Am I a local yet?

Second week of classes in the books. Nothing to report.

Last night, I attended my first FC Barcelona game. For you Americans, that's the football team in Barcelona (soccer ugh why don't you guys know anything). Some of you may not know this, but these Spaniards LIVE for football. Like, you can almost tell someone's political ideology just based of what team they cheer for. They mean business.

So we bought these tickets because they were super cheap because Barca was playing a bad team or something like that? I really have no idea but they were cheap so I figured why not. I get off the metro to meet my friends at the stadium and it is pouring rain. Obviously, I was not dressed appropriately for rain. I decided to spend 5€ on a bright orange poncho (I was already soaked before the game even started so I figured why not) and then when I put it on. it immediately ripped down the center. Then I wore the poncho like a cape.

We get to the seats that we paid for and they were front row. Literally, at eye level with the players (which didn't even matter because second string was playing ugh MESSI WHERE ARE YOU). We took a fantastic picture in front of the field and then sat down in the pouring rain. I sat down for maybe 40 seconds before saying, "I can't and I won't." Me and one of the other guys in the group went to get different seats under the overhang of the stadium where we happened to run into a bunch of other kids in our program so we sat with them (the stadium was empty so we could sit wherever). I guess everyone else had the same idea:

We watched Barca kill the other team 5-1 (which does not make for a very exciting game, let me tell you). It was really cool to see how the locals acted at the game because they are so passionate about this sport. There was a group of fans who were cheering the entire game. Like they had specific cheers to do at different times and there was a huge drum and a man with a megaphone and everything. Also, at 17 minutes, they chant,"Independencia" because it was in the year 1714 when the Catalans lost the war and were stuck being a part of Spain. So that was interesting. I might have started to chant it too...I'm just trying to fit in, ok??

Overall and despite the rain, I had a good time. We are also going to a game this Saturday. FCB is playing Valencia and apparently they are kind of a good team so it should be a better game. Our seats are wayyyy up top so I probably won't get the opportunity to take another picture as fine as this one:

Go team go.

I'm headed to Montserrat, Spain tomorrow for the day. Supposedly there are cool mountains or something so I guess it should be fun. Stay tuned.

Angela

Montag, Dienstag, Mittwoch...

That title right there? That's all of the German I know. Just kidding I actually know all 7 days of the week, how to count 1-10 and then 20-30 (forgot 10-20 oops), how to say "that is not good" and "what is this", and how to say "thanks". Needless to say, I was the most advanced German speaker in my traveling group. Shoutout to Herr Katzenmayer of Thomas Middle School.

I LOVED Berlin. I did feel like a total peasant because it was about the same temperature as Chicago and I have been so spoiled in Barcelona that I forgot what cold felt like. I have never been so cold in my entire life. Before I start talking about my weekend in Berlin, I should go over the plane ride to Berlin.

I decided to be nice and give Angie the window seat when we were picking seats. I did not realize that there was a possibility that my aisle seat partner would be a chatty Kathy. Or that he would be a 30 year old Algerian man who barely speaks English but really, really, really wants to talk to you. We started talking at first just small talk and he was practicing his English. Then the plane took off. Then he kept talking to me. Then he said I am very beautiful and my language is also very beautiful. Then he asked me if he could add me on Facebook. Then he gave me his name to add him on Facebook. Then he gave me Algerian money (dinar) as a "souvenir". Then he tried to buy me a drink. Then he asked for my phone number, in which I told him I didn't have one. Then he told me he's going to be in Barcelona next weekend and he wants to see me (I might be out of town that weekend...). In total we probably talked for 2 hours out of the 2.5 hour flight. I know what I just described sounds incredibly forward and creepy but he was very nice and thanked me many times for the conversation and the help with his English. I'm going to go spend my dinar now.

Then we got to Berlin and looked for a place to eat. Let me tell you, these Germans know how to eat. Much more so than the Spaniards, at least. After a delicious (and expensive) meal, we went on a pub crawl with other tourists. One thing I learned on this pub crawl: prostitution is legal in Berlin. Another thing I learned: all prostitutes wear sparkly moonboots. So if you're going to Berlin, leave the moonboots at home.

The next day, we went to a breakfast buffet and between the six of us in the group I think we consumed enough food for 30 people. It was 11:30 so we might as well eat breakfast and lunch while we're at it. Also, these Germans eat breakfast the right way unlike Spaniards with their little toast and coffee. It was like a taste of America. Then we went to the Berlin Wall and took some pictures there. It was a really beautiful day and seeing the wall was amazing. Also this graffiti was amazing. The Germans know how to respect their monuments.

After that we went on a walking tour of Berlin, which was incredible despite the freezing temperatures. The tour was free and we got to see and learn about the history of just about everything in Berlin. One of the most fascinating things I learned was what the deal is with this parking lot:

Right under that parking lot and sidewalk is Hitler's bunker (where he killed himself). It's basically a giant middle finger to Hitler that no one cares where he died. There is not one sign marking that this is the place because no one wants to honor anything about him. About 100 yards away from this was the memorial to the Jews killed in the Holocaust, which is a massive piece of land. Way to go, Berlin. 

Once we couldn't feel our feet anymore, we went to a restaurant for dinner and then back home. We took a short siesta (we are too accustomed to Spain) and then went to a club. All in all, both nights were great and we got to meet people from all over which was super cool and I'm really glad we went to Berlin!

I have class in 7 hours and I haven't done any homework. 

Angela 

Just take all of my money, please.

If you have ever been to downtown Chicago with me, you know I have such a soft spot for homeless people. I'm one of those people that damn well knows most of these people are just acting homeless to make money but I still think, "Maybe this one is real. I have an extra dollar anyway." Being this way is absolutely terrible in Barcelona because there are homeless people/beggars everywhere. Having been here for two weeks, I have categorized the homeless people and beggars.

