Day 142

She went 142 days without being robbed. But they got her.





...Yes. Robbery number two in one week.



Caroline, Jake, and I left from my apartment to go take pictures. I had my camera and camera bag on me. Jake still had his bag in my apartment. Caroline had the Wal-Mart bag (my mom sent us each as a joke) filled with her stuff, as she was leaving really soon.


The second after leaving the apartment we decided to take pictures right there at the crosswalk.


Right. Outside. My place.


The bag was put down right next to the road. After taking some pictures from different angles, we turned to leave and head out to another part of the city.


The bag. Was. Gone.

Who had even walked by? There were no people/cars/NOTHING!

...How did they do it?

Shoes
Scarf
Walk-Mart bag
Gloves
Hat
Book
Phone
iPod
Sunglasses
Abono (B3!) (train/bus/metro pass w/ID card)
Camera

Gone.


It was then that we searched the street, up and down. And? Nothing.

As people from the top apartment floor saw us looking, they came down to ask what had happened. After we told the story, they looked at me and asked (in Spanish),

"Do you know what part of town you're in?! Do you know what street you live on?! You live in a bad area of town. You don't have a chance. There are robbers and gypsies everywhere. Walk down this street a little further and there you have it. They will take anything."

Sure, a big city, a lot of people, things get taken. But my street? Why didn't someone tell me?

But it all makes sense now. The beat up cars. The not so pretty buildings. I guess I ignored the fact of being in a not-so-safe place simply by making myself believe it was just the "big city."

I can say this. I am alarmed and angry no one had warned me of my surroundings. Sure, I can't blame it all on the other, but seriously. What is going on?

I am confused, and lost, and would like a very, very good talk with some specific people.

------(JANUARY 23RD, 2011)



This was the entry I wrote down in my notebook one day at school before leaving Madrid. Flipping back through the pages, this is just the start of the random stories I have yet had time to write about. To this exact day I do not know the people who live a bit further down that street- but right now it doesn't make a difference. I wasn't in the slums of Madrid by any means, but the alarm of Caroline being robbed right outside my apartment was ironically "too close to home." For me it was a setback, something to get me thinking. We never found anything of the bag. We sent text messages offering awards, etc, but in this situation there is not really hope. The police suggested to search the trash cans the next day, but there was nothing.

The picture of the car passing was one of the only cars that went by. No car stopped, and we only saw one person on the street who we watched carefuly.





...The things Madrid has taught me is incredible.

-mb

FAQ's - The Start

THEY EXIST, THE READERS! I am not alone. This is grand news for me my friends. Sometimes I wonder if I am speaking to an empty audience. I mean like- if the people don't speak, who does? Oh wait. Me.

But a conversation to yourself is boring, eh?

I would like to introduce "The Start" of a series of posts, answering questions. So here we go.



Q: What is the state of stray dogs and cats in Spain?

A: Sam thank you so much for asking, as I have completely forgotten to mention this. As I have not seen many stray dogs, stray cats are everywhere. I've seen more in Madrid than in Alicante, especially the surrounding towns right outside of Madrid. But they are everywhere. Fortunately they don't go near humans, or even show to be a threat. What has surprised me the most about them is how domestic they look. The first time I saw a stray cat, my thought was- "Gee, someone lost their cat." It didn't take me too long to realize that they don't belong to anyone- they just live in the streets. I did some research, and according to online it says that street cats don't tend to live more than 2-5 years. And for those of you who haven't been in a city with stray cats roaming around, they are kind of like pigeons. Well, ok so that was a bad example. They have twice as many legs, can't fly, and don't travel in flocks. Although they do tend to travel in groups, I say pigeons because they are just kind of there and expected to be there by the people. It's like normal.




Q: What is the most interesting/funnily weird question you have been asked about the USA?

