Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Things I am looking forward to in America..in no particular order.

Give or take 6 weeks until my return to North Carolina after over a year away. And although I know I will miss living in Europe tremendously (don't worry, I'll have a list of things I will miss here..) I wanted to kick off my return with my top ten list of things I'm looking forward do for this year.


1. Returning to the land of Target. Oh you know, only the best place in the world- where you go can go for make-up, shoes, clothes, the present you forgot to buy your friend who is having a baby, dog treats, home goods, stationary galore, and Targets very own flavored water for the way out the door. It is a mecca. Which I have missed beyond belief.

www.collegegrad.com

2. Of course, my family, friends and Porter. That should go without saying that I am so excited for our multiple "girls reunion". A year away is a long time in the scheme of things, and I am ready to make more memories with the people I love. Thank you for being there for me this past year, and supporting me through all of my decisions.


3. Mistletoe Half Marathon in Winston Salem December 3rd. Running with my cousin, and best friends. Can't wait to see what ridiculous outfits we will pull out for this. There has been talk about reindeer ears, Santa costumes, and dressing as elves. Regardless, the run is for an amazing cause- Childhood Obesity Awareness and it's with some of my favorite people! I'll be the drunk elf in the parking lot after the run, FYI.

www.miserableretailslave.com
4. Spending both Thanksgiving and Christmas at home this year. I love the holidays and although it was nice last year, there's nothing like spending it with the people you love the most at home. I'm already in the festive spirit and it's not even October yet. Watched Love Actually once already- check, planning out a elf running outfit- check, thinking about all of my Mom's amazing Thanksgiving day food (and the Macy's day parade)- check. My Mom has even mentioned renting a cabin for her birthday/Thanksgiving in the Mountains this year. I know one large Weimaraner that would love to run in the woods for Turkey day.

5. Football. No, I'm serious. The American kind. That involves beer. College, NFL. I just want to watch it. And happily participate in tailgating with my friends who have season tickets (cough, cough Katie Joyce.)

Two of my favorite people in the world! :)

6. Realizing that I still haven't seen a lot of my own country after living in someone elses. So many places in America that I'd like to further explore. California is on the top of the list, NYC (can't get enough), Chicago, Texas, Las Vegas, Colorado. East coast vs. West coast... looking forward to the ride.

7. Southern cooking. I mean- who doesn't crave a Bojangles chicken biscuit while hungover on a Sunday? Or if I know those Smith girls, it'll be $25 worth of Taco Bell.

8. Returning to school. New year, new direction, new game plan.

9. Horseback riding. For those of you that don't know, I used to ride and own horses in my teens. A simple fall, and a trainer who didn't make me get right back on, resulted in 10 years since I've ridden. Thankfully, I know a great place to get back my courage to ride again. Brandi is an extremely talented rider, trainer and friend and I am really looking forward to being part of Heart to Heart Stables.


10. NYE 2012 in America. Last year we celebrated in Dublin. Can we beat that Stateside? I'm always up for a challenge :)





Friday, September 16, 2011

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in. -Robert Orben

The month of August. Four weeks of Holiday. I know people think "Wow, I'd love to have four weeks off from work.." Yes, granted it was an extended version of what Americans typically experience, but that being said- I had a lot of down time. The family was off to South Africa, and I was splitting my time between Holland and London. Rather than bore you with an overly long summary of each and everything thing I did, I figured I'd review my holiday in photographs.

Enjoy.. I know I did.

Mauritshuis in Den Haag, Holland www.curatedmag.com

Rembrandt's"Anatomy Lesson"- Mauritshuis www.psyc.queensu.ca

Veemer "Girl with a Pearl Earring"- Mauritshuis www.picasaweb.google.com

Wassenaar beach, Holland www.redbubble.net

Brouwerij't IJ Brewery- Amsterdam www.panoramio.com

London- day drinking with Cat Ninja and Lindsey

Favorite place in the World.

