People people people,
How is everything going? Oh how I dearly miss you all! What is missing from my life in Pamplona is you guys! As you can tell from last time, I've definitely been a little homesick. Especially because of holiday season, frozen-balls weather, and a drastic change to this new town I call home!
Pamplona has treated me well in my time here thus far. What can I say? The weather kicks my butt and it's just a really quiet town for a not so quiet person. No worries.. i'll still find a way to cause massive mayhem! But really, it's so calm and chill here.. full of dinner parties and hangouts at pisos.
As for school, right now it's not kicking my butt.. but gotta stay on top of it. The registering aspect sucks b/c the program is so new for UT so I know nothing! hope i get some credits!
As for Spanish... Lisa applied for this job that needed a student to basically baby sit and teach them Chinese (umm perfect match I must say). The aunt.. this petite little women with a strong religious faith, offered to take Lisa and her friends (this is where I get in the picture) on a little road trip around Navarra to see the country side and practice Spanish.
From right off of the bat, I knew that this was going to be a good thing.. as did Lisa. As soon as I met her she corrects everything and explains and makes us write down everything. Even down to my accent (or lack of, brings back memories of elementary speech class :'(). She offered to help me with Spanish for the rest of my time here in Pamplona. In exchange, all i have to do is play games with her nephew and speak english the whole time. Time for time.
Little did I know the frequency of these lessons. Her house is a short 8 minutes walk from where I live. She really wants Lisa and I to get better. This week (the start of our lessons), we met everyday for an hour almost everyday (and lasting longer at times). I feel like I'm learning so much from her! She is officially the host mom that I never had!
As for the nephew, I have to meet with him twice a week for only 30 minutes. The boy has 3 different people talking tot him in different languages.. how confusing! haha. English--Chinese--and Russian. (Already knows Spanish of course).
Anyways, Hope all is going well and just wanted to give you a short update (short?) love you guys!
-Sharmaine
Friday, January 22, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SEMESTER... OR NOT?
Hey Everybody!
I need to fill you in on my first weekend in Pamplona! After a hellish argument with the guy that works at the Train station about my numerous pieces of luggage, I finally boarded my 4 hour train ride from Barcelona to Pamplona. Somehow, I miraculously (and successfully) got my 2 heavy suitcases, computer backpack, and an impossible-to-lift duffle bag into my new apartment. Afterwards, I went to Lisa's (who lives like 5 minutes walking distance) to have dinner with her and her 3 friends from Belgium. It was a nice start
The next day I had a lonnnnng day of orientation. The orientation was nicely done with some brief, but important information nabout Navarra. We had a coffee and pastry break as well as a lunch in the little cafe at the school. Afterwards, we took a tour of the campus and of Pamplona. (I could have done without because it was COLD AS HELL). And then everybody in the program went to a bar to grab something to drink and take a break from the cold hellish weather. AT the end all of the groups met up to get pinxtos (Like tapas but smaller)at this bar until late. The first day was really good.
The second day we were supposed to go to San Sebastian... A city in spain that is about an hour awaay from Pamplona and supposed to be really nice with beaches (even though it's winter time) but there was like a freakin blizzard so it had to be cancelled. So Instead, a whole bunch of people in the program went iceskating. I went to lisa's Belgium friend's house for another dinner, and then a whole bunch of people from the program came over and we went to some bars in Pamplona.
The people in the Erasmus program (an international exchange with only people from Europe, even though the Americans are considered erasmus kids) are cool and I've met people from all over. Belgium, Germany, Columbia, Canada, Portugal, France, Italy.. etc.
As for academics (that's what i'm here for right?) I had my first day of class today. I only went to one class because none of the classes that I had planned to go to were possible and now I have to figure out a new schedule with the counselor. The one classs that I did go to was hard, and I'm the only american in a class of Spaniards and the teacher speaks really fast. It was awkward to say the least. I emailed the international conselor (with no response) and the counselors at home are NOT helpful. I'm going in today to see if i can talk to someone about the classes again.
I've enjoyed my weekend a lot but I don't know.. All in all, I'm thinking about coming back to Texas. There's really not much to do here in Pamplona, it's small and I think i've already seen everything. The landscapes are pretty with mountains and lots of greenery (or snow in this case). My roommates are nice, even though the language barrier makes me feel like the strange foreign kid that doesn't know Spanish. But my classes count in my GPA so I don't want to ruin it by spending my whole semester trying to figue out what my teacher is saying... I really want to learn spanish.. but i'm not sure at the expense of my grades and maybe even a little bit of my insanity. Also I want to avoid the vortex of only hanging ot with Erasmus students.. If I do that I won't learn Spanish.. and what is the point of being here? I miss you guys and my friends and UT (hook 'em) and texas... I had fun this weekend in Pamplona, but i know I could have a lot of fun in Austin as well. On the other hand,if I go home now without learning spanish proficiently, i'll feel like I've failed at my ultimate goal and I know I won't have this opportunity again (no matter how little there is to do here)and you know I can't have that! Anyways. I love you guys! UT classes start the 18th and my registration is the 14th... gotta decide FAST! Need a little guardian angel to tell me what to do! See you guys soon! (maybe sooner than later!)
