Fiesta!!!

So last night was the first night i have actually gone out "Spanish Style." Everything here happens late. You wake up late, eat late and stay out late. A friend of mine had a birthday last night, and about half of our program went out to a discoteca called Granada Diez. Paige, who turned 20, had a great time, so it was a good night!!! It is pretty common for young people to go to discotecas and stay out till 6 or 7 in the morning. We didn't quite make it that late, but I'm proud to say we made it till about 5 am. We walked home with a big group of people and once our heads hit the pillow, Julie & I were OUT! It was fun to experience, but i don't see another one of those nights in the near future. x

Migue y Yo

So Miguel & i decided to have a little photo shoot yesterday before dinner using the lovely Photo Booth on my mac. Hope you enjoy the results :))

oh heyyyy

one word: grillssss

too legit....to legit to quit

very attractive i think

queso

BARCA!!!

After my trip to Morocco, I came home for approx. 12 hours, but was then on a flight to Barcelona! This past week has been a whirlwind of emotions! In the past month, I have visited 3 different countries. While sitting on the plane to Barca, I was thinking about the fact that few hours ago I had been in AFRICA!!! I am truly blessed. I have always pictured going abroad, but today i realized it is happening. This is as real as it gets.

Anyways on to the fun stuff :)

Stephanie, Julie and I stayed in a hostel for the 3 nights we were in Barcelona. Before arriving, i was a bit nervous, because I have always thought that hostels were sketchy. I was prepared to sleep with my purse under my pajamas & have my luggage next to me in my bed. I was wrong. The hostel was clean, and there were lockers for our stuff to go in. I tend to overreact sometimes.

We all realized we were super hungry once we got into the city,

& at this point were craving some familiar food. Right before we got to the hostel we passed a pizza place that smelled delicious! So we checked in , ate, and then came back for a nap. We ended up wandering around the city looking at things the first night. We did happen to find espresso, gelato & McDonald's. Normally I'm not down for Ronald McDonald's happy place, but the Golden Arches reminded me of home &

it was a perfect 4 euro meal :)))

The second day consisted of clothes shopping, a chocolate factory, and the Picasso Museum. Seriously, chocolate and art, and I'm in my happy place. Picasso was one crazy man, but he was incredibly intelligent. To save some money, i cooked dinner for us in the hostel. Spaghetti, bread, corn and milk. It was great, and cost less than 10 euro for 4 people. We made friends with 2 girls from Lebanon and ended up going out to a tiny spanish bar with them. It was very cute & the bartender gave us a free drink because he said we brought business to his bar! Yay :)

The third day was my favorite by far. We slept in late, got ready and left the hostel for La Segrada Familia. The SF is a chapel/museum/nativity scene/work in progress. Antoni' Gaudi', the artist of this whole thing, never got to finish his work, sue to the fact that he was hit & killed by a tram. It is too hard to describe in words how i felt about being here. I am putting up the link for the website so yall can go look at it. Let me just say i am going to be visiting Spain once it gets finished. It is absolutely incredible.

http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/index.php

Add in some more Gaudi stuff, more gelato, a five euro skirt, people watching and i would say my trip to Barcelona was a success. x

Just Warning You, This Is A Long One!

So as i sit here and type this, i have a few tears in my eyes. First of all, i just watched My Sister’s Keeper (which i highly suggest if you haven’t seen it), and secondly i miss home a bit. Not going to lie! There has been so much going on in the last two weeks, i have finally understood what our program meant when we talked about culture shock. Since today, I have been gone for 4 weeks, and it has finally hit me that im not at home and wont be for 3.5 more months. Don’t worry there have only been a few tears, but in order for you all to get a good picture of my time here, i think its important i tell you the ups and downs of my trip :))

Last Friday, i left granada and took a 4 hour bus ride to a city called Algeciras, where we took a ferry from Spain to Tangier, Morocco. The point of the morocco trip was to give us a good idea of Moroccan life, whether it be in the city or in the rural parts of the country. We stayed with host families for 2 nights, while staying in a hostel in Chefchaouen the last night. During our trip we met up with leaders of organizations, english-speaking students, Peace Corps volunteers, Full-brite scholars, discussed stereotypes, differences, religion and so much more.