Lindsey and I on the way to Borough Market and Pimm's Saturday

Dinner in Camden with Lindsey&Chris

Typical. Meow.


Not Pictured: 
*Gay Pride 2011 Concert in Amsterdam

* Friday evening in London, dinner at Pacifico.. followed by dancing and drinking at Roadhouse till late.

*Outstanding dinner at Kait & Ash's flat in London.. amazing food cooked by Chef Ash, and even better company.. Kait, Ash, Kait's beautiful Mom Amy, and Ash's little brother- Aaron. Thank you again "friieeennnddsss!"

Although I had an incredible holiday, I was ready for the kids to return. Talk about a big and empty house, it definitely at times reminded me of  "The Shining.." and we all know how that turned out.. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

PSA: "The greatest risk in life is not taking one..."

As many of you might have read a few months ago, I was planning on extending my European holiday for another year for school. I applied, and then began an International Business and Management Studies course. I was so excited at the prospects of what this might have in a forward motion towards a career. A week after my program began, I received notification from my school in the Hague that they were not going to be able to officially accept me into the school. As an American, I was baffled. What do you mean not accept me, I have already started classes in an advanced course I had to interview for- and I was accepted into the program? To sum it up, one of my Math requirements did not translate into Dutch standards and therefore it appeared as though I didn't meet the requirements. The day I was pulled from class to hear this news was frantic- dealing with my Mom, with Jack, with the Enrollment office, and International office. I came back to the house- distraught... what would I do now? For a while I was planning on staying on the shady end of illegal- well, yes, illegally staying without a residence permit which is actually common practice. But then I realized that if I screwed over the Dutch, then would I ever be able to live in another country legally again? Ultimately one of my long term goals is to live in London- therefore, with the British being one of the most difficult countries I've heard of to gain a visa, the last thing I want to do is give them a reason not to accept me eventually. Fooling one country into staying an extra year illegally didn't seem like the smartest move. So, I began planning "Plan B". What if I couldn't get my schooling worked out, what if I had to go back to North Carolina in three months since that's when I truly became illegal? Where would I pick up after a year abroad?

The next morning the school emailed me, they had made a mistake with my transcripts and I could begin classes again the following morning. Surprisingly, I wasn't as happy as I should have been to hear the news. And that worried me. Maybe three years away (yes, I know I said it would be an extra year, but the program was for three) from my family, friends and Porter was too much. From last Monday on, I've been in perpetual doubt of my decision to stay. Am I making the right choices financially (school here is mighty expensive for three years), am I doing the right thing by staying an Au Pair (Do I really want to do this any longer- as much as I love ironing 5 days a week? Sike.) would I be able to stay the entire three years away from my family besides a visit once a year? And so this week I decided that it's in my best interest to return back to North Carolina. Yesterday, I announced to Jack and Eva who have been tremendously supportive and encouraging in my decision to stay in Holland, and then my decision to return home that I would be leaving.. I've told my good friends and family my decision to return to America, and now the eldest child Christiaan knows. The general consensus tends to be sad and disappointed on this side of the pond, and extremely excited on the other. I am somewhere in the middle still. Although I feel like a weight is lifted off of me now that I've made a decision to return, multiple times a day I remind myself just what I'm leaving behind.. amazing friends, a family that has truly made me feel welcome and valued, a beautiful country and an experience I will never, ever forget. Friendships I hope that will last the rest of my life, a relationship with the three Dutch children who have taught me a new found patience and determination I didn't even realize existed in such a short time, and new personal strengths that I never knew I possessed when I left North Carolina just over a year ago.

Between now and November 1st I will return to Winston Salem where I haven't lived since I was 18. I have no idea how I will feel when I return- but my goal is to stay busy. To move forward with the same direction, drive and purpose I felt here when I began school. To start academically again in the Spring, to be active with friends (already planning those 1/2 marathons and hopefully another marathon next year) multiple reunions, beginning horseback riding again at Heart to Heart Stables in Randleman (you should check it out, I happen to know the owner and she's amazing) and spending lots of time with my family and my favorite Weimaraner.

