The Swiss Chocolate Overtax, and continuing the Spanish Drag

Hola from rainy Madrid, this wet Sunday has me wishing I was back in snowy Switzerland… Last weekend Chrissy, Alicia, and I shared a little room with bunk beds and Christa Lee (who booked later on) had her own room in Geneva City Hostel, which was quite quaint. Having switched our euros into francs the exchange rate had us feeling rich, but after our first experience searching for a decently priced dinner the joke was on us; In Switzerland everything is extremely expensive.

Considering February was the month we chose to go to Geneva we were unable to complete all of the plans we had for our visit: it was too cold to go wine tasting. We needed to be part of a group to sign up for the Chocolate factory tour. Being on Spanish time we were late to dinner and missed French fondue. The famous fountain in the middle of Lake Geneva, Jet D’Eau, was turned off. We even went to France to ride Le téléphérique du Salève (the cable car that takes you up into the Alps) but that was also closed. And last but not least, we missed a tour for the United Nations – by two minutes.

Bummer I know, but don’t feel too bad. Instead we enjoyed the snow, created our own daytime pub crawl, met some more Australian friends who were staying in our hostel, crossed the Switzerland border into France, and saw the Red Cross Museum. We also tried - expensive but delicious - Italian and Middle Eastern food, saw the famous Flower Clock, and - although sans fountain - Lake Geneva. It was too bitter cold to venture out at night and it would have just been a hassle to get dressed again so we ended up spending all three nights hanging out in the lobby of our hostel eating Toblerone chocolate and drinking some vino (the hostel sold very cheap and very good wine), while watching the Olympics and European Music TV.

We left Switzerland on Valentines Day – both the train station and airport were full of flower vendors and I got a free Lindt truffle with my sandwich at lunch. In the spirit of the holiday we decided to treat ourselves to more Swiss chocolate to bring home to Spain.

This weekend has been less interesting than last, but I got to spend some time with Marta’s family! I haven’t been around for the past couple weekends… I had completed a drawing of Mario enough to show it off and he loved it. Mario’s dad wants to play tennis with me once the weather gets warmer, I hope I won’t be too huge of an embarrassment because it’s been awhile since I’ve swung a racket.

Alicia was in Cadiz this weekend for Carnival – I stayed home to study. Glad I got to see her costume before she left via video chat.

I have recently become obsessed with an online website, TED “Ideas worth spreading”. TED is a nonprofit organization that broadcasts “talks” by intellectuals, scientists, theorists, journalists, curious people and genius’! please please please check it out! it’s a good thing my schedule - and this country - allows me to sleep in because I have DEFINITELY been staying up way to late getting sucked into TEDtalks.

More later, miss and love you all! Besos.

Asi es La Vida

Right: Candles in the Cathedral, Toledo

Today was that day that comes every semester - I wasn’t sure it was going to come this term but I was wrong – that school slapped me in the face. Presentations, projects, and midterms all due or coming up at the same time.

It was a long day at school and I came home to an empty house but my favorite meal (this is only the second dish that I have eaten more than once in La Cocina famosa de Marta). Lately my night-time reading material has become my dinner-time reading material because eating alone - those of you who know me know I eat slower than a dead person - gets quite boring.

In case you are wondering what keeps me entertained while I eat, I’ve been reading “The Omnivore’s Dilemma”, a stellar novel by Michael Pollan. It is the factual and funny - while at the same time disgusting and depressing - story of how American’s have industrialized and deformed something as indispensable as the natural homosapien diet. I have Luke to thank for giving me the book before I left for Spain, and I highly recommend it.

But since I had so much going on today and have so much anticipation for the weekend, I am pretty wired, and feel the need to be doing something with my hands. So instead of reading tonight while I chew I’ll write to you guys. Below: River, Toledo

My sociology professor Oscar (the one with the Vespa) has the best ethos a professor can have: hilarious, dramatic, and raunchy in his lectures. Sociology with Oscar is my favorite class. I admire his enthusiasm and knowledge of sociology because he definitely makes the class interesting.

My international business teacher Mr. Byrne is Irish, (with a great Span-Irish accent, no?) and loves to drink; he sometimes comes to class looking more hung-over than the students. But Byrne does expect a lot from us and is challenging and scholarly in his teachings. He knows his share about business and is incredibly well traveled so lets just leave it with he’s a smart guy who knows how to work, AND play hard.