We got to see some beautiful things in Morocco, and meet some wonderful people. Everyone i came in contact with was very kind, and were very welcoming. So in that aspect i had a wonderful time. The only thing that wasn’t so good, was the fact that i got food poisoning. After our conversation in the mountains ( i got sick multiple times, while everyone was eating lunch. Then on the ride back down the mountain, (picture a road like morgan territory), in a rickety old bus, with food poisoning and no air conditioning, i made the bus stop three times in 30 or 40 minutes. Lovely right!! I stayed in the hostel that night with a bucket next to the bed. I felt like i was dying to be honest. In the chaos though, Chris called and made me feel a bit better. So apart from food poisoning, i had a great time.

Our entire group studying in Granada numbers around 50 people, but while we were in morocco, we were split up into smaller groups, so we could experience the country in a more intimate way. There was one point during my trip, that i was able to talk openly with my group and a muslim family about Christianity while we were in the Rif Mountains. Because most of Moroccan people are Muslim, religion and sterotypes of Muslim people was a big topic discussion. Just an FYI, it is illegal in Morocco to try and convert a muslim to a different religion, so that may give you a perspective as to what kind of place i was in. Converting people wasn’t the goal during our talk, but knowing that is very important.

Our translator asked if anyone at the table was dedicated to their religion, and if so, which one. I rose my hand, along with a few other students. He asked what i believed, and i told him i was a Christian. He asked our group how many of us claimed to be Christian, and what was the base of our religion. I thought, “Hey i have an opportunity to talk about Christianity openly, no restrictions, no hesitations.” He wanted to know if we had to sum up christianity in one sentence what would it be. I kindly replied “Love God with everything you have, and love people.”

He (i can’t remember our translator’s name unfortunately), tried explaining that Islam and Christianity are the same, and we are going to the same place and our base is very similar. But it broke my heart, because i knew that wasn’t the case. I got to talk about Jesus Christ, and what he has done for me, for you reading this. God loves me unconditionally, no matter what i do, and that’s a big difference in these two faiths. Jesus Christ was sent to this earth to die for my sins, and Muslims believe in Jesus, but don’t believe he was the son of God, or that he died for our sins. Yes there are a few similarities, but in the end if you don’t believe in Jesus, you’ve missed the boat.

So to put things lightly, going to Morocco broke my heart for the people there because I realized i probably won’t be going back. The family in the mountains took care of their parents who were very old and Muslim. It was close to the end for the grandfather respectively, and it brought tears to my eyes when i left knowing that i will probably never see him again, and we probably wouldn’t be seeing each other in heaven. It made it difficult to leave to be honest, but it also gave me a boost to dive into my relationship with Christ. So with quite a bit of encouragement, an empty stomach, good conversations, and lots of pictures, i left Morocco behind. Forever they will be in my prayers.

I miss you all very much and am trying to figure out a cell phone situation over here that isnt too expensive. I hope things are going well, and i would love updates of your lives!!!

x Shay

My New City

So it is 10 pm, and while i wait for dinner, i figured it would be a good time to write to you all again. So much has happened in this last week, i feel as though i have been gone from home for at least a month.

Here goes nothin!

After we all went out on saturday night, we ha

d to be up very early Sunday morning to meet with Veronica, our program director, to get some instruction before she sent us away with our host families. So far, my host family has been one of the only things i have been nervous about. I knew coming into this that my spanish wasn’t great, and that the family isn’t allowed to speak english to us. it was going to be a challenge, but it was something i was looking forward too.

All of us students were waiting anxiously in one room, while our host families were in another one right across the hall. We got our roommate assignments, and I got paired up with a girl named Julie. She is from Washington D.C. and is super sweet. She is spunky, has a great smile & has pretty red hair! (Sometimes i wish i had red hair because i think it is GORGEOUS, but she doesn’t tan all that well, so i’ll stick with my brown locks). She has a boyfriend too, so we tend to skype lots in our room. We are already becoming friends & it’s only been one week, so i’m excited to see the friendship that blossoms from this semester.