I will miss the ones I leave behind tremendously. My heart is full thinking of the good times we've had, and the memories I will always hold close. Thank you for being my family while I was away from my own, for being my best friends, my confidants, and majority of the time, my sanity. I have learned so much from each one of you and I am so fortunate to have you in my life. I know that no matter what path we take, we'll always be a plane ride, an email, or a phone call away- You're stuck with me Betches.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Gay Pride Parade Amsterdam 2011

This past weekend, I had the chance to experience Amsterdam for one thing its known for. Gay Pride. I met up with Lindsey and we went to the canal, Prisengracht where her friend Jelle owns a boat to watch the parade. Lucky for us, we had front row seats to THE gay event of the year. And it was FABULOUS.

society.ezinemark.com

It is estimated that one million Dutch people are gay. Luckily, I have had the privilege to know many gay people from all over the world, and am so thankful for the rights that are becoming bestowed upon them such as legalized marriages. Life is too short to do anything other than exactly what you want to do. Love one another, and accept each other for exactly who you are. In the end, does anything matter other than love? 

reuters.com

richardtulloch.wordpress.com

Saturday at the parade in Amsterdam, all I saw was love, laughter and fun. Here's the thing.. no one knows the recipe for a happy marriage or union, whether it be one man, and one woman or two men and two women. No matter the orientation- I hope there is an abundance of happiness and love. Party on Gay folk, continue to stand up for your rights.. Be happy. Love and be loved. I applaud you.


Weekend trip to London..

Not long following my trip to Paris with the host family, I was responsible for traveling with my two youngest to London to meet up with Jack and Christiaan who were already there. It was the first time I had traveled with Emma and Jacob alone and I was slightly stressed; okay, I'll be honest, I was freaking out a little bit. Not because I thought they were going to misbehave, but because its scary to be responsible for two children who aren't yours, going through passport control, and boarding a plane with the weight of knowing you are their temporary guardian. You are solely responsible for getting them back into their parents care safely.. I adore these children and would be heartbroken if anything happened to them on my time. That being said, we arrived with absolutely no problems- they were wonderful, like usual, and we were all reunited at the flat in London in no time. We were off to dinner at an extremely good Chinese restaurant near Baker Street where we indulged in amazing duck (I'm starting to see a duck pattern) and foie gras scallops (which should be translated as heaven in your mouth) Following dinner, I went to meet my good friend Alex who just recently moved to London with her host family, and Ash. Now, Ash is one denim and jort wearing fool who we met in Madrid and thankfully have kept in contact with because he is SO much fun.. A wonderful surprise to see them both in my favorite city.  Not too long after, Ash had a few friends of his meet up with us and off we went to Shakespeare Pub to indulge in the finer things that London has to offer- Pints.

The next morning, I was awoken by an amazing Starbucks coffee run by an eager 11 year old who just recently bought five lattes for us all. God bless Starbucks across the street, and the fact that she is so happy to fuel my caffeine addiction. Thank you Emma. I went to meet my very good American friend Kait for lunch, and drinks- which turned into Pimm's, her boyfriend Ash, who I adore, and them meeting my friend Alex for more drinks. Thankfully, Kait and Alex share two things. They are both Americans, and they both love, love, love Taco Bell. (Road trip in the works) and discussing all things American. I went home after an amazing day filled of my new favorite drinks - Pimm's, and Pizza Hut (which lord knows we can't get in Holland).


www.artofdrink.com
On Sunday, Jack, the kids and I went for brunch, then to a museum for an art exhibition- followed by a day at the London Zoo. It was so incredibly hot outside that most of the animals, if they could be, were inside. It was still a lovely afternoon, with a walk through Regent's Park and Primrose Hill with Christiaan as our tour guide (we're working with the children on their geography skills).  Following our afternoon, it was time for the eldest, Christiaan and I to return to Holland. Heathrow Express train, and a nice dinner at the airport- hangman on the plane and we were back in Holland safe and sound.

techmyriad.blogspot.com

www.3us.com

Have I ever mentioned that I love London?

