tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51420385611390041102024-02-07T16:58:40.737-08:00Vagabunda en MadridJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-64726382363506583072013-04-30T06:51:00.001-07:002013-04-30T06:51:40.104-07:00Last Week In 1D :'(The semester is coming to an end. Tomorrow is the farewell dinner and the end of my two years abroad. Well, that's all I'm going to say about that because it makes me sad to think I have to leave Madrid. The ladies and I just finished watching "Jackass" as we pack up our bags. It has been so liberating not having to do any school work or study for any finals anymore.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did some 'just for fun' reading</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magdalena, doesn't she look relieved? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leila slept</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leila's suitcases all ready to go!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alanna refused to be photographed at first, then reflecting said, "Come back when I'm asleep I won't care.."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuck one of the ladies chatting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room sweet room with all its spenders</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-gv7RlZ0VzrmdWFV8RJptEdJv9vSnP_GzmPBoD_CAVx42DzMtcyv5s_duDfi4JsadiZsFBX6qFEKHUGlewdgaKMN2rpChJE0LyjIU8Z9pZQupkqugoag5g6ugA_kBsHUk49ONz-OB9aT/s1600/DSCN7016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-gv7RlZ0VzrmdWFV8RJptEdJv9vSnP_GzmPBoD_CAVx42DzMtcyv5s_duDfi4JsadiZsFBX6qFEKHUGlewdgaKMN2rpChJE0LyjIU8Z9pZQupkqugoag5g6ugA_kBsHUk49ONz-OB9aT/s320/DSCN7016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall sweet wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MvP52hq3-AbhmPWEg-yqguHDWCXqLqFp8a0AOu2_cAKMH0A7wWqYpCuwyBF2sHaKHjKgruW-jn2UhxSTvltY3AGKIypmBTs5bX9qfzJQ67ee3LySGgcPy8VI7l3joVeMj-m_Rt42jvyO/s1600/DSCN7017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MvP52hq3-AbhmPWEg-yqguHDWCXqLqFp8a0AOu2_cAKMH0A7wWqYpCuwyBF2sHaKHjKgruW-jn2UhxSTvltY3AGKIypmBTs5bX9qfzJQ67ee3LySGgcPy8VI7l3joVeMj-m_Rt42jvyO/s320/DSCN7017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leila teased her hair for the first time: these are the results</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_ypaTkAMIG6yG68MnKOgJ6q7bCHdrtLropy6nLnTqomBI7SKGOxbLco7ZmYgNK49-lzdp_hTIOwBT2VIOlX-nzAVyo2FjgAAs_vAH5aoF9jH4LVFsyHKfQcmIlgqeso9STmRExbO1Bhc/s1600/DSCN7018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_ypaTkAMIG6yG68MnKOgJ6q7bCHdrtLropy6nLnTqomBI7SKGOxbLco7ZmYgNK49-lzdp_hTIOwBT2VIOlX-nzAVyo2FjgAAs_vAH5aoF9jH4LVFsyHKfQcmIlgqeso9STmRExbO1Bhc/s320/DSCN7018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now rocking the Snooki bump</td></tr>
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I think what I will miss most about Madrid, are the ladies. I'm happy to say these goofballs are some of my best friends. I'm glad I ended up in uno derecha (1D) at Espiritú Santo. I'm going to miss the small things. Meaghan's 4am tweets about mac & cheese or her impending assignment. Leila's down-for-any-and-all-weird-activities attitude (hence the bumpy hair photos from above). Alanna's willingness to get McDonald's at any hour. Or how when she comes through the door she sends a cacophony throughout the apartment created by her purse and textbooks hitting the floor. On a good day she bursts through the door and calls, "Hello Laaaadiieees!" Mostly, I will miss this little refuge from the city.<br />
-JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-91722393364462178382013-04-12T12:19:00.001-07:002013-04-12T12:19:37.970-07:00End of the Year Plans!Since I took it easy over spring break by traveling in Spain, I decided at the end of the year I would travel to the places I desperately wanted to see. Looks like Leila, Alanna, Meaghan and myself will be traveling to London, Liverpool and Edinburgh! I have no idea when I will be back in Europe and it is so heart-breaking to think I won't be returning to Madrid in the Fall. Madrid was not what I expected, but I've fallen in love with all of its eccentricities. I've started walking to and from school instead of taking the metro so I can savor the moments I have left (as cheesy as it sounds).<br />
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Alanna and I have decided to start eating strictly vegan foods. We recently watched a documentary <i>Forks Over Knives,</i> (check it out on Netflix if you have it) and it inspired us to eat healthier. That's one of the bittersweet parts of living in Malasaña, we have a large variety of fast-food choices. I thought it would be really difficult the first few days of eating vegan, but it has helped me get more creative with vegetables. I went on the PETA website for some inspiration and they have some pretty easy and delicious looking meals. For example these scallion pancakes: http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/recipes/scallion-pancakes.aspx They seem really easy to make and I already have most of the ingredients in the kitchen.<br />
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Well, I think I may try and make some now.<br />
Hasta luego,<br />
Jenny<br />
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-78475490873452562812013-04-03T04:17:00.002-07:002013-04-03T04:17:59.254-07:00Spring Break!Hey!<br />
I just got back from some much needed relajación in Bilbao and San Sebastián (the north of Spain). It was gorgeous! Meaghan's parents were still in Spain, so they went to Granada, Barcelona, and Valencia together. Leila, Alanna, and myself packed light and took a bus first to Bilbao where we visited the Guggenheim Museum, ate basque pintxos, and surprisingly ate Subway (twice). The Guggenheim was fascinating and at the moment has a war exhibition on the Spanish Civil War and World War two. It also has some really interesting contemporary artists from the 90's such as Jean Michel Basquiat from New York. I was surprised at the amount of American art as well as the amount of Picasso art they had.<br />
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San Sebastian was my absolute favorite place (aside from Madrid) that I have visited. It felt so different from what I have known of Spain. The architecture was far more french-like than I expected. The weather was nice for a few days almost in the 60's on some days, however it rained heavily half the time. We spent most of our time sprawled out on the beach reading and eating picnics. We made friends with our hostel mates and played a few card games before exploring the night-life of San Sebastián (which was actually not much of a party scene). Our hostel was really nice, my favorite I've ever stayed in. It was set up so we stayed in a woman's house that was converted into a hostel, so María, the mother of the house was like a host-Mom.<br />
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Over all, it was a very mellow Spring Break. I was so happy I didn't have to rush around trying to catch flights. The buses were long, but we didn't mind because it meant we could sleep or read (both of which we didn't do a lot of in Madrid). I definitely recommend a visit to San Sebastián for anyone visiting or living in Spain! <br />
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Adios for now,<br />
JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-90968737556191225872013-03-21T02:35:00.004-07:002013-03-21T02:35:56.303-07:00Exploradoras in Mallorca!Greetings!<br />
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Just got back from a long-weekend in Mallorca! Leila, Alanna, Erica, Jessica, Eileen and I headed out on Thursday for the Island city Palma, Mallorca. We had the beach to ourselves because it was off-season, yet it was still sunny and in the 60's. However, the wind once the sun went down was fierce. Erica and I arrived first on an early flight so we got to see a lot of Palma before Alanna, Eileen, Jess, and Leila caught up with us. We read our books by the beach and then killed some time in a café. Once everyone was here we went straight to our hotel on the other side of the island in Sóller. We laid out on the beach for most of our days and had picnics to save money. Our other room mate Meaghan aka Magdalena was away in Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style. On Sunday we went on a hike and then spent the evening playing card games while we waited for our extremely early flight back to Madrid Monday morning.<br />
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Spring Break is here! Magdalena's parents are here for the duration of Spring Break. They found a hotel at the bottom of our street on Gran Vía. It has been really fun hanging out with them and showing them around Madrid. Magdalena has been an excellent tour guide and translator (since her parents do not speak Spanish). Although seeing her parents makes me wish my parents would come and visit so I could do the same. If my parents were here I would bring them to SUMC and show them all the places I like to go in Madrid.<br />
