Mal and I got up early on Sunday to venture out on a day trip to Toledo, which everyone promised us was a one-day kind of trip. We went to Atocha and got on one of the high speed trains to get there. I reeeealllly like the Renfe here...it's fast and comfortable. And you know how I am about trains...I love them!
So after grabbing some coffee and churros, we were on our way. The scenery was really beautiful. It was an absolutely fabulous day. Except for the part where it was around 110 degrees. That was really pretty but not so fun, haha.
When we got there we decided to hop on a tourist bus to acclimate ourselves to the city and get some nice pictures. Probably the besti decision I've made yet, haha. The pictures are lovely but don't do the city justice. In a country of breathtaking views, Toledo was tops.
We started by just wandering around and taking pictures. I was on a mission to find the statue of Cervantes. We were both on a mission to make our train. Not to kill the suspense, but...SUCCESS.
We saw the beautiful cathedral in the middle of the town. Toledo is an old city on a hill with huge walls and a river around it. It's also famous for "Toledo Steel" and the swords made from it (I bought a little one to use as a letter opener). Apparently it is also famous for marzipan. It was everywhere, and there were giant sculptures all around us. Made of marzipan.
We wandered for a while, then stopped for food. I resorted to churros con chocolate and Mal got a hamburger. It was one of those "just right" meals...and for just the right price. Then we thought, "why not?" and killed a pitcher of sangria.
Feeling adventurous were decided to walk along the river back to the train station. Getting to the river was much more difficult than one would think. After walking in circles for a while (god bless America for their city blocks...) we finally figured out where we were. We walked all the way back to where we had started, went through the Puerta del Sol and, lo and behold, we had stumbled up the stature of Cervantes. I took a ton of pictures, hahah.
In our attempt to find the path next to the river, we happened upon a beautiful bridge. Photo time again! Haha, we crossed it and continued to follow the road to the train station. Where the sign said it was 40 degrees (about 104) at 7:30 pm. Kill yourself, Toledo. Also we had two more hours until our train. And it was Sunday (nothing is open in Spain on Sundays). Grrr.
We finally happened upon a little cafe where we watched bullfighting on tv and drank two MORE pitchers of sangria. We were going home happy.
We made it to out train on time and got home in time to take the train back to our houses where I promptly passed out.
Perfect day, and my forehead was exactly the same size when I got home as when I left. Yay Toledo!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Catching You All Up...
Suffice it to say, Pamplona was the worst trip ever. I believe exactly one thing went right (we saw the fireworks as soon as we got there). What followed included: my passport, wallet, credit card, IDs and bus tickets being stolen, a beer bottle being crashed over my head, loss of consciousness, mild concussion, and missing the running of the bulls. I did see the police station and the hospital.
I'm ok, I'm alive, I have a new passport on the way.
More later on Toledo and the kids.
I'm ok, I'm alive, I have a new passport on the way.
More later on Toledo and the kids.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Spanish: +1, Sightseeing: -1
Haha, I feel like I should be keeping a scorecard these days. The funny thing about moving here for a whole summer, rather than just coming over for a few days/weeks, is that I am super lazy about sightseeing! Haha, actually, I am even worse about picture taking!!!
I apologize profusely and promise to be better, so that you all may be horribly jealous of the fabulous weather I am suffering through! :)
So, let's see...on Saturday I took it easy thanks to the party-all-night atmosphere here in Spain. On Sunday, Mal and I met up in Moncloa to go to the Rastro (a giant flea market that takes over a whole neighborhood in Madrid--just making mom proud ;)). Haha, Mal was right, everything was SUPER cheap, but I was really there for the looking. I bought a really pretty pair of earrings since, much to Raquel's horror, I did not bring any jewelry with me to Spain. I also bought an adaptor, since I am an idiot, and a flower for my hair. I was rocking the Spanish look that day, so it seemed appropriate!
