"The Adventures Of" on the side is a list of links to some blogs of my friends. I encourage everyone to read them, as everyone has their story to tell. Reading about the differences in experiences gives a better idea of what an exchange year is all about.
You can also find a longer list of blogs on the AFS Website:
http://www.afsblog.org/
Take a minute to read some- it just may be addicting.
-mb
Questions? Contact me at: mbrungardt10@live.com
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2011
Año Nuevo. Significance? A time where you consciously get to start over again.
Atleast, that's what we'd like to think.
Throughout my blogging I have failed to mention details on my family. This is for many reasons. For one, I don't think it's fair to put every little detail about someone's family on the world-wide-web.
*Can I take the moment to point out that "www." is written in English?
Second, I have failed to find a way to describe my life without sounding too negative. This is something I struggle with everyday. My situation is very unique in a way I have yet found to describe.
Three, no one is at fault. Four, no one knows the problems.
Scratch that. I know the problems, they just sound pathetic. It's a "you have to be here" kind of situation.
So here goes my story. Note that I had to go back and read my journal to understand my first thoughts and emotions.
In the beginning.
I didn't want to meet my host family. Infact, I was scared to death. I would have done just about anything to have AFS give me a hotel and call it good. So from this you can conclude it started out wrong. All wrong. And I can explain why.
When a family signs up for AFS they have to complete an application. This includes photos, descriptions, and more things to get to know your host family. I didn't receive this until two or three weeks before I left. And I could not be any more thankful that I didn't receive it earlier.
The application simply gives...well... not the best description. Pictures of dressed up people in animation-Japanese characters didn't help either. I'm not trying to boast, but I was very, and I repeat VERY open minded when I entered the family. I erased the profile from my mind in order to start over.
So after being relieved that only my host parents were there to pick me up, we walked to the car.
The nine seat-er, no armrest and all bench seating manual driven car. Falling apart and not able to go at full speed, my first ride in the car I was scared to death.
Which of course is a bit of an exaggeration, but I was scared. Confused. Hadn't gotten much sleep the past week. You know...
This was possibly my second sign of culture shock, as my first was how dry Spain was. I thought for sure we had gotten on the wrong flight.
But I can save that for another post. Those are the small things such as weird looking light switches, no hangers in the closet, no laundry basket, etc. etc.
My first few days were so disasterous I can't even start to tell the long story. Not only did I not see hardy any of the "real" side of Madrid for days, but all we did was run around the odd parts of the city getting I don't even remember what for my visa. That in it's self is a whole different post. I didn't understand hardly anything. I was still in shock that people were speaking to me in a different language. I expected it of course, but the reality of it actually happening? Tiring.
Like really tiring. Not to mention we walked everywhere. A concept I wasn't very used to...
The first week passes, and the orientation on the Saturday the week after arrival was a life saver. Literally. I had no contact with anyone until about then. I also had limited Internet and phone usage, as I had no cell phone or wifi. I shared a computer, but you can imagine I didn't get much time with six other people using it...
As I go back and read in my journal, I realize that the first few days the big thing was I never knew where I was going. I also hated when people asked me questions for about the first few weeks. Listening (not trying to understand, but just listening) was very tiring. When people asked me questions, I had to try harder to understand and respond with something un-foolish. Most of the time I realied with, "OK", as this does not mean yes or no.
That was the other thing. It's like, someone tells you something, but it's not important. If you make them repeat themselves, fine. But they'll just keep talking. So like after you finally understand useless fact #1 they continue to tell you useless fact #2 and you continue to feel like an idiot as you answer with "uh huh, ooh really? ah-ok. mhmm"
So you can say you understand and they stop talking, or you tell them you're confused and they just keep jabbering away. You can imagine how "intelligent" I was in the first bit. Having the ability to respond with sincerity and emotion was always taken for granted...
And the concept of taking the metro everywhere was completely foreign. I felt as if it was a joke and I was on vacation, as vacation was the only time I would ever use the metro.
Hats off to the Madrid metro though, it's one of the cleanest in the world.
So time passes. And this is where I am stuck. I don't know how to explain my situation without sounding like a horrible person.
My host family is not in the greatest financial situation. Shortcuts around the house are completely fine with me, I have no problem about that. But it comes to a point where you feel like you are a burden on them. And it's gets so ridiculous, you are calculating the price of a glass of juice. The more time that passes, the more I feel out of place.
One of the first signs I felt like an outsider was when I had to pay for my own set of house keys. This cost me a little over twenty US dollars.
And it also really confused me.
As time went by, I thought feeling like an outsider was just a question of getting used to everything.
Well, not quite.
Four months after my arrival I can say that I am happy. I can also say that I've done everything on my own. Every single problem I can remember I solved on my own or with the help of others not in my host family. This isn't necesarily a bad thing, but just made me wonder why my host family wanted a student. Why host if you aren't interested? Or don't start conversation with them? Why host if you don't want to show them around town? Or suggest them activites that they can do? Why host if your family does absolutely nothing outside of school?
