The weekends are as long as the week

 The sweetest people that own the Churro shop I go to. That's the Churro Machine!

• I was cordially invited to the Mormon church. I should have seen this coming, but I was caught off-guard innocently eating dinner! I declined, obviously. Besides this family that I live with, I feel like hardly anyone goes to church in Spain. All of the locals that I have talked to will say "No one cares about going to church here." In my Civilization class we learned that 75% of the population here is Catholic but only 15% actually practice. A small percentage of the population are various other religions but a large amount say they don't believe in God. Spain needs Jesus.
• We went into Madrid for the day. We decided to hop on the metro and just stop wherever we felt like! We went the area called Lavapies which has an Indian Quarter. There were tons of Indian restaurants everywhere so we decided to eat. For some reason we decided to eat at a Pakistani-Indian restaurant. This was one of those times that Sara and I need someone else with us that makes better decisions. We were the only people in the restaurant. The food was great but the host/cook/owner, hailing from Pakistan, was quite the odd bird. He acted as if he had never seen Americans before. He ended up giving us a good discount and a few free items. Also a gift which is an Indian hat. 
• Next stop, Chueca. It is a district of Madrid that is very hip and modern. It's the area where most gay people live. There is a market called Fuencarral there and it is the bomb. It's not your typical market, it is indoors but has hundreds of booths of clothes, jewelry, etc.
• We made our weekly stop to the Churrería in Alcalá. The owners are the greatest. Flor and Salvador. They let us go in the back to get there picture. They've been married thirty years and have been working the Churro shop together forever.

Miércoles

Oh, the differences...

Everything is slower paced here. Everyone makes time to sit down and enjoy a meal or coffee. Even businesses close during the afternoon. Siestas are a wonderful thing. The eating schedule took a while to get adjusted to. Breakfast is at a normal time, but then it gets wack from there. The amount of coffee I get in the morning fills 1/3 of the mug. This is hard for my eyes to get adjusted to. The most popular thing is "Cafe con Leche." They do not even have a normal (American) coffee maker. Mom, mail me. Lunch usually is not until 3:00 p.m. It's usually more than a course. Can't complain. Dinner is less food and usually around 9:30 or later. Tapas are common for dinner. In Spain people go out for "tapas" all of the time. It's basically a snack or appetizer.

Now it's essay time, and Spanish essays usually take a little longer than English one's. All I know is that I hope Real Madrid won tonight because it affects everyone's mood around here.

Weekend

The beginning of a long night!

The band that played "Sweet Home Alabama"

Puerta de Toledo

Hello Sunrise

Well our weekend was one of the most eventful I've had in a while. Since I don't have class on Friday it is nice and long, too. Thursday night Real Madrid played and won. Cristiano Ronaldo is my new Cam Newton. When in Spain, right? There has been a cold front in Madrid the past few days and as you can imagine I have been handling it like a baby. When Pilar told me it was below zero degrees I almost had a cow. Then I remembered good ole Celsius. There is a mall five minutes from our house and there is a Zara, H&M, and this European store Sfera that I love.

I had my first Churros with Chocolate from the Churrería down the street from the house. In Spain, Churros are about as popular as Frozen Yogurt is in the states. 

Every weekend night in Madrid they have pub crawls. Madrid has more bars than any city in the world. Scary. Some of the Auburn people were going and they told me "to put my big girl panties on and come." So I did. You ask why you have to be a brave soul to partake in this? Well, it starts after 11 and goes until 6:00 a.m. when the train starts back up. I guess if you want to cop out and blow all of your Euro's for the week you can take a taxi back to Alcalá. The first place we went to was called Fontana de Oro, the Fountain of Gold. It was my favorite out of the five places we went. A few of us pushed our way to the front. The band asked us where we were from and then played Sweet Home Alabama. Yes. In Madrid, Spain. It brought tears to my eyes. In the pub crawl group there were some girls that are Au Pairs here in Madrid. How cool! They were from Holland, Germany, and London. They've been in Madrid for a few months now so they showed us the ropes. I am still in shock that Spanish people stay out so late.

Like I said, the train doesn't start running again until 6:00 a.m. But the Rastro starts at daylight. "El Rastro" means "the Market" and is a huge event that takes place every Sunday. Sara and I had the wise idea to stick it out and stay for the Rastro. Once you've made it to 6:00 why not stick it out. It was so fascinating! Tables lined up outside for blocks selling all sorts of things from clothes, paintings, purses, leaf-blowers to pets! I was a zombie by the time I got back to the Zaldivar household. Today I slept lots and now just about to watch a little Ley and Orden which is Law and Order with awful lip syncing.

Blame it on the A-a-a-a-a-alcalá

Yesterday Pilar let us accompany her to Carrefour. Sara and I got matching sweats because Spanish people like to freeze in their houses. We also picked up some coke and she informed us that it had carbonation. We assured her we aware, we are American, and it is not against our religion. Another thing they crack the whip about is water use AND consumption. I was innocently standing in the kitchen with my Nalgene and she grabbed my arm, looked me and the eyes and said: "Why do you drink so much water?" And I said "Because I am thirsty." Then, she shook her head and proceeded to explain to me that it is unhealthy to drink so much water because I am peeing out all of the vitamins in my body. Never thought drinking water would be something I would have to do in secret. Am I diabetic?

