Monday, December 31, 2012

Nochevieja

 puerta del sol, via
Another year has come and gone, and I can hardly believe it. I feels like just yesterday I was ringing in 2012 in my grandparents' driveway and tonight I'll be welcoming 2013 in Spain. Madrid is known for it's parties, and La Nochevieja (the old night) is no exception. In the US we have the ball drop in Times Square, in Madrid people gather in Puerta del Sol, the center of the city, to wait for the countdown. The tradition in Spain is to eat 12 grapes, one grape per chime, when the clocks strikes 12. And if you successfully eat all your grapes on time you will be prosperous and have good luck in the new year. The other tradition here is to wear new red underwear, which will also bring you good luck. My roommate told me that on the 1st you then have to burn the underwear, but I'm not crazy about the idea of burning brand new undies. I will not be eating my grapes in Sol with the masses, but having dinner and drinks and friend's bar which promises to be much more low-key. I hope everyone has a fun and safe NYE and see you all in 2013!




Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas Eve!

Being away from friends and family is tough during the holidays, especially when your friends and family away from home are at home with their friends and family for the holidays! Madrid is a truly magical place around Christmas time, full of lights and energy, but I have to say I am very excited for my Christmas vacation. Today me, my friend, and her brother are taking off to spend the next 5 days in Rome! Rome is one city that has always been on list, and I am more than excited to celebrate Christmas there! So Merry Christmas to everyone out there, have a fun and safe holiday week!

via

Monday, December 3, 2012

Thanksgiving in Spain

Ok, I know I'm a little late on this post, but better late than never! And to be fair, Thanksgiving is kind of still happening here at my house. We still have some pumpkin bread! I celebrated Thanksgiving last Friday with my 2 American friends, 2 British guys, 1 Brazilian girl, and 8 Spaniards. I honestly don't know how people prepare entire Thanksgivings by themselves, because just the turkey and two pumpkin pies took me all day. Oh and also a batch of funfetti cupcakes, courtesy of my friend Jessie who visited in May! In true Spanish style, Thanksgiving dinner started around 11:30pm and lasted until about 3am. It was so fun and rewarding, and I feel so lucky that I was able to share such a special American holiday with my Spanish roommates and friends. The turkey turned out delicious and the pumpkin pie was unanimously everyone's favorite! It would appear that I'm not as hopeless a cook as I once thought. I wish I could share more pictures of this (although I guess the turkey is the most important part of Thanksgiving), but right now I'm battling it out with Picassa... blogger says I've reached my upload limit.






Friday, November 30, 2012

happy friday!

I feel like this week absolutely flew by, and tomorrow is the first day of December??! I can't believe it. When I first got here I really missed Pandora, but then I heard about Spotify and I think it's even better. The other day I had it set on a country station and this some came on and I haven't been able to stop listening to it since! I really liked the Dixie Chicks when I was younger, but I hadn't heard this one. Happy Friday everyone!!


Thursday, November 29, 2012

recent reads


I was worried with my schedule change I'd have less time for reading, since I wouldn't be spending as much time in the metro, but luckily it hasn't been a problem! I've read some pretty good books since the last time I did a post like this.

This book tells the story of five different women who are brought together during WWII. The book begins with them meeting fifty years later to share their story and also solve a mystery. The characters are really well-developed and the bonds they form are so believable. There were also some great twists I didn't see coming. 

Apparently I was really on a WWII kick this summer... I really enjoyed this book! It also takes place on the island of Guernsey during the German occupation. The main character is taking care of her two daughters and her mother-in-law while her husband is off fighting. She ends up developing a relationship with a German solider who is living in the house next to hers, even though she knows it could be dangerous. An easy book to read, and I liked it a lot. 

I know this book has been out for a while, but I'd never read it. This was also a super quick read but so well-written. The narrator is 15 year old autistic boy who discovers his neighbor's dog is dead and decides to find the killer. 

No, I'm not proud of this and no, I don't recommend it. But everyone and their mother was talking about this book, so I had to read it. I hate being left out of the loop. This book series was ridiculous, and I can't believe they're making it into a movie. But, just like the Twilight movies, I'm sure I'll give in and watch it. And the hate myself. 

I recently re-read this (I think I read it in high school the first time.. maybe) because a friend said I should read it again as an adult. While I did understand the messages more this time around, I still didn't care for it. I think it's more the style it's written in that's not for me, but I can see why it's regarded as such a phenomenal book.

Yes, this is a children's book. A student gave this to me as a gift since it's written in Spanish. Well, it's actually a French book but has been translated to Spanish and is really popular here. It was a really sweet story and great for someone trying to improve their Spanish!



Monday, November 26, 2012

happy birthday to me!


