Closing time

hola hola!

My time here in Salamanca, Spain is coming to an end. It's definitely bitter sweet. I feel like I am ready to live my real life, but at the same time I am just so sad. The life I have lived here for the past 4 months has been more than incredible and I am sure going to miss this beautiful place. A couple weeks ago I was very homesick and all I could think about was the US. We all have those down times, right? But now that I only have a couple more days left I wish it didn't creep up on me. It's insane how time flies.

This whole experience in Europe has been amazing. I wouldn't change it for anything. The people I have met will always leave a lasting impression, the language I have perfected has been more than interesting, the lifestyle has given me the opportunity to learn and experience something extremely diverse from the US, and the family I have encountered will always be something special to me. I know for a fact that I will ALWAYS be in touch with my roommate Daryl. This past semester I have learned so much from her. From how to be patient to embracing every minute in life. Daryl has helped me open my eyes to things I needed help seeing. We've grown together the past 4 months and it has been nothing but a wonderful experience. I am definitely going to miss her. My host family is what is going to be the hardest to say goodbye to. Victoria has been a mother, a friend, and roommate who has helped me better myself in speaking Spanish, introducing me to the Spanish cuisine, caring for me, and understanding me as well. Everything she has done for us has helped the experience be more than great! Today at lunch she had asked us when we leave for good and she had the saddest face and we all started to tear up. I didn't think it was going to be this hard for me to say goodbye. I still have one more week to live here so I am trying to save the tears for the airport.

Life lately...

Well.. I am done with all my courses here in Spain and believe I did well. The three Spanish courses that I was taking are going to transfer to NAU so when I go back I only have one more Spanish course to take and I will be done with my Spanish minor. In my international Marketing class I received an A, so that's good. Finals were actually pretty easy, no complaints with those. I loved learning from each and every professor at San Boal. The school was great and am glad I got to attend. When and if I return to Salamanca I will definitely make a visit to the professors I had. They were outstanding teachers.

The last couple days we have just been walking around Salamanca for the last few times and taking as many pictures as possible for memories. I still go running around the river and track. We have been going souvenir shopping for everyone back home and just living it up. My friend Eva, from NAU, came to visit last week because she is traveling around Europe. She made a stop in Salmanca and I showed her around and she stayed with my in my home. She got to eat the Spanish cuisine and experience the lifestyle, which was so much fun to show. The other weekend Daryl and I went for out last tapas night by ourselves and it was a great night. We reminisced on all the memories and good times we have had here. We always mentioned what we have learned and what we wish we could have done or changed. All in all it was once again a bitter-sweet ordeal.

Before I go back to Chicago I am making a trip to Santiago, which is in the North, close to the border of Spain. Daryls best friend Alexis just got into Salamanca today and is staying a couple nights. On Tuesday all three of us are heading to Santiago for 2 nights and than I have to catch a bus back to Salamanca that Friday because my flight home leaves the 28th! :) CRAZY! I am excited to be making one last trip around Spain. Santiago should be a great time and hopefully not raining. When I head back to Chicago it is going to be a long, long, long traveling day. I leave Salamanca at 9 am and get into Madrid at about 11:30 and have to hang around because my flight doesnt leave till 7pm.. baha i know.. than i head to germany and get there at about 11pm and than have to sleep at the airport for an overnight layover.. hopefully they have free wifi, if not I got a book I am reading in Spanish that I look forward to finishing there! So my flight leaves the next morning from germany straight to chicago at about 8am.. after a 9 hour flight I will be landing in Chicago!! It is going to be sooo weird.

After living here I have adjusted my life so differently. I haven't had a phone and texted, so it will be so weird receiving that first text when landing, or driving! I have not driven or been in a car for the past 4 months so that is going to something I will have to pick up again. It's going to be sooo different and the culture shock will hit me immensely. I can't wait. I JUST CANT WAIT to share every single story, experience, and detail with everyone back home.

I am going to grab a coffee and go walk around town. I will definitely be writing right before I leave Salamanca so keep your eyes peeled family and friends.

Much Love!

Manda.

El hogar es donde está el corazón.

