Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Championships and my last days in Barcelona
I'm not sure if I will be able to cover everything, I have been MIA for quite some time!
So I see I left you with the end my trips to Germany and France.. well Carcasonne. I am a bit upset with myself now and probably feel your frustation, its been nearly a month since Spain has won the World Cup and I haven't commented at all! Who am I?
This weekend was by far one of the best I ever had in Barcelona.. Most of the students from my program were out of town so I had great sleep! Spent my days on the beach and the following events occurred :)
July 11th
Well as you know my fellow Spaniards are the CAMPEONES DEL MUNDIAL!!! absolute best feeling ever to be among 75,000 Spanish fanatics. To describe the atmosphere, imagine yourself in a humid 90 degree heat with 75,000 chanting (and sweating) men surrounding you. Put your closest friends right next to you with some Sangria and beer, add two flat screens that match the size of the audience, and then be in the center of Plaza Espanya, right next to the Olympic stadium with fountains lining the walkway up to a huge castle in the background. Pretty much perfect for a win. I can't describe much else to you but the electric, anxious, and exciting tension that dragged till overtime made the winning goal that much better.
Trying to leave was a mad house. We were all soaked to the bone, but smiling because there was way more alcohol ON our clothes than ... (you can finish the rest of that sentence :] hey Dad! )
As for the celebrations, the whole country could only make noise for hours and hours. The bars and clubs were practically empty because the streets were filled and the cars were storming around honking in celebration. As you walked past all the apartments and flats, those who stayed in had buckets of water that they poured on anyone who walked by. I guess we cleaned up easily?
All in all, there is not much I can say except I felt like I was at home again... similar to a great win against the dirty mustard and maroon, chanting and gloating with pride for a sweet victory only your fellow college mates could understand.. Looks like I bleed some royal Red in Spain too :)
Now back track a little bit...
Between the last entry and this date, I could probably sum up my life as an average of 12 hours a weekday at work, with some extra activities on the weekend. Ya, all you boys pretending to write hours of codes at your desk right now (Paul knows your reading this, get to work!)
July 9th
Much of my work was to prepare for the International Miting that was to take place at the Olympic Stadium... know when you say Miting in spanish it means both information meeting as well as a Meet for sports. So the Friday night, we did a run through with our volunteers and our own positions on a smaller scale. I was even able to enjoy watching some of the track events that would take place in just a few short weeks! Quite amazing to watch these athletes from all over the world, even the US, host a mock-competition open to the public.
July 10th
The best part of about the previous Miting was that every event was left up for the next morning.
Between sponsors like Estrella Damm (local brewery to Spain) and Joma (like a Nike and very popular for futbol),10 people from my work competed against 9 other teams of 10 participants. Joma actually had real athletes who if they won earned cash. There were various events with a male and female competing at each one. This was one of the best experiences because I was able to compete in an Olympic Stadium on real event equipment. Unfortunately, I who has never even attempted this before, was signed up for the long jump! Ha, what a joke. At least it wasn't high jump... I had three practice runs and two real sets. Lets just say the gymnastics got me through the sprint and my legs got my the meters.. I only jumped a little over 3 meters! whatever, I'm proud of myself even if my little sister and brother could probably kick my a**.
My fellow coworker however did amazing, Guiseppe (italian) placed first with jsut over 5 meters! i think.
My coworkers were in events like high jump - we placed 2nd for men at 145 (idk the measurement)
1st in the 100m sprint for men and third for women.
1st in the 4 x 100 (2 guys and 2 girls)! the anchor even fell, got back up and finished first!
Our team finished 2nd overall!! Losing to the Joma athletes, no surprise.
I was just like to add that because of my lack of time, my body felt quite sore the next day... almost like the Tin Man if you had to put a name on it. I almost regret doing those backhandsprings in the stadium grass, and definitely regret running that 400 right before I left just so I could say I ran a 400 in the Olympic Stadium.. my legs hurt remembering it. Sadly I must tell you I felt this pain for 5 days! the worst day was the next (July 11th) where I stood for hours on end waiting for that oh so sweet victory.. I'll take the pain for the win anyday.
