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! 
EspaƱa!



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!