Disclaimer: I have not actually given anyone money yet, still trying to act like a local.

Type 1: The Pity Puppy

It is proven that I am 45% more likely to give you my money if you have a dog with you while you are begging. These people have the dogs perfectly trained to lay in their laps under their coats and give you puppy dog eyes as you pass by. The dog just looks so sad and cold and tired and helpless and I want to give this man my entire wallet to just make this dog happy. Effectiveness rating: an impressive 9.5.

Type 2: The "Help me, I'm poor" 

These people just sit and look down with their hoods up and their arms bundled into their raggedy coats. They won't make eye contact with you. Just sit there with their little cup in front of them. They are usually sitting in front of a bag full of their belongings. They are giving off the vibe, "I'm too sad and poor to have the energy to ask you for money just feel bad for me and give me money." I can't say it doesn't pull at my heartstrings. Effectiveness rating: a solid 8.

Type 3: The Performer

This type of beggar (I assume they are not homeless, but it doesn't seem like they have jobs) puts their "musical" talent to the test. They usually station themselves in the Metro corridors but sometimes they will be on the streets playing. I have seen guitarists, violinists, singers, accordionists, and last but not least a RECORDIST (I don't know what else to call someone who plays the recorder for money, but I also feel like this is my calling, right Erin?). If you are extremely lucky, you will get a performer ON the Metro with you. They carry an amp like a rolling suitcase and go into the car and perform their instrument of choice. They then go around with their cups collecting money from the passengers then move on to the next car. Seeing as they are working for their money, I give them an effectiveness rating of 7.

Type 4: The Pushy Poor Person

This type of beggar or homeless person is typically an older woman wearing a scarf on her head, a sweater, and a long skirt. They literally all wear the same thing. They are aggressive in their begging technique and will come up to you on the street and shove their cup in your face and start speaking some language I don't even understand. If you make eye contact, that is game over and they will follow you wherever you are going begging you for money. Because they are so annoying and I'm not positive they are even homeless, I give them an effectiveness rating of 3.5.

Type 5: The Obviously Not Homeless

Today, I saw a man literally wearing clothes probably worth about the same as my clothes were worth just sitting on a bench with a cup in his hand. He wasn't even trying in the least bit and it was obvious he was not homeless. Like, what did you lose your home and all of the sudden lose every single belonging you have ever owned and only kept the (rather nice) clothes on your back? You also look freshly showered. Sorry, but you are going to have to try a little bit harder to win my buck. Effectiveness rating: 0.

I'm wondering how long I will be able to hold out until I cave and give them some money. My heart says, "Just empty your wallet. Look at the puppy and just give him the whole damn wallet." But my brain says, "You're stupid they probably aren't homeless just walk away now." My heart will win in the end.

Heading to Berlin tomorrow. With that, I leave you with a lyric from Lady Gaga's "Scheibe"-"I don't speak German but I can if you'd like."

Angela

Wait, I have to take classes?

First two days of classes have come to a close. I'm taking some pretty interesting classes here, and I'm not exactly sure how this semester will go. I'm taking:

-Spanish. I'm almost positive I should be in a higher class because every time the class doesn't understand what my teacher is saying he looks at me to translate. I also know the answer to everyone's questions. Instead of moving up a level, I'm going to spend the semester pretending I am the Hermione of Barcelona. 

-Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City. I guess I was hoping that this class would be filled with things to do around the city but instead it's basically a history class. I also pulled a Hermione in this class and was able to explain the entire conflict between Spain and Catalunya since 1714 so I'm pretty sure I already made a few enemies.

-Sports and Society in Spain. Look at this title. How does that not look like a blow off class? Apparently we will also be looking at social theories and how they have to do with sports and society but basically we will be learning about Spain's OBSESSION with football (soccer, you stupid Americans). Also, on the first day of class I was reminded that water polo actually matters in Europe and they have professional leagues and such so I'm going to try to go see some real water polo (no offense Buffalo Grove Polo but you're pathetic). 

-Politics in Spain. On the very first day my professor used the phrase (viewer discretion is advised) "dickhead" a number of times and then referred to Catalunya being "fucked in the ass" by Spain so I'm sure this class has to be all sorts of interesting. He also made a few references to the American system and how Americans think they have it so bad when really we have the most successful government in the world so I'm interested to gain insight on our system from a Spanish professor.

-Banditry and Mafias in the Mediterranean. I really don't know why I took this class. I honestly do not have an interest in banditry or mafia (especially because pickpockets aren't considered bandits). So this will be fun.

These past few days were kind of a rude awakening that I'm not just here to travel and go out but I actually have to learn things. Also, these grades transfer directly back to Illinois so I actually have to try hard to get good grades (as opposed to people taking classes just for credit, aka pass/fail). I do have a trip to Berlin planned for this weekend so that will be fun and I am currently in the works of planning a trip to Prague. If that doesn't make you jealous enough, it's 55 degrees here everyday. Then when I got home today, Mercedes told me how cold it was outside. Hope all of you are enjoying those freezing temps, peasants.

Angela

#nofilter

Let's start this post out with a laugh: I didn't know that Picasso was a recent artist. I thought he lived in the same era as van Gogh. I thought that almost the entire time I walked around the Picasso museum today until I saw a collection of photos taken of him from his later life and they were somewhat modern. This is what's wrong with our education system, America.

So as many of you who have been reading my blog know, I live in a homstay with an old woman named Mercedes, her annoying cat, and my roommate Natalie. Mercedes doesn't speak any English, but with my minimal Spanish skills, things have been going along swimmingly.

