A simple reflection

Well, I have less than two weeks until I go home and quite frankly I have no clue how to feel about this situation. I just started asking myself questions and I thought I would answer them in my journal.

When I think of going home I feel. . . . .excited, loved, sad

When I think of leaving Barcelona I feel. . . . .depressed, emotional, anxious that I didn’t see enough or learn as much as I could

I will never forget. . . . .Marta’s cooking, my companionship and life long friends, the pain and struggle, the growth, Carrer de Craywickel, Dublin, Oktoberfest

The most important experience has been. . . . . .everything emotionally challenging and frustrating that I experienced on this trip. Without these obstacles I don’t think I would have been able to grow as much as I have.

I would love to bring home. . . . . TAPAS! SANGRIA! DISCOTECOS and the Spanish pace of life and the friends I have made.

I will be happy to leave behind. . . . OIL, confusions and misunderstandings from the language barrier and the Euro

To remember Barcelona, I plan to . . . . . scrapbook, and facebook

I expect that the most difficult part of returing home will be. . . . . the pace of life, breaking into old circles of friends, and realizing everything is the same.

When I see my frriensd back home, I expect they will say. . . . I’ve missed you and we will get some drinks at a bar

My family will notice that I have changed because. . . . . I’ve gained weight. I can speak some Spanish and I’m more independent.

The most important thing I have learned about myself is. . . . . I am strong. I am confident. I am capable. I am powerful intelligent woman. Who doesn’t need a man by her side.

As a result of my experience abroad I plan to. . . . . Study harder, focus my efforts on making a career and living for myself independently of my parents.

MUSEU PABLO PICASSO

C/ Montcada 15-23
08003 Barcelona, Spain

October 13^th, 2009

I Fell in love with Picasso when I went to the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. The Barri Gothic quarter is enchanting and I would say my favorite place to go walk around and shop in Barcelona. My favorite part of the museum was watching the transformation of painting styles that Picasso expressed with the evolution of his works. The Picasso Museum is comprised of a series of connected palaces consisting of five buildings. These buildings root back to the thirteenth century, and gave me a feeling of the historical Barri Gothic of Barcelona. The five buildings of the Museum are directly linked to Catalan history. They represent what Catalan history incorporated into its culture six hundred years ago, and what the history can bring to the present. Palau Agullar was owned by several noble families throughout the 1300’s, and was eventually sold to a merchant named Berenguer d’Aguilar in 1400. Generations of the Aguilar family continually redecorated the palace, leaving behind hints of the diverse styles used throughout the centuries, until it was sold to the Clerch and Pons families in 1837. In 1961, upon the restoration, decorative murals were found dating back to the thirteenth century. In the 1920s, 970 Picasso works were donated to the museums putting Barcelona on the map for one of the great collections of Spanish art. Not only do these buildings themselves represent Catalan history, but what they house is also considered a symbol of Catalan history and culture. Picasso is a direct link that the people of Barcelona can relate to and take pride in having in their culture. These buildings allow people to see the connections within their culture and strengthen their roots to the city.

My Catalan Friend Kyke

Many people have a very poor opinion of Kyke however; in my experience he has shown me great hospitality and taught me a great deal about Catalonia. He may be a club promoter and love drinking with American’s but a friend who came abroad last year told him to watch after me and he did exactly that. Kyke treated my best friend Annie and I see the movie Agora because we were homesick and missed going to the movies yet, we decided to see a movie in Spanish J. He then took us out to drinks at a 5 star hotel on the Port (Offcourse he never failed to mention to us that the 5 star hotel was owned by a Catalan). Just being around him I picked up many nuances about his culture. We asked him questions such has what type of school he attended? He explained that he went a concertado

which is a type of half public have private school that is very common in Spain. He also explained to us the Catalan Pride behind the nightlife in Barcelona. He explained to us that all of the clubs we attend are owned by Catalans. For example, Opium Mar, Shoko, Catwalk and Sutton are all Catalan run clubs. This in itself shows just a glimpse into the Spanish and Catalan culture of late nights and free loving Mediterranean parties. He also explained how when doing business, Catalans LOVE to talk badly about the other club owners and competition. This is a concept that I am very new too. I understand the notion of talking badly about competition but the extent and commonality of it here is almost depressing. He explained that none of the Catalan club owners like each other, naturally. Also, the way Kyke spoke about this was so easy going and nonchalant. His truthfulness was to the point of being blunt yet it did not even phase him. It was definitely a cultural difference in the way business is run and handled by people in Catalonia. Seems as if no one trusts each other and constantly strives bring others down around them. While in the states often times we harvest a more team mentality.

