Brianna Abroad ~ Verano 2015 @briannabroad-blog - Tumblr Blog

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Henry David Thoreau |

kushandwizdom

You attract the energy that you give off. Spread good vibes. Think positively. Enjoy life.

(via fawun)

Last Day in Spain!

Today is my last day here in Spain and very bittersweet. I am very excited to go to England to visit Hebe but at the same time I will miss Spain dearly. It will be weird going into a coffee shop and not having to ask for café con leche y llelo. I will miss saying buenas y hasta luego. Siestas will be missed more than I’m prepared to accept at the moment, for I am only running on two hours of sleep and could use a siesta. Living with Madre was quite the experience and one I surly will never be able to forget. Like I said leaving Spain is bittersweet and I can only hope that I have the opportunity to come back to this fabulous country one day. Also I would like to document I am wearing Jean to the airport and I look like an actual person - thank you European influences for keeping me from looking like a complete bum. It will be nice in England to be able to communicate what I want without having to think through it in my head first. It can be rather exhausting when you have to do that. It is reassuring when people tell you that you speak Spanish very well though. It makes me feel all the struggles of Spanish over the years are worth it. My next post will be from England and I will be sure to catch up on the days I missed while exams were getting busy. Hasta la próxima vez (until next time)

Adios!

Madrid

20 de Junio - Saturday

We all met at Plaza G&G at 7:30 to depart for Madrid. We stopped first at El Escorial on the way because it is just outside of Madrid. We had a few history lessons, and walked around the beautiful grounds. On our way out of the main entrance. A father was walking his daughter towards the church in her wedding gown. They had started the walk down the aisle. It was so very sweet and all of us girls were getting emotional. We were there until about 1:30 when we headed to the hotel. Once we checked in we went to the Museo de Prado. It was a huge art museum where Jesus talked all of our ears off for about three hours. After that taunting affair was over, we had FREE time. A few of us walked to the Starbucks and got refreshments for the night. We had dinner in the hotel which was fine but nothing very exciting. We had some drink before dinner, so when they brought out a tuna pasta dish I didn’t have too much of a fuss about eating it. Mostly a very giggly and fun dinner table. After our meal, we went to see the Musical Carmen. Lots of Opera- Spanish singing and Flamenco dancing. It was a great show but a little too long for my taste. The best part was when they had a live horse come onto the stage and do a dance and routine. After the show was over we went back to the hotel, hung out, took some pictures (Charlie’s Angels) before we got cabs to Teatro Kapital! Kapital was absolutely crazy! It had 7 floors and each was a different theme. It may have been one of the craziest places i’ve ever been. Such a great time and we got in with a coupon for free drinks. After our crazy few hours at the club we ( Sarah, Jasmyn, and I left at 5:30 go get some food). We went to McDonalds (only thing open not too proud) and got some food where we ran into about 10 other people in our trip. Funny how everyone thinks rather alike at such times of the morning. Fantastic night out in Madrid!

Muchos Besos,

P.S. Still does not beat Urban Beach in Portugal!

Week of 15th - 19th

16 de Junio - our second to last Tuesday

Today Marlee, Sarah, Jasmyn and I finally went to see the Cathedral of Salamanca. We got to go to the top and take pictures and admire the wonderful city we have been living in. Madre yelled at Marlee again for putting her bag under the bed and having dirt in it - silly Marlee.

17 de Junio

Today I studied and did some work in Cafe Erasmus. Some shopping with the girls after lunch and I found a great outfit for Madrid.

18 de Junio

No art class this morning! Yay! So instead of sleeping in I decided to wake up and have a morning run though the city. It felt great to run during and afterwards but I was very very sore later that day even. Later in the day we had a cultural excursion with the group after Siesta. We went to the Orquesta Barroca de Salamanca and University Choir (Baroque Orchestra of Salamanca) It was great for the first 20 minutes and then started to get slightly boring. Half of the group fell asleep and the other was so fascinated with the conductors height. He had to be at least 7ft tall. After that was finished they gave us money for dinner and a large group of girls went to one of the restaurants we walk past everyday. A few of us got menu of the day deals and others ordered differently. I had “chicken cone” basically chicken nuggets in a large cone and fries. We had some wine and enjoyed our evening. Afterwards we enjoyed our night in the town and headed back to sleep ( as what I can remember because I am writing this rather late).