Seriously! My application had hockey five times a week, horseback riding on the weekends, soccer, photography, traveling, and MUCH MORE! WHY PICK ME?!
That was my frusterating for many, many long weeks. I did not understand why I had been placed with this family.
And then we started talking.
I do not know how to explain the conversation that I had with my host mom one day, but I found a very different story. After a very long conversation, I found out my host family (to this day) doesn't understand how AFS works. They thought that they were responsible for giving me a bed and the same amount of food everyone else is the family gets.
Sure, what else does a kid need- right?
Supposably this is what happened. My host family sent an email to AFS asking for more information. The next thing that happens is they picked a student. My family requested an American student. AFS gave them two (possibly the last two) profiles of American exchange students. Myself and another girl.
My family chose me soley on the fact that I had siblings in the United States (1) and the other girl was an only child. They thought it was a better choice since there were already four kids here in my host family.
(Doesn't that make me feel special...especially after all that hard application work...they got it in English so they didn't even read it...)
Sometime after my host family chose me, the president of AFS-Spain came to their house and explained how AFS worked.
This is when my host family found out they would not receive money from AFS, nor be able to send one of their kids on AFS without cost.
To this day I am confused as how this thought ever came about, but AFS is only volunteers.
With time, I found myself doing everything on my own. Need cough drops? Go find them. Need notebook? Go get it. Need this? Good luck finding it. Etc. Etc.
It was annoying. Now? I don't mind. I'm very used to it. The problem? I'm not part of a family. Well ok sure. Live under the same roof. Is that the definition? I don't think so... as I have a brother who lives under a roof in Italy.
I once went out of my box and asked if I could borrow dental floss. I couldn't find mine, and why not start to have more of that 'family' type of daily life?
They didn't have dental floss.
And I will never forget the look on their faces when I asked. It must be a foreign thing in this household...
But don't worry. I eventually found mine. I mean like, there's not too many places it could be...
Little things here and there add up. Rather quickly. I don't think it helped that they didn't realize I knew nothing about this country when I got here. And once I did, it was too much like a hotel. Here's your bed, we eat at this time, and if you need anything, ask.
Awesome. I have to ask for everything I need.
Lesson Learned: There are things in life you need, but can live without. You can't ask for them, but can only appreciate them once or if they are given to you.
It would be like saying:
"Can you pretend to be interested in showing an exchange student around town? Or pretend to welcome me? Thanks."
And when someone tells you that there is NOTHING to do in MADRID? Go figure. Never thought there'd be something to do in a city of about 3 million people...
And that's not the reason why there is 'nothing' to do in Madrid. They later explained that if there is something, they don't know about it.
Because they don't do activities...
But I've gotten past of most of these things. I kind of come and go, and not much more is done. If I want to do something, I find it, go, and pay for it by myself. This is completely fine, as I am almost 18. (The time when in America people are considered adults, because kids here live with their parents until they're like 30...)
The "hotel like" life has proven to be quite awkward, as while in someone's home you have a feeling that you NEED to be... wanted? liked? I'm not sure which word to fill in here. You need to be a member. Not a resident.
But I would like to say that my host family is very nice. Despite the awkward moments and differences, they are nice people. This Christmas break has been tough, as I feel like together everything has improved- to a point. I also know that I talked to AFS Spain, and they told me I am switching after Christmas break.
I don't know where.
I don't know when.
I don't know who.
And I don't know how to explain to my host family why.
The thing is, most of the problems come down to money. Sounds terrible, but true. There are no activities, which is huge. Then the part of feeling like a burden. And then the part of having a messed up diet due to a lack of quality and quantity of food. And when the friend of your host sibling jokes about the government giving your host family their house as a type of...financial aide? It just pushes things over the edge. Like a cliff.
I'm not sure what is true as far as the jokes, or what is reality or what I may just be dreaming, but the actualy reality is simple. Something isn't working, I'm not comfortable, and I don't feel like I can relate to many people.
AFS is an organization that gives students that family experience that a year abroad in college doesn't have. I could come back to live on my own in Spain and do whatever I want. This is not why I'm here now.
AHORA MISMO
I am in the first emotions of an exchange studnet waiting to hear where in the world they will live.
Exciting, right?
-mb
Atleast, that's what we'd like to think.
Throughout my blogging I have failed to mention details on my family. This is for many reasons. For one, I don't think it's fair to put every little detail about someone's family on the world-wide-web.
*Can I take the moment to point out that "www." is written in English?
Second, I have failed to find a way to describe my life without sounding too negative. This is something I struggle with everyday. My situation is very unique in a way I have yet found to describe.
Three, no one is at fault. Four, no one knows the problems.
Scratch that. I know the problems, they just sound pathetic. It's a "you have to be here" kind of situation.
