Hello,
Just a quick update.
Classes are going very well. I am now in a higher and more difficult level and I love it! I have been doing lots of eating, shopping, and spending time with my friends because we only have FIVE MORE DAYS!
My living situation is going alright. Pilar's Mother who is 86 and ill is not doing very well. She needs a lot of assistance. Otherwise I love living here. I am staying pretty busy and getting ready to come home! I am very excited!
I will write again soon!
Love,
Jess
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
update!
Hola,
Today was sort of an interesting day.. It was my first day of morning classes. I am getting over a little sickness so I was nervous to take the metro but I prevailed. I met Sarah and Elise for coffee before class and while I was walking to the Subway I felt a tug on my backpack.. I turned around and saw a gypsy man pulling on my zipper I was like "what the heck dude?" and he quickly scurried off.. That was my first experience with someone trying to hijack my belongings... little did the guy know that all of my things of value were in a pocket with a master lock on them. Good luck getting that!
Morning classes went pretty well. It will take some adjusting to new professors but I only have 9 school days left so it should not be too bad. Afterwards I spent some time with friends exploring the city and we grabbed lunch. I came back home early tonight so I can watch a live broadcast of Michael's graduation from his school in Washington State. I have been able to email back and fourth with him the past few days. I cannot explain how happy that makes me! He will then be going to another school in South Carolina until August 2nd. This summer has been both fun and challenging for both of us.
For the first time I feel ready to come home. I will still enjoy my last two weeks here and try to pick up as much of the language as I can but when it is over I will be SO excited to return to the States to see my family, friends, church family, and especially Michael.
This week I will be doing a lot of sight seeing and taking pictures of this beautiful city I live in!
I hope everyone is having a great Monday! I will update again soon!
Love,
Jess
Today was sort of an interesting day.. It was my first day of morning classes. I am getting over a little sickness so I was nervous to take the metro but I prevailed. I met Sarah and Elise for coffee before class and while I was walking to the Subway I felt a tug on my backpack.. I turned around and saw a gypsy man pulling on my zipper I was like "what the heck dude?" and he quickly scurried off.. That was my first experience with someone trying to hijack my belongings... little did the guy know that all of my things of value were in a pocket with a master lock on them. Good luck getting that!
Morning classes went pretty well. It will take some adjusting to new professors but I only have 9 school days left so it should not be too bad. Afterwards I spent some time with friends exploring the city and we grabbed lunch. I came back home early tonight so I can watch a live broadcast of Michael's graduation from his school in Washington State. I have been able to email back and fourth with him the past few days. I cannot explain how happy that makes me! He will then be going to another school in South Carolina until August 2nd. This summer has been both fun and challenging for both of us.
For the first time I feel ready to come home. I will still enjoy my last two weeks here and try to pick up as much of the language as I can but when it is over I will be SO excited to return to the States to see my family, friends, church family, and especially Michael.
This week I will be doing a lot of sight seeing and taking pictures of this beautiful city I live in!
I hope everyone is having a great Monday! I will update again soon!
Love,
Jess
Saturday, July 9, 2011
End of week FOUR!
I cannot believe week four is already over. I am still enjoying my time in Spain and learning so many new things every day.
This week I spent a lot of time with my friends who were in the 4 week program, since I knew they would be leaving me! We went out every night after class either to grab tapas or go shopping. This week I finished buying souvenirs... I got my three best friends at home some cute things! I tried really hard to stay busy and occupied this week also, because I knew that I would be hearing from Michael on Friday or Saturday and I was very anxious. Also I switched rooms. I moved from my nice big room with a terrace and plenty of space for activities to a nice little room that resembles a closet. At first I was not very excited about it but after living in it for a few days, it has become home.
Last night was the night that I heard from Michael. I have not felt that happy in a really long time. I cannot explain how wonderful it is to be able to talk to him again. Now I will be looking forward to when we will both be back in Cincinnati, together forever!!
Today many of my friends are heading back to the States and all of the others are going to Pamplona for the running of the bulls this weekend. I decided to stay back and enjoy my first weekend in Madrid. Tomorrow I am going the the Prado Museum which is one of the most famous museums in the world. I am looking forward to that very much.
This week I will switch to morning classes. I will be in class from 9am-1pm. The rest of my days will be spent roaming around the city! Next Saturday I will be field tripping to Avila which is another beautiful town, comparable to Toledo and Segovia. There will be many photos to come.
I am looking forward to being home in two weeks! I hope everyone is doing well!
