Spanish Cuisine

Gahhh meat!

Me at Retiro Park

Tell me why we have chocolate and cookies for breakfast, peel oranges with a knife, and can't find peanut butter!

Though I am loving dinner with our Senora, the food here in Spain is taking some getting used to. It could be the legs of pigs hanging from storefront windows...or the fact that they only have iceberg lettuce, but one thing is definite: I have to find a way to eat what I like on a budget. I've seen pictures and heard stories about great tapas and full seven-course meals, but these are things a college student can't afford (if she's hoping to travel and shop as well hehe).

In Spain, lunch is the largest meal while breakfast and dinner are small. People don't eat lots of snacks and there isn't a Starbucks in my neighborhood. I sound like I'm complaining, but I'm just giving the facts.

Every night with our Senora is so lovely. Sometimes she forgets the certain foods we don't like (for example, I don't like fish and Monica doesn't like tomatoes which is the main ingredient of our salads), but she is so understanding and helpful. Last night for example, she made a sopa full of mussels and fish. She asked why I wasn't eating it and I told her, "Lo siento, no me gusta pescado." She quickly ran back into the kitchen to warm up chicken left over from last night's meal. Though I hate being seen as the picky eater, I know my Senora would rather me finish the meals she makes than watch them get cold.

Today was a great Sunday spent exploring Madrid. A group of us went to El Rastro, a large flea market set up weekly with lots of clothes, trinkets, and antiques. After that, we went to Retiro park for baguettes with jamon and queso. Though it was pretty cold, the park was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. The man-made lake is there, and I am looking forward to paddling a little boat around when it gets warmer. There were tons of street venders, performers, and an exquisitely manicured landscape.

Off to bed early. First day of classes tomorrow.

Hasta luego!

Emily

Churros con Chocolate

This could get ugly.

The city life

The girls at Club Joy

Monica and I on the metro

In the past few days, I have started to understand what it is like living in such a large city like Madrid. Though I am nowhere near being a true Madrilena (yet), it has been interesting to observe the lifestyle here.

People are generally very friendly and are more than willing to help an American. Last night for example my metro pass wasn't working, and without me having to ask or say anything, three policemen came up to help. Speaking of the metro, it is muy facil! And getting to school and the bars is very easy. Another aspect of Madrid culture I love observing is the street life. People seem to really take their time here to enjoy the little things, and much of what can be observed on the streets is authentic Spanish life. Last night, as my roommate Monica and I walked to meet our friends, we noticed how all of the teenagers meet at street corners in large groups. They are always laughing (that could in part be due to the bottles of alcohol they are holding), but they seem like they always know how to have a good time!

Two nights ago, most of the students on the Azahar trip went to a club called Joy in the Puerto del Sol. It was a little overwhelming, but very cool to actually be in a real European club. It was about half Spaniards and half Americans, which is nice for the first weekend, but I would love to go dancing in an authentic Spanish club. We stayed out until 6:30 AM. If this is what it takes to be a Madrilena...I'm going to have to work hard!

This week we have had two days of orientation with Syracuse University. Yesterday the American Embassy came to talk to us about safety issues. Though I have heard these warnings before, I think it is very important to make the message clear that pick-pocketing and rape, and even specific attacks on Americans are very serious. Two girls on my trip have already been pick-pocketed! But on a lighter note, the orientation also consisted of descriptions of activities and travel opportunities that are offered to us through SU. This program really has a lot to offer. There are nights to meet locals and eat tapas with them, movie nights with young Spaniards, cooking classes, and wine tasting. I hope to take advantage of as much as I have time for!

Classes start Monday, and I am looking forward to the routine of daily life in Madrid :)

Adios,

Emily

Leisurely day in Madrid

Rebajas or "sales" in Spanish are going on all over the shopping districts of Madrid. I have realized that even though these rebajas are usually 50% off...they are the death of me. Luckily school starts Monday so I can get to work and take my mind off the fashions of Europe!

Another key aspect of Spanish culture I am taking full advantage of is siesta. You all know what that is...nap time from 2-5! It was explained to us during the Azahar seminar that siesta is a dying tradition because of the large amounts of young people entering the workforce who stay at work all day instead of coming home for lunch and a nap.

I have found my purpose in life...to reinstate the importance of siesta!

Buenos tardes,

Emily

First full day in Madrid

Me on the balcony outside of my room

Today was my first complete day in Madrid. And though it was cold and even began to snow a little...it was absolutely amazing.

I am so excited to be in such a vibrant city. The Syracuse University Institute is not far from my apartment, and it is very spacious with many classrooms, a cafe, library, and more. Today our Azahar group went through the official orientation with SU, and we have all started to think about what else we will want to sign up for during the rest of the semester (wine tasting, hikes, walking tours, trips to Morocco, Italy, etc.)

It's a little overwhelming, but so exciting! Classes begin soon, but until then...I'm going to explore!

Adios,

Emily

Arrival in Madrid!

Monica and I in the courtyard of the Mosque of Cordoba

Me at the Alhambra in Granada

Aerial shot of Toledo

Hola chicos y chicas!

This afternoon I finally made it to the city of Madrid. Sixty-two of us on the Azahar program with Syracuse University have spent almost the entirety of the past two weeks traveling around Spain. We went to Toledo, Cordoba, Sevilla and Granada. We learned about the Hispano-Arab culture of the South of Spain and about the cohesiveness of Jews, Christians and Muslims from the 600's to 1400's A.D. and the unique culture they created here. There is too much to tell you all in one post! It would have been much easier if I were to have internet access during Azahar. But what I can tell you is that each day was so extremely different from the last. There were parts that I had difficulty adjusting to (Spanish cuisine), and parts that I fell in love with (the great Mosque of Cordoba, watching gypsies flamenco dance, seeing the supposed tomb of Christopher Columbus in Sevilla's Cathedral and the Alhambra of Granada).

I have met some wonderful students and professors as well, and am looking forward to the next four months with them. Tonight my roommate Monica and I settled into our apartment in Madrid. We are close to a very famous shopping district (uh-oh), and have quick access to the Metro. Our host Senora is wonderful. She barely speaks any English so it has been quite entertaining trying to explain things to one another. Her son is wonderful as well. He speaks some English but would prefer us to speak Spanish so we can improve. This all just means we will have more reason to improve quickly! Monica and I are very lucky to be welcomed into such a home.

Tomorrow is orientation for the Azahar students on the Syracuse University campus in Madrid. Can't wait to get my classes...and hopefully sign up for some flamenco dancing lessons!

Hasta luego mis amigos,

Emily

Less than a week before departure!

It's almost time to leave for Spain! Packing has not yet commenced, but almost everything else is finished. We'll see how much I can fit in two suitcases...

Adios!
Emily