CIDE vs. Madrid and Toledo: We Won

I must apologize, as I tried to write this Sunday night after I returned home, but that wasn't happening. I got started on this paragraph, and after a while I gave up life: I shouldn't be able to function, let alone write an entry on this weekend, after all the sleep I haven't been getting. Yet it has been so worth it. However, I would like to apologize in advance for any gaps in coherence or ramblings or other lackings in writing.

Thursday night: primero encuentro con los alumnos de Erasmus y de las universidades (first meeting with Erasmus students and other university students from Bilbao). The Erasmus Program (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmus_program) is for European students to directly enroll in classes for a year abroad. Much better organized than our study abroad programs from the US, as it's completely seamless and transfers completely. Anyway, a Deusto student organized a party with our program and theirs, along with other assorted students from Bilbao universities, at a local "pub" (they use the same word in Spanish). Anyway, we intended to only stay for a little while becuase we had to be at the dorm Friday morning at 8 am to leave for Madrid. Haha yeah, that didn't really happen, but we did have a LOT of fun. Didn't get enough sleep for my 645 wake-up, but that's life.

Friday morning. Long bus ride. Oh well; that's life. We get to the hotel, get settled, and go down for the comida. This was the start of the only problem of the trip, the hotel food. Every time we could've taken a meal in Madrid, we ate at the hotel. It wasn't bad, per se (some meals were actually BAD), but everything was coated in OIL and GREASE. Even the chef making freshly-prepared meat and fish doused EVERYTHING in oil--needless to say, my stomach was not taking that very well.

Friday afternoon: Palacio Real and a few sections of the older part of Madrid, the more classically Spanish parts. The Palace was amazing. It's ridiculous to think of the cost of this place, as it was adorned to the T, with Rococo art everywhere and chandaliers (they by themselves were amazing, tapestries, paintings, furniture, wallpaper, marble, the whole works). There's really no comparison in the US, especially when two chapels were integral to the design of the building.

Tour around some old parts of the city, to give us a true sensation of what Madrid really is. Plazas, old streets, tapas bars, the whole 9 yards. We did a little shopping to buy some tourist crap, and that's about it.

Back to the hotel, dinner, hung out, and left for the night. I had been talking to a bunch of my friends who live in Madrid (met them over the summer, long story if you don't already know), and a few of them and a few of my friends and I met them at a bar to have a couple drinks.

Went to Kapital around 1. Basically, it's a 7-story dance club. Discoteca. Think about it. Different music and atmosphere on each floor. 'Nuff said. We got back early on Spanish time, around 5.

Up early, to Toledo for the day on Saturday. I was in pain, basically all day, from the damn hotel food and my intestines. Oh well. The Cathedral was amazing; a real throw-back to the past. Just the amount of money that was in there was unfathomable. But, I did get a real sense of a place of worship. It's still a Cathedral, even tho it's mobbed with tourists.

We wandered around the city a little, visited a couple museums, and took in the sites. We had a group lunch, which honestly (even apart from my gastrointestinal troubles) was terrible--some of the worst lasagna I've ever tasted. The city of Toledo is so typically, old-school Spanish, and it's wonderful to just walk the streets and people watch and go into little stores and such.

Back to Madrid for the evening. More terrible hotel food. And what would we do on a Saturday night after we haven't slept enough for the past two nights? Hell, it's Saturday night in Madrid! Back to Kapital we went, and boy was transportation interesting.

We took a cab down there, or two cabs, rather, because a girl in our group didn't want to walk the 5 mins to the metro. Oh well. We soon realized, 15 euros later, that this wasn't working. The cabbie told us at 1:15 that it made no sense for us to remain in his cab (actually a very nice thing to do) and just to take the metro the rest of the way. There was a huge party in the city that night, so they had closed a bunch of streets crosstown. They even closed La Gran Via (the big way)--one of the two main roads in Madrid. Great. We found a bathroom close by in a bar, and I busted out the metro map to try to figure this crap out. Asked a couple nearby to help us, and oh yeah, the metro closes at 1:30. Wonderful. We moved damn quickly towards that train, and finally got down there and waited for the girls to arrive in the other cab.

