Today I lost my jet-skiing V-card to a Spanish man named Pepe.
To offer a bit of background information, Ana Fernandez took the ESDES students (and 2 random people) to Peñiscola which is a small beach town on the coast of the Med. Sea about an hour and a half drive from Sagunto. Much to my dismay, I learned that the name Peñiscola has nothing to do with the phallus or the male body whatsoever, rather with the peninsula on which the town is built. Bummer. Regardless, Peñiscola is dub bomb diggety (yes, I said it), and this adventure was one of my best.
After attending the obligatory tour of the castillo, during which I was able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea and the white-washed buildings below us, take some crazy-cool pictures, and debate whether or not a jump from the top of the castle would be fatal, Jules, Laura, Kat, and I browsed the little shops and made our way to the beach. We settled ourselves on our towels in a vacant area far away from the ESDES people to allow for some quality topless-tanning time (Note: Kat and Laura our losers, but Ashley joined Jules and me in the Boobie Liberation Movement).
Siguiente, we swam, walked, blah blah blah, but when Mike and I had a race into the water, a rather attractive Spanish man, whisked me away in his yellow jet ski. Julia, of course, had already discover the pack of Spanish jetskiers and was already of the back of a red jet ski similar to the one I was awkwardly mounted on. You see, I was in my green bikini holding onto Pepe, my Spanish jetskier, for dear life.
Now comes the part which Julia with tell over and over again until she's blue in the face.
During one of our supercool stunts, Pepe and I wiped out. This was great fun and all until the top of my bathing suit was no longer serving its purpose. My girls had come out to join the fun! I realized this as I was trying to climb back on the jet ski and Julia, her man, and Pepe found my efforts more exciting than usual. What's worse is that it took me forever to actually fix my top and hide my goods.
This small incident (and the handful of passes made by the man onto which I clung), however, did not in the least bit detract from the amazing trip around the peninsula. Never having ridden a jet ski before guarenteed a good time, but riding alongside the cliffs on which the castle stood and near the hidden caves at a rather dangerous speed sealed the deal.
In conclusion, my dear friends, my maiden voyage was a success.
Sunday, 6 May 2007
Sunday, 4 February 2007
Que pasa en el barrio...
Ok, so I give in. The past five months have been nothing but complaints from me about how much Spain sucks, but whatever; this is my life now, so I'm gunna love it. This new optimistic point-of-view may just be because I've had a good day, but hopefully it doesn't wear off with the caffiene.
I spent the day in Valencia with my friend Ben, and the elements were pretty miserable because it was raining the entire time, and the sky was completely overcast. So why the good mood, some might ask? Well, I think that most of my hatred towards Spain and its inhabitants come from the Colegio Adventista prison that I live in, so getting off campus for a day and realizing that I can, in fact, leave whenever I want was a good feeling. I think that up until now, I've always restricted myself to going out only when my girlfriends were going out (not that that's horrible b/c we always have a blast), but I think that I'd come to feel as if I'd lost control over my life, and that there was no freedom anymore. Also, don't get me wrong, I love to party, but it seems like I only go off campus to do so, and that's not all my life is about. I miss the nerd inside who likes to sit in Starbucks all day reading and who goes out just to enjoy the city and its people. With that said, this is indeed what I did today....and holy crap did it feel good. The rain almost made it better because we got to see the city in a different light: the streets were practically empty and the buildings just seemed different. Ben showed me a couple of funky barrios (neighborhoods) with crazy wall-art and stuff, and I picked up a kebob at Sophia (not to be mistaken for Sofra), so, to make a not-so-long-story even shorter, my little outing today was the much-needed medicine that I was looking for. Plus, it was cool to hang out with someone new. Let's see how long this mood will last...
I spent the day in Valencia with my friend Ben, and the elements were pretty miserable because it was raining the entire time, and the sky was completely overcast. So why the good mood, some might ask? Well, I think that most of my hatred towards Spain and its inhabitants come from the Colegio Adventista prison that I live in, so getting off campus for a day and realizing that I can, in fact, leave whenever I want was a good feeling. I think that up until now, I've always restricted myself to going out only when my girlfriends were going out (not that that's horrible b/c we always have a blast), but I think that I'd come to feel as if I'd lost control over my life, and that there was no freedom anymore. Also, don't get me wrong, I love to party, but it seems like I only go off campus to do so, and that's not all my life is about. I miss the nerd inside who likes to sit in Starbucks all day reading and who goes out just to enjoy the city and its people. With that said, this is indeed what I did today....and holy crap did it feel good. The rain almost made it better because we got to see the city in a different light: the streets were practically empty and the buildings just seemed different. Ben showed me a couple of funky barrios (neighborhoods) with crazy wall-art and stuff, and I picked up a kebob at Sophia (not to be mistaken for Sofra), so, to make a not-so-long-story even shorter, my little outing today was the much-needed medicine that I was looking for. Plus, it was cool to hang out with someone new. Let's see how long this mood will last...