I need to fill you in on my first weekend in Pamplona! After a hellish argument with the guy that works at the Train station about my numerous pieces of luggage, I finally boarded my 4 hour train ride from Barcelona to Pamplona. Somehow, I miraculously (and successfully) got my 2 heavy suitcases, computer backpack, and an impossible-to-lift duffle bag into my new apartment. Afterwards, I went to Lisa's (who lives like 5 minutes walking distance) to have dinner with her and her 3 friends from Belgium. It was a nice start
The next day I had a lonnnnng day of orientation. The orientation was nicely done with some brief, but important information nabout Navarra. We had a coffee and pastry break as well as a lunch in the little cafe at the school. Afterwards, we took a tour of the campus and of Pamplona. (I could have done without because it was COLD AS HELL). And then everybody in the program went to a bar to grab something to drink and take a break from the cold hellish weather. AT the end all of the groups met up to get pinxtos (Like tapas but smaller)at this bar until late. The first day was really good.
The second day we were supposed to go to San Sebastian... A city in spain that is about an hour awaay from Pamplona and supposed to be really nice with beaches (even though it's winter time) but there was like a freakin blizzard so it had to be cancelled. So Instead, a whole bunch of people in the program went iceskating. I went to lisa's Belgium friend's house for another dinner, and then a whole bunch of people from the program came over and we went to some bars in Pamplona.
The people in the Erasmus program (an international exchange with only people from Europe, even though the Americans are considered erasmus kids) are cool and I've met people from all over. Belgium, Germany, Columbia, Canada, Portugal, France, Italy.. etc.
As for academics (that's what i'm here for right?) I had my first day of class today. I only went to one class because none of the classes that I had planned to go to were possible and now I have to figure out a new schedule with the counselor. The one classs that I did go to was hard, and I'm the only american in a class of Spaniards and the teacher speaks really fast. It was awkward to say the least. I emailed the international conselor (with no response) and the counselors at home are NOT helpful. I'm going in today to see if i can talk to someone about the classes again.
I've enjoyed my weekend a lot but I don't know.. All in all, I'm thinking about coming back to Texas. There's really not much to do here in Pamplona, it's small and I think i've already seen everything. The landscapes are pretty with mountains and lots of greenery (or snow in this case). My roommates are nice, even though the language barrier makes me feel like the strange foreign kid that doesn't know Spanish. But my classes count in my GPA so I don't want to ruin it by spending my whole semester trying to figue out what my teacher is saying... I really want to learn spanish.. but i'm not sure at the expense of my grades and maybe even a little bit of my insanity. Also I want to avoid the vortex of only hanging ot with Erasmus students.. If I do that I won't learn Spanish.. and what is the point of being here? I miss you guys and my friends and UT (hook 'em) and texas... I had fun this weekend in Pamplona, but i know I could have a lot of fun in Austin as well. On the other hand,if I go home now without learning spanish proficiently, i'll feel like I've failed at my ultimate goal and I know I won't have this opportunity again (no matter how little there is to do here)and you know I can't have that! Anyways. I love you guys! UT classes start the 18th and my registration is the 14th... gotta decide FAST! Need a little guardian angel to tell me what to do! See you guys soon! (maybe sooner than later!)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Happy New Year!
Hello Beautiful People! Happy New Year!!!!
So there´s so much to write to you guys about. I kind of noticed that last semester I did a bad job... considering I had a 3 month gap in between 2 entries! haha. But no worries, this time it will be different!
This New Year´s Eve, I was supposed to celebrate it in Paris with Lindsey and her friend (a entry worthy blog in itself) :') Jerry Springer drama and evuuurythang. But I ended up going back to Barcelona to celebrate the New Year´s with Belen (my friend and GA that I talked about in my first entry!)
Let me just point out that I NEVER want to see a train again! I took the most roundabout way to Barcelona EVER since the trains were full. This is how hellish my trip back to Barcelona from Rome was...
Day 1:
11:00 AM--- Show up atthe train station
3:30ish PM---My train departs from Rome to Ventimiglia, Italy
12:00 Midnight---Arrive to Ventimiglia... wait around the station all night until...
Day 2
5:35 AM --- Ventimiglia to somewhere in the middle of france
2 transfers later.....
10:00 AM Arrive to Nice, France... Do nothing in nice until....
8:00 PM Nice to Irun, Spain
Day 3
12:00 PM--- Arrive to Irun, Spain
4:00 PM Irun to Barcelona
10:00 PM FINALLY IN BARCELONA
Anyways... what the hell!