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Here are some photos from Mallorca:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Landscape of Sóller</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erica relaxing with a good book</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alanna right before our hike in Sóller</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eileen on the rocks on our hike</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFT7CeoXG_kcYSSeCFyEUs9ytS7QdRUhwOfuoh9Qn0PIEUioUqSlWyEbZnVB2LusZTXIC-9KvlFyijnO3PEmgzGA8BNgSuY_EVndBvUCqxlSnazHWb5MTJWVAZNWLRqYUbWhGM_DPRTehs/s1600/DSCN6973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFT7CeoXG_kcYSSeCFyEUs9ytS7QdRUhwOfuoh9Qn0PIEUioUqSlWyEbZnVB2LusZTXIC-9KvlFyijnO3PEmgzGA8BNgSuY_EVndBvUCqxlSnazHWb5MTJWVAZNWLRqYUbWhGM_DPRTehs/s320/DSCN6973.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avocados were the key to our lunch time success </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjFVnHF0v4ofr9VNwexf3tQ7fBebYpSP1v9IxX_At9l3ZWv45A-7BiX1H6PvonESZcDHMRJ7QvCQ5n32Xe87MuZqdOazlRIV5gbIvAiiquQlPi_LnjGvAfrfEg1EofDrnpj3OosUDrpHD/s1600/DSCN6974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjFVnHF0v4ofr9VNwexf3tQ7fBebYpSP1v9IxX_At9l3ZWv45A-7BiX1H6PvonESZcDHMRJ7QvCQ5n32Xe87MuZqdOazlRIV5gbIvAiiquQlPi_LnjGvAfrfEg1EofDrnpj3OosUDrpHD/s320/DSCN6974.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having lunch outside our hotel in the sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY3Aj-oVLg_aEX7wS90nTsPjpxugCSZ4tltgZ8qI_z74p92Uosusq2DRPhBuMVoprrLyOyF26oY1uETYHtZ4hjoDFunpfYh-fzME268Sa9MHRu4ZKNmpO6sSshfC8YMjX6jDQDhrVyfPD/s1600/DSCN6970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY3Aj-oVLg_aEX7wS90nTsPjpxugCSZ4tltgZ8qI_z74p92Uosusq2DRPhBuMVoprrLyOyF26oY1uETYHtZ4hjoDFunpfYh-fzME268Sa9MHRu4ZKNmpO6sSshfC8YMjX6jDQDhrVyfPD/s320/DSCN6970.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After our hike we ran into a swarm of mountain goats, however this one was very Pride Rock-esque</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5t1H9e3p5hJgXp9Xl_h5A2ceY1lxrClSTYPePXZHan9gmLp42jkkW0GURLYWA6eRyiRoPutq3q6_6bQ21eLClrsJekObgUtPUCOpJEwxmCi33dQ36ShzryGZSk6IpbpyBFFdkUYQhcUY/s1600/DSCN6978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5t1H9e3p5hJgXp9Xl_h5A2ceY1lxrClSTYPePXZHan9gmLp42jkkW0GURLYWA6eRyiRoPutq3q6_6bQ21eLClrsJekObgUtPUCOpJEwxmCi33dQ36ShzryGZSk6IpbpyBFFdkUYQhcUY/s320/DSCN6978.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sóller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPr-NygPd7E-jKKF6Gz5xjSfPOuBQVmtXiV08kX6Qbyn4SfxV50_Nx_sn8fMedft3S_7vARBcwMzPy6NqcNcc37e-2oll0VDf6xbhPIT7vzj7Ztqme0lGSNLem4d8tgByAfHG_idT8oCq/s1600/DSCN6980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPr-NygPd7E-jKKF6Gz5xjSfPOuBQVmtXiV08kX6Qbyn4SfxV50_Nx_sn8fMedft3S_7vARBcwMzPy6NqcNcc37e-2oll0VDf6xbhPIT7vzj7Ztqme0lGSNLem4d8tgByAfHG_idT8oCq/s320/DSCN6980.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunchin' in the sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEg8RnklAq371mXND36SuYRm75O4wYpIfeb6SuIntnZmNLP_l51SMdGCLIHRyvZgZkXEYHAj6Uur0uI-cCjywgfRof2A25kZO6La4-EflyCpEFwJKyVu9uoEP6-ziHt91CorszuD-lCFW/s1600/DSCN6983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEg8RnklAq371mXND36SuYRm75O4wYpIfeb6SuIntnZmNLP_l51SMdGCLIHRyvZgZkXEYHAj6Uur0uI-cCjywgfRof2A25kZO6La4-EflyCpEFwJKyVu9uoEP6-ziHt91CorszuD-lCFW/s320/DSCN6983.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our crew the last day in Sóller</td></tr>
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<br />
~Jenny<br />
<br />
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-2450964086405219172013-03-10T13:35:00.001-07:002013-03-10T13:35:16.279-07:00Bargaining: A Lifestyle Howdy Yall,<br />
<br />
This weekend the roomies and I went to Retiro Park and played some soccer, well actually we played fútbol. The weather was lovely this weekend aside from some rainstorms, so we were outside a lot. While in the park some mormon missionaries approached us while we took a break from running around playing soccer. They gave us the Book of Mormon and were very polite. Although we aren't big on religion we tried to be respectful of their beliefs. I might read it, after all we almost had a Mormon president in the United States.<br />
Last night our favorite bartender Javier aka Javi threw a 20's themed party, so Magdalena and I put together our best flapper duds and headed over to La Psiqué. I happened to own a skirt with tassels in flapper fashion and Magdalena styled her short hair like Mia Farrow in "The Great Gatsby".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6XvxJOmZ9daD-1LHEaWEwTBUARAtrbV24P_oeeiKLcAyChX2eiCUqsC7fhmk1C0GDKToIa559IhsM_EirJDQ1SWSXPx30JFxH-eoQykkXP5wS-ikSiVmGxroV-R5Xi9hJ6mSPOngw35B/s1600/framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6XvxJOmZ9daD-1LHEaWEwTBUARAtrbV24P_oeeiKLcAyChX2eiCUqsC7fhmk1C0GDKToIa559IhsM_EirJDQ1SWSXPx30JFxH-eoQykkXP5wS-ikSiVmGxroV-R5Xi9hJ6mSPOngw35B/s400/framed.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Framed!:Magdalena, Myself, Javi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOt5ZpiQebuxegCz9ucQaP8enHxx736xAZHedbF_lOA5e3oLhZ5MG1XR_0S36WlMmepaTnoyUqGMNDbHDcMpGx7c9orN62-5eNQhW23NZaiOmdzCLwPLsaQuELP0HgY44T3Jr_oTsBHgd/s1600/the+1+and+only+javi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOt5ZpiQebuxegCz9ucQaP8enHxx736xAZHedbF_lOA5e3oLhZ5MG1XR_0S36WlMmepaTnoyUqGMNDbHDcMpGx7c9orN62-5eNQhW23NZaiOmdzCLwPLsaQuELP0HgY44T3Jr_oTsBHgd/s400/the+1+and+only+javi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The One and Only Javi</td></tr>
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Today while Leila and I went grocery shopping we noticed a garage-sale thing going on at a store on our street. Multiple vendors were selling second-hand items for between 3-5 euros. I got some great stuff there and it felt nice to be buying something with a history behind it. I got a pair of earrings that a woman's friend had got her in Mexico from a Frida Kahlo museum. Leila got a really cool leather jacket and Magdalena went ham in there buying all sorts of neat stuff. She did some crafty bargaining and ended up with plenty of clothes to take with her to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pKssC5KLG6Rhhq-8fxDE9UDA4OlMXerLfWk0RSpDMDNwOYgJwXxPq2Ty3IdLnrBm_QYNmjDnCKEfRh0t2CXa3cPOXWtmXxaWc-N1rhz-3qojPK2v_KWSLxqAfxShDPYdmcYK1Luada5g/s1600/DSCN6947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pKssC5KLG6Rhhq-8fxDE9UDA4OlMXerLfWk0RSpDMDNwOYgJwXxPq2Ty3IdLnrBm_QYNmjDnCKEfRh0t2CXa3cPOXWtmXxaWc-N1rhz-3qojPK2v_KWSLxqAfxShDPYdmcYK1Luada5g/s320/DSCN6947.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite revolutionary, Che Guevara immortalized on a jacket I got for 5 Euro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVdBck4YEMCeAcVG_M5P2bCIGsmyJ6huQL5h5c4Ug4YmJkvt63aE99QIdRmSbSXcGQrAFy2shfdvOtdj4qFqURqUIJzs_r3x5kiNH9OZluRJQIIm32n88NHSVMeIJnS7pwiPapAvRgGgn/s1600/DSCN6954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVdBck4YEMCeAcVG_M5P2bCIGsmyJ6huQL5h5c4Ug4YmJkvt63aE99QIdRmSbSXcGQrAFy2shfdvOtdj4qFqURqUIJzs_r3x5kiNH9OZluRJQIIm32n88NHSVMeIJnS7pwiPapAvRgGgn/s320/DSCN6954.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frida Kahlo earrings</td></tr>
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<div>
Over all, I had a really great weekend, just hanging out with my room mates. I am lucky these girls are so great to be around 24/7. Well that's all for now. </div>
<div>
~Jenny</div>
<div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-10872912896584812082013-03-05T04:27:00.000-08:002013-03-05T04:27:12.419-08:00Lazy WeekendHey!<br />
Considering it's still mid-terms for some of us, me and the roomies had a lazy weekend in. We watched "Superstar" the SNL classic and ordered dominos Saturday and Sunday Alanna and I went for a stroll around downtown. We sat near Templo de Debod and watched the horizon change from vibrant orange to grey-blue. It hadn't started to rain yet so we were able to read in the park for about an hour. After the park we met up with our other roommates for dinner at a Mexican restaurant near Tribunal. We paid the entire 55 euro check in cheques gourmet, to the dismay of our melancholy waiter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5uGtyl78q-RSiBlE1DZHJ_WxPfG3wZ-Qo1efXF4gqSY2s2xddbIPbfx2KArv0-VNQcfq2LYCkqiN7aPh87niyO7qsNqSWCJ7UHZVojLleUC8MJUisx6kq0w-9ge6umMwYfELmt3AyWS0/s1600/DSCN6937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5uGtyl78q-RSiBlE1DZHJ_WxPfG3wZ-Qo1efXF4gqSY2s2xddbIPbfx2KArv0-VNQcfq2LYCkqiN7aPh87niyO7qsNqSWCJ7UHZVojLleUC8MJUisx6kq0w-9ge6umMwYfELmt3AyWS0/s320/DSCN6937.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alanna</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WTTMnYUjoqskHpO-KVpaamCgXUSN0emw3s04OFUiNODEuPh3QtkzLVnq3oco5T-P8__S8ySo9KFfCB57V_Sb2FTRJdV9jWE6iS3SoONd_aYLhCWt27uZrPNhddOOFqabGOakqbD9qa7O/s1600/DSCN6939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WTTMnYUjoqskHpO-KVpaamCgXUSN0emw3s04OFUiNODEuPh3QtkzLVnq3oco5T-P8__S8ySo9KFfCB57V_Sb2FTRJdV9jWE6iS3SoONd_aYLhCWt27uZrPNhddOOFqabGOakqbD9qa7O/s320/DSCN6939.