In Spain, dinners are usually bigger and very focused on the family catching up with each other's days. Usually, Mercedes puts out a dinner for Natalie and me and we eat and sometimes talk with her. Last night, I was telling Mercedes about how our classes start on Monday and how on Monday and Wednesday my classes start at 9 but on Tuesday and Thursday they start at 10:45. This was all in very broken Spanish mind you but (in my opinion) I was getting my message across. Mercedes doesn't respond to my statement but instead looks at Natalie and asks (in Spanish), "Are you in a higher Spanish class than her? Because your Spanish is definitely better than hers." 

"WHAT. Excuse me?? Are you serious?" Are some thoughts than ran through my head immediately after she said this but unfortunately, since my Spanish is subpar, I was not able to convey any of these thoughts. Mercedes then continued to talk about my Spanish abilities (or lack thereof) to Natalie RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE as if I didn't understand what she was saying. If this isn't awkward, I don't know what is. I laughed it off and then later cried in my room because I was so upset with her. Who does that? I've been trying so hard for the past two weeks to be a good house guest and try to be nice and have conversations with her but apparently those efforts are going unappreciated. 

This happening on top of all of these Spaniards constantly thinking I speak Spanish and then getting disappointed when I don't really just makes me want to make an American flag cape and wear that around all the time just to clear up any confusion. Also, if Mercedes asks me something again, I'm just going to say, "Lo siento no hablo el spanish" and hope that gets the point across. 

Maybe it's just cultural differences, but I'm pretty sure that in America we would appreciate the effort instead of bashing someone right in front of them and in turn making them cry. Because that is probably one of the ruder things you can do. Instead, we'll just talk about them amongst ourselves later behind their backs, which is obviously much nicer. At least I didn't let Mercedes see me cry. I will not show weakness against her. I'm never speaking Spanish again.

Also, a quick side note: I thought I was done wearing skin tight dresses and 5 inch heels out to bars (S/O to freshman year) but that's how everyone dresses here. Last night, I looked like an actual congress woman compared to these girls (I was going for a slutty Hillary Clinton look). Looks like I need to go shopping.

Sorry this was a very salty/ranty post. Just kidding no I'm not.

Angela

Venturing Outside Barcelona

Sorry I didn't post yesterday, I'm sure you all missed me and are wondering where I went. The answer to that is Tarragona, Spain.

Tarragona was the capital of Ancient Rome's colony on the Iberian Peninsula or something like that. Moral of the story is that there were a ton of ancient ruins and they were really cool to look at. The rest of the city had literally nothing else to offer.

We first went on a tour of the amphitheater and the place where they held chariot races. I wish I could tell you more about this but I was definitely placed in the wrong group because the tour was entirely in Spanish (at least it wasn't Catalan) and I retained about 12% of what was said. It's not like I don't understand it, I just spend more time translating than looking around and appreciating the information. So basically, Romans lived here and made a big city and held races and gladiator fights.

Here is the amphitheater right on the beach. Would have been a better picture if the sun ever came out in Europe but that isn't looking promising. 

After that, we went to the monastery right outside of Tarragona. That tour was also in Spanish and I literally cannot tell you one thing about the monastery other than monks lived there and I am pretty sure this is where the monks played basketball.

Then we went out last night. It was fun, and it kills me to say that some stories just aren't meant for blogging about. Sorry.

Today, we did something that was actually really cool. So Catalonia has this awesome tradition/pride thing called castells. A castell is a human tower (or castle) that they build basically for fun I guess but it's a huge team effort and they are really passionate about it. It's really hard to explain so I found a video that shows it:

This is so awesome because it incorporates people of all ages and gender. A child is ALWAYS on the tippy top and raises his or her hand to signify that the tower is complete (which he did in the video) and then usually they smoothly collapse but I guess this time they fell. The towers can consist of a bunch of different combinations of levels and number of people on each level. The structure is extremely important and it takes everyone working together to create a successful tower. Seriously, look at how much they are swaying and how much they work together just to keep the tower standing. The teamwork is absolutely unbelievable and when I was watching the videos of successful towers and the reactions of the people when the completed the tower, it gave me the chills. 

Anyway, we went to a place that trains people to do this and they taught us how to do it. We obviously did not make one this high, but we learned how they did it. A few people actually practiced climbing on to someone else and standing on their shoulders. I was one of the lucky ones that got chosen to climb on to someone without any help. The guy I was climbing on to was shaking, I was shaking, I almost fell a few times, and balancing was a challenge but it was really cool. Actually the worst part was I needed to be barefoot and I was caught without my toenails painted and it was pretty humiliating...I almost wish I did fall of his shoulders to hide from the embarrassment. Here are some pics of me almost dying while trying to accomplish this:

"Ok, this won't be that bad."

"Sorry while I put my body weight on your head"

"Wait I have to stand up all the way?!"

"What have I done."

"Ok let me down now."

Photo Cred: Bodecker DellaMaria

Then we got lunch at a famous restaurant and there was unlimited wine so that happened. 

Sometimes Gato sits on my lap and I stroke her and pretend I'm Dr. Evil from Austin Powers. I'm going to go to sleep now.

Angela

Sweaters all around!

As of yesterday, I have officially been here for 1 week. And I am still alive. I have 15 more weeks here, and I'm already running out of weekends as I try to plan everything I want to accomplish while I'm in Europa. If anyone has any input of places to go and things to do let me know please!

Highlight of today: finding a Mexican restaurant in Barcelona. Highlight of the highlight: they served flautas. My all-time favorite Mexican food. Fernando's words ("The best Mexican food is made by the Mexicans themselves") definitely held true, but I was just glad to find a restaurant that serves nachos and guacamole. My life just changed for the better. Then tonight Mercedes made a somewhat normal dish of chicken and vegetables so I would say today is the first day I was able to eat like a human. But wait, more happened today.