19 de Junio

Happy Friday,

Classes, Lunch, Siesta, the normal. Marlee, Jasmyn, Meredith, Sara and I all went out to Paniaqua after dinner for drinks. Sara is one of the funniest and sweetest people I have every met. So it was a fairly entertaining night. We didn’t stay out too late for we had Madrid the next morning.

Buenos Noches (por todos los noches)

Brianna

Andalucía

Day 1 -Thursday

To begin our exciting weekend, I woke up nice and early (5:45) to shower and then woke Marlee up at 6:05. We took a Taxi to Plaza G&G with the girls who live above us (Jasmyn and Meredith). On the bus ride there, Emily sat next to me. She is the absolute sweetest, we mostly just slept through the ride, read, or listened to our music. We stopped for a bathroom 2 hours into the ride and then then again 2 hours later. The entire drive is a painful 8 hours all the way to Granada. We checked into our hotel with our same roommates as in Salamanca. A quick 20 minute drop your things are get ready and we all met back downstairs in the Lobby. We walked to the Capilla Real. This is a church where Fernando II de Aragón & Isabel I de Castilla ( Los Reyes Católicos) are resting. Juana la Loca y Felipe el Hermoso are also buried there. They aren’t exactly buried there but in a Tomb that is on display for the public - BUT NO PHOTOS! We were told that about a million times while walking through and watched like hawks the entire time. It was a beautiful and very elaborate Chapel. After we spend 30-45 minutes in the Chapel with a history lesson from Jesus we headed to the Granada Cathedral. Almost the entire time we all walked around with our heads looking up. The ceilings of every Church, Cathedral, and just about each other building is just miraculous. It said no pictures but they did not care so we all snapped away. After another history lesson we all got free time to walk around the city. Being typical Americans, we all flocked to the Dunkin’ Doughnuts then walked back to the hotel. Having only 30 minutes to get ready we didn't have any time for a siesta. Once everyone was downstairs we divided into two small buses and went flying though the city. The co-driver in our bus kept yelling “SOLAMENTE ESPANOLLLL” - yet no one on the bus cared to listen to him for more than 5 seconds. We started up a mountain with very steep and narrow roads. Not the most relaxing bus ride i’ve ever been on. The bus finally came to a stop at the top and my camera bag tumbled down my legs onto the floor. My camera was in the bag but it was in the case - no worries. We had dinner at a place called Venta Al Gallo and after stayed in our seats for a Flamenco show. I opened my camera bag to take pictures of the show to find out my lens had been shattered when my camera bag dropped. After dinner and the show we went to a scenic view of Alhambra at night. I took pictures with my phone and add on lens! When we got back to the Hotel the wifi was nonexistent so Marlee and I just went to bed.

Day 2 - Friday

Marlee and I got up and were downstairs for breakfast on time today (insert happy dance). The breakfast was better than what we normally have in Salamanca so no complaints there. We then loaded the bus with all of our things to Alhambra. There the first group in our art class presented. I was expecting a little more based on my expectations but it is so large I just don’t think we had enough time to see it all. We had a photoshoot again at the top of one of the towers (what a shocker). Just a little more walking and we went to the Gardens of Alhambra and they were absolutely beautiful and so lively. More fun pictures and adoring the young Spanish children (4-6) on a field trip. Bless the room moms or whatever they called because i’m pretty sure the ratio was about 40 to 1. One of the children was actually falling up the steps while the other was holding onto the railing for his dear life. They were quite entertaining in such a long garden but nothing beat the faces of the parents/room moms/ helpers. Once we loaded the bus we headed to La Mezquita de Córdoba. Once we arrived in Córdoba we were given money for lunch and my presenting group (on the Mezquita) set out to get some last minute work done. We walked though the Mezquita and presented at the same time. It felt great to be done - presenting isn’t my favorite. Pictures were a little difficult for the lighting is very dim but I took far too many - as usual. Then another 2 hour bus ride to Sevilla. I was assigned Adriana as a roommate for the two nights. Dinner at the hotel was delicious. We all agreed it was one of the best meals yet in Spain. A few of us went out after dinner to a bar then a Salsa club where we stood out like a sore thumb. Seeing some of the couples dance straight for hours - that is a true relationship goal. That night a few events occurred. Someone stepped though the floor, glasses were knocked over like dominos on the table, two were lost, then some barrel rolled through the streets, one broke and lost a shoe and the others roamed the streets screaming whatever they felt needed to be said. It may seem crazy and it was - one of the most entertaining walks back to a hotel I will ever encounter.

