by Katie Reed
Universidad Publica de Navarra
After our naps on Wednesday we decided that rather than all coming together to cook dinner that we should all cook seperately and then meet downstairs to eat together. The next day was pretty simple as well. After class we had our usual Spanish Siesta and then we spent our evening studying because our exam was on Friday. The exam was definitely harded than we expected, but I ended up doing very well on it. After the exam we went to our International Student Orientation with all the other international students who are now here on campus. It was cool to be able to meet a lot of other students from all over the world. After the orientation we went back to class and got our diplomas for completing the course. Then we went to talk to our instructor, Marina, about what level of spanish course she thinks we should take. Next, normal siesta, then we went to meet a couple of friends that Suzette got to know through one of her friends at home that live here in Pamplona. We all went out to get Pinchos (tapas), dinner, and then did the typical Spanish night of walking from bar to bar and then ended up at a place to dance and the last place we went to was so packed we couldn't even move so we headed back to the dorm. Since it was at least 4 when I went to bed after talking to everyone on skype I slept in on Saturday!! I slept till almost 2, woke up for a bit, and went back to sleep until 5. Bobby wanted to go to La Morea to get some groceries since everything is closed on Sunday, so I walked with him in the freezing cold rain to the store. When we got back Courtney, Bobby and I made chinese food and watched Harry Potter in Spanish. I was definitely amazed at how easy it was to understand the movie. I was quite impressed!! Then another night of skyping everyone then bed. While I was skyping with Mom she was letting me skype with Bubba and he walked over to the phone and everytime I said something he would whine. Needless to say it broke my heart. That was definitely the hardest thing I've done since I have been here. That dog definitely has my heart for sure. The next morning I was skyping with Mom and she was showing the phone to my kitty and he would stare right at me on the phone while I was talking to him. He is definitely the smarted animal in my house, and for sure a sweetheart. I miss my babies for sure. I also found out this week that I will be done with exams on June 6 rather than the 23, so I will be here for an extra two and a half weeks after classes end unless I can move my flight, still looking into it. Anyways, today has been very chill, catching up on Grey's Anatomy and getting ready to watch the second Harry Potter in Spanish tonight with Amanda, Courtney, and Bobby. :)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Student of the Week - Yasuo (English edits from Brian Todd & Ayaka Ito)
Nobody can find a better college than here. My name is Yasuo Fukui. I also have a name in English, Korean and Arabic. Actually, my friends from those countries named my name in those languages. I’m from Chiba, Japan, and after graduating from high school in Japan, I was looking for a college in United States.
The reason why I chose Maryville College is that it is a liberal arts college. I know there are other liberal arts colleges but I like Maryville the best. In my studies, I am focused on developing overall academic skills. In the life style at MC, we are required to be independent and to develop leadership skills. Also, Maryville College has a high ranking of the ‘’best colleges” list.
It’s already pasts 9 months since I came here. During the first 5 months from April to August, I studied English as a second language (ESL) to improve my English ability. The ESL program is composed of student from Saudi Arabia, Asia, Europe and many other places. Thanks to the program I have friends from about 20 countries. The program is held every month so you can join many times during the year. The number of the students in a class is usually less than 10 students. At first, I didn't have confidence in my speaking ability. But, thanks to the ESL program and friends from all over the world my English has improved. The class is divided with students’ English abilities so we can learn with students at our same leve. There is even a class to learn the alphabet for beginners. My first roommate couldn't say anything in English at first. He could say just his name, but now that his English abilities have improved, he can communicate with friends with joy. Thus, even if you are an beginning student, it doesn't matter. Of course I was also this kind of person. I couldn't speak anything except being asked “how are you?” I always answered “I’m fine, thank you and you?” 
It’s a typical response that we all Japanese learn, which is not practical at all and is never used in the USA. Anyway, if you haven’t decided whether to study abroad or not, don’t worry. It is worth it. I was not the exception who was hesitating to plunge into new world, but once I came here, I didn’t need to be anxious. I cannot count the number of good things about Maryville College, There are too many. I can say thanks to everyone at MC. I feel we are connected with people because when I walked in the campus I can see my friends and say “hello” and hug each other. Also, all the students they are really kind and thoughtful. I noticed this even more after I went to New York. After that trip I felt that Maryville is the best place, even better than my hometown.
今月でここに来て９ヶ月目になるが、最初の４−８月の５ヶ月間はESL(English as a second language)クラスで英語を学び、英語力の向上を図った。ESLは１ヶ月単位でやっていて友達の入れ替わりが激しかったが、主にサウジアラビア人が占めていてその他にもアジア諸国、東南アジア、ヨーロッパなど各国から学生たちが集まっている。実際、自分が入った１ヶ月後には２０カ国近くの友達ができた。クラスは少人数制の１０人以下でやっている。クラス分けは学力で分けられており、アルファベットから学べる授業もある。最初のルームメイトは来た当初何も話せなかったみたいだけど、今では意思疎通がとれるまでに成長した。だから’小学生’でも安心して渡米できる。もちろん自分も例外じゃなかった。英会話は何も知らずhow are you? と聞かれてI’m fine thank you.としか返せない程度だった。もし行くか迷っているのだったらもう悩む必要はない。早く来な。自分も渡米するまでめちゃくちゃ悩んで体壊しかけたけど今じゃもっと楽しみに待っていればよかったなと思っている。
MCで良いとこは数知れずだがまず、キャンパスがとても小さいこと。どこに行っても友達に会えて挨拶交わしたりハグするから本当に人と繋がっているのだなって思える。それにみんなスッゴイ優しい。NYに旅行に行ったときでさえMaryvilleが一番だなって思っていたし、今も変わらない。
課外活動はまだそんなに始めてないけど次のセッションからleadership programに参加してリーダーたるものがどう行動すれば良いのかを学びたい。それからボランティア活動にも参加するつもりで来年隣の州まで行ってトルネードの被害が大きかった所へ行くつもりだ。元々ボランティア活動は好きな方というか好きだったのでこれからもっとそういった活動にも熱を注ぎたい。
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Catedral
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.
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.
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 |
 |
| 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/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)