Today is the 6th anniversary of my 21st birthday. Looking back on the past year I can't believe how much I've done. 26 was an amazing year and here's hoping 27 is just as good!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Giving Thanks


I'm ashamed to admit it, but it's true. Two loaves of pumpkin bread and lots of happy students later I've already started my Thanksgiving feasting. Obviously I had to test each loaf... a few times! This is definitely a time when I feel super homesick for my family and friends, and unfortunately tomorrow I'll be teaching until 10pm, but on Friday some friends and I are hosting an ex-pat Thanksgiving for our Spanish friends and roommates. I'm imaging it will be quite the endeavor, since none of us have ever cooked a turkey, but nonetheless I know it'll be a great night of good food with new friends. I have so many things to be thankful that it would take hours to write out a complete list, but here are just a few of first things that come to mind:

My supportive family
My amazing friends from home
My new friends in Spain
My health
My family's health
The opportunity to travel
Waking up every day in Madrid
The ease in which I found work in Madrid and my awesome students who make me enjoy teaching English
The opportunity to learn so much about other cultures first hand

Safe travels to everyone (if you're traveling) and Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

pumpkin bread

Today has been a pretty good day, despite the fog and gloom. I had some great classes, one of my students gave me a gift (a children's book written in Spanish), I got a birthday card in the mail from a sweet friend from home, AND I made pumpkin bread! My grandmother sent me a ziploc baggie full of pumpkin pie spice about 2 months ago that I've been dying to use, and my roommates have never tried any American pumpkin goodies so it was the perfect time. I also wanted to bring some to my students to prove to them that pumpkin can be a dessert. The two little girls I teach said "ewwww" when I told them about pumpkin pie.  AndI have to say, the bread turned out pretty good! It's basically banana bread but with canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Happy Thanksgiving week! I'm definitely missing home right now.

delicious pumpkin bread

new reading material

                                     



Thursday, November 15, 2012

word.

finally got a hair cut!

Well, today's haircut was long overdue. It hadn't been cut since the beginning of April when I had a not so great experience and I've been scared to cut my hair since then. The problem I was having is that there are like 2 haircutting places on every block, but the nice salons were crazy expensive. I was also terrified to trying to explain what I wanted in Spanish. My new roommates told me to go to the place they all go (which is a nice salon) and they have really good specials. So I had a nice salon experience for 26 euros. Even though the guy who cut my hair spoke English I did some research last night so I'd have a better idea of what to say if I needed to speak in Spanish.


new words/phrases
1- mechas = highlights
2- las puntas = the ends, so if you just want a trim, solo las puntas
3- capas = layers. cortado a capas (cut in layers)
4- plancha = flat iron
5- flequillo = bangs


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

La Colonial de Goya

La Colonial is one of my favorite places in Madrid. It's this adorable little restaurant in barrio Salamanca, the posh area of Madrid. I can't speak for the restaurant menu, whenever I go it's girls' night and we just order of the bar menu (which is about 60 delicious tostas to choose from). They have great wine, great food, and a great atmosphere! It's all white and has a country-cottage feel to it. Definitely check it out if you're ever in Madrid!








Monday, November 12, 2012

Sacre Coeur and Luxembourg Gardens

We woke up to a beautifully sunny Saturday so we hiked up the steps to the Sacre Coeur to get a view of the city. That was one of the things I missed back in March, so we spent the morning wandering around Montmarte and eating crepes. Later that afternoon, after the weather turned cold and cloudy, we walked around the Luxembourg Gardens. My picture (right when my camera died) does not do this place justice, and I can't even imagine how insanely beautiful it must be in summer when everything is in full bloom.









Thursday, November 8, 2012

United Buddy Bears in Paris

While we were at the Eiffel Tower we noticed all these big bears lined up so we decided to check them out. We found out that they were the United Buddy Bears; bear sculptures based on urban buddy bears that originally developed in Berlin. However, the United Buddy Bears represent a message of peace, love, and tolerance, and every country that is part of the UN was able to design one. This exhibition has traveled all over the world and we were lucky to catch it in Paris! All the bears were so unique, each one representing its country's culture.



USA! 
España!