A: Right off I can't remember too many. Someone asked me if I knew what Arizona was. And then asked me if I knew what a 'cowboy' was. After I said yes they continued to explain what a 'cowboy' is, and what they do. Someone else asked me if there was any beaches in Minnesota, after I continued to tell them it was in the north-middle part of the United States. They were blown away when I said no. (And no mom, not the beaches of lakes. I'm talking about the ocean, the Hawaiin or Californian coast.) I was asked if skyscrapers were much taller than 'that building' which happens to be 'the biggest in Alicante'. It's no more than 20 stories. Someone couldn't believe that Alaska was part of the United States. (Alaska makes up 17.5% of the United States according to WikiAnswers) I told someone that I live in Minnesota, and they asked me whether I've seen any famous people walking around the streets. I laughed. I think I was asked if we had apples in the United States. Oh, same with milk. Someone tried to tell me what "Nike" was once. People also can't believe it when I say things like "Bob Esponja" is "Sponge Bob" in the United States, and has a different tune. Or if there is a song on in English, I've been asked if I can understand it. "The typical" is always: "how do you like New York/California/Miami?" in a way as if I go there every weekend. Or- "does everyone watch MTV?" A lot of things I have been asked are hard to explain, such as answering- "is your town in crisis? are all the houses big? does everyone in the states have a lot of money? what type of food do you eat?" These questions have been really hard to answer, as many like these and more depend on each individual family.



Q: Do you think in English or Spanish?

A: That's tough. As much as I would like to think I'm thinking in Spanish, most of my thoughts are still in English. I have had a few dreams in Spanish, but not as many as I'd think I'd have at 6 months. I think in English, but within the last few weeks I have caught myself thinking in Spanish more. I also lack the ability to spell in English, and often loose words. Sometimes it's worse than others. I also am terrible at giving any sort of presentation in English, and actually worried a few months ago when I had to give a 5 minute summary of activities I like to do for English class. I use phrases a bit weird, and say things strange. It's not always obvious to anyone, and just is a bit frusterating. I've re-read some of my blog posts noticing a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes. Oops.



Q: What exactly is the temperature?

A: Thirty's warm, twenty's nice, ten's cold, and zero's ice. Welcome to Spain. In this wonderland we use celcius. Today was "cold" at 11ºC (51.8ºF), and warmed up to a 20ºC (68ºF) later in the day. A few days ago I think it was 25ºC (77ºF). Today I went to the beach with a friend. There was really no one else on the beach...



Q: How differently do Spanish teenagers dress?

A: Another good question I haven't said much about. I wondered about this a ton before I left for Spain, and even tried to shop beforehand to accomodate styles. First thing first- Black and white is the name of the game. Add in some greys and browns and you're all set. If you are going out with your friends on the weekend you typically wear nice clothes. A black or brown jacket that is nice is a must. Really expensive, no, but something that looks nice. They don't have the colorful winter jackets like we do in the states. Well- they do, they just only wear them skiing...more or less. My red winter jacket screams "I'm not from Spain!" on the streets. Girls- typically wear heels and ALWAYS, ALWAYS regret it by the time the night is done. I would suggest anyone going to Spain to bring one nice pair of shoes to dress up in that could run a marathon in if needed. Let's not forget the main systems of transportation in this country- foot, metro, & bus. Spaniards are typically shorter than Americans anyhow. Boots are definiely 'in' as well. Spain is in a stage where the 'equestrian' look is in- the 'riding boots' and tight pants look.

If you actually ride horses like myself, you might find this comical.

Another note: shoes are worn in the house. I usually just wear flip flops or whatever shoes I was wearing for the day, but shoes are worn at all times. In public kids tend to wear jeans, leggings for girls, or something of the type. Sweatpants are very rare except for gym class. For some reason sweatpants are worn instead of shorts during gym class, even in the summer. Even the guys. It's strange. I haven't noticed for high brand names to necessary be the 'in-thing' to 'be accepted', and a very typical store of Spanish clothe shopping is H&M, Pull and Bear, Blanco, and more. I'll try to think of a list. There are no school sports like the states, so that eliminates any sports related clothing. Typically only guys wear sport jerseys. 'Skinny jeans' fill Spain- as they do not have to be tight fitted, but boot-cut and wider angled out jeans are not very common. Nike shoes with the big shoe tongue and kind of high almost basketball-looking type shoe is very 'in', along with Converse. Spain is obessed with Converse.