We went out for lunch, and I suppose this is where I must explain a phenomenon that is completely unique to Spain (well, so far in my travels at least). The BIG lunch. Living in Spain is like living in the Shire (shout out to all my geeks out there). We eat breakfast upon getting up. Pretty much the same. Then there's usually some mid-morning snack to tide you over 'til LUNCH. Lunch is like eating the last supper...and doesn't take place until 14h00 or 15h00 Three courses is pretty standard (soup/starter, entree, desert) and drinking is encouraged. We found a little restaurant where, for 8,50 euros (yes, the comma is correct) we got it ALLL included. This is the key to staying on budget in Spain. Dinner here (around 22h00) can be outrageously expensive, but, by law, all restaurants are required to have a lunch special at a reasonable price. This is because it is seriously not even dusk until around 22h00. Dinner is no big deal. And in between of course there is afternoon snack. YOU NEVER GO HUNGRY.
Now when I am at home lunch is followed by a siesta. In the city, lunch is simply about taking your time. We ate and drank for about two hours, or until we were ready to get going.
Monday began the kids' English lessons every morning. I am supposed to only talk to them in English...they understand, but they usually respond in Spanish. So I have to work out everything they say, translate it to English, and make them repeat it back. It's all very exhausting and they don't really like it. Therefore, in order to circumvent the problem, they have stopped talking to me, hahaha. Brilliant. I've found some ways to teach them sort of without their noticing, which is good for all of us.
Also, dinner is always interesting. If the kids want me to do something, they know the best way to get on my good side is to show off their English. Raquel has perfected the practice of busting out her English when no one is expecting it. Then Silvia of course has to be better than that since she is old. Gonzalo thinks the whole thing is silly and enjoys screaming "PLEASE" and "THANK YOU" at random moments. Great. I've taught them American manners. Their parents are going to kill me.
My Spanish continues to improve, and I can have full on simple conversations in Spanish, and have completely converted to Spanglish. So much so that my English is sometimes confusing. Horrible.
And today I discovered why it is VERY important for my to watch what I say to the kids. What I meant to say to Gonzalo was, "I am playing with Jacky and Silvia. Go color over there." What I said was, "I am playing with Jacky and Silvia. Go color yourself over there." About 5 minutes later he came over to very proudly show me the giant happy face he had drawn on his stomach. I couldn't help laughing, and I couldn't reprimand him, as it was completely my fault. Eek...
The kids are off to their aunt's house to play in the pool and I have some time to kill. I was going to go to the grocery store and pick up a few things, but have discovered that I only have 100 and 50 euro notes. As I am not sure what the reaction would be to either, I am going to content myself with a siesta and some more studying.
Hasta pronto... :)
I apologize profusely and promise to be better, so that you all may be horribly jealous of the fabulous weather I am suffering through! :)
So, let's see...on Saturday I took it easy thanks to the party-all-night atmosphere here in Spain. On Sunday, Mal and I met up in Moncloa to go to the Rastro (a giant flea market that takes over a whole neighborhood in Madrid--just making mom proud ;)). Haha, Mal was right, everything was SUPER cheap, but I was really there for the looking. I bought a really pretty pair of earrings since, much to Raquel's horror, I did not bring any jewelry with me to Spain. I also bought an adaptor, since I am an idiot, and a flower for my hair. I was rocking the Spanish look that day, so it seemed appropriate!
We went out for lunch, and I suppose this is where I must explain a phenomenon that is completely unique to Spain (well, so far in my travels at least). The BIG lunch. Living in Spain is like living in the Shire (shout out to all my geeks out there). We eat breakfast upon getting up. Pretty much the same. Then there's usually some mid-morning snack to tide you over 'til LUNCH. Lunch is like eating the last supper...and doesn't take place until 14h00 or 15h00 Three courses is pretty standard (soup/starter, entree, desert) and drinking is encouraged. We found a little restaurant where, for 8,50 euros (yes, the comma is correct) we got it ALLL included. This is the key to staying on budget in Spain. Dinner here (around 22h00) can be outrageously expensive, but, by law, all restaurants are required to have a lunch special at a reasonable price. This is because it is seriously not even dusk until around 22h00. Dinner is no big deal. And in between of course there is afternoon snack. YOU NEVER GO HUNGRY.
