To continue with my breakfast food analogies of cities I have visited, I have decided that Prague is a cinnamon roll. It is a beautifully ´´sweet´´ city with its wonderful architecture and picturesque bridges over the Vltava River. History is very well-preserved here and you can peel back the ´´layers´´ to discover its unique and rather complicated past. As a center of intersecting trade routes, travellers from all over the world brought goods, including ´´cinnamon,´´ to this cultural hotspot of Europe. After the end of communism, Prague has ´´risen´´ again to a sought after destination for tourists and is now the 6th most visited city in Europe.
Ok, and now for the details of my trip:
1. A Rough Night at the Airport
2. Ugh, Tourists
3. GHOSTS!
4. A Full Day of Prague-ness
5. Synagogues and Fairy Tales
1. A Rough Night at the Airport
I left Thursday evening with three other girls for the Valencia airport where we caught a plane to Milan. Since we arrived close to 1 in the morning and left at 8:30, we decided we would spend the night at the airport which was. . . an experience. We were not the only ones camping out at the airport and all of the seats were taken due to transportation strikes in Madrid. We ended up finding one of the less stickier floors and bunkered down with our backpacks for a restless night of one to two hours of sleep and the peskiest flies I have ever encountered. Despite our lack of sleep, we still stayed pretty positive and at one point, probably due to how tired we were, we just started gigglying and could not stop.
2. Ugh, Tourists!
When we arrived in Prague that morning, we dropped off our bags at The Little Town Hotel Hostel (I would definitely recommend) and then went out to walk around and familiarize ourselves. We walked over the Charles Bridge and around the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock. After a picnic in the park, and some more exploration, we started to encounter hoardes of tourists. I know it is hypocritical of me to be bothered by all of the tourists when I myself was one, but in my mind I had envisioned the four of us girls wandering around in a foreign city inhabited by Czechs- not other Americans. Oh, well. It was still really great.
Later in the afternoon, we headed back to our hostel for naps and a chance to freshen up after walking around in the heat (mid 90s.) For dinner, we went to a Czech restaurant where I ordered a plate of tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and onions that had been sauteed and flavored with olive oil. Yay for vegetables! Word to the wise, do not order water. It is such a rip-off! A pint of beer costs a little over 1 U.S. dollar whereas water was almost three times as much. Anyway, I learned my lesson and decided that the next time I would order iced tea which was still a little more expensive than beer, but not nearly as pricey as the water. I know the Czech Republic is supposed to have amazing beer, but after I trying a few sips of the different varieties the other girls had ordered, I decided I am not a beer fan.
3. GHOSTS
Instead of going on a traditional city walking tour, we decided to wait until dark and take one of the McGee´s Ghost Tours of Prague where we learned about the ghosts and legends of Old Town. It was a lot of fun! Our tour guide was from Nebraska but had lived in Prague for four years and was very helpful. We saw some interesting parts of the city, learned some history, and heard some of the traditional old tales of the city. Before heading back for the night, we stopped in quite a few stores where the other girls bought souvenirs for their families. We were suprised at how late the stores stayed open since they are usually closed by 9 in Valencia and people like to stay out very late in Spain.
4. A Full Day of Prague-ness
Our hostel was really nice. It was the perfect location, quiet, and even had a kitchen in each room and a little balcony where we ate our breakfast we had bought from the grocery store (whoo hoo for oatmeal!.) The hostel also offered free internet and had a lot of books and games to borrow.
We left fairly early on Saturday morning to walk up the steep hill to Prague Castle with a history dating back to 870 and the famous St. Vitus Cathedral. Even though I am getting a little tired of cathedrals, this one was really unique with its stained glass window. The pieces of glass were very small and colorful and depicted scenes of mercy in the daily lives of the Czech people: people feeding the hungry, providing comfort to widows. . . We paid to visit the castle where the famous Defenestration took place, a basilica, the Noble Women´s Institute, and the Golden Lane which unfortunately was closed for reconstruction. The Defenestration was in 1618 and the shortened-condensed version is that there were a lot of power struggles going on between the Protestants and Catholics and the Protestants threw a bunch of the Catholic Reagents out of the Castle window, but all of them survived because they happened to land on soft manure. This was the start to the 30 Years War throughout Europe.