My history teacher is the definition of “anal”. I guess “stickler” might be more appropriate… but either way he is tough and no offense to those of you who like history, but incredibly boring.

My Public Relations teacher looks like Richard Dreyfuss’ identical twin so all I can think about during class is how badly I want to watch “What About Bob”…

Seriously though all my classes are great and I have enjoyed them all so far while learning a lot about Spain and Europe. Last night Alicia and I saw “Cheri” A French film in English with Michelle Pfeiffer - who was fantastic - and Rupert Friend, a delicious British man. It was beautiful but tragically romantic and I loved it. I am determined to find a copy of the book “Cheri” in English since now it has been added to my “to-read list”.

Alicia and I took a day trip to Toledo last Saturday. The sun came out for us and the city was incredible! We took the high-speed train from Madrid and spent the day walking around exploring the city’s castles, plazas, markets, cathedrals, artwork (Right: El Greco Exhibit), museums, and little streets. After leaving the restaurant where we had lunch around 3:30 the entire city had shut down for siesta. Because we were stuffed full and tired from walking all morning and had, literally, NOTHING to do, we took our own siesta in the sun in a small plaza (thankfully no one was around to see us looking like homeless bums). Everything was quiet and it was a great nap plus I think I got a bit of a tan on my face, finally! About an hour and a half later we were alive again, along with the rest of Toledo. It was a long day and I missed seeing Marta’s family here at home but well worth the trip!

Thanks to Michael Pollan Rick Steves has been neglected lately. I will probably pull out “Europe Through the Back Door” tonight since I am headed for a Swiss and chilly adventure tomorrow and could use some of his wise tips.

Spanish tuna is amazing by the way. Did you know Japan currently has the highest life expectancy and Spain the second highest? Perhaps a perk of the Mediterranean diet and lots-o-fish??

Auf Wiedersehen!

Au revoir! (I am practicing for Switzerland…)

"Me Voy A Casar!"

Buenas noches ustedes, BIG NEWS! There is a new man in my life. He is funny and smart and absolutely adorable. His name is Mario and we look quite good together, don’t you think?

Ha ha. Mario is Marta’s comically theatrical nephew (I can see where he gets it from). He is also a talented artist (I see where he gets that from also) and drew me something to put up in my room… such a charmer. Mario and more of Marta’s family - including their little chiwawa - come to her place every Saturday for lunch. It has been fun seeing them on a regular basis and spending the day together; because Marta and I are usually the only ones here it is quite exciting to have a full house! Marta always cooks a big meal and everyone else comes with fine wine, good bread, and sweet desserts. Below: Mario thinking he looks pretty funny in my glasses with dry spaghetti in his mouth.

Last weekend Danielle and her roommate from London, Bree, came to visit us in Madrid; we took them to some of our favorite spots (so far) for sightseeing, tapas, drinks, and dancing. I've been spending more time with a couple new Spanish friends from school, Levy and Hanna. They are really fun. Also excellent walking city guides. Alicia and I work out together during the week and I've gotten back into running. Marta says there is a park close by so as soon as spring arrives I'll be moving my workouts outdoors, can't wait...

Yesterday it was my friend Christa Lee’s birthday but we decided to pretend it was a Bachelorette Party celebration. Engaged/Birthday girl, Hanna, Alicia, Chrissy and I went out for sushi dinner than to some bars where we met Levy and eventually we all ended up at one of our favorite clubs Pacha. Of course we were all decked out in accessories and Christa Lee borrowed my ridiculously large fake diamond ring to wear and kept yelling “Me voy a casar!!!!” (I’m getting married) all night long. It was hilarious. The best part was almost everyone believed us…

I got home last night - more like this morning - at 6:30 am so I was lazy in bed all day. Around 5 Alicia and I decided we should face the day and went out exploring. We saw Madrid’s Gothic Cathedral, the old Opera House, and Royal Palace. We got out just at dusk and the city was so romantic! Dad I thought of you when we saw a guy was playing the Hammer Dulcimer in the Plaza Mayor. We revisited the Mercado de San Miguel to re-stock on Muesli and artisan bread, and couldn’t resist a couple tapas before finally heading home for dinner. It was an early night because tomorrow Alicia and I are taking the high speed train to Toledo for a day trip, the city is supposed to be beautiful. Next weekend we’re off to SWITZERLAND!

Only in Spain will your professor cancel class when his Vespa breaks down. Second hardest thing to find in Madrid so far (still have not found any peanut butter) is deodorant. Who knew? Hasta luego.