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Lanna and Leila enjoying some salsa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXiyFeFggy0I0_R5NGonhlzivnJjbTcew9ZmyByFIhHC6H3QXW-gya3tH_gUeTsvJuXT-DI11Yiy93PiigzF1qGHuOOIv5dTEAYS9DjlWPtRQ8iSGeNxoWgzc8vxpKcJWRM02D6j9_5rJ/s1600/DSCN6938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXiyFeFggy0I0_R5NGonhlzivnJjbTcew9ZmyByFIhHC6H3QXW-gya3tH_gUeTsvJuXT-DI11Yiy93PiigzF1qGHuOOIv5dTEAYS9DjlWPtRQ8iSGeNxoWgzc8vxpKcJWRM02D6j9_5rJ/s320/DSCN6938.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alanna resisting this Kodak moment</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sxK7WS9kTEtYhkOOQSjNPo2Law5JR8wOwrledkziv6m_VstlDub9PoTsNN4-yd2nZiBT_wJlPdE3gePA178HVhqBw6XYD9gWu_nTOQOMLHO8yk3QLdwizgkh7MMnvQJVatT9i6TsC1mH/s1600/DSCN6942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sxK7WS9kTEtYhkOOQSjNPo2Law5JR8wOwrledkziv6m_VstlDub9PoTsNN4-yd2nZiBT_wJlPdE3gePA178HVhqBw6XYD9gWu_nTOQOMLHO8yk3QLdwizgkh7MMnvQJVatT9i6TsC1mH/s320/DSCN6942.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"big" plate of food</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkvy0NN82SbSFvMkjZwZ_8yTNXMJh3FdXbON8L1LGDGFKg8A02BP6KgywhfgtrisMdyFTGycDJZ1zc8uQuvfNYE2hVLCbOobpOpGzYjgPCHHxUcRda66dczLWJOkNbs32W31ihBJw8Cqo/s1600/DSCN6944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkvy0NN82SbSFvMkjZwZ_8yTNXMJh3FdXbON8L1LGDGFKg8A02BP6KgywhfgtrisMdyFTGycDJZ1zc8uQuvfNYE2hVLCbOobpOpGzYjgPCHHxUcRda66dczLWJOkNbs32W31ihBJw8Cqo/s320/DSCN6944.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magdalena aka Meaghan con tortillas</td></tr>
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-75014431670469995442013-02-23T15:25:00.002-08:002013-03-05T04:11:46.191-08:00Alanna's Birthday <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hey!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This Tuesday was Roxy aka Alanna's
birthday! She and her other half turned the big 2-0! No longer a
teenager. In celebration of the glorious birth of our dear friend we
made not-so-perfect oreo cake (hey the instructions were in spanish)
and wrote some funny cards to her. Magdalena and I went to the
American Store “Taste of America” to get Alanna some special
things to remind her of home. I got her pop-tarts and a box of
macarconi and cheese, Magdalena bought her a vanilla coke and coffee
mate. Leila gifted her with hummus and pita bread. These were not
exactly conventional gifts, but Roxy isn't exactly a conventional
girl. Her parents are still visiting until thursday, so they
celebrated by taking her to Tierra Burritto Bar (which I gave up for
lent). Alanna, Eileen, and Luke went to see Crystal Castles (an
electro dance duo) Tuesday night as well. They are awesome live (I've
seen them in Boston) but I have an ear-infection, so I thought I'd
better skip it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Adios,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jenny </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XVP02EESdPrKSuos1yPv_037plApBI-lPiMeCuzZOm9TfjEimhiuS2bMAEzEGmc2pynZHKZOS_38YTgDPpouH6rCSAfFfwxNR_H6103HxdbIv_3OasOfjQanCsC9FOQY_N9ZQ2IWqVhL/s1600/DSCN6871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XVP02EESdPrKSuos1yPv_037plApBI-lPiMeCuzZOm9TfjEimhiuS2bMAEzEGmc2pynZHKZOS_38YTgDPpouH6rCSAfFfwxNR_H6103HxdbIv_3OasOfjQanCsC9FOQY_N9ZQ2IWqVhL/s320/DSCN6871.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To her alter-ego</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u6P2_7iiu_sT2DOpkpH4v-iDmmnMrB2SLIjhbrMUqt7B0S3wrL1OOdIVEfUNl_8NzcfzllKeAt72ukxJ8jFbmj2Gfzu1Ljijjuy8s4Sf9u0zwZ5w2dzaITHQ84pHEXL6t4M4JHY3gL0a/s1600/DSCN6864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u6P2_7iiu_sT2DOpkpH4v-iDmmnMrB2SLIjhbrMUqt7B0S3wrL1OOdIVEfUNl_8NzcfzllKeAt72ukxJ8jFbmj2Gfzu1Ljijjuy8s4Sf9u0zwZ5w2dzaITHQ84pHEXL6t4M4JHY3gL0a/s320/DSCN6864.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cards for Alanna</td></tr>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-37697831164118966622013-02-15T09:46:00.000-08:002013-02-15T09:46:16.208-08:00Well, It's FridayHey!<br />
So not much has changed in 1D Espirítu Santo, EXCEPT Alanna's parents are here to visit for the week! Her family has rented an apartment up the street from ours so we shall be making lots of treks up there this week. Her family arrived this morning and surprised Alanna aka Roxy by finding their way to our apartment all by themselves. Pretty impressive for being so new to Madrid, and all done by metro. Her little sister kindly left us with two american magazines, which Magdalena and myself are currently devouring. It's nice to have a reference to what is going on in the United States right now, at least in a materialistic sense it is comforting to know what's trendy and popular.<br />
Also our apartment has decided to participate in lent, despite our histories of being non-practicing Catholics. I have given up for the next 40ish days Tierra, burrito bar. I went too frequently, so I decided I should live without it for a while. Magdalena (Meaghan) has decided to give up meat, so now we can both have vegetarian meals together, yipee!! Leila has given up chocolate and Roxy...well, she has given up lent for lent.<br />
Well, I have a pressing issue of <i>Glamour </i>to get back to.<br />
Hasta luego,<br />
JenJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-59658697248646624882013-02-11T04:23:00.001-08:002013-02-11T04:23:38.505-08:00Malasaña LivingHey!<br />
I'm not sure if I ever told you, but I moved! Yep, I live in Malasaña, my favorite neighborhood in Madrid. I love going for runs through my neighborhood characterized by vibrant colored buildings and obscene graffiti. I love finding new restaurants and vintage shops near my apartment. The other day my room mate Alanna and I were on our way to Día (the supermarket) when we noticed a burrito bar we had never seen on the street adjacent to the supermarket. I haven't gone to the burrito place yet, but maybe tonight for dinner I'll make a trip there and try it out. Also, I have new room mates: Meaghan, an English major like myself, Alanna, an undecided at the moment but possible drama major, and Leila who studies business.<br />
Some of my room mates have developed alter-egos to describe their Spanish sides which only the bars in Malasaña seem to envoke. Meaghan has adopted the pseudonym Magdalena (de la noche) so frequently people often forget her real name. Alanna's spanish persona is Roxy aka Roxanne. The nicknames began as a joke but have evolved due to their usefulness when ordering Starbucks coffees and sushi and our American names don't translate smoothly in a restaurant setting. When ever I order food at Cervecería Cien Montaditos my receipt reads "YANAY" or "JANY" instead of "JENNY". I should really look into getting a Spanish nickname referral from either Roxy or Magdalena. It also makes introducing yourself to Spaniards much easier when they don't have to fumble over an American first name. You wouldn't think the name Jenny is so tricky, but I've been through hell being called "Johnny" or "Yanny" for the duration of a conversation. But at the same time, I am concerned I will pick a Spanish name that is too common and will further impede me from enjoying Spanish night-life and Spanish food, like Maria or Ana. Which will just result in confusion when I encounter other Marias and Anas (which is inevitable) standing waiting for my montaditos or coffee.<br />
Quite the dilemma.<br />
Well, I'm off to ponder my new identity.<br />
Adios for now<br />
JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-39069506944717276592013-01-29T05:47:00.004-08:002013-01-29T05:47:56.664-08:00Rome Hey!<br />
This weekend I went to Rome for the first time. It was really unexpected because we only planned to go to Pisa and Florence, but our hostel mates in Florence convinced us that we MUST go to Rome, and so we did. Eileen and I bought some cheap train tickets friday morning and took off for Rome. Our last minute Hostel was better than we expected and passed the "bed bug" check. We were able to walk to the big monuments and landmarks such as the Trevi fountain and Colosseum. We shared our room in Rome with a girl who went to Tufts (Boston area representing), a guy from London, and their friend from Scotland. It is always a little strange staying with people you don't know and trusting they won't do anything weird in your sleep, but when you travel you kind of have to push that out of your mind. One of my favorite teachers in high school said something to the gist of, "Travel while you are young. When you're young you'll sleep on a park bench to see Paris." I've embraced that mantra and it's helped me whenever I book a hostel. In the case of Rome, the weirdness paid off because our bunk mates were awesome. We played a few card games and had a "picnic" on one of the blankets in the center of the room. Rome was fantastic and absolutely worth visiting more than once. While in Pisa we also saw the leaning tower. We were good tourists and didn't take any tacky photos with the leaning tower and just admired it. Saturday night in Pisa Eileen made some ravioli in our hostel so we could save some money. It turned out really delicious. Italian super-markets are more like American super-markets, which was a pleasant surprise. By Sunday morning Eileen and I were ready to return to Madrid. I forgot what it felt like to hear another language all around me and have no idea what anyone was saying. It really reassured me in my Spanish speaking skills.<br />