After another park picnic, we walked around the city in some areas away from tourists and in the shade and saw the Lenin Wall, the opera house, and the Dancing House which is supposed to represent Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. We shared some refreshing gelatto and sat in the shade of a little cafe. Later that evening, we walked through some nice, very natural parks on the hills surrounding the city. The tranquility was very nice after the crowds of the castle, and it provided a great opportunity to see views of the city from higher ground.
We ate a late dinner in the lower level of this really cool restaurant in the Jewish Quarter, and one of the girls shared the best soft pretzel I have ever had. After meandering back to our hostel, we played several games of speed scrabble and went to bed tired and sweaty but very pleased with everything we had gotten to see.
4. Synagogues and Fairy Tales
On the Fourth of July, we set out again to do some more exploring and took a lovely stroll through one of the parks. The parks there were very different from other European parks, and it was a nice change. They were left very natural with woods and forest-undergrowth and grass. Eventually, we wandered out and went to the see the Spanish-style Synagogue in the Jewish Ghetto. We were not allowed to take pictures, but I do not think I will forget what it looked like. It was so beautiful and intricate, and I enjoyed seeing something different than another cathedral. We also learned a lot about the history of Jews in the Czech Republic. Later that afternoon, we had our last picnic in a different park and enjoyed Kolaches which are a type of Czech pastry. Unfortunately we could not find a bakery and had to purchase them from the grocery store, but we wanted to experience one last aspect of Czech cuisine.
Before picking up our bags at the hostel and heading back to the airport, we walked up and down the steep hills of the park through the forests and apple and cherry orchards. With the sound of music floating down the slopes, the dirt paths winding around the old trees, and the intermitent views of the beautiful city, we felt as if we were in a fairy tale or on a great quest.
The plane ride back to Valencia was a direct flight, and we did not have any problems.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Feeling at Home in Valencia
1. Breakfast with Diamonds
2. Mummies and Futbol
3. Home Life
4. Prague, woot woot!
1. Breakfast with Diamonds
Last week while at one of the public libraries, I saw a poster advertising a free showing of Desayunto con diamontes which is Breakfast at Tiffany´s. Of course I had to let the other chicas know, and on Monday night, a group of us enjoyed a classic with the locals among the aisles of Spanish literature. The voices were dubbed-over in Spanish, but those of us who had seen the film mutliple times were able to clear up any confusion to the girls whom had not. In a way, it was a refreshing way to watch the film because I spent more time focusing on the cinematography and acting. Yes, I have become more fluent in Spanish, but it was still very difficult for me to completely understand- especially when they were talking rapidly during the dramatic parts- and I usually use subtitles even for films in English.
2. Mummies and Futbol
Yesterday was our last field trip to the City of Arts and Sciences (apart from Bio. field trips) with our program groups. We went to an IMAX about the mummies of ancient Egypt. I have always liked IMAX experiences, and this one was unique because each person received a headset to listen to the dialogue in the language of his or her choice. It was very Star-Trekky.
After our walk home, Kendra and I met up with three other girls to watch the Spain vs. Portugal game at a little cafe outside our apartment. We did not watch the game too intensely, but it was a lot of fun to partake in the experience- the ambiance created by the colorfully-decorated crowd, the cheers and fire crackers when Spain made a goal. . . Spain won, by the way, and has now entered into the third round.
3. Home Life
The dog situation has improved greatly! Carmen sent them to stay at her son´s apartment, and I believe they will not be in our apartment for the rest of our time here. I know she misses them, but Kendra and I are much happier with them gone.
We have had two different groups of French boys stay with us during our time here. The first was a group of 3 boys, 15 and 16, from a town near La Rochelle which is where Sarah, Mom, and I visited several years ago. They were here with a program to visit several parts of Spain and practice Spanish. Although they were friendly, Kendra and I were relieved when they left. They smoked a lot, and the night before they left, they kept trying to take our pictures and asked if we wanted massages.
However, the second group of two French boys were much nicer, and we had a lot of fun playing card games and talking about our home towns.
Now we have a Swedish woman and her nine-year-old son staying with us. 25 years ago, she spent a summer studying abroad here in Valencia with Carmen as her host mom. Every summer she has come back, and now she has become one of the family. She is very fluent in Spanish and English, and they will be staying until the 7th of July.