That night, a good friend of mine from Madrid, Laura, stopped by the club for a couple hours to hang with us. That was very fun, very good to see her again. Basically, a very fun night all around. We left the club at [gasp, it's the Spanish way] 5:30ish. We tried to get a cab, and in about 25 minutes, I saw 4 empty cabs. Four. That being said, I asked about the metro and was informed that it starts at 6 am. Oh well, it would be a lot cheaper and get us there in the same time (at that rate). So, the other guy who was with me (along with two girls), we took the last metro of the night and the first of the morning. Wow. What a thing to think about--I was so proud of myself.

Wake up call at 8. That one hurt, again. More bad breakfast, then off to the museums. The Prado and the Reina Sofia. The Prado contains classic Spanish works plus a bunch of Dutch artists from when the Spanish Empire ruled Europe. Silly Hapsburgs. The Reina Sofia is mainly modern, featuring Dali, Picasso, and some Goya. Picasso's Guernika is in there as well as Goya's Third of May. Awesome stuff. Surprisingly, I was able to function. Don't know how or why, but I was in the mood for modern art, so I was really just interested in the Velazquez (especially Las Meninas) in the Prado and then heading over to the Reina Sofia. Picasso even piqued my interest; I usually have trouble really appreciating him.

Back to the hotel, a decent lunch, then bus ride home. That was when I started this entry; it's now the following Sunday, almost a week later, and I only recovered from that trip a few days ago. Haha oh the life of a young person in Spain. Anyway, I'll try to get my entry of this past weekend up before next Sunday.

Needless to say, Julia will be a main character of that entry, as she is sleeping on my bed behind me--she came to visit this weekend, evidently deciding this last week. Quite the weekend, but it got stifled last night (for me) by my developing sickness. The Cold Eeze zinc cough drop tastes rather horrible, and I'm chuggin the fluids!

My best to everyone and your loved ones, and enjoy life!

AMDG,
Anthony

Santiago de Compostela: Adventure #1

Let's see if I can possibly make a loooong story short.

My fellow companions (5 at the time, 1 more came later on a different bus) joined me in a little celebration and conversation before our departure. I felt it fitting to get a bottle of Cava, which is Spanish sparkling wine, to kick off our first real journey during our semester abroad. Not bad for 3 euros at the grocery store.

Bus was late on Thursday night. We ended up leaving around 2 am from Bilbao, to arrive in Santiago sometime in the early afternoon (I can't remember when). We obtained a map (or 6), and found our way to the city center, by the church, towards the tourist office. Kinda funny that the tourist office was completely empty--not just on siesta, but without offices or employees. So, we managed to find a couple "hospedajes," which I believe are just the Galician word for hostel, and a good one for 14 euros a piece per night. Very close to the Cathedral and in the heart of the city; not a bad choice at all. We dropped the stuff off, ate at a local restaurant, and went off to explore. I had pulpo, one of the main delicacies in the region (octopus), and it was quite good, especially with some local bread and a glass of the local white wine, albarino.

The Cathedral is brilliant. The whole area is teeming with people and history. I can't quite describe how it feels to walk in the footsteps of pilgrims for centuries past, to place your hand on the mark, to pray on the golden shell on which so many others do the same, to attend mass and witness the swinging of the giant incense holder in the company of pilgrims from all over the world. Quite the experience, and I'll leave it for you to imagine.

Friday night, we began the night with some cards and a couple bottles of the wonderful wine of the region, then decided to venture out to explore the city at night. We ran into 4 people at the bottom of the hostel stairs, one women speaking Spanish to us and the rest with thick Central/Eastern European accents in English. The woman told us that they had reservations to stay here for the night but that she could not get in touch with the owner, who did not live in the city. We managed to call him, and he directed us down the street to this apartment building in which a woman was supposed to help us. We finally buzzed the right number, and she told us to find this street where the OTHER hostel that he owned would be situated. On the way over, we found out that they were Czech tourists who had missed their flight. Nice people, and we were glad to help them. Helping each others' Spanish, we were able to get them situated in their residence, and we walked away very happy. Onward ho, we spent the rest of the night havin a blast at multiple sittings, trying a few raciones (tapas in Galicia, evidently), including some awesome mussels, and just generally having a great time together.