In general, Spain kids over dress compared to us Americans. They put a lot of work into 'going out' and many times end up doing almost nothing once they get there. It does bring a distinct cultural add though, as dressing up is never a bad thing. Personally for myself I've gone through 3 pairs of jeans and have opted to the 'sweatpants and American' look at school many times, as 1). The majority of my school thinks I'm German and 2). I don't really bother about dressing up everyday for school. But then again even everyday isn't really 'dressing up'. It's just more of the way they wear black/white/grey/tan/brown more often with less of the reall bright colors.

Gahhh. Colors are definitely worn. Colors are everywhere. I am very, very terrible at explaining Spanish styles. I'll take some pictures to capture the styles. It can be described as 'un-describe-able'. ...does that even make sense? Hmm...It's kind of something you have to learn. Like an art...minus Picasso.

I'll try to add some pictures to describe it better. It's pretty hard to explain, more of just something you have to see.



So here it is- a very long, picture-lacking blog post. I am far from answering all the questions I have received, so I will continue answering them tomorrow with more. Don't be afraid to ask any questions- I don't feel stalked by any means, legit. For those who are familiar with Blogger, I can check to see how many page views I have per day, month, all time, etc. I can also see how many from each country I have, along with many other beatiful features to see how famous my life stories are.




Follow the Adventure

-mb

NBC

National blog-casting? It goes something like that...




So here I am, day...177? And I don't really have anything to write about. Scratch that- I have a TON to write about. I just don't know where to start.


The other day as I was reading Sam's blog post:
http://samlearnstospeak.wordpress.com/2011/02/23/nerelisin/

Pleaseeeeee read it, as not only did I thoroughly enjoy it, I was able to completely relate to it as well. :)

After reading I realized that I too should write more about the little adventures, the conversations, more of the everyday things. Therefore I am going to dedicate the next few posts to "catch up" stories that I have missed or forgotten to write about. It won't be written in any type of organized matter, but really- what is 'organized' nowadays?



On another note, I would like to make a few comments about my blog.

1). I LOVE to update my blog. It's awesome. Makes it a lot easier to tell my story too.

2). I NEED to be asked questions! Assuring myself that I'm not writing to an empty audience and talking to a wall is nice. So here's a challenge.

Ask questions.


PLEASE! I beg of you. Ask me anything. You don't have to put your name on the www. as "that idiot who didn't know Spain is NOT in Africa."

You can sign it as anonymous. Freddy. George. Elvis Presley. The head coach of Real Madrid. ANYTHING! I just need to know what you want to hear about. And the same with the photos- Give me a photo shooting topic. Random. Serious. Fun. It doesn't matter.


In the meantime, I'll continue to catch up on everything that I've missed. In addition to a blog I've been keeping a journal as well- tracking more thoughts, thing's I've done, and just the random things in life. So all the months I wasn't able to write much- I'm finally filling in the lost time. Connecting the dots.



...let the games begin!


-mb




I also have an email address for those of you who would rather email:

mbrungardt10@live.com

Checkpoint- 6 months

Last weekend was the AFS 'halfway mark' orientation in Valencia. This is another point on the timeline, as with only four months remaining we are able to look back on our year knowing we still have a little bit of time left.


After six months, here is my AFS checkpoint list:

1. Transportation- I have learned to use the transportation system. The bus, train, and metro combination here is incredible. I don't think twice about using a combination of the three, and am able to manage my time well to get to my destination on time. A car seems more or less pointless here- especially when it takes longer to park than to get to your destination.


(Metro Map of Valencia)

2. Tourism- The 'tourist traps' don't catch me like they used to. I am able to "know better" and find other places to buy things for better quality and price, even if it takes a litte more work.