So here goes my story. Note that I had to go back and read my journal to understand my first thoughts and emotions.
In the beginning.
I didn't want to meet my host family. Infact, I was scared to death. I would have done just about anything to have AFS give me a hotel and call it good. So from this you can conclude it started out wrong. All wrong. And I can explain why.
When a family signs up for AFS they have to complete an application. This includes photos, descriptions, and more things to get to know your host family. I didn't receive this until two or three weeks before I left. And I could not be any more thankful that I didn't receive it earlier.
The application simply gives...well... not the best description. Pictures of dressed up people in animation-Japanese characters didn't help either. I'm not trying to boast, but I was very, and I repeat VERY open minded when I entered the family. I erased the profile from my mind in order to start over.
So after being relieved that only my host parents were there to pick me up, we walked to the car.
The nine seat-er, no armrest and all bench seating manual driven car. Falling apart and not able to go at full speed, my first ride in the car I was scared to death.
Which of course is a bit of an exaggeration, but I was scared. Confused. Hadn't gotten much sleep the past week. You know...
This was possibly my second sign of culture shock, as my first was how dry Spain was. I thought for sure we had gotten on the wrong flight.
But I can save that for another post. Those are the small things such as weird looking light switches, no hangers in the closet, no laundry basket, etc. etc.
My first few days were so disasterous I can't even start to tell the long story. Not only did I not see hardy any of the "real" side of Madrid for days, but all we did was run around the odd parts of the city getting I don't even remember what for my visa. That in it's self is a whole different post. I didn't understand hardly anything. I was still in shock that people were speaking to me in a different language. I expected it of course, but the reality of it actually happening? Tiring.
Like really tiring. Not to mention we walked everywhere. A concept I wasn't very used to...
The first week passes, and the orientation on the Saturday the week after arrival was a life saver. Literally. I had no contact with anyone until about then. I also had limited Internet and phone usage, as I had no cell phone or wifi. I shared a computer, but you can imagine I didn't get much time with six other people using it...
As I go back and read in my journal, I realize that the first few days the big thing was I never knew where I was going. I also hated when people asked me questions for about the first few weeks. Listening (not trying to understand, but just listening) was very tiring. When people asked me questions, I had to try harder to understand and respond with something un-foolish. Most of the time I realied with, "OK", as this does not mean yes or no.
That was the other thing. It's like, someone tells you something, but it's not important. If you make them repeat themselves, fine. But they'll just keep talking. So like after you finally understand useless fact #1 they continue to tell you useless fact #2 and you continue to feel like an idiot as you answer with "uh huh, ooh really? ah-ok. mhmm"
So you can say you understand and they stop talking, or you tell them you're confused and they just keep jabbering away. You can imagine how "intelligent" I was in the first bit. Having the ability to respond with sincerity and emotion was always taken for granted...
And the concept of taking the metro everywhere was completely foreign. I felt as if it was a joke and I was on vacation, as vacation was the only time I would ever use the metro.
Hats off to the Madrid metro though, it's one of the cleanest in the world.
So time passes. And this is where I am stuck. I don't know how to explain my situation without sounding like a horrible person.
My host family is not in the greatest financial situation. Shortcuts around the house are completely fine with me, I have no problem about that. But it comes to a point where you feel like you are a burden on them. And it's gets so ridiculous, you are calculating the price of a glass of juice. The more time that passes, the more I feel out of place.
One of the first signs I felt like an outsider was when I had to pay for my own set of house keys. This cost me a little over twenty US dollars.
And it also really confused me.
As time went by, I thought feeling like an outsider was just a question of getting used to everything.
Well, not quite.
Four months after my arrival I can say that I am happy. I can also say that I've done everything on my own. Every single problem I can remember I solved on my own or with the help of others not in my host family. This isn't necesarily a bad thing, but just made me wonder why my host family wanted a student. Why host if you aren't interested? Or don't start conversation with them? Why host if you don't want to show them around town? Or suggest them activites that they can do? Why host if your family does absolutely nothing outside of school?
Seriously! My application had hockey five times a week, horseback riding on the weekends, soccer, photography, traveling, and MUCH MORE! WHY PICK ME?!
That was my frusterating for many, many long weeks. I did not understand why I had been placed with this family.
And then we started talking.
I do not know how to explain the conversation that I had with my host mom one day, but I found a very different story. After a very long conversation, I found out my host family (to this day) doesn't understand how AFS works. They thought that they were responsible for giving me a bed and the same amount of food everyone else is the family gets.
Sure, what else does a kid need- right?
Supposably this is what happened. My host family sent an email to AFS asking for more information. The next thing that happens is they picked a student. My family requested an American student. AFS gave them two (possibly the last two) profiles of American exchange students. Myself and another girl.
My family chose me soley on the fact that I had siblings in the United States (1) and the other girl was an only child. They thought it was a better choice since there were already four kids here in my host family.
