by Amy Hagerman
Murcia, Spain
Por domingo el 16 de enero, finalmente me desperté y sobreviví de mi enfermedad! 2 días en cama.. que asco! Entonces unas de mis amigas y yo fuimos al catedral de Murcia. Fue mi primero catedral en España y me encanta. Es un catedral con un museo pero ya es un iglesia ahora. Después el catedral fuimos a un heladería (pienso que es la palabra) por helado. No se porque pero hay 3 tiendas de helado en una linea y escogí un de yogur congelado. Pues no me gusta! Aquí la comida y bebidas no tiene mucho azúcar y el sabor de mi helado fue completamente yogur jaja. Ahora sé escoger helado real o gelato. En la plaza santo domingo, donde es el catedral, hay un árbol muy antiguo. Creo que lleva 600 anos! Es en el centro de la plaza, una cuenta del árbol es que un hombre estaba sentado debajo el árbol y una rama (branch) se cayó encima de El y murió :( que triste. En otra mano, fue un buen noche y encontré un restaurante con pizza, nuggets de pollo jaja, y mas comida basura que me gusta. Todavía no estaba en bien salud y regrese a casa y dormir mas.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
by Amy Hagerman
Murcia, Spain
Miércoles y Jueves: En Miércoles fue a clase y después tome una otra siesta como martes. Por la noche Caroline y yo fuimos a un club se llama Badaluke. Es un club de los estudiantes Erasmus/Isep, los internacionales. Erasmus esta la versión europeo de Isep. Realizo que Caroline y yo vivir muy lejos del centro de Murcia y todos los otros estudiantes en nuestro grupo viven en el centro. Por eso necesitamos caminar 15-25 minutos cuando los otros solamente camina 5-10 minutos. Ademas, en Badaluke puedo comprar chupitos (shots) por 1 euro o 50 céntimos. Fue un bien noche. En muchos de los lugares como unos restaurantes, cafés y mas juega la música de los estados unidos. Por ejemplo en Badaluke he oído Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, y mas. Pienso que esta cómica que esto lugar es el primero lugar donde puedo practicar mi español con los Murcianos. Durante el día en los calles es como nadie hablar con nadie es solamente camina.. rápido a su destinación. Pues fue un mujer en una tienda de zapatos que habla conmigo. Compre zapatos y la mujer trabajando me pregunta sobre escuela y de donde soy y ella fue muy simpática :)
Murcia, Spain
Miércoles y Jueves: En Miércoles fue a clase y después tome una otra siesta como martes. Por la noche Caroline y yo fuimos a un club se llama Badaluke. Es un club de los estudiantes Erasmus/Isep, los internacionales. Erasmus esta la versión europeo de Isep. Realizo que Caroline y yo vivir muy lejos del centro de Murcia y todos los otros estudiantes en nuestro grupo viven en el centro. Por eso necesitamos caminar 15-25 minutos cuando los otros solamente camina 5-10 minutos. Ademas, en Badaluke puedo comprar chupitos (shots) por 1 euro o 50 céntimos. Fue un bien noche. En muchos de los lugares como unos restaurantes, cafés y mas juega la música de los estados unidos. Por ejemplo en Badaluke he oído Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, y mas. Pienso que esta cómica que esto lugar es el primero lugar donde puedo practicar mi español con los Murcianos. Durante el día en los calles es como nadie hablar con nadie es solamente camina.. rápido a su destinación. Pues fue un mujer en una tienda de zapatos que habla conmigo. Compre zapatos y la mujer trabajando me pregunta sobre escuela y de donde soy y ella fue muy simpática :)
Jueves: Jueves fue muy divertido! Por clase fuimos al mercado en el calle! Es como un flea market pero no es durante el fin de semana es por los jueves. Puede comprar: ropa, paraguas, comida como verduras, especias, frutas, carne y mas, montas, zapatos, y mucho mas. Las verduras aqui son muy grandes!! Tambien las frutas son muy deliciosos cuando he comprado naranjas y bananas caribes el vendedor fue muy simpático y me ofreció los naranjas diferentes a probar las sabores diferentes. Que delicioso! Puedo comprar naranjas y otras frutas por mas o menos 1 euro! Nuestro profesor y nosotros fuimos a un café con churros con chocolate. Churros son una comida como funnel cake pero son palos y se pone azúcar encima de ellos también se pone en chocolate... en verdad a mi no me gusta mucho. Churros son deliciosos y chocolate también pero esta mucho en el mismo tiempo. Los mujeres mayores son peligrosa a los mercados jaja. Ellas tienen bolsas con ruedas y ellas se golpea quien es enfrente de ellas! Un mujer se diga a Caroline, " Todo el mundo esta moviendo a parte de tu!" jajajaja fue muy cómico. Después el mercado regresamos a la casa y comemos. Empece sentirme muy mal y acostarme. Por viernes, sábado y domingo estaba MUY enferma :( solamente fui a clase viernes porque fuimos al estación de policía a obtener nuestros NIE (numero de personas internacionales). Después fui a casa y dormí por 2 días sin comer ni nada mas! Por eso no recuerdo mi primero fin de semana en España.
