Thursday, March 24th, 2011
Volunteering/spanish fiesta:
After 2 classes and lunch today (lentil soup!), I took a super long much needed nap and then lounged around for the rest of the afternoon. I occasionally worked on my Madrid project for culture class, but really not much got accomplished. I was running late because I had been skyping some friends, so I didn’t have time to change clothes (I still looked semi-cute, don’t worry). I met up with Rachel at Corte Ingles, got the best schwarma of our lives (chicken kebab with everything, super picante) and booked it to the soup kitchen. This was Rachel’s’ first time here volunteering and it was a bit of a shock to her I think (as it was to me my first time as well). When people order things at you in Spanish, it is overwhelming, let me tell you. This volunteering activity is definitely worth it because each time I learn a bunch of new words. I even mastered the proper way to mop a floor J. As always, Jose was super funny and explained to me how he has a “radar for homosexual men.” I think I finally caught on because I’m 99% positive that he is gay too. He also sports a really cute murse. I absolutely love the staff because they are so patient with me. I feel more and more confident each time I volunteer there.
Once we were finished mopping and cleaning the tables, it was time to go. Rachel and I grabbed our coats and met up with Sarah and Amanda near Amanda’s piso (apartment). I was strangely nervous because we had been invited to our first real Spanish party! It was a birthday party too. I didn’t know anyone there, but Amanda had the connections. There were 2 girls there that went out of their way to be amazing hosts for us. They probably could tell that we were awkward and needed some Spaniards to talk to us, but nonetheless, it was probably one of the best times in Granada solely for the experience of going to a local party. I loved how they had a whole spread of meats and cheeses and baguettes of bread and vegetable spread and beer and wine! That’s why the Spaniards don’t get drunk! It all makes sense now ;). They eat as they casually, key word casually, drink. Around 1:30 that night, the party started to move on to the new discoteca in Granada. We called it a night early because we were all exhausted. The fun part about the end of the night was that Maria Carmen, aka Mamen, invited us to come out on Tuesday for tapas and maybe a disco afterwards! Yay for Spanish friends!
Friday, March 25th, 2011
Futbol game:
Rachel and Amanda at the game. Viva Espana!
Lazy morning and afternoon; basically the only productive thing I did was go for a run. It is such a beautiful day today! I was entertained on my run by all of the people out and about on the streets. Apparently, tonight is a big game night: Espana vs. Republica Checa. At the park that I run at, there were already several large beer tents set up for the games festivities. Around 7:00 that evening, I left to go meet up with Amanda to join in on the pregame fun. At this place called the Congresio de Palacio, there is a huge outdoor area with tons of steps leading up to this building. Here is where thousands of young people sat as they anxiously waited for the 10 p.m. game to begin. Amanda and I loved the atmosphere, and the euro beers. For dinner, we grabbed a quick pizza (just like Dominoes!) and hurried back to the venue. There were tons of stands set up and each had gigantic lines! One was even a line to take your picture with cardboard cutouts of the futbol team! Rachel met up with us later and we decided to settle in to some seats.
" A por ellos, oé! A por ellos, oé!"
They were feeling like drinking so they left to grab 40’s of Alhambra beer. I opted out and sat down next to the section with all of the CEGRI kids. I never saw Amanda and Rachel after that: one because it was way too crowded and two because my phone crapped out on me. Oh well, it was super fun to be able to enjoy the game outdoors with some other CEGRI students. There was a huge flat screen tv set up so that everyone on the stairs had a clear view of the game. Listening to the comments shouted out by the fans was hilarious. There was a lot of name calling and swearing, and I’m also glad I could actually understand them J. The crowd went crazy when we won and the song, “We are the Champions” came on. It never fails to make me laugh when English songs are played. The walk back home to my house was like swimming in the opposite direction of the current. Tons and tons and tons of fans were heading home after the game and I got caught walking the wrong way. –just keep swimming…swimming…swimming! (“Finding Nemo” anyone?)
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