Now when I am at home lunch is followed by a siesta. In the city, lunch is simply about taking your time. We ate and drank for about two hours, or until we were ready to get going.
Monday began the kids' English lessons every morning. I am supposed to only talk to them in English...they understand, but they usually respond in Spanish. So I have to work out everything they say, translate it to English, and make them repeat it back. It's all very exhausting and they don't really like it. Therefore, in order to circumvent the problem, they have stopped talking to me, hahaha. Brilliant. I've found some ways to teach them sort of without their noticing, which is good for all of us.
Also, dinner is always interesting. If the kids want me to do something, they know the best way to get on my good side is to show off their English. Raquel has perfected the practice of busting out her English when no one is expecting it. Then Silvia of course has to be better than that since she is old. Gonzalo thinks the whole thing is silly and enjoys screaming "PLEASE" and "THANK YOU" at random moments. Great. I've taught them American manners. Their parents are going to kill me.
My Spanish continues to improve, and I can have full on simple conversations in Spanish, and have completely converted to Spanglish. So much so that my English is sometimes confusing. Horrible.
And today I discovered why it is VERY important for my to watch what I say to the kids. What I meant to say to Gonzalo was, "I am playing with Jacky and Silvia. Go color over there." What I said was, "I am playing with Jacky and Silvia. Go color yourself over there." About 5 minutes later he came over to very proudly show me the giant happy face he had drawn on his stomach. I couldn't help laughing, and I couldn't reprimand him, as it was completely my fault. Eek...
The kids are off to their aunt's house to play in the pool and I have some time to kill. I was going to go to the grocery store and pick up a few things, but have discovered that I only have 100 and 50 euro notes. As I am not sure what the reaction would be to either, I am going to content myself with a siesta and some more studying.
Hasta pronto... :)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Omg, I've Been So Bad About Writing!
Yikes, I suppose there's tons of updating to be done!
When last you heard from me, I had just spent the day at the planetarium! Haha...
The next day, Carlos, the kids and I went into Madrid. Carlos took me to the office of tourism for some maps and lists of special events going on this summer. Then he drove me all over Madrid to show me the major places of interest and how to get to them. Haha, my map is all marked up. The kids could now have been less interested. Seriously. Gonzalo went to sleep and Sylvia and Raquel were just antsy.
But the promise of food kept them in line!
We went out for an amazing lunch and I swear I ate until I had filled my entire body with food. It's absolutely ridiculous how much we eat...and drink...and drink, and drink, and drink! Beer, wine, liquor (all in one meal)...it's all good! Haha...oh well.
We had to get back home after that for my Spanish lessons. I'm pretty good at conjugating on paper...but in conversation...yikes, I need mucho practice!
That night we all sat down to watch Los Estados Unidos get absolutely destroyed in the futbol game. Except...they didn't. They beat Spain. The reigning world champions. Whom the USA had never beaten. WOW. It was pretty exciting for me, but I didn't celebrate too much because Carlos and Eva were devestated. Especially since I clearly didn't know all that much about the American team. I recognized a few of the players, but I don't really follow it so...eek! BIG DEAL HERE though.
Thursday was kind of a lazy day. The kids and I played all day. Then, in the afternoon...they got the puppy!!! Carlos named it to prevent and all out war over what the name would be. It's name is Jacky...I'm pretty sure. I know how to say it, but god forbid I be able to spell anything I hear over here! Anyway, we all expected Gonzalo to want to name it Principe (Prince) but he surprised us all when he dubbed it "Gonzalo-ito"...this dog is going to be SOOOO confused :) Principe is apparently a name reserved for los caballos. Hahaha.
Anyway, the dog is keeping the kids all kinds of busy.