Day 3 - Saturday

Today was just one big stress ball. Everything that we did today was rushed! The first place we went was the Plaza de España de Sevilla. It was so beautiful with so many unique details but we did not get to appreciate any or even take pictures there because we were herded away so fast. Many of us were very disappointed in how the day had started and quite annoyed. Then we went to a random garden to listen to the literature class read poems. Then we were rushed to the next place - Los Reales Alcázares de Sevilla! Fun fact - This is where the Kingdom of Dorne in Game of Thrones is filmed. It was beautiful and enormous but we did not have time to see it all because Jesus spent an hour going over the exact same lesson that we learned in class in random rooms of the Palace. Free time finally! We wanted to go back to the Plaza but there wasn’t enough time to do so (like they said there would be). We found a place to eat WITH GUACAMOLE and then indulged in the very rare Starbucks. After we met at La Catedral (Tumba de Cristóbal Colón). A group presented, took some more pictures, then went to the tower for an amazing view of Sevilla. Off to the bus and back to the hotel. The rest of the day we had free so we went to the grocery store to get some things for the night to eat and drink. I sat in the hallway with Sarah and Jasmyn enjoying wifi and the chocolate croissants I bought. I did some abs to help counteract the croissants. #stayinginshape I finally decided to go and take nap where I PSTF. Sometimes I really have no idea how tired I actually am until waking up is like moving an elephant an inch. A group of us all went to dinner at an Argentinian restaurant which was excellent. They had great Wifi too so we didn’t mind sticking around for awhile. After our meal the owner brought out a tray of what looked liked shots - so we all made a toast and bottoms up... then realized it was just samples of wine. The best part about Spain is the menu of the day. It is anywhere from 9-15 Euros and it includes a primary and secondary item, dessert, and either water or wine. The wine here is such good quality and there is an excess supply and that means great wine for insanely cheap prices! About 13 of us decided to stay in rather than spend money and try to find a club. We all hung out in one of the hotel rooms and basically had a huge slumber party. It was probably one of the most fun nights i’ve had here in Spain. One by one we returned to our rooms and I cant even begin to guess what time I went to bed but a simple and amazing night. Buenos Noches

Day 4 - Sunday

Woke up, breakfast, and then we left for Merida. Merida was a waste of time in my opinion - it is literally a ghost town! Besides the presentation that a group had to give we were all just very tired and ready to go home at that point. When the song and dance was over we boarded the bus for another 4 hour bus ride back to Salamanca.

P.S This is very long and I dont have the energy to ready back through it for spelling and gramatical errors so i’m sorry. Chances that someone actually read this entire post is slim anyways so I do not think it will be an issue!

Muchos Besos,

Brianna

Barcelona!

Day 1 Marlee and I left the house around 9:30 to get a taxi to the bus station. Once we got on the bus for Madrid it was about a 2.5 hour ride. Finding our flight and gate wasn't too difficult. Another culture shock item came when on the flight to Barcelona. You have to pay for the drinks on the plane. Never in my life have I experienced this so I didnt get a drink. Thanks Air Europa. Roger picked us up from the Airport and took us back to his apartment. He looks just like Gabriel except a little shorter. He told us some places we need to go and the do's and dont's of the city. He walked us to the Metro and wished us good luck! We took the Metro to Port Olympic for our boat ride adventure. We boarded the boat and throughly enjoyed the unlimited refreshments. Sadly we couldn't jump off the boat and swim but it was still lots of fun. On the boat we met people from all over Europe and other parts of the US. There was a big group from Temple University there. After Marlee and I went to get food and drinks with friends we met on the boat at a place that had a great deal for the a combo. We were not dressed for the nightlife so Marlee and I headed back to the Apartment which was quite a bit of a ride back. We decided we needed some sleep after such a long day and went to sleep.