See you all soon :)
Jessica
This week I spent a lot of time with my friends who were in the 4 week program, since I knew they would be leaving me! We went out every night after class either to grab tapas or go shopping. This week I finished buying souvenirs... I got my three best friends at home some cute things! I tried really hard to stay busy and occupied this week also, because I knew that I would be hearing from Michael on Friday or Saturday and I was very anxious. Also I switched rooms. I moved from my nice big room with a terrace and plenty of space for activities to a nice little room that resembles a closet. At first I was not very excited about it but after living in it for a few days, it has become home.
Last night was the night that I heard from Michael. I have not felt that happy in a really long time. I cannot explain how wonderful it is to be able to talk to him again. Now I will be looking forward to when we will both be back in Cincinnati, together forever!!
Today many of my friends are heading back to the States and all of the others are going to Pamplona for the running of the bulls this weekend. I decided to stay back and enjoy my first weekend in Madrid. Tomorrow I am going the the Prado Museum which is one of the most famous museums in the world. I am looking forward to that very much.
This week I will switch to morning classes. I will be in class from 9am-1pm. The rest of my days will be spent roaming around the city! Next Saturday I will be field tripping to Avila which is another beautiful town, comparable to Toledo and Segovia. There will be many photos to come.
I am looking forward to being home in two weeks! I hope everyone is doing well!
See you all soon :)
Jessica
Pictures from Barcelona
Monday, July 4, 2011
Back from Barcelona!
Happy Independence Day everyone!!!!
I am sad that I was unable to spend the weekend in Perry Park. This was my first time not being there for July 4th, but I was able to skype my parents!
My weekend in Barcelona was PHENOMENAL! The 6 of us boarded the bus at 11pm Friday night. We almost missed the bus but I used my spanish skills and we found it just in time! The ride was rather bumpy and I was not able to sleep more than 2 hours. We arrived in Barcelona at 730am Saturday. We got dressed and tried to freshen up in the bus stop restroom... lets just say, it was the nastiest bathroom I have ever been in my entire life! but we managed and made it out alive! We walked to the Sangrada Familia which is a large church that was designed by an artist named Gaudi. Gaudi had a large influence on the city. The church has been under construction for decades. Gaudi died during the building process and the church has never been finished. Then we walked to el Parque Guell which also has many structures designed by Gaudi. We had to hike up a LARGE hill but it was worth it, the park was amazing. We took advantage of all the illegal vendors and admired all of the beauty the park had to offer. After spending a few hours at the park we walked back down the hill and grabbed some tapas and cokes to regain energy. After lunch we walked to the Casa Milá which is another interesting building desgined by Gaudi. It is curved and very complex. Today it is a museum and apartment complex. Then we walked to a metro and headed to the hotel. After checking in we got ready and headed to the BEACH! I was beyond excited. We had such a fun time, I felt like a little kid again... I was a little surprised to see that most women do not wear tops on beaches in Europe.. a little awkward, but we ignored!
After beach time we went back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. We went to Las Ramblas which is the busiest and most popular street in the city. We ate dinner a an amazing itialian restaurant and spent a few hours walking the street. My friend Bridget and I stayed back while the others went out. We went to a ritzy restaurant and had a drink and tapa and then headed back to the hotel. We got up the next morning, had an icecream, and boarded the bus for another 7 hour ride. I once again was unable to sleep but this time it was because of the adorable 9 month old baby that cried THE ENTIRE WAY HOME... I was so happy when we arrived back in Madrid!
The weekend was so amazing. I was exhausted though! We walked about 8 miles and I had a 55 pound backpack on my back the whole time! also the bus rides were pretty exhausting. But, I am so glad I had the opportunity to go! It was wonderful!
Today we are all decked out in our UC gear. I have class from 1-7 as always and then me and my girls are heading to TGIFridays for some REAL American food! I am excited. Then I am heading back to my casa because I have a skype date with the Shackelfords! Mamaw and Papaw are going to my parents house tonight, I am so excited to get to talk to them! I miss my family so much!
I am over half way through my trip now and I cannot believe it. This experience has been life changing for me and I feel so blessed to have been here. I am going to soak in all I can in these last three weeks!
I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends in a few weeks, but I will be sad to leave!
I will get to talk to Michael THIS WEEKEND. I cannot believe we have not talked my whole time here... it has been the hardest part of this entire trip. I cannot wait to talk to him! It will make my last few weeks here even better!!!!!!