EN LOS CAFÉS/RESTAURANTES AQUÍ, ES COMÚN A ENTRA UN LUGAR CON MUCHAS PAPELES EN EL PISO/SUELO. NO SIGNIFICA QUE ESTA LUGAR ES SUCIO, SIGNIFICO QUE MUCHA GENTE COMER AQUÍ Y ES POPULAR!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Last Week of the Bridge Program
by Katie Reed
Universidad Publica de Navarra
After resting for most of the day on Sunday, we got rather bored by the end of the day so we walked to La Morea and ate dinner and watched Sherlock Holmes (in Spanish). That was definitely interesting, and very hard to understand. Monday morning we had class as usual, did some laundry, went to the grocery, and we cooked tapas and "magra con tomate". Suzette and Bobby made the tapas (fried plantains and churizzo) and the other girls and I made the main dish. It had pork, peppers, onion, and tomatoes in it with several spices; it actually turned out to be really good! We all ate downstairs in the big room like a little family like we usually do when we cook together. At the end of dinner Bobby said he would give someone 5 euros if they would go pull up a chair by this guy watching tv and just sit there beside him. Before we even knew what was going on Suzette already had her chair over there beside the guy. He looked quite frightened, but she pulled it off well. The next day was another normal class day; Amanda and I went to La Morea again because we were bored. We got stuff to make dinner together, and we made roasted red peppers stuffed with cheese mixed with basil and garlic as well as ravioli in a tomato sauce. We made by far the best meal we have had since we have been here. I was somewhat of a cook when I came here, but by the time I leave I am going to be able to make anything! I've still managed to keep my name Mama Katie with the girls. Today during class we left there quite frustrated. We were doing some verb conjugations that we have not done in forever, so it was very hard! My confidence level was definitely brought down, but thats ok, just means I have to work harded and I can handle that. For the culture part of class we went to another Museum here in Pamplona. This one had information specific to Pamplona rather than Navarra as a whole. It was inside an old war fort as well, so that was cool in itself. After the museum we took the long way back and got to see another side of the city. Then we went to the market for a few groceries and it was time for lunch (more stuffed peppers) and a nap!!
Universidad Publica de Navarra
After resting for most of the day on Sunday, we got rather bored by the end of the day so we walked to La Morea and ate dinner and watched Sherlock Holmes (in Spanish). That was definitely interesting, and very hard to understand. Monday morning we had class as usual, did some laundry, went to the grocery, and we cooked tapas and "magra con tomate". Suzette and Bobby made the tapas (fried plantains and churizzo) and the other girls and I made the main dish. It had pork, peppers, onion, and tomatoes in it with several spices; it actually turned out to be really good! We all ate downstairs in the big room like a little family like we usually do when we cook together. At the end of dinner Bobby said he would give someone 5 euros if they would go pull up a chair by this guy watching tv and just sit there beside him. Before we even knew what was going on Suzette already had her chair over there beside the guy. He looked quite frightened, but she pulled it off well. The next day was another normal class day; Amanda and I went to La Morea again because we were bored. We got stuff to make dinner together, and we made roasted red peppers stuffed with cheese mixed with basil and garlic as well as ravioli in a tomato sauce. We made by far the best meal we have had since we have been here. I was somewhat of a cook when I came here, but by the time I leave I am going to be able to make anything! I've still managed to keep my name Mama Katie with the girls. Today during class we left there quite frustrated. We were doing some verb conjugations that we have not done in forever, so it was very hard! My confidence level was definitely brought down, but thats ok, just means I have to work harded and I can handle that. For the culture part of class we went to another Museum here in Pamplona. This one had information specific to Pamplona rather than Navarra as a whole. It was inside an old war fort as well, so that was cool in itself. After the museum we took the long way back and got to see another side of the city. Then we went to the market for a few groceries and it was time for lunch (more stuffed peppers) and a nap!!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Mi primero: Clase, cafe y siesta
by Amy Hagerman
Murcia, Spain
Murcia, Spain
El 10 de Enero, mi primero martes, fue el primero día de clase. Caroline y yo nos despertamos con solo 20 minutos antes clase. No fue bueno porque la clase esta 25 minutos de nuestro apartamento.. entonces en nuestro primera día fuimos tarde. La vida continuada ademas y clase fue interesante. Tengo clase desde 9:30 hasta las 2 de la tarde. como escuela secundario. A las 12 podemos salir por café o comida y el profesor, Jose, nos diga que hay un bien café acerca de clase. Entonces todos fuimos a este café y tomar café con tostada. Aquí café y tostada es muy común, también la gente aquí se come la tostada con tomate y aceite de oliva y sal. A mi me gusta tostada con café y marmalada y mantequilla. El café es muy bien aquí, en los EEUU siempre tomo café en forma de un latte vainilla con mucho azúcar pero aquí es solamente café con leche y es delicioso. Una problema que yo tengo es cuando estoy terminada con la comida y quiero salir no se como pagar. En los EEUU es como comer y pagar con la cuenta que el camarero se pone en la mesa pero aquí necesita preguntar por la cuenta. Es probablemente muy simple y común con la gente aquí pero es muy complicada y incomodo a mi y mis amigos. Ademas, regresamos a clase y después camine a casa y pienso que no estuve acostumbrado al tiempo porque me acosté muy temprano (a las 4 hasta 10 a noche yo dormí!!) . Es posible porque cuando clase esta terminada ya es 2 y todas las tiendas y cafés están cerrados de 2 hasta 5 y por eso no puedo hacer nada!