Let’s just say when Veronica called mine & Julie’s name my heart skipped a beat & maybe did a few summersaults. Dun dun dun.... We finally met Jaquelin & Juancho, who were both dressed super nice & both smelled amazing. Jaquelin doesn’t look spanish, so i am really interested to hear her story. Juancho look VERY spanish! but I’ll get onto their backgrounds later!

Since last sunday, I have experienced many new things. I am just go

ing to make a list, or i could write for days!!!!

1. Spanish food- which other than a few things have been incredible. We make our own breakfast in the morning- normally consisting of toast & yogurt. The first couple days i didn't have any coffee & was definitely needing some. So i mustered up some courage, spoke my very best spanish & asked if it would be possible to make coffee in the morning. Jaquelin then became my very best friend. Out of the cupboard came an espresso maker. Not a nice one like my mom has, but something that looks like the tin can from the Wizard of Oz. Remember that term “Don't judge a book by its cover?” Well i don’t think i have learned in a better way. I made coffee the next morning & it was absolutely incredible! A little milk, a little chocolate, mmmm mmmm mmmm. A spanish mocha made by an American :))) Next the first meal cooked for us was paella. So so good. It is almost like dirty rice, but better. It has chunks of chicken & steak and shrimp & grilled veggies all mixed with rice. Then there’s the bread. Jaquelin goes to the store every morning for bread & veggies etc. So, when julie & i wake up, the kitchen smells like a bakery. Not too bad i must say :))
2. Getting around the city- Generally people walk everywhere especially if you live in the downtown area. I live in a place called Plaza Gran Capitan. We look out our window, and see a plaza with a fountain, lots of trees & more apartment style housing. It takes us about 10 minutes to walk to school if we are running. If we enjoy ourselves and look around, it takes us 15-20 minutes. We are probably walking at least 15 miles a day back & forth to school multiple times a day, and when we do our touristy stuff.
3. School- This week and next week is orientation. We took a level test at the beginning of the week to see what classes we would be in for orientation. I am in a class with five other girls and our professors name is Jose. He is very funny, and has helped me tremendously with my spanish in the last couple days. After next week we will take another test to determine our level again. Hopefully i’ll test into Lengua y Cultura, which is the second level. If i get into this program, i won’t have class on fridays, which would be wonderful and i would also be able to pick the classes i want.
4. My host family & home- Jaquelin, Juancho & Miguel. Jaquelin and Juancho have been dating for 4 years and they live together in this apartment. Miguel is Jaquelin’s son who is 14. He is very funny and makes us laugh all the time. He knows english pretty well, so he has been a big help when Julie and I are speaking spanish to jaq & juancho. Jaquelin also has 2 other apartments that are rented out to international and spanish students. These aren’t typical apartments though. They tend to have 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, with a kitchen big dining room & living room. Jaquelin cooks for all of the students, does our laundry, and is basically a mom for 16 students!
5. When walking around the house, you wear slippers. If you don’t, your toes may fall off & if they do, it’s no one’s fault but your own! Also, because there is no central heating, we wear lots of clothes to bed. :)
6. When going out to eat or get drinks, tipping the bartender/waiter is not necessary.
7. Gypsies on the street will try to read your palms & give you branches of rosemary. They especially love american because i guess we fall into their little traps easily. They tend to be senoras (older women) who try to repeatedly shove branches into your hands. Once one grabs our hand though, more gypsies come around you, and if you aren't careful you could get pick-pocketed. So be firm, say no and walk really fast passed them!
8. Churros con chocolate is the most amazing dessert i have ever had in my life. Here churros aren’t covered in sugar. Instead they are plain, and you can order them with chocolate sauce. Now when i say chocolate sauce you are all probably thinking liquid hershey’s syrup from a bottle. Nope. This chocolate is almost as thick as pudding, tastes like hot chocolate and is steaming hot. Oh my goodness- it is too hard to explain. i’ll have to take a picture the next time i have one.

