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
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