Semana Santa

Que te pasa?!

The time is flying by and I can't even believe it! I just recently got back from my Semana Santa, spring break in the U.S., that I spent in Portugal. I went to Lisboa, Portugal with Daryl and Stephanie. Let me start off by saying Portugal is by far my favorite place thus far. Everything about it was just spectacular. When we got there after a 8 hour train ride we found our hostel that was in the heart of the city. The hostel we stayed in was super cheap and it was a come and go as you please setup. The house keepers were amazing and set up breakfast for us every morning. We paid 100 euros each for 7 nights and 8 days. EXCELLENT deal! The first couple days were hot and sunny so we slept on the beach the first three days to soak up the sun and relax. It was the second time I was ever in the ocean and it was amazing. Every day we took the metro to a different beach just to get a feel of all the options. The one day we went to a beach called Costa de Caparica. To get there we had to take a ship, which was gave a chance to see some gorgeous views of the city. I think the three of us were the only ones on the beach, but it was absolutely amazing there! Granted it was one of those days that it was raining on and off all day, but when the sun did shine it was beautiful. There was a open restaurant there that we spent a few hours relaxing on beanbag chairs and enjoyed some cervezas and hookah. It was just splendid. It was one of those days you just loved life.

It has been said that when you travel to Portugal you HAVE to try their famous Bacaloa. One night we decided to treat ourselves and follow through with this "have to do" dinner. We found a nice little restaurant and sat outside to enjoy our dinner. While we started eating the waiter started arguing with the owner of the restaurant next to us. It started to get hostile. Our waiter ended up pushing the owner, who was about the age of 65, and kicking him in the nose. The owner fell straight back and went into shock. Every single costumer at the restaurant got up and left. The worst part was when the owners wife came running out screaming "mi amor, mi amor." It was a frightening experience. We couldn't believe what we were seeing. When a security guard came out our waiter ended up punching him in the face as well. This sounds gruesome, but there was blood everywhere. It was probably one of the scariest things I have ever saw in person. We ended up leaving in the middle of our meal and going to another restaurant. If anyone that reads this decides to go to Lisboa, Portugal one day PLEASE go to Nicolas restaurant and ask for Bruno. We came in contact with Bruno who is a waiter there that speaks 6 different languages and has traveled the world and is by far one of the most intelligent humans I have ever met. We actually met a lot of people that I will remember forever. The people in general in Portugal were overly nice.

The city itself was gorgeous. Yes, it is a very poor city that basically makes pretty much all its money off the tourists and travelers that come there. The people live so happy there and if I could move there I would in a heartbeat. The city is just filled with culture, scenery, and life. Lisboa is built on 7 different hills so it is a very up hill/down hill kind of place. Any location you are in in Lisboa, if you turn around you see a beautiful sight of either the ocean, the pueblos, or the city. It's magnificent. A couple times we got lost in the inner streets of the city and passed through the families homes and the all the small hole in the wall restaurants. In the streets you could find a local market or tiendon every other street that was family ran that had children and parents sitting on the stoops or windows just hanging around spending time with their family. It's their typical lifestyle and I'm pretty sure they are proud to live that way with such a close bond with all their family members together. I LOVED IT! Lisboa is very big on grafitti too. The artwork was out of this world. Very similar to Salamancas, but better! A lot of things in Portugal was crazy cheap! I think the cheapest thing we got was 12 HUGE bread rolls for .75 centimos en euros... we got food from the market that lasted a week for lunches and dinner and spent 14 euros each... crazy! As travelers we loved it sooo much and we ate healthy at that too!

Que mas sobre Portugal?

the first night we went to an irish pub and let me tell you I have never enjoyed a live performance in my entire life. The singers and instrument players were all from Ireland and they had the whole place up and dancing and smiling and having a wonderful time. It was a great time and the people were a blast. We never figured out the labyrinth that they call Lisbon public transportation! It was so difficult to comprehend. I was nothing at all like the public transportation in chicago or any other state in the US at that. We ended up just paying each way and said forget it. lol. We took the rail to Belem, which is where the caravels sailed on their voyage of discovery and in the 16th century life there revolved around this port. There we saw El Torre de Belem which is a tower that was a formidable fortress way back in 1514 I believe. It's looks similar to a dungeon, but more appealing. We also were recommended to try the pastel de belem, which is a little dessert that is something like custard filled and toasted with butter, at least that is what it tastes like to me. We came along a little diner that was known for them and it was PACKED with tourists.

