Hey!
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.
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.
Well, I have a pressing issue of Glamour to get back to.
Hasta luego,
Jen
Friday, February 15, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Malasaña Living
Hey!
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.
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.
Quite the dilemma.
Well, I'm off to ponder my new identity.
Adios for now
Jenny
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.
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.
Quite the dilemma.
Well, I'm off to ponder my new identity.
Adios for now
Jenny
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Rome
Hey!
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.
Hasta luego, I'll leave you with some photos of my travels.
-Jenny
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.
Hasta luego, I'll leave you with some photos of my travels.
-Jenny
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| Me and my ticket to Rome |
 |
| Inside the Colosseum |
 |
| Trevi Fountain |
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| Would you look at that full moon! |
Friday, December 7, 2012
Finals are here! Christmas around the corner!
Hey!
So yes, finals are here with all the stress accompanying them, so I decided
to go see a late movie with a few friends to take my mind off my last few assignments.
We headed over to Cines Princessa, near Plaza de España to see a movie in English. We decided to see
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).
~Jenny
So yes, finals are here with all the stress accompanying them, so I decided
to go see a late movie with a few friends to take my mind off my last few assignments.
We headed over to Cines Princessa, near Plaza de España to see a movie in English. We decided to see
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).
~Jenny
Thursday, November 29, 2012
U.S. Ambassador Visit
Hey!
Today the United States Ambassador for Spain came to SUMC: Mr. Alan Solomont.
He talked about the relationship that the United States has with Spain and how he goes about
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.
Have a splendid weekend!
-Jenny
Today the United States Ambassador for Spain came to SUMC: Mr. Alan Solomont.
He talked about the relationship that the United States has with Spain and how he goes about
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.
Have a splendid weekend!
-Jenny
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
My Sister Is Here!!!
Yep! My sister is finally here!
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.
Take Care
~Jenny
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.
Take Care
~Jenny
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Un Fin de Semana Extraño
What a weekend!!
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 A Clockwork Orange, 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 El País 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.
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.
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.
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 A Clockwork Orange, 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 El País 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.
 |
| Slytherin has all the fun |
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.
 |
| Margaret putting in an earring |
And now I am back in Madrid!
-Jenny
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