Saturday morning, mass in the Cathedral at 12. The pilgrim mass. Definitely crowded; people packed in behind all the pews on available three sides of the cruciform church. It was quite an experience during communion. People were jumping out of the aisles in fear that they would be able to partake, but at the same time there were a suprisingly large number of people remaining in the pews and not partaking in the Eucharist. It was a puzzling mix of pilgrims in the church. But, at the end of Mass, everyone started getting excited, actually with the noise level rising. I didn't quite know what it was, but I saw people moving toward the front of the church, and I looked up and saw the huge botafumeiro (incense burner) that multiple priests were preparing to swing back and forth. So, they light the incense, form a huge cloud of smoke, and hoist it up higher and begin to swing. It almost hits the ceiling on both sides. Incredible event.

Saturday afternoon: interesting period. We went to an open-air market after Mass, and they sold local fruits, vegetables, meats, and SEAFOOD. We partook in some cheap local grilled peppers and wine, some churros (fried-doughey substance), and continued exploring the city. We decided to have a picnic for lunch with a bunch of bread, meat, and cheese, and found a place to chill and consume. However, midway thru our meal, we were confronted with a HORRIBLY drunk man, whose face had caked on blood. He kept mumbling things and reaching for our food, so we gave him some and told him to leave. We tried everything, but he kept being persistent. Finally, when he sat down on our bench, we thought it was probably past time to leave. It was a tough situation, and I felt bad because I was the one who gave him some food to try to placate him to leave. We had a little scare, for a minute, tho. We had purchased a regular, small, serrated knife to cut our bread and cheese. As soon as my friend, Alex, told me to get the knife, he had put his hand on it. As I quickly pulled it away, he cut himself on it. Well, we were happy to get away from that, tho we had to throw away our knife and some of our cheese, which he had touched with his bloody paws.

After finishing our lunch, we went to the pilgrims' museum and then to a "digitial galicia" museum in which we could experience the city and the region digitally. Interesting, somewhat.

Dinner later, coffee at another place, and then we randomly wandered into this park to look at an art exhibit that was displayed. Interestingly enough, it was a knowledge thing financed by some company to decrease ignorance about world events, mainly violence and war. Iraq, Palestine/Israel, Darfur, the Congo, Sarahan conflicts, and others were illustrated through photos. Very moving.

After an hour there, we went back to the hostel to drop some people off while others went out. Fun night. Still love dancing in discos over here; very nice, usually, and it's different when the whole crowd gets really into dancing. We stayed out till 5, but I definitely could've stayed longer--usually I would've been ready for bed much earlier.

Bus ride back was pretty bad--could've been worse, but it was damn long. 12 hours is a long time to be on a bus. We were all a bit delirious, as well, and some of the places we stopped for breaks weren't the best. Oh well; all in an adventure.

Our first Spanish trip went as well as we could've hoped. Lot of fun, lot of laughter, lot of culture. Great people and great times makes for a great experience, and everything along the way is just chalked up to that. Bumps in the road, for sure (plenty on those damn buses), but what's a good trip without stuff like that?

Madrid and Toledo this weekend with the whole CIDE group. Should be an amazing time. We're definitely gonna have a LOT of fun. Hasta pronto--

AMDG,
Antonio

Planning, Plotting, and Studying(?)

Trying to figure out where and when I want to travel this semester is a royal pain in the arse. So many places, so many great Spanish cities, so few weekends. Also, if you don't want to travel alone, you have to try to get others to come with you--this adds another fun element to planning excursions. However, I'm convinced it will all work out in the end. It's kinda funny that I don't have definitive dates to go to Barcelona and Madrid (I'll be in Madrid one day more or less in two weekends with our program on a southern tour), but I know I need to spend a lot of time in those places (or at least a weekend or more each). This weekend, though, we're going to Galicia. It's a the northwestern most portion of Spain, and the main attraction there is Santiago de Compostela. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_de_Compostela It should be a nice excursion, pending the holdout of rain. Keep your fingers crossed. We leave Thursday night at 1 am via bus, which should be MUY interesante. The ride will be long, but with some coffee Friday morning we should be good to go. Nice group of people too.

This evening, after classes, a group of us traversed much of the city searching for a pair of shoes for my friend. The perfect pair of shoes, evidently. It was a good walk, and I got to look at some possible future purchases, as the Spanish make very fine shoes. Anyway, while I was walking back to my house, I witnessed a protest in the large circle in the middle of the city. A group of people were shouting, calling the president a criminal who should give them back their money. Very interesting. Most of the people around me on the street were laughing, as well. I asked my host family when I got home what it was about (I was able to snap a picture of their banner), and it has something to do with a bunch of people who lost their money from stamp investments (evidently people tried to make a bunch of money with postage stamps?), and the government recently changed the stamp system, so these people lost all their money. It's very complicated, and it was difficult to understand 3 people speaking at the same time. Shouting at points, too. This to-do about stamps was also quite comical, for some reason, although people losing their money is not.