J'adore Paris..



Lines at the Musee D'Orsay -thankfuly we didn't have to wait!
A few weeks ago, I embarked on a day trip with my host family to Paris for the Manet Exhibition at the Musee D'Orsay. I had traveled to Paris once before with my Mom when I was 20 but it had been six years since I was in the city, and I missed the Parisian way of life- Hands down, the culture, the museums, and the unforgettable Eiffel Tower, I love Paris. We woke early, 4:45am to catch our train at Schiphol at 6:30am.. the public transportation in Europe is a love/hate relationship might I add. Although we had booked tickets, you can never know what your day holds for you if you're at the mercy of public transportation. There was a problem with our high speed Thalys train, therefore, we had to take a train to Rotterdam via Schiphol to, fingers crossed, make our connection into Paris.. We also had tickets booked for the exhibition.. miss one, miss them all type of thing. Did I mention the exhibition was our sole purpose of traveling to Paris for the day- therefore not being admitted to Manet would have been a detrimental downer of the trip. Thankfully, the transportation Gods were on our side because we made it to Paris in just over three hours from Holland. Arriving at Paris Gare du Nord we were off to the museum, which lead us to a four hour stroll around the beautiful museum.


Interior of Musee D'Orsay

Illegal Photograph of Manet work- compliments of Emma

Inside the Musee

My Dutch boys in Paris

After the museum, we went for a walk to go catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. The children have never seen it before and were extremely excited, I too shared their enthusiasm. Even though I have been fortunate enough to experience it before, it still is beautiful. How ironic that it was built as a tower for practical use and over the years has become a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It's a staple of Europe, a trademark of the Parisians, and one of my most favorite sights in Paris.


Does this need a caption? 

Following our photo shoot at the Eiffel Tower, we walked to have an early dinner of amazing duck breast, rosemary potatoes and french wine. After dinner, we were back on the high speed train and home before midnight. One day- traveling through Holland, Belgium and to France. Dutch breakfast, French dinner. This could become a dangerous habit. 


View of the River Seine



Thursday, July 21, 2011

Announcement

Dear Friends, Family, and Facebook Stalkers:

This is an official blog to announce my decision to stay in Europe for at least another year. After much deliberation with my current host family and frequent arguments  discussions with my always encouraging and supportive Mother, I have decided to stay in Holland both as an Au Pair and to continue my education. Starting in September I will be studying International Business and Management Studies which I am extremely excited about. I'm quite positive it will be a difficult program, with classes such as Accounting and Statistics but I am looking forward to multiple aspects of it especially learning a new language fluently, studying abroad (from Holland, which is strange)  and an internship at an International Corporation. There are so many things I will miss about the States, so many people, both friends and family, my handsome puppy Porter, beautiful places in America and as always delicious cuisine like Bojangles (half way kidding). As always, I hope that anyone traveling to Amsterdam or any other part of Europe will shoot me an email or message to let me know, I love visitors. And to any of my close friends and family, save up your money and get your butts out here, I miss you...

Sundays

Do you ever have that feeling on Sunday? That unexplained feeling of dread. I mean, don't get me wrong- like every other person I know that coins Sunday Funday THE day of the week, I love it too. But almost every Sunday I experience this slowly nagging and overwhelming sadness, even if just for a few seconds about the weekend that just passed. Sunday is simply the last day of the weekend, right on the cusp of another week of work and obligation. I attempt to make Sunday last as long as possible, pushing the limit to the amount of excitement and mischief I can get into before work Monday morning at 7am.