Thursday, 1 February 2007
New Phylums
So Laura and I were out running the other day, and, como siempre, we had to stop for a moment at my favorite spot in Spain: the one on the overpass directly above the center lane of oncoming traffic. Now it's not the Lake District or anything, but it's my thing...you know? Anyways, the only irksome aspect about my spot is that sometimes...well...all the time, as the truckers pass by and see those of the fairer gender staring down, they honk....very obnoxiously. Yea yea...old news. However, the last time Laurita and I were on the overpass, we discovered an entirely new breed of truck. Instead of our usual camionophalic specie, two trucks of the I-have-a-horn-that-sounds-like-a-whistle breed, passed right on under. We were rather taken aback actually, because you know somethings wrong when truck start sounding like chauvanistic men.
Monday, 29 January 2007
Tight pants...
I lived the Spanish life today: paella for lunch and flamenco in the evening. With that said, I will admit that today was one of the best days in Spain so far. I eat paella all the time though, so I'd prefer to gear this blog towards the flamenco portion of my day.
Anna and Cello took those of us who were interested to the Teatre Principal in downtown Valencia. We arrived about an hour before the show, so many of us hit up our usual kebob shop, Sophia's, for dinner since the school provided us with our I-want-to-kill-myself sack lunches. I gave a sandwich to a homeless old woman outside of the cathedral (you know, that cathedral), so the sacks weren't completely useless, only mildly irritating. So about the flamenco....it was amazing. It was kind of a flamenco dance/play/musical depicting the life of Juan Belmonte, a famous matador. I didn't breathe during the first scene of silhouetted men in tight pants. When they began their sensual stomping routine, I overheard Jaime a couple seats down whisper, "I'm so turned on right now." Funny, cuz I pretty much think that every woman in the theater was thinking the exact same thing...and probably Will too. The spectacle lasted for about two hours. Tonight was one of the very few nights that I enjoyed being Spanish.
After the show, the lot of us booked it over to Starbucks to get our caffiene fix before the bus picked us up. Though this was equally as enjoyable as the flamenco, I'm regretting it now because Katherine and I are bouncing off the walls, and we have a 7:50 class in the morning.
Anna and Cello took those of us who were interested to the Teatre Principal in downtown Valencia. We arrived about an hour before the show, so many of us hit up our usual kebob shop, Sophia's, for dinner since the school provided us with our I-want-to-kill-myself sack lunches. I gave a sandwich to a homeless old woman outside of the cathedral (you know, that cathedral), so the sacks weren't completely useless, only mildly irritating. So about the flamenco....it was amazing. It was kind of a flamenco dance/play/musical depicting the life of Juan Belmonte, a famous matador. I didn't breathe during the first scene of silhouetted men in tight pants. When they began their sensual stomping routine, I overheard Jaime a couple seats down whisper, "I'm so turned on right now." Funny, cuz I pretty much think that every woman in the theater was thinking the exact same thing...and probably Will too. The spectacle lasted for about two hours. Tonight was one of the very few nights that I enjoyed being Spanish.
After the show, the lot of us booked it over to Starbucks to get our caffiene fix before the bus picked us up. Though this was equally as enjoyable as the flamenco, I'm regretting it now because Katherine and I are bouncing off the walls, and we have a 7:50 class in the morning.
Sunday, 28 January 2007
Can nuns wear stilettos?
To my faithful readers, I'm sorry to say that I did not fall in love on January 25th. I guess I should've followed Ashley's advice after all. I'm not too disappointed, however, because Spain does not offer the wide variety that America boasts, so I think I'll continue to live vicariously through my journal entries from this summer...Nora Roberts ain't got nuthin on me! Even better, I'll take Megan up on the offer she proposed today: "Let's be nuns." I think I'd be okay with the wimples and habits...maybe even the celibacy (who am I kidding).
So I talked with Natalie today. It was only for about a minute, but hearing her voice was all I needed. I love all of my Spanish friends dearly, but sometimes I need a reminder that there is indeed a world beyond the gates of CAS and the orange groves of Sagunto. Unfortunately, Nat and I didn't have the time to gloat over the Democratic majority, but we'll both fall asleep smiling, knowing that we're in control.
