book, and enjoyed a long bubble bath. I slept like a rock that night.
The next day (Saturday) I decided I was going to go on a hike in the valley below the city, because I had heard you can get some great photos there. I hiked down and walked for a long time...and got some great photos. Then I climbed up a hill to the Iglesia de Vera Cruz (Church of the True Cross)--it is a 12-sided church built by the Knights Templar--I missed getting into it by 5 minutes--they closed for lunch at 1:30--I showed up at 1:35...darn. But I got a great photo of it from the outside. I also utilized the timer function on my camera and got some pics of me with the Alcazar. Then I headed back into town, stopped at the Church of San Miguel, where Isabella was proclaimed Queen of Castilla. I took more photos at the aqueduct, since it was really nice outside...then headed to the train station--back to Madrid--then back to Valencia.
I really enjoyed the trip, and I was so happy I decided to do it. The town was really neat. It had quite a lot of touriss, but it still maintained its character and charm. I loved walking around the narrow streets--looking in different places, not sure what I would encounter. It still amazes me how old things are--the aqueduct was built in the 1st century--and I went to a church that was build in the 12th century. It's incredible. That's all for this blog post--there's another one on the way that fits with this one.
Self-timers are wonderful--me with the Alcazar.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
2 months left.
So I just put that blog up about Fallas...but I thought I'd take a few minutes and write some more about other stuff that's been going on here. This week is a little stressful for me, since it is midterms. I am one of the only people in our group with 3 midterms..and it kind of stinks. I took one yesterday in Phonetics, and I took one today in Literature. Then tomorrow I have my midterm in Avant-Garde. The two that I have taken so far went well. I'm pretty confident about Phonetics, but I know I forgot a few things on my Lit exam. So I've been doing a lot of studying...and not a lot else. On Sunday evening, I went to an opera at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia. It's the helmet/football shaped building in the City of Arts and Sciences. The opera was Prodana Nevesta, which is a comical Czech opera. I really enjoyed, and never in my life have I seen so many fur coats. When people go out to the opera here, it is a big deal--and all the ladies were wearing their furs. The opera was a really good break from studying, and I hope I will be able to attend another show there before I leave. It was really neat because each seat has its own personal screen with subtitles, so the audience can follow what is going on. There were probably 8 language options, English, Spanish, Valenciano, French, Italian, German, Japanese...etc...lots of options. This Friday, the ISA group is going to Granada, but since I went last semester, I am unable to go again...instead I am taking a solo trip to Segovia--a town about an hour outside of Madrid. Segovia is famous for its aqueduct and castle. I'm leaving Friday morning and returning on Saturday night. It should be a good time.
On Monday, I crossed a bit of a milestone...it marked that I have been gone for 6 months...it also marked 2 months until I will be home. Currently, I will be home in 59 days. I think that the next 59 days will go by really fast, but I'm going to make the most of them. I know that I will enjoy every second that I have here. I've taken a lot of time recently to realize how lucky and blessed I am that I have gotten to have this experience. It's something that I won't ever forget. And that's where I am going to end this...I'm going to study a little. all for now.
On Monday, I crossed a bit of a milestone...it marked that I have been gone for 6 months...it also marked 2 months until I will be home. Currently, I will be home in 59 days. I think that the next 59 days will go by really fast, but I'm going to make the most of them. I know that I will enjoy every second that I have here. I've taken a lot of time recently to realize how lucky and blessed I am that I have gotten to have this experience. It's something that I won't ever forget. And that's where I am going to end this...I'm going to study a little. all for now.
An Intro to Fallas...
So here it is...the blog about that picture involving the 2 kids with dessert. Well that photo is of a "ninot"--which is a part of a Falla. But I'll start from the beginning...
Next week is Fallas--a celebration in honor of San José, patron saint of the carpenters. It happens every year from March 15-19--but the whole month of March is practically a big party in preparation for Fallas. There has been a mascleta every day at 2 since March 1st...that's the fireworks/explosion show during the day--really loud and fun. Most of the streets have lights on them, and there will be some streest completely lit up. And then there are the "Fallas" themselves. Fallas are giant cardboard/styrofoam sculptures in each neighborhood. They vary in size depending on the neighborhood and the amount of money put into the Falla. Some are more than 6 stories high...others are small. Each falla has a theme...some are very traditional and some are very cartoony. The individual figures/parts of each falla are called ninots. Ninots are a way to poke fun at public figures and to represent things that happened in the past year. For example, at the Ninot Exposition, there were statues of Michael Jackson, Obama, Disney Characters, Famous Soccer Players, etc. Then on the night of the 19th, all the Fallas are burned, besides the one ninot that was voted to be saved at the Ninot Exposition. It's a little confusing...but check out the website www.fallasfromvalencia.com--you can browse through the pages, check schedules, read more about it. It's a huge celebration here, and I'm really looking forward to it! Hopefully I will be adding pics all week long of the neat Fallas that I see in town. The population of Valencia doubles or triples during the week...it's a little touristy--but I know I will love it! I added pics from the Ninot Exposition--there are in the Fallas album...check them out!!