Ok i think this is enough for one day. More good news; i found a church very close to my house, that i will call home for the next four months. Everyone i have met there have been wonderful! They took me out for tapas last night after youth group, and showed me around a bit. It was great.

besos x

5,962 miles from home.

hello to my wonderful family :)

I have been gone for a week and a half, and have been through an array of emotions already! I will start explaining from the beginning. I started my journey from the SF airport, and flew straight to London to stay with friends (Hawkings family) that i met through my soccer program (AIS). I stayed in the cutest little town called Chorleywood, which is about 30 minutes from Heatherow Airport. The Hawkings family consists of 4 boys, so Elaine, the mum, was really excited to have a lady in the house. I have known the 2 boys that still live at home for about 5 years now, so not seeing them for 6 months hadn't mattered. They took me sledding down a massive hill on a golf course, we went into london, went out to pubs, and visited so many historical places. Because people in Europe dont have big houses, it is very typical to meet up with friends at pubs instead of having them over to your house. When we traveled around London, it reminded me a lot of san francisco actually. It helped me not miss you all so much. It was incredible. I will figure out how to post pictures for you all to see. I'm assuming photobucket will work if i give you my username & password.

So England from Monday through Friday, & then i was off to Spain!

Friday night i arrived in Granada around 7 pm & was picked up by smiling american faces that i also knew from AIS. Vicki is from Georgia & now works in the AIS office in Granada. I got to go to her house for the night instead of having to stay in a hostel by myself, which was very nice. Friday we went to the women's soccer practice & stopped at a Panaderia! the most incredible baked goods you will EVER have. The panaderia had bread, croissants, cookies, more bread, and anything you can imagine covered in chocolate. Es muy delicioso!!! After soccer practice i was exhausted so i went to bed pretty early. In spain it is very very typical for houses to be cold, and for people to wear layers & slippers. So when in Spain, do as the Spaniards do! i wore four layers to bed & socks as well, even though i HATE wearing socks to bed! Anyways, the next day, i had to go to the hotel i would be staying at for the night in downtown Granada. due to the fact that you can't drive in certain places downtown, i had to get on a bus with my luggage and venture out into the city with only a map, very little spanish & a smile! Let me tell you that didnt get me very far. I ended up getting off two stops passed where i should have & was dragging my luggage uphill for about 2 miles!!!! ahhhh no bueno :))

i finally made it to my hotel & got to see 2 of my volleyball girls from school that i haven't seen since September. It was great. more smiling, recognizable, american faces that understood english. We got all checked into our rooms, and decided we wanted to go out for the night :) We got ready & hit the streets. There were six girls & 3 boys (our bodyguards, due to the fact that spanish men are very open with how they feel about pretty american ladies). We went out for tapas at some local pubs. In Spain when you order any type of drink other than water, you get some type of appetizer. It could be big, little, delicious or nasty. My first drink came with olives & bread with bruschetta??? i always get bruschetta & broschutto confused. Anyways it was bread with the thin, salty bacon stuff. It was very good, & so was my sangria. mmmmmm. I am not a big fan of wine, but when it is mixed with a bunch of fruit juice & chunks of fruit you can't go wrong. We kept wandering around to different pubs, and found some american ones with football on. It is funny because i had no idea that american football is big over here. They all have chants & shirts etc. So after tapas and football, we found a discoteco which is a dancing bar kinda place. There was a huge line, so we just walked up and asked how much it cost to get in. They saw how good looking we were & let us in FOR FREE! :)) Normally it costs 10 euro per person to get in, which is around 15 dollars or so, & he let us all in. All we did was ask cuanto cuestas??? translated in english "how much does this cost." Let's just say the 150 spaniards waiting in line were not happy to see 8 americans get in before them & not have to pay.

So i can say without a doubt, that our first night in Granada was a success! There will be more to come to explain everything else that has happened so far. Thanks so much for all your support & prayers. I can feel them many miles away :))
xxx Shay