Classes are good. Still trying to decide what I want to take, and my academic advisor is working on options in the Sociology or Theology departments at the university. We'll see.

That's all for now--

AMDG,
Antonio

Stereotypical Americans: Continuing Battle

Well, Saturday night wasn't as fun as Friday night. I chose the wrong group, and I knew it when I left. But, I went along with it, and it just turned into a bad, American nightmare. I don't know if I should feel this way, but in Spain I've felt like I need to be extra-careful with my actions because I represent my country. As much as I'm angered at my country sometimes, I'm still American and I still view myself as from America, as I'm sure Spaniards do as well. As soon as I open my mouth, it's apparent. I'm very congnizant of my nationality here, and I feel the need to preserve any positive opinions of Americans. It varies between people, obviously, the level of respect they give you or their mannerisms (many half-assume that you can't speak Spanish, and when you start speaking Spanish, there are people who will help you and those who try to just get you out of the way). In the end, I feel it important to represent my country well and that this is an important aspect of traveling anywhere where you can be immediately understood as American.

But, sometimes people just don't think, like my friends didn't Saturday night. We finally stumbled upon a group of bars with a big outdoor patio (I had no part in planning, by the way, cuz I enjoy having a destination in mind, or at least some type of setting at the minimum). So, we proceed to enter one of the bars, and I was under the impression that we'd stay in that nice atmosphere instead of going outside. We were in a bigass American group of 12 people (we really can't disguise ourselves very well like that), but some of our group members wanted to sit down outside on the patio. SO, we proceeded to go to a different bar's section (I figured as much, but there really weren't any clear delineations as to which sections were which), and push some tables together. The waiter gave us a few nasty looks as well as laughing at us and I figured why. So, I just went up to the same bar to get another drink, and after that one finished I did the same. Two of my friends inside were talking with the bartender, who asked me where I was sitting, and I immediately apologized and said I'd remain in the bar with the drink (didn't really want to sit outside anyway). He said okay but I could sit in their section outside: just find a seat and the waitress would bring it out to me. No, I would wait, I told him, but he insisted that they have a "servicio." I acquiesced, and picked a table to sit and told the others that we had to move blah blah. A couple drinks later, after the waitress got me one and had not come around for a while, I went into the bar to get my own. Now, the bartender insisted again, so I asked if there in fact was any difference between sitting outside or inside. I tried to ask if she worked for tips or something else, and he told me there's a completely different price for inside and outside because of the service. WOW, did I apologize. I felt really bad, but he continued to say it was okay, and I tried to apologize for the whole group. I ended up leaving shortly thereafter with a couple of my friends who wanted to go as well (it was getting late anyway), and I left a tip on the table (not that usual in Spain) and apologized to the bartender for all of us. He said it was really okay, that a lot of people are confused. I asked if they had a lot of Americans there, and he said no, even the Spaniards. I was a little relieved. Got to the Metro okay, but the night wasn't worth the lack of sleep I was going to get.

My friend, Peter, and I had been discussing going to San Sebastian on that Sunday--a city about an hour away with amazing food, beaches, and stores--as well as going to Sunday mass. In the morning, he found a mass at 12 pm for us to attend that wasn't at 1 pm (evidently the normal time), so I packed my bag for a daytrip, got dressed for church, and headed out at 10ish. Mass was quite interesting, to say the least. Shortest Sunday mass I've ever attended, as Peter said himself: 30 mins. 35 mins, max. Most of the people were older couples, with very few young people or families. This is a big interest of mine: the demographics of churches and how they change (and can be changed!). I wonder about the one o'clock mass at this particular church (they had one every hour from 9 to 1), if it had more younger people.

Anyway, we got out and trucked back to the dorm (where he and a bunch of my friends live) and got out of there with our friend Matt, to take the metro to the train station to take a 2 o'clock bus. We arrived, and the company that goes to San Sebastian was closed, but others were open, so I asked another company. Oh, they went to lunch, he said. Okay, so we had 30 mins anyway, we'd wait. 15 mins go by, and I look at the schedule again. The night before, my host dad found it for me, and I saw they left every hour on the hour. But, Sundays they don't leave at 2. Wonderful. So, we decided that it wasn't worth the price (probably around 15 euros), for only 5/6 hours, as the last bus left San Sebastian to Bilbao at 10 pm. Another day, another time.