DIA 3: LA GENTE AQUÍ NO DECIMOS "POR FAVOR" MUCHO COMO EN MARYVILLE. ES PORQUE SOLAMENTE SE USE POR FAVOR EN UN SENTIDO SINCERO. ES DIFÍCIL POR MI PORQUE MIS PADRES ME ENSENA QUE "SIEMPRE USAS POR FAVOR Y GRACIAS"
Saturday, January 21, 2012
SUZETTE
by Katie Reed
Universidad Publica de Navarra
We got our bus from Pamplona to Rancesvalles and we were on our way. Once we got there we realized we were literally in the middle of nowhere. There was nothing in this town but a restaurant for the Pilgrims "Pelegrinos", a church, and the albergue that we stayed at (a hostal for the pilgrims). We got checked in, payed our 6 euros for the night and then headed to our room with the other pelegrinos who were there as well. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into!! There were 10 bunk beds in one tiny room that there was barely even room to walk in. Not only that but there were no blankets or anything to sleep with, and they had the window open so it was FREEZING in there. We were slightly freaked out so we decided we would go get dinner. However dinner was not going to open until 8:30, after mass. So we walked around the area to see the town and take pictures. We saw the old church that was standing where Charlemagne was defeated. Then we walked to the church that is in use today, and we got to see the end of the mass. After that we headed to dinner. It was very good; we got a 3 course meal for 9 euros because we were pelegrinos. We had bread, green beans, beef, french fries, and rice pudding. After dinner we headed back to our "room". We had to sleep in the clothes we had on because it was so cold in there. I put on an extra shirt that I brought and used my coat as a blanket, my scarf as an extra pillow and warmth, and put on an extra pair of socks. Even with all that I froze all night. We decided we wanted to get up super early and go ahead and head back to Pamplona so that we could walk the entire trail from Rancesvalles and Pamplona in one day (24 miles) rather than having to stop again. Bobby woke us up at 5 and we headed outside. Shaking all over, we got to the path and saw that it was nothing but a black trail and none of us had a flashlight. We decided it was best to go back to the albergue and wait until it got a little lighter. We decided to go lay back down except this time Suzette and I shared a twin bed and Courtney and Amanda shared a twin bed so that we could all keep warm. We woke back up about 8 when everyone started getting ready and we started our journey, and, of course, it was raining. It wasn't pouring but it was drizzling enough to get us wet. I used my scarf as a hat to keep my head somewhat dry along the way. The farther we got in our journey the harder it got. We all blamed Suzette for getting us into this mess. Constantly throughout the trip she kept pulling the most random things out of her backpack, sandwichs, a blanket, tons of stuff that the rest of us did not even think about. At one point she asked us if we brought water and we just told her to hush because no matter what she asked about what we brought the answer was going to be no. We told her she was our mom on this trip, so it was her job to tell us what to bring because we had no idea what we were getting into. Everytime we said Oh My Gosh all we heard we laughter out of Suzette. I told her that my next blog was going to be titled Suzette because she got us into this whole adventure. Anyways, along the way we got to see some very pretty homes, scenery, and animals. It's so neat to see that even though here in Europe we can say we are all from the United States, we are all from so many different parts of the states that we all have totally different ways of living. At one point during the walk we were walking up this huge hill and all you could see where mountains, trees, and hills and Amanda was like "wow, I have never seen anything like this before", and of course I told her that is what I see everyday in Tennessee. Later on in the trip Courtney got to see what sheep were. Then later we saw another kind of sheep and she was like thats not a sheep it looks different. I proceeded to tell her that they were both sheep just different kinds. She had no idea there were different kinds of sheep, so I told her that yeah there were different kinds of sheep just like there are different kinds of cows. She freaked out at that point. She had no clue that there were different kinds of cows. I went on to tell her about what some of the different kinds of cows were and she was just amazed. I asked her if she had never heard of Angus burgers like at McDonalds or somewhere and she said of course but she thought that was just the way they cooked the meat...no idea....I have so much to teach her. She asked Amanda if she knew about the different kinds of cows and Amanda said yeah there are hefers, the ones with the horns...and I just lost it. I told her that was the sex of the cow not the type. It is so funny to see how different we all are just by where we live at in the states. My accent is still an ongoing amusement for them all as well. However, after many long long walks, talks, climbs and much more we finally made it to Zubiri (the city halfway between Rancesvalles and Pamplona). We were ready to stop for lunch since we had walked 12 miles in the past 5 hours. When we got to a place for lunch we decided that there was no way we would make it to Pamplona before dark and didn't even know if our bodies would allow us to do it anyways, we were getting pretty tired. So we decided to be safe and get a taxi back to Pamplona. However, we sat down and had a very good lunch, salad, bread, pork, fries, and chocolate mousse. After our lunch we got in our taxi and headed back to Pamplona. The taxi driver dropped us off at Los Abedules..we were home! (in Spain). We all headed up to our rooms and have been taking it easy all evening. Its about time for some rest...and NO plans tomorrow!