4. Prague, woot woot!
This Thursday, I will be heading off to Prague with Katie, Racheal, and Molly while Kendra goes with Becca to London. I am really excited about Prague. Although I am not really sure what to expect, I have heard nothing but good things about it.
2. Mummies and Futbol
3. Home Life
4. Prague, woot woot!
1. Breakfast with Diamonds
Last week while at one of the public libraries, I saw a poster advertising a free showing of Desayunto con diamontes which is Breakfast at Tiffany´s. Of course I had to let the other chicas know, and on Monday night, a group of us enjoyed a classic with the locals among the aisles of Spanish literature. The voices were dubbed-over in Spanish, but those of us who had seen the film mutliple times were able to clear up any confusion to the girls whom had not. In a way, it was a refreshing way to watch the film because I spent more time focusing on the cinematography and acting. Yes, I have become more fluent in Spanish, but it was still very difficult for me to completely understand- especially when they were talking rapidly during the dramatic parts- and I usually use subtitles even for films in English.
2. Mummies and Futbol
Yesterday was our last field trip to the City of Arts and Sciences (apart from Bio. field trips) with our program groups. We went to an IMAX about the mummies of ancient Egypt. I have always liked IMAX experiences, and this one was unique because each person received a headset to listen to the dialogue in the language of his or her choice. It was very Star-Trekky.
After our walk home, Kendra and I met up with three other girls to watch the Spain vs. Portugal game at a little cafe outside our apartment. We did not watch the game too intensely, but it was a lot of fun to partake in the experience- the ambiance created by the colorfully-decorated crowd, the cheers and fire crackers when Spain made a goal. . . Spain won, by the way, and has now entered into the third round.
3. Home Life
The dog situation has improved greatly! Carmen sent them to stay at her son´s apartment, and I believe they will not be in our apartment for the rest of our time here. I know she misses them, but Kendra and I are much happier with them gone.
We have had two different groups of French boys stay with us during our time here. The first was a group of 3 boys, 15 and 16, from a town near La Rochelle which is where Sarah, Mom, and I visited several years ago. They were here with a program to visit several parts of Spain and practice Spanish. Although they were friendly, Kendra and I were relieved when they left. They smoked a lot, and the night before they left, they kept trying to take our pictures and asked if we wanted massages.
However, the second group of two French boys were much nicer, and we had a lot of fun playing card games and talking about our home towns.
Now we have a Swedish woman and her nine-year-old son staying with us. 25 years ago, she spent a summer studying abroad here in Valencia with Carmen as her host mom. Every summer she has come back, and now she has become one of the family. She is very fluent in Spanish and English, and they will be staying until the 7th of July.
4. Prague, woot woot!
This Thursday, I will be heading off to Prague with Katie, Racheal, and Molly while Kendra goes with Becca to London. I am really excited about Prague. Although I am not really sure what to expect, I have heard nothing but good things about it.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
"Oh, What a Circus, Oh, What a Show"
After a leisure day of shopping and reading, Kendra, Sarah, and I decided to take advantage of our three-day weekend in Valencia and hit up a discoteca. We were originally going to meet up with some other people who knew of one by the beach, but they changed their plans and since we did not purchase cellphones here, they were unable to contact us. However, we were not to be deterred and decided to go to one we had heard about from someone else.
L'umbracle Terraza was amazing! It was a slightly pricey entrance fee, but after our failed attempt at the free discoteca, we wanted to be sure of a better experience. It was located in a terrace lush with Mediterranean plants looking out on the City of Arts and Sciences where the opera house, aquarium, and science center are located. Scattered throughout the garden, large red balls cast a soft glow while couches with canopies and mod chairs around tables with candles provided intimate seating for a drink and conversation. There were reserved sections of the garden for VIP and even one of the bars was roped off. On the far end of the garden was the DJ and a dancing space. This weekend is the Formula One Race which I have heard is very popular in Europe, and one of the cars was on display in the garden where people were having their photos taken.