(Doesn't that make me feel special...especially after all that hard application work...they got it in English so they didn't even read it...)
Sometime after my host family chose me, the president of AFS-Spain came to their house and explained how AFS worked.
This is when my host family found out they would not receive money from AFS, nor be able to send one of their kids on AFS without cost.
To this day I am confused as how this thought ever came about, but AFS is only volunteers.
With time, I found myself doing everything on my own. Need cough drops? Go find them. Need notebook? Go get it. Need this? Good luck finding it. Etc. Etc.
It was annoying. Now? I don't mind. I'm very used to it. The problem? I'm not part of a family. Well ok sure. Live under the same roof. Is that the definition? I don't think so... as I have a brother who lives under a roof in Italy.
I once went out of my box and asked if I could borrow dental floss. I couldn't find mine, and why not start to have more of that 'family' type of daily life?
They didn't have dental floss.
And I will never forget the look on their faces when I asked. It must be a foreign thing in this household...
But don't worry. I eventually found mine. I mean like, there's not too many places it could be...
Little things here and there add up. Rather quickly. I don't think it helped that they didn't realize I knew nothing about this country when I got here. And once I did, it was too much like a hotel. Here's your bed, we eat at this time, and if you need anything, ask.
Awesome. I have to ask for everything I need.
Lesson Learned: There are things in life you need, but can live without. You can't ask for them, but can only appreciate them once or if they are given to you.
It would be like saying:
"Can you pretend to be interested in showing an exchange student around town? Or pretend to welcome me? Thanks."
And when someone tells you that there is NOTHING to do in MADRID? Go figure. Never thought there'd be something to do in a city of about 3 million people...
And that's not the reason why there is 'nothing' to do in Madrid. They later explained that if there is something, they don't know about it.
Because they don't do activities...
But I've gotten past of most of these things. I kind of come and go, and not much more is done. If I want to do something, I find it, go, and pay for it by myself. This is completely fine, as I am almost 18. (The time when in America people are considered adults, because kids here live with their parents until they're like 30...)
The "hotel like" life has proven to be quite awkward, as while in someone's home you have a feeling that you NEED to be... wanted? liked? I'm not sure which word to fill in here. You need to be a member. Not a resident.
But I would like to say that my host family is very nice. Despite the awkward moments and differences, they are nice people. This Christmas break has been tough, as I feel like together everything has improved- to a point. I also know that I talked to AFS Spain, and they told me I am switching after Christmas break.
I don't know where.
I don't know when.
I don't know who.
And I don't know how to explain to my host family why.
The thing is, most of the problems come down to money. Sounds terrible, but true. There are no activities, which is huge. Then the part of feeling like a burden. And then the part of having a messed up diet due to a lack of quality and quantity of food. And when the friend of your host sibling jokes about the government giving your host family their house as a type of...financial aide? It just pushes things over the edge. Like a cliff.
I'm not sure what is true as far as the jokes, or what is reality or what I may just be dreaming, but the actualy reality is simple. Something isn't working, I'm not comfortable, and I don't feel like I can relate to many people.
AFS is an organization that gives students that family experience that a year abroad in college doesn't have. I could come back to live on my own in Spain and do whatever I want. This is not why I'm here now.
AHORA MISMO
I am in the first emotions of an exchange studnet waiting to hear where in the world they will live.
Exciting, right?
-mb
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Christmas: Madrid Style
A video I took with Caroline walking around the Puerta de Sol. I'll leave you to wonder...
Feliz Navidad
-mb
-mb
Monday, December 27, 2010
"Viaje" by Jacob Spetzler
Viaje from Jacob Spetzler on Vimeo.
The trip from New York to Madrid captured by Jacob Spetzler. An amazing video that reminds me of just how fast time goes by. A big thank you to Jacob for all the work for putting this together.
-mb
**You can see me with Phoebe & Zeke in Switzerland taking a picture with our Swiss chocolate and shots with the white sunglasses.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Navidad
Oh how far behind I am in blogging.
Christmas this year was really interesting, as I had not the slightest clue what to expect. Here they celebrate January 6th as the Day of the Three Kings, so there's still another holiday left.
We set up our artificial Christmas tree a few weeks ago. I have to laugh as it only took about 20 minutes, compared to a good six hours at home. Living in a small apartment makes it hard to have a big tree, as there is not much room. I was caught off guard when I was sitting down one day eating breakfast, to find my American Family's Christmas card in the middle of the tree. Do those usually go there??
In general, there are not as many Christmas decorations here as compared to the states. Decorations. Lights? Madrid may possibly be the most lit up city on planet Earth.
Myself and other exchangers went on a bus tour to see the lights, which was phenomenal. It could explain the reason for such a high electricity bill, as my host family can not afford to put Christmas lights on our tree.