Universidad Publica de Navarra
We got our bus from Pamplona to Rancesvalles and we were on our way. Once we got there we realized we were literally in the middle of nowhere. There was nothing in this town but a restaurant for the Pilgrims "Pelegrinos", a church, and the albergue that we stayed at (a hostal for the pilgrims). We got checked in, payed our 6 euros for the night and then headed to our room with the other pelegrinos who were there as well. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into!! There were 10 bunk beds in one tiny room that there was barely even room to walk in. Not only that but there were no blankets or anything to sleep with, and they had the window open so it was FREEZING in there. We were slightly freaked out so we decided we would go get dinner. However dinner was not going to open until 8:30, after mass. So we walked around the area to see the town and take pictures. We saw the old church that was standing where Charlemagne was defeated. Then we walked to the church that is in use today, and we got to see the end of the mass. After that we headed to dinner. It was very good; we got a 3 course meal for 9 euros because we were pelegrinos. We had bread, green beans, beef, french fries, and rice pudding. After dinner we headed back to our "room". We had to sleep in the clothes we had on because it was so cold in there. I put on an extra shirt that I brought and used my coat as a blanket, my scarf as an extra pillow and warmth, and put on an extra pair of socks. Even with all that I froze all night. We decided we wanted to get up super early and go ahead and head back to Pamplona so that we could walk the entire trail from Rancesvalles and Pamplona in one day (24 miles) rather than having to stop again. Bobby woke us up at 5 and we headed outside. Shaking all over, we got to the path and saw that it was nothing but a black trail and none of us had a flashlight. We decided it was best to go back to the albergue and wait until it got a little lighter. We decided to go lay back down except this time Suzette and I shared a twin bed and Courtney and Amanda shared a twin bed so that we could all keep warm. We woke back up about 8 when everyone started getting ready and we started our journey, and, of course, it was raining. It wasn't pouring but it was drizzling enough to get us wet. I used my scarf as a hat to keep my head somewhat dry along the way. The farther we got in our journey the harder it got. We all blamed Suzette for getting us into this mess. Constantly throughout the trip she kept pulling the most random things out of her backpack, sandwichs, a blanket, tons of stuff that the rest of us did not even think about. At one point she asked us if we brought water and we just told her to hush because no matter what she asked about what we brought the answer was going to be no. We told her she was our mom on this trip, so it was her job to tell us what to bring because we had no idea what we were getting into. Everytime we said Oh My Gosh all we heard we laughter out of Suzette. I told her that my next blog was going to be titled Suzette because she got us into this whole adventure. Anyways, along the way we got to see some very pretty homes, scenery, and animals. It's so neat to see that even though here in Europe we can say we are all from the United States, we are all from so many different parts of the states that we all have totally different ways of living. At one point during the walk we were walking up this huge hill and all you could see where mountains, trees, and hills and Amanda was like "wow, I have never seen anything like this before", and of course I told her that is what I see everyday in Tennessee. Later on in the trip Courtney got to see what sheep were. Then later we saw another kind of sheep and she was like thats not a sheep it looks different. I proceeded to tell her that they were both sheep just different kinds. She had no idea there were different kinds of sheep, so I told her that yeah there were different kinds of sheep just like there are different kinds of cows. She freaked out at that point. She had no clue that there were different kinds of cows. I went on to tell her about what some of the different kinds of cows were and she was just amazed. I asked her if she had never heard of Angus burgers like at McDonalds or somewhere and she said of course but she thought that was just the way they cooked the meat...no idea....I have so much to teach her. She asked Amanda if she knew about the different kinds of cows and Amanda said yeah there are hefers, the ones with the horns...and I just lost it. I told her that was the sex of the cow not the type. It is so funny to see how different we all are just by where we live at in the states. My accent is still an ongoing amusement for them all as well. However, after many long long walks, talks, climbs and much more we finally made it to Zubiri (the city halfway between Rancesvalles and Pamplona). We were ready to stop for lunch since we had walked 12 miles in the past 5 hours. When we got to a place for lunch we decided that there was no way we would make it to Pamplona before dark and didn't even know if our bodies would allow us to do it anyways, we were getting pretty tired. So we decided to be safe and get a taxi back to Pamplona. However, we sat down and had a very good lunch, salad, bread, pork, fries, and chocolate mousse. After our lunch we got in our taxi and headed back to Pamplona. The taxi driver dropped us off at Los Abedules..we were home! (in Spain). We all headed up to our rooms and have been taking it easy all evening. Its about time for some rest...and NO plans tomorrow!
another week gone by...
by Katie Reed
Universidad Publica de Navarra
It's has been a few days since I have been able to sit down and blog, so I am breaking this one up into two different blogs. However, on Wednesday we were all rested, ready for class and just had pretty much a normal day, then I went with Bobby, Suzette and Kara to La Morea behind the school to walk around, shop a little, and get some dinner. When we got back we just went to our rooms and chilled. Thursday was also a pretty chill day. We had class, took a siesta, went to La Morea with Amanda and Courtney, and then we came back and cooked dinner. We made spaghetti, salad, and bread. It was very good. It was so funny when we were walking through the store because everytime they wanted something I would lead the way to go get it, so Courtney gave me the name Mama Katie. After dinner we convinced Bobby and Suzette to go with us to Marengo (a local "discoteca" or nightclub). We got there about 1 AM and little did we know that the locals do not go until about 3 in the morning so we had to wait for 2 hours. Once people started getting there though it was a lot of fun. We danced a lot and just all hung out. We got to bed about 6 and then had class at 9. We were actually fine though surprisingly. We had the grammer part of class and then we went to the planetarium. I had never been to one, so that was pretty cool. After we got back to our dorm we cleaned up our rooms and packed up to head to the bus station so that we could get a bus from Pamplona to Rancesvalles to begin our "Camino de Santiago" the next morning......to be continued...
Universidad Publica de Navarra
It's has been a few days since I have been able to sit down and blog, so I am breaking this one up into two different blogs. However, on Wednesday we were all rested, ready for class and just had pretty much a normal day, then I went with Bobby, Suzette and Kara to La Morea behind the school to walk around, shop a little, and get some dinner. When we got back we just went to our rooms and chilled. Thursday was also a pretty chill day. We had class, took a siesta, went to La Morea with Amanda and Courtney, and then we came back and cooked dinner. We made spaghetti, salad, and bread. It was very good. It was so funny when we were walking through the store because everytime they wanted something I would lead the way to go get it, so Courtney gave me the name Mama Katie. After dinner we convinced Bobby and Suzette to go with us to Marengo (a local "discoteca" or nightclub). We got there about 1 AM and little did we know that the locals do not go until about 3 in the morning so we had to wait for 2 hours. Once people started getting there though it was a lot of fun. We danced a lot and just all hung out. We got to bed about 6 and then had class at 9. We were actually fine though surprisingly. We had the grammer part of class and then we went to the planetarium. I had never been to one, so that was pretty cool. After we got back to our dorm we cleaned up our rooms and packed up to head to the bus station so that we could get a bus from Pamplona to Rancesvalles to begin our "Camino de Santiago" the next morning......to be continued...