Living in Europe is wonderful, but just like anywhere else you live, it has its pros and cons. One of the reasons that Sunday originally became such an ordeal was because it was the countdown to my time spent in Europe and my return to my life in America. Another weekend gone, seven days spent out of my 365 days, and in the blink of an eye another week would be over and I would be enjoying the weekend again but then Sunday, my constant antagonist, would creep up on me. After months and months of deliberation, with both my host family and my family, I decided to extent my time in Europe for at least another year.

But yet, there was that feeling again.. slowly approaching this past Sunday. See, that's the thing about living in another country, yes, you occasionally meet friends who will continue to stay where you are, in my case in Holland, but you also meet people that you experience such incredible things with and only then to have them leave. Whether they be American, British, Australian, or any other nationality sooner or later, they exit your life. Not for forever,  whereas I know we will always stay in contact one way or another, but I do know that they won't constantly be present in my life like they've been. It's bittersweet really, it makes me incredibly sad to see such amazing people come and go, but, I know if I hadn't met them here in Europe, who knows if I would have met them at all. It's the type of life we lead. It's the adventure that brought us to live in another country, away from everything we once knew, relying on one another as our support system. We are all each other has sometimes. Our families aren't close by so we become a family in a way. But that's the beauty of it all..Memories made with people that understand you and feel the same way you do about your time away. Continuously making the most of the time you do have here, enjoying every bit of the culture and embracing all the new relationships you are lucky enough to have made.

I know the latter scenario is not one that will change.. I will continue to meet people that come in and out of my life like a revolving door but I know that every time I do, I will take a piece of them and our time together and store it for days like Sunday when I feel that daunting feeling of emptiness creeping in. Then, I will just smile.

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose." - The Wonder Years

Monday, July 11, 2011

This is a courtesy message for American travelers...

Fellow Americans, as much as I encourage and applaud you in your decision to travel around Europe I would also like to take a moment to reflect on how to make the transition a pleasant experience for all from the great U-S of A to European countries..

The following are advised against:
1. Fanny packs (honestly, no one wears them.. unless you're at Disney World and over the age of 60.)
2. The American staple of tennis shoes with every outfit. That may include khakis, jean shorts, or a dress. Unless you're planning on going for a leisurely run, we don't need to see them on your feet. We've advanced enough as a culture to find fashionable and comfortable shoes to wear while trekking around Amsterdam. Nike, Asics, or any other white tennis shoe are unacceptable when paired with a dressy outfit or anything other than athletic clothing.
3. The camera on the hip.. honestly? Do you really need it put it in plain sight so that you can whip it out out at a moments notice? Don't you realize that it's out in the open and therefore much easier to be stolen right off your body? There is nothing that you will see that will need to be captured in 15 seconds or less, I promise, therefore don't wear it like a revolver in a holster.
4. DENIM I never knew there were so many ways to wear it.. and although I speak to other nationalities as well, it's not okay to wear it as a jacket, vest, and for males, shorts all together (jorts)- at the same time, or even in separate pieces. I'm talking white wash, ripped denim, dark denim, light denim or any other variation of denim. For a moment I felt like Bubba in "Forest Gump" discussing shrimp. Just don't do it.
5. Workout clothing while you're not working out. This is the land of fashion, designers such as Versace, Gucci, Prada and Chanel all began their lines in Europe. Can you at least dress like you didn't roll out of bed in the morning, reach to the ground and pull whatever you could find just to go tour the Anne Frank House? Put a little thought into what you pack, pictures last forever. Sweatpants are not our friends. You don't have to wear designer, god knows I don't, but at least look like you didn't just leave the gym.
6. Do not, and I repeat, do not discuss politics in bars, cafes, pubs, trams, metros, trains or restaurants. It's not necessary. Everyone knows whats going on with our government and our country. Let the ever so attractive (yet gay, damn.) Anderson Cooper handle it.
7. If you're going to get high in Amsterdam, act like you have some sense. Don't throw your fries on the floor at Burger King, or run up and down the streets with your shirt off..
8. If I can hear you when I walk in the door, and you're in the back of the bar.. we have a problem. There is a volume button somewhere inside of you. Let's not be the loud Americans everyone thinks we already are.
9. Europeans tend to be private people, therefore, if I see you out crying at the bar, talking about your broken relationship you left behind and how "Todd never appreciated me for who I am and that's why he slept with Hilary.." and whimpering on the shoulder of every person you can find.. I'm going to be embarrassed for you. You're in Europe. Get a grip. Keep your business to yourself. It's only appropriate to talk about personal things when you've known someone for longer than two drinks.
10. Europe is expensive. We know this. And you probably knew this too when you booked your trip- therefore, don't loudly discuss how expensive your coffee is and then include the converted USD amount and your credit card fee for using your card. This is a once in a lifetime trip, you can have your 7-11 coffee when you get home for $1.