School wasn't too exciting. Wednesday the 22nd was our last day, with Thursday being a Christmas party at the school. Again, half my class decided that there would be nothing important Wednesday, so our classroom had the number of kids there was on the day of the strike. Everyone I talked to wasn't going to the Christmas party Thursday, so I didn't go either. We received a Christmas card from the school, which really confused me- One, not everyone is Catholic, and Two, since when does the school give the students anything? Strange.
We don't return to school until Monday the 10th, after the Day of the Three Kings. I am looking forward to a long break, as school ends sometime in the middle to end of June. With me leaving July 1st, I think this is the longest amount of time I have left in Spain with no school.
Christmas Eve my host family's family came to our house for dinner. We ate a "fancy" dinner with everyone together. At midnight everyone at once got up and greeted each other with the Spanish greeting (two kisses on the cheek) which confused me at first, as I did not realize it was midnight for quite some time. Everyone just got up at once.
Next we opened gifts, (1 per person minus a few of my host siblings) which was a bit strange, as I am used to waking up and then opening gifts. That ended the night as everyone slept in the next day. Again, very strange for me to do nothing special on Christmas day itself.
Let me add a side note that there is no snow on the ground, and the grass is very green. It hasn't gotten cold yet, as I would compare this to the end of October or so in Minnesota. Awesome, actually. It's nice to go a year without the disaster mess that snow brings, but at the same time snow gives the season something that is missing here...
Currently I have no plans for New Year's Eve, but I've heard it is a tradition to eat grapes the last... 12? seconds of the countdown. Not Sure.
More Soon,
-mb
Group picture of students credited to Catherine.
Christmas this year was really interesting, as I had not the slightest clue what to expect. Here they celebrate January 6th as the Day of the Three Kings, so there's still another holiday left.
We set up our artificial Christmas tree a few weeks ago. I have to laugh as it only took about 20 minutes, compared to a good six hours at home. Living in a small apartment makes it hard to have a big tree, as there is not much room. I was caught off guard when I was sitting down one day eating breakfast, to find my American Family's Christmas card in the middle of the tree. Do those usually go there??
In general, there are not as many Christmas decorations here as compared to the states. Decorations. Lights? Madrid may possibly be the most lit up city on planet Earth.
Myself and other exchangers went on a bus tour to see the lights, which was phenomenal. It could explain the reason for such a high electricity bill, as my host family can not afford to put Christmas lights on our tree.
School wasn't too exciting. Wednesday the 22nd was our last day, with Thursday being a Christmas party at the school. Again, half my class decided that there would be nothing important Wednesday, so our classroom had the number of kids there was on the day of the strike. Everyone I talked to wasn't going to the Christmas party Thursday, so I didn't go either. We received a Christmas card from the school, which really confused me- One, not everyone is Catholic, and Two, since when does the school give the students anything? Strange.
We don't return to school until Monday the 10th, after the Day of the Three Kings. I am looking forward to a long break, as school ends sometime in the middle to end of June. With me leaving July 1st, I think this is the longest amount of time I have left in Spain with no school.
Christmas Eve my host family's family came to our house for dinner. We ate a "fancy" dinner with everyone together. At midnight everyone at once got up and greeted each other with the Spanish greeting (two kisses on the cheek) which confused me at first, as I did not realize it was midnight for quite some time. Everyone just got up at once.
Next we opened gifts, (1 per person minus a few of my host siblings) which was a bit strange, as I am used to waking up and then opening gifts. That ended the night as everyone slept in the next day. Again, very strange for me to do nothing special on Christmas day itself.
Let me add a side note that there is no snow on the ground, and the grass is very green. It hasn't gotten cold yet, as I would compare this to the end of October or so in Minnesota. Awesome, actually. It's nice to go a year without the disaster mess that snow brings, but at the same time snow gives the season something that is missing here...
Currently I have no plans for New Year's Eve, but I've heard it is a tradition to eat grapes the last... 12? seconds of the countdown. Not Sure.
More Soon,
-mb
Group picture of students credited to Catherine.
Monday, December 13, 2010
What I've Learned (3 Months)
What I've learned? Is... A lot.
What I've learned cannot be expressed in one post, a blog, or a book. Why? Because not even I know everything that I've learned. But I do know one thing.
I've learned a lot.
As I sit here and think of how the trimester students have already returned home, I am so thankful that I have more time.
Why? Because I have yet to finish many things.
One- the language.
Two- a solid group of Spanish friends.
Three- the culture.
Four- school.
Five- understanding life.
And lastly, I haven't figured out how to use a cell without handing over my life savings to Vodafone.
I've got seven months. But only... seven months.
A possibly better list than "What Still Needs to be Finished" would be titled "What Still Need to be Understood."
And this list...could go on. And on. And on. For kilometers, and kilometers, and eventually miles- (If you're in the United States...)
What Still Needs to be Understood:
One- the language.
Two- Spanish people.
Three- the culture.
Four- school.
Five- life.