I decided on my favorite Spanish trend. Sweaters. Most American girls are probably reading this thinking, "That's also a trend in America, idiot" (Erin is probably thinking that, knowing her). But I'm talking about sweaters for dogs. Seeing dogs wearing clothing is a rarity in America and even when they are wearing clothes it's a joke. Here, pet owners legitimately put sweaters on their dogs so they don't get cold. Remember how I said they bundle up like it's 20° cooler? Well they dress their dogs like they are also getting cold. On my walk to class today I saw 6 dogs wearing sweaters. It definitely makes life more interesting.

Also, they treat dogs entirely different than we do. The other day I was in H&M (how American of me) and a man literally had his dog. In the store. Another time I was in the GROCERY store and there was a dog in it!!! Seeing as I love dogs I can't complain and I'm just gracious that there aren't cats stalking around everywhere. Gato is enough for me.

Tomorrow I am headed to Tarragona with some other children in my program (I'm hoping my family understands this Breakfast Club reference) and I'm super excited to see another part of Spain. I also have a trip to Madrid planned. I have a few friends studying there so it will be great to see them while being in a different country. I know this semester is going to go by so fast!!

This is kind of a short post, but someone told me today that they were getting too long. Ouch, right in the #feelings.

Angela

It's Not All Bad

It has been brought to my attention that my blog makes it seem like I hate it here in Barcelona and that I want to go home. Well that is partly true, I do want to go home because I miss my friends and family already but I do not hate Barcelona in the least bit. I hate the culture shock that has been associated with Barcelona. It has been much harder for me to get used to a new country than I expected it would. So today, I thought I would write about all of the cool things here that I like that you cannot find in America that make studying abroad worth it.

1. Casual monuments
Seeing as America is relatively new, we don't have buildings that have existed since the 1400s (especially not the midwest). I think it is so cool that every single day these people drive past these monuments that are beautifully constructed and hold so much history. I get to see these every day until May and that is pretty amazing.

2. A unique culture
Catalonians are currently fighting for a vote on if Catalonia should be its own state or not. Most people in Barcelona are pretty passionate about this subject, and it's very interesting to see the governmental controversies in a different country. I think people will still probably blame Obama.

3. Pan con tomate
This dish is specific to Catalonia, and it is delicious (even though I have hated tomatoes my whole life). They take a certain kind of bread (kind of like french bread or a baguette I'm not sure) and toast it lightly. Then they take a halved tomato and rub it all over the bread. Drizzle some olive oil and a little bit of salt and boom there you have an amazing Catalan staple. I can definitely get used to eating this bread on a regular basis. It's especially cool because no one else in the world makes this bread.

4. The Lisp
Ever since I started Spanish classes in middle school I have learned about the Barcelona Lisp. I had no idea it was actually a real thing until studying here. Everyone lisps. This means that in order to sound like a local, I need to lisp. I'm going to have the time of my life lisping this semester. They lisp "c" and "z", surprisingly not "s" but that means that my name is pronounced Angela Luth Rodrigueth. Everyone sounds like a 5 year old and I still think its hilarious.

5. The concept of "fast food" doesn't exist
Sure they have McDonald's and Burger King here (I actually think Burger King is more popular here than America) but there is no such thing as a drive thru. Also taking things "to go" is unheard of (and if you do it, it screams American). By doing this, they encourage people to sit down and actually enjoy each others company instead of eating in the front seat of the car on the way to a meeting.

6. People value each others company
People sit at restaurants for hours regularly just talking. It is completely normal to stay at the restaurant an hour after you finish eating just chatting and the waiter will not bring the check until you ask for it so they are not rushing you out at all. It is also not common to take coffee to go, so if people want coffee before work they will sit in a cafe and drink coffee until they need to leave for work. I think this is so cool that they slow life down enough to spend time with friends and enjoy life rather than us Americans who are constantly on the go.

7. Something new everyday
I don't think 4 months is enough to see all that Barcelona has to offer and I'm so excited to try to see it all. I wonder if they offer segway tours like Chicago does...

8. Meeting locals who also want to meet you
When you are out at a bar you might run into locals who are really excited to practice their English and tell you all about their favorite places to travel or eat or drink. They have so much information and advice and they actually want to interact with the American pigs.

9. Complete independence in a completely new environment
I have grown so accustomed to how I operate in Champaign and Arlington Heights. It's hard making a new routine, but I can make it whatever I want. Gelato and pan con tomate everyday.

10. Having the opportunity to be an American in a different country, even though it is hard
I would take traveling all around Europe at the cost of a few dirty looks and frustrated Spaniards. Because really, when I will ever have this opportunity again? The answer to that is never. So I will embrace the tourist in me.

11. You don't have to tip
Do you have any idea how nice it is to receive the bill and just pay the amount rather than do math and pay more money than you really owe? It's great. America can learn from Europe.

I hope this shows some of you that I really am having a good time and I'm beyond grateful for this opportunity and while I miss all of you in the states (ok not all of you sorry) I'm going to stay here and live a way more amazing life than you fools for the next 4 months. So adios y hasta luego.

You can find me stuffing my face with gelato in a cafe by the Mediterranean Sea.

Angela

Um...puedo tener...

You know how when people say they plan on studying abroad in England or Ireland or somewhere that speaks English and you just think, "Wow what a cop out" (at least I think that). After today's experience I am kicking myself in the butt for ever doubting these brilliant students who are making the right decision.

For all of you that didn't know, the central language in Barcelona is Catalan. Most people can also speak Spanish, but all signs, menus, directions, are in Catalan. Which leaves me knowing none of the language that is actually spoken and knowing some of the language that only some people speak.