Hasta luego, I'll leave you with some photos of my travels.<br />
-Jenny<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHACD3f1yxG2a3hcywbLEP99FJl_UaF-Ixf-fxFnyHnIt6zpZrwvpDlvIMbh3qVUrPczbLTuOfXlX-ks4isTgTXfwnTEfAcSXTJUJ5rOMSTSp0SaCqynSr3dY3y0dfr2shMAgY8Edd1lX/s1600/DSCN6818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHACD3f1yxG2a3hcywbLEP99FJl_UaF-Ixf-fxFnyHnIt6zpZrwvpDlvIMbh3qVUrPczbLTuOfXlX-ks4isTgTXfwnTEfAcSXTJUJ5rOMSTSp0SaCqynSr3dY3y0dfr2shMAgY8Edd1lX/s320/DSCN6818.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my ticket to Rome</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5elisyOLwAS1nVxO4430-wD500Gq1r6-PAVBsTUD8YfX71SPxqJM0b3v4DSH_Vx7Y09WBovOnyeFnxe-bHS4zUGUZQqcIlTIpJzusB6w6ofjoaKpY8q2K6cCtVzzJIIEtCqolXxlClwz/s1600/DSCN6834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5elisyOLwAS1nVxO4430-wD500Gq1r6-PAVBsTUD8YfX71SPxqJM0b3v4DSH_Vx7Y09WBovOnyeFnxe-bHS4zUGUZQqcIlTIpJzusB6w6ofjoaKpY8q2K6cCtVzzJIIEtCqolXxlClwz/s320/DSCN6834.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Colosseum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8_CT2PrA8NHbNJDKPKgCHyuhN4kdV-iWfjEmDpTBPBHOMLjTODp1-VHPyp01NuPX6X-ozKoHCPViHwnAgQUqs9FEvMsCVZCiyNKcuC1ujiPUqxovornhGKsRSMSBZhR7QLLLBjNdlOAF/s1600/DSCN6853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8_CT2PrA8NHbNJDKPKgCHyuhN4kdV-iWfjEmDpTBPBHOMLjTODp1-VHPyp01NuPX6X-ozKoHCPViHwnAgQUqs9FEvMsCVZCiyNKcuC1ujiPUqxovornhGKsRSMSBZhR7QLLLBjNdlOAF/s320/DSCN6853.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trevi Fountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67d8iamfGPJ5_5VdlXsYHwqiI6RoOAqpoTjxSyaHz1GDdj74STUhRG_eEcnTZpS0961nvMuisJGupCP2Q_HEUjdUOyIb4jIWCQ91wdAXSK65Km83iwfGG3ciL1mjNaLjD-LIAhCfEvgdh/s1600/DSCN6863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67d8iamfGPJ5_5VdlXsYHwqiI6RoOAqpoTjxSyaHz1GDdj74STUhRG_eEcnTZpS0961nvMuisJGupCP2Q_HEUjdUOyIb4jIWCQ91wdAXSK65Km83iwfGG3ciL1mjNaLjD-LIAhCfEvgdh/s320/DSCN6863.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would you look at that full moon!</td></tr>
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-56284791957581978172012-12-07T08:33:00.000-08:002012-12-07T08:33:42.002-08:00Finals are here! Christmas around the corner!Hey!<br />
So yes, finals are here with all the stress accompanying them, so I decided<br />
to go see a late movie with a few friends to take my mind off my last few assignments.<br />
We headed over to Cines Princessa, near Plaza de España to see a movie in English. We decided to see<br />
ARGO, directed by Ben Affleck. The movie was about the Iran hostage crisis from 1979-1980. The story line seemed to be embellished but at the end of the film we discovered that a lot of the content was based on things that had actually happened. The film was very suspenseful I was nervous from the beginning to end. I highly recommend seeing the film. Ben Affleck turned out to be a good director (who knew).<br />
~Jenny<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-57166673187626116122012-11-29T07:40:00.002-08:002012-11-29T07:40:31.358-08:00U.S. Ambassador VisitHey!<br />
Today the United States Ambassador for Spain came to SUMC: Mr. Alan Solomont.<br />
He talked about the relationship that the United States has with Spain and how he goes about<br />
trying to improve and strenghten it. Mostly this involves promoting American values such as diversity and tolerance. The relationship has an economic aspect with encouraging Spanish companies to invest in American buisnesses, basically integrating the two economies. Another aspect of his job is to protect American citizens domestically and abroad. Considering I am one of thousands of American college students studying abroad, it was nice to see the face of the embassy that protects me and my peers. He reassured us that the relationship between Spain and the United States is very good and that our governments cooperate. Public opinion in Spain of Americans is high at the moment; which is always comforting in a world where several places are anti-American. I was surprised to hear that the United States Ambassador, Alan Solomont, is not fluent in Spanish. I would have thought that this was a requirement of the position. Who knows what the future holds for international relations undergrads with basic Spanish. <br />
Have a splendid weekend!<br />
-JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-58273470513706654742012-11-21T10:30:00.002-08:002012-11-21T10:30:30.750-08:00My Sister Is Here!!!Yep! My sister is finally here!<br />
This weekend we visted Málaga (the birthplace of Picasso and Antonio Banderas). We took a six hour bus there and luckily caught the two hour train back. I really loved Málaga, the Marina was gorgeous at night. I also visited a hammam (bath house) which was really refreshing. So far I have shown my sister Malasaña, Gran Vía, Moncloa, and of course Sol. Tomorrow I am taking her to the Reina Sofía and Retiro Park.<br />
Take Care<br />
~JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-78840594494623803012012-11-07T18:24:00.000-08:002012-11-07T18:24:14.563-08:00Un Fin de Semana ExtrañoWhat a weekend!!<br />
<br />
Wednesday night I saw Steve Aoki at the Madrid Arena for Halloween. The venue was gigantic and packed to the brim with costumed teenagers. The popular costume was "Alex" from <i>A Clockwork Orange, </i>who happens to be my favorite anarchist anti-hero. For the most part people wore the most ridiculous clothing they owned or masks. All the DJ's were fantastic as well as the light show to accompany the tunes. Friday when I boarded my plane to Paris I grabbed a complimentary copy of <i>El País</i> and the front page was about the Steve Aoki concert! Apparently, in all the commotion of the show a hallway pile-up resulted in the deaths of three concert goers. I was shocked the show continued well after five people were attended to for asphyxiation and trampling related aliments. Two of the victims were taken to the hospital on my street and are in critical condition. I couldn't get the article out of my mind. I didn't think of concerts as dangerous until this weekend. As I scanned the article I remembered how crowded the hallways were and how packed the dance floor was. It would have been easy to get caught in a stampede.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMTj0jWyYi9sj9c7AG2Ll7pTriffbM_djUoC-_bD3IxDembPZk4lCCf3npHOnu8dD5UsfoS7He2UYeQtXIDX-sNdvcSLnrRfMfC-IpjKlfGIvhzY91r3XE1xHnupRRBgXqzdoiSYYFoit/s1600/022_22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMTj0jWyYi9sj9c7AG2Ll7pTriffbM_djUoC-_bD3IxDembPZk4lCCf3npHOnu8dD5UsfoS7He2UYeQtXIDX-sNdvcSLnrRfMfC-IpjKlfGIvhzY91r3XE1xHnupRRBgXqzdoiSYYFoit/s400/022_22.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slytherin has all the fun</td></tr>
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I didn't actually do any sight seeing in Paris, I guess I wasn't in the tourist mood. Traveling can be exhausting. I did get some neat stuff at a Kilo store, where the price of the sweet vintage clothes is based on its weight. I got a jean vest, Harry Potter tie and sweater for about 10 euro. The tie came in handy for my friend's building's Halloween party, conveniently planned to take place after Halloween. I dressed as a Slytherin student, it was awesome. <br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
I stayed in Paris with my friend Maddie (aka Margaret) and she showed me around her neighborhood. Friday night we went to Pitchfork Music Festival, where we heard Animal Collective, The Walkmen, and The Tallest Man on Earth. I wish I had more time in Paris but, I feel even if I was there for two weeks, or two months, I wouldn't be satisfied with my time there; I'd always want more. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margaret putting in an earring</td></tr>
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And now I am back in Madrid! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Jenny</div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-44440023144380565292012-10-24T11:01:00.004-07:002012-10-24T11:02:45.119-07:00Mid-Terms Over yay!!<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello!</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This
weekend my friend Maddie came to visit from Paris, she is also
studying abroad. I took her to Cien Montaditos for bocadillos and she
was shocked at how loud everyone was. I guess living here for so long
I am desensitized to the comotion around me; Madrid after all is a
busy city. We went to Gran Via, Chueca, and Malasaña
exploring all the art graffitti and good cheap food. She was only in
town for the weekend because she is spending the rest of her mid-term
break in Dublin but she adored Madrid. In two weeks time I will be
visiting her in Paris and I can not wait! We are going to try and go
to the PITCHFORK music festival in Paris for a day to hear Animal
Collective and The Tallest Man On Earth. My Mom is going to be in
Rome for her birthday and I am infinitely jealous. I've never been to
Rome but I guess my Mom's never been to Paris..so it evens out.