As much as I love it here, it is not home. I am soaking up this experience as much as I can because when I return home I will be starting a new chapter of my life. I cannot wait to marry my best friend and begin our lives together. This trip was the best thing I could have done before starting my new life. I feel so blessed and I am so happy!
I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL 4th of July!!
I will post pictures from Barcelona later tonight!
Love and Miss everyone!!
Jess
I am sad that I was unable to spend the weekend in Perry Park. This was my first time not being there for July 4th, but I was able to skype my parents!
My weekend in Barcelona was PHENOMENAL! The 6 of us boarded the bus at 11pm Friday night. We almost missed the bus but I used my spanish skills and we found it just in time! The ride was rather bumpy and I was not able to sleep more than 2 hours. We arrived in Barcelona at 730am Saturday. We got dressed and tried to freshen up in the bus stop restroom... lets just say, it was the nastiest bathroom I have ever been in my entire life! but we managed and made it out alive! We walked to the Sangrada Familia which is a large church that was designed by an artist named Gaudi. Gaudi had a large influence on the city. The church has been under construction for decades. Gaudi died during the building process and the church has never been finished. Then we walked to el Parque Guell which also has many structures designed by Gaudi. We had to hike up a LARGE hill but it was worth it, the park was amazing. We took advantage of all the illegal vendors and admired all of the beauty the park had to offer. After spending a few hours at the park we walked back down the hill and grabbed some tapas and cokes to regain energy. After lunch we walked to the Casa Milá which is another interesting building desgined by Gaudi. It is curved and very complex. Today it is a museum and apartment complex. Then we walked to a metro and headed to the hotel. After checking in we got ready and headed to the BEACH! I was beyond excited. We had such a fun time, I felt like a little kid again... I was a little surprised to see that most women do not wear tops on beaches in Europe.. a little awkward, but we ignored!
After beach time we went back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. We went to Las Ramblas which is the busiest and most popular street in the city. We ate dinner a an amazing itialian restaurant and spent a few hours walking the street. My friend Bridget and I stayed back while the others went out. We went to a ritzy restaurant and had a drink and tapa and then headed back to the hotel. We got up the next morning, had an icecream, and boarded the bus for another 7 hour ride. I once again was unable to sleep but this time it was because of the adorable 9 month old baby that cried THE ENTIRE WAY HOME... I was so happy when we arrived back in Madrid!
The weekend was so amazing. I was exhausted though! We walked about 8 miles and I had a 55 pound backpack on my back the whole time! also the bus rides were pretty exhausting. But, I am so glad I had the opportunity to go! It was wonderful!
Today we are all decked out in our UC gear. I have class from 1-7 as always and then me and my girls are heading to TGIFridays for some REAL American food! I am excited. Then I am heading back to my casa because I have a skype date with the Shackelfords! Mamaw and Papaw are going to my parents house tonight, I am so excited to get to talk to them! I miss my family so much!
I am over half way through my trip now and I cannot believe it. This experience has been life changing for me and I feel so blessed to have been here. I am going to soak in all I can in these last three weeks!
I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends in a few weeks, but I will be sad to leave!
I will get to talk to Michael THIS WEEKEND. I cannot believe we have not talked my whole time here... it has been the hardest part of this entire trip. I cannot wait to talk to him! It will make my last few weeks here even better!!!!!!
As much as I love it here, it is not home. I am soaking up this experience as much as I can because when I return home I will be starting a new chapter of my life. I cannot wait to marry my best friend and begin our lives together. This trip was the best thing I could have done before starting my new life. I feel so blessed and I am so happy!
I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL 4th of July!!
I will post pictures from Barcelona later tonight!
Love and Miss everyone!!
Jess
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Mid week update
Hola blogworld,
Not much is new in Madrid but I though I would update anyways!
This week has been pretty average. I am completely in the swing of things and the newness of living in Spain is beginning to fade a little. School makes the days seem extremely long and by the time I get out at 7pm I am so tired! I try to stay out as long as possible and take in as much Madrid as I can.
Monday after school I went to the Plaza de Espana, which is an open air market. There were about ten of us and we only stayed for an hour or so. I did not make any purchases, except for my favorite honey roasted almonds! Tuesday after class I went to my favorite tapa restaurant with Bridget and Christina and then we walked to El Corte Ingles which is the BIGGEST chain store in Madrid. I bought 2liter bottles of water for .30Euros and bread to make peanut butter sandwiches. The supermercado was amesome. We walked up and down the aisles in amazement, like little girls in a candy store. Today after school I went to my other favorite chain restaurant called Cafe y Te. They have the BEST food and drinks! Tonight I had a chocolate coffee and a baby baguette with queso.