I fell in love with Portugal and just found it to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been able to experience. Thank God for that. I made a ton of memories that I will cherish forever and loved every second of it! I am so glad that Daryl, Steph, and I mesh well together. We are all so very different but learn from each other and appreciate each others views. It's awesome.

When we got back to Salamanca I felt like I was home... well at least could call it home and it felt good. I missed it actually! We got home at about 1 in the morning and I was so anxious to get back because Karen was coming to Spain the next day to spend her Spring break here. I was anticipating her arrival the whole week we were in Portugal. The first email I read when I got home was hers that simply said she wasn't going to be able to make it out here and she had to cancel her flight. I was so bummed and upset. It wasn't the best news to hear especially a day before your 21st birthday, but what can ya do! I will see her in a month so I can't fret about it, it was just a super sucky situation.

As for my birthday it was amazing! I think it is quite possibly the most memorable birthday ever. Spending your 21st birthday in Spain is way more than someone can ask for. Steph, Daryl, and I went out and bought tutus and dressed up. I wore a crown and the girls wore ribbon. Here in Salamanca the people like to dress up and go out when it is someones birthday or they are celebrating a bachelor/bachelorette party. So to go along with the city customs we dressed up and were "fairies." It was quite the night. Granted we were starred at and laughed at but it was all in good fun and it was memorable as well. We stayed out till the sun rose and I was totally content with my birthday celebrations. THANK you to all my Spanish friends, especially Daryl, Steph, Wilby, and Gregor. I appreciate their help and making me feel at home! So I am finally 21 and it doesn't mean much here in Europe, but in the states BIENVENIDOS.

The day of my birthday was shared with Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday. There was not much to do on a Sunday so Victoria surprised me with a FLAN cake for my birthday and it was so precious of her. It was a nice relaxing day. Later that night Daryl and I went to an Irish pub and had a cup of coffee with Baileys. Great night with great people and am blessed.

The following week Daryls family came to visit and they included me in everything they did in Salamanca. They only spent 2 nights here but that was enough time to show them around Salamanca. Because they were here and made me feel included with their family I started to become a little more homesick. It was tough. Especially after because Karen didn't follow through. I didn't dwell on that I just looked at the brighter side that I got to share some time with her family. IT WAS GREAT!We went out for coffee and drinks at night and I got to know her family. They're awesome.

During the weekend I adventured out and just met more people every day and night. On Sunday night Steph and I went on a date for pizza and wine. It felt just like home besides the spanish veggie pizza. :)

Speaking of Spanish food the foods I have talked about previously are basically the same. A few switch-it-ups here and there. The other day I had something called tarta patata which is just a lasagna type aspect with potatoes and ham.. served for breakfast and lunch. Vicky noticed that I haven't been eating dinner at home. Not because I don't want to, but because things come up or it's just too late to eat. I think she kind of got the idea that something was up. She recently just picked up a new job so she is never home and so I kinda just concoct something small in the kitchen for lunch. So the other day I came home from class and the table is set with an abundance of fruit in a basket on the table. Her grandma had came over and cooked for us and brought me my favorite cheese and all this fruit that I LOVE. I was nothing but smiles. I put two and two together and think that Vicky thought that she wasn't being the mother that she was suppose to be and asked her Grandma to pull her a favor to bring some smiles to the house. I in know way had meant to give her those intentions, but honestly I think she thought this way. I appreciate VICKY and ALL she does. She works her butt off and is absolutely incredible, I wouldn't ask her to do anything else but I guess she felt the need to. She is an angel I tell ya.