Traveling in Europe is completely different than America. I hope it's the difference that made you want to travel in the first place... As much as I love being able to spot you across the street, your legacy as "that" American lives on way after your three week trip. So fellow Americans- book your ticket, if you need a tour guide, I'd love to show you around- but leave your brand new white tennis shoes at home.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Dear Mom,

You've sacrificed time after time for me to be happy, always putting me and my wants before you and your needs.. No blog post, or phone call, or hug and kiss could ever award you the amount of appreciation you deserve for all that you've done. Since I was four, it's always been you and I, through good times and bad, we've always had each other.. I know I've made mistakes in our relationship, my teenage years were tough (I suppose that's what happens when two redheads live under one roof.) but you never stopped loving me, encouraging me.

When you were sick, I was so scared, but yet you laughed it off, coining yourself as a younger Sinead O'Connor when you shaved your head- you saw cancer everyday at work, but I watched my dear Pop-Pop die from it six years prior. I was blinded with fear that the same would happen to you. I couldn't be there for you like I should have been, and it's taken me ten years to say that I am truly sorry. You needed me the most at that point of your life, and I was so caught up in my own adolescent life, pretending the person I loved the most wasn't sick. It's one of my biggest regrets.

I remember in college, being confused about life, and what I wanted for myself that I would drive home in tears- and you would hold me while I cried, fortifying me until I was strong enough to go back to school. I could always tell you everything, even though I'm sure there were times you didn't want to hear what I was saying, that you didn't approve of what I was doing, but yet you were always there for me. One of the most difficult days of my life was boarding the plane to Europe last year. Standing in Greensboro Airport, tears streaming down my face as I went through security, looking back at you being so strong but knowing your heart was breaking just like mine. We went eight months without seeing each other before I visited the States this past April- it was the longest time we've ever been apart. I missed you all the time. Last year was the first time in my life that I spent every single major holiday away from you, the first time I wasn't able to get in a car and drive straight to you if I was upset, sad, or more often excited about something happening in my life. And yet, when I recently told you I had decided to stay another year in Europe, although disappointed and saddened by my decision you joked that you knew you should have had more than one child. You still supported me, even though my decision went against everything you wanted. Thank you.

I'm sorry for not being the type of daughter who lives up the street, comes over for dinner twice a week, who gets married to a handsome man, has an amazing career and beautiful grandchildren for you to rock to sleep.. Maybe someday, but instead, you've raised a daughter who is zealous for life, who embraces different cultures, people and change, and who is independent beyond belief. You've raised me to be strong even when I feel weak, to think that there is nothing that I can't do, to try things over and over again until I find the one thing that makes me happy even if I make mistakes along the way. You've raised me to be proud of where I come from, of having a mother who would give up anything, and has, just so that I can have the life I want. But most importantly, you've raised me to know, that no matter the situation, the circumstances, or the looming distance between us, if I fall down, you'll always be there cheering for me to get up with grace and pose.

There aren't a lot of guarantees in life, but there is one thing I know for sure- Our relationship is crazy and intense, just like us- but it is beautiful and it's full of so much love. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being my mother but more importantly my friend, and biggest fan. For taking care and loving Porter, and for accepting me for exactly who I am. I am so proud to be your daughter.