Also, I still meet up with a few girls at Starbucks every morning before school. It is a great way to start my day.
The weather is still unbearably hot. When I am outside walking it feels pretty nice, but in my un-air conditioned living space, it is not so nice! I strip all of the covers off my bed each night and cover myself with cold washcloths and then attempt to sleep. Some nights are better than others! But I cant complain because each day begins and ends with a perfectly sunny, blue sky and I am in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
I am having a great time! This weekend I will be taking a bus to Barcelona with 5 other girls. We are going to arrive at 7am Saturday morning, site see ALL DAY, check into our hotel around 3, head right to the beach and stay there until we are too tired to function. On Sunday we will board the bus at 1pm and end in Madrid by 9pm. I am so excited to see Barcelona and even more I am excited to put my feet in the Mediterranean Sea.
The things that I am getting to experience here are once in a lifetime and I feel so blessed to have gotten the chance to be here. As much as I love it in Madrid, it is not home. I miss everything about home and I really miss Michael. I should be able to start talking to him in about 11 days and I could not be more excited.
I am doing very well and I am looking forward to all of the other things I will get to do my last 3 weeks in Spain.
Hope everyone is having a good summer!
Ill update after Barcelona!
Besos y Abrazos,
Jess
Not much is new in Madrid but I though I would update anyways!
This week has been pretty average. I am completely in the swing of things and the newness of living in Spain is beginning to fade a little. School makes the days seem extremely long and by the time I get out at 7pm I am so tired! I try to stay out as long as possible and take in as much Madrid as I can.
Monday after school I went to the Plaza de Espana, which is an open air market. There were about ten of us and we only stayed for an hour or so. I did not make any purchases, except for my favorite honey roasted almonds! Tuesday after class I went to my favorite tapa restaurant with Bridget and Christina and then we walked to El Corte Ingles which is the BIGGEST chain store in Madrid. I bought 2liter bottles of water for .30Euros and bread to make peanut butter sandwiches. The supermercado was amesome. We walked up and down the aisles in amazement, like little girls in a candy store. Today after school I went to my other favorite chain restaurant called Cafe y Te. They have the BEST food and drinks! Tonight I had a chocolate coffee and a baby baguette with queso.
Also, I still meet up with a few girls at Starbucks every morning before school. It is a great way to start my day.
The weather is still unbearably hot. When I am outside walking it feels pretty nice, but in my un-air conditioned living space, it is not so nice! I strip all of the covers off my bed each night and cover myself with cold washcloths and then attempt to sleep. Some nights are better than others! But I cant complain because each day begins and ends with a perfectly sunny, blue sky and I am in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
I am having a great time! This weekend I will be taking a bus to Barcelona with 5 other girls. We are going to arrive at 7am Saturday morning, site see ALL DAY, check into our hotel around 3, head right to the beach and stay there until we are too tired to function. On Sunday we will board the bus at 1pm and end in Madrid by 9pm. I am so excited to see Barcelona and even more I am excited to put my feet in the Mediterranean Sea.
The things that I am getting to experience here are once in a lifetime and I feel so blessed to have gotten the chance to be here. As much as I love it in Madrid, it is not home. I miss everything about home and I really miss Michael. I should be able to start talking to him in about 11 days and I could not be more excited.
I am doing very well and I am looking forward to all of the other things I will get to do my last 3 weeks in Spain.
Hope everyone is having a good summer!
Ill update after Barcelona!
Besos y Abrazos,
Jess
Sunday, June 26, 2011
End of week 2!
Hola<3
I cannot believe it is the end of my second week here. I have adjusted extremely well and now my trip is beginning to fly! One reason is because I am SO BUSY and another is because Spaniards have a very relaxed idea of time. They like to enjoy their days and not worry so much about timeliness. This is a difficult concept for such a control freak of a person as me! but I am getting the hang of it !
I had a really awesome week. Wednesday our group went to the Palacio Real in between classes which was really beautiful. It was a ten minute walk from school. This palace is to Spain what the White House is to the US. No royal people live there but all important meetings and gatherings take place there.
Thursday was a national holiday called Corpus Christi. The entire country was shut down and we didn't have class! But we did go on 2 field trips. We went to El Escorial and Valle de los Caidos. El Valle de los Caidos was one of the most amazing sites. It has the largest cross in the world and a Basilica that goes two football fields deep into the mountain. This "Valley of the Fallen" was built after the Spanish Civil War by the Republicans who were put in prison by the dictator Franco. Many died in the process and it was a controversial situation. Franco is buried in the Basilica.