3. Cell phone- After five and a half months I was finally able to relieve myself of handing over my life savings to Vodafone and have switched to Yoigo- only 8 (EURO) cents per minute/text unlike the 35 with Vodafone.

4. Food- I have discovered new foods that I previously didn't like in the States, and have tried many new Spanish dishes. My goal is to learn to like olives, as I am in Spain and that is the only food I have found to not like..

5. TV- As I can understand the TV more or less, my goal is to be able to understand the news and soccer games (they talk the fastest) PERFECTLY by the end of my stay.



6. Pickpocketers- Yes. As mentioned in my blog "Day 136" I have been pickpocketed. As much as I did not like this, it's something that is more or less 'a good thing' because I have learned a lot from this experience. As much as I wanted to think I was careful, I am very more aware of my surroundings. And pickpocketers are everywhere. As I was sitting with two other AFSers at a cafe in Valencia, they were telling me different stories of how certain 'groups' works. Example: There are ladies who walk around with some type of plant/herb/flower and try to distract you, while the other one robs you while you aren't looking. As I had my bag in my lap the whole time, I was really taken back at how distracted yet I was by her. There are many other stories just like this one.



7. Weather- If I had a penny for everytime someone gave me a weird look or comment for going out in shorts and a t-shirt I would be a very rich person. Here in Alicante I can't believe at how wonderful the weather is, as it feels like summer is starting.


8. Crosswalks- Quite often I wonder if Americans who return to the states are often hit by cars at crosswalks. Here in Spain (the places I have been to, to say the least) pedestrians have the right-of-way at almost every crosswalk. And even if they don't, cars will stop for you in the middle of the road. In the main, big streets not as much, but every little sidestreet is ruled by the pedestrians. I am really enjoying this, and wonder how different it'll be for when I return.


9. People- After six months I can say that I am starting to understand the mentality (more or less) in this country. Absolutely everything being closed during lunch and Sunday doesn't seem like a crisis anymore. In school I am starting to understand more of how the teachers look and communicate with the students.


10. Home- I have found that Spain isn't the United States, but in it's own distinct way Spain has become my second home. This country has changed me and made me more of who I am. I am learning a different way of life, and have a better understanding of this culture.


11. Soccer- After all the time waiting, I was able to make it to a Real Madrid game, and also go through the tour of the stadium. Soccer here is everywhere- it ties in the young with the old, and is always a conversation starter. It's on TV, and going to games is huge. I have never really followed soccer, but I hope to do a better job keeping up with all the scores the second half of the year.




12. Spanish- Of course I am always trying to improve my Spanish. A student from an English speaking country is different than the reverse- because you simply can't hide from English. It's absolutely everywhere. Other languages are less common, and I really am hoping to fully be thinking in Spanish soon. I don't have a deadline for this, but hope to get there shortly.



13. Music- Two things. One, I need to desperately start listening to more music in Spanish. I don't know too many artists, but am really going to dedicate some time into looking for some. This should help with #12. Secondly, I have been to a flamenco show, something very Spanish as well. (Kind of goes hand in hand with the bullfighting thing.) Even though it's not everywhere like some people might think, I was very happy to check that off my list of "Spanish things to do."



14. Activities- Today I went for a run along the beach, which I really enjoyed. I hope to start doing more athletic activites in the remaining months, and discover new sports such as fencing, which I did in Madrid. This includes improving my photography.




15. Foreigners- My goal is to be mistaken for something other than German or Russian. I've never been asked so many times in my life for being either of the two. Along with this, I need to learn how to say "I don't speak Spanish" in a 'rarely spoken' language, because frankly street vendors can ask me to buy something in Spanish, English, German, Valenciano, and Italian. I thought I would win with atleast one of the above, but they get me every time.


16. The Best- Last but not least, my goal is to live the next four months to the fullest. This experience has taught me a lot so far, and I don't want to continue on doing anything less.






I noticed in #11 I said "After all the time waiting"... yeaaaaaaaaah. English.

We'll just pretend like I never wrote that.