So I see I left you with the end my trips to Germany and France.. well Carcasonne. I am a bit upset with myself now and probably feel your frustation, its been nearly a month since Spain has won the World Cup and I haven't commented at all! Who am I?
This weekend was by far one of the best I ever had in Barcelona.. Most of the students from my program were out of town so I had great sleep! Spent my days on the beach and the following events occurred :)
July 11th
Well as you know my fellow Spaniards are the CAMPEONES DEL MUNDIAL!!! absolute best feeling ever to be among 75,000 Spanish fanatics. To describe the atmosphere, imagine yourself in a humid 90 degree heat with 75,000 chanting (and sweating) men surrounding you. Put your closest friends right next to you with some Sangria and beer, add two flat screens that match the size of the audience, and then be in the center of Plaza Espanya, right next to the Olympic stadium with fountains lining the walkway up to a huge castle in the background. Pretty much perfect for a win. I can't describe much else to you but the electric, anxious, and exciting tension that dragged till overtime made the winning goal that much better.
Trying to leave was a mad house. We were all soaked to the bone, but smiling because there was way more alcohol ON our clothes than ... (you can finish the rest of that sentence :] hey Dad! )
As for the celebrations, the whole country could only make noise for hours and hours. The bars and clubs were practically empty because the streets were filled and the cars were storming around honking in celebration. As you walked past all the apartments and flats, those who stayed in had buckets of water that they poured on anyone who walked by. I guess we cleaned up easily?
All in all, there is not much I can say except I felt like I was at home again... similar to a great win against the dirty mustard and maroon, chanting and gloating with pride for a sweet victory only your fellow college mates could understand.. Looks like I bleed some royal Red in Spain too :)
Now back track a little bit...
Between the last entry and this date, I could probably sum up my life as an average of 12 hours a weekday at work, with some extra activities on the weekend. Ya, all you boys pretending to write hours of codes at your desk right now (Paul knows your reading this, get to work!)
July 9th
Much of my work was to prepare for the International Miting that was to take place at the Olympic Stadium... know when you say Miting in spanish it means both information meeting as well as a Meet for sports. So the Friday night, we did a run through with our volunteers and our own positions on a smaller scale. I was even able to enjoy watching some of the track events that would take place in just a few short weeks! Quite amazing to watch these athletes from all over the world, even the US, host a mock-competition open to the public.
July 10th
The best part of about the previous Miting was that every event was left up for the next morning.
Between sponsors like Estrella Damm (local brewery to Spain) and Joma (like a Nike and very popular for futbol),10 people from my work competed against 9 other teams of 10 participants. Joma actually had real athletes who if they won earned cash. There were various events with a male and female competing at each one. This was one of the best experiences because I was able to compete in an Olympic Stadium on real event equipment. Unfortunately, I who has never even attempted this before, was signed up for the long jump! Ha, what a joke. At least it wasn't high jump... I had three practice runs and two real sets. Lets just say the gymnastics got me through the sprint and my legs got my the meters.. I only jumped a little over 3 meters! whatever, I'm proud of myself even if my little sister and brother could probably kick my a**.
My fellow coworker however did amazing, Guiseppe (italian) placed first with jsut over 5 meters! i think.
My coworkers were in events like high jump - we placed 2nd for men at 145 (idk the measurement)
1st in the 100m sprint for men and third for women.
1st in the 4 x 100 (2 guys and 2 girls)! the anchor even fell, got back up and finished first!
Our team finished 2nd overall!! Losing to the Joma athletes, no surprise.
I was just like to add that because of my lack of time, my body felt quite sore the next day... almost like the Tin Man if you had to put a name on it. I almost regret doing those backhandsprings in the stadium grass, and definitely regret running that 400 right before I left just so I could say I ran a 400 in the Olympic Stadium.. my legs hurt remembering it. Sadly I must tell you I felt this pain for 5 days! the worst day was the next (July 11th) where I stood for hours on end waiting for that oh so sweet victory.. I'll take the pain for the win anyday.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Germany, France, and el Mundial!
Germany and France.
Man it has been a busy last couple weeks!
I have so much to say and not enough time but here is a quick recap of the recent festivities.
