At a Loss for Words

A poor, yet prideful country sits on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea from Spain and recently became my next subject to explore. I have never been one to do a ton of research before hitting the road, but was aware the Spaniards all have mixed emotions about Morocco. ‘Be careful, have fun, make sure to take a boy with you,’ were shared words of concern I received, upon leaving for the weekend from friends and co-workers. I however, was going to take this country like any other, with an open mind.

For once in my life I was speechless. Me, at a loss for words…never. But as I walked through the medina in Fes, I found myself silent. I was aware. I was suspicious. I had my game face on. New thoughts filled my head. New emotions engulfed my body. I placed myself in situations for the first time and thought things I never imagined thinking. I held onto my purse a little tighter and became suspicious of everyone. Can I trust this person? Are they genuinely being nice to me or are they being nice because they want my money? I stood strong, held my ground, walked and talked confidently. And after four hours inside the 9000+, maze-like streets of the medina, I left without having bought a thing and mentally exhausted.

It’s been hard to put this experience into words. But reflecting back, I am thankful for my time in Morocco because I was tested in more ways than one. Two differing cultures met and I walked away with a new appreciation of their culture and way of life. I was welcomed into their country and saw an in-depth, close-up depiction of their daily life.

Morocco caught me speechless…and I still am.

Differing cultures

The Tanneries

'THE' carpet/rug presentation

3 Americans and the Brit in front of the Royal Palace

Life

Inside the market in the Medina

La Vida Loca de los Jienneses

The 'bombona' truck

You know you have adapted to the Spanish lifestyle when:

• A beer is the replacement for water.
• You block 2-5pm off your schedule because, of course, that's nap time (the siesta).
• You look forward to the daily siesta.
• You start saying ‘Vale, vale, vale’ instead of ‘ok.’
• You limit what you buy at the supermarket because you know you're going to have to carry it all the way home, up the hill.
• Sardines are your new favorite food.
• You take a siesta from 9pm ‘til 11pm, prepping for the night’s events.
• Showers are no longer than 3 minutes.
• It takes a full conversation to explain how to pronounce your name. ‘Jenna, as if you are full…como estoy llena!’ ‘Megan, like the car…como el coche (Megane)!’ Ohhhh!
• Someone calls you ‘guapa’ (beautiful) and you don’t bat an eye.
• You don’t start pre-gaming before 1am.
• You dump a gallon of olive oil on your food.
• You respond to the name ‘Gwendolyn,’ when in actuality it’s Lindsey.
• An evening out for tapas, is your dinner.
• You have the eyes to stare right through someone.
• You don’t go to the discoteca until 4am.
• You plan to wash your clothes around the weather forecast.
• You start telling your American friends to ‘toque’ you. (Call, let the phone ring once, and then hang up.)
• You stay out ‘til 8am and then wonder why everyone is going home.
• You have to light the bombona before taking a shower.
• Your ‘hot’ shower suddenly becomes freezing cold because the bombona has run out of butane gas.
• You ‘invite’ people to coffee.
• You are given shots after dinner as a digestive.
• Taking shots of olive oil ain’t no thang.
• A castle becomes a part of your backyard.
• You text in Spanish shorthand…guapa=wapa, hola=ola, chicas=chixas, quieres=kieras
• You go on evening strolls through the streets, just for the hell of it.
• You say ‘oof’ (with the downward hand motion).
• You go to the China Bazaar store (dollar store) for EVERYTHING…toothpaste, hangers, foot insoles, hampers, shampoo, laundry detergent, soap.
• Paying more than 2 euro for any alcoholic beverage makes you reconsider your choice.
• It becomes a group effort to understand Spanish slang in text messages.
• You limit your texting and phone calls because you know you're phone is going to run out of ‘saldo’ (money) if you don’t.
• You start speaking in British English because that’s the type of English you teach. ‘I’ve got my trainers? Where’s my rucksack? Do you got a plaster?
• You play the ‘toque call back’ game.
• You lose your train of thought when you have to speak English slowly.
• Recess is supposed to be over at 12:15pm but none of the teachers gather their students until 12:45pm to go inside.
• You can’t think of a word in English.

Who couldn’t fall in love the Spanish lifestyle?

At El Abuelo and enjoyng our 'free' tapa.

My hamper from the China Bazaar

I think we can call it a night...(notice the clock)

Walking home and watching the sun rise!