Yesterday was the kids last weekday of alllllll fun. Haha, starting Monday we are dedicating the mornings to learning English. Yikes, they are not going to be happy... :) My tutor came over again yesterday, and I have to say...my Spanish is improving rapidly. But, there are definitely times that I am just sooooooo frustrated.
Anyway, right after she left I took a shower and got ready to go out with the other au pairs. The kids were absolutely amazed that I have the ability to look nice, haaha. I spend all day outside running around or in the pool. Make-up and nice clothes are a thing of the past. But Raquel was clearly very proud of me.
I met up with three other girls at the metro station and we all went to the bar to meet up with everyone. 'Everyone' turned out to be about 20 girls. Haha, the bar was a little confused as to what to do with us! We left after a while and went to a club. Koa (the au pair who organized it all) knew the people who worked there. And good thing because the club was ridiculously expensive. Luckily, we didn't have to pay cover and drank for free all night. Haha, so fun.
I took the 3 am bus home (ouch) and was dead this morning, but so was everyone else. Mal and I had plans to go to the Prado today, but decided to take it easy. Tomorrow we are going to the market and then probably sightseeing or hanging out in Parque Oeste. I am spending the whole day studying...and trying to speak only in Spanish. I wrote a little essay in Spanish, but I have no idea if it was any good. I also finished another two pages in my work book. I'll probably finish about 6 by the end of today. Had to take a break for an English update though.
Hugs and kisses!
When last you heard from me, I had just spent the day at the planetarium! Haha...
The next day, Carlos, the kids and I went into Madrid. Carlos took me to the office of tourism for some maps and lists of special events going on this summer. Then he drove me all over Madrid to show me the major places of interest and how to get to them. Haha, my map is all marked up. The kids could now have been less interested. Seriously. Gonzalo went to sleep and Sylvia and Raquel were just antsy.
But the promise of food kept them in line!
We went out for an amazing lunch and I swear I ate until I had filled my entire body with food. It's absolutely ridiculous how much we eat...and drink...and drink, and drink, and drink! Beer, wine, liquor (all in one meal)...it's all good! Haha...oh well.
We had to get back home after that for my Spanish lessons. I'm pretty good at conjugating on paper...but in conversation...yikes, I need mucho practice!
That night we all sat down to watch Los Estados Unidos get absolutely destroyed in the futbol game. Except...they didn't. They beat Spain. The reigning world champions. Whom the USA had never beaten. WOW. It was pretty exciting for me, but I didn't celebrate too much because Carlos and Eva were devestated. Especially since I clearly didn't know all that much about the American team. I recognized a few of the players, but I don't really follow it so...eek! BIG DEAL HERE though.
Thursday was kind of a lazy day. The kids and I played all day. Then, in the afternoon...they got the puppy!!! Carlos named it to prevent and all out war over what the name would be. It's name is Jacky...I'm pretty sure. I know how to say it, but god forbid I be able to spell anything I hear over here! Anyway, we all expected Gonzalo to want to name it Principe (Prince) but he surprised us all when he dubbed it "Gonzalo-ito"...this dog is going to be SOOOO confused :) Principe is apparently a name reserved for los caballos. Hahaha.
Anyway, the dog is keeping the kids all kinds of busy.
Yesterday was the kids last weekday of alllllll fun. Haha, starting Monday we are dedicating the mornings to learning English. Yikes, they are not going to be happy... :) My tutor came over again yesterday, and I have to say...my Spanish is improving rapidly. But, there are definitely times that I am just sooooooo frustrated.
Anyway, right after she left I took a shower and got ready to go out with the other au pairs. The kids were absolutely amazed that I have the ability to look nice, haaha. I spend all day outside running around or in the pool. Make-up and nice clothes are a thing of the past. But Raquel was clearly very proud of me.
I met up with three other girls at the metro station and we all went to the bar to meet up with everyone. 'Everyone' turned out to be about 20 girls. Haha, the bar was a little confused as to what to do with us! We left after a while and went to a club. Koa (the au pair who organized it all) knew the people who worked there. And good thing because the club was ridiculously expensive. Luckily, we didn't have to pay cover and drank for free all night. Haha, so fun.