First, I hope you ALL are cheering for Spain now! You´d be a fool not to jump on the bandwagon soon. Spain is on a roll if you haven't been following the World Cup. There is always a place for us to watch and celebrate the game! Its been the greatest two weeks in Barcelona because of the excitement and enthusiasm for la Mundial. But with the traveling I've been up to, I haven't seen the last 2 games in Spain!
Two weekends ago, I visited two good friends in Germany. Nick and Alex Popov are actually my neighbors back in Tucson and for the summers they visit their parents. It was a home away from home for me. Spending 4 relaxing days with the Popov family was a great subsititute for my missing the Calle family reunion in Lake Tahoe! **Happy Bday Uncle Jim, you got punked! wish i was there to see your face** The boys fulfilled the immature yet sooo funny brotherly roles that I have missed from you, Alex and John.
The city I stayed in is called Karlsruhe. And I must give Germany the credit, because it is by far the most gorgeous country I have visited... well maybe tied with the States of course. It is so green and precious with rolling hills everywhere, forests inbetween each town, and the cutest homes ever. They reminded so much of the houses in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with the red roofs and churches pocketed in the center of the town.
The Popov family lives in a town called Wiengarten, up on a hill that views the surrounding town, lake, vineyards, and forestry. How spoiled was I. Nick was the best host taking me all over the city and showing me castles, towers, shops, restaurants, and clubs. My favorite part I must say, was the driving inbetween all of the sitings... racing through the rolling hills and taking the autobon... I'll leave out the speed bc Dad might get a heart attack. Mom, you would have loved it :) We also went to the local swimming pool so Nick could practice for his Germany Nationals this past weekend! Meanwhile, I swam for 30 minutes of the 2 hours and tried soaking up the sun for the rest. I was quiet pleased with all the fútbol games even with the US loss. The trip was incredible.
Otherwise, my life during the week is picking up pace. Work is becoming more stressful but its actually exciting! I am also speaking the spanish everyday with my coworkers and record the hip words in a notebook at my desk. I am totally obsessed with all the employees. What's nice about the work culture here is that its fine to go out with your coworkers, so my girlfriends and I are definitely taking advantage of new friendships and their local knowledge. It seems appreciated both ways, who doesn't like a bunch of American girls??
As for France, we didn't see much of the country because we were too busy living it up in the Carsonne fortress. The pictures will explain more of the fun we had but to sum it up, Carcasonne will never forget the 4th of July, 2010.
It was quite strange for the locals of Carcasonne, first having 46+ young americans trying to climb the walls of their fortress to cheering for the Spanish team. We started with a tour of the castle, but really its a huge community on top of a hill that inhabited everyone during the 15th century. It was quite crazy being there for the 4th of July because Carcassone is older than the United States itself. How bizarre.
Nevertheless, we ate delicious crepes and watched the Spain game at a small bar in the castle. Upon winning our entire group started celebrating and once midnight hit, the little bar became an american discoteca. We all sang the National Anthem and cheers ed in the name of USA. The bartender will forever be pleased with his decision to play Party in the USA right after our chorus because we decided to stay and party at the bar instead of going out.
The next day, we packed up and jumped on our bus to the Museum of Salvador Dalí. I am still speechless and can't express how amazing his artwork is. I could go back and spend an entire day trying to understand his mind, let alone the meaning of each work.
Pictures to come! Love you all and I will try to make more time and Skype! I just need to sleep first!
xoxo
Man it has been a busy last couple weeks!
I have so much to say and not enough time but here is a quick recap of the recent festivities.
First, I hope you ALL are cheering for Spain now! You´d be a fool not to jump on the bandwagon soon. Spain is on a roll if you haven't been following the World Cup. There is always a place for us to watch and celebrate the game! Its been the greatest two weeks in Barcelona because of the excitement and enthusiasm for la Mundial. But with the traveling I've been up to, I haven't seen the last 2 games in Spain!