Day 2 - GAME DAY

Sometimes a girl just needs her sleep. This is not a problem in Spain because people do not start going out for the night until 2am. Once Marlee and I were up and out for the day we started our walk to the Plaza de Catalunya from the apartment. Roger said we follow one road all the way down and we will eventually run into it. Marlee and I figured it would be about a 30 minute walk and it was very nice out so we decided to enjoy the city while walking. In Spain everything is just around the corner and very close but in reality it is NOT just around the corner or very close. We ended up walking 45minutes to an hour to get to the Plaza. On the bright side I got Starbucks on the way! (That makes me a very happy girl) Buying FCB jerseys were 1st on our list of things to do. We saw a group of Americans wearing jerseys so I stopped them and asked where they bought them. They pointed us to a street vendor and said we can bargin with them for 15 Euros. I found a Messi jersey and go it for 15 Euros like they said but Marlee wanted a Neymar so we had to keep looking. While walking around we decided the best way to see the city in such a short time was the Hop-on, Hop-off busses. It was 27 Euros for the whole day and they had an east and west side bus system. It was the best investment of the trip in my opinion. BarcelonaCitytour.es if anyone is planning on going soon! We were on our way to the Stadium to get Marlee her Jersey but decided to get off at Passage of Columbus monument. 4 minutes off of the bus we see a street vendor who has a Neymar jersey = Happy Marlee. She happily paid 18 Euros for hers. For all of those who do not know Marlee, she is madly in love and obsessed with Neymar and all thing involving him. Marlee cries for many reasons and her love for Neymar is just one of those. We shared a crepe and took a seat on the other side of the harbor and ended up watching the bridge slide back to let boats go through. Anytime I am near water here it reminds me of home. That is always a nice and comforting feeling. After taking pictures around the harbor area we needed a restroom so we wandered down some steps under the monument and ended up finding the way to go to the top of the monument. For 8 Euros we went to the top of the monument and got a glass of wine once we came back down. The wine was excellent and well worth the 2 Euros. After we decided to walk to the Cathedral, where we had to buy silly scarfs to wear over our shorts and Marlee’s romper. The Cathedral of Barcelona was absolutely stunning. After our time at the Cathedral we got on our lovely bus and went to the Sagrada Familia. Holy Moly - WOW. Pictures can not even begin to capture how intricate and beautiful it is. Gaudi had quite the vision to dream up such a place. It was honestly breath taking in every way. We stayed about an hour - until closing when we got kick out. Then the search for our Big Red Bus again to take us back to the Plaza de Catalunya. Once back we were on a mission to find food and a place to watch the game. Found a great place to eat that had great food and a big projector screen. A Spanish guy and Russian boy studying in Barcelona joined our table. It was very exciting to be in Barca watching the game with all the locals. They live, eat, and breathe to the beat of FCB. After Neymar Jr. scored the 3rd goal for FCB making it 3-1 the game was over and the restaurant erupted in cheers! The streets were filled with Chants and tons of people. Before we joined the celebration, Marlee and I took the Subway back to drop our stuff from the day and get ready for the crazy night ahead. The Subway was just as crazy as the streets and everyone was overjoyed! Barça,Barça,Baaarça - the never ending chanting of the FCB fight song. Dropping our stuff off quickly we hurried back to the fun! We went to the center of the Celebration/ Riots! Calle de Las Ramblas! HOLY MOLY! Firecrackers, Sparklers, Bomb Fire, singing, screaming, shouting, you name it - it was happening. A little frightening but so much fun! What a once in a lifetime experience for us - hopefully we can do it again! Just to repeat myself - We went to the Riots in the streets of Barcelona after they won the European Championship Game!! #TRIPL3T So much fun and a night I will never forget. I can say that I am now a fútbol fan because I appreciate the culture surrounding it and I am in love with Barcelona.

Day 3

Woke up early, subway ride to the Plaza for Starbucks. we boarded the bus to the airport even though I never wanted to leave the amazing city. Check in and finding our gate all went fine except for the fact our flight was 45 minutes late getting into Madrid. Due to this traveling delay - we missed our bus back to Salamanca. I managed to talk to an information guy - all in Spanish - explaining to him the situation and asking for number and other means of transportation. After I had all the information I needed, he asked where I was from and proceeded to tell me that my Spanish is really very good. That was nice to hear after missing the bus and stressing out. Marlee and I studied on the bus ride back, took showers, ate dinner and went to bed.