Next week is Fallas--a celebration in honor of San José, patron saint of the carpenters. It happens every year from March 15-19--but the whole month of March is practically a big party in preparation for Fallas. There has been a mascleta every day at 2 since March 1st...that's the fireworks/explosion show during the day--really loud and fun. Most of the streets have lights on them, and there will be some streest completely lit up. And then there are the "Fallas" themselves. Fallas are giant cardboard/styrofoam sculptures in each neighborhood. They vary in size depending on the neighborhood and the amount of money put into the Falla. Some are more than 6 stories high...others are small. Each falla has a theme...some are very traditional and some are very cartoony. The individual figures/parts of each falla are called ninots. Ninots are a way to poke fun at public figures and to represent things that happened in the past year. For example, at the Ninot Exposition, there were statues of Michael Jackson, Obama, Disney Characters, Famous Soccer Players, etc. Then on the night of the 19th, all the Fallas are burned, besides the one ninot that was voted to be saved at the Ninot Exposition. It's a little confusing...but check out the website www.fallasfromvalencia.com--you can browse through the pages, check schedules, read more about it. It's a huge celebration here, and I'm really looking forward to it! Hopefully I will be adding pics all week long of the neat Fallas that I see in town. The population of Valencia doubles or triples during the week...it's a little touristy--but I know I will love it! I added pics from the Ninot Exposition--there are in the Fallas album...check them out!!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Aquarium.
I thought I'd write a little entry before heading to bed. I'm still working on the entry involving the pic of the 2 kids with frosting/dessert--but no worries--it will be done SOON! On Saturday, I went to the City of Arts and Sciences again with ISA. It was my 3rd time visiting the aquarium. While there, I was talking with some people about really big aquariums--since the one in Valencia is the largest in Europe. That got us thinking--where are the biggest aquariums in the world?? We never really found a list. There is one in Atlanta that is the biggest in the world. Then my friend Estef sent me this link--and I thought I would share. It's from the 2nd largest aquarium in the world, which is in Japan. The video is SUPER SOOTHING--and I would recommend that you all watch it--plus it's beautiful.
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7deClndzQw
(copy and paste into a window)
Today I only had Phonetics. Cinema was canceled since our professor had to help take ballots for the election of the new lector for the University. So I went on a little adventure in Valencia with Jenna, Megan, Allison, and Jilliann. We climbed to the top of the bell tower in the cathedral (207 steps)--it was a beautiful view (pics to come later). We also looked at San Vicente Martir's arm, which is in the cathedral. We weren't able to do much else since it started raining (and the rest of our plans were outside activities)--so we grabbed some hot cocoa and pastries at a café and later stopped by a Picasso exhibition that our Avant-Garde professor told us about. I was wet when I got home from walking in the rain, but I really enjoyed it! All for now--heading to bed in a bit.
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7deClndzQw
(copy and paste into a window)
Today I only had Phonetics. Cinema was canceled since our professor had to help take ballots for the election of the new lector for the University. So I went on a little adventure in Valencia with Jenna, Megan, Allison, and Jilliann. We climbed to the top of the bell tower in the cathedral (207 steps)--it was a beautiful view (pics to come later). We also looked at San Vicente Martir's arm, which is in the cathedral. We weren't able to do much else since it started raining (and the rest of our plans were outside activities)--so we grabbed some hot cocoa and pastries at a café and later stopped by a Picasso exhibition that our Avant-Garde professor told us about. I was wet when I got home from walking in the rain, but I really enjoyed it! All for now--heading to bed in a bit.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Yum-o.
Living with Amparo is like going on a bunch of "edible adventures," and I love it. I have been here for almost 6 months, and at least once a week, we eat something new. That's a lot of new dishes. I've eaten things I never dreamed I would eat. I've eaten strange fruits that we don't have in the US. I have learned to embrace lentils. I eat meatballs here! (coming from a girl who didn't eat beef for a long time..that's a big step--though the meatballs are a mix of pork and beef) I also have learned to love peppers and onions in a lettuce salad with some tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt. It's delicious!
At dinner, we sometimes talk about upcoming meals, especially if Amparo is working--she likes to have things prepped for those nights. Last week when we were talking, she mentioned something about having us make a list of foods we like. I think she said it as a joke, but Marli and I took her seriously--and made a list of foods that we like a lot--the list is long, and she was incredibly surprised.