And finally, how to use a cell phone without handing my life savings over to Vodafone.
Yep. Same list. And why is this? Simply the fact that I haven't learned everything yet. There are still unanswered questions, and missing pieces to the puzzle. If something doesn't make sense, it's simply because I don't know the reasoning behind it.
And this, my friend, is the reasoning behind three very eventful months...
ONE: The Language
Basic and straight forward- I have yet to master the Spanish language. At three months I can more or less understand most eventhing that is said to me. I can speak decently, but not as well as I'd like. It's interesting- as my level of Spanish depends on the topic of the conversation; mostly due to vocabulary.
Today while reading my science book, I could understand most everything. Understanding conversation? That's tricky. Conversation is very hard to understand when I'm not 'in' the conversation. I've decided this is because when you know what is going on, you can almost guess the response from someone, making it easier to understand.
Reading my literature book? I don't. Or- I try not to. It just gets me angry and makes me think I'm reading Chinese.
TWO: Spanish People
I don't like to generalize by any means, so I am just talking about sense I receive from the atmosphere around me. Waiters, clerks, salesmen, etc. have a different attitude and relationship with us..customers. They aren't as interested in your life as many are- and certainly would never dream of asking how a stranger's day was. I'm not saying they aren't nice- they just...are there to get their job done.
Lost? I've tended to notice that if someone doesn't know how to get there- they'll act like they do. Especially police officers. It really confuses me actually. If they don't know- they'll confidently point you in the direction of their choice.
Toursits. Good luck. That's all I have to say. You of course (remember I'm in Madrid...very toursity) will be taken advantage of by all means. I think a lot of people in Madrid are tired of tourists, and tend to ignore them when possible. It's funny for me to see tourists with all their fancy cameras, metro maps, standing on the wrong side of the escalator, pronouncing things wrong, and just generally wandering around in general. Then again I can pick out the Americans. That's always fun.
A few things I've noticed. The number of young smokers? RIDICULOUS. Absolutely absurd. It's sad to see such young kids walking around with cigarretss- I think if they actually knew how bad they are for you, they wouldn't smoke.
Walking. Yep. You can pick out a local from a tourist from a Spanish person just by the way they walk. Well, atleast the people I've been with. Tourists just walk around stopping in the middle of the street taking pictures, oohing and ahhing over the monuments or whatever, while I've noticed a lot of Spanish people just walk slow. Like in general. I mean, if it means you have to run twenty feet to make the metro on time, let's do it- ok? I never knew I could walk so slow in my life. It's quite difficult, actually. Requires a lot of patience.
"Mind your own business" is a phrase I don't know how to say in Spanish but could be very useful. If you're used to not wearing a coat in 65ºF weather, you're not going to wear one, OK? And if you don't wear a scarf because "it's windy"...your not going to! And if you don't sit down the second the teacher comes into class, it's your problem- not theirs. Just because I (or other exchangers) might speak like a little kid, people forget that they don't have to treat us like one too.
Crosswalks. I am very intriegued as to what the laws are in Spain- as you can cross any (for sure one way) street and cars will just stop for you. It's amazing. Red, Green, Yellow, whatever- you are basically allowed to cross whenever you feel like it. It's still taking a bit of getting used to- but it's really nice. Bigger streets? Not as much. People really like to show off how loud they can rumble their moped though.
Besides teachers which I have already talked about- I want to make clear that I am not saying every single person is or does things mentioned about. I've just found a few similarities I've found in the people here.
THREE: The Culture
This is simply been quite an...interesting part of my adventure. If you read Jake's blog, theres a post about 8? things different here than in the USA. We had to laugh because almost all of his differences were opposites of mine. This just proves that culture and family lifestyle are two completely different things.
So what is culture? That's a tough question. As life in your house can be so much different than you're neighbor's...culture is such a hard topic. Also, being in the center of Madrid makes it hard to distinguish between 'culture' and 'tourist traps'. Chocolate and churros are lined up in the streets, followed with places to eat paella and ham- but is this really what the culture is?
My answer has yet to be found. I have been left to do culture searching basically on my own. I have been thankful enough to have gone with other student's host families to a few events- but I'm still out searching for that "typical lifestyle"...as my host family is quite different.
FOUR: School.
School. Ugh. That's a post in it's own. (Eskwehla en Espahnya...or something)
FIVE: Life.
As most of my differences have been with my host family, it is very interesting to see how drastically different lifestyles can be in the same country. I've concluded that the country you pick isn't nearly as important as the family you receive. And to confirm the rumors- Yes. I am searching for a new host family in Madrid. there have been some miscommunications as to what is a "family experience" and the responsibilities of a host family. If you host- atleast be interested in having someone in your home. For the least.
Even though three and a half months have been a bit questionable on this end- I have learned more than I probably would have with a more "typical" host family. Simply this has made my experience worthwhile- as I have grown leaps and bounds by figuring out and solving daily life by myself.