We then began to ask Kyke about the type of woman he is in interested and what a typical “Catalan” woman is like. I tried to keep in mind that his opinions were extremely bias however, I found them fascinating. A direct quote that from Kyke was, “I am 100% Catalan and my wife MUST be a Catalan woman”. Just the way that he said this still rings in my head today. Almost with a hint of arrogance but yet, an underlining pride that I completely understand. Even in the States, my mom stresses to me over and over that I need to find a specific type of man to marry. However, speaking with Kyke gave me a little window into the mind of a Catalan man. Once again continuing to piece together my Catalan puzzle. I honestly think that Kyke is a great guy and Catalan man which intentions of making friends and having fun. He may promote clubs and drinking and thwart true immersion into Spanish culture, but I was lucky enough to sit down and talk to him face to face and really understand what he is all about. When I look back on my 3 months in Barcelona Kyke was someone that I could go to for any question or concern that I had and he truly was one of my only Catalan friends.

THE EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER

Here we are now…in Spain…6,000 miles away from my boyfriend my mom my dad my two older brothers always looking over me oh and my best friends. Things in Spain and Europe soar and crash from the laughter of pleasure, excitement of traveling, new cultures and meeting new people. However, there are always the dips into the dark depths of isolation, depression, loneliness and frustration. The moment my computer crashed and every file, document, skype application, email and music where erased in a matter of seconds. Seemed like my whole world slipped away as my computer screen flashed green. Oh, wait don't

worry though Spain doesn’t run off Macs and there is no such thing as an Apple Store in Barcelona. Forced me to fend for myself and stand on my own two feet. No way to communicate with my loved ones and do school work. = ISOLATION. Just another plunge on the roller coaster of life. The upside loop of breaking up with relationships back home, Language barriers, spending excessive amounts on traveling issues and just plain getting lost. Thank god, all of those things are balanced out by the best trips and experiences of my life. Just living with one of my best friends in a foreign country to explore and be free is more than a girl can ask for. Annie Thompson, my best friend has helped me soar through the clouds and pulled me out of some very dark places. We have traveled to Paris, Portugal, Dublin, Amsterdam, Munich and Switzerland. Each place filled with new life experiences and travels. At the time nothing else mattered besides friends, laugher, food and fun.

The moment my mom and dad came to Barcelona tear cames to my eyes. I felt so accomplished because I was living on my own and could act as there own tour guides. I took them to Shoko and Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell.

Other Pinnacles include clubbing, Opium Mar after 3 cocktails just dancing and singing to techno beats. Ups and Downs, Ins and outs, friends and foes, immaturity and maturity.

THIS IS IT all on the emotional roller coaster of EUROPE.

I just think and feel thankful for those who have helped me and support me along the way. Constantly sending their love and positive energy my way. J Sometimes I don’t know whether to laugh or cry….But if Spain has taught me one thing and one thing only its that every up has a down and that ever thing in life changes.

La Lavaguardia

3 Articles from Lavaguardia-I decided to put my Spanish reading skills to the test. I did surprisingly better than I thought I would :)

November 24th Edition.

International-

Barack Obama, and the Indian Prime Minister Met in Washington DC, agreed to intensify cooperation between their countries in areas such as climate change or the fight against terrorism. Obama said the United States and India are natural allies and added that "both recognize that our primary objective is to achieve peace and security for all peoples"

I think It's interesting to see the US turn to countries such as India, one of the most rapidly developing countries in the world for cooperation. I guess it is a smart political move because India is a rapidly growing country who could pose a great threat one day. One thing that I think both the US and India need to sit down and discuss is their pollution and environmental policies. Maybe they should take a little trip to Copenhagen. However, with recent news I really think that they sat down to discuss that they were going to refuse to sign the Copenhagen Climate change policies along with China. I just don't understand why they have to be the "difficult" and "stubborn" ones. So go ahead China, US and India ruin our environment !

Local-article taken from Lavanguardia on Nov. 24th

6 Catalan Universities are competing for the international excellence award. 5 of the universities are public and 1 is private. They receive public funds which boost their research and teaching methods. The international jury will decide on Tuesday who the winner is.