On Saturday we went to Segovia. It was beautiful and the aqueducts were so neat to see. We spent 8 hours touring the city. The most beautiful site was the Castle. This is the castle that inspired Walt Disney's vision of his castle. We climbed 158 stairs to the top and had just an amazing view. Field trips are tons of fun, but in the 105 degree weather we get very tired, very quickly!
Today(Sunday) I spent the day with my friends at the pool. The average temperature has been around 102 everyday and the sun is relentless. So a day by the pool is ideal!
My host Mom is still wonderful. She is a great cook and makes me feel very welcome and at home. Every night after dinner we talk for at least 30 minutes which is not only good for learning Spanish vocabulary but it also lets me know that she cares.
I am still having such a wonderful time and I really feel at home here. Some things that I miss the most are my church, my family, my friends, my puppies, cheese coneys, skittles, and MICHAEL.
I have not spoken to Michael since my first day here. I am missing him more than words can even express. Not being able to talk with him has made things difficult, but with the support of my friends and family I am doing okay. I am looking forward to receiving that first email from him in about 14 days!(I'm not counting or anything ;) )
I have not gotten very homesick since I have been here. Skype is the greatest invention of all time and being able to talk to my Mom and Dad every night has kept me sane. I am healthy as can be and very happy to be in Spain. I have about 28 more days here and I am going to soak up as much Spain as possible!
Thank you for all of the emails, prayers, and messages! I am doing very well and I look forward to seeing everyone in one month!
Love,
Jess
ps enjoy the pics!
The cathedral in Segovia. Built by the Moors.
Aqueducts in Segovia. Built by the Romans.
The Valley of the Fallen. Built by the Republicans.
Castle in Segovia.
El Escorial (I took this pic!!)
Gardens in Segovia.
I cannot believe it is the end of my second week here. I have adjusted extremely well and now my trip is beginning to fly! One reason is because I am SO BUSY and another is because Spaniards have a very relaxed idea of time. They like to enjoy their days and not worry so much about timeliness. This is a difficult concept for such a control freak of a person as me! but I am getting the hang of it !
I had a really awesome week. Wednesday our group went to the Palacio Real in between classes which was really beautiful. It was a ten minute walk from school. This palace is to Spain what the White House is to the US. No royal people live there but all important meetings and gatherings take place there.
Thursday was a national holiday called Corpus Christi. The entire country was shut down and we didn't have class! But we did go on 2 field trips. We went to El Escorial and Valle de los Caidos. El Valle de los Caidos was one of the most amazing sites. It has the largest cross in the world and a Basilica that goes two football fields deep into the mountain. This "Valley of the Fallen" was built after the Spanish Civil War by the Republicans who were put in prison by the dictator Franco. Many died in the process and it was a controversial situation. Franco is buried in the Basilica.
On Saturday we went to Segovia. It was beautiful and the aqueducts were so neat to see. We spent 8 hours touring the city. The most beautiful site was the Castle. This is the castle that inspired Walt Disney's vision of his castle. We climbed 158 stairs to the top and had just an amazing view. Field trips are tons of fun, but in the 105 degree weather we get very tired, very quickly!
Today(Sunday) I spent the day with my friends at the pool. The average temperature has been around 102 everyday and the sun is relentless. So a day by the pool is ideal!
My host Mom is still wonderful. She is a great cook and makes me feel very welcome and at home. Every night after dinner we talk for at least 30 minutes which is not only good for learning Spanish vocabulary but it also lets me know that she cares.
I am still having such a wonderful time and I really feel at home here. Some things that I miss the most are my church, my family, my friends, my puppies, cheese coneys, skittles, and MICHAEL.
I have not spoken to Michael since my first day here. I am missing him more than words can even express. Not being able to talk with him has made things difficult, but with the support of my friends and family I am doing okay. I am looking forward to receiving that first email from him in about 14 days!(I'm not counting or anything ;) )
I have not gotten very homesick since I have been here. Skype is the greatest invention of all time and being able to talk to my Mom and Dad every night has kept me sane. I am healthy as can be and very happy to be in Spain. I have about 28 more days here and I am going to soak up as much Spain as possible!
Thank you for all of the emails, prayers, and messages! I am doing very well and I look forward to seeing everyone in one month!
Love,
Jess
ps enjoy the pics!
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