Saturday, January 10, 2009

Finally got some sleep

So Thursday night was our first true night out, and it was great. We went to a club on the sea called Opium and had a blast. Friday consisted of a little orientation and class, so we all know how that went, especially when I only had 4 hours of sleep. When Friday night rolled around, we did it all over again, expect at a new spot and it was great!! We went to CatWalk this time, by the sea as well, and for a free cover again! Both nights were amazing, but it is 4PM here, and I just woke at 330!! Who knows what tonight has in store, but some friends were thinking an "Americanish" bar to watch some NFL playoffs. Oh yeah, its 50 degrees finally, and was about 35 yesterday, we're getting there!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Barrio Gotic Tour + First night out




Today we had a really cool walking tour through the Barrio Gotic, the centre of the old city in Barcelona, and truly one of the must spectacular areas one can see. (Check this out to get a geographical feel of where it is within the city) and then had my second day of class. Despite the cold everything was fantastic. Tonight, Tapas at 8 with Marta and my small group, then bars/clubs for the first true night out!!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Primer dia de clase

So today was another long day, but I got my phone and started my intensive language class! Class was cool, the language barrier was frustrating, but enlightening because it drives us Americans to challenges in Spanish that we have never faced. The weather was nice, but still very chilly, and I hardly ate once again! When I come home looking like Bill, do not allow any confusion, I will still be the funnier one. But yeah overall today was fun and I have the metro down very well, which is very convenient!! Time to shower and watch nip/tuck, adios!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Barcelona, WI???

Today was awful. It was freezing and raining all day. Despite the weather, we had more busy work and orientation stuff. But, something very special was occurring today and I had no idea. The city was merely "Asleep" because it was a giant holiday: "Dia de los Tres Reyes". On this day,(the last day of the Christmas season) the Spaniards celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings Day, hence the name. Therefore, on this holiday, kids of Spain receive presents from their families, similarly to Christmas. and like I said, on this day the city literally shuts down due to its large importance. With that said, everything in the city was closed, but the 2 prior nights the streets were flooded with people shopping for the holiday. Overall, it was very cool to be out on the city streets during such a unique time of the year.
Also, I had some solid Chinese food for lunch and a gyro (mucho mejor de Apollo Cafe!) for dinner. Tomorrow my first class starts, which is a 3-week 5 day per week 3 hour per day Spanish intensive lang course. Classes then pick up after that ends with my 4 others. Sorry for rambling but I blog when I am tired and you should be happy to hear some details. On that note, I desperately need a shower and bed, adios y tienen una buena noche.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Estoy en Mi Residencia!




Hola todos!! Me gustaria Espanol. I love this language. Anyhow, it is Monday night here and I have finally made it to my dorm. I live at Residencia Del Mar - this dorm was opened in 2002. It is extremely saught after by students because it is a 5 minute walk to the Mediterranean boardwalk.

Furthermore, I am exhausted, overwhelmed, but finally on my own and through most of orientation. Barcelona is beautiful, restless, and has unbelievable shopping and people- not too sure about la comida yet. Overall, I am extremely tired, constantly nervous ( love you momma, shut up cabela), but definitely intrigued. I've gotten lost every time I have walked somewhere alone and had a minor panic attack each time. Beyond the scary stuff, the good news is I am now looking forward to acclimating. I have a " guardian angel" named Marta who is so cute and helpful. She is a 19 year old student at my host university, UPF, and I have grown close with her already. UPF stands for Universitat Pompeu Fabra, named after a famous Catalan grammarian. The University was founded in 1990 and has differnt campuses throughout the city. Degrees offered range from Journalism, to Law, to Labor Economics.

My program is entirely Spanish and I am actually enjoying it. Wednesday class starts and such. Basically, I am scrambling as of now and need to shower and pass out. I look forward to the nerves clearing and the European ways to take me in. I love and miss all of you more than I ever thought and I will provide you with information that you want when we talk next. This is all for now and pictures will come soon hopefully.

Adios mis amores.

(Hey Hil Hil)