The lower level of the terrace contained an enclosed dance space with a fog machine and lasers. We felt a little out of our element, but it was so much fun! I have never seen so many chic and beautiful people in my life! Our entrance tickets might
have said "Normal Chica" and we might not have been able to stand in certain parts of the garden, but for the night, we felt like VIP! It is not a world that I necessarily crave or desire to become a part of (I am pretty content with archeology museums and walks through the park with friends), but I am really glad I went for the unique experience.
The metro and bus system do not run after 1 am so we grabbed a taxi to head back home and climbed into bed a little after 5 am. Today we plan on taking it easy. We are going to the one of the parks to feed the ducks, reading, playing cards, and possibly watching a Flamenco show.
Speaking of shows, the World Cup is a very big deal here, and last night Spain played its third game and won against Honduras. Kendra and I watched the game and cheered as the ball soared into the net and sighed as Alfonso, number
14 and my favorite player, was injured. All of the cafes outside our apartment have TVs set up to watch the games each day, and last night, we could easily hear their cheers wafting through the open window. Spaniards also really like fireworks, and every time they go off, my first thought is that it is a gun! Maybe by mid July it will not startle me anymore.
L'umbracle Terraza was amazing! It was a slightly pricey entrance fee, but after our failed attempt at the free discoteca, we wanted to be sure of a better experience. It was located in a terrace lush with Mediterranean plants looking out on the City of Arts and Sciences where the opera house, aquarium, and science center are located. Scattered throughout the garden, large red balls cast a soft glow while couches with canopies and mod chairs around tables with candles provided intimate seating for a drink and conversation. There were reserved sections of the garden for VIP and even one of the bars was roped off. On the far end of the garden was the DJ and a dancing space. This weekend is the Formula One Race which I have heard is very popular in Europe, and one of the cars was on display in the garden where people were having their photos taken.The lower level of the terrace contained an enclosed dance space with a fog machine and lasers. We felt a little out of our element, but it was so much fun! I have never seen so many chic and beautiful people in my life! Our entrance tickets might
have said "Normal Chica" and we might not have been able to stand in certain parts of the garden, but for the night, we felt like VIP! It is not a world that I necessarily crave or desire to become a part of (I am pretty content with archeology museums and walks through the park with friends), but I am really glad I went for the unique experience. The metro and bus system do not run after 1 am so we grabbed a taxi to head back home and climbed into bed a little after 5 am. Today we plan on taking it easy. We are going to the one of the parks to feed the ducks, reading, playing cards, and possibly watching a Flamenco show.
Speaking of shows, the World Cup is a very big deal here, and last night Spain played its third game and won against Honduras. Kendra and I watched the game and cheered as the ball soared into the net and sighed as Alfonso, number
14 and my favorite player, was injured. All of the cafes outside our apartment have TVs set up to watch the games each day, and last night, we could easily hear their cheers wafting through the open window. Spaniards also really like fireworks, and every time they go off, my first thought is that it is a gun! Maybe by mid July it will not startle me anymore.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Field Trips Galore
Since the exchange rate of the euro for the dollar dropped after paying for the program, our directors were able to buy tickets for all of the ISU students to visit the Oceanographic Museum, Science Museum, and an IMAX theater. They divided the students into two groups, and on Monday after classes, my group visited the Oceanographic Museum. I have not been to that many aquariums before, but I thought it was definitely well-worth the visit. The exhibits and aquariums were divided by the primary seas, and my favorite was the Mediterranean Section. I found it the most interesting and insightful, but it might be due to the fact that I have not noticed many zoos or aquariums in the U.S. with a focus on this area. There was also an everglades exhibit which I found slightly amusing since I actually visited the everglades with my dad this past winter. Before heading back home, we watched a pretty cool dolphin show.
On Tuesday, we visited the Science Museum. However, I felt like there was not adequate time to see everything. I barely made it through one of the floors, and there were three. The third floor is where I spent most of my time. It contained a chromosome forest in which there were displays of giant chromosomes and specific genes, and around each ¨tree,¨ there were exhibits and information about the gene and how it affects humans, hereditary diseases, etc.
Yesterday we left at 3 for the Biology Field Trip to Javea, a Mediterranean City 1.5 hours south of Valencia via bus, where we studied seashore fauna and the geological coastline evolution. It was so beautiful and different from the sandy beach in Valencia. There were plunging cliffs, crashing waves, and rich variations of color. After climbing around the rocky coastline and learning about the ecology and geology, our professor bought us tinto de verano and some calamari at one of the local cafes before getting back to the university around 10 pm. It was a pretty sweet field trip, if I do say so myself.