 I love you more than words can say. 

Monday, June 20, 2011

Madrid Day 2..

Did I mention it was my first stay in a hostel.. honestly, I really enjoyed it. We met an assortment of great people from all over the world, and it had the feel of a freshman dorm- ah the memories. Much like my freshman year of college, the memory of Day 2 is quite hazy. A very late bedtime resulted in just a few hours of sleep before Chris woke me up out of my top bunk. Oh yes, a bunk bed. The girls were already getting ready and on the prowl for coffee- my drinking partner in crime and I decided to get dressed and venture out into the sun for a cocktail. The most amazing Sangria was had just a stones throw from our hostel.. Chris opted for a screwdriver and we sat discussing the previous night while the girls went to Starbucks. While we were sitting there, at least three homeless people came by asking for money, the last of course being my favorite. It went something along the lines of "hey you, (referring to me at this point..) you need to get some sun.. you are too pasty." Did I get called out by a bum? Seriously? My response wanted to be something along the lines of you might be tan, but I'll always have a roof over my head- I bit my tongue and graciously thanked him for his advice. After a drink, and meeting up with Jennifer, Alex, and our two British friends Owen and Ash, we were off in search of more tapas. A delicious lunch for 10euros a piece, and it was quite the spread- drinks included, and we decided to go on a walking tour so that it appeared that Madrid was more than just drinking hole for us. It was hot out. Really. Hot. Regardless, the tour was fun, the guide was from Connecticut (team USA) and showed us many beautiful places in the city. We cut out a little early from the tour, after two hours or so, and went to get ready for another night in the city. Alex and I decided to search for souvenirs which ended up being a hour walk around the city, talking and talking, and more talking while we never managed to find anything at all. We stumbled upon a beautiful Catholic church in the middle of mass, where we both sat down and dutifully prayed.. it was absolutely stunning inside, and although the service was in Spanish, it never ceases to amaze me how well religion translates no matter where you are.
Breakfast of Champions- SANGRIA

Infamous insulting bum

Walking tour

Walking tour.. Amsterdam plus London




For those who don't know, for the past month Madrid specifically has been protesting the government for the rights of citizens. My understanding is that the unemployment rate is at a record high- with 35% of citizens without a job, most of them college graduate who can't find work. In the square near where we stayed, Puerta del Sol, thousands of people have been camping out for weeks- assembling to discuss what can be done to help the working class, and those that can't find any work. On the Sunday while we were there, all the protesters were ordered to pack up their belongings and head home, if they have a home that is. It was really fascinating to walk through the camps, talking with those who wished to tell us about their cause. It was amazing to experience and although protesters typically have a negative and violent connotation, I never once felt threatened. The crowd was peaceful, their hope for change, and as an American I appreciate and respect their dedication to making a better life. Later that evening while we were getting ready to go out, we heard chanting in the street near our hostel, as we looked outside into the dark, we saw thousands of marchers in the street.. repeating their list of wants, standing up for what they believe in. I had goosebumps just watching these people, this unity of citizens from all ages and backgrounds joining into a single voice. It was something I'll never forget.


Cheering for the cause

Marchers


Another night in the city. Lots and lots of inappropriate whipping hair back and forth dancing with friends from all over.. My flight was leaving at 9am, so I knew it was going to be a tough morning- but I didn't count on an hour of sleep and then a forty five minute taxi ride to the airport. Twenty minutes to spare before my gate closed, but made it just in time. As soon as I buckled my seat belt, I was fast asleep-dreaming of another trip to Spain.

Love.