'Invited' for a coffee

It's All in Your Attitude

Within the past 3 weeks I have traveled by just about every mode of public transportation known to man and have learned a positive attitude and a flash of my smile will get me where I need to be. You never can know what to fully expect when traveling. When you have no phone and are left with travel delays, strangers can become helpful friends. Why not start up a conversation with the person sitting next to you. They could be the next person who lets you keep your suitcase in their house, while you catch another flight elsewhere. They could also be the person who invites you to Munich to go snowboarding in the Alps. How could one be so trusting in this day of age? Maybe it’s me being too trusting of others or maybe I’m a good judge of character. It could be me always looking for the good in people. Could be a little of both, but I have learned this world is full of good people.

Traveling has taught me how to make the most of my time. I have learned how to self entertain. But when I’ve listened to every song in my ipod twice or started to read the same book I began 4 months ago, why not make small talk with those around me. I’ve also learned how to react in a time of crisis. Stay calm, everything will work out the way it is supposed to. Whether traveling by metros, buses or walking in a new country, remain aware. One needs to be aware of your bags/purses, posted signs, and even taking note of the direction the masses of people getting off the metro are walking, is helpful. The direction people are walking is a huge indication of where maybe you should be walking. I have learned to take the initiative and to be proactive. It never hurts to ask a question to help clarify an uncertainty. No matter what country you may be in, someone speaks English. Or what I find myself doing, resorting to Spanish because French is foreign! Naps or sleeping in cars has never been my thing but I now take advantage of any chair, in a bus or plane and catch some z’s wherever I can.

Traveling and especially travel delays can be one of the most frustrating times. Just remember to keep a positive attitude. Remain patient and if you need a little help, follow the signs to the local bar and enjoy the taste of a local beer, or two. There’s nothing like a cold one that will provide the best ‘attitude adjustment.’

The best form of an 'attitude adjustment.'

Donde estamos?

Dustin and I flying to Brussels

Catchin' some sleep on the bus.

Double woot, another bus ride!

Nightmare, Turned Detour, Before Christmas

The 9 hour cue that seemed to never end...


Living abroad has opened the door to travel and lots of exploration. When traveling by ‘planes, trains, automobiles (metros and even buses,)’ you never can fully know what to expect. As I recently traveled cross-Atlantic and country-hopped here in Europe, optimism is a key component to making it in one piece.

I was extremely excited to come home for the holiday season but after weather delays and missing my connection flight from London to California, all I wanted to do was cry. Thankfully I stayed strong and kept myself together and took my ‘Nightmare before Christmas’ in full stride. I was encaged in a 9 hour cue,(I swear you only see in movies,) ‘sitting, waiting, wishing,’ in hopes I would make it out of London Heathrow airport the same day. When the hours continued to pass and the cue was hardly moving, I wasn’t left with much to do. I began chatting with those around, all trying to get to loved ones. Traveling is stressful, there’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Why not make that time more enjoyable. It is a lot more fun having a travel buddy and someone to help pass the time. Little did I know that some of these once strangers are people I can now call friends.

I was a slue of emotions once I found out my re-scheduled flight to California wouldn’t be leaving London for another 48 hours. I was happy to finally be leaving the airport knowing I had another flight and finally heading to my hotel to sleep. I was sad knowing I would now be missing my trip to Vegas with my girlfriends and I was simply frustrated with the whole situation. There was nothing I could have done to change it. After making collect calls to the states and finally getting in touch with my family and another encouraging phone call, the only thing left was to make the most of my time in London.

After a much needed sleep in my hotel room, my new friends and I went out to see what London had to offer. As the 5 of us wandered through the streets, in the same travel clothes, we laughed, played tourist and it felt as though we all had known each other for years. It may have helped that we all are from California!

I awoke Sunday morning to a sun-filled sky, and I knew I would be finally making it home that day. As the Virgin Atlantic jumbo jet raced down the runway and lifted off into the air, I cheered! After my 48 hour ‘detour’ in London, I was finally California bound.






St. James Park

'I'll Be Home For Christmas'

Navidad en Jaen a...

Yes, I am coming home to spend Christmas with all the ones I love! I am extremely excited to spend this special time with my family and friends. Although my time in the states will be short, I am grateful for the time I will have to spread my love.

Jaen to Madrid: December 16
Madrid to London: December 18
London to LAX: December 18
Orange County to Las Vegas: December 19-21 (with my wonderful college girlfriends :)
LAX to Madrid: December 29-30
Madrid to Paris: December 30- January 4 (New Years in Paris with Amanda and her sisters!)
Madrid to Jaen: January 5

I am looking forward to this holiday season!!