Today, my friend Angie and I went to a restaurant for lunch. Like I mentioned in my last post, I have not had any desire to eat lately but today, I was starving. Naturally, I wanted to eat while I could. We walked up and down streets looking for somewhere to eat because many shops and cafes close for siesta (and I thought Americans were lazy...) but we finally found a decent looking restaurant and walked in. Once we sat down, I expected a waiter to come give us menus like they do in America. Instead, a Catalan-speaking woman came to the table and literally just looked at Angie and me. Staring. She started speaking in Catalan because we were obviously confused tourists and I caught the words "tomar algo" which I have been interpreting as being asked what I want to drink. I said, "Puedo tomar agua" and she just looked at me and kept talking (in Catalan) and Angie and I just kept looking at each other until Angie finally said "un minuto por favor" so we could gather our thoughts. After Angie said that, she brought us a stack of napkins about 3 inches high. I could have eaten an entire rack of ribs and still have had extra napkins. Needless to say, this confused us more. The set up of this restaurant was kind of like a buffet, but really fancy. But I didn't know if I was supposed to go get food or if I was supposed to ask the waitress for it and I was too terrified to do the wrong thing and get yelled at in Catalan that we just ordered coffee (the only kind of coffee we know how to order, which happened to be about 4 oz). After we drank the coffee, I was still hungry but my fear of being yelled at for doing the wrong thing kept me from eating. I am literally so intimidated by these people that I am willing to sacrifice food.

They also order food differently than we do in America. We are very polite and ask, "May I please have" (or at least us civilized people do) hence the title of today's post meaning, "Could I have". Apparently this is a dead giveaway that you are American. It is weird to be polite. Compared to America, everyone here is mean. There is no friendly smiling, rare eye contact, and no small talk whatsoever. As a rather smiley person, I'm working on my Spanish face. This is the face I make whenever anyone looks at me who I don't know. I hate being so mean but I also hate looking so damn American. These are the struggles I deal with on a daily basis.

I'm going to go read up on some Catalan now.

Angela

My Life: Turned Around

This may be the last time you hear from me.

For all of you that know me well (I'm looking at you, Taylor Molln), you know that I self-diagnose. I self-diagnose A LOT. And I'm not the typical hypochondriac who always assumes cancer. I like to find obscure illnesses that I am POSITIVE I have. This time it is Meningitis. Like I mentioned in my last post, this is why I will lose 20 pounds.

One of my symptoms is that I constantly feel sick. These feelings are especially present when I'm trying to eat Spanish food. It may be because the food is kind of gross but even when I eat things I've eaten before I get stabbing pains in my stomach. Before I continue discussing why I have Meningitis, I want to take a moment to explain what I had for dinner last night:

-A white rice patty about two inches high and 6 inches in diameter. Covered in warm ketchup.

-A boiled hot dog.

-A fried egg.

-Cinnamon apple pieces.

-Toast

Apparently, you are supposed to eat this all together and it tastes good, but being the American I am, I ate it separate. Have you ever had rice and ketchup? I do NOT recommend it. At this point I was thankful that my sick feelings gave me an out from eating whatever this meal was. Mercedes is not a bad cook at all this meal was so just so foreign and odd and I could not eat it. Even things like pasta are hard to eat. It is a conscious effort to try to chew and swallow food, even when it tastes good. Would you like to know what I ate today? French fries and a donut (from Dunkin' Coffee-which is what it's called here). Can you say American Pig??? I really am trying to be cultured but the food is honestly SO WEIRD. So I will be dehydrated and malnourished for the rest of the trip. See you never.

I also think I have Meningitis because my body hurts all over. This MIGHT not be because of Meningitis but because I am so used to only having to walk 15 minutes instead of hours. Everyone walks everywhere here. I don't think it is fair of me to blame Meningitis for this since it is most likely due to my American lazy habits and general (lack of) fitness. Either way, I'm pretty sure I just aged 50 years. And acquired Meningitis. 

While I'm on the topic of fitness, I have a confession. Today while I was at lunch with friends at Barceloneta (kind of like a boardwalk along the Mediterranean Sea) and I saw an overweight woman near me. I immediately thought to myself, "Wow, I have not seen one overweight Spaniard until right now." Then when I heard her talking it turns out she's from Massachusetts. WHAT ARE WE DOING AMERICA?  Maybe this losing 20 lbs due to Meningitis won't be so bad for the sheer reputation of our country.

I have had a hard time adjusting so far in just about every way possible, but not being able to eat is terrible. I have no desire to eat, which makes it seem to other girls that I am anorexic or something. I just want to say I EAT EVERYTHING IN AMERICA! I eat too much in America! I love food! It's like having something I love ripped away from me and now I'm coping with that. I really hope it goes away soon because I'm pretty positive food is a basic need. You know I would usually solve this adjustment issue? Comfort food. Too bad that's out of the question.

Prayers are welcomed.

Angela

 

Why Spaniards Are Gross

Buenas noches, los estados unidos!

So today was another touristy day. I saw the Catedral de Barcelona and of course it was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. I swear I could spend all day in there just looking at the architecture. It is truly amazing.

Something that is NOT so beautiful here in Spain is the incredible amount of PDA that I have seen thus far. Let me paint a picture for you: I am walking with my friend Angie down Las Ramblas (a pretty popular street in Barca) and I look over to one of the outdoor seating areas for a cafe and there is couple sitting side by side making out. Like, they were French kissing. I saw their tongues. WHY. Why do they think it is ok to make me want to vomit while going along my merry way because they can't wait to get back to the bedroom?? I think it's bad enough in the US when I see people kiss more than a peck so I absolutely cannot handle this. But wait! There's more!