Such an amazing weekend in Barcelona! I will definitely be returning one day. I have decided that if I ever choose to truly live abroad one day it will be in Barcelona. VIVE BARCA!

Muchos Besos,

Brianna

#tripl3t #barcelona #fc barcelona

we also saw penguins!

Cantabria

Cantabria, Spain

Okay I am finally going to write about my weekend in Cantabria!

Day 1

Happy Friday morning! Marlee and I were up and out early because the bus was leaving at 6:30. Marlee was frantic in the morning as always and a little last minute packing. The four of us Petunias ladies got a cab to the Plaza G&G. I shared a seat with Diante for a long bus ride to the Cave. In Puente Viesgo - prehistoric paintings in the Cave. Then we went to Camaleño where we stayed in Parador de Fuente Dé Hotel. Jess, Andrea and I had wine and some food before we went on a hike up Los Picos de Europa behind the hotel. The hotel was absolutely gorgeous. It was in a valley surrounded by enormous mountains. For the hike we were all highly unprepared - hiking in converse, flip flops, jeans, and without water bottles. We did not expect to be vigorously hiking that day in our defense. We took way too many pictures and made it fairly high up the mountain to a waterfall/ natural stream. We decided to drink the water and take our chances - it tasted very clean and pure so I didn't worry too much. The views can not be appreciated to the fullest through the pictures. After 2-4 hours of hiking, we went back down to the hotel. Before we all showered and got ready for the night we decided to have Sangrias outside on the patio. A few glasses turned into a few pitchers and we made lovely conversion with a British couple who have been hiking all around Europe. Dinner was decent, nothing too exciting. After dinner we hung out in the hotel playing a few games, this was until there were too many noise complaints and we turned in for the night. I called Tony to say hello and catch up before journaling and going to bed. The beds were insanely comfortable and allowed for a great nights sleep.

Day 2

Waking up to snow covered mountains outside of your window in Spain is quite an experience in itself. Breakfast was delicious with eggs, croissants, Fresh OJ, fruit, coffee, and a churro - to dip into my coffee. Yes this is why I continue to tell my parents i've become quite plump while here, but hey, when in Spain? Today the big excitement was taking a Cable Car excursion to the top of Los Picos de Europa! What a frightening but very cool ride. It took about 5 minutes and a few panic attacks to get to the top. I snapped more pictures than I am able to look through in one sitting but I knew that would happen. We hiked, rested, and just admired the mountains and beauty around us. Going down the cable car was much worse than going up in my opinion. Once we loaded the bus to go to our next city, Santillana del Mar, we drove about 2 hours then stopped for lunch. After lunch we went to the El Museo de Altamira - it was a replication of the real cave of Altamira. In my opinion it was a waste of time after going to a real cave the day before. After about 2-3 hours for that stop, we headed to Santander. Once we arrived Meredith and I were assigned to our room and we got ready for dinner. Dinner was at the hotel and very simple. Pasta dish, Meat and mashed potatoes, and then a horrific yogurt for dessert. We walked to a convenience store after dinner to fulfill our thirst with the wonderful wines of Spain. ** just a reminder - I am legal to drink here. After we went to the beach to hangout and enjoy our purchases. In Spain they honestly do not care and do not have nearly as many laws as they do in the US. A few of us went swimming in the Bay of Biscay or the Atlantic Ocean and yes it is still just as chilly as it is from the other side. Everyone had a great night and we made lots of lasting memories. We went back to the hotel and along the way, I lost the rest of my purchase to gravity. I quickly showered and went to bed. What a great night in Santander.