I took the 3 am bus home (ouch) and was dead this morning, but so was everyone else. Mal and I had plans to go to the Prado today, but decided to take it easy. Tomorrow we are going to the market and then probably sightseeing or hanging out in Parque Oeste. I am spending the whole day studying...and trying to speak only in Spanish. I wrote a little essay in Spanish, but I have no idea if it was any good. I also finished another two pages in my work book. I'll probably finish about 6 by the end of today. Had to take a break for an English update though.
Hugs and kisses!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Donde esta el planetario???
Today I met up with another au pair from the burbs. Her name is Mal and she's from the US too. It was great to hear English again! Haha. We were going to go to the Museo del Prado, but decided to go to the planetarium instead. We are going to go to the Prado next week I think.
Anyway, she was super fun. She's been here for a couple weeks, so she kind of knew her way around. Plus she spoke Spanish so...it was very helpful when we got lost and had to ask everyone we saw for directiones! Haha.
Eventually we got there. The planetarium is in the middle of a beautiful garden. We had to wait an hour for the next showing so we explored the park and the exhibits. It was pretty interesting. The entire thing is in Spanish only, so I had to take my time, but whenever I didn't know a word I just asked Mal. I did pretty good, considering the exhibits were all about science...not my strongest subject ever... ;)
After, we went to Sol (kinda like the Times Square of Madrid) and went around looking for food. We ate sandwiches, fries and Fantas at a sandwich shop. It was pretty good. She had to leave after that to get back to her family. I had a little shopping to do. I went to Le Corte Ingles, which is this gigantic megastore in Madrid. They sell everything. I bought a guide to Madrid that fits in my purse, a SIM card for the phone my family gave me, and some bus tickets, etc...
Then I hopped back on the bus to Galapagar. I played in the pool with the kids, then played in the sun for about an hour. I was feeling energetic, so I threw on some running clothes and my iPod and started down the street.
SPAIN IS A DESERT.
Haha, I needed water after about 5 minutes. Then I was positive I was lost. Then I knew where I was but was hot and thirsty. Not my most successful run ever... Haha, I will try again tomorrow.
I got home and showered quickly because we took the kids to Mickey'D's for dinner. They each got Happy Meals in celebration of the end of the school year. Then we sat in the courtyard and had tapas and beer while the kids played in the PlayLand.
All the pics are up on Facebook...
Un besito!!!!
Anyway, she was super fun. She's been here for a couple weeks, so she kind of knew her way around. Plus she spoke Spanish so...it was very helpful when we got lost and had to ask everyone we saw for directiones! Haha.
Eventually we got there. The planetarium is in the middle of a beautiful garden. We had to wait an hour for the next showing so we explored the park and the exhibits. It was pretty interesting. The entire thing is in Spanish only, so I had to take my time, but whenever I didn't know a word I just asked Mal. I did pretty good, considering the exhibits were all about science...not my strongest subject ever... ;)
After, we went to Sol (kinda like the Times Square of Madrid) and went around looking for food. We ate sandwiches, fries and Fantas at a sandwich shop. It was pretty good. She had to leave after that to get back to her family. I had a little shopping to do. I went to Le Corte Ingles, which is this gigantic megastore in Madrid. They sell everything. I bought a guide to Madrid that fits in my purse, a SIM card for the phone my family gave me, and some bus tickets, etc...
Then I hopped back on the bus to Galapagar. I played in the pool with the kids, then played in the sun for about an hour. I was feeling energetic, so I threw on some running clothes and my iPod and started down the street.
SPAIN IS A DESERT.
Haha, I needed water after about 5 minutes. Then I was positive I was lost. Then I knew where I was but was hot and thirsty. Not my most successful run ever... Haha, I will try again tomorrow.
I got home and showered quickly because we took the kids to Mickey'D's for dinner. They each got Happy Meals in celebration of the end of the school year. Then we sat in the courtyard and had tapas and beer while the kids played in the PlayLand.