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Paris via my iphone

I know you've all been eagerly awaiting pics from my trip to Paris last weekend and I apologize that I didn't get them up sooner. Things have been a little crazy over here in Madrid so blogging kind of fell to the wayside. Soooo about Paris. It was AMAZING! I spent one day there back in March, but even before we left the city I knew one day wasn't going to be enough, and I'd been dreaming about going back for a longer trip ever since. Long story short, a friend of mine had bought a plane ticket over the summer when they were having crazy sales and had been pestering me about going with him. About the second week of October I picked up an intensive 5 day English class that paid quite well so I figured, why not?! It was an impulsive purchase but one I'm so glad I made. The hostel we stayed at left a lot to be desired (you aren't allowed to bring in your own adult beverages, the common area closed at midnight, no one was friendly), but we weren't expecting much. If anything the beds were comfortable, the shower was hot, and we had an incredible view of the Sacre Coeur from our street. We also got so lucky with the weather! Friday was cloudy but didn't start raining until about 6pm, Saturday was sunny but cold, and Sunday was gorgeous. We spent most of our time wandering around and walking up and down the streets. It was the perfect Paris trip! Unfortunately I only have one day of pictures on my real camera, because my batteries died and I didn't have any extras, but I used Instagram to snaz up these pictures :)

sacre coeur from our hostel


louvre


<3 america



beautiful sunny saturday

heaven


And happy election day to all my American readers! Rock the vote today!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

happy halloween!

I have to say, Halloween has always been a holiday I've looked forward to. This year I won't be celebrating it, but I've really been enjoying facebook creeping on my friends back in the US :) Here in Madrid, Halloween isn't super popular. It's been catching on the last few years, and  a few discos and pubs have Halloween parties and some of the bi-lingual schools have Halloween parties. I'll probably spend my evening watching "Hocus Pocus" and reminiscing on Halloweens past. 

2011



Friday, October 26, 2012

bonjour Paris!

I'm off to Paris for a long weekend with a friend! I can't wait to see all the things I missed during my super short stay in March. See you all on Monday, I'm going to be stuffing my face with French bread, macaroons, and red wine for the next 72 hours :)

march 2012

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

another WIN for colorado!

It's no secret that Colorado is one of the best states in the country. The mountains, the breweries, the people, and the music scene isn't so bad either. There have been some memorable bands out of Colorado (3OH3!, The Fray, Pretty Lights, One Republic), but I think this band has got to be my new favorite. Apparently they've been around for a while now but just recently released their first album. I've been playing this song by the Lumineers on repeat for about 2 weeks now. They also played this song in the season finale of Hart of Dixie, which is a great show in case anyone was wondering. And I'm not ashamed at all that I watch it.



fray concert @ red rocks, summer 2007





rio marg, best margarita EVER

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

homemade banana bread

A few weeks ago I found myself with about 6 overly ripe bananas and a huge craving for banana bread. My grandma makes the best banana bread I've ever eaten in my entire life, but I have to say, mine was pretty dang good too!


I just used a really basic recipe. It's super super super easy.

4 ripe bananas, smashed up
76 grams melted butter
175 grams white sugar
1 beaten egg
1 spoonful of vanilla
1 spoonful of baking soda
pinch of salt
192 grams of flour

Preheat oven to 175 Celsius 
mix butter and bananas
add sugar, egg, and vanilla
add salt and baking soda
add flour
pour into a buttered loaf pan and bake for 1 hour!

*Yes, I know these are in metric system measurements. I've had to get used to them. I don't own a measuring cup and I'm pretty sure they are impossible to find here.

Monday, October 22, 2012

house hunters madrid... otra vez

Well, I found myself once again in the rat race that is finding housing in Madrid. It's a long story, but for the best and I feel confidant that I found an even better place than where I'm living now (which is hard to beat)! I wanted to share some of the things I've encountered while looking for apartments here in Madrid... which has been 3 times in the past 9 months so I consider myself somewhat of a pro.

1. The "must haves" are much different here than in the US. I remember apartment hunting in California and we were hoping for a washer and dryer, maybe a nice little backyard. Here, the number one priority is a window. I saw at least 10 rooms that resembled small dungeons, with no sunlight. I actually lived in one for almost one month.

2. I no longer have reservations about sleeping on someone else's sheets. Here, most of the apartments I looked at came fully furnished, and almost always included bed linens. And in the spirit of saving a few bucks, I have been happily sleeping on someone else's sheets for the past 9 months.

3. I calculate everything in walking distance. And how close to multiple metro lines I can get. I spend my days walking all over the city, to and from classes and to and from metro stops so it's important that I'm not too far away from things. The last thing I want to do is have to run 10 minutes home in the pouring rain with 5 grocery bags.

4. Roommates are crucial. I had never lived with strangers before moving to Madrid, and I will most definitely not be doing it back in the US. But here there is such a big community of other ex-pats everyone has to live with strangers. It's also been really important to me to live with at least 1 Spanish person so I'm exposed to the language on a daily basis.

5. Ovens are not optional! The first place I lived only had a tiny little hot plate. Even though I wouldn't call myself Julia Childs, I like having the option to cook and bake.

a beautiful sunday rainbow in my beautiful new barrio 

Happy Monday :)