Today, though I can't fathom how I fit it in because my schedule is just bursting at its seams, I put some time into the numerous resumes and cover letters that I need to send out fairly soon. The deal is that I've pretty much decided that I'm going to change my major to biochem/pre-med, but the only thing that could convince me to keep my english/photography major is if I were to get an unlikely break in the magazine arena. There are a few internships that I'm looking into for this summer. I'm trying to give myself options by applying for positions in various departments, so we'll see what comes up. I'm applying for an editorial internship in the features/fashion department at Marie Claire and the editorial and photography/design departments at YES! magazine. The MC internship would, of course, put me in NYC for the summer, but the YES! position would place me in a house on an island only a ferry ride away from Seattle. YES! Magazine is, from what I understand, a project to educate the surrounding areas of the need for assistance in third world countries, the conflict in the Middle East, the poverty in America, etc. It's rather intensee, and it's definately a far cry from the vanity of MC, but sometimes ignoring our problems just isn't acceptable. I'm sure that I'll end up where I'm supposed to be, so I'm not really stressing about it...merely about getting my portfolios organized and sent off.
So that's it for today. I need to be well-rested for the flamenco extravaganza tomorrow evening. What can I say?...stomping and twirling really does it for me. Buenas!
So I talked with Natalie today. It was only for about a minute, but hearing her voice was all I needed. I love all of my Spanish friends dearly, but sometimes I need a reminder that there is indeed a world beyond the gates of CAS and the orange groves of Sagunto. Unfortunately, Nat and I didn't have the time to gloat over the Democratic majority, but we'll both fall asleep smiling, knowing that we're in control.
Today, though I can't fathom how I fit it in because my schedule is just bursting at its seams, I put some time into the numerous resumes and cover letters that I need to send out fairly soon. The deal is that I've pretty much decided that I'm going to change my major to biochem/pre-med, but the only thing that could convince me to keep my english/photography major is if I were to get an unlikely break in the magazine arena. There are a few internships that I'm looking into for this summer. I'm trying to give myself options by applying for positions in various departments, so we'll see what comes up. I'm applying for an editorial internship in the features/fashion department at Marie Claire and the editorial and photography/design departments at YES! magazine. The MC internship would, of course, put me in NYC for the summer, but the YES! position would place me in a house on an island only a ferry ride away from Seattle. YES! Magazine is, from what I understand, a project to educate the surrounding areas of the need for assistance in third world countries, the conflict in the Middle East, the poverty in America, etc. It's rather intensee, and it's definately a far cry from the vanity of MC, but sometimes ignoring our problems just isn't acceptable. I'm sure that I'll end up where I'm supposed to be, so I'm not really stressing about it...merely about getting my portfolios organized and sent off.
So that's it for today. I need to be well-rested for the flamenco extravaganza tomorrow evening. What can I say?...stomping and twirling really does it for me. Buenas!
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
Spring cleaning...
As the title implies, I've been doing a bit of spring (well, winter actually) cleaing today, but instead of getting rid of dust bunnies and the like, I got rid of my roommate. Yes indeed; things are definately starting to look up. Katherine Elizabeth took her spot, and what a relief...my former roommate (Ms. I'm-Romanian-so-I-can-do-whatever-the-hell-I-want) had Blair Witch Project wicker balls hanging from the ceiling, stuffed giraffes climbing up wire Christmas trees, and a picture of a blowfish on our door. The process of actually getting her out and getting Kat in was a lot harder than it should've been. We were supposed to move a couple of weeks ago, but Pimpie (in case you haven't heard of her, she's the girls' dean, and yes, people actually call her Pimpie) seemed to enjoy taking her time when figuring out the details, so I had to take matters into my own hands. A couple of nights ago, I invited Laura, Julia, and Ashley in at around 11:30pm to watch the dancing clip from Hitch (light the fire...now make the pizza)...while my roommate was sleeping. Now those of you who are familiar with the dancing clip from Hitch know that it's virtually impossible to watch without laughing, snorting, etc. With that said, I think that my method of getting a new roommate is quite obvious. The very next day, the Romanian complained to Pimpie about my nightly activities....and POOF!...I have a new roomie. I think this new arrangement will work quite well because both Kat and I are extremely anal people...almost to the point of OCD. Actually, the real kicker is that we both wear the same shoe size...can life get any better? I submit that it cannot.
Oh yea...I must note that while Laura and I were watching Grey's Anatomy yesterday, we decided that I was going to fall in love today. I don't know why we picked today, but let the record show that it will be today. I can't say that any sparks have flown as of yet (12:14pm), but I still have the entire day and the trip to Valencia. Ashley suggested putting up flyers, but I'm not so sure that's how I want to go about it.
Okay, time for a nap, but I'll definately blog more when I meet my "media de naranja" (better half).
Oh yea...I must note that while Laura and I were watching Grey's Anatomy yesterday, we decided that I was going to fall in love today. I don't know why we picked today, but let the record show that it will be today. I can't say that any sparks have flown as of yet (12:14pm), but I still have the entire day and the trip to Valencia. Ashley suggested putting up flyers, but I'm not so sure that's how I want to go about it.
