Ruminations

Here´s a list of some interesting obvservations about Spain thus far, in no particular order.

1. I have come to realize that Spainards do not believe in any extraneous paper products. There are tissues no where to be found. Also, they lack paper towels.

2. At first I thought that this was something only my host mom, Conchi, did, but apparently it is not exclusive to our household. We have a large coffee table, it´s about waist high on me. Underneath, there is a heater. So when we watch TV, we stick our feet underneath there and use the tablecloth as a blanket. This is considered perfectly normal.

3. Everyone is always dressed up. I mean I knew this coming here, but the sevillanos trek all across the city. And the women do it in heels. Also, everyone in Spain smells really good. I´m always walking into a cloud of perfume or cologne, but it´s not overpowering.

4. First of many embarrassing moments yet to come - Janelle and I did a lot of walking this weekend and somehow we always wind up back at the Catedral, one of the largest Churches in Christendom. We were sitting underneath a tree in the Plaza outside of the church looking at a map trying to find somewhere else to walk before meeting up with some of our friends. I looked over and there, on my one month old coat, was pigeon poop. First, I should say that theyse things are everywhere, pigeons that is, and they make sounds like owls. So we were laughing at the bird poop and Janelle was going to take a picture to document this experience. Well, we got our due, because then a bird pooped on Janelle´s hand, and it took her by surprise and she let out a yelp. Could not have identified ourselves as more American in that instant, as Janelle´s high pitched scream is echoing off the buildings, sending pigeons scattering and children crying. We booked it out of there like no other and ran around the block to Starbucks because we knew they had a bathroom. Only our progress in removing said poop was impeded by lack of paper towels, bringing us back to point 1.

5. Speaking of church, it´s very different here. At least when we went in the Catedral. No singing, no cushions on the kneelers. It´s intense. Also, when we went to go receive Communion, there was no line. It was a free-for-all. And I know this is going to sound sacriligious but I got elbowed out by an old lady. I mean, I think there is enough for everyone. If God can turn seven loaves and some fish into a feast for thousands, I think He can manage communion wafers for 100.

6. Never underestimate the power of a siesta. I fell asleep watching Contra Cien, which is 1 v. 100, the game show, Spanish style. And then I couldn´t fall right asleep an hour later. But got to love the amount of sleep. Although to go to bed, I wear fleece pajamas, a sweatshirt, two pairs of socks, on top of all of my blankets plus that sleeping bag I managed to get in my suitcase. Hands down, that fleece sleeping bag was the best 10 dollars I ever spent.

7. There´s an appreciation for the good things in life here - wine, food, company, etc etc.

8. My class schedule is great. On Mondays and Wednesdays I don´t begin until 11 10, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays I start at 12 45. Add in siesta, and I´m basically sleeping through the weekdays. Hopefully I won´t have too much homework, we´ll have to see.

9. They really dig Sting here.

10. There is no rhyme or reason to the streets. They just pop up out of nowhere. And they are small, and there is always a risk of getting hit by a car or scooter.

11. I´m not really worried about crime or any other calamitous events as much as being una peatona (pedestrian). Walking sometimes is like a death wish. Janelle almost got hit by the side of a bus, while in the crosswalk and walking with the light. The motocicletas, buses and taxis will pull right up to you in the street while you are crossing and wait. Plus the motorcyclists are extra crazy, out of control. But they do look kind of fun to ride.

This weekend there has been talk of an overnight to Madrid. We will see what winds up happening. Lots to figure out this week, including planning our trips out, buying books, etc. I will have regular Internet access Monday through Thursday, but on the weekends it will be up to me if I want to go to an Internet cafe. So just a warning, if you send me an email or something after Thursday, I might not get it until Monday.