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> In
other news I am extremely excited for Halloween! Spaniards aren't
100% sold on the dress-up aspect of Halloween but in select
buisnesses you can buy decorations and party goods. Normally on
Halloween I grab a big blanket and curl up to watch horror movies and
pig-out on candy because no one ever comes trick-or-treating at my
mom's house or I take the train to Salem to see some seriously scary
costumes. But this year, I will be seeing Steve Aoki remix some
bangin' tracks in Madrid.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Mid-terms
are finally over and my sister will be in Madrid in less than a
month! I can't wait to show her around SUMC and all the little places
I go to eat, shop, and study.
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take
Care</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">~Jenny</span></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-84009922904645816002012-10-15T06:16:00.000-07:002012-10-15T06:16:14.153-07:00Mid-Terms Are Upon Us!Wow This semester is flying by! I feel like I just got back here and tomorrow I have my first mid-term.<br />
This weekend I went to Portugal to celebrate Eileen's birthday! We saw The Castelo de Saint Jorge, an 11th century castle in Lisbon. Our hostel was really nice and we made friends with a girl studying abroad in Sevilla. We also went to the huge flea market in Lisbon right near the castle. I got a pair of funky 1970's purple sunglasses for 10 euros. It was fun to compare Lisbon to Madrid. For example, we experienced first hand the difference between Madrid's efficient Metro and Lisbon's Metro, which you had to chase down because it missed the platform by 10 yards. I was so happy to return to Madrid last night. I'll show you some photos from our trip once I get my film developed, but for now you will just have to trust me when I say Lisbon was gorgeous. Here I am back to reality and obligations, but I'll have the memories of the eastern most point of continental europe to comfort me in my studying.<br />
Hasta luego!<br />
~JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-26603665118008644512012-09-25T04:52:00.001-07:002012-09-25T04:52:37.344-07:00Memories of Salamanca <div>
Living in a city, I've noticed almost nothing goes according to plan. There are more people, more traffic, and more noise. I live in a district with a few hospitals and more than a few bars, so if its not ambulance sirens waking me up, its inebriated soccer fans chanting. But I am not complaining, Madrid is the most exciting place I have ever lived. There is always something going on in this city. Sometimes I like to go to Gran Via and walk up and down just to see all the people and lights. Gran Via reminds of Times Square. Other times I like to hide away from the city in a cafe in Noviciado with a text book and a gigantic mug of coffee. </div>
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Exciting News!!! My sister Caroline will be visiting me in November! I can't wait to show her Madrid, I know she will like it just as much as I do. In other news I'm planning a trip to Portugal in October with my friends Eileen and Katie to celebrate Eileen's birthday! It's my first trip of the semester I have planned, but I know I want to travel to a few more places. </div>
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I just developed some of the film I took in Salamanca, so here are a few photos of my experiences:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjab7RQ9F3iJKAbOhyzmLnfXYCrp5WGV7iTtKcvT5sleJpjrmhxm3U-wfeUgTTKmSO0nwC4gDQmLOvaJagIEiH3GzqwaOUwiSCxWWEmfU5XChvm_vyuDmZQKHGy-qUwxfwn-jw7ieHJscD7/s1600/024_24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjab7RQ9F3iJKAbOhyzmLnfXYCrp5WGV7iTtKcvT5sleJpjrmhxm3U-wfeUgTTKmSO0nwC4gDQmLOvaJagIEiH3GzqwaOUwiSCxWWEmfU5XChvm_vyuDmZQKHGy-qUwxfwn-jw7ieHJscD7/s640/024_24.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Plaza in Salamanca and Gabby</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica and Erica outside the residency</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Salamanca</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leo & Kevin in Salamanca</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eileen & Alana</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ypb-ZL5oVyB30jkvZaDMr9wDBf_MRgSY3Sbr2RRSp5IC1puFm339JvxB0VB-LIbvpFC6qGEPDov9DqsV81JCgtH6yhRdxez4FbMbhxjiwvpXktI4jDPuMdnuV6QE0e17YvNB577KbRfn/s1600/022_22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ypb-ZL5oVyB30jkvZaDMr9wDBf_MRgSY3Sbr2RRSp5IC1puFm339JvxB0VB-LIbvpFC6qGEPDov9DqsV81JCgtH6yhRdxez4FbMbhxjiwvpXktI4jDPuMdnuV6QE0e17YvNB577KbRfn/s640/022_22.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting in the grass outside the residency</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMW3HU7rLGZc5zo4BfmSX_IZ82QnzVLfE2QKWNFAxspb6_OGyxSX0K4NdPMeO5W30apJCYDF6MBCtrvH4S2gJODPQb6ASRhW0OUa8tVYSidSsxN4x949MHNV6r8-vbpsbLBgseVwem_b4H/s1600/023_23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMW3HU7rLGZc5zo4BfmSX_IZ82QnzVLfE2QKWNFAxspb6_OGyxSX0K4NdPMeO5W30apJCYDF6MBCtrvH4S2gJODPQb6ASRhW0OUa8tVYSidSsxN4x949MHNV6r8-vbpsbLBgseVwem_b4H/s640/023_23.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We raided the vending machine for M&M's and Snickers waiting for dinner.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9A-z11DFqQraBycDObFewHc9x3mx0rUb7TQrTmCsG2Kx4DVM48De3HwKuI1I5iw4pQ1Uq8ym0B4H2RPVptH64a_-NmV5EkHYQgPXPcJ7sMRRvaXm4UCDTaF0QTqdwP-uonOquL-96Vvt/s1600/027_27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9A-z11DFqQraBycDObFewHc9x3mx0rUb7TQrTmCsG2Kx4DVM48De3HwKuI1I5iw4pQ1Uq8ym0B4H2RPVptH64a_-NmV5EkHYQgPXPcJ7sMRRvaXm4UCDTaF0QTqdwP-uonOquL-96Vvt/s640/027_27.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt my favorite and I</td></tr>
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Have a great day!<br />
-JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-6240893294259235832012-09-15T11:00:00.000-07:002012-09-23T08:39:54.859-07:00Back In Madrid!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> First week back at school and it feels like I never left. I have fallen back into my Madrid routine already. I love this city! I had a fantastic summer! (hard at work on my new years resolutions of course) I learned to play the bass and did stand-up comedy this summer.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This summer was fantastic, mainly I believe, because I set out to do absolutely nothing. In my infinite boredom I ventured a try at a few random hobbies such as long-boarding, stand-up comedy, and taking bass lessons. Stand-up comedy was always something I was passionate about, but it wasn't until this summer I finally found a venue to perform at. The trouble with these hobbies is now that I am in Madrid, I am finding its pretty difficult to continue them. So in the mean-time I'm on a mission to locate an acoustic bass or a band room I can practice in. I'm using this time away to store up a wealth of jokes so when I get home I can get right back into the comedy-scene. This time it was much harder to leave home. I moved out of my parents house into my sister's apartment in Salem, MA. Leaving for Madrid felt like the end of an era. I was leaving the U.S. and my sister was moving apartments. We had a big final gathering at the apartment. I felt like I was leaving my family. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This summer changed me. When people ask me what I did all summer, I just smile because to a stranger it sounds like nothing much, but to me it was one of the defining periods of my life. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Today a few friends and I are headed to DCODE FEST to see The Kooks and The Killers at a venue 10 minutes from our apartment. It's my first concert in Madrid so I have high hopes!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have an awesome day wherever you are!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jennifer </span></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-70569379418793523602012-05-19T18:09:00.000-07:002012-05-19T18:09:26.855-07:00Farewell Dinner and Last DaysIn September I didn't know what to expect of Spain. The extent of my previous European travels consisted of visiting family in remote areas of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Instead of going to Disney Land, I went to County Cork. I certainly held romantic notions of Spain; I knew of its history of art and war, its festivals and night-life, and its culture and traditions. However, no travel guide or Hemingway story could prepare me for the culture shock I felt as I took my first steps into Barajas<br />