-mb





"No one else cares about how good your year is, only you." -Jake Moser

Halfway

A video I made showing a glimpse of the first five months here in Spain. Thanks to everyone who let me use their videos, and furthermore to those who made the videos- well, so much more interesting :)

Enjoy!

-mb

Paella

A few differences from school in Madrid vs. school in Alicante are as follows:

1. I look out my classroom window and see palm trees.
2. I walk approximately 3-4 minutes to my school right next door.
3. School starts at 8:00AM (not 8:45AM)
4. We have TWO 20 minute recreos, and the kids actually do bring snacks.
5. The gate surrounding the school is electronically locked at all times and you have to get someone to open it for you.
6. There is an overhead screen in ..2? of my classrooms.
7. The door numbering system makes no sense. You can be walking and go down one hallway with even numbers only on the right, and another that goes in numerical order. Some doors go from 202-212, right next door.
8. School is bigger.
9. If something isn't wanted, it doesn't get thrown out the window. It gets thrown around the classroom first before getting to the outdoors. This is typically paper balls and airplanes- some even get advanced and use slingshots.

And pens? Oh they love to throw those. Somewhat dangerous, and make really loud noises when thrown at the chalkboard where a student is trying to finish a problem. I don't think they actually try to hit the person at the board though, just see how close they can get... I counted about 12 pens on the floor after class one day. All in the same spot at the board...

10. Paella.

Now this isn't the Spanish food we're talking about, we're talking about the game that my math class plays. I had to ask after class one day, as I was in confusion the entire time, sitting, watching the craziest class I've seen in my life.

It's called Paella and it's really simple. Everyone is a part of the "paella." You can be shrimp, chicken, vegtables, beef, rice, etc. Someone calls out something (Ex. RICE!) in the "paella" and everyone who is that food (RICE) has to stand up. When someone yells out "PAELLA!" Everyone stands up. Let's keep in mind that not everyone plays, as the rest prefer throwing things. (It's not an actual authorized game by the teacher either..) Between this and the clapping game, it's a very interesting circus.

The clapping game? This one I couldn't figure out. There are two chalkboards side by side- everytime she crossed the middle line the students clapped. Well, some of them. The others were too busy with sling shots...

When I grow up, I do not want to be a substitute teacher in a Spanish school. The real teacher who I have yet to meet, broke her foot(so I've been told)- so there is a sub. I'll remind you again that if a teacher doesn't show up for a day- there is no class. We simply go outside to the patio and talk or something.

I was asked if classes were like this in the states. I wasn't really sure how to answer...




Bon appetit

-mb

Super Bowl Monday

Monday?

My story's short, but here it goes.

So last week or so I was talking to my host parents about the Super Bowl. They were saying how they have the channel, and we could watch it together. Later in the week, finding out that my dear Chicago Bears were not going to play, and the game Spain time was 1AM, I figured I was going to skip out on watching the game this year, and possibly catch a re-run.



SUNDAY, FEB. 6TH

23:50- I head off to bed.

MONDAY, FEB. 7TH

00:30- My host mom comes into my room, turns the lights on, and energetically tells me that the Super Bowl is on. I, a bit delirious, continue to tell her that I already knew, and it comes on at 1AM. She asked me if I wanted to watch it with my host dad (who was very interested in watching it...).

Me, knowing that the Super Bowl lasts 3.5 hours- continued to tell her that I would watch it if that meant I didn't have to go to school tomorrow. And if I did have to go to school, I didn't want to. So nodded and I got up to go downstairs and find the channel.



ONE HOUR LATER

Host dad falls asleep.

HALF TIME SHOW

Was awesome.



So the commentary was in Spanish, and we had NO commercials of any type. No American commercials or even Spanish. I am still confused by this, but I found a website to watch Darth Vader magically turn on a car and hear about the 42 wild Italians.

4:30AM- Game is over.

4:50- Go back to sleep.

7:00- My host mom wakes me up to go to school.

Story of my life? I think so.


-mb