Tonight we watched her cook Tortillas Españolas, which are Spanish Omelettes. For dessert she made Arroz con leche, basically rice pudding. I feel pretty lucky that Pilar is such a good cook because other people aren't getting fed so well. Federico Jr. and wife are coming over to watch the Real Madrid game.

I dropped my Literature class because it wasn't very fun. Living in a house of Spaniards should count as twelve hours of credit alone. Now I get to stare at Carlos Herrero everyday while listening to him talk about Spanish Civilization.

                           

No class Wednesday!

Monday was my birthday and I turned twenty in Spain. I'll never forget that one! I have a Spanish film class on Monday afternoon and after that a group of us went to this Irish pub for mi cumpleaño! Pilar made a cheesecake for me! It's kind of funny because they don't sing happy birthday over here (I guess) so she just told me to go get eat my cake in the kitchen. And me and Sara have eaten almost the whole thing because P-dog is on a diet! It makes a great breakfast.

On Tuesday I have three classes. I like them for the most part but Spanish Literature is a struggle. I had a hard enough time with English Lit... After lunch Tuesday, Sara and I took the train into Madrid. We were drinking some coffee on the Gran Vía and a homeless man came and asked us for money and about the same time  (what sounded like a) gunshot went off! Don't worry, we made it out alive. Then we met two French girls who are studying here just like us. They are from Paris. We met up with a family-friend of the Weir's that has lived in Madrid for five years now. She told us lots of things to know about Madrid! Now I have to get my picture taken for my student I.D. Miss ya, tiger card.

Sleepy Sunday

• Madrid, I love you. We went back Saturday.
• Is life really happening outside of Spain? I feel like I am on a t.v. show just living in some Spanish people's house and having class three days a week.
• Almost moved to a new family but decided to stay here. I dont know if I could have made it without the sweet Huskies and their hair that sheds all over everything I brought to this continent.
• Pilar is the best cook. I'm glad they eat desserts everyday. Also I'm glad they want me to be so full that I have to siesta after lunch.
• Federico knows English. Therefore he knows all of my secrets, thoughts, and every comment I've made about life. I should have known, he travels for work... I wish he would speak it to me. Hope he can't keep us when I mumble really fast?
• Have I mentioned that he is the Spanish version of Nicholas Cage.
• Pilar was a Spanish and French teacher back in the day. We're lucky because every time I say something wrong she corrects us. I feel like a pre-schooler.
• I love eating lunch and dinner later. It's such a smart idea. Come on, America.
• Spanish people don't really use much heating in their houses. I sleep in three layers.
• Me and a few others are planning our first trip to FRANCE. 
• Sometimes I feel like I was really sent to Spain for fat camp. All we do is walk, walk, walk everywhere. And the places I have to go are pretty far.

Mi dirección

Jane Mathis
C/ Gabriela Mistral, n'4, puerta 3
28806 Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), España

School

Discotecas & Madrid

Last night we went to a few different discotecas! They were so much fun. I love Spanish people. It's a lot different than going out in America. Not much really happens until 12:30 and people stay out until 5 or later! One guy in my class stayed out until 8 a.m. Is this real life?   

Today the whole group went to Madrid. It was my first time to be in MADRID and I am obsessed! We rode the train there with the group, had a little tour by Carlos, ate lunch and then everyone left. Sara and I decided to stay and explore la ciudad. This is a pretty much a permanent vacation and I do not hate it. We saw the puerta del sol, the royal palace, plaza mayor, and lots more. Madrid should win some kind of award for best shopping because they for sure have it. During the month of January there are "Rebajas" (which means sales) everywhere. I'm talking 50% off or more. We went to KFC and got a huge fountain coke. So American, love it. Definitely people-watched for a while at the plaza and I've decided that Europeans are fascinating and have way better style than people back West. Hope it rubs off on me. We left Madrid and rode the train back to Alcalá that night. We thought we had a close call with getting mugged or maybe the guy was just running past us and hit us on accident? What a day. I'll be going back to the capital tomorrow.

Jueves

I am starting to realize that I am living here and that I am not just on vacation. Living in a Spanish-speaking city in Europe is the strangest thing ever. I have learned more about people, Spanish, and myself in these past few days than I have in a while. Each day here is full of surprises! Today Sara and I took the bus to our first day of school as a student of UAH. We were late, of course. Some things never change. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have three classes: Conversation, Phonetics, and Spanish literature. The classes are all in Spanish and for an hour and a half each. Listen readers, I actually am not in the Literature class of my Spanish crush.What is meant to be will always find its way. 


We came home at 2:30 for lunch and it was actually good! We had fish, bread, cauliflower with cheese, and dessert. A bunch of us are going to Can Can later. It's a dance club in Alcalá!