-I think this is great thing for Catalan pride and a great way to increase emphasis on education and local funding for schools. This is possible an idea that the United States should pick up on. If schools and universities whether they may be public or private had an incentive to prepare and educate their students to the best of their ability maybe students would receive a better education and opportunities. I really believe that education is one of the most important issues in our political system today. Without an education the youth can never succeed and hold the tools they need to excel and lead our country in the future.

Regional

The Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, has finally recognized that the labor market needs reform. With the economical recession and real estate industry down. The objective is to give more leeway for companies to adjust their working hours and wages.

It's very different for me to compare the way that employment and wages work in the States vs. the way the work in Spain. It blows my mind that when you fire an employee you are required to pay them a salary. I know that the United States is currently struggling with low unemployment levels and I really am at a lack for words for an appropriate

solution. Hopefully, the economy will pick up if not I fear for myself that I may not be able to enter the job market after I graduate from college.

Wednesday is Macaroni Day.

Hermanos Peña

C/ Teodora Lamadrid, 25, 08022 Barcelona, Spain

Hermanos peña is our Wednesday Tradition. It is located off the L7 El Putxet stop and is the most delicious lunch you will ever have. As the months progressed on more and more people began to join in our Wednesday lunch tradition. Usually, we have about 4 or 5 people who come to feast J. Hermanos peña is basically a small cafeteria that has a bar and televisions on the walls for its clients. It is a local restaurant and you ALWAYS get your moneys worth. This has really been one of my favorite places to eat in Barcelona. Rufio, the owner of the restaurant absolutely loves us and we always chat with him in Spanish. Usually, we have a group of 2-3 guys and 1-2 girls and whenever we bring more girls he gives us free beers or pan con tomato. Rufio loves las chicas! They also have the best chorizo and pan con

tomato I have had in all of Barcelona. We usually order 2 plates of pan con tomato, one with jamon and one with Chorizo. One Wednesday, a friend of ours John Lewis, invited his IES professor to eat lunch with us. It may have been one of the best lunches of my life. He got wasted with us and made us buy 2-3 beers and a café con baileys to top off our huge meal. Keep in mind It was only 2 o’clock in the afternoon and most all of us had to make our way back to IES for our afternoon classes. One thing I love about hermanos peña is that Rufio, the owner, is always welcoming and you can have a delicious meal for less than 10 euro. They serve you a huge plate of macaroni because Wednesday is well . . . . . Macaroni day!!!! I would highly recommend this little whole in the wall restaurant if you are looking to fit in with the locals, grab a beer and a great filling meal.

FC Barca!

FC Barcelona v Cultural Leonesa

November 10, 2009

Barca, Barca, Barca. Went to a FC Barcelona game and it was everything I expected and more. For some, reason I didn’t realize how much I missed going to sporting events until now. The roar of the crowd and the excitement of rooting for your home team really hit close to home. A few friends and I grabbed some drinks at a near by bar before the game. A wave of enthusiasm swept over me as I walked up to the stadium. We were a few block

s away and after turning the corner the stadium stood starring at me. The place of so much athleticism, competition and rivalry was inviting me in. This stadium where the BEST soccer players in the world came to compete. We decided to buy some cheap tickets and even though the were playing a lower ranked team, Cultural Leonesa, I knew that would mean a definite win and lots of GOALLLSSSS!!! I was so happy by the end of the game when the final score was 5-0! I had been to my first Soccer match ever and seen 5 professional goals. I was alsi really happy that I had been taught some previous knowledge of the meaning and importance of soccer for the people of Catalonia. The phrase "Més que un club" (More than a club) really began to take on a new meaning and life form to me after the game. Even though the stadium wasn’t sold out an imagine of the intensity and Catalan pride was painted in my head. EVERYONE had on FC Barca gear and it almost made me want to draw the parallel between America’s notion of Great Pass time of America-Baseball mixed with the intense team spirit you would witness as a Oakland, Raiders football game. However, one stark difference is the political ties that are interwoven with this popular culture. Catalan’s have been a very suppressed Nationality and after the rise of the Franco dictatorship they have a great deal of pride and nationality for their culture. FC Barcelona being one of them. We also cannot forget the great rivalry between REAL MADRID and FC Barcelona, which directly correlates with political issues of Catalans vs. Castellan’s. Regardless, of my separation and little knowledge of the meaning and deep-rooted ties people have with FC Barca I felt the energy, excitement and pride in Camp Nou. I will never forget my new favorite soccer team.