On Tuesday, we visited the Science Museum. However, I felt like there was not adequate time to see everything. I barely made it through one of the floors, and there were three. The third floor is where I spent most of my time. It contained a chromosome forest in which there were displays of giant chromosomes and specific genes, and around each ¨tree,¨ there were exhibits and information about the gene and how it affects humans, hereditary diseases, etc.
Yesterday we left at 3 for the Biology Field Trip to Javea, a Mediterranean City 1.5 hours south of Valencia via bus, where we studied seashore fauna and the geological coastline evolution. It was so beautiful and different from the sandy beach in Valencia. There were plunging cliffs, crashing waves, and rich variations of color. After climbing around the rocky coastline and learning about the ecology and geology, our professor bought us tinto de verano and some calamari at one of the local cafes before getting back to the university around 10 pm. It was a pretty sweet field trip, if I do say so myself.
Monday, June 21, 2010
I Have No Idea What The Title Should Be
¡Hola, todos!
I hope all is well. I am half-way through the Valencia program. It is strange how the first of the three weeks seems like ages ago, but I suppose this is because I feel like so much has happened since I boarded the plane at the Des Moines Airport. If you have time, send me an e-mail to let me know how you are or what you have been up to!
1. Opera
2. Dog Problems
3. Dancing in the Streets
3. International Church of Valencia
1. Opera
Last Monday, a group of us went to buy tickets for the Opera Carmen, but unfortunately, all of them were sold out. However, the ticket-seller told us we could try to come at noon on the day of the performance and see if any were available. I had never been to an opera, but I really wanted to see Carmen because it is set in Spain (even though the opera is in French), it is famous enough that I would recognize some of the songs. Additionally, operas are much cheaper in Europe than in the U.S. (especially for students.) Friday, the opening night, we rushed from the university to the opera house with crossed fingers to find that there were seats available!
It was such a great experience. The opera house was beautiful, and it was to look over the ledge and people-watch those on the lower levels. The orchestra and singeres were so talented, and I was suprised at how much of the music I recognized. There was even some flamenco dancing! Each seat had a little screen with the translations in the language of choice, and the pamphlet contained a written explanation of each of the acts. There were five acts and two intemissions, but it did not seem that lengthy- maybe because I really enjoyed it. Afterwards, the other girls and I had planned to take lots of photos around the opera house with the dramatic lights, but we found that the weather had turned cold, and it was pouring. Three of us walked towards the direction of El Centro of the city and eventually found a free cab to take us home while the songs from Carmen still played through our minds.
2. Dog Trouble
Kendra and I had not been big fans of our host family´s dogs, Chauski and Azma, but this weekend reached a new point. They bark a lot, and Azma is constantly in heat, and there had been a few incidents where they had peed in the apartment, but this Saturday there was pee in three different places. I cleaned up one of the areas in the hallway, and then when Kendra and I came back from a short walk, we saw and smelled more- including the dining room table where Kendra´s computer had been. Luckily, her computer was fine. We cleaned it up and let Carmen know when she got home. But then it happened again. The apartment smells like dog pee and smoke except for our room where we always keep the door closed and the window open. Carmen said the dogs are grounded or ´´cartigados´´ in her room, and I hope it stays that way. I am pretty sure she could tell we were unhappy.
3. Dancing in the Streets
This Wednesday is Valencia´s big festival of San Juan (Saint John the Baptist) for the longest day of the year. In anticipation of this, there have been lots of fireworks and neighborhood celebrations this weekend. Kendra, Katy, Sarah, Molly, and another Rachel, and I went out for a little bit on Saturday night and discovered a street dance with a DJ. There were tons of kids dancing around with the parents hanging around the perimeters, and we decided to join in. It was so much fun, and a lot of the kids were really good dancers! They put us to shame. Later on in the night, there were a few older kids and teens, and at 12:30, they announced the queen for the neighborhood. From what we were able to understand, each neighborhood or region in the city elects an 18 or 19 year-old to be queen or representative. The queens wear the traditional Valenciana dress and hair-style for San Juan, and then there is some kind of pageant to select the overall queen of the city.