Aeropuerto.<br />
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"Spain Is Different!" has long been the tourist slogan. When I arrived I immediately started to categorize things as familiar or strange. Familiar: driving on the right-side of the road; strange: flushing spanish toilets. In Madrid I had no safety-net, just whatever facebook or email correspondence I was able to keep up with.<br />
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I am 100% more interested in European Politics, because living in Spain you are very much affected by the decisions being made by local and international politics. With the reconstruction of a new Europe under way I have observed the campaigns for austerity plans, elections, and strikes.<br />
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This year has not been an easy ride, coasting through classes as some study-abroad experiences can be. I spent this year nourishing my appetite for travel and learning. I picked up new hobbies and made new friends, but I also took challenging classes that prepared me "for the real world".<br />
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This has been an amazing opportunity for myself and my classmates, to learn another language and experience another culture. My experiences in Madrid have made me a more independent person. I can't wait to return to Madrid, but for now it is good to be home.<br />
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Here are a few photos from the Farewell Dinner :) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10AWLAb4NPvgGQEZJVhzDHoqfZawnXiinN19u5iulc1VlaO6j8LcdpbcCZKC7Il8U9_wZcWCh4r5y-kTUzHWfBlG3XrMZ58Q2F7pE4WIWKP9I2AD2Hwtld9dUuipWhdgfIkeA1L7sYIVz/s1600/greenan+and+dana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10AWLAb4NPvgGQEZJVhzDHoqfZawnXiinN19u5iulc1VlaO6j8LcdpbcCZKC7Il8U9_wZcWCh4r5y-kTUzHWfBlG3XrMZ58Q2F7pE4WIWKP9I2AD2Hwtld9dUuipWhdgfIkeA1L7sYIVz/s320/greenan+and+dana.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prof. Greenan and Dana Marquis </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQDXF7FjRC4WMWvGdi70ZL1KU7CA8XFCaDeQ9BgTt8CuilCrJM9RpxaWsu57wt16oMF6ovzBOZGhvr4ZZ1-gkKZ2v1z_pZouguPcia3KapDf7cZMGSu-Fy5tUxbpknC5OPJEJtJvSlQZH/s1600/sally+&+chris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQDXF7FjRC4WMWvGdi70ZL1KU7CA8XFCaDeQ9BgTt8CuilCrJM9RpxaWsu57wt16oMF6ovzBOZGhvr4ZZ1-gkKZ2v1z_pZouguPcia3KapDf7cZMGSu-Fy5tUxbpknC5OPJEJtJvSlQZH/s320/sally+&+chris.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris and Sally Thomas </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48XBTxZ1W_nVGwwTuRPCyqKhWTWt4og5ln45SYoubqZjOoe2OLHpYL7h4rpqEgdX6KOuVjDQOnHO1dz6n5fW8B0DGTfNCoskRq-J8fmF0Cz8RoEkzmAK1NWaOy-4Dn_gzH7WpXg-rbLo6/s1600/sarah+&+nat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48XBTxZ1W_nVGwwTuRPCyqKhWTWt4og5ln45SYoubqZjOoe2OLHpYL7h4rpqEgdX6KOuVjDQOnHO1dz6n5fW8B0DGTfNCoskRq-J8fmF0Cz8RoEkzmAK1NWaOy-4Dn_gzH7WpXg-rbLo6/s320/sarah+&+nat.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natalia and Sarah outside CEU </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI9ws706APFyMB2b0saxtFH9k-CjhI7IudMCUAfjuuQGGUtF8WQypaIDAFaZrUFt6mB_8MWZ_RN6e2qiOPg7N1hbSkL7_xwA2KnP7OKGdly0niE3Zo85s3eqUDg6E8VhSomFyJuqDxoR2/s1600/dancers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI9ws706APFyMB2b0saxtFH9k-CjhI7IudMCUAfjuuQGGUtF8WQypaIDAFaZrUFt6mB_8MWZ_RN6e2qiOPg7N1hbSkL7_xwA2KnP7OKGdly0niE3Zo85s3eqUDg6E8VhSomFyJuqDxoR2/s320/dancers.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing at the Farewell Dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NG3Hz6CDpF6Ga3C016ZgHu_L1m8tIYQnYwDVE57qz8MzoeDxs9UdeTSL__vFR-WLOilv_1rJ_-Bg9g2VEmJ95tgX4VxBJSlVYoqXYSPdA678CnYb2okpSMIRSB9yvg-4tu_sbAS6d9OQ/s1600/osccc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NG3Hz6CDpF6Ga3C016ZgHu_L1m8tIYQnYwDVE57qz8MzoeDxs9UdeTSL__vFR-WLOilv_1rJ_-Bg9g2VEmJ95tgX4VxBJSlVYoqXYSPdA678CnYb2okpSMIRSB9yvg-4tu_sbAS6d9OQ/s320/osccc.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dana and Professor Osc<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">ar Mart<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;">í</span>nez </span></td></tr>
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Goodbye for now Madrid, I will see you soon! </div>
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Hasta pronto!! :) Adios<br /><br /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-54332187027962001392012-04-15T15:56:00.000-07:002012-04-15T15:57:12.658-07:00Florence and FinalsHello,<br />
After a lazy weekend spent finishing up final papers and projects I am ready for the busy week ahead.<br />
I have one term paper to finish and then my work is done, well except for taking my exams. It is hard to believe I am in the home stretch! So much has happened this year and I am so grateful for the experiences I have had. I wrote my first blog this year, Vagabunda en Madrid, and I really enjoyed sharing my outlook on studying abroad. I am so happy I am coming back next semester to Madrid, I could not imagine being any where else. The weather in Madrid has provided me with many rainy day afternoons filled with sluggish activity and minimal interactions. After Easter break I received a massive package from my sister Emma, with two giant tubs of peanut butter. I think I will be set for protein for the next 2 semesters. Easter away from home and regular traditions was hard but the package cheered me up. I will be home soon, but I am enjoying my time away and not dwelling on homesickness.<br />
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I have recently started reading the works of Jack Kerouac which has inspired me to travel more in the United States. I have never seen the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. I have never been to the mid-west of the United States. When I look at a map, I can really only point to 5 states I have visited, which is admittedly about the same as any tourist can say who is not a citizen of the U.S.A. I'm not going to hitch-hike like Kerouac's protagonists, but this summer I intend on visiting more of my home country.<br />
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That's all for now,<br />
Jenny<br />
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P.S. I'm going to Italy this weekend! Florence to be specific, I am so excited!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-6313728942137231032012-04-04T14:53:00.003-07:002012-04-04T14:53:54.869-07:00Lithuania! and Spring Break!Hello,<br />