Today, we started classes, which was another headache: Fordham's Language Department sucks, and I can't decide what to take. I don't want to explain my fury online, but basically they told me I won't be able to major or even minor in Spanish without taking 2 for a minor or 4 for a major more classes senior year--after taking 8/9 classes in Spanish abroad! The major is 10, the minor is 6, and I've already taken 2 at Fordham. Anyway, my language class this morning was wonderful, as we're in advanced 3, the highest level, with a small class size. My next class, Spanish Culture and Civilization, was a bit more packed (actually most of the Program). I just have to decide now what classes I want to remain in: I'll probably take five, and I have various options. Except, though, if I want to remain in my Spanish class from this morning, that's three classes right there, with stuff I've already learned. Basque Language and Culture tomororw, perhaps with a literature class as well. Along with our daily language class. My academic advisor is checking on a sociology class, and I will also look into a theology class, with normal university students. We'll see.

That's all I have for now. Once again, sorry for the novel, but I figure future entries won't be quite as protracted.

Espero que todos vosotros tengais buenas semanas, y pienso de ellos frecuentemente!

AMDG,
Anthony

Culture and more culture...

Still don't know my classes. We had an academic orientaiton Friday morning, but they did not have our placement tests graded like I figured they would. It was rather difficult to figure it all out at home, and I found that my advisor and I thought wrong about having to take a Spanish class (specifically gramar, convo, and comp, not a content class) and what taking one in fact meant. We'll see what happens on Monday, when we start classes. I'm hoping I did well enough on my placement test so that I don't have to take a Spanish class, because if you take one that means you have to take two others: and I don't necessarily want to review or to not take interesting content courses. ANYWAY.

After that, which only took an hour, we went to the big mall here so that some friends could get cell phone service. It's always interesting dealing with service people in Spanish, especially when you lack some of the specific vocabulary necessary. It's all in the learning experience, though, as I'm glad they either don't speak English or don't revert to English with us--forces you to communicate better on the spot.

Lunch at home at 2 pm. It's strange having family obligations, again, specifically I mean having to be home for meal times. My host mom is insistent on us all eating together; she's not mean or anything but just loves having the family together for meals. It's tough when you're in a group with a bunch of people who don't have home stays or don't have to go back for meals, but in the end I believe it's better for me both in language and culture.

After lunch, my friend Stephanie and I walked around Casco Viejo for a loooong time. Casco Viejo, the Old Port, is a beautiful section of the city, filled with little shops, many of them selling clothing, shoes, or accessories. There is a big "monte," or hill, which you can ascend via stairs (or if you're not really cheap you can take an elevator and save yourself a workout) from Casco Viejo, and it has a view over all the city, but there's also a town up on the hill with a beautiful basilica. I felt bad going into the church in shorts, but if I had worn pants I think I would've passed out from heat. It's been pretty hot these past weeks, in a weird way. High 80s, with lots of humidity, but the sun is just a killer. It's a lot hotter, in my opinion, than back at home. Anyway, came back for dinner, and had a discussion with Jorge and Javi (my host dad, short for Javier) about the best "sitios para irse" (places to go out). He told me of a bar, and that turned me into the planner for the night. Just like at home, it's kinda fun to take charge but stressful at the same time. I found a little cultural difference when, before I left, I asked Jorge and Javi if my student or Ohio IDs would be sufficient identification, and they just laughed and said this is Spain, you don't need anything. The other surprise of the night was that wine is cheaper than beer. Wine is cheaper than Coke, too. Strange to think about: imagine the same in the US. Or even imagine beer being cheaper than Coke!? We had a couple drinks earlier at this hamburger joint while waiting for a friend, and glasses of white were 40 cents. I couldn't get over that fact. 40 cents, while draft beer was 2 euro. There's a shock.

We finally get to this bar around 12, and it's empty. Not completely, but somewhat. Jorge told me that it wouldn't be as packed as others in its area later at night and that people go to this group of bars elsewhere then make an exodus (he used "mar de gente"=sea of people) out of the area. I didn't really want to lead a group of 10 from one bar to another, so we ended up staying at the same place all night. It got packed in about an hour and a half, and I managed to get a lot of my friends to dance, like everyone was doing at that point. It was a lot of fun, our first time really encountering Spanish night life. You just have to get over the bartenders and some patrons laughing at the token Americans.