Friday, January 20, 2012
A little more comfortable
by Katie Reed
Universidad Publica de Navarra
Yesterday was quite an interesting day or evening I should say. We went to class as normal, took a short nap after class, and then met up to head to the grocery. We wanted to try an actual recipe this time, so Bobby and I went to Suzette's room and found a recipe for paella for us to make. We also wanted to go to the Corte Ingles rather than the usual supermarket we had been going to. The Corte Ingles turned out to be HUGE. There were at least 10 floors to it; Courtney, Amanda, and I went through every floor on the escalators just to see what all they had. In the basement part of the store was the supermarket. We all divided up the list of things we needed and got all our ingredients for dinner. Then we headed back to the dorm. On the way we searched out where we could find our textbook since we had only been able to buy two thusfar because the stores had been out of stock. Once we got our books we headed on our way. When we got back to the dorm we all went to Suzette's room to cook. We cut up the tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Courtney and I peeled and butterflied the shrimp, and I began boiling our fish broth. Then we added the cooked vegetables, rice, shrimp, peas, saffron, and a few other spices. Bobby cut up the bread and by that time it was all ready to eat. We went to the common area on the first floor and had a wonderful dinner together. We were quite amazed at how good the paella was. We did great! After dinner we sat around and talked for awhile and then it was time for bed after I talked to my mom, Bubba, and my Kitty Kitty on skype :). (Which by the way I learned that unlike Bubba, my kitty actually knows to look at mom's phone when I am on skype and he hears my voice....I love my babies!) This morning everyone was running late. Amanda, Kara, and I went to class and Suzette asked where Bobby was. I in turn told her we thought she had him, and she said she thought we had him. Courtney had already called me and told me she was running late, so Suzette ran back to the dorm and woke Bobby up and finally about 30 minutes after time to start class everyone was ready. It was just clearly a Monday for all of us between Kara spilling her coffee, Suzette dropping her water bottle, and all of us being tired. When the coffee was spilled Suzette ran to the cafeteria to get some napkins and we very soon learned that napkins here are nothing like they are in the states. We have started calling them pieces of plastic because they almost feel like plastic and they do not absorb anything! However, after the grammer part of class we went to the Museo de Navarra. This museum was pretty cool, not really my kind of thing but it was interesting. After we left there we headed back towards the dorm and decided to stop at Dominos for some lunch. There were some very questionable guys in there. We weren't sure if they were there dealing drugs or what they were doing but they were definitely up to something. Anyways, we got our pizza, ate lunch (experienced more plastic napkins), and headed back to school. It is now about 4:30 in the afternoon here and it is time for a nap for us. No big plans tonight, just taking it easy.
Universidad Publica de Navarra
Yesterday was quite an interesting day or evening I should say. We went to class as normal, took a short nap after class, and then met up to head to the grocery. We wanted to try an actual recipe this time, so Bobby and I went to Suzette's room and found a recipe for paella for us to make. We also wanted to go to the Corte Ingles rather than the usual supermarket we had been going to. The Corte Ingles turned out to be HUGE. There were at least 10 floors to it; Courtney, Amanda, and I went through every floor on the escalators just to see what all they had. In the basement part of the store was the supermarket. We all divided up the list of things we needed and got all our ingredients for dinner. Then we headed back to the dorm. On the way we searched out where we could find our textbook since we had only been able to buy two thusfar because the stores had been out of stock. Once we got our books we headed on our way. When we got back to the dorm we all went to Suzette's room to cook. We cut up the tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Courtney and I peeled and butterflied the shrimp, and I began boiling our fish broth. Then we added the cooked vegetables, rice, shrimp, peas, saffron, and a few other spices. Bobby cut up the bread and by that time it was all ready to eat. We went to the common area on the first floor and had a wonderful dinner together. We were quite amazed at how good the paella was. We did great! After dinner we sat around and talked for awhile and then it was time for bed after I talked to my mom, Bubba, and my Kitty Kitty on skype :). (Which by the way I learned that unlike Bubba, my kitty actually knows to look at mom's phone when I am on skype and he hears my voice....I love my babies!) This morning everyone was running late. Amanda, Kara, and I went to class and Suzette asked where Bobby was. I in turn told her we thought she had him, and she said she thought we had him. Courtney had already called me and told me she was running late, so Suzette ran back to the dorm and woke Bobby up and finally about 30 minutes after time to start class everyone was ready. It was just clearly a Monday for all of us between Kara spilling her coffee, Suzette dropping her water bottle, and all of us being tired. When the coffee was spilled Suzette ran to the cafeteria to get some napkins and we very soon learned that napkins here are nothing like they are in the states. We have started calling them pieces of plastic because they almost feel like plastic and they do not absorb anything! However, after the grammer part of class we went to the Museo de Navarra. This museum was pretty cool, not really my kind of thing but it was interesting. After we left there we headed back towards the dorm and decided to stop at Dominos for some lunch. There were some very questionable guys in there. We weren't sure if they were there dealing drugs or what they were doing but they were definitely up to something. Anyways, we got our pizza, ate lunch (experienced more plastic napkins), and headed back to school. It is now about 4:30 in the afternoon here and it is time for a nap for us. No big plans tonight, just taking it easy.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
2013 Travel Study Courses Announced!
Next January MC students and faculty are headed to Ghana and India for J-Term Travel Study Courses!