Here's another picture: I was sitting in the metro heading home from sightseeing all day. I was lucky enough to get a seat (it's harder for those betches to pickpocket you when you're sitting down, a word to the wise) and I was just observing the people around me. I look up at two people standing and holding on to the poles and they aren't making out, but they are being, like, intimate. He is holding the back of her head while kissing all over her face and neck (her eyes...he was kissing her eyes) and her eyes are closed with a smile on her face (Jesus am I writing 50 Shades of Grey?) and it literally looks like they are about to drop on the floor, light some candles, and just get it on right then and there. WHY. Seriously you are more than likely on your way home can't you just wait? Shouldn't that stuff be private? WHY IS NO ONE ELSE'S JAW DROPPED AT THIS ATROCITY? It seems that this type of PDA is normal here, which leads me to my next conclusion that Spaniards are a bunch of horndog pervs that cannot keep it in their God damned pants.

After being sick to my stomach by the soft porn I had witnessed for the day, I went to eat dinner at a restaurant with my friend. The seating area was set up like a typical restaurant with one side of the table being a booth and the other side being chairs. There were two older women at the table next to us, which happened to be the table right up against the wall. When they got up to leave, the woman next to me looked confused and kept staring at me, then my purse, then behind me, then me again. Repeat. I was like ummm what and my face probably turned red because it always does and then she asked me something in Spanish (or Catalan, because who the F really knows) and after her repeating herself a few times it turns out that her bag had disappeared. And she thought I did it. They went to get a worker at the counter and came back and they were looking and looking all while this woman kept staring at me. This was especially awful because I can't even defend myself since I don't speak the language aka I'm just sitting there looking guilty. Talk about awkward. This didn't bother as much as the fact that she was sitting against the wall and somehow her bag got stolen. I didn't see anyone go near her. This brings me to my next conclusion of possible causes for this situation:

1. She lost the bag somewhere else.
2. The bag was stolen before I sat down.
3. Harry Potter and his invisibility cloak are working in cahoots with the pickpocketers, because I didn't see a damn thing. (This probably isn't the cause, but seriously, how do they do that??)

I'm not even mad. I'm impressed. (Probably since it wasn't my bag getting stolen.)

Tomorrow I'll probably write about Spanish food and why I'm going to lose 20 lbs (fingers crossed) over the next semester. Stay tuned.

Angela

#Judged

Spanish classes started today. Of course IT happened again.

Here is the (translated) exchange between myself and my teacher, Raúl, while he was calling attendance in our intermediate level Spanish class.

Raúl: Ángela?
Me: (raises hand)
Raúl: (looks at paper) Ángela Luz?! Your name is very Spanish!
Me: Yes. (turning bright red)
Raúl: Rodriguez (pronounced with a lisp)?!? Why aren't you fluent and in a higher class?!
Me: I don't know. (redder)
Raúl: Didn't you speak Spanish with your parents?
Me: No.
Raúl: Very interesting...

If I am going to get this from every single person I meet in Spain I think I'm just going to go home. I'm not just going to rattle off my life story in broken Spanish to explain to him why I am not fluent in his language. How else was I supposed to respond other than "yes", "no", or "I don't know"?? Meanwhile, the entire class is probably wondering the same thing. "Shouldn't she already know Spanish?" I hate that I am already judged for being an American in Spain by the natives and now I am also being judged by the Americans in Spain. I'm just going to go study in London and pretend like I'm learning English. Then maybe I won't be a disappointment to my teachers, host mom, and Spaniards. Can I just get some credit for trying to learn Spanish???

Things with Gato are not looking promising. I'm trying to be nice to her because she is a very sweet cat and usually I hate cats so me saying that actually really surprising. I was petting her and then I guess she got too close because I have a hive. On my face. Also the cat was on my bed so if I'm dead tomorrow you all know why: anaphylactic shock.

I think I'm going to go out for the first time tonight (if anyone invites me). I'm still jetlagged so I just want to sleep forever but I guess postponing my imminent death via Gato won't be so bad. I'm mostly concerned about being raped and murdered since I am a foreigner. This brings me to my next point of watching too much Law and Order: SVU. The only reason I am afraid of being raped and murdered is because this show convinces me that this problem is extremely common, especially for foreigners. I need to stop watching that show.

Today's feature: a picture of Gato, my kryptonite.

                                                                   I snapchatted her.

                                                        I did this and now I have a hive.

Angela

Stay thirsty, mis amigos.

I've been thinking for a salutation to start this blog for like 5 minutes and nothing has to come to me. So hola.

This morning my shower went smoothly and I managed to not soak the entire bathroom in the process. After I showered my roommate, Natalie, FINALLY arrived aka my life with my host mom just got way less awkward. However breakfast was still quite awkward as she put out a tray with a set of dishes (only enough for 1) with 2 glasses. There was nothing on the plate and there was only a roll/croissant type thing in a package. Natalie and I just kind of looked at it and wondered how this roll was supposed to feed both us. And why the F there were empty dishes set on the table. Where was the food? Or was she just tantalizing us? Natalie broke the roll in half and then gave me my half when Mercedes said something along the lines of I get my own? Then she brought me the same thing. Never was there anything that we needed a plate for. It was all very confusing. I need to learn Spanish.

I was somehow able to get Natalie and me to the school via the metro. I didn't get us lost once so I guess I'm basically a Spaniard now. We got there and went to the school where we had an orientation about typical life in Barcelona. Today's feature is interesting things in Barcelona that I hate:

1. WATER IS LITERALLY SO HARD TO COME BY. At a restaurant, water is more expensive than wine. I guess it's because you can't drink the tap water here because the waiters bring you a bottle of water that costs like €5 which is definitely way too expensive. At my homestay, whenever I drink water it's out of a bottle, almost like it's a 2 liter of pop. I just don't understand this and it's definitely hard to get used to. I wake up every morning basically feeling the Sahara desert is in my mouth and I just want to chug the entire 1.5 liters of water Mercedes puts out for me (what am I, a dog? I just used the phrase water was put out for me...) but then she just has to go buy more so I feel rude doing that. I'm just thirsty. I might be dehydrated for the next 4 months.