We decided to go to a cafe for a little while and then headed back home to sleep while the seven-year-olds with sequenced shorts kept dancing.
3. International Church of Valencia
Last night, Kendra, two other girls, and I went to a little contemporary church near the university. It was in Spanish and quite a bit longer than what we were expecting, but it was nice and we met a woman from Iowa who had studied and taught in Valencia in the past and had come back for a vacation with her husband. The Pastor from the church was from Texas and could speak Spanish very well; haha- although, it was a little funny hearing it with his strong Texas accent.
I hope all is well. I am half-way through the Valencia program. It is strange how the first of the three weeks seems like ages ago, but I suppose this is because I feel like so much has happened since I boarded the plane at the Des Moines Airport. If you have time, send me an e-mail to let me know how you are or what you have been up to!
1. Opera
2. Dog Problems
3. Dancing in the Streets
3. International Church of Valencia
1. Opera
Last Monday, a group of us went to buy tickets for the Opera Carmen, but unfortunately, all of them were sold out. However, the ticket-seller told us we could try to come at noon on the day of the performance and see if any were available. I had never been to an opera, but I really wanted to see Carmen because it is set in Spain (even though the opera is in French), it is famous enough that I would recognize some of the songs. Additionally, operas are much cheaper in Europe than in the U.S. (especially for students.) Friday, the opening night, we rushed from the university to the opera house with crossed fingers to find that there were seats available!
It was such a great experience. The opera house was beautiful, and it was to look over the ledge and people-watch those on the lower levels. The orchestra and singeres were so talented, and I was suprised at how much of the music I recognized. There was even some flamenco dancing! Each seat had a little screen with the translations in the language of choice, and the pamphlet contained a written explanation of each of the acts. There were five acts and two intemissions, but it did not seem that lengthy- maybe because I really enjoyed it. Afterwards, the other girls and I had planned to take lots of photos around the opera house with the dramatic lights, but we found that the weather had turned cold, and it was pouring. Three of us walked towards the direction of El Centro of the city and eventually found a free cab to take us home while the songs from Carmen still played through our minds.
2. Dog Trouble
Kendra and I had not been big fans of our host family´s dogs, Chauski and Azma, but this weekend reached a new point. They bark a lot, and Azma is constantly in heat, and there had been a few incidents where they had peed in the apartment, but this Saturday there was pee in three different places. I cleaned up one of the areas in the hallway, and then when Kendra and I came back from a short walk, we saw and smelled more- including the dining room table where Kendra´s computer had been. Luckily, her computer was fine. We cleaned it up and let Carmen know when she got home. But then it happened again. The apartment smells like dog pee and smoke except for our room where we always keep the door closed and the window open. Carmen said the dogs are grounded or ´´cartigados´´ in her room, and I hope it stays that way. I am pretty sure she could tell we were unhappy.
3. Dancing in the Streets
This Wednesday is Valencia´s big festival of San Juan (Saint John the Baptist) for the longest day of the year. In anticipation of this, there have been lots of fireworks and neighborhood celebrations this weekend. Kendra, Katy, Sarah, Molly, and another Rachel, and I went out for a little bit on Saturday night and discovered a street dance with a DJ. There were tons of kids dancing around with the parents hanging around the perimeters, and we decided to join in. It was so much fun, and a lot of the kids were really good dancers! They put us to shame. Later on in the night, there were a few older kids and teens, and at 12:30, they announced the queen for the neighborhood. From what we were able to understand, each neighborhood or region in the city elects an 18 or 19 year-old to be queen or representative. The queens wear the traditional Valenciana dress and hair-style for San Juan, and then there is some kind of pageant to select the overall queen of the city.
We decided to go to a cafe for a little while and then headed back home to sleep while the seven-year-olds with sequenced shorts kept dancing.
3. International Church of Valencia
Last night, Kendra, two other girls, and I went to a little contemporary church near the university. It was in Spanish and quite a bit longer than what we were expecting, but it was nice and we met a woman from Iowa who had studied and taught in Valencia in the past and had come back for a vacation with her husband. The Pastor from the church was from Texas and could speak Spanish very well; haha- although, it was a little funny hearing it with his strong Texas accent.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
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