The India program, India's Identities: Religion, Caste, and Gender in Contemporary Southern India, will focus on religious traditions, gender issues, and India's changing social, political, and economic systems. The trip will be led by veteran J-Term faculty and India experts, Dr. Brian Pennington and Dr. Amy Allocco.
Highlights of the India program include:
· Hindu temples & healing centers, mosques, synagogues & churches
· Jeep tour, hike and boat ride in Periyar Tiger Reserve
· Opportunities for yoga, cooking, dance & musical instruments
· Visit spice markets and spice garden
· Kathakali Dance Drama Performance
· Explore Jain Temple & caves
The cost is $3,400 and scholarships are available. The deadline to apply is March 1. For complete details and itinerary, visit the CIE website: http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/international/studyabroad/jterm/india/
The Ghana program, Ghana: Culture, People, and Society, is designed as an introduction to West Africa. Students will explore how the diverse ethnic and linguistic groups of Ghana created the most stable, peaceful and politically successful country in West Africa. Students will have many opportunities to interact with Ghanaian academics, students, and villagers. The veteran faculty leaders, Dr. Frances Henderson and Dr. Scott Brunger, offer a wealth of experience, knowledge, and connections in Ghana.
Highlights of the Ghana program include:
The cost is $3,450 and scholarships are available. The deadline to apply is March 1. For complete details and itinerary, visit the CIE website: http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/international/studyabroad/jterm/ghana/
The India program, India's Identities: Religion, Caste, and Gender in Contemporary Southern India, will focus on religious traditions, gender issues, and India's changing social, political, and economic systems. The trip will be led by veteran J-Term faculty and India experts, Dr. Brian Pennington and Dr. Amy Allocco.
 |
| Past MC students with Pennington and Allocco in India. |
Highlights of the India program include:
· Hindu temples & healing centers, mosques, synagogues & churches
· Jeep tour, hike and boat ride in Periyar Tiger Reserve
· Opportunities for yoga, cooking, dance & musical instruments
· Visit spice markets and spice garden
· Kathakali Dance Drama Performance
· Explore Jain Temple & caves
The cost is $3,400 and scholarships are available. The deadline to apply is March 1. For complete details and itinerary, visit the CIE website: http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/international/studyabroad/jterm/india/
 |
| MC students in Ghana |
The Ghana program, Ghana: Culture, People, and Society, is designed as an introduction to West Africa. Students will explore how the diverse ethnic and linguistic groups of Ghana created the most stable, peaceful and politically successful country in West Africa. Students will have many opportunities to interact with Ghanaian academics, students, and villagers. The veteran faculty leaders, Dr. Frances Henderson and Dr. Scott Brunger, offer a wealth of experience, knowledge, and connections in Ghana.
 |
| Elmina Castle, Ghana |
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| Bompata Children's Choir |
- Canopy walk in Kakum National Park
- Visit Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary
- Tour a Fair Trade Cocoa Cooperative
- Homestay (2-nights) in Bompata, an MC alum’s hometown
- Trip to Cape Coast, including tour of slave trade ports
- Traditional African drumming and dance performance
The cost is $3,450 and scholarships are available. The deadline to apply is March 1. For complete details and itinerary, visit the CIE website: http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/international/studyabroad/jterm/ghana/
Monday, January 16, 2012
by Amy Hagerman
Murcia, Spain
Es mi segundo día en Murcia (Muhr-the-ah)Los murcianos tienen un acento muy español, también en general la gente del sur de España tiene un acento. Fue mi primero día de "escuela". Es en parentesis porque fue solamente orientación. Roberto de Gea es nuestro director y el es muy simpatico y paciente. La campus que esta en Murcia, la ciudad, se llama campus de la Merced. Roberto diga que Merced es un palabra anciana y significa mas o menos "blessed" o un santa. La campus es interesante y pequeño. Después orientación mi grupo y yo de Isep, 5 chicas y 1 chico, fuimos al un café y comemos tapas! Cada persona tuvo 2 tapas y todo come un poquito de cada tapa. Despues almorzamos, Roberto me diga que mi equipaje fue en el campus de Espinardo. Espindardo es el campus que voy a atender el 6 de febrero hasta el 18 de Mayo. Roberto nos condujo, Caroline y yo, a Espinardo por mi equipaje y durante el tiempo en coche Roberto, quien habla mucho pero es bien, nos diga datos de Murcia y Espinardo y tambien palabras de Murcia. Una palabra es >Vale< que significa OK en ingles y la otra es >Guay< que significa Cool en ingles. Desde esto momento puedo oir vale, vale vale todo el tiempo! Pues.. despues regresamos a nuestro apartamento fui a comprar un movil. Vale, ;) todas las cosas en Murcia, o Espana o Europeo problamente, son muy barata. Por ejemplo mi movil fue solamente 19 euro. Después compre un movil Caroline y yo fui a Ikea. Usamos el tranvia que es un tipo de transportación aquí hay autobuses tambien. Pero fuimos a Ikea... pues yo se ahora que Ikea es un infierno en mundo!!! No me gusta Ikea nada! jaja Pero fue cosas interesantes alli. No hay 'buggies' o "shopping carts' hay una cosa similar pero necesita una bolsa y se pone eso en el buggie. Tambien no se puede entrar en los tiendas de comida o con cajeros en frente como en EEUU, solamente puede entrar en una parte y los trabajadores no les gustan cuando entraria en los partes aparte de esos! Despues Ikea fuimos a un centro (mall) y fue muy fantasico fue un centro afuera y fue cafes y tiendas bonitas. Cuando salimos el centro realizamos que tener bolsas muy duro y con muchas cosas y ya necesita caminar a nuestro apartamento!!!! Por eso caminamos mas de 3 bloques con las bolsas grandes.. ayyy. Cuando regrese al apartamento fui muy cansada y acostamos muy temprano. Dia 2 fue muy interesante y vio mucho. 