Too much hair whipping. Seriously.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

"I remember my first beer..." Day 1

Amsterdam in Spain and creepy Jack Sparrow
Madrid. You. were. incredible. Words can't describe the amount of fun I had this past weekend, how often I laughed hysterically, danced until cankles were present- (yeah, I didn't need to point out my own since Jenn was rocking a pair..) slept seven hours in two nights and met some really amazing people. Saturday morning came early- 5:15am wake up call to take the bus to Schipol for my flight at 8:55am.. I had no problem getting up, although the bags under my eyes indicated otherwise, I was absolutely psyched for my first trip to Spain with three awesome friends. I was traveling two hours earlier then the rest, so I was solo for a couple of hours after arriving into Madrid, but no worries- I simply found the terminal I needed to meet them at, purchased a can of Spanish beer, and headed out into the hot, sunny midday to enjoy getting some form of color while I waited. Simply killing two birds with one stone. My fellow Amsterdamer's arrived, and we were off to the hostel via "Mama Jenn" who basically can find any location, in any direction, without any help, in possibly any country. She should be a tracker. We were off to the metro, where she already knew the route, the stops, the changes of direction.. perfect, that means the rest of us could slack off and play around while she led the way.

On a side note, public displays of awkwardness. It is not okay, while on the metro, or anywhere else to be honest, to dig into your nose and then wipe whatever you  have on the poles that people hold onto. Seriously, if I see you do it once, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt- maybe you are suffering from temporary insanity. But if you do it three times, I'm going to stare inappropriately and talk very loudly about personal hygiene and why it is absolutely disgusting. Sometimes a rant is necessary. First impressions are key.

Hostel bunk beds
We arrived in the Puerta del Sol square around two, and began looking for the hostel. It was a recommendation from a friend of Jennifer's who also went to Carolina, Sam, but presently teaches English in Spain. Personal tour guide of sorts. We walked up and down the street, looking for number 16, once, twice, (did I mention this was my first time staying in a hostel and I was already slightly intimidated prior to the missing address?) As usual Chris and I were prowling for alcohol, Alex making inappropriate jokes and Jennifer consulting blackberry navigation. After the third unsuccessful loop, and the professional tracker not being able to locate the destination I became a little panicked. . And ta-da number 16, although it's no surprise we didn't see it the first 2544 times.. it was a lone door, heavy wood, very indiscreet. We buzzed the hostel and they opened the door.. as we walked into the entry, the jokes began about the "decor" and general cleanliness.. the jokes ceased after we walked up six flights of steps, breathing heavily, luggage in hand. Chris muttered under his breathe he was going to inflict physical harm to the person who recommended this little spot to Jennifer, who happened to be Sam.. We checked in, checked out the spot, talked to a few foreigners, bought a warm 1euro beer from the clerk and were off for lunch, preferably tapas! The front desk clerk recommended a place.. and he was spot on, after a twenty minute walk with, big surprise, Jennifer leading the way we found an absolutely packed tapas bar. For 6euros we had a massive beer, and a plate overflowing with delicious spanish tapas per person. It was heaven, so good in fact, we came back the following day with new British friends, Ash and Owen. After lunch we headed to meet Sam, who was going to show us around for the afternoon, which proceeded into the evening.. Went to a beautiful park in the middle of Madrid, similar to that of Central Park- rented boats, which resulted in the girls having to row much more than we thought acceptable. At some point of the afternoon, Sam mentioned there was a Taco Bell in the city.. I'm not a huge fan of T.B but Jennifer and Alex apparently have a deep rooted love for the American fast food chain. You'll never guess where we had dinner at? Oh yeah. Taco Bell. In Spain. After a quick alcohol run, shower, and pre-game at our hostel, we were off to find the nightlife of Madrid. As many people may know, Spaniards are known for their siestas and their long, late nights out. Literally, it's a city very similar to Amsterdam- not a lot of sleeping, a whole lot of dancing and partying. We left the hostel around midnight (keep in mind fellow Americans, in the States it would be one hour and forty five minutes till last call..) however, in many European countries, bars or pubs stay open until the very wee hours- 5am or later. We went to a couple really great bars, dancing, drinking and exploring the city. 630am bedtime for night number one.


Tapas bar.. 

Big beers with tapas

Park 




Taco Bell in Spain

First night out in Madrid

American girls..