...Christmas in California <3

Fiesta Fiesta

Typical Spanish Tapas


I know I am living in the right country when Spain has a fiesta for every holiday. I was recently invited to join in on one of my school’s afterschool luncheons. The lunch happened to be on Thursday at 2:00pm, a day I do not work (shocker), but I would never miss out on an opportunity to eat nor socialize with the staff. As I entered into our staff room, I took notice of the large amount of tapas all ready for us to grub on. Tapas are little bites of food to enjoy while engaging in conversations with friends. Typical Spanish tapas consist of: ham, cheese, olive oil, bread, tortilla Espanola with potatoes, green olives, peanuts, shrimp and potato chips. Don’t forget the Cruzcampo and wine to wash it all down!

As about 25 of us sat down at the T-shaped table, I made the mistake of sitting, I guess in the place where the bride and groom would sit during their reception. Needless to say Javier, a student teacher, and I were the brunt of many jokes as we consumed our lunch! Sorry Javier for choosing to sit in the spot where I would have full range of all food! Luis played a great host, making sure my drinks were constantly above the half-full mark and that I did not leave the table hungry. Little does he know I have no problem neither filling my belly with yummy food nor asking to pass the bottle of wine my direction.

After we finished eating lunch and what I thought was dessert, we all began cleaning up. I thought to myself, ‘Hmmm ok, looks like we are all getting ready to go.’ As I walked over to put on my jacket, what do I see? I see Antonio bringing out bottles of champagne, bottles of rum and more dessert! Uh…I guess the fiesta is to continue!I was handed a bottle of champagne to pop and then we all toasted once again. ‘Izquierda, derecha, el centro, adentro.' The mood of course turned sillier and we all jumped into the Christmas spirit. We sat in a circle and sang Christmas carols. They began with some classic Spanish tunes and then turned to me to lead ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’ Oh ya…great idea. (For those of you who know how talented I am at remembering lyrics. I usually just end up making up my own songs…!) Some teachers stood up and danced, while others picked up empty champagne bottles and played them as instruments. As jokes were told and laughs her heard, the clock turned to 5:15pm. It was now time to really clean up and depart.

As I spent my day off bonding with fellow co-workers, drenched in typical Spanish life and culture, I would say the luncheon was a great success! Much love to my amigos at Serrano de Haro.


The Tortilla Espanola con patatas, I cooked!

The Shake in a Dam

Throw some needles in my face or turn on grey’s anatomy while they are performing surgery and you will see me in rare form. Those are about the two staple things that will always make me squirm in my seat or plug my ears and hum a little tune, while I pretend I never heard the word ‘needle’. I did however discover something else that gave my mind a good ‘shaken up,’ from my recent travels to the infamous, red light district in Amsterdam.

As Dustin, Sarah and I stumbled across our hostel, which happened to be in the heart of the red light district; I opened the door and was warmly welcomed into the city, by a huge puff of smoke. As we stepped up to the registration desk to check in, I laughed to myself and said, ‘I think we are here!’ We were given our keys and went upstairs to put our stuff in our 12 person, co-ed rooms. Let’s just say Sarah and I thankfully shared a bunk amongst the other 10 BOYS! Needless to say, we did not shower while we stayed in Amsterdam…! haha After discovering the sleeping arrangements and realizing there weren’t too many girls chillin’ in Amsterdam that weekend, we all headed to go see what the red light district had to offer... coffee shops, lots of women dancing in windows con 'poca ropa,' kebab shops and lots of people crusin' feeling oh so mighty-highly fine.

Long story short, I think everyone should experience that part of the city, just to see how you feel while you are in it. I think it is healthy to challenge everything you know and to see how you would react in a different or uncomfortable situation. It is during those times when you discover new emotions and thoughts that allows and promotes self-growth.‘What doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger.’ right...?!

- Am I alive; check.
- Did I have a grandeous time; check.
- Feel uncomfortable at times; check.
- Laugh like a little school girl; check.
- Experience things, thoughts, emotions for the first time; check.
- Go to the red light district again; check.

Amsterdam is a gorgeous city and has a million and one canals running through the middle of all their streets. I was also able to tour the Anne Frank house. What a very moving experience to enter the place where her and her family hid for so many years. Due to my love for beer, I of course also had to tour the Heineken factory! Mmm mmm good!

My first travels outside of Spain were extremely successful. I saw more of the world, put myself in peculiar situations, laughed with friends, learned how to take naps on buses and planes and more importantly enjoyed myself thoroughly. I can now add the red light district to a list, a small list of things that can really challenge my mind…