DIA 2:
APRENDE QUE MUCHO EN MURCIA ES MUY BARATA Y EN LOS TIENDAS DE COMIDA MUCHO SOLAMENTE CUESTA 1 EURO O MENOS!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
4 days in 1 (Pamplona, Spain)
by Katie Reed
Universidad Publica de Navarra
It has been awhile since I have been able to write anything, so this entry will be stocked with information! Where did I leave off?? Thursday! Thursday morning we got up super early at Merche's house, packed up our stuff, and got a taxi to Los Abedules (our dorm). While we were having our last breakfast at Merche's house she walked in the kitchen and had three pillows in her hand. She gave each one of us one to keep (it was soo sweet!). Once we got to Los Abedules we dropped off our bags and headed to class. It was just a normal day at class, and once it was over we headed back to our rooms to unpack our stuff. It was so nice to not have to be living out of our suitcases anymore! Later that afternoon Amanda came to my room and we spent two hours just talking. It's amazing how much you miss having personal girl to girl conversations when you don't have them that much anymore. At about 8 that night we figured it was time to call everyone and head to dinner. We wanted to try one of the local places that has "Tapas y Vino por 2 Euros". Which is like small appetizers and wine. We finally found a local place that was not completely packed that we could all six get into. We sat down, picked out what tapa we wanted and for 2 euros we got an appetizer and a glass of wine. We wanted to get one more appetizer so Amanda and I got two different ones and split them. Everything that was tried was very good, very different but good. We left there and wanted to actually find somewhere to get an actual meal, however, we didn't really find anywhere good on the way back so we just went on to our rooms considering it was like 10 or 11 at night here. We also had presentations for class that next day so we had to finish/start them. Needless to say it was about 1 or 2 in the morning before I went to bed. The next morning I got up, went to class, we all did our presentations over different autonomous communities of Spain (I did mine on La Rioja). After class Courtney and I walked over to the student information center to get some information on apartments for the semester, and then we went back and got our homework done so that we would not have to do it over the weekend. Later that evening we decided to head to the grocery store to buy some things for dinner as well as to have in our rooms. We walked at least a mile or more to the store, bought various items like milk, instant soup and pasta, bread, cereal, and then also things so that we could all make dinner together. We decided to make spaghetti with peppers and mushrooms in it as well as a salad, bread, and wine. I was able to get all of my items for just 28 euros (extremely cheap compared to home). Once we got back we all split up into two rooms and made dinner and then met downstairs so that we could all eat together. We were very impressed at how good everything was, definitely a huge success! The next morning we got up and left our dorm at 7:15AM headed to the bus station to go to San Sebastián. When we got there we walked and found a café to get a pastery and coffee and then headed on our way to explore the city. In the middle of the city we found a really cool outdoor flea market that many locals had come and set up tents at and were selling all kinds of stuff. Courtney and I finally found us a straightener! Neither one of ours from home would work here due to the voltage (even with a converter). So we found one for 20 euros and split it so we can just share it while we are here. Bobby bought a skateboard and so Suzette attempted to learn how to ride it several times throughout the day. After leaving there we headed towards the beach. It was absolutely beautiful! We found tons of beautiful buildings, HUGE cathedrals that we were able to walk into and see, and even walk down on the beach to the water. In one of the cathedrals you could put in .20 euros and light a candle and say a prayer and that candle was to represent your prayer, so that was really neat to me. We continued walking around and found another cathedral that had a band out in front playing instruments, so we got to see and listen to that. Then we decided to head up a giant hill towards an old war fort called Urgull. At the very top there were amazing passage ways, cannons, and you could see the entire city! It was gorgeous, and we took tons of pictures for sure! After heading back down we walked in some touristy stores to look around and sat by the beach watching surfers, people walking by, and Suzette attempting to skateboard. Then we got just about frozen and decided to head back to the bus station. We were about 2 hours early so we went to a little bar and got some coffee and just chilled out until it was time to head back. After getting back really late and being totally exhausted and frozen we took showers and went to bed. I was able to talk to mom and dad before I went to bed too so that was definitely a great feeling. When mom called me, however, turned out she was with the entire Sunday School class, and of course they all call me on skype as soon as I get out of the shower with no make-up, hair a mess, and nothing on but a t-shirt. Oh well, good thing they love me no matter what :) haha. This morning we SLEPT!! I did not wake up until noon and it felt amazing. I haven't had that much sleep all week. Once I got up I played around on the computer, straightened my hair for the first time all week, drank some coffee with Courtney, and then got ready to go look at an apartment. Courtney met a girl from Chile in the airport and she is studying at the private university here and needs an apartment. We were supposed to meet her at 4 but it was at least 5 before we found her. I definitely did not enjoy not being able to find where we were going. However, we found it and were able to look through the apartment. It is too far away from campus for us, so its not really somewhere that I want to live, but it was good to be able to see kind of what our options are and how they are priced. Once we left there we went to get a bite to eat and then tried to head back to campus. However, that was not as easy as we thought. We tried to find a bus stop so we didn't have to walk in the freezing cold but looking for a bus stop got us lost. Then we finally found a bus stop, waited for thirty minutes, and then a mile down the road they made us get off because that was the last stop of the night. Then we had to walk another thirty minutes back to the dorm. Oh well, we finally made it and went to Suzette's room since we were 45 minutes late to dinner with her and Bobby. They had soup waiting on us and we all sat together and ate in her room. We started watching the movie Step Brother's and then I headed on up to my room. It had been a long, interesting day and I was ready for some down time. Now I am finally caught up on my blog and ready for some rest. Class starts again tomorrow, hoping this week goes well!