It was interesting getting everyone back, though. Every night except Saturdays (when it runs all night), public transportation shuts down at 2 am. So, most of the group lived in the dorm, and they had to walk back. Long way! Luckily, I live close to this area, as I'm right in the city, and the dorm is further north. I'm within walking distance pretty much within any part of the main city itself. We lost a friend, though, evidently when we left the bar. He was somewhere near the Guggenheim, and I went to go get him, but was nowhere to be found. I got in touch with people 15 mins later, went back there, and he appeared. Oh well. Everyone got home safely.

This morning, you could tell some people were pretty hungover or just tired. We met at 11 am to go to the Guggenheim, which is tough to do when you're really tired (and I was damn sore from my walk all over the city yesterday (and still am!)). It's an amazing architectural feat, though, designed by Frank Gehry. http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/m/images/museu_gug.bilb.1.lg.jpg We're lucky to have it so close, as it literally right across the brige in front of the university. This was the last weekend for hte Russian exhibit, and it didn't occur to me until we were about to enter that I had seen this last year in the NY Guggenheim! I was proud of myself, for some reason--felt like I'm starting to really try to appreciate fine art. I need to go back to our Guggenheim and look at the same stuff a few more times, to really comprehend everything, especially when I'm not tired.

Went back for lunch today, and after that I was going to go to the beach with my friends, just a 15 min metro ride away, but I wanted to take a 15 min nap first. My body had no intention of getting up after only 15 mins, so I took an extended nap

Dinner later, then some more Spanish-style fun with my friends. Lovin' life, here. I was discussing with my friend, Stephanie, yesterday, how we hope this jubilation will last. I hope that every day I can be so thankful for this opportunity, to be studying and living and experiencing everything in a foreign country. Let's see how good I am with this!

Paz y amor, y AMDG,
Anthony

Towns and Beaches

This morning, we took the placement test to see which level of Spanish in which we would be placed. Don't know yet how I did, but I hope I don't jinx myself by saying that I didn't think it was as difficult as I expected it to be. From there, we all went via bus to two beautiful seaside towns and beaches. We ate lunch at a wonderful restaurant, and had the most entertaining and hilarious conversation. It's wonderful getting to know new people, and I hope I don't lose that desire later in life. There are so many people out there with so many stories and experiences that I should not limit myself to those with whom I feel the most comfortable at the moment.

Finally we were able to partake of a couple cervezas at a local establishment, overlooking the river. I tried some sort of snail, a tiny little guy, and it tasted somewhat like a muscle, just a lot smaller. Earlier in the day, at lunch, I ate one of the fish eyes from the whole trout I was served--a little crunchy, but nothin I couldn't handle. After that, we went down to the beach and talked for a while. The water was somewhat cold, so we couldn't stay in long, but the sun was nice.

Took the metro back by myself; had to get back for dinner. There's an interesting dichotomy between people living with families and those living in the dorm or an apartment. However, I was grateful to navigate by myself for once, and I ended up getting home just fine. I got a little confused upon my initial exit from the subway, but I walked only about two blocks in the wrong direction the whole time. It's satisfying to learn your own way around a new place, even without the help of a map, but just by premonition.

Tired now, but I would like to go out with some friends tonight. We'll see what happens. The beach can take a lot out of you, tho--

AMDG,
Anthony

First Full Day

It seems like I've been here for longer than a day and a half, not even. This morning, we had a tour of the university then some orienation stuff until we broke for lunch. I remember sitting in this lecture hall this morning, responding negatively to the program directors' questions of how tired we must've been. I was so happy just sitting there, soaking it all in, comprehending well their Spanish. We had a lovely, Spanish lunch at a local hotel--our program took all of us out, and we sat in big groups. Good food, LOTS of food, and a chance to get to know each other a little. Afterwards, we took a tour of parts of the city, to give us a nice layout of where things are, somewhat. It was very hot today, which stifled activity a little--90 degrees and sunny. It's the sun that cooks everything here; as soon as it goes down in the evening, it immediately gets cooler. None of that 80 and humid at 8 pm.

The program directors and employees, as well as a couple professors I've already met, are awesome. My fellow classmates seem to be wonderful, as well. I'm looking forward to traveling, socializing, and taking classes with them.