It feels like I just came back from Lithuania and already Spring Break has started. Today I returned from Brussels, Belgium; a trip I took with two friends from school. My favorite trip of course was Lithuania. I can't think of a time I didn't wonder about Lithuania and my heritage. Lithuania seemed to me to be the least tangible part of my background. My Lithuanian grandfather had lost all contact with his relatives and knew only of a dead brother. Before the second World War my great-grandmother (Bubsha) came to The United States and kept in touch with her brother, Stasys Trakimas. During the war, Stasys told her not to write him and she obliged. His dying wish was to find out what happened to his sister in America. Stasys' family hired an investigator to locate their long-lost relatives. The investigator contacted my uncle Stanely Usovicz, named after Stasys coincidentally, and informed him of his relations. This was a great shock to my uncle, and to the rest of the family, because we thought all of our Lithuanian relatives to be deceased. A family tree was drafted which demonstrated the various relations to extended family members. Thanks to Facebook, I am now friends with most of my "cousins".<br />
When I landed in Lithuania I was nervous I wouldn't recognize my cousin Ausra (and vice versa) but we spotted each other immediately and embraced. We left Vilnius airport for Kaunas, the city Ausra lives in, which was about an hour away. While in Lithuania I saw the two big cities (Kaunas and Vilnius) and Trakai, where Trakai Castle resides. I took plenty of photos, mainly for my father, who is in constant contact with my Lithuanian relatives. Having a British mother I always felt I was missing something by growing up in The United States; that there was part of me waiting in England. I used to imagine what growing up in England would have been like and how different my life might be. My Dad talks with pride about his Lithuanian heritage and speaks fondly of his grandmother, Bubsha. Growing up, I am sure he felt the same disenfranchisement. He tried to get his father to teach him to speak Lithuanian, to which my grandfather replied, "Who the hell would you talk to?" If my grandfather only knew how many Lithuanians my father would talk to.<br />
Here are a few photos to summarize my experiences:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LmTq_qAtbZpr7Id49IVeDgL9BqOyuMLH3Jh1WGCv0qWhAcK0Y7G2hh9A60wliGB_-5FIIK2KwlOaxd7h3Jin-rZG31dVL3fTzZhYKejnoEaqPz_F96Hfy6U_QWBUA6cu4Sk77PNo__f9/s1600/DSCN5529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LmTq_qAtbZpr7Id49IVeDgL9BqOyuMLH3Jh1WGCv0qWhAcK0Y7G2hh9A60wliGB_-5FIIK2KwlOaxd7h3Jin-rZG31dVL3fTzZhYKejnoEaqPz_F96Hfy6U_QWBUA6cu4Sk77PNo__f9/s320/DSCN5529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rasa and I with an old fashioned phone booth</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9f12zJWsWJ0xNz8MC1KXLiLmC5Esl7s5hOi79lO8CfxxKfgolaV5PRuy2beiuOLzhS2F583hYBVTTDLuoDYI5dXSecMYitUGjL2KNpU0Ywi6Tjmrmpi45hQj-_LwlKWjfYq6wygzvxrR/s1600/DSCN5533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9f12zJWsWJ0xNz8MC1KXLiLmC5Esl7s5hOi79lO8CfxxKfgolaV5PRuy2beiuOLzhS2F583hYBVTTDLuoDYI5dXSecMYitUGjL2KNpU0Ywi6Tjmrmpi45hQj-_LwlKWjfYq6wygzvxrR/s320/DSCN5533.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter eggs designed according to pagan ritual</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatbnGQX5ODRZM6wlkqvrPsQVWvvLJ1YliKhCqlpwug6uLZwVW5PL9JPoGTgfvDMd5ZYuAm4_IPOXJCOh-lwpq8ubuUBEzoQSLN65nH6mQeQ27buIaJTpBT6rTRkfPqxYAurTeSjG8C5Wa/s1600/DSCN5590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatbnGQX5ODRZM6wlkqvrPsQVWvvLJ1YliKhCqlpwug6uLZwVW5PL9JPoGTgfvDMd5ZYuAm4_IPOXJCOh-lwpq8ubuUBEzoQSLN65nH6mQeQ27buIaJTpBT6rTRkfPqxYAurTeSjG8C5Wa/s320/DSCN5590.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trakai Castle</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVarKbxMHSWSeoapsrD_ownXC2lTjTZAkfLPQeomlFnwBcdm_Vga17vNK8De53qnOUkEfXJymdzvGC9cKVGyYEh-0_cEnvtn2YLpXqqXuF4hafXq3C_s4OB0USlbajWlKsoLV5KYGFTvM/s1600/DSCN5652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVarKbxMHSWSeoapsrD_ownXC2lTjTZAkfLPQeomlFnwBcdm_Vga17vNK8De53qnOUkEfXJymdzvGC9cKVGyYEh-0_cEnvtn2YLpXqqXuF4hafXq3C_s4OB0USlbajWlKsoLV5KYGFTvM/s320/DSCN5652.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvcgSia8LWdNNOHQvyeNMsl5wLDmA2Qsc0d6wIp76WL5MEkdzjGdnjR2WwCu07gOzuSc4Q0cJpe-L-XcyU2kAuITw-1UtR5nPghwfGdc8ZfRPQ2aIqJ-n1HUSu4uHeVB9mo1HMHjI_0TE/s1600/DSCN5787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvcgSia8LWdNNOHQvyeNMsl5wLDmA2Qsc0d6wIp76WL5MEkdzjGdnjR2WwCu07gOzuSc4Q0cJpe-L-XcyU2kAuITw-1UtR5nPghwfGdc8ZfRPQ2aIqJ-n1HUSu4uHeVB9mo1HMHjI_0TE/s320/DSCN5787.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above Vilnius city</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Have a great day and Happy Easter!<br /><br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-46022187280831402952012-03-16T05:29:00.000-07:002012-03-16T05:30:46.034-07:00Beautiful Madrid<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a wonderful weekend. The weather in Madrid has been amazing lately, in the 50's and 60's all week. I am content to be in Madrid and no longer feel that restless need to travel. Yesterday I walked around <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><em style="font-style: normal;">Banco de España</em> metro and the surrounding areas. I didn't exactly know where I was going most of the time, but it was so beautiful outside it didn't bother me. I went to the Kodak store and got some film developed from a camera I had taken to Lisbon and Sevilla. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Here are a few photos from around Spain:</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXunWsd1wZ6d0gJKjzgtvZpL7ScAhDfe71sTOuxPqy6aZ-A3b9epOMJ6bQqpj8sa8oIQveab7xidVtpIVdOmnEwyEja76sWJOOimPxxZiDc_5s2aW0vjh2cTJga7jcaaJz2LYCAKQzsxUn/s1600/004_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXunWsd1wZ6d0gJKjzgtvZpL7ScAhDfe71sTOuxPqy6aZ-A3b9epOMJ6bQqpj8sa8oIQveab7xidVtpIVdOmnEwyEja76sWJOOimPxxZiDc_5s2aW0vjh2cTJga7jcaaJz2LYCAKQzsxUn/s320/004_4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sevilla</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHwE1wqFzrvmA9_goi6_3nv1NfXi7ceZ-2g9wCok-ETfUllYHtiifnUc4Juqmx77t1Y65dojJRSUtHJF8IvJmtVeoqQYU6hG4wqV9EsaQJWO3tpeX9V0Ma3L4RIgmjQZ_-X7iPrssJiYA/s1600/011_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHwE1wqFzrvmA9_goi6_3nv1NfXi7ceZ-2g9wCok-ETfUllYHtiifnUc4Juqmx77t1Y65dojJRSUtHJF8IvJmtVeoqQYU6hG4wqV9EsaQJWO3tpeX9V0Ma3L4RIgmjQZ_-X7iPrssJiYA/s320/011_11.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After meal treats</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQETvDT4glZR4QzOzI8nBuLESS-fCNdLUcAqXhiNAdS_swSDbkVpUwZj8tdV15nKpVAjhAMIDfj1afcm6qccHEsuFl0qUdC_5FymvnXYDIMPc9Xp2mQgmPH1Eb7nLcTtn0bSvfhyjPI06/s1600/015_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQETvDT4glZR4QzOzI8nBuLESS-fCNdLUcAqXhiNAdS_swSDbkVpUwZj8tdV15nKpVAjhAMIDfj1afcm6qccHEsuFl0qUdC_5FymvnXYDIMPc9Xp2mQgmPH1Eb7nLcTtn0bSvfhyjPI06/s320/015_15.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisbon, Portugal</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyib6fYHiKbhF1r5HSHfYj1hdZrkZn7i5eObxbOkFs6iZ7EfongIxYHEpXotuudPHm8ymOgb7PPqRkRmuBpVC06wJSORre4c177xU-yFNLfRRf3rhq4BHNZp_Y54cjVMjtEEni2L0-dzDx/s1600/023_23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyib6fYHiKbhF1r5HSHfYj1hdZrkZn7i5eObxbOkFs6iZ7EfongIxYHEpXotuudPHm8ymOgb7PPqRkRmuBpVC06wJSORre4c177xU-yFNLfRRf3rhq4BHNZp_Y54cjVMjtEEni2L0-dzDx/s320/023_23.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madrid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you have a great weekend</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Jenny</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
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</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-53289297725480708842012-03-09T05:35:00.001-08:002012-03-09T05:36:24.616-08:00Frankfurt and other experiences Last weekend Sierra, Erika, and myself went to Frankfurt, Germany. It was a big thing for Erika who admitted she had only ever been on planes destined for Miami, Florida (her hometown) or Madrid, Spain (the place of her birth). I was very excited because I had never been to Germany and I had built it up in my mind as an ideal destination.<br />