Two weekends ago, I visited two good friends in Germany. Nick and Alex Popov are actually my neighbors back in Tucson and for the summers they visit their parents. It was a home away from home for me. Spending 4 relaxing days with the Popov family was a great subsititute for my missing the Calle family reunion in Lake Tahoe! **Happy Bday Uncle Jim, you got punked! wish i was there to see your face** The boys fulfilled the immature yet sooo funny brotherly roles that I have missed from you, Alex and John.
The city I stayed in is called Karlsruhe. And I must give Germany the credit, because it is by far the most gorgeous country I have visited... well maybe tied with the States of course. It is so green and precious with rolling hills everywhere, forests inbetween each town, and the cutest homes ever. They reminded so much of the houses in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with the red roofs and churches pocketed in the center of the town.
The Popov family lives in a town called Wiengarten, up on a hill that views the surrounding town, lake, vineyards, and forestry. How spoiled was I. Nick was the best host taking me all over the city and showing me castles, towers, shops, restaurants, and clubs. My favorite part I must say, was the driving inbetween all of the sitings... racing through the rolling hills and taking the autobon... I'll leave out the speed bc Dad might get a heart attack. Mom, you would have loved it :) We also went to the local swimming pool so Nick could practice for his Germany Nationals this past weekend! Meanwhile, I swam for 30 minutes of the 2 hours and tried soaking up the sun for the rest. I was quiet pleased with all the fútbol games even with the US loss. The trip was incredible.
Otherwise, my life during the week is picking up pace. Work is becoming more stressful but its actually exciting! I am also speaking the spanish everyday with my coworkers and record the hip words in a notebook at my desk. I am totally obsessed with all the employees. What's nice about the work culture here is that its fine to go out with your coworkers, so my girlfriends and I are definitely taking advantage of new friendships and their local knowledge. It seems appreciated both ways, who doesn't like a bunch of American girls??
As for France, we didn't see much of the country because we were too busy living it up in the Carsonne fortress. The pictures will explain more of the fun we had but to sum it up, Carcasonne will never forget the 4th of July, 2010.
It was quite strange for the locals of Carcasonne, first having 46+ young americans trying to climb the walls of their fortress to cheering for the Spanish team. We started with a tour of the castle, but really its a huge community on top of a hill that inhabited everyone during the 15th century. It was quite crazy being there for the 4th of July because Carcassone is older than the United States itself. How bizarre.
Nevertheless, we ate delicious crepes and watched the Spain game at a small bar in the castle. Upon winning our entire group started celebrating and once midnight hit, the little bar became an american discoteca. We all sang the National Anthem and cheers ed in the name of USA. The bartender will forever be pleased with his decision to play Party in the USA right after our chorus because we decided to stay and party at the bar instead of going out.
The next day, we packed up and jumped on our bus to the Museum of Salvador Dalí. I am still speechless and can't express how amazing his artwork is. I could go back and spend an entire day trying to understand his mind, let alone the meaning of each work.
Pictures to come! Love you all and I will try to make more time and Skype! I just need to sleep first!
xoxo
Thursday, June 17, 2010
First true weekend in Barcelona!
I must first tell you that though I would like to take credit for these sweet black and white pictures, my lack of artistic ability obviously is not to thank. But I figured I would give Sam (the photographer of first 8 pics) a larger audience who also appreciates her talent! (or maybe her contribution to my lack of camera). 
So of course these are of the airport... The only comment I really have is these pictures do no justice of the stress you actually feel in these huge buildings when you are all alone looking for the wrong gate and carrying a 45.7 lb bag. 
Now with reference to the title, I and the new group finally lived Barcelona's night life and an American tourist's long day. In our lovely group photo you may think we just caught sunset... oh no no no, we experienced our first sunrise! Right after a fun night of Irish Bars, 6 story clubs, and chocolate churros, the party finally crashed. 
With 5 hours of sleep it was time to go on our Barcelona City tour. We visited quite a few trademarks in the Catalan history but only walked through one. (Don't worry, I will put of pictures of La Sagrada Familia soon!) The first 2 are from the Castillo de Montjuic. A little history lesson for you all: the Catalan people actually do NOT like being a part of Spain. They enjoyed being independent of the Spanish King but when he took over their city he lived in this castle. It served as his home all the way back in 1640! How magical must it have been to live on the top of Montjuic with a view of the city, ocean, and skies. 