I took a stroll by myself this evening, around 8 pm, before dinner. I was amazed at so many people outside--and delighted. Many older couples was a beautiful site, and generally just people enjoying their city was great. I had to laugh, though, at certain instances of shared affection being committed in public (I'm being p.c.), and remarked at how differently many people in the US would respond. The city is so beautiful, complete with greenery, old architecture, and new architecture. Something we really don't see all that much of: beautiful, creative architecture. Subway stations can be more than just utilitarian (like some are in Bilbao!)!

Finally, normal people who love to discuss sociological interests: Jorge, the student who lives with my host parents, and I had a long discussion about American and Spanish economics, politics, and social policies. Wonderful to be able to do, especially in Spanish. Next comes religion, ha. All the topics you don't want to discuss at a party!

I hope I can write this much in coming days and weeks and months, but I don't think I'll be able to. I will try to communicate as much as possible, tho when classes start as well as the traveling, I may not have the time. I hope you'll accept my apologies...

All the best to everyone at home and elsewhere!!

AMDG,
Anthony

I'm here!

So it hit me when we finally spotted Spain outside the window of my flight from Dublin. Two of the few Irish passengers, who were seated next to me, oggled at the sights, forcing me to gaze out the window, basically until we taxied. The countryside was absolutely beautiful; very mountainous, especially because we flew along the western French coast and along the northeast porton of France. Bilbao is surrounded by beautiful, green mountains. Quite a site to see.

Their airport is an amazing design--so much more thoughtful and architecturally beautiful than so many American buildings. And it serves a purpose too! My classmate and fellow traveler, Danielle (who goes to Fordham and is in Bilbao for the year), and I met another girl waiting for baggage, someone else who's in the program here (it's called CIDE, run through Universidad de Deusto).

We met up with University representatives, who took us to our respective housing locations, and I spent the entire afternoon and evening getting acquainted with my Spanish family for the next four months. The mother, Feli, is an energetic, joyful, and generally excited middle-aged Spanish woman who loves hosting students and has done so for years. She and her husband, who was also very hospitable but whom I didn't see much of tonight, and she have two children, both who live out of the house already. They currently have a Spanish university student living with them as well: Jorge, who is a journalism major from a couple hours away from Bilbao. He and I had some interesting conversations, all in Spanish, and he was very patient at my stuterring and attempts to find the correct word, idiom, or conjugation, even though I found out later that he is fluent in English. They are all very intent on my speaking Spanish, regardless of my fear or apprehensions, as that's the only real way to learn it. I'm very happy for that.

I have a nice, cozy room, with everything I really need. The apartment itself is on the 10th floor, and is very spacious, with a few patios as well. It's nice to be sleeping in the city again, after my recent stint at home.

Well, we start evertyhing tomorrow: general orientation and a tour of Bilbao. We don't start classes till Monday morning, and we take our placement test on Thursday (pray that I do well in that and that my rust rubs off tomorrow, so I can show my knowledge and real ability).

This semester holds so much, and it's really all my decision from here on out. It's a wonderful feeling to imagine how I want to mold my European study experience. Bilbao is situated in an interesting place in Spain, and it's much different from the usual presumptions about Spanish culture. It shall be a different experience, and it's only just begun!

Expect more from me! Paz y amor--

AMDG,
Antonio

Waiting to Take Off...

I'm currently waiting for my 10 pm Aer Lingus flight out of JFK. It's a beautiful airport, especially when there are enough people walking around. The last time I was here was at 5 am, so, needless to say, there are more travelers now at 5 pm. I keep getting questions from people who've called me today about how I feel now: very little. I'm not nervous, not elated; just kinda calm. I was thinking about that this morning in the shower: when would it hit me that I will be spending the next four months in Spain? Will it be when the university representative picks us up and I'll have to respond to him/her in Spanish, when I reach my host family and have to hold a conversation for a whileall in Spanish, orperhaps when I depart Dublin for Bilbao? Who knows. All I know now is that I'm eaving on a jet plane and actually know when I'm returning; it's the middle that lies in front of me. You'll be hearing a lot from me about my adventures, my experiences, my feelings, and in general my travels. All I can do now is pray to God that I make the most of the next four months. I intend to do just that.

Best wishes and God's blessings to all of you and your families and friends--

AMDG,
Anthony