2. There are 2 kinds of milk. From my understanding, there's pasteurized and non-pasteurized. One kind you keep in the fridge and is called "leche fresco" meaning fresh milk (shouldn't all milk be fresh???) and the other kind you can keep out of the fridge for months. WHAT. I'm pretty sure that's what I was fed yesterday (again feeling like a dog) and I want to die. What are these people thinking?

3. They don't believe in ice. No drinks come with ice. If you ask for ice, they will bring 2-3 cubes. So evidently I will not be having a refreshing glass of ice water any time soon.

4. They dress nice. Every. Single. Day. We were telling the lady leading our orientation that us Americans will wear work out clothes (never having worked out) out in public and that female students don't usually wear makeup and do their hair on an every day basis. She could not understand why we would do this. Being in Spain makes me realize that Americans are pretty fat and dumb. Maybe that's why I stick out...

Anyway, I learned all about that in my orientation which was basically How To: Act Like a Spaniard 101. After that, I think I was just about as American as they come. After touring around many areas of the city (obviously taking pictures, not acting like a local) we went to a little stand for crepes and waffles. Because I'm an actual idiot I didn't realize that there were not 3 columns of the menu there was just the menu in Catalan/English/Spanish. I also did not realize that the crepe on the picture, which was featured with +Napa/+Cream, was a translation. So I ordered "un crepe con napa y cream"...the lady looked at me and told me they were the same. It was all very confusing. Then she started speaking English. I've taken Spanish for almost 8 years now (how am I not fluent? I don't know) and yet when she told me the price I just looked at her because I forgot what "sesenta" meant. She then repeated the price in English. This is going to be a long semester.

I made it home safely on the metro with Natalie. We are not sitting in our room and Gato won't leave me the F alone. It's like I'm a cat magnet of some sort. Cat hair in my bed is probably the best thing I need right now.

Spanish classes start tomorrow. I hope they go over numbers again, because this shit is embarrassing.

Angela

How To: Live in Spain as an American with a Spanish Name

First full day in Barthelona (meant to be pronounced with a lisp, obviously).

I woke up and forgot I was in Barcelona, so that was interesting. Once I finally realized I had somewhere to go, I got up to take a shower. Many of you know the old joke of how the hardest thing ever is to figure out someone else's shower, right? Yeah, this was not easy. It's one of those showers that has a hose with the head connected that you can put back on the wall. Except when you put it back on the wall, it points straight down and a little to the right, resulting in me shooting water all over that side of the bathroom. I tried again but this time I think I turned the water on too much because the shower head went from facing straight down to straight forward and shot water all over the entire wall (including the shelving unit in the bathroom). Essentially, I soaked the bathroom in water before I was actually able to shower. It was a fiasco, to say the least.

Then I tried to blow dry my hair. My initial plan was to buy a blow dryer here instead of worrying about packing mine and using converters/adapters or whatever but then last night I saw one in the bathroom and asked Mercedes if I can use it. It turns out girls before have left it here so I was able to. Then I realized it was actually American and I did need a converter so that was great. Luckily, there was one in my room so I used it. It worked fine and I was drying my hair when all of the sudden it stopped. I tried again and again but nothing. So I'm pretty sure I broke the hair dryer. This morning is going SWELL.

Mercedes asked me what I want for breakfast and I have no idea what she is saying when she listed the options so I just said I like everything and she went back into the kitchen. She came out and asked me if I like my milk hot or cold, so like any American I said cold. When I ate breakfast, it was room temperature milk. I know I said I like everything, but I think room temperature milk is one of the few things I do not like. The morning keeps getting better.

Mercedes escorted me to my orientation today (which was very nice of her) because I don't have a roommate yet to go with and I have no idea where I'm going. I get there and meet some new friends and we shop around before orientation. All is well. I bought some minutes for my Spanish phone so I will be able to communicate somehow with said new friends. Then we went to a welcoming presentation at the Universitat de Barcelona, which is a lot prettier than University of Illinois. This presentation was mostly about how to avoid pickpocketers, because they are seriously so damn sneaky. For all of you that know me, you know that I have been pickpocketed in Paris (I tell everyone. My friends know that it is by far my favorite story to tell and they are probably laughing right now.). I spent the entire time rolling my eyes and thinking, "Yeah I know, I know. I know from FIRST-HAND experience ugh" and yet later today some man on the street asked me if I spoke English and I almost helped him until my friend Angie (yeah "oh my god Angie and Angela?!" I've heard that a million times today) said no and kept walking so apparently I learned nothing from my FIRST-HAND experience or that presentation because there is a 90% chance that man was going to distract us while his friend pickpocketed us. While I'm on that topic, since I have been pickpocketed and I know how these bitches are sneaky, I literally check my bag (which is always zipped, and I keep my hand on the zipper) about every 10 minutes to make sure my wallet is still there. Is this paranoia? Or am I supposed to do this?

Now for today's feature: how to live in Spain as an American with a Spanish name. Many of you may already know that my name is Angela Luz Rodriguez. If you simply make "Angela" "Ángela", you've got the perfect Spanish name. This has been quite irritating in America even, with many people asking, "Wait, if your last name is Rodriguez then why can't you speak Spanish?" (the answer to that being my mom is Irish and only knows English and my dad didn't spend all day at home with me SO SORRY I ONLY KNOW ENGLISH MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS YOU DON'T KNOW MY LIFE). This problem has become more prevalent in Spain. For example, Mercedes actually told me that she saw my name and got so excited because I was going to be able to speak Spanish with her. How do you answer that? The answer is "lo siento" and then laugh that you are a disappointment. Today, I went to the pharmacy to find allergy medicine to fight the good fight against Gato. The exchange with the lady at the counter was going abysmally as she didn't know what allergy meant. Finally, I got some Claritin (I'm not sure if that helps cat allergies, but I was too flustered to find anything else). When I handed her my debit card and she asked for me ID she saw my name and asked why I don't know Spanish, while smiling. SORRY, OK? I'M SORRY THAT I DON'T KNOW SPANISH AND I AM A DISAPPOINTING RODRIGUEZ. Side story: when she told me the price of the medicine, it was €4,85 but I thought she was saying some number in the 40s and I still bought it without a question. I was thinking wow that is expensive but what normal person buys 7 pills of Claritin for €40??? This American Rodriguez. That's who.