READ PLEASE! After the traditionally strict 40 days of Cuaresma (Lent) and the solemn Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week or Spring break) comes Lunes de Aguas (literally: “Water Monday”), which is celebrated on the Monday after Easter Sunday. The history of Lunes de Aguas is a rather curious story, to say the least, a tradition dating back to medieval times. Along with a prestigious university, Salamanca also had prostitutes who hoping to eventually make it to the royal courts, practiced (so to speak) with the university students. In the 16th century, King Felipe II, who was known as a very serious and devout Catholic, was disgusted with the marginal activities taking place in Spain’s prominent academic hub, therefore ordered the prostitutes be banished from the city during the 40-day abstinence period of Lent.

For 40 days, the girls would be confined to live on the other side of the river Tormes until Lunes de Aguas – the day they could return to the city. Townsfolk would gather to watch how the students set up huge welcoming parties by the riverbanks for the prostitutes, and enthusiastically assist the priest (who was in charge of the girls’ welfare during their exile) in crossing them over the river on flower-decorated boats. The rest of the day would be spent eating, drinking, and celebrating by the river, whose waters gave name to the event. Only the last part of the celebration, however, is the one that continues as tradition today.

Nowadays, friends and family meet at the riverbanks of Salamanca’s Río Tormes and any open space such as public parks or countryside to share what is essentially a huge picnic. It is a time when Salmantinos relax, have fun, and eat the typical hornazo - a non sweet pastry pie filled with ham, sausage, bacon, cooked egg, and sometimes even chicken – which is sold in shops all over the city. Most businesses also voluntarily close for the day in order to partake in this festivity. EVERYTHING IS CLOSED HERE! The streets are dead this day is just one huge CELEBRATION by the river. Daryl and I walked by but couldn't attend because it was just way too crazy. It's a very neat tradition though. For dinner that night Vicky brought home some hornazo and it was pretty good! It tasted just like an empanada from the states mas o menos.

So the semester is winding down and the days here in Salamanca are coming to an end pretty soon. I head back to the states May 30th and am bitter sweet about it. I just keep promising myself that I will embrace the last month and live it up because this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Every day I DO thank God for this opportunity. I have to go run across the street to my grandmas house. I WILL be updating very soon to write more.

La vida es un ratico, ratico nada más<< Life is but a moment! :) Ya me despido! Chau!

MANDAlou

Vamos!

HOLA!

It has been a while since I have updated my blog. Sorry to those who have been reading it and haven't seen a new post, but here it goes...

MI CASA....

The days are going by so fast in Spain. I wake up and it's a beautiful day and than when I blink my eyes it's time for dinner. It's insane. Despite the pace of the days I am still embracing every moment here. I definitely do not regret choosing a homestay AT ALL. I have come to this comfort level at my house with my Spanish family and couldn't ask for anything better. Victoria and Oscar are great and always make sure I am okay and seem to care. Even though the ONLY thing they do with their lives is play World of Warcraft, I still love them. The international students who live in the residences hate their food and are always complaining about something so I am happy with what I have. The other day was Vicky's birthday so we had a little celebration and made a cheesecake and sang happy birthday to her. Daryl and I went out and bought her a bouquet of flowers at the local flower shop and she loved them. She is now 24, a whole 3 years ahead of me! My hostmom! pretty crazy to say that. I have been communicating a lot more in Spanish with her since I have been here. At first it was hard to make out what she was saying with her accent and voice, but now everything is understood. I like it. Food is great like always, repetitive, but HEY we aren't going hungry! I still want to punt the 2 cats across the street. My ultimate favorite thing is when Victoria sings in Spanish in the morning and the sun is shining.. it's just a homey feeling and when May rolls around to go back to the states that is one thing I will miss the most. Roommate is great as well. Mi casa es estupenda!

Vida en Salamanca..