Chao, B

Day 3

I woke up at 8 which gave me about 5 hours of sleep. Wishing I had a little more sleep that night, I felt a little better after eating breakfast. We loaded all of our stuff on the bus to go see the Palacio de Magdalena. I would like to live here pretty please. Currently it is a college for graduate students - if I understood that correctly during our lecture. The views are absolutely amazing from all three sides -for it is a peninsula that over looks the coast line. It reminded me a lot of home, especially while watching a huge cargo ship make its way though the very clear waters. After we walked back down the peninsula towards the main street we had free time to get food and go to the beach. Andrea, Zach, Caitlin, Marlee, Jeff, and I went to get lunch - most everything was closed because of Siesta so we settled with a place that ended up having horrible service. Some people love americans and some are beyond rude just because we are americans. But nevertheless the Sangria didn't disappoint as it hasn't yet in Spain. VAMOS A LA PLAYA! We laid out and enjoyed the warm weather, sand, and sun. We went in the water to cool off and then Andrea, Sarah and I decided to walk along the shore. The water was refreshing but much more clear then it is at home. Taking pictures and enjoying the only 2 hours of pure relaxation that we've had yet, it went by too quickly. I got a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone before departing at 3. It was about a 4.5-5 hour ride back to Salamanca - long enough for me to take a nice long siesta. All around a great weekend in Cantabria.

Besos, B

Spanish Flu?

Currently Marlee and I are sitting in the Doctors office hoping they can fit us in for the day. Marlee woke up with pink eye in her right eye on Monday and I have an ear infection. We tried to go to the doctor yesterday(Monday) but for some reason he wasn't there. So today we are braving the Spanish germs in the waiting room. I am actually a little frightened. Marlee now has pink eye in both eyes and is very sad - as she continues to tell me. My ears are just giving me the normal yet miserable symptoms. There is another American in the waiting room talking to a native and I hope I don't sound that silly when I speak Spanish. Earlier today Aubrey and I finished our 4th Spanish 300 class - only 2 left while in Spain! Weird only having 1 other person in my class, at least we will get the full amount of participation points. Weird to think that we are on our 4th week of classes. This week is a very short week as well, we leave for Andalucía Thursday morning. We are spending the weekend there and apparently we are non-stop for all 4 days! Exciting minus the bus ride that should be about 7-8 hours long! I will have plenty of time to catch up and tell y'all about Cantabria and Barcelona. I am finally getting a chance to relax after studying like crazy for my two tests yesterday and today. Still in the waiting room! Hopefully I'll make it out in time for dinner and practice! Abrazos, B

Moving to Barcelona!

Hi everyone life is getting crazy now that's it's about midterm time in my classes. I will write about my weekends soon. Barcelona was absolutely amazing and if I ever decide to live in Europe for awhile it will be there! Oh and I survived the riots in the streets after the game in case anyone was wondering. Besos, B

Mondays...

Nobody likes Mondays as it is - especially after an amazing weekend in Cantabria - the northern region of Spain. Getting up wasn’t too difficult but the bus came and left 5 minutes early as Marlee and I watched it drive away. So we decided to use one of our free Taxi’s for the week and we took that to class - for a 30 minute walk was not going to work this morning if we wanted to make it on time. After that it was normal in all my classes but I decided to study in the library instead of Salamanca Coffee. This ended up working well because Salamanca Coffee is temporarily under renovations. Marlee and I are still trying to figure out the bus system here so we arrived at la casa 15 minutes later than usual for lunch. Yet we still arrived in our normal window of time but Madre was not happy. After lunch I took a very long siesta and Marlee went to the plaza to do some work. Somehow I ended up scratching my eye when putting in some contact solution and now have been bound to my glasses. Practice was a little on the blurry side today for I could only wear one contact lense for the eye with better vision. I cant even touch the top of my eye lid without it bothering me. I still swam the practice but half way though the first set my cap ripped ( very typical for the JMU caps). Thankfully one of the younger girls on the team let me borrow an extra. When we were walking back to get into the pool my googles snapped so we had to turn around and she let me borrow a pair of googles as well. Lucia was my lifesaver today. Other than that I came home for dinner, am now writing this post, and will finish a little homework in a bit. Marlee and I were going to venture out tonight but today isn't really going our way, so we decided to stay in. It’s 12:16 so HAPPY TUESDAY EVERYONE! (thank gosh monday is over).

Muchos Besos,

Brianna

(P.S. will write about the weekend in Cantabria tomorrow or later this week, must do some homework now - Mama will be so proud of me.)