And last, the good old Vodafone. I'm not going to lie- it's going to be weird going back to a home where I can shoot anyone a text or call them when or how often I want. My phone plan? 35 (EURO!) cents a minute or text. Unless they have Vodafone. Then I only have to pay for the first minute, and the next 89 minutes are free. The catch? You service never lasts for more than three minutes. Go figure.
And this is only a summary of What I've Learned- the Three Month Mark.
Keep an Open Mind
-mb
What I've learned cannot be expressed in one post, a blog, or a book. Why? Because not even I know everything that I've learned. But I do know one thing.
I've learned a lot.
As I sit here and think of how the trimester students have already returned home, I am so thankful that I have more time.
Why? Because I have yet to finish many things.
One- the language.
Two- a solid group of Spanish friends.
Three- the culture.
Four- school.
Five- understanding life.
And lastly, I haven't figured out how to use a cell without handing over my life savings to Vodafone.
I've got seven months. But only... seven months.
A possibly better list than "What Still Needs to be Finished" would be titled "What Still Need to be Understood."
And this list...could go on. And on. And on. For kilometers, and kilometers, and eventually miles- (If you're in the United States...)
What Still Needs to be Understood:
One- the language.
Two- Spanish people.
Three- the culture.
Four- school.
Five- life.
And finally, how to use a cell phone without handing my life savings over to Vodafone.
Yep. Same list. And why is this? Simply the fact that I haven't learned everything yet. There are still unanswered questions, and missing pieces to the puzzle. If something doesn't make sense, it's simply because I don't know the reasoning behind it.
And this, my friend, is the reasoning behind three very eventful months...
ONE: The Language
Basic and straight forward- I have yet to master the Spanish language. At three months I can more or less understand most eventhing that is said to me. I can speak decently, but not as well as I'd like. It's interesting- as my level of Spanish depends on the topic of the conversation; mostly due to vocabulary.
Today while reading my science book, I could understand most everything. Understanding conversation? That's tricky. Conversation is very hard to understand when I'm not 'in' the conversation. I've decided this is because when you know what is going on, you can almost guess the response from someone, making it easier to understand.
Reading my literature book? I don't. Or- I try not to. It just gets me angry and makes me think I'm reading Chinese.
TWO: Spanish People
I don't like to generalize by any means, so I am just talking about sense I receive from the atmosphere around me. Waiters, clerks, salesmen, etc. have a different attitude and relationship with us..customers. They aren't as interested in your life as many are- and certainly would never dream of asking how a stranger's day was. I'm not saying they aren't nice- they just...are there to get their job done.
Lost? I've tended to notice that if someone doesn't know how to get there- they'll act like they do. Especially police officers. It really confuses me actually. If they don't know- they'll confidently point you in the direction of their choice.
Toursits. Good luck. That's all I have to say. You of course (remember I'm in Madrid...very toursity) will be taken advantage of by all means. I think a lot of people in Madrid are tired of tourists, and tend to ignore them when possible. It's funny for me to see tourists with all their fancy cameras, metro maps, standing on the wrong side of the escalator, pronouncing things wrong, and just generally wandering around in general. Then again I can pick out the Americans. That's always fun.
A few things I've noticed. The number of young smokers? RIDICULOUS. Absolutely absurd. It's sad to see such young kids walking around with cigarretss- I think if they actually knew how bad they are for you, they wouldn't smoke.
Walking. Yep. You can pick out a local from a tourist from a Spanish person just by the way they walk. Well, atleast the people I've been with. Tourists just walk around stopping in the middle of the street taking pictures, oohing and ahhing over the monuments or whatever, while I've noticed a lot of Spanish people just walk slow. Like in general. I mean, if it means you have to run twenty feet to make the metro on time, let's do it- ok? I never knew I could walk so slow in my life. It's quite difficult, actually. Requires a lot of patience.
"Mind your own business" is a phrase I don't know how to say in Spanish but could be very useful. If you're used to not wearing a coat in 65ºF weather, you're not going to wear one, OK? And if you don't wear a scarf because "it's windy"...your not going to! And if you don't sit down the second the teacher comes into class, it's your problem- not theirs. Just because I (or other exchangers) might speak like a little kid, people forget that they don't have to treat us like one too.
Crosswalks. I am very intriegued as to what the laws are in Spain- as you can cross any (for sure one way) street and cars will just stop for you. It's amazing. Red, Green, Yellow, whatever- you are basically allowed to cross whenever you feel like it. It's still taking a bit of getting used to- but it's really nice. Bigger streets? Not as much. People really like to show off how loud they can rumble their moped though.
Besides teachers which I have already talked about- I want to make clear that I am not saying every single person is or does things mentioned about. I've just found a few similarities I've found in the people here.
THREE: The Culture
This is simply been quite an...interesting part of my adventure. If you read Jake's blog, theres a post about 8? things different here than in the USA. We had to laugh because almost all of his differences were opposites of mine. This just proves that culture and family lifestyle are two completely different things.