Now that the weather is in the 80's and is gorgeous ALL the tourists and foreigners are coming out. I am sure the locals are a bit frustrated with it because the foreigners are literally multiplying like cockroaches all over the city. The patios are all set up outside and the streets are filled with life. It's awesome. The Plaza Mayor is always filled with locals, tourists, and families. It's nice to just sit out there and enjoy the sun and read a book or have a cup of coffee and practice Spanish. Salamanca is a small town so faces become more and more familiar. My Spanish has been improving and am ALMOST fluent.. gimme a little more time! In Salamanca when there is a bachelor or bachelorette they throw a party like the US, but a bit different.. The people dress up rather silly as a group with a theme and go bar hopping and make a huge scene! It's awesome. They have a great bonding time before they settle down with their significant other. In Spain married is popular but not till your finish with school and middle aged. The Spaniards always say that Americans start way too young, which is fairly true, and stress the fact that it is not like that in Spain. As far as birthdays too, people dress up with a theme and do the same with their groups of friends!

School has been pretty easy, nothing too hard. Like I always say I miss the challenge of business classes and work at school in the states, but I can definitely wait it out till september. The other weekend we took a day trip to Segovia and Avila with the program. We got on the bus bright and early to head out and little did we know that this group of California students were following along. NEVER again will I be attending a day trip or even any trip with a group like that again. There was about 20 students that was in between the ages of 20-30... this group was just beyond obnoxious. They kept making comments like "wow, how cool is this castle, I would have probably appreciated something like this when I was 7.. I would rather go ride my dirt-bike around and lay out in the sun in my gated community back in Cali.." They were just horrible, but we didn't let that ruin our excursion. The three girls and I got to tour one of the finest remnants of Europe's medieval era, the walled town of Avila. It was sacred to an ancient Celtiberian culture long before the arrival of the Romans or Christians. We also got to see the The Aqueduct of Segovia (or more precisely, the aqueduct bridge). It's a Roman aqueduct and one of the most significant and best-preserved ancient monuments left on the Iberian Peninsula. It is the foremost symbol of Segovia, as evidenced by its presence on the city's coat of arms. It was a great excursion and I loved every second of it. The day was so sunny and beautiful, but on the way home we got stuck in the rain and by the time we walked home from the bus station we were soaked. We ended the night with dinner and a movie with the family. It was great.

Being in Europe is allowing me to learn a lot about myself every day and I think this is what I needed, especially in the midst of college years. Every day is something new I must say it's a blessing. If I could tell everyone back in the states one thing it would be... LIVE your life. Stop worrying about the small things in life like how nice your car is, or fretting about the luxuries you don't have, or how that one guy or girl isn't showing interest in you.. RATHER Enjoy the small things in life and smile because your living a life that could have been someones who died in the tsunami in Japan, or give thanks for the people in your life.. even the ones who are envious of you for those are the ones who make you work ten times harder, and just be happy for who you are. Why dwell on the little things that are nonsense when there is a copious amount of greater things in this world to smile about. Our lives are not promised for tomorrow so do everything you ever wanted, see every site you ever wanted to see, eat everything you ever wanted to try, and dream BIG because ANYTHING is possible as long as you set your goals and strive for success.

This up coming week is Semana Santa, which is basically, to put in American terms, a spring break. Daryl, Stephanie, and I are spending the week in Lisbon, Portugal. We found a cheap hostel apartment that we have to ourselves with a kitchen, 3 beds, and living room for only 100 euros each for 7 nights and 8 days. DEAL!! We leave at 4:30am and are taking the train there, which is a 7 hour ride. I can't wait to travel more and experience more of Europe. I will definitely blog about our semana santa when we get back, along with pictures! Lisboa is the capital of Portugal, so there will be alot to do without any planning needed. Also Portugal is also known to be quite cheap as far as tapas and activities go so that's a plus for us girls.

I do miss my life in the states, I can't deny. I do not dare wish the time away here, but am very excited for family and friends in the summer. I can't wait to share all the stories I have and just catch up on life with everyone.

I recently enrolled in my senior classes and just can't get over the fact that graduating from college is right around the corner. SO CRAZY! I recently was let go from my job at NAU for unknown reasons, ridiculous miscommunication, and may I add UNFAIRNESS work ethics... Thank you to that one person, thank you so much for pushing me away my senior year when I have been there for all three years of college. Wonderful! As I have learned don't let little things get you down, pick your head up, and just better yourself... which is exactly what I am doing and I will definitely figure out a plan sooner than later. Sorry for venting!