Okay, time for a nap, but I'll definately blog more when I meet my "media de naranja" (better half).
Monday, 22 January 2007
If you can't go home, make home come to you...
As if I didn't have enough internet-related distractions to keep me from my studies, I start this thing. Great.
I'm speaking with Megan on ichat right now which reminds me of something significant enough to comment on. Earlier this week, I received a short myspace comment from her saying that she'd just purchased a ticket to Spain for her spring break in March. Tio, how super is that? This comes in second only to me flying home right now...and I suppose getting laid (sike...just kidding, Mom). You see, for those who haven't heard, Spain and I aren't really the best of friends. I mean, it's a great country and all, but I can't help but miss the little things in my life that define who I am. For instance, during the past week, the conversations between me and 99% of my girlfriends have been in reference to their man problems...problem of course implying a negative connotation...but after spending four months in excruciating boredom, anything to occupy my time is welcome, though I'm not at all implying that I want any problems from the phallic gender, however, it's always fun to have a good ol' grade-school crush. Even that, surprisingly enough in the country that produced Antonio Banderas, seems to be impossible. Well...hmmm. Nothing I'm typing is coming out right because I'm definately not trying to insult my fellow American boys here on campus. They're just not my type...can I say that? If I go any furthur with this explanation, I'll start offending people, so I'll stop there. Well actually, someone's proven to be rather interesting, but even with all of my complaints, I prefer futbol americana over men. Plus, I really don't think that this particular person would make things easy. We'll see...maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised.
So back to Megan...she'll be arriving in Valencia on March 9 and staying until the 19th. I have 3 days of exams during those 10 days, but I'm gunna try to take those early so that we can get the hell out of Sagunto. I think we're gunna try for some neighboring Spanish pueblos, but I'm gunna have to asket Dwight for some suggestions because his vacation pics were phenomenal. Oh, and if that weren't enough to make my life worth living, Justin's is trying to fly over during my birthday! It's not for sure yet, but my fingers are definately crossed. Jackie's also thinking about taking some time off to visit...we'll see how many suckers I can bribe to come over here.
Now my faithful friends, it's about 11:30pm...time to start my deberes. Don't know what Jose has in store for me, but I sure can't wait to find out (please tell me you caught the sarcasm). Speaking of Jose Aniorte, I have to share the greatest, most profound statement made by my gramatica professor...
"Clarify yourself, and you will learn forever." -Jose Aniorte-
If someone knows what the heck this guy is talking about...hook a sista up.
Buenas.
I'm speaking with Megan on ichat right now which reminds me of something significant enough to comment on. Earlier this week, I received a short myspace comment from her saying that she'd just purchased a ticket to Spain for her spring break in March. Tio, how super is that? This comes in second only to me flying home right now...and I suppose getting laid (sike...just kidding, Mom). You see, for those who haven't heard, Spain and I aren't really the best of friends. I mean, it's a great country and all, but I can't help but miss the little things in my life that define who I am. For instance, during the past week, the conversations between me and 99% of my girlfriends have been in reference to their man problems...problem of course implying a negative connotation...but after spending four months in excruciating boredom, anything to occupy my time is welcome, though I'm not at all implying that I want any problems from the phallic gender, however, it's always fun to have a good ol' grade-school crush. Even that, surprisingly enough in the country that produced Antonio Banderas, seems to be impossible. Well...hmmm. Nothing I'm typing is coming out right because I'm definately not trying to insult my fellow American boys here on campus. They're just not my type...can I say that? If I go any furthur with this explanation, I'll start offending people, so I'll stop there. Well actually, someone's proven to be rather interesting, but even with all of my complaints, I prefer futbol americana over men. Plus, I really don't think that this particular person would make things easy. We'll see...maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised.
So back to Megan...she'll be arriving in Valencia on March 9 and staying until the 19th. I have 3 days of exams during those 10 days, but I'm gunna try to take those early so that we can get the hell out of Sagunto. I think we're gunna try for some neighboring Spanish pueblos, but I'm gunna have to asket Dwight for some suggestions because his vacation pics were phenomenal. Oh, and if that weren't enough to make my life worth living, Justin's is trying to fly over during my birthday! It's not for sure yet, but my fingers are definately crossed. Jackie's also thinking about taking some time off to visit...we'll see how many suckers I can bribe to come over here.
Now my faithful friends, it's about 11:30pm...time to start my deberes. Don't know what Jose has in store for me, but I sure can't wait to find out (please tell me you caught the sarcasm). Speaking of Jose Aniorte, I have to share the greatest, most profound statement made by my gramatica professor...
"Clarify yourself, and you will learn forever." -Jose Aniorte-
If someone knows what the heck this guy is talking about...hook a sista up.
Buenas.
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