Seeing as I do not have a roommate yet (she comes tomorrow at 9am and I am SO excited), I made my way from downtown back to my homestay all alone. With some help from Google Maps (I emphasize some because I can only use it when I have wifi), I figured out what metro to take and what stop to get off at. Then I had no idea where I was going and just started walking and I actually made it home without getting lost. Since I got pickpocketed on the metro, being alone on it for the first time since was actually scary. But I faced my fear and did it. Woo!

Another quick note: these Spaniards dress like its 30˚F (Fahrenheit mind you, I'm sick of this Celsius bullshit already) cooler than it really is. Maybe it's because I'm used to Chicago weather, but winter coats are necessary for 40˚ or under. These people are bundled up and its in the UPPER 50s! You know those little sleeping bag things you put infants in? They are using those for the babies. I'm trying to fit in so I'm wearing my winter jacket and I'm sweating like the dirty American pig I am.

Time for dinner. I swear if I have room temperature milk I'm sacrificing Gato.

Angela

Um...¿No sé?

Well I have safely arrived in Barcelona! I'm trying to be excited but the voyage was so awful I just want to lay down and die right now.

I left home at 1 pm central time Monday. I realized I forgot my water bottle so we stopped at Target to get another one. That was really the only time I was exposed to the -40 temperature so I can't complain. After the quick stop at Target we got to O'Hare. I said bye to my dad and couldn't look at him cause I felt the tears coming. He stayed in the car while Erin and my mom walked me to security. The tears did fall when I said bye to them. Those tears continued to fall all though security so that was pretty humiliating but whatever JUDGE ME I don't care. I sat at the wrong gate for almost an hour and then luckily found the right one. Then I found the girls I was flying with and we boarded. Then we waited TWO HOURS after I boarded to defrost the fuel tanks or something so yay for delayed flights.

I flew British Airways to London and then to Barcelona. I have very mixed feelings about British Airways or maybe it was just my experience in general. For one, the dinner I ate was atrocious. Like, I'm not sure what I even consumed. I think it was mashed potatoes but there's really no way to be sure. I wish I could have taken a picture to share but it was dark and the flash would gone off and I didn't want to upset the Brits. The dinner did come with a salad which I enjoyed, but my silverware packet came without a fork, which I did not enjoy. Have you ever tried eating salad with a spoon? Not easy.

Luckily, I had a row to myself the entire flight so I was able to lay however I wanted and get some sleep. I was all cozy about to fall asleep with we hit turbulence. Usually I'm not too bothered by it but this time I was actually frantically searching for a barf bag. I found my Dramamine and rushed to the bathroom. After that, sleep came easy. Then I woke up and had to use the bathroom so I walked to the compartment that said "vacant" and walked in. It was not vacant. If this is any indicator of my trip, it is not going to be a good one. However, the Brits did serve tea on this flight. It wasn't any of that herbal tea garbage but it was British breakfast tea with milk and sugar (can't say for sure if it was Barry's, but it tasted pretty similar). I had 3 cups on the flight. Maybe I should have signed up to study abroad in London?

After our connection flight to Barcelona, we got off and met with the study abroad group. They took us to a room and gave us all of the information we will need for the next week. Naturally, I'm still confused. Then they gave us our housing information and sent us to the taxis. That was hilarious but my Spanish is awful and I know ZERO Catalan (which is what they actually speak here) but I got to my homestay. I realized I couldn't even get into the building without a key and I awkwardly just stood there until someone let me in. Did you know elevator doors in Barcelona look like closet doors and us Americans have no idea it's an elevator? Yeah I didn't know that until I was taking my ~70 lbs of luggage up 7 flights of stairs and then an old lady came out and told me to take the elevator. So yeah. There has been a lot of giggling and saying "no sé!" around here.

I finally got to my homestay apartment and the woman is super nice. Her name is Mercedes and she speaks little to no English. I'm doing a lot of smiling and nodding. My roommate isn't here yet because her flight was cancelled so I'm pretty lonely here. Honestly don't know what I was thinking signing up to be away from home for an entire semester but I hear its worth it so hopefully it gets better. Mercedes also has a cat. I'm allergic to cats. So this will be interesting. I also do not know the cats name and I tried asking but I don't think she understood me. So this cat will be known as "Gato" from here on out.

In conclusion: flying is terrible and I smell awful and I just want to sleep forever. Gato is meowing until I pet her. Good thing I'll probably get hives.

Sorry if there are typos in this but I'm much too lazy to read it over. Lo siento.

Angela

¡Buen viaje!

Hola!

So the last time I had a blog was in 7th grade and it may have been the most embarrassing thing I could have done to myself but here I am, trying it again. I'm studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain this upcoming semester and I am beyond excited to write about my antics and adventures in hopes that someone reads them and/or cares about them.

Quick disclaimer: the only people who think I'm funny are my mom and (sometimes) my sister. So bear with me and maybe give me a sympathy chuckle here and there. It will be much appreciated.

My flight leaves in 24 hours and I'm not even close to being ready so I'm gonna go work on that before my mom kills me. Let's see if I can write in this thing daily...hm.

Angela