Well I am currently in international marketing class and it is almost over. I am going to walk home and study for the art history exam I have tomorrow! I hope all is well in states with everyone and all those people I miss you should know who you are! Much LOVE.

Stay healthy and live life every day like it's your last with peace and love in your heart <3

Vive bien ~ Rie a menudo ~ Ama mucho

mandalou

:)

This crazy beautiful life.

Buenos Días!

It's 10:30 am here in Salamanca and I woke up to the rain hitting the patio. I feel good this morning! I am happy to be alive and my words cannot explain how happy I am to be experiencing my semester in Spain. I am so thankful. Thank you Mom for pushing me when I needed it and thank you friends and family for all your support and smiles. Most of all Thank you God for this crazy beautiful life. The days have been going by so fast here, right before my eyes. It's a fact that tomorrow is not always promised to us so we should live every day like it's our last and dwell on the good things in life rather than the bad. I need to go for a run before lunch and class, but just wanted to put in a quick note about how life is good and I am one happy camper right now.

besos manda-moo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF THE GREATEST FRIENDS IN ARIZONA, MY BEST STEVEN GONZALEZ! HAPPY 21st MY LOVE! ENJOY!!!

mas fotos

This little town called Salamanca

hola, que tal? I am here sitting in international marketing right now and am struggling to stay awake. This class, sorry to say this, but is not my favorite. I give the professor credit, but I think he googles a bunch of international business topics and throws it together before class to have some kind of class lecture prepared about anything that is relevant to international marketing. It's pretty funny. Oh well.. I'm embracing this class and the professor's ridiculously cute accent.

What's been going on lately?

Ever since J left I have been a little homesick here and there but nothing to complain about. The time is flying by SO fast, so I am definitely trying to live up the next 2 months here no matter what.

The weather in Salamanca has been in the 60's lately and it's gorgeous. I go running every other day and after sometimes just lay in the grass on the side of the track to enjoy the sun and awesome temperature. It's starting to smell like spring and I am falling in love with it.

Some new foods I have been introduced to...

DEVILED EGGS.. we had something very very similar to deviled eggs.. they just called them huevos, but they were delicious. We also had another amazing ensalada, but this time there was green olives, tomatoes, and garlic in it. DELICIOUS AS WELL! Had some more homemade pizza the other day that had mushrooms and little hotdogs on it. Paella here and there, fresh fruit of course, and this amazing cheese that I love... It is like chiwawa cheese, which I never liked before, but it's pretty good here.

The dumb cats broke the coffee pot the other day in the middle of the night so Vicky went and got a new one. Two days later she was cooking dinner in the kitchen and all of a sudden I heard a huge thud and someone scream. I waited for a second and after about 10 seconds I heard dead silence and thought Vicky fell and passed out or something. It ended up being the coffee pot somehow fell on her head and she was just huffing and puffing in pain. When I went in the kitchen she had coffee all over her head and I thought it was blood! I was sooo scared! Thank God it wasn't blood, because to be honest I wasn't sure what number to dial because I know 911 wouldn't have done nothing as far as help goes. lol, sad i know. BUT now I am aware it's 112 for future references. I feel so bad that's the 3 coffee pot she has gone through in the past 2 months.

Classes are going good... learning something new every day in Spanish and enhancing my Spanish vocabulary as well. I had a dream in Spanish the other night so that is a plus. :)

This past Sunday I went to Sierra de Francia, which is about an hour away from Salamanca. It's a small little town that is filled with little pueblos. In fact Victoria is from a pueblo in that area. She said one weekend Daryl and I will go there and stay with her family. I am actually looking forward to that because the more traveling and experience the better. Sierra de Francia was gorgeous though! It was so sunny and a good time out in a different town.

I learned that going to a University in China or Norway for college is free from some international students, so if anyone wants to save money and just deal with transferring your credits DO IT! I couldn't believe it!

¿Qué es la vida? Un frenesí. ¿Qué es la vida? Una ilusión, una sombra, una ficción, y el mayor bien es pequeño; que toda la vida es sueño, y los sueños sueños son Stay healthy and live life every day like it's your last with peace and love in your heart <3

besos y abrazos

luego

mandalou