About a week ago, we went on edible adventure...Amparo made tapioca soup. Yes...tapioca...like the little grains in the pudding. It was like chicken noodle soup--but instead of noodles...TAPIOCA. It was quite odd, but delicious.
Yesterday, she decided to make chicken curry--just because. And since she went to India last summer, she had all sorts of spices to use. It was delicious as well!
Speaking of meatballs, Marli and I prefer them with GRAPES on the inside. A peeled and deseeded grape to be specific. Something she saw on Arguiñano (more about him in a minute) and had to try!
Another delicious thing with grapes is "migas"--Amparo's version of American stuffing. Hers has lots of herbs, peppers, bacon, and grapes--and is delicious.
Then there is Arguiñano. Karlos Arguiñano is THE tv chef of Spain. He's a wonderful man who is on every weekday at 2pm. He sings, makes jokes and really delicious food. We've tried a few of the dishes that have been on the show--all pretty good! He loves to use parsley, and Amparo loves to watch him and use parsley!
So I've eaten lots of crazy things since I've been here, and it's really opened me up to a world of different food. I'm excited to go back to the US and cook for everyone!!
To end...2 pics of dishes that I really like!
Migas!! (Amparo's version of stuffing--minus the grapes!)
Lentil Soup with Rice!
At dinner, we sometimes talk about upcoming meals, especially if Amparo is working--she likes to have things prepped for those nights. Last week when we were talking, she mentioned something about having us make a list of foods we like. I think she said it as a joke, but Marli and I took her seriously--and made a list of foods that we like a lot--the list is long, and she was incredibly surprised.
About a week ago, we went on edible adventure...Amparo made tapioca soup. Yes...tapioca...like the little grains in the pudding. It was like chicken noodle soup--but instead of noodles...TAPIOCA. It was quite odd, but delicious.
Yesterday, she decided to make chicken curry--just because. And since she went to India last summer, she had all sorts of spices to use. It was delicious as well!
Speaking of meatballs, Marli and I prefer them with GRAPES on the inside. A peeled and deseeded grape to be specific. Something she saw on Arguiñano (more about him in a minute) and had to try!
Another delicious thing with grapes is "migas"--Amparo's version of American stuffing. Hers has lots of herbs, peppers, bacon, and grapes--and is delicious.
Then there is Arguiñano. Karlos Arguiñano is THE tv chef of Spain. He's a wonderful man who is on every weekday at 2pm. He sings, makes jokes and really delicious food. We've tried a few of the dishes that have been on the show--all pretty good! He loves to use parsley, and Amparo loves to watch him and use parsley!
So I've eaten lots of crazy things since I've been here, and it's really opened me up to a world of different food. I'm excited to go back to the US and cook for everyone!!
To end...2 pics of dishes that I really like!
Migas!! (Amparo's version of stuffing--minus the grapes!)
Lentil Soup with Rice!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Goldens.
Well I'm currently working on 2 blog entries, and hopefully, I can get them up within the next few days. But I figured I'd take a quick minute and write a bit. This past week was pretty good. The weather was beautiful for a few of the days (70+ and sunny). But the end of the week was slightly tainted with some homesickness. It's funny that even after almost 6 months here, I STILL get homesick. I got to talk with Mom, Dad, and Bryan today on skype, since Mom and Dad were down in North Carolina for parents weekend at Duke. They really enjoyed that. So I was super happy I got to talk to them-but it made me a little homesick. Then to top it all off, on my way home from the Bellas Artes Museum this afternoon, I see not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, but 6 golden retrievers within 10 minutes!! That is a bit ridiculous. I don't think I've ever seen that many golden retrievers in such a short timespan (except when Brandy was a puppy and we visited all of them--she was 1 of 11). It was quite comical and left me smiling.
This week we have 2 Italian girls staying with us who are 18. Amparo kept talking up how big Italian's appetites are, but tonight at dinner, they barely ate anything. Then after dinner, they went to the patio with a pack of cigarettes. It made Marli and I laugh, because they seem so young to be smoking--but in Europe, it seems like EVERYONE smokes. I have a feeling this week with them will filled with some interesting stories. All for now...going to finish up a little homework. And to excite you for my next blog entry...here is a picture. I will tell you what it is in my next entry!!!
This week we have 2 Italian girls staying with us who are 18. Amparo kept talking up how big Italian's appetites are, but tonight at dinner, they barely ate anything. Then after dinner, they went to the patio with a pack of cigarettes. It made Marli and I laugh, because they seem so young to be smoking--but in Europe, it seems like EVERYONE smokes. I have a feeling this week with them will filled with some interesting stories. All for now...going to finish up a little homework. And to excite you for my next blog entry...here is a picture. I will tell you what it is in my next entry!!!
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