Universidad Publica de Navarra
It has been awhile since I have been able to write anything, so this entry will be stocked with information! Where did I leave off?? Thursday! Thursday morning we got up super early at Merche's house, packed up our stuff, and got a taxi to Los Abedules (our dorm). While we were having our last breakfast at Merche's house she walked in the kitchen and had three pillows in her hand. She gave each one of us one to keep (it was soo sweet!). Once we got to Los Abedules we dropped off our bags and headed to class. It was just a normal day at class, and once it was over we headed back to our rooms to unpack our stuff. It was so nice to not have to be living out of our suitcases anymore! Later that afternoon Amanda came to my room and we spent two hours just talking. It's amazing how much you miss having personal girl to girl conversations when you don't have them that much anymore. At about 8 that night we figured it was time to call everyone and head to dinner. We wanted to try one of the local places that has "Tapas y Vino por 2 Euros". Which is like small appetizers and wine. We finally found a local place that was not completely packed that we could all six get into. We sat down, picked out what tapa we wanted and for 2 euros we got an appetizer and a glass of wine. We wanted to get one more appetizer so Amanda and I got two different ones and split them. Everything that was tried was very good, very different but good. We left there and wanted to actually find somewhere to get an actual meal, however, we didn't really find anywhere good on the way back so we just went on to our rooms considering it was like 10 or 11 at night here. We also had presentations for class that next day so we had to finish/start them. Needless to say it was about 1 or 2 in the morning before I went to bed. The next morning I got up, went to class, we all did our presentations over different autonomous communities of Spain (I did mine on La Rioja). After class Courtney and I walked over to the student information center to get some information on apartments for the semester, and then we went back and got our homework done so that we would not have to do it over the weekend. Later that evening we decided to head to the grocery store to buy some things for dinner as well as to have in our rooms. We walked at least a mile or more to the store, bought various items like milk, instant soup and pasta, bread, cereal, and then also things so that we could all make dinner together. We decided to make spaghetti with peppers and mushrooms in it as well as a salad, bread, and wine. I was able to get all of my items for just 28 euros (extremely cheap compared to home). Once we got back we all split up into two rooms and made dinner and then met downstairs so that we could all eat together. We were very impressed at how good everything was, definitely a huge success! The next morning we got up and left our dorm at 7:15AM headed to the bus station to go to San Sebastián. When we got there we walked and found a café to get a pastery and coffee and then headed on our way to explore the city. In the middle of the city we found a really cool outdoor flea market that many locals had come and set up tents at and were selling all kinds of stuff. Courtney and I finally found us a straightener! Neither one of ours from home would work here due to the voltage (even with a converter). So we found one for 20 euros and split it so we can just share it while we are here. Bobby bought a skateboard and so Suzette attempted to learn how to ride it several times throughout the day. After leaving there we headed towards the beach. It was absolutely beautiful! We found tons of beautiful buildings, HUGE cathedrals that we were able to walk into and see, and even walk down on the beach to the water. In one of the cathedrals you could put in .20 euros and light a candle and say a prayer and that candle was to represent your prayer, so that was really neat to me. We continued walking around and found another cathedral that had a band out in front playing instruments, so we got to see and listen to that. Then we decided to head up a giant hill towards an old war fort called Urgull. At the very top there were amazing passage ways, cannons, and you could see the entire city! It was gorgeous, and we took tons of pictures for sure! After heading back down we walked in some touristy stores to look around and sat by the beach watching surfers, people walking by, and Suzette attempting to skateboard. Then we got just about frozen and decided to head back to the bus station. We were about 2 hours early so we went to a little bar and got some coffee and just chilled out until it was time to head back. After getting back really late and being totally exhausted and frozen we took showers and went to bed. I was able to talk to mom and dad before I went to bed too so that was definitely a great feeling. When mom called me, however, turned out she was with the entire Sunday School class, and of course they all call me on skype as soon as I get out of the shower with no make-up, hair a mess, and nothing on but a t-shirt. Oh well, good thing they love me no matter what :) haha. This morning we SLEPT!! I did not wake up until noon and it felt amazing. I haven't had that much sleep all week. Once I got up I played around on the computer, straightened my hair for the first time all week, drank some coffee with Courtney, and then got ready to go look at an apartment. Courtney met a girl from Chile in the airport and she is studying at the private university here and needs an apartment. We were supposed to meet her at 4 but it was at least 5 before we found her. I definitely did not enjoy not being able to find where we were going. However, we found it and were able to look through the apartment. It is too far away from campus for us, so its not really somewhere that I want to live, but it was good to be able to see kind of what our options are and how they are priced. Once we left there we went to get a bite to eat and then tried to head back to campus. However, that was not as easy as we thought. We tried to find a bus stop so we didn't have to walk in the freezing cold but looking for a bus stop got us lost. Then we finally found a bus stop, waited for thirty minutes, and then a mile down the road they made us get off because that was the last stop of the night. Then we had to walk another thirty minutes back to the dorm. Oh well, we finally made it and went to Suzette's room since we were 45 minutes late to dinner with her and Bobby. They had soup waiting on us and we all sat together and ate in her room. We started watching the movie Step Brother's and then I headed on up to my room. It had been a long, interesting day and I was ready for some down time. Now I am finally caught up on my blog and ready for some rest. Class starts again tomorrow, hoping this week goes well!
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