All the pics are up on Facebook...
Un besito!!!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Nothing New...Tomorrow Will Be Exciting!
Today was a very relaxed day. In fact, for the first time, I am not utterly exhausted! :)
As a result, I don't have a whole lot to say. I started my Spanish lessons with my tutor. Not exactly exciting, haha.
Tomorrow I am going into Madrid for some tourist-style activities...pictures and updates galore I am sure!
Hasta pronto!
As a result, I don't have a whole lot to say. I started my Spanish lessons with my tutor. Not exactly exciting, haha.
Tomorrow I am going into Madrid for some tourist-style activities...pictures and updates galore I am sure!
Hasta pronto!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Que Pasa, Mis Amigos?
Day three was way more relaxing than the first two. No parties today, which is a relief. I've found that if I pay very close attention, I can understand pretty much everything the kids say. And I'm learning very quickly the more important things. Colors, animals, numbers, clothing, food and commands...I'm getting it.
Much to los ninos dismay, we started the day at church. The mass is entirely in Spanish (not Latin) and there is no music. The service is actually quite short. I saw at least five mullets but didn't feel like a suburban church was the appropriate place to snap photos of strangers... :)
Then we went to the small neighborhood restaurant for a tapas-like snack. It looked like fries covered in ketchup so I took a big one covered in it. AH DIOS MIO! ESTOY MUY CALIENTE!!! Haha, it was a sort of thick tomato hot sauce...I pretty much chugged mi cervesa (beer). But, after a few bites, I enjoyed it.
I met the neighbors, and they said that en julio (July) they might want a babysitter for a few nights and would be willing to pay me a little bit more. This will be good since I have to pay for my Spanish lessons too! Haha, which start tomorrow, yayayayay!!
I'm going to spare you the description of lunch and dinner. Suffice it to say...there was a lot. Luckily, I now know where the trails are and will beginning running tomorrow as well. Yikes, it's been a week!!!
The kids and I played in the pool and the garden all day. I reapplied crema solar about 10 times, so I am still muy blanca... ;) Raquel and I finished a puzzle and Silvia and I played tennis. All four of us watched Winnie the Pooh in Spanish. Now THAT'S a weird movie to watch in another language!
I watched Grey's Anatomy (in Spanish) and Prison Break (in English) with Carlos and Eva to end the evening. The shows are a little behind but they have only 2-3 rounds of commercials. Crazy, no?
Anyway, it's time for bed...
Hasta luego! xoxo
Much to los ninos dismay, we started the day at church. The mass is entirely in Spanish (not Latin) and there is no music. The service is actually quite short. I saw at least five mullets but didn't feel like a suburban church was the appropriate place to snap photos of strangers... :)
Then we went to the small neighborhood restaurant for a tapas-like snack. It looked like fries covered in ketchup so I took a big one covered in it. AH DIOS MIO! ESTOY MUY CALIENTE!!! Haha, it was a sort of thick tomato hot sauce...I pretty much chugged mi cervesa (beer). But, after a few bites, I enjoyed it.
I met the neighbors, and they said that en julio (July) they might want a babysitter for a few nights and would be willing to pay me a little bit more. This will be good since I have to pay for my Spanish lessons too! Haha, which start tomorrow, yayayayay!!
I'm going to spare you the description of lunch and dinner. Suffice it to say...there was a lot. Luckily, I now know where the trails are and will beginning running tomorrow as well. Yikes, it's been a week!!!
The kids and I played in the pool and the garden all day. I reapplied crema solar about 10 times, so I am still muy blanca... ;) Raquel and I finished a puzzle and Silvia and I played tennis. All four of us watched Winnie the Pooh in Spanish. Now THAT'S a weird movie to watch in another language!
I watched Grey's Anatomy (in Spanish) and Prison Break (in English) with Carlos and Eva to end the evening. The shows are a little behind but they have only 2-3 rounds of commercials. Crazy, no?
Anyway, it's time for bed...
Hasta luego! xoxo
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