So what is culture? That's a tough question. As life in your house can be so much different than you're neighbor's...culture is such a hard topic. Also, being in the center of Madrid makes it hard to distinguish between 'culture' and 'tourist traps'. Chocolate and churros are lined up in the streets, followed with places to eat paella and ham- but is this really what the culture is?
My answer has yet to be found. I have been left to do culture searching basically on my own. I have been thankful enough to have gone with other student's host families to a few events- but I'm still out searching for that "typical lifestyle"...as my host family is quite different.
FOUR: School.
School. Ugh. That's a post in it's own. (Eskwehla en Espahnya...or something)
FIVE: Life.
As most of my differences have been with my host family, it is very interesting to see how drastically different lifestyles can be in the same country. I've concluded that the country you pick isn't nearly as important as the family you receive. And to confirm the rumors- Yes. I am searching for a new host family in Madrid. there have been some miscommunications as to what is a "family experience" and the responsibilities of a host family. If you host- atleast be interested in having someone in your home. For the least.
Even though three and a half months have been a bit questionable on this end- I have learned more than I probably would have with a more "typical" host family. Simply this has made my experience worthwhile- as I have grown leaps and bounds by figuring out and solving daily life by myself.
And last, the good old Vodafone. I'm not going to lie- it's going to be weird going back to a home where I can shoot anyone a text or call them when or how often I want. My phone plan? 35 (EURO!) cents a minute or text. Unless they have Vodafone. Then I only have to pay for the first minute, and the next 89 minutes are free. The catch? You service never lasts for more than three minutes. Go figure.
And this is only a summary of What I've Learned- the Three Month Mark.
Keep an Open Mind
-mb
Monday, November 29, 2010
Searching for Snow
Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
-Robert Frost
Saturday a group of us AFS students went hiking in the mountains. For like five hours. Possibly some of the best five hours ever. The trip was absolutely incredible. Our journey took us through a completely distinct part of Spain. The mountains are completely different and offer a completely different view of what Spain has to offer.
We were told to come prepared for 15 centimeters of snow...This confused me as being from Minnesota- 15cm of snow is like warning someone there is grass in your front yard. Don't let the pictures fool you- my friend and I took turns carrying the coats or the backpack :)
The first sighting of snow? Well, we almost missed it. But the higher we climbed, the more snow there was. And we found enough to have a snowball fight---AWESOME!
We also encountered cows (with a cow bell- something I've never actually seen used before) and horses. They all belonged to someone- but it was really interesting how you were free to walk right up to them.
Today is a day to go down in history. Not only was it the first snowfall (picture below a view outside my window)in Madrid, but also the day I received my Student Card (Extended Visa) as well.
...And don't worry, I had to go to two different places and ask five people for directions. Any future AFS Spain student should contact me for directions, as I can give you a perfect metro-by-metro color coded building (& opening and closing times) guide. Along with the list of places that were the "old" government buildings...
Before closing, I would like to give a big Muchas Gracias to Esther & Miguel for letting me borrow the snow pants, gloves, shoes, and SWEET (Me encanta MUCHO!) hat. As not only did this make my hike possible, I felt pretty cool :)
Happy Snow Searching
-mb
Oh yeah, and my spell check is now in Spanish. But the website is still in English? Super.
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
-Robert Frost
Saturday a group of us AFS students went hiking in the mountains. For like five hours. Possibly some of the best five hours ever. The trip was absolutely incredible. Our journey took us through a completely distinct part of Spain. The mountains are completely different and offer a completely different view of what Spain has to offer.
We were told to come prepared for 15 centimeters of snow...This confused me as being from Minnesota- 15cm of snow is like warning someone there is grass in your front yard. Don't let the pictures fool you- my friend and I took turns carrying the coats or the backpack :)
The first sighting of snow? Well, we almost missed it. But the higher we climbed, the more snow there was. And we found enough to have a snowball fight---AWESOME!
We also encountered cows (with a cow bell- something I've never actually seen used before) and horses. They all belonged to someone- but it was really interesting how you were free to walk right up to them.
Today is a day to go down in history. Not only was it the first snowfall (picture below a view outside my window)in Madrid, but also the day I received my Student Card (Extended Visa) as well.
...And don't worry, I had to go to two different places and ask five people for directions. Any future AFS Spain student should contact me for directions, as I can give you a perfect metro-by-metro color coded building (& opening and closing times) guide. Along with the list of places that were the "old" government buildings...
Before closing, I would like to give a big Muchas Gracias to Esther & Miguel for letting me borrow the snow pants, gloves, shoes, and SWEET (Me encanta MUCHO!) hat. As not only did this make my hike possible, I felt pretty cool :)
Happy Snow Searching
-mb
Oh yeah, and my spell check is now in Spanish. But the website is still in English? Super.
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