When we arrived it was much colder than we anticipated. When we finally got internet access we were bombarded by the out cries of our classmates describing the perfect weather in Madrid! We made the best of the cold weather and bundled up to explore the city.<br />
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Frankfurt Zoo. I had never seen a hippopotamus in person until that day at the Zoo. It is no exaggeration how gigantic they are! They had to be kept in an enclosure with powerful mist that fogged up our camera lenses. I could not get a clear picture of the hippo, but I got plenty of photos of the reptiles, fish, and monkeys.<br />
We stayed in a really lovely hostel for two nights where were able to rent movies and had access to tea and coffee all day and night. Erika and I watched "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" directed by Woody Allen. The film made me miss Barcelona and Spain.<br />
Our last day in Frankfurt we all admitted we were homesick for Madrid. I think the chill in Frankfurt was getting to us. As far as my new years resolutions: I have visited three counties this semester, I have read at least a book a week, and I have figured out the features of my fisheye camera.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgn6DykjPHVyJBC0frTiLv37wmWgT2qg4tFIrBYoIsPD24m-9852Muo0oM0sBMHClImBgMuX_bBLxluFSrZr6x03u9Itir8B0EYHohRXZETIlxkmcgO-YMNFZg-XlfrrY4nMhWdw6i-QN/s1600/pinks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgn6DykjPHVyJBC0frTiLv37wmWgT2qg4tFIrBYoIsPD24m-9852Muo0oM0sBMHClImBgMuX_bBLxluFSrZr6x03u9Itir8B0EYHohRXZETIlxkmcgO-YMNFZg-XlfrrY4nMhWdw6i-QN/s320/pinks.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bat House</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreF80bQ-c5vVX26s8C6F6phX4hIst3N1pOBdxhjU6mjGMmmO3x0GCZg1XpaWnxUWs48TxwpOzoQBSkW1J_E6d-fEjITYg5SBrylBxPvJIjLcVSVAzxrCy9W-RD5CLrahwrTZbWcDpV-0J/s1600/double.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreF80bQ-c5vVX26s8C6F6phX4hIst3N1pOBdxhjU6mjGMmmO3x0GCZg1XpaWnxUWs48TxwpOzoQBSkW1J_E6d-fEjITYg5SBrylBxPvJIjLcVSVAzxrCy9W-RD5CLrahwrTZbWcDpV-0J/s320/double.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofing around in the Hostel</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIagy8VpgImK4TcAtEvYB3_-5tVfbVXzwXkhPBI8XGmOlk3UaDP1UvBKypzwZl7lAMaErmHfOCYPuSsnhzrw-cLbzTIU8NITGnMyuy0lxxWw6-y-UDK9xmoIqPt8WciQ7KorCZ_eKzEcQ/s1600/reptile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIagy8VpgImK4TcAtEvYB3_-5tVfbVXzwXkhPBI8XGmOlk3UaDP1UvBKypzwZl7lAMaErmHfOCYPuSsnhzrw-cLbzTIU8NITGnMyuy0lxxWw6-y-UDK9xmoIqPt8WciQ7KorCZ_eKzEcQ/s320/reptile.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reptile Room</td></tr>
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Have a lovely weekend readers! And Happy belated Woman's Day!!<br />
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~Jenny<br />
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<br /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-69267013638348121422012-02-25T14:48:00.000-08:002012-02-25T14:48:29.515-08:00Reporting from Cardiff, WalesHello! I'm writing from Cardiff, Wales! I spent the day yesterday with my grandad and his wife Eunice, who were celebrating twenty-five years of marriage! Today I am at my aunt Nicola and Uncle Craig's home (also in Cardiff).
The flight here was only a few hours and suddenly I am reunited with my brother James and my Mom. I was shocked to hear Jimmy's voice has gotten deeper now that he's thirteen and he is only a few inches shorter than me now!
It is so nice to relax after mid-terms stress by walking along the misty beach and exploring a medieval castle. When I return to Madrid I can show you all some of the photos I have taken on my journeying about Wales.
I still have one last midterm on Wednesday, so in all honesty I am not completely free from studying.
Can't wait to be back in Madrid!
~JennyJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142038561139004110.post-8393847030109922802012-02-14T04:58:00.000-08:002012-02-14T04:58:05.433-08:00Lisbon, PortugalHello again!<br />
This weekend I went on a school trip to Lisbon, Portugal. I am so glad I went on the trip because I don't think I would have gone on my own. Lisbon was so different than I ever anticipated it being. Initially, I thought that it would be very similar to Spain, but upon arrival I realized how wrong I had been. The languages, customs, and traditions are totally unique.<br />
While in Portugal, we visited: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic;">Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i><b>Palácio Nacional da Pena; and the surrounding town Sintra, Cabo de Roca (the Western-most point of continental Europe), and el Museo Gulbenkian. </b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">My favorite place to visit was the museum, because the collection included many impressionist painters (including Monet), exotic ceramics from China, and Baroque period furniture. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> I was sad to leave Portugal because although it was quite cold, the sun was always shining on us. Portugal is definitely a destination I would recommend and a place I hope to revisit shortly! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQv42M9EG8o4Nj1RjdG1WatSGI9q295AKQc5JrXv82EPijU8nLIbbDGAgdlVK1YxPgqalei1K7r5JeNjmW4VT39s9AId71ZXtwYxPfyhgbGobkJgYo1tq-oisDVwbVeLgUD0jCIWzNYT4l/s1600/DSCN5277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQv42M9EG8o4Nj1RjdG1WatSGI9q295AKQc5JrXv82EPijU8nLIbbDGAgdlVK1YxPgqalei1K7r5JeNjmW4VT39s9AId71ZXtwYxPfyhgbGobkJgYo1tq-oisDVwbVeLgUD0jCIWzNYT4l/s320/DSCN5277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmk-BgiWDJGUXGguaxJHRHEIyj3aLNPhMRvKytsQ6sVNoposjEtcehjcoe8kaHPSfVNUsk47v-qnBctoe_ghJPhkz-WLnLYo3fUTEKzJfDEAEds0k-nzoKoXRv-6MorJMxcK0wtd5reWt/s1600/Hotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmk-BgiWDJGUXGguaxJHRHEIyj3aLNPhMRvKytsQ6sVNoposjEtcehjcoe8kaHPSfVNUsk47v-qnBctoe_ghJPhkz-WLnLYo3fUTEKzJfDEAEds0k-nzoKoXRv-6MorJMxcK0wtd5reWt/s320/Hotel.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view out my hotel window</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberry and Chocolate ice cream!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Castle</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFnvqpeTrX1rhiePzP30gadi2gk6zpMUjLa00XqbitImUDq_083fuLDV-rGp5Ta4BsS0j-bLQ6QkmtmLrAqDkeOmmYM5XYy2667pzy07qpT-BcbRVD194PqFl6yuVPJIFhMjX2fc3M6Sl/s1600/wahhow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFnvqpeTrX1rhiePzP30gadi2gk6zpMUjLa00XqbitImUDq_083fuLDV-rGp5Ta4BsS0j-bLQ6QkmtmLrAqDkeOmmYM5XYy2667pzy07qpT-BcbRVD194PqFl6yuVPJIFhMjX2fc3M6Sl/s320/wahhow.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsu-rG7zVPujBTF-Bo-Oifyy09D09RFjNPgUZ6bv6qo1ksrk68jh7WI82vB8ZEz8zM_dfFAfYNarA2WXtrZufVKLTIG9m9sx_DFtDteXgCaaxzkVGT5xk2zZawysa2e9dDjfmmuxAPE5Q/s1600/chinnn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsu-rG7zVPujBTF-Bo-Oifyy09D09RFjNPgUZ6bv6qo1ksrk68jh7WI82vB8ZEz8zM_dfFAfYNarA2WXtrZufVKLTIG9m9sx_DFtDteXgCaaxzkVGT5xk2zZawysa2e9dDjfmmuxAPE5Q/s320/chinnn.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite, very simple but elegant</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTyY9ganJsEV2IvkJ579YwVfqoMF5gDI4kjip-qYz-7BtNVaAG20KVToKXXgicaYA9vPeu7raGtk50tuZyrtLzEoDZnqezB1fEdd0xaE9V8vI0NdV9TogZgPuVk3rfSSZF5vVfSbNX_D8/s1600/chinnnie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTyY9ganJsEV2IvkJ579YwVfqoMF5gDI4kjip-qYz-7BtNVaAG20KVToKXXgicaYA9vPeu7raGtk50tuZyrtLzEoDZnqezB1fEdd0xaE9V8vI0NdV9TogZgPuVk3rfSSZF5vVfSbNX_D8/s320/chinnnie.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Happy Valentines everyone! (p.s. hope for a safe flight for my brother James and my mom to the U.K. today!) </span></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12875658489899915357noreply@blogger.com0