So, Once i came to Barcelona I got to celebrate my first NYE...Spanish Style!
When I arrived, Belen and her dad picked me up from the station. Once we got to the house, her mom prepared a huge dinner! The whole family was there, It was a lot of fun.
I just want to say that I LOVE their family. Wish I could replace my hostmom with them! Her dad is so nice. He always has a funny and interesting fact.. Even though my responses are limited by my vocabulary he still he doesn´t care and is just excited to tell me anyways. Her mom was so sweet, a fast talker (kind of like mama carter), and is just so kind. Her sister is studying in scotland and knows english like Belen. And she also has a brother who is nice but I only see him when he comes out of his room to eat. haha.
They taught me about the spanish tradition on NYE. In Spain the tradition is that on the countdown til 12, you have to eat a grape each time they ring a bell. There are 12 grapes that you have to eat in all. Afterwards... HAPPY NEW YEAR or.. FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!
Afterwards, Belen´s sister took us to her friend´s get together. We danced and sang to a lot of 80s american songs! Everybody´s gotta love Madonna I guess! Even the Spanish!
Unfortunately, I became sick with the stomach flu. So her family had to deal with my bodily fluids everywhere... How Embarrassing! That lasted a good 2 days.. with an aching stomach on the 3rd day! But her parents were so kind and helping. I Probably couldn´t have lasted without them.
All and All, my visit at Belen´s has been a blast. It´s like a host family that I´ve always wished that I had! I´ve done so many cool things with them. We went to the medieval markets and to the nearby beach today. I went to the reyes magos parade with Belen last night. Just a great environment. It´s a good way to end my experience in Barcelona.
Tomorrow, I´m packing my bags and heading for Pamplona. It feels weird leaving Barcelona now but I´m excited. Just wondering how i´m going to survive my move with all of this luggage that I have....
So there´s so much to write to you guys about. I kind of noticed that last semester I did a bad job... considering I had a 3 month gap in between 2 entries! haha. But no worries, this time it will be different!
This New Year´s Eve, I was supposed to celebrate it in Paris with Lindsey and her friend (a entry worthy blog in itself) :') Jerry Springer drama and evuuurythang. But I ended up going back to Barcelona to celebrate the New Year´s with Belen (my friend and GA that I talked about in my first entry!)
Let me just point out that I NEVER want to see a train again! I took the most roundabout way to Barcelona EVER since the trains were full. This is how hellish my trip back to Barcelona from Rome was...
Day 1:
11:00 AM--- Show up atthe train station
3:30ish PM---My train departs from Rome to Ventimiglia, Italy
12:00 Midnight---Arrive to Ventimiglia... wait around the station all night until...
Day 2
5:35 AM --- Ventimiglia to somewhere in the middle of france
2 transfers later.....
10:00 AM Arrive to Nice, France... Do nothing in nice until....
8:00 PM Nice to Irun, Spain
Day 3
12:00 PM--- Arrive to Irun, Spain
4:00 PM Irun to Barcelona
10:00 PM FINALLY IN BARCELONA
Anyways... what the hell!
So, Once i came to Barcelona I got to celebrate my first NYE...Spanish Style!
When I arrived, Belen and her dad picked me up from the station. Once we got to the house, her mom prepared a huge dinner! The whole family was there, It was a lot of fun.
I just want to say that I LOVE their family. Wish I could replace my hostmom with them! Her dad is so nice. He always has a funny and interesting fact.. Even though my responses are limited by my vocabulary he still he doesn´t care and is just excited to tell me anyways. Her mom was so sweet, a fast talker (kind of like mama carter), and is just so kind. Her sister is studying in scotland and knows english like Belen. And she also has a brother who is nice but I only see him when he comes out of his room to eat. haha.
They taught me about the spanish tradition on NYE. In Spain the tradition is that on the countdown til 12, you have to eat a grape each time they ring a bell. There are 12 grapes that you have to eat in all. Afterwards... HAPPY NEW YEAR or.. FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!
Afterwards, Belen´s sister took us to her friend´s get together. We danced and sang to a lot of 80s american songs! Everybody´s gotta love Madonna I guess! Even the Spanish!
Unfortunately, I became sick with the stomach flu. So her family had to deal with my bodily fluids everywhere... How Embarrassing! That lasted a good 2 days.. with an aching stomach on the 3rd day! But her parents were so kind and helping. I Probably couldn´t have lasted without them.
All and All, my visit at Belen´s has been a blast. It´s like a host family that I´ve always wished that I had! I´ve done so many cool things with them. We went to the medieval markets and to the nearby beach today. I went to the reyes magos parade with Belen last night. Just a great environment. It´s a good way to end my experience in Barcelona.
Tomorrow, I´m packing my bags and heading for Pamplona. It feels weird leaving Barcelona now but I´m excited. Just wondering how i´m going to survive my move with all of this luggage that I have....
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