Fotografías

                                      Carlos picked us up from the airport

                                                        Pilar waiting for us

                              My room

                            Neva y Duke

                                                                     Our school

                                                                        Alcalá

                                                   Carlos taking us on a tour

                            Ham ham ham

                                             

Culture Shock!

My host mother woke me up saying "Buenas Días". She gave each of us a cracker for breakfast. Glad she thinks that will fill me up after our almost non-existent slice of spice cake for dinner the night before. Lunch isn't served around here until 2:00. So I'm not so sure why they like to starve the first half of the day? Beats me. I paid about 3 bucks for a cup of coffee at the universidad because Pilar only drinks decaf. Is caffeine against Morman belief?

So we had orientation at the Universidad. We ate lunch with our Auburn people and that was really fun. Sara and I met some people from Arizona that are pretty sweeeet. Also, we took a placement test for our clases and the highest score was a 77%. Maybe none of us really know Spanish? This semester should bring in some great grades. I know I sound like I'm complaining a lot but this is all part of adjusting right? My spanish is already improving so much. I'm learning all sorts of vocabulary. We never know what kind of meat we're eating-- it's really fun to wait and look it up after the meal. 

While wandering the streets we met two Italian girls asking us for directions. Little do they know, we are always lost. We would speak to them in Spanish and they would respond in Italian. It worked for a couple minutes until a gypsy jabbed us in the arm with a piece of Christmas tree. We were advised that gypsy's are thieves! All of the cute cafes were closed for the "siesta", but you can always count on McDonalds for a good cup of Joe!

We were lucky to get in the neighborhood gate since our Madre Pilar borrowed our keys today. Tonight we actually had vegetables on our plate, que raro! After dinner we thought we should spend a little quality time with Pilar so we went to Carrefour (Spanish version of Wal Mart) to buy food for the Huskies. Life here in Pilar's household is centered around the perros.

To sum up the day:

-I hope Pilar doesn't understand English. If so we are in trouble.

-The food fascinates me.

-I love all of the Auburn people here to death.

-The Huskies are better nourished than us.

Is this real life?

This has been one of the more fascinating 24 hours of my life. I need to remember this one-of-a-kind day so here goes... Traveling for almost a full day was pretty tiring but we did sleep some on the plane. A Spanish man from the Basque country sat next to me!
Once we arrived in Madrid we met Carlos, who works with our Institute, waiting for us with a sign for la Universidad de Alcala. He wasn't too crazy about speaking English. We took a bus to the Plaza Cervantes where the families are waiting. It reminded me of an awkward middle school dance. The families on one side and us on the other, just waiting to see who would pick us. My host mother kissed me on both cheeks when I met her and then we headed to her house. She asked us which one of us is allergic to cats. The truth is neither... we just don't want cats so we added that to our application. They live in a town house in Alcalá. Padre will not be home until Wednesday because he is traveling for work. Pilar and Federico have a son and a daughter who are both married and live in Alcalá. We get to meet our bro and sis this week sometime. As a family we're going to watch Avatar, en Español. How sweet...  The family has two Huskies names Neva and Duke. Sara and I both have our own small rooms. My room is bright yellow with suns and moons on the wall. But don't forget the picture of Jesus above my bed. I had a tiny lamp on in my room and Pilar said that I did not need that on. Always trying to save money around here. She fixed us a tasty lunch and warned us that most students she hosts gain weight. Pilar was wearing star of David earrings, has pictures of Jesus all over the house, a menorah on display, and had a book of Morman strategically placed in Sara's room. We were confused for hours until she told us she goes to the Church of Latter Day Saints. We have Mormons on our hands.
Sara and I decided to go walk around Alcalá and fight the jet lag. We went to a restaurant/bar called Cafetería Sicilia, then found a mall! Tonight we are going to try to find the rest of the Auburn people and take the train to Madrid to watch the National Championship! This could be tricky without a phone. Tomorrow is orientation! 
    
High Points of the Day:
-Getting to Madrid
-Pilar and the religious decor 
-Spanish people in general: They are so sweet, cute, and I want to kidnap a little niño.
-Making friends with the owner of Cafetería Sicilia
-Finding a mall
-Hopefully Getting to see Auburn beat Oregon tonight!
-Sara being in this house with me. I might go crazy without another American.
-Finding the piano in the basement. I see a little harmonica and piano duet coming on.

Adios, America

Sunday I will depart Birmingham and just about a day later I will be picked up by my new Spanish family. My best friend Sara and I are living with a Spanish family while we take class in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. For all of you Spanish Literature lovers, it is actually the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes! Ten other Auburn students are going, also. I'm excited to get to know my other accomplices! I keep forgetting that I am actually going to school there. I will finally be putting to use the six years of Spanish I have had. Thanks to my favorite teacher, Señora Harden, for making me love Spanish and want to keep studying it! I am already missing my friends, family, Auburn, half of my wardrobe and my cell phone. Adios for now!