I must brag here, because all of these photos, from the previous two to the last of the monuments, are surrounding my work. I get this view every day.. how terrible :) But anyways, this is some of the pottery that leads up the Museum of Mont Juic. That huge castle (Museum) in the background is full of art of Catalunya. In the foreground is me and my girls! We have absolutely the best times together, especially at the beach. 
As for my AMAZING job, I take a subway and metro in the morning for almost an hour. Thankfully I have another 30 minutes to walk past these beautiful sites. The first is a fountain that is part of the entrance to Mont Juic. The second is the Museum castle with the fountains doing their thing. You can catch a light show 4 nights out of the week. Its something you just have to see in person. 
The one thing I love most about work is the people I spend countless hours with. Along with the language barrier and my apparently super strong American accent, communication can be quite difficult. But otherwise, I have the greatest time listening to their stories at lunch and learning the career I hope to have in a few short years. A quick recap of what my job entails: I am in the Department of Protocol and Ceremonies. I specifically am in charge of organizing where our hundreds of volunteers will be placed. 
Our volunteers mainly work with the VIP's that will be attending the Championships. From greeting them at hotels and presenting them with gifts to catering their every need at the actual stadium, our volunteers have a lot of responsibility, hence our tedious planning. Well without boring you, there are perks. The following pictures are at the hotels where our VIPs are staying. I went with my team to take pictures and visualize the setup for welcoming and what not. Driving around the city, touring hotels, and fooling everyone to think I am a local Barca with my coworkers was such a great time! Lastly, here are just a few of the fun things I come across.
1. My coworkers referred to me as vaquera for months before I arrived. They all thought that because I was from Arizona I must be a cowgirl haha.. but seriously, I think they expected me to walk in with a cowboy hat and chaps.
2. You can NOT find peanut butter anywhere! There is only one brand at the big supermarket (like a super Walmart) and it is my savior. Whats best is when I eat a PB and honey sandwich or apples w/ PB, my coworkers think I am so weird!!! They are almost disgusted with the idea lol
3. The other day my coworkers and I celebrated two birthdays. We went out as a team for lunch, had cake, champagne, and three plates of food! Yummmy. Oh and we sent one of the ladies Elena a bouquet of flowers. 4. ** not a fun thing but just an fyi.. At this lunch both my bosses came as well as two very prestigious men. I don't think I even know how elite their positions are. But let me tell you I almost peed myself with intimidation.
That all I can do for now! Sorry in advance for the hold ups .. I'm short on sleep!
Love and miss you all
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Day 1 continued
Now for the things I missed!
Here is the Alps that I flew over while transferring from Germany to Barcelona. I actually sat next to a young nerdy boy from Tennessee with quite the accent and had to explain to him that the Alps were famous because of Mont Blanc! He was silly and wore a great orange sweater. Oh UT...
These next two pictures are the views outside of our windows at the dorms. I live at the University Autonoma de Barcelona. It is about 30 minutes away from the city but it is quite peaceful and green! Actually, the neighborhoods around here are very gorgeous with pottery, balconies, and colorful houses. The middle class all live in the city in flats so the demographic around our school is quite wealthy. Even the Barcelona futbol players live by us!! Too bad they are in South Africa for the summer..
I did miss these pictures that goes along with the city. The architecture in the Plaza de Catalunya is wonderful. These buildings are ancient but still breathe-taking. Right outside this building was a mass of people. Something so great to experience was the traditional dance of the native Catalan.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Plaza Catalunya
Hi everyone! Here is my first post, finally!
After getting settled and surviving jet lag, the students went into the city -- Plaza Catalunya -- the heart of the city in Barcelona!
I and many of the other students 'got lost' in the plaza and walked down Las Ramblas (a very popular and touristy street). We ate a wonderful restaurant where we had sangria and dinner :) The best part about the restaurants is that there is seating right on the streets where people walk by. It was so fun people watching and relaxing. The sun doesn't go down till 9 so dinner is also at that time!
After, we caught a train back to the University together, luckily we made the last train!
I don't have many pictures but I